(138-152) Works Of Love
Love Is A Matter Of Conscience
God, Love, Conscience And The Middle Term
God we know is the middle term
And love is in the divine
Love is conscience we now learn
So these are three entwined
All love thus posits profound questions
To the conscience of the individual
So we scarcely need to mention
We won't find answers in the external
Whatever we might say without
We must face this deed within
When we choose love, we must not doubt
We don't follow some self-serving whim
In desire our impulse may be gratification
But love's quest seeks our innerness
Wants to reach beyond petty, self-satisfaction
And touch one made for blessedness
Love is not an emotional impulse
Nor is it the mind's calculation
We find and act out of confidence
Of the middle term's participation
Heart and faith must join sincerely
Love of neighbor remains our highest form
In the best of conscience we can see clearly
Out of this all love is born
Now there is God and love and conscience
To give our faith some strength and guidance
When we join these three, we can act in confidence
And know and feel all our love's enhanced