Jealous, and with love o'erflowing, <br />God demands a fervent heart; <br />Grace and bounty still bestowing, <br />Calls us to a grateful part. <br /> <br />Oh, then, with supreme affection <br />His paternal will regard! <br />If it cost us some dejection, <br />Every sigh has its reward. <br /> <br />Perfect love has power to soften <br />Cares that might our peace destroy, <br />Nay, does more—transforms them often, <br />Changing sorrow into joy. <br /> <br />Sovereign Love appoints the measure, <br />And the number of our pains; <br />And is pleased when we find pleasure <br />In the trials he ordains.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-pure-and-fervent/
