Verse 1a
O love divine, how sweet thou art!
When shall I find my willing heart
All taken up by thee?
I thirst, and faint, and die, to prove (Ps. 42:1, Ps. 63:1)
The greatness of redeeming love, (John 15:13)
The love of Christ to me.
Verse 1b
God only knows the love of God. (Eph. 3:18-19)
O that it now were shed abroad (Rom. 5:5)
In this poor stony heart! (Ezek. 11:19, Ezek. 36:26)
For love I sigh, for love I pine:
This only portion, Lord, be mine, (Ps. 73:26)
Be mine this better part!
Verse 2a
O that I could for ever sit,
With Mary, at the Master’s feet! (Luke 10:39)
Be this my happy choice! (Luke 10:42)
My only care, delight, and bliss,
My joy, my heav’n on earth be this,
To hear the Bridegroom’s voice. (John 3:29, Rev. 18:23, Matt. 25:6, Jer. 7:34, Jer. 16:9, Jer. 25:10, Jer. 33:11)
Verse 2b
O that with humbled Peter I
Could weep, believe, and thrice reply, (Matt. 26:75, :uke 21:61-62, John 21:15-17)
My faithfulness to prove!
Thou know’st, for all to thee is known, (John 2:24-25)
Thou know’st, O Lord, and thou alone,
Thou know’st, that thee I love. (John 21:17)
Verse 3a
O that I could, with favour’d John,
Recline my weary head upon
The dear Redeemer’s breast! (John 13:23-25, John 21:20)
From care, and sin, and sorrow free,
Give me, O Lord, to find in thee
My everlasting rest. (Matt. 11:28, Heb. 4:1-11)
Verse 3b
Thy only love do I require,
Nothing in earth beneath desire, (Col. 3:2)
Nothing in heaven above: (Ps. 73:25)
Let earth and heaven, and all things go, (Phil. 3:8)
Give me thy only love to know,
Give me thy only love.