The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Margaret Chandler/Christian Love

Christian Love
Oh, Father! when the soften'd heart Is lifted up in prayer to thee, When earthly thoughts awhile depart, And leave the mounting spirit free— Then teach us that our love, like thine, O'er all the realms of earth should flow, A shoreless stream, a flood divine, To bathe and heal the heart of woe.

Then Afric's son shall hear no more The tyrant's in the Christian's name; Nor tears of wasting anguish pour Unpitied, o'er his life of shame; But taught to love thee, by the love That bids his long-worn fetters break, He, too, shall lift his soul above, And serve thee for thy mercy's sake.