God the Unfailing Source of Love

OH Thou, who givest the true desire,
THYSELF the only source of love,
Within our humbled hearts inspire
Affections, springing from above,

As transient as the morning dew,
Earth's love imparts its joys in vain,
But those, who drink the fountain true,
The dews of life, thirst not again.

Why then should men with watchful eye
The treasure seek which is not given?
The cisterns of the earth are dry,
Perennial flow the draughts of heaven.

Oh Thou, who givest the true desire,
THYSELF the only source of love,
Within our humbled hearts inspire
Affections, springing from above.

— American Cottage Life (1850).