All are indebted much to thee, <br />But I far more than all, <br />From many a deadly snare set free, <br />And raised from many a fall. <br />Overwhelm me, from above, <br />Daily, with thy boundless love. <br /> <br />What bonds of gratitude I feel <br />No language can declare; <br />Beneath the oppressive weight I reel, <br />'Tis more than I can bear: <br />When shall I that blessing prove, <br />To return thee love for love? <br /> <br />Spirit of charity, dispense <br />Thy grace to every heart; <br />Expel all other spirits thence, <br />Drive self from every part; <br />Charity divine, draw nigh, <br />Break the chains in which we lie! <br /> <br />All selfish souls, whate'er they feign, <br />Have still a slavish lot; <br />They boast of liberty in vain, <br />Of love, and feel it not. <br />He whose bosom glows with thee, <br />He, and he alone, is free. <br /> <br />Oh blessedness, all bliss above, <br />When thy pure fires prevail! <br />Love only teaches what is love: <br />All other lessons fail: <br />We learn its name, but not its powers, <br />Experience only makes it ours.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/gratitude-and-love-to-god/
