Thou Life within my life

Thou Life within my life, than self more near,
Thou veiled Presence infinitely clear;
From all illusive shows of sense I flee
To find my center and my rest in thee.

Below all depths thy saving mercy lies,
Thro' thickest glooms I see thy light arise;
Above the highest heav'ns thou art not found
More surely than within this earthly round.

Take part with me against these doubts that rise,
And seek to throne thee far in distant skies;
Take part with me against this self that dares
Assume the burden of these sins and cares.

How shall I call thee who art always here?
How shall I praise thee who art still most dear?
What may I give thee save what thou hast given,
And whom but thee have I in earth or heaven?

Contributed by Scott Wells

Minister, Universalist National Memorial Church

	Thou Life Within My Life
	by Eliza Scudder, 1871
Painting by Del Parson	Thou Life within my life, than self more near, Thou veiled Presence infinitely clear; From all illusive shows of sense I flee To find my center and my rest in thee. Below all depths thy saving mercy lies, Thro' thickest glooms I see thy light arise; Above the highest heav'ns thou art not found More surely than within this earthly round. Take part with me against these doubts that rise, And seek to throne thee far in distant skies; Take part with me against this self that dares Assume the burden of these sins and cares. How shall I call thee who art always here? How shall I praise thee who art still most dear? What may I give thee save what thou hast given, And whom but thee have I in earth or heaven? Contributed by Scott Wells Minister, Universalist National Memorial Church