EVEN THERE SHALL THY HAND LEAD ME, AND THY RIGHT HAND SHALL GUIDE ME." O THOU, by long experience tried, My Lord, how full of sweet content I pass my years of banishment! All scenes alike engaging prove To souls impressed with sacred love! To me remains nor place nor time! I can be calm and free from care While place we seek, or place we shun, Could I be cast where Thou art not, That were indeed a dreadful lot; But regions none remote I call, THOU HAST ASCENDED UP ON HIGH.” HAIL the day that sees him rise, Circled round with angel-powers, Still He calls mankind His own. See, He lifts His hands above; "Master," may we ever say, Grant, though parted from our sight, High above yon azure height, Grant our hearts may thither rise, Ever upward may we move, There Thy face unclouded see, Find our Heaven of Heavens in Thee. 66 THEY DESIRE A BETTER COUNTRY, EVEN A HEAVENLY." RISE, my soul, and stretch thy wings, Thy better portion trace; Rise from transitory things Toward heaven thy native place. Sun, and moon, and stars decay, Time shall soon this earth remove; Rise, my soul, and haste away To seats prepared above. Rivers to the ocean run, Nor stay in all their course; Both speed them to their source. Pants to view His glorious face: To rest in His embrace. |