The Soul That Loves God Finds Him Everywhere

O Thou, by long experience tried,
Near whom no grief can long abide;
My Love! how full of sweet content
I pass my years of banishment!

All scenes alike engaging prove
To souls impressed with sacred Love!
Where’er they dwell, they dwell in Thee;
In heaven, in earth, or on the sea.

To me remains nor place nor Time!
My country is in every clime;
I can be calm and free from care
On any shore, since God is there.

While place we seek, or place we shun,
The soul finds happiness in none;
But, with a God to guide our way,
’Tis equal joy to go or stay.

Could I be cast where Thou art not
That were indeed a dreadful lot;
But regions none remote I call,
Secure of finding God in all.

My country, Lord, art Thou alone;
Nor other can I claim or own;
The point where all my wishes meet;
My law, my love; life’s only sweet!

I hold by nothing here below;
Appoint my journey, and I go;
Though pierced by scorn, oppressed by
I feel Thee good, feel nought beside.

No frowns of men can hurtful prove
To souls on fire with heavenly Love!
Though men and devils both condemn,
No gloomy days arise from them.

Ah, then! to His embrace repair;
My soul, thou art no stranger there;
There Love divine shall be thy guard,
And peace and safety thy reward.

— William Cowper