THE WILL TO LOVE - Vital Christianity

97“We cannot read a line without being aware that we are in the presence of adevotion so ardent, a repentance so healing, a surrender so complete as shouldmake us hide our faces in mingled shame and awe.” 6We can sing St. Bernard’s song, “Jesus The Very Thought Of Thee” and not be aware ofthis man’s intimate friendship with Jesus? His fragrant hymn states,“Jesus, the very thought of Thee withsweetness fills my breast;But sweeter far Thy face to seeand in Thy presence rest.Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,nor can the mem’ry findA sweeter sound than Thy blest name,O Savior of mankindO hope of ev’ry contrite heart,O joy of all the meek,to those who fall how kind Thou art!How good to those who seek!But what to those who find”Ah, this nor tongue nor pen can show–The love of Jesus, what it is,none but His loved ones know.Jesus, our only joy be Thou,as Thou or prize wilt be;Jesus, be Thou our glory now and thru eternity.”Frederick Faber was another intense lover of God. He sings.“Only to sit and think of God,oh what a joy it is!To think the thought, to breathe the Name;Earth has no higher bliss.Father of Jesus, love’s rewards!What rapture will it be,Prostrate before Thy throne to lie,And gaze and gaze on Thee!”7