“The Chiefest Among Ten Thousand.”

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
 
“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the eons."
O BLESSED Jesus who but thou,
On earth, in heaven above,
May claim from all our willing hearts
The full response of love?

We love our brethren, Lord, 'tis true,
Because in them we see
Sweet traces of thy blessed self,
For they are one with thee;

And one with us:—but oh! 'twas thine,
Thine only, Lord, to part
With life and all that love could give,
To win the wand'ring heart.

Thus, heirs of endless bliss with thee,
We love thee—we adore,
And ask thee still for greater grace,
To love thee more and more.