Verse 1

OFT I in my heart have said: Who shall ascend on high, Mount to Christ, my glorious Head, To bring him from the sky? Borne on contemplation’s wing, Surely I shall find him there, Where the angels praise their King, And gain the morning-star .

Verse 2

Oft I in my heart have said: Who to the deep shall stoop, Sink with Christ among the dead, From thence to bring Him up? Could I but my heart prepare, By unfeigned humility, Christ would quickly enter there, And ever dwell with me.

Verse 3

But the righteousness of faith Hath taught me better things: Inward turn thine eyes, it saith, While Christ to me it brings; Christ is ready to impart Life to all, for life who sigh; In thy mouth, and in thy heart, The word is ever nigh.

Background: Oft I In My Heart Have Said