Chapter 79 of 134
XVIII. LOVEST THOU ME?--_John_ xxi. 16.
The Works of William Cowper: His life, letters, and poems, now first completed by the introduction of Cowper's private correspondence · William Cowper
XVIII. LOVEST THOU ME?--_John_ xxi. 16.
Hark, my soul! it is the Lord: 'Tis thy Saviour, hear his word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee: "Say, poor sinner, lovest thou me?
"I deliver'd thee when bound, And when bleeding, heal'd thy wound; Sought thee wandering, set thee right, Turn'd thy darkness into light.
"Can a woman's tender care Cease towards the child she bare? Yes, she may forgetful be, Yet will I remember thee.
"Mine is an unchanging love, Higher than the heights above; Deeper than the depths beneath, Free and faithful, strong as death.
"Thou shalt see my glory soon, When the work of grace is done; Partner of my throne shalt be:-- Say, poor sinner, lovest thou me?"
Lord, it is my chief complaint, That my love is weak and faint: Yet I love thee and adore: Oh for grace to love thee more!