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HYMN #0604 SSS #604 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #604: I love Thee, Lord ; yet

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1
I love Thee, Lord; yet ’tis no love of mine
That goeth forth to that great heart of Thine:
’Tis Thine own love which Thou hast given me
Returning back, O loving Lord, to Thee.
Oh! help me, Lord, to take, by grace divine,
Yet more and more of that great love of Thine;
That day by day my heart may give to Thee
A deeper love and growing constantly.
2
The earth absorbs the soft, refreshing rain,
And sends it back in flowers and fruits again;
So I receive Thy love so rich and free,
And send it back in joy and praise to Thee.
3
The moon receives the sun’s bright, golden light,
And gives it forth to cheer the darksome night,
So I receive the rays of love divine,
And with them cheer this weary world of Thine.
4
’Tis by Thy love that I can love and bless
The foes who seek to blast my happiness;
Can e’en rejoice, when bearing wrong and shame,
Thou deem’st me meet to suffer for Thy name.
5
Naught but Thy love can satisfy my heart, [
Constrain my will from self and sin to part;
In love so great Thou giv’st Thyself to me;
For Thou art Love—to all eternity.
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I love Thee, Lord ; yet"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #604 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 5 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

  • Poetic Meter: Standard Metrical Hymnody
  • Stanza Structure: 5 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
  • Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
  • Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship
⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.
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