O love divine, how sweet thou art!
by Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
Representative text
As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 148 — the newest hymnal carrying it.
Verse 1
O love divine, how sweet thou art! When shall I find my willing heart All taken up by thee? I thirst, I faint, I die to prove The greatness of redeeming love, The love of Christ to me.
Verse 2
Stronger His love than death or hell; Its riches are unsearchable; The first born sons of light Desire in vain its depths to see; They cannot reach the mystery, The length, and breadth, and height.
Verse 3
God only knows the love of God; O that it now were shed abroad In this poor stony heart! For love I sigh, for love I pine; This only portion, Lord, be mine — Be mine this better part!
Verse 4
O that I could forever sit With Mary at the Master’s feet! Be this my happy choice; My only care, delight, and bliss, My joy, my heaven on earth, be this To hear the Bridegroom’s voice.