Thursday, October 20, 2005

In Boundless Mercy - A Hymn by Emanuel Swedenborg

At the heart of a person's belief lies their heart. The passion that moves them, the love that gives their life its unique quality. And so I was delighted to discover a hymn, written by Emanuel Swedenborg, that seems to uncover the heart of this servant of our Lord Jesus. You can find the music together with the following words for "In Boundless Mercy" on cyberhymnal.org

In boundless mercy, gracious Lord, appear,
Darkness dispel, the humble mourner cheer;
Vain thoughts remove, melt down the flinty heart,
Draw every soul to choose the better part.

Thy presence fills the universal space,
Thy grace appears to all the human race,
Oh! visit us with light and life divine,
Fill every soul, for every soul is Thine.

Thou, blessèd Jesus, art my Lord, my Love:
Thou art my King: from Thee I would not move,
Hence earthly charms, far, far, from me depart,
Nor seek to draw from my dear Lord my heart.

That uncreated beauty, which has gained
My ravished heart, has all my glory stained:
Thy loveliness my soul has prepossessed,
And left no room for any other guest.

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