What Love Need I?

What right have I to pray to Thee,

Eternal God, my righteous King?

That Thou would deign to list to me

As songs of sorrow yet I sing!

And still the carnal flesh I hear;

O, Master, dearest, stay Thou near!

The callings of the world I fear;

O, Father, make my pathway clear!

O, to the dreams of mine I cling,

And not to Thee, my dearest King;

That sacrifice is far too much

To trust with God of men and such.

Yes, to the world's love I hold,

And ask for Thee to save my soul!

What right have I, my God and King,

Unto Thee my fears to bring?

When sacrifice I hold from Thee,

I feel Thou beckon unto me.

"Come unto Me, My child, this day!"

And on the altar myself I lay.

Sometimes I quiver at the cost,

And fear my life to God is lost.

And, shaking, hear I -- what is this?

"What love need I if I have His?"

-- Hannah P. Edwards

February 14th, 2017