When shall thy love constrain

When shall thy love constrain
This heart thy own to be?
When shall the wounded spirit gain
A healing rest in thee?

Ah! what avails my strife,
My wandering to and fro?
Thou hast the words of endless life;
Lord, whither shall I go?

My worthless heart to gain,
The God who gave me breath
Was found in fashion as a man,
And died a cursèd death!

Then may I sin forsake,
The world for thee resign;
Gracious Redeemer, take, O take,
And seal me ever thine!