Fredrick Faber

I love the writing of saints of old. A favorite of mine is Fredrick Faber. Fredrick was a British theologian in the Anglican church and was also a hymn writer (150 to be exact). In 1844, after much consideration, he was ordained as a catholic priest.

Two hymns we sing of his are, Faith of our Fathers, and There's a wideness in God's mercy. Born in 1814, he died in 1863, at the age of 49.

The Way Of Perfection

Oh how the thought of God attracts
And draws the heart from earth,
And sickens it of passing shows
And dissipating mirth!

'Tis not enough to save our souls,
To shun the eternal fires;
The thought of God will rouse the heart
To more sublime desires.

God only is the creature's home,
Though rough and straight the road;
Yet nothing less can satisfy
The love that longs for God.

Oh utter but the Name of God
Down in your heart of hearts,
And see how from the world at once
All tempting light departs.

A trusting heart, a yearning eye,
Can win their way above;
If mountains can be moved by faith,
Is there less power in love?

How little of that road, my soul!
How little hast thou gone!
Take heart, and let the thought of God
Allure thee further on.

The freedom from all wilful sin,
The Christian's daily task-
Oh these are graces far below
What longing love would ask!

Dole not thy duties out to God,
But let thy hand be free:
Look long at Jesus: His sweet Blood,
How was it dealt to thee?

The perfect way is hard to flesh;
It is not hard to love;
If thou wert sick for want of God,
How swiftly wouldst thou move!

Then keep thy conscience sensitive;
No inward token miss:
and go where grace entices thee;
Perfection lies in this.

Be docile to thine unseen Guide,
Love Him as He loves thee;
Time and obedience are enough,
And thou a saint shall be.