Blest Jesus, When My Soaring Thoughts

Blest Jesus, when my soaring thoughts
O’er all Thy graces rove,
O’er all Thy graces rove,
How is my soul in transport lost—
How is my soul in transport lost—
In wonder, joy and love.

Not softest strains can charm mine ears
Like Thy belovèd Name,
Like Thy belovèd Name!
Nor aught beneath the skies inspire,
Nor aught beneath the skies inspire,
My heart with equal flame.

Where’er I look, my wondering eyes
Unnumbered blessings see!
Unnumbered blessings see!
But what is life with all its bliss!
But what is life with all its bliss!
If once compared to Thee!

Hast Thou a rival in my breast?
Search, Lord, for Thou canst tell,
Search, Lord, for Thou canst tell,
If aught can raise my passions thus,
If aught can raise my passions thus,
Or please my soul so well.

Author: Anne Steele

Year: 1760

This hymn text is by the prominent 18th-century Baptist hymn-writer Anne Steele (1717–1778). It first appeared in her 1760 collection 'Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional' under the title 'Jesus, the Delight of the Soul'. The repeated phrases and style are characteristic of her work; no other strong attributions exist.