Without a wish to escape my doom ;
Though still a sufferer from the womb.
And doom'd to suffer still.
Thy choice and mine shall be the same,
Inspirer of that holy flame

Which must for ever blaze.
To take the cross and follow Thee
Where love and duty lead, shall be

My portion and my praise.
52 The Love of God the End of Life.
The Love of God the End
of Life.
(august, 1782.)



Translated from Madam Guion (Ash Collection).
Differing considerably from the accepted version.
C INCE we must sorrow and why not ?

For me I wish no gentler lot,
But meekly wait my last remove.
Seeking only growth in love.
No bliss I seek, but to fulfil
In life, in death. Thy lovely will ;
No succours in my woes I want,
Save what Thou art pleased to grant.
The Love of God the End of Life. 53

Our days are numbered, let us spare
Our anxious hearts a needless care ;
'Tis Thine to number out our days ;
Ours to give them to Thy praise.
Love is our only business here,
Love simple, constant, and sincere,
O blessed days Thy servants see
Spent, O Lord ! in pleasing Thee.
54 Against Interested Love.
Against Interested Love.
Written on the back of the translation from
Madame Guion —

" Blest, who far from all mankind."

(probably 1782.)

■yW'HO does not blush when charged with

selfish views
Man boasts for man a principle of love ;
But each with God a different course pursues,
And interest is the spring by which they

move.
Oh, blindness of our mean and stupid race !
The selfish and the sordid we despise.
