Jesus, the very thought of Thee,

Representative text

As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 161 — the newest hymnal carrying it.

Verse 1

O could I speak the matchless worth, O could I sound the glories forth, Which in my Saviour shine! I’d soar and touch the heavenly strings, And vie with Gabriel while he sings In notes almost divine, In notes almost divine.

Verse 2

I’d sing the precious blood He spilt, My ransom from the dreadful guilt Of sin and wrath divine! I’d sing His glorious righteousness, In which all-perfect heavenly dress My soul shall ever shine, My soul shall ever shine.

Verse 3

I’d sing the character He bears, And all the forms of love He wears, Exalted on His throne; In loftiest songs of sweetest praise, I would to everlasting days Make all His glories known, Make all His glories known.

Verse 4

Well, the delightful day will come, When my dear Lord will take me home, And I shall see His face; Then, with my Saviour, Brother, Friend, A blest eternity I’ll spend, Triumphant in His grace, Triumphant in His grace.