6 V sv/8 m$u In some hour of solemn jubilee The massy gates of Paradise are thrown Wide open, and forth come in fragments wild, Sweet echoes of unearthly melodies, And odors snatched from beds of amaranth, And they that from the crystal river of life Sprung up on freshened wing, ambrosial gales! The favored good man in his lonely walk Perceives them, and his silent spirit drinks Strange bliss, which he shall recognize in heaven. COLEBIDOE. HYMNS ON HEAVEN. SELECTED BY A. C. THOMPSON, D.D., AUTHOR OP "THE BETTER LAKD,'' "MORNING HOURS AT PATMOS/ "GATHERED LILIES," ETC. BOSTON; GOUT^D AND LINCOLN, 69 WASHINGTON STREET. KEAV TOraC: SHELDON AND COMPANY. CmcmNATI: GEORGE S. BLANCUAKD. 18G3. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S02, by GOULD AND LINCOLN, In the Clerk'B Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts. o ffK "^^^^ A N Y of the pieces in this volume are not easily accessible to the majority of readers. No intentional alterations have been made, except omissions and change of titles. Be- sides the hymns originally English, there will be found translations from the Syriac, Latin, Rus- sian, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. The volume, however, does not profess to be a complete anthology in this department of religious literature. Suf- ficient materials for a second series remain even now in the hands of the compiler. A. C. T. G S T E Jf T S . D^S-^C Wlmt is W)mbm? BEYOND THE RIVER, 23 UP ABOVE, 25 ABOVE THE SKIES, 28 HEAVEN OF HEAVENS, , . . 29 SOMETIMES SEEN, ' 31 NOT VERY FAR, 32 EVERYWHERE NEAR, 34 Mhixi is licatrcn? 7. THE BETTER COUNTRY. THE GOODLY LAND, 39 THE LAND OF PROMISE, 41 NO NIGHT SHALL RE IN HEAVEN, 45 NO GRAVES ARE THERE, 47 WHERE IS NO MORE SEA, 48 l^WHERE THE BLIND SEE, 50 I WHERE THE DEAF HEAR, •• 51 OH, PARADISE MUST FAIRER BE, 54 2 VII CONTENTS. MORE BLEST THAN EDEN, 54 MY NATIVE LAND, 50 MY AIN COUNTKEE, : 50 //. THE nOLY CITY. THE CITY OF PEACE 50 THE HOLY JERUSALEM, 63 CELESTIAL JERUSALEM, 64 THE NEW JERUSALEM, 66 THE JERUSALEM OF PROPHECY, 76 THE CITY OF BLESSEDNESS, 77 GLORIOUS ZION, 81 BEAUTIFUL ZION, 84 ///. TUE PLACE OF REUNION. MEET AGAIN, 86 SHALL WE MEET? 87 PLACE OF MEETING, 88 NOT LOST, BUT GONE BEFORE, 90 SOON WITH THEE, 01 UNITY OF SAINTS, 93 HALLELUJAH, 94 AT HOME AGAIN, 96 RECOGNITION 98 MY DEAR COMPANION, 98 BROTHER, WE SHALL MEET AND REST, 100 SISTER, WHY STARTS THE TEAR? 102 VIII CONTENTS. IV. OUR REST. THERE EEMAINETH A REST, 104 IN HEAVEN ALONE IS REST, 100 PERFECT REST, 108 I AM WEARY, 109 I WOULD FLY AWAY, 110 WHEN SHALL I BE AT REST? Ill REST, SWEETLY' REST, 113 THE WEARY ARE AT REST, 114 /. OUR GOD. WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN BUT THEE? 119 DWELLING IN LIGHT, 121 IN THY LIGHT SHALL WE SEE LIGHT, 122 GOD IN HIS TE3IPLE, 123 HIS THRONE, 125 HIS THRONE AND TEMPLE 126 OPEN IS THE STARRY HALL, 127 //. UR SAVIO UR. THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 129 OUR SHEPHERD, 131 CHRIST ARISEN, 132 CHRIST ASCENDED, 133 CHRIST MINDFUL, 131 IX CONTENTS. CHRIST THE KING OF GLORY, 135 CURIST THE STAR, 136 CHRIST THE LIGHT, 138 CHRIST ENTHRONED, 141 CHRIST THE KING, 142 JESUS ADORED, 143 JESUS EXTOLLED, 145 THE PRINCE OF PEACE, 147 KING, HIGH PRIEST, IMMANUEL, 148^ THE REDEEMER AND REDEEMED 150 THE SYMPATHIZING BROTHER, 152 OUR FELLOW-SUFFERER, ...._. 154 YES, FOR ME, FOR ME, 155 ///. HOLY ANGELS. CHERUBIM, 156 SONG OF THE CHERUBIM, 157 ANGELS AND THE GLORIFIED, .158 SINGING HALLELUJAH, 161 ■WAITING UPON GOD, 162 ADORING THE LAMB, 1G3 WITNESSES FOR JESUS, 164 SERVING THE REDEEMER, 167 GUARDIAN ANGELS, 1C8 ir. SAINTS GLORIFIED. THE RANSOMED OF THE LORD, 170 THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES, 173 X C0XTENT8. THE EMANCIPATED, 174 THE CELESTIAL ARMY, 175 PALM-BEARERS, 177 WHAT ARE THOSE? 178 THE FIRST MARTYR, 181 CHAMPIONS OF GOD, 182 V. OUR SAINTED FRIENDS. OUR EARLY FRIENDS, 185 OUR CHRISTIAN BROTHER 185 OUR KINDRED, 187 OUR FRIEND, 188 YOUR FRIEND REJOICING 189 THE MATRON, 191 WHERE IS MY FRIEND? 192 WHO BELIEVED AND LOVED, 194 SHE IS IN HEAVEN, 195 MY HUSBAND, • 197 NOT LOST, 198 VI. REDEEMED CHILDREN. THE ONE WANTED, 201 THE LAMBS OF CHRIST, 202 AVIIERE ARE TIIEY NOW? 204 SAVEET BABES,. 205 MY CHILD SAFE, 207 MY CHILD PROMOTED, 208 XI CONTENTS. MY SON IX GLOIIY, 210 MY OWN DEAR SON, 211 ANGEL CIIAllLIE, 215 OUR INFANT DAUGHTER, 218 A LAMB rOLDED 220 Mfjai mt i\m Qoinig lit Jcabm 1 ADORING THE SAVIOUR, 223 HARPING WITH THEIR HARPS, 224 SERAPHS WITH ELEVATED STRAINS, 225 EXTOLLING JESUS THE KING, 229 SINGING "WORTHY THE LAMB," 230 SINGING "ALLELUIA," 231 SINGING " HOLY, HOLY, HOLY," , 232 ADORING THE TRINITY, 233 MfjattstljeMagkieabm? KNOW YE THE LAND AND THE WAY? 237 HOW CAN WE KNOW THE WAY? 238 CHRIST THE WAY, 239 CHRIST THE WAY AND THE LIFE, 241 FOLLOWING CHRIST, 242 JESUS, STILL LEAD ON, 243 CONTENTS. THROUGH TRIALS, t 24^ THROUGH PERILS 246 A JOYOUS TTAY, 247 DROPPING DOWN THE RIVER, 248 THROUGH THE BORDER LANDS, 250 THE PILGRIM'S PRAYER, 252 • \ni is xi io 0a U '^m'am ? IT IS NOT DYING, 255 LETTING GO EARTH, 256 RETURNING, NOT DEPARTING, 258 RELEASE FROM PRISON, . . 259 TAKING WING, •200 ONWARD INTO LIGHT, . 261 CLIMBING THE STAIR, 262 PASSING THE GATE, 263 BIDDING GOOD-NIGHT, 265 BIDDING FAREWELL, 2G6 FLOATING TO GLORY' 2G8 SOARING TO GOD, 268 THE MARTYR'S TRIUMPH, 270 SING WITH 3IE, 271 SINGING HALLELUJAH, 272 A SMILING INFANT, 273 FROM HOVEL TO HEAVEN, 275 GOING INTO LIGHT, 277 2* XIII CONTEXTS. tuoulij not 00 to |)cab£it ? /. ASriRATIOXS AFTER HEAVEN. LONGING FOR I3IM0UTAL1TY, 281 ARDENT ASPIRATIONS, 282 WHY TARRY UERE? 2St COME, SACRED SONG, 286 ENRAPTURED CONTEMPLATION, 288 SALEM ESPIED, 200 JERUSALEM, THOU CITY FAIR AND HIGH, 292 I AM AVEARY, 2i)4 I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAY, 295 IN HASTE TO BE GONE, 298 MY SOUL, GO BOLDLY FORTH, 299 DEATH WELCOMED, 300 WORLD, FAREWELL 302 LET ME DEPART, 305 //. LONGING TO BE WITH JESUS. OR TAKE ME UP TO THEE, 307 MY REDEEMER LIVES, 309 CHRIST MY ALL, 312 LONGING FOR HIS VOICE, 314 OH THAT I HAD WINGS LIKE A DOVE! , 315 I WANT TO BE THERE, 317 TO BE WITH CHRIST FAR BETTER, 318 VfHILE ON THE VERGE OF LIFE I STAND, 319 XIV CONTENTS. I LONG TO BEHOLD HIM ARRAYED, .^TT^ CHRIST THE GLORY OF HEAVEN, 322 CHRIST ALTOGETHER LOVELY', 323 TO JESUS THE CROWN OF MY HOPE, 324 WHEN WILL HE COME? ''..... 326 WHEN, LORD, OH WHEN SHALL WE? OeiT^ WHEN SHALL THY LOVELY FACE BE SEEN? 32S) THE DAY DAWNING, 331 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH 333 NOW THE PEARLY GATES UNFOLD, -38&-^ Poixr soait in Jcate? HOW LONG? :«»-. WHEN COMES HIS HOUR? 340 A LITTLE WHILE, 342 A LITTLE LONGER, 343 WHEN THOU WILT, r*W-' DAILY NEARER, 34G NEARER THAN WHEN WE BELIEVED, 347 A FEW MORE DAYS, 348 SOON HOME, ,.-«S=Pv I. TILL THE RESURRECTION BURIAL AND RESURRECTION, ^5?~-- SLEEPING AND AWAKING, %C:^- CONTENTS. eaised in glory, 359 kesukrecl'ion hailed, 3g0 the glorious coming, 302 the evening watch, 363 kenaissance, 3m reappi:aring, 305 the day breaketh, 307 awake, awake, 309 ascend, beloved, 370 II. FOR EVER AND EVER. LIFE ETERNAL, 373 FOR EVERMORE 374 SOON AND FOREVER, 377 EVER WITH THE LORD, 379 XVI Inbei' of Jf irst f ks. A cloud lay cradled near the setting sun, 208 A few more years shall roll, 348 Ah, hush now your mournful complainings, 359 Ah, what time wilt thou come ? 320 A hymn of glory let us sing, 133 A light there is above which plainly shows, 122 A little longer still, — patience, beloved, 343 A little while, and every fear, 342 Alleluia, sweetest music, voice of everlasting joy, 231 All must die , there's no redemption, 300 A long farewell to sin and sorrow, 270 And dost thou, holy Shepherd, leave, 131 Angels bright,. 1G2 Arrayed in semblance of a snow-white rose, 156 Ascend, beloved, to the joy, 370 A sound in yonder glade, 152 Awake, awake, for night is flying, : 369 Away with our sorrow and fear, 318 A weary, wandering soul am I, 239 Beautiful Zion, city renowned, 84 Beyond the glittering starry skies, 167 Beyond the hills where suns gd down, 298 Beyond these chilling winds and gloomy skies, 31 Beyond the smiling and the weeping, 351 Brief life is hero our portion, 373 Bright cherubim and seraphim, 163 Brother, thou art gone before us, IH XVII INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Child, by God's sweet mercy given, 210 Clear fount of light, my native land on high, 56 Come, let us join our friends above, 9-3 Come, Lord, my head doth burn, my heart is sick, 307 Come, sacred song, thy heaven of joy spread o'er me, 280 Deathless principle, arise, 268 Death's but a path that must be trod, 259 Descend from heaven, immortal Dove, 223 Dim shadows gather thickly round, 262 Down below the wild November whistling, 25 Dropping down the troubled river, 248 Earth is the spirit's rayless cell, 260 Karth to earth and dust to dust, 355 Farewell, I goe to sleep, but when, 363 Far from these narrow scenes of night, 39 Father, into thy loving hands, 250 Forever with the Lord, 379 From out this dim and gloomy hollow, 238 Gentle Shepherd, thou hast stilled, 220 God looked among his cherub band, 201 God took thee in his mercy, ■ 207 Grieve not that I die young ; is it not well, 305 Ilail the day that sees him rise, 135 Hail, thou once despised Jesus, 143 Hallelujah, Lord our God, 272 Hark, hark, the voice of ceaseless praise, 224 Hark, how the angels, as they fly, 168 Hark, ten thousand harps and voices, 229 Hark, the trump of God is sounding, 367 Head of the hosts in glory, 145 Hear what God the Lord hath spoken, 76 He came a beauteous vision, 215 He has gone to his God, he has gone to his home, 188 Here may the band that now in triumph shines, 170 High the angel choirs are raising 233 XVIII INDEX OF FIRST LINES. His sceptre is the rod of righteousness, 121 How longf shall deatli the tyrant reign, 331 How shall I know thee in the spliere which keeps, 98 I am fiir frac my hame, an' I'm weary often wliiles, 56 I am weary of straying- ; oh, fain would I rest, 294 I hail the day in prospect bright, 300 I journey forth rejoicing, 265 I long to beliold liim arrayed, 321 I'm returning, not departing, 258 In the Fount of life perennial, 77 I saw a gate ; a harsh voice spake and said, 241 Is this her home ? 191 Is this the way, my Father? 'Tis, my child, 240 I stood by the open casement, 175 I would not live alway, live alway below, 295 Jerusalem, thou city fair and high, 292 Jesus' hour is not yet come, 340 Jesus, still lead on, 246 Jesus, who is all my trust, 309 Joyful words, we meet again, 86 Knell of departed years, 347 Know ye the land? Oh, not on earth it lies, 237 Let me go, the day is breaking, ,266 Look thou no further, but affixe thine eye, 29 Lord of earth, thy bounteous hand, 119 Lord of the worlds above, 123 Lord, thy glory fills the heaven, 232 Lor J, thy word is light, 252 Meet again ' yes, we shall meet again, 94 My feet are worn and weary with the march, 109 My God, it is not fretfulness, 339 My soul, amid this stormy world, 315 My soul, go boldly forth, 299 My soul, there is a countrie, 147 XIX INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Nearer Iiome, nearer home, -540 No graves are there, 47 No uight shall be iu heaven, no gathering gloom, 45 No, uo, it is not dying, '-'55 No sun shall gild the blest abode, 150 Not from Jerusalem alone, '34 Not in this weary world of ours, 106 Now it belongs not to my care, 344 Now let our voices join, 247 Now the pearly gates unfold, 335 Now the pilgrim, sad and weary, 5i) O beauteous God ! uncircumscribed treasure, 125 O Christ, how good and fair, 312 Oft weeping memory sits alone, 87 Oh cling not, trembler, to life's fragile bark, 256 Oh could I pierce that deep abyss! 205 Oh for the wings of faith and lovel 322 Oh had I wings like yonder bird 1 110 Oh how blest are ye whose toils are ended 1 174 Oh, I hear them tell of a canopy fair, 50 Oh, Paradise must fairer be, 53 Oh the delights, the heavenly joys, 141 Oh think that while you're weeping here, 189 O mother dear, Jerusalem, 60 One and another pass they and are gone, 185 Open is the starry hall 127 Our beloved have departed, 91 Our course is onward, onward into light, 261 Our Jesus now at God's right hand, 148 Our Saviour shall descend again, 362 O ye immortal throng, 1C4 Palms of glory, raiment bright, 1~~ Pure spirit, oh where art thou now ? 1''2 Region of life and light, ' ^20 Rejoice, all ye believers, •'■^•' Rest, weary soul, ^ Sad jivisoners in a house of clay, 281 Say, how can I with lightsome feet l'-'~ XX INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Say, why should friendship grieve for those, 90 See the glorious cherubim, 157 Seraphs with elevated strains, 225 Shall I e'er again thy features trace, 98 She is in heaven ; that thought alone, 115 Should nature's charms to please the eye, 323 Since o'er thy footstool here below, 126 Sing to the Lord ; let harp and lute and voice, 182 Sing we the song of those who stand, 230 Sing with me, sing with me, 271 Sister and friend, why starts the tear, 102 Soft as falls the heavenly dew, 134 Soon and forever, 377 Surely yon heaven, where angels see God's face 32 Sweet babe, she glanced into our world to see, 218 Sweet is the name of rest, 108 Ten thousand times ten thousand sung, 181 The beauty of my native land, 282 The broken ties of happier days, 187 The earth, all light and loveliness, 96 The God of Abraham praise, 41 The holy Jerusalem, 63 The last sand from Time's hour-glass, 136 The loved and lost, — why do we call them lost ? 198 There are refreshments sweeter far than sleep 314 There is a land like Eden fair, 54 There is a land immortal, 263 There is a land where beauty cannot fade, 242 There walk the saved, yea, they who bore, 138 The Shepherd by his passion, 357 The star is not extinguished when it sets, — ' 365 They are all gone into a world of light, 277 They see such admirable things, 288 They were gathered early, earth's young and fair, 202 Thou bright and star-like spirit, 208 Thou'rt mine, yes, still thou art mine own, 211 Through night to light, and though to mortal eyes, 244 Time is a river deep and wide, 23 'Tis dying ;> life is yielding place, 273 XXI INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 'Tis God's decree that all shall die, 81 'Tis thus they press the haud and part, 88 To Jesus the crown of my hope, 3:i4 To me though neither voice nor sound, 51 To thee, O dear, dear country, 04 Tread softly, bow the head, 2*5 Two worlds there are ; to one our eyes wc strain, 374 Weep not for a brother deceased, 186 What joy while thus I view the day, 290 What means yon blaze on high ? 158 When faith and love, which parted from thee never, 194 When, Lord, oh when shall we, 328 When shall I be at rest, my trembling heart, Ill Wlien shall thy lovely face be seen .' 329 When tempests toss and billows roll, 48 When yonder glorious sky, 283 Where are they now who used at morn to gambol, 204 Where high the heavenly temple stands, 154 Where the ftided flower shall freshen, 100 While onthe verge of life I stand, 319 Who are those before God's throne, 178 Why search ye in the narrow tomb, 132 World, farewell ; of thee I'm tired, 302 Ye angels, praise the Lord, 161 Ye augels who stand round the throne, 317 Ye golden lamps of heaven, farewell, 28 Ye happy souls, no longer tossed, .^ 173 Ye whoe'er for Christ are seeking, 142 Yes, for me, for me he careth, 155 Yes, there remaineth yet a rest, ^ 104 Yet such the destiny of all on earth, 364 '|itii m fi»fe«.< o'i^c iS^ DUBLIN UNIV. MAGAZINE. EME is a river deep and wide ; And while along its banks we stray, We sec our loved ones o'er its tide Sail from our sight away, away. Wliere are they sped — they who re- turn No more to glad our longing eyes ? They've passed from life's contracted bourn, To land unseen, unknown, that lies Beyond the river. 'Tis hid from view, but we may guess How beautiful that realm must be ; 23 24 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. For gleamings of its loveliness, In visions granted, oft we see. The very clouds that o'er it throw Their veil, unraised for mortal sight, With gold and purple tintings glow, Reflected from the glorious light Beyond the river. And gentle airs, so sweet, so calm, Steal sometimes from that viewless sphere ; The mourner feels their breath of halm, And soothed sorrow dries the tear ; And sometimes listening ear may gain Entrancing sound that hither floats — The echo of the distant strain Of harps and voices, blending notes. Beyond the river. There are our loved ones in their rest ! They've crossed Time's river ; now no more They heed the bubbles on its breast. Nor feel the storms that sweep its shore. But there pure love can live, can last ; — Tliey look for us their home to share ; When we, in turn, away have passed, What joyful greetings wait us there. Beyond the river. WHERE IS HEAVENf 25 DUBLIN UNIVEBSITT MAGAZINE. Down below, the wild November whistling Through the beech's dome of buniing red, And the Autumn sprinkling penitential Dust and ashes on the chestnut's hea(i. Down below, a pall of airy purple, Darkly hanging from the mountain-side, And the sunset from his eyebrow staring O'er the long roll of the leaden tide. Up above, the tree with leaf unfading By the everlasting river's brink. And the sea of glass beyond whose margin Never yet the sun was known to sink. Down below, the white wings of the sea-bird Dashed across the furrows, dark with mould, Flitting, like the memories of our childhood, Through the trees, now waxen pale and old. Down below, imaginations quivering Through our human spirits like the wind, Thoughts that toss, like leaves about the woodland, Hope, like sea-birds, flashed across the mind. 3 26 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Up above, the host no man can number, In white robes, a palm in every hand. Each some work sublime forever working In the spacious tracts of that great land. Up above, the thoughts that know not anguish, Tender care, sweet love for us below, Noble pity, free from anxious terror. Larger love, without a touch of woe. Down below, a sad, mysterious music, Wailing through the woods and on the shore. Burdened with a grand majestic secret That keeps sweeping from us evermore. Up above, a music that entwineth With eternal threads of golden sound The great poem of this strange existence, All whose wondrous meaning hath been found. Down below, the church, to whose poor window Glory by the autumnal trees is lent. And a knot of worshippers in mourning. Missing some one at the sacrament. Up above, the burst of Hallelujah, And (without the sacramental mist Wrapped around us like a sunlit halo), The great vision of the face of Christ. WHERE IS HEAVEN? 27 Down below, cold sunlight on the tombstones, And the green wet turf with faded flowers, Winter-roses, once like young hopes burning. Now beneath the ivy dripped with showers. And the new-made grave within the churchyard. And the white cap on that young face pale, And the watcher, ever as it dusketh. Racking to and fro with that long wail. Up above, a crowned and happy spirit Like an infant in the eternal years. Who shall grow in love and light forever, Ordered in his place among his peers. Oh the sobbing of the whids of autumn ! Oh the sunset streak of stormy gold ! Oh the poor heart, thinking in the churchyard Night is coming, and the grave is cold ! Oh the pale, and plashed, and sodden roses ! Oh the desolate heart, that grave above ! Oh the white cap, shaking as it darkens Round that shrine of memory and love ! Oh the rest forever and the rapture ! Oh the hand that wipes the tears away ! Oh the golden homes beyond the sunset, And the hope that watches o'er the clay ! 28 IIY^fNS ON HEAVEN. PHILIP DODDRIDGE. Ye golden lamps of heaven, farewell, With all your feeble light ; Farewell, thou ever-changing moon, Pale empress of the night. And thou, refulgent orb of day, In brighter flames arrayed ! My soul, that springs beyond thy sphere, No more demands thine aid. Ye stars are but the shining dust Of my divine abode, The pavement of those heavenly courts, Where I shall reign with God. The Father of eternal light Shall there his beams display ; Nor shall one moment's darkness mix With that unvaried day. No more the drops of piercing grief Shall swell into mine eyes. Nor the meridian sun decline Amidst those brighter skies. WHERE IS EEAVENf 29 There all the millions of his saints Shall in one song unite, And each the bliss of all shall view With infinite delight. -J*JOO- EDMUND SPENSER. Look thou no further, but affixe thine eye On that bright shynie round still moving masse, The house of blessed God, which men call Skye, All sowed with glistring stars more thicke than grasse, Whereof each other doth in brightnesse passe. But those two most which, ruling night and day, As king and queene, the heavens' empire sway. And tell me then, what hast thou ever scene That to their beautie may compared bee ? Or can the sight that is most sharpe and keenc Eiidm-e their captain's flaming head to see ? How much lesse those much higher in degree. And so much fairer, and much more than these. As these are fairer than the land and seas ? 3* 30 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. For farre above those heavens which here we see Be others farre exceedmg these m light ; Not bounded, not corrupt, as these same bee, But infinite in largenesse and in hight, Unmoving, uncorrupt, and spotlcsse bright, That need no sunne t'ilhiminate their spheres, But their own native light farre passing theirs. And as these heavens still by degrees arize, Until they come to their first Mover's bound, That in his mightie compasse doth comprize. And carrie all the rest with him around ; So those likewise doe by degrees redound, And rise more faire, till they at last arrive To the most faire, whereto they all do strive. Faire is the heaven where happy soules have place In full enjoyment of felicitie, Whence they doe still behold the glorious face Of the Divine Eternall Maiestie ; More faire is that where those Idecs on hie Enraunged be, which Plato so admyred. And pure Intelligences from God inspyred. WHERE IS HEAVEN? 31 Sometimes ^mx. Beyond these chilling ^inds and gloomy skies, Beyond death's gloomy portal, There is a land where beauty never dies. And love becomes immortal ; A land whose light is never dimmed by shade. Whose fields are ever vernal, Where nothing beautiful can ever fade, But blooms for aye, eternal. We may not know how sweet the balmy air, How bright and fair its flowers ; We may not hear the songs that echo there. Through those enchanted bowers. The city's shining towers we may not see With our dim, earthly vision. For death, the silent warder, keeps the key That opes those gates elysian. But sometimes, when adown the western sky The fiery sunset lingers, Its golden gates swing inward noiselessly, Unlocked by unseen fingers. 32 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Aiid while they stand a moment half ajar, Gleams from the inner glory Stream brightly throngh the azure vault afar, And half reveal the story. O land unknown ! land of love divine ! Father all wise, eternal, Guide, guide these wandering, way-worn feet of mine Into those pastures vernal. o-i^c |l0t ^tx^ $m. n. BONAE. SuEELY, yon heaven, where angels see God's face, Is not so distant as we deem From this low earth. 'Tis but a little space, The narrow crossing of a slender stream ; 'Tis but a veil which winds might blow aside. Yes ; these are all that us of earth divide From the bright dwelling of the glorified, — The Land of which I dream. These peaks are nearer heaven than earth below, These hills are higher than they seem ; "Tis not the clouds they touch, nor the soft brow Of the o'er-bending azure as we deem. WHERE IS HEAVEN? 33 'Tis the blue floor of heaven that they up-bear, Aiid, like some old and wildly rugged stair, They lift us to the land where all is fair, — The Land of which I dream. These ocean waves, in their unmeasured sweep, Are brighter, bluer, than they seem ; True image here of the celestial deep, Fed from the fulness of the unfailing stream. Heaven's glassy sea of everlasting rest. With not a breath to stir its silent breast, The sea that laves the land where all are blest. The Land of which I dream. And these keen stars, the bridal gems of night. Are purer, lovelier, than they seem ; Filled from the inner fountain of deep light. They pour down heaven's own beam ; Clear speaking from their throne of glorious blue. In accents ever ancient, ever new. Of the glad home above, bey oiid our view, The Land of which I dream. This life of ours, these lingering years of earth, Are briefer, swifter, than they seem ; A little while, and the great second birth Of time shall come, — the prophet's ancient theme. 34 UYMNS OX HEAVEN. Then He, the King, the Judge, at length shall come, And for tliis desert, where we sadly roam. Shall give the kingdom for our endless home, The Land of which I dream ! -ooj«ioo- €btxM)ixt Jlcar, U . B O N A R. Not from Jerusalem alone To heaven the path ascends ; As near, as sure, as straight the way That leads to the celestial day, From farthest realms extends, — Frigid or torrid zone. What matters liow or whence wc start ? One is the crown to all ; One is the hard hut glorious race, Whatever be our starting-place. Rings round the earth the call That says. Arise, depart ! WHERE IS HEAVEN? 35 From the balm-breathing, sun-loved isles Of the bright Southern Sea, From the dead North's cloud-shadowed pole, We gather to one gladsome goal, — One common home in thee, City of sun and smiles ! The cold rough billow hinders none. Nor helps the calm, fair main ; The brown rock of Norwegian gloom, The verdure of Tahitian bloom. The sands of Mizraim's plain Or peaks of Lebanon. As from the green lands of the vine, So from the snow-wastes pale, We find the ever open road To the dear city of our God, — From Russian steppe, or Burman vale, Or terraced Palestine. Not from swift Jordan's sacred stream Alone we mount above ; Indus or Danube, Thames or Rhone, — Rivers unsainted and unknown, — From each the home of love Beckons with heavenly gleam. 36 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Not from gray Olivet alone We see the gates of light ; From Morven's heath, or Jiingfrau's snow, We welcome the descending glow Of pearl and chrysolite, And the unsetting sun. Not from Jerusalem alone The church ascends to God ; Strangers of every tongue and clime, Pilgrims of every land and time, Throng the well-trodden road That leads up to the throne. \zl b %mmt 0-i^c Ir THE BETTER COUHTHY. oi^c MES. ANNE STEELE. AR from these narrow scenes of night Unbounded glories rise, And realms of infinite delight, Unknown to mortal eyes. Fair distant land ! could mortal eyes But half its joys explore, How would our spirits long to rise, And dwell on earth no more. There pain and sickness never come. And grief no more complains ; Health triumphs in immortal bloom, And endless pleasure reigns. 40 nVMXS ox HEAVEN. From discord free, and war's alarms. And want, and pining care, Plenty and peace unite their charms, And smile unchanging there. There rich varieties of joy Continual feast the mind ; Pleasures which fill, but never cloy, Immortal and refined. No factious strife, no envy there, The sons of peace molest ; But harmony and love sincere Fill every happy breast. No clouds those blissful regions know, Forever briglit and fair ; For sin, the source of mortal woe, Can never enter there. There no alternate night is known, Nor sun's faint, sickly ray ; But glory from the sacred throne Spreads everlasting day. The glorious Monarch tlicre displays His beams of wondrous grace ; His happy subjects sing his praise, And bow before his face. WHAT IS HEAVEN? 41 Oh may the heavenly prospect fire Our hearts with ardent love, Till wings of faith and strong desire Bear every thought above. Prepare us, Lord, by grace divine, For thy bright courts on high ; Then bid our spirits rise and join The chorus of the sky. -o-o>*;oo- Cl^^ l^aiitr of promise. THOMAS OLIVERS. The God of Abraham praise. Who reigns enthroned above, Ancient of everlasting days, And God of love ; Jehovah, great I AM ! By heaven and earth confest, I bow, and bless the sacred name. Forever blest. The God of Abraham praise. At whose supreme command From earth I rise, and seek the joys At his right hand ; 42 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. I all on earth forsake, Its wisdom, fame, and power, And him my only portion make, My shield and tower. The God of Abraham praise. Whose all-suflficient grace Shall guide me through this pilgrimage In all his ways ; He calls a worm his friend, He calls himself my God ; And he shall save me to the end, Through Jesus' blood. He by himself hath sworn, I on his oath depend ; I shall, on eagles' wings up-borne, To heaven ascend ; I shall behold his face, I shall his power adore, And sing the wonders of his grace For evermore. Though nature's strength decay, And earth and hell withstand, To Canaan's bound I urge my way At his command ; WHAT IS HEAVEN? 48 The watery deep I pass, "With Jesus in my view, And through the howling wilderness My way pursue. The goodly land I see. With peace and plenty blest, A land of sacred liberty And endless rest. There milk and honey flow. And oil and wine abound. And trees of life forever grow, With mercy crowned. There dwells the Lord our King, The Lord our righteousness ; Triumphant o'er the world and sin, The Prince of peace On Zion's sacred height His kingdom still maintains. And glorious, with his saints in light, Forever reigns. He keeps his own secure. He guards them by his side ; Arrays in garments white and pure His spotless bride ; 44 HYMNS OX HEAVEN "With streams of sacred bliss, With groves of living joys, "With all the fruits of Paradise, He still supplies. Before the Three in One They all exulting stand, And tell the wonders he hath dune Through all their land ; The listening spheres attend, And swell the growing fame. And sing, in songs which never end, The wondrous name. The God who reigns on high The great archangels sing, And " Holy, holy, holy," cry, " Almighty King ! " Who was, and is the same, And evermore shall be ; Jehovah, Father, great I AM, We worship thee. Before the Saviour's face The ransomed nations bow, O'erwhelraed at his almighty grace. Forever new ; WHAT IS HEAVEN? 45 He shows his prints of love, They kindle to a flame, And sonnd, through all the world above, The slaughtered Lamb. Tlie whole triumphant host Give thanks to God on high ; Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, They ever cry ; Hail, Abraham's God and mine, I join the heavenly lays ; AH might and majesty be thine, And endless praise. ooKXoo ''go pigljt s^all h in P^abm." THOMAS BAFFLES. No night shall be in heaven, — no gathering gloom Shall o'er that glorious landscape ever come ; No tears shall fall in sadness o'er those flowers That breathe their fragrance through celestial bowers. No night shall be in heaven, — no dreadful hour Of mental darkness or the tempter's power ; Across tliose skies no envious cloud shall roll, To dim the sunlight of the enraptured soul. 46 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. No night shall be in heaven. Forbid to sleep, These eyes no more their mournful vigils keep ; Their fountains dried, their tears all wiped away, They gaze undazzled on eternal day. No night shall be in heaven, no sorrow's reign, No secret anguish, no corporeal pain, No shivering limbs, no burning fever there. No soul's eclipse, no winter of despair. No night shall be in heaven, but endless noon ; No fast-declining sun, nor waning moon ; But there the Lamb shall yield perpetual light, 'Mid pastures green and waters ever bright. No night shall be in heaven, no darkened room, No bed of death, nor silence of the tomb ; But breezes ever fresh with love and truth Shall brace the frame with an immortal youth. No night shall be in heaven. But night is here — The night of sorrow and the night of fear ; I mourn the ills that now my steps attend, And shrink from others that may yet impend. No night shall be in heaven. Oh had I faith To rest in what the faithful Witness saith. That faith should make these hideous phantoms flee. And leave no nisht henceforth on earth to me ! WHAT IS HEAVEN? 47 1^0 6rab'es an ^Ijm/ R . A . R II E E S . " No graves are there ; " No willow weeps above the grassy bed Where sleeps the young, the fondly loved, the fair, The early dead. No funeral knell Blends with the breeze of spring its mournful tone, Bidding thenceforth those balmy breezes toll Of loved ones gone. O'er the cold brow No bitter tears of agony are shed ; None o'er the still, pale form in anguish bow, Whence life has fled. " No graves are there ; " Nor sunny slope, green turf, or quiet grot, Those sad mementos of departure bear, For death is not. That fearful foe. Here ever bearing from us those we love, Resistless as his power is owned below. Has none above. * Upon a tombstone in a churchyard at Bridgeton is a beautiful device. Over the memorial a hand is pointing to the skies ; and forming an arch just above it is the triumphant exclamation — ' There are no graves there.'— Chris. Chron. 48 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. No ! in the tomb Ends his dominion ; there his power is o'er ; And tliey who safely tread its path of gloom Shall die no more. " No graves are there ; " Father, we thank thee that there is a clime Guarded alike from death, and grief, and care, Untouched by time. "We praise thy name. That from the dust and darkness of the tomb We can look up in faith, and humbly claim Our future home. • Hasten the day When, passing death's dark vale without a fear, We, as we reach that heavenly home, may say, No graves are here. -'X'J^^oo- lite x% tta mmt ^m. When tempests toss, and billows roll. And lightnings rend from pole to pole. Sweet is the thought to me, WHAT IS HEAVEN? 41) That one day it shall not be so ; In the bright world to which I go The tempest shall forget to blow; There shall be no more sea. My little bark has suffered much From adverse storms ; nor is she such As once she seemed to be ; But I shall shortly be at home, No more a mariner to roam ; When once I to the port am come, There will be no more sea. Then let the waves run mountains high, Confound the deep, perplex the sky, — This shall not always be ; One day the sun will brightly shine With life, and light, and heat divine ; And when that glorious land is mine, There will be no more sea. My Pilot tells me not to fear. But trust entirely to his care, And he will guarantee, If only I depend on him. To land me safe, in his good time. In yonder purer, happier clime, Where shall be no more sea. 5 50 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Ijere tlje ^Imtr ^n. JESSIE (JlENN. Oh, I hear them tell of a canopy fair, That stretches its blue wing far up in the air ; They say it is gemmed with the stars of night, That sparkle and gleam in the pale moonlight ; But when I look up all is darkness to me. For I cannot see ! I cannot see ! I hear of the flowers that round me bloom, And my spirit finds joy in their sweet perfume ; The rose and the clematis surely are fair. For feeling can tell me that beauty is there ; But those lovely tints are not painted for me, For I cannot see ! I cannot see ! The zephyr's sweet wing rustles over me now, For I feel its soft breath fan the curls on my brow ; Hark ! it speaks to me too, in its own sweet way ; Oh, would I might feel it, ere passing away ! I will touch it just once — but where can it be ? Oh, I cannot see ! I cannot see ! The rays of the sun, which they tell me are bright, I feel on my cheek, though a stranger to sight ; While music's low tones gently steal on my ear. And while pining to see it I scarcely can hear ; WHAT IS HEAVEN? 51 But music and sunbeams are nothing to me, For I cannot see ! I cannot see ! The look of affection, how grateful to some ! And, caught from its beams, what fond feelings must come ! Oh, would that its form could but dawn on my mind ! But a glance from a loved one is not for the blind ; Oh, why must this world be all darkness to me ? Why may I not see ? why not see ? Then is there no joy for the sightless one ? say, Must the beauties of earth all unseen pass away ? Then I will look up to a bright world above. Where all shall be happy and peaceful in love, And there from this darkness my eyes shall be free, For then I shall see ! I shall see ! fjtrc i\n gcaf J^ar* J. MONTOOMBRT. To me, though neither voice nor sound From earth or air may come. Deaf to the world that brawls around, The world to me is dumb. 52 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Yet may the quick and conscious eye Assist the slow, dull ear ; Light can the signs of thought supply, And with a look I hear. The song of birds, the water's fall, Sweet tones and grating jars, - Hail, tempest, wind, and thunder, all Are silent as the stars — The stars that on their tranquil way, In language without speech. The glory of the Lord display, And to all nations preach. Now, though one outward sense be sealed. The kind remaining four. To teach me needful knowledge, yield Their earnest aid the more. Yet hath my heart an inward ear, Through which its powers rejoice ; Speak, Lord, and let me love to hear Thy Spirit's still, small voice. So when the Archangel from the ground Shall summon great and small. The ear now deaf shall hear that sound, And answer to the call. WHAT IS HEAVENf 53 , larabis^ must Jfitim ht. FROM TH8 GERMAN OF F. KUCKERT. Oh, Paradise must fairer be Than any spot below ! My spirit pines for liberty ; Now let me thither go. In Paradise, forever clear. The stream of love is flowing ; For every tear that I've shed here A pearl therein is glowing. In Paradise alone is rest ; Joy-breathing, woe-dispelling, A heavenly wind fans every breast Within that happy dwelling. For every wounding thorn below A rose shall blossom there, And sweeter flowers than earth can show Shall twine around my hair. And every joy that, budding, died, ShaU open there in bloom ; And Spring, in all her flowery pride, Shall waken from the tomb. 54 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. And all the joys shall meet me there For which my heart is pining, Like golden fruit in gardens fair, And flowers forever shinmg. My youth that fled so soon away, And left me sad, decaying, Sliall there be with me every day, With bright wings round me playing. All hopes, all wishes, all the love I longed for, tasted never, Shall bloom around me there above, And be with me forever. -o-ojig>^oo- [i? %m ^amxixtt" N. Y. OBSERVER. I AM far frae my hame, an' I'm weary oftenwhiles For the langed-for hame-bringing, an' my Father's wel- come smiles ; I'll ne'er be fu' content until my een do see The gowden gates o' Heaven, an' my am countree. WEAT IS HEAVEN? 57 The earth is flecked wi' flowers, mony-tinted, fresh, an' gay, The birdies warble blithely, for my Father made them sae; But these sights an' these soun's will as naething be to me When I hear the angels singing m my ain countree. I've His gude word of promise, that some gladsome day the King To His ain royal palace his banished hame will bring ; Wi' een an' wi' hearts running owre we shall see The King in his beauty an' our ain countree. My sins hae been mony, an' my sorrows hae been sair, But there they'll never vex me, nor be remembered mair ; His bluid hath made me white, his hand shall dry mine ee. When he brings me hame at last to my ain countree. Like a bairn to its mither, a wee birdie to its nest, I wad fain be ganging noo unto my Saviour's breast ; For he gathers in his bosom witless, worthless lambs like me. An' carries them himsel' to his ain countree. 58 HYMNS OX HEAVEN. He's faitlifu' that hath promised ; he'll surely come agam ; He'll keep his tryst wi' me, at what hour I clinna ken, But He bids me still to watch, an' ready aye to be To gang at ony moment to my ain countree. So I'm watching aye an' singing o' my hame as I wait For the soun'ing o' his footfa' this side the gowden gate. God gie His grace to ilk ane wlia listens noo to me, That we a' may gang in gladness to our ahi countree. n. THS HOLY CITY. o>«=;c Cbc €itg of f caa. FKOM THE OEKMAN OF A. KNAPF. OW the pilgrim, sad and weary, Finds here a desert wild and dreary, With shades of death and darkness mied; Soon, with groves of palm surrounded. The peaceful city shall be founded. Which for his glory Christ shall build. In splendid colors dressed, On sapphires it shall rest ; Doors and windows Of crystal rare, and turrets fair Of richest gems, shall glitter there. There, amid this palace royal, A countless host, well tried and loyal, Shall see the glory of their Lord ; All their fears and sorrows ended. Shall they, with peace and joy attended, Receive from him their rich reward. HYMNS ON HEAVEN. The crown of righteousness Shall there his people bless ; No destroyer Shall thither steal to work their ill, But Christ will there his grace fulfil. When 'twill be — seek not to know it ; Who guides in his own time will show it, And his own time is always best. Heralds he abroad is sending, Tliat they, to all his grace commending, May bring them all to seek his rest. Enough for us to know What he would have us do Till the harvest ; The world's wide field its fruits must yield, The ransom was for all revealed. Tell it now with joyful praises, — " The Prince of Life his palace raises ! " O'er land and sea the tidings sound ; Not in vain his invitation ; The messengers of his salvation Proclaim it to the poor around. Beneath the burning sky They to their work apply, Daily sowing. WHAT IS HEAVENf 61 His word he'll keep ; though now they weep, With joy shall they the harvest reap. Seeing growth they are requited ; With tears of joy, with souls delighted, First-fruits they now arc bringing on ; Where the ground to drought was given, Head, hands, and hearts, they lift to heaven. Admiring what the Lord has done. All fresh with morning dew, Green fields spring up to view, Breatliing fragrance ; For bitter sighs glad songs arise, While hope anticipates the prize. But the Lord, by varied trial, Oft proves his heralds' self-denial, And makes them wait, and toil, and mourn ; Oft will let fierce storms o'ertake them, To hunger, thirst, and want forsake them. To gloom their fairest prospects turn. 1\\ his own chosen way His wisdom he'll display, Clearly teaching. While deepest night brings on the light, That what he does is always right. 6 62 HYMNS OX HEAVEN. Knowing this, shall fears beguile us ? Though traitors, leagued -with foes, revile us, Our onward course let us pursue ; They that, shame for Jesus bearing, Will persevere, his way preparing, Shall safely reach his glory too, There, with the Son of God, To join in blest abode All the pious. And freely own, through grace alone, Their works of love and faith were done. Ever shall thy jiraise be glorious, When, over all their ills victorious. Thy saints unite in tuneful strife. They, from death by thee delivered, Shall from thy love no more be severed ; Such is thy will, thou Prince of Life ! The world, Lord, rests on thee,— Thy world with pity see ! Showing mercy To him whose days are prayer and praise. To him who yet in error strays. WHAT IS HEAVENS 63 C^c pioln Itrusiilem. FKOM TUE LATIN, BY WILLIAMS. The holy Jerusalem, From highest heaven descending, And crowned with a diadem Of angel bands attending, The li^dng city, built on high, Bright with " Celestial Jewelry ! " She comes, the bride, from heaven-gate. In nuptial new adorning. To meet the Immaculate, Like coming of the morning ; Her streets of purest gold are made, Her walls of diamond palisade. There with pearls the gates are dight, Upon that holy mountain ; And thither come, both day and niglit. Who in the Living Fountain Have washed their robes from earthly stain And borne below Christ's lowly chain. By the hand of the Unknown The living stones are moulded To a glorious shrine, all one. Full soon to be unfolded — The buildhig wherein God doth dwell, The holy church invisible. 04 n FMXS ON HEAVEN. FROM TBE LATIX OF BEBNABD. To thee, dear, dear country, Mine eyes their vigils keep ; For very love, beholding Thy happy name, they weep. The mention of thy glory Is unction to the breast, And medicine in sickness. And love, and life, and rest. Brief life is here our portion, Brief sorrow, short-lived care ; The life that knows no ending, The tearless life, is there. O one — only mansion ! Paradise of joy ! Where tears are ever banished, And joys have no alloy. Beside thy living waters All plants are, great and small, The cedar of the forest. The hyssop on the wall. Thy ageless walls arc bounded With amethyst unpriced ; The saints built up its fabric. And the corner-stone is Christ. WHAT IS HEAVEN? 65 Thou hast no shore, fair ocean, Thou hast no time, bright day, Dear fountain of refreshment To pilgrims far away. Upon tlie Rock of Ages They raise the holy tower ; Thine is the \4ctor's laurel, And thine the golden dower. They stand, those halls of Zion, Conjubilant with song. And bright with many an angel, And many a martyr throng. The Prince is ever in them. The light is aye serene ; The pastures of the blessed Are decked in glorious sheen. There is the throne of David, And there, from toil released. The shout of them that triumph. The song of them that feast ; And they beneath their Leader, Who conquered in the fight. Forever and forever Are clad in robes of white. 6* 66 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. C^e Ueto Jerusalem. Mother dear, Jerusalem, When sliall I come to thee ? When shall my sorrows have an end, Thy joys when shall I see ? happy harbor of God's saints ! O sweet and pleasant soil ! In thee no sorrow may be found, No grief, no care, no toil ! In thee no sickness is at all. No hurt, nor any sore ; There is no death, nor ugly sight. But life for evermore. No dimmish clouds o'ershadow thee, No dull nor darksome night ; But every soul slimes as the sun. For God himself gives light. There lust nor lucre cannot dwell. There envy bears no sway ; There is no hunger, thirst, nor heat. But pleasure every way. Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! Would God I were in thee ! Oh that my sorrows had an end. Thy joys that I might see ! WHAT IS HEAVEN? 67 No pains, no pangs, no grieving grief. No woful wight is there ; No sigli, no sob, no cry is heard, No well-away, no fear. Jerusalem the city is Of God our King alone ; The Lamb of God, the light thereof, Sits there upon his throne. Ah, God, that I Jerusalem With speed may go behold ! For why ? The pleasures there abound With tongue cannot be told. Thy turrets and thy pinnacles With carbuncles do shine ; With jasper, pearl, and chrysolite, Surpassing pure and fine. Thy houses are of ivory, Thy windows crystal clear, Thy streets are laid with beaten gold, Where angels do appear ; Thy walls are made of precious stone;;, Thy bulwarks diamonds square. Thy gates are made of orient pearl, — God ! if I were there ! 68 EYMNS ON HEAVEN. Within thy gates no thing can come That is not passing clean ; No spider's web, no dirt, no dust, No filth may there be seen. Jehovah, Lord, now come away, And end my grief and plaints ; Take me to thy Jerusalem, And place me with thy saints, Who there are crowned with glory great, And see God face to face ; They triumph still, and aye rejoice, — Most happy is their case. But we that are in banishment Continually do moan ; We sigh, we mourn, we sob, we weep, Perpetually we groan. Our sweetness mixed is with gall. Our pleasure is but pain. Our joys not worth the looking on, Our sorrows aye remain. But there they live in such delight. Such pleasure and such play, That unto them a thousand years Seem but as yesterday. WHAT IS HEAVEN? 69 O my sweet home, Jerusalem ! Thy joys when shall I see ; Thy King sitting upon his throne, And thy felicity ? Thy vineyards and thy orchards, So wonderful and fair, And furnished with trees and fruit Most beautiful and rare ? Thy gardens and thy goodly walks Continually are green ; There grow such sweet and pleasant flowers As nowhere else are seen ; There cinnamon and sugar grow, There nard and balm abound ; No tongue can tell, no heart can tliink, The pleasures there abound. There nectar and ambrosie spring. There musk and civet sweet ; There many a fine and dainty drug Are trod down under feet. Quite through the streets with pleasant sound The flood of life doth flow. Upon whose banks on every side The trees of life do grow. 70 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. These trees each month do yield their fruit, For evermore they spring ; And all the nations of the world To thee their honors bring. Jerusalem, God's dwelling-place, Full sore long I to see ; Oh that my sorrows had an end, That I mio-ht dwell in thee ! There David stands vdth harp in hand, As master of the queir ; A thousand times that man were blest That might his music hear. There Mary sings Magnificat, With tunes surpassing sweet ; And all the virgins bear their part, Singing about her feet. " Te Deum " doth St. Ambrose sing, St. Austin doth the like ; Old Simeon and Zacharie Have not their songs to seek. There Magdalene hatli left her moan. And cheerfully doth sing With all blest saints, whose harmony Through every street doth ring. WEAT IS HEAVEN? 71 Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! Thy joys faiii would I see ; Come quickly, Lord, and end my grief, And take me home to thee. Oh print thy name in my forehead, And take me hence away. That I may dwell with thee in bliss And sing thy praises aye. Jerusalem, thrice happy seat ! Jehovah's throne on liigh,-^ O sacred city, queen and wife Of Christ eternallie ! comely queen ! with glory clad, With honor and degree ; All fair thou art, exceeding bright, No spot is there in thee ! 1 long to see Jerusalem, The comfort of us all ; For thou art fair and beautiful, None ill can thee befall. In thee, Jerusalem, I say. No darkness dare appear ; No night, no shade, no winter foul, No time doth alter there. 72 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. No candle needs, no moon to shine, No glittering stars to light, For Christ, the King of righteousness, There ever shineth bright. The Lamb unspotted, white, and pure. To thee doth stand in lieu Of light, so great the glory is Thine heavenly King to view. He is the King of khigs beset In midst his servants' sight ; And they his happy household all Do serve him day and night. There, there the queir of angels sing, There the supernal sort Of citizens (which hence are ri(J From dangers deep) do sport. • There be the prudent prophets all, The apostles six and six. The glorious martyrs m a row, And confessors betwixt. There doth the crew of righteous men And matrons all consist. Young men and maids that here on earth Their pleasures did resist. WHAT IS HEAVEN? 73 The sheep and lambs, that hardly 'scaped The snares of death and hell, Triumph in joy eternally, Whereof no tongue can tell ; And though the glory of each one Doth differ in degree, Yet is the joy of all alike And common, as we see. There love and charity doth reign, And Christ is all in all, Whom they most perfectly behold In glory spiritual. They love, they praise, they praise, they love, They " Holy, holy," cry ; They neither toil, nor faint, nor end, But laud continually. Oh happy thousand times were I, If, after wretched days, I might, with listening ears, conceive Those heavenly songs of praise Which to the eternal King are sung By happy wights above — By saved souls, and angels sweet Who love the God of love ! 7 74 IIT3fXS ON HEAVEN. Oh passing happy were my state, Might I be worthy found To wait upon my God and King, His praises there to sound, And to enjoy my Christ above. His favor and his grace, According to his promise made. Which here I interhxce. " Father dear," quoth he, " let them Which thou hast put of old To me, be there, where, lo, I am, . My glory to behold, Which I with thee, before this world Was laid in perfect wise. Have had, from whence the fountain great Of glory doth arise." Again, " If any man will serve. Then let him follow me ; For where I am, be thou right sure. There shall my servant be." And still, " If any man love me. Him loves my Father dear ; Him I do love ; to him myself In glory will appear." WHAT IS HE AVE X? 75 Lord, take away my misciy, That there I may behold, With thee, in thy Jerusalem, What here cannot be told, And so in Zion see my King, My Love, my Lord, my All ; Whom now as in a glass I see, There face to face I shall. Oh blessed are the pure in heart. Their Sovereign they shall see ! And the most holy heavenly host, Who of his household be. Lord, with speed dissolve my bands. These gins and fetters strong, For I have dwelt within the tents Of Kedar over-long. Yet search me, Lord, and find me out ; Fetch me thy fold unto, That all thy angels may rejoice While all tliy will I do. mother dear, Jerusalem, When shall I come to thee ? When shall my sorrows have an end ? Thy joys when shall I see ? 76 HYMNS ON IIEAVBN. Yet once again I pray thee, Lord, To quit me from all strife, That to thine hill I may attain, And dwell there all my life ; With cherubims and seraphims, And holy souls of men. To sing thy 2iraise, God of hosts, Forever, and Amen ! Note. — This hymn, the mother of several more recent ones, was formerly ascribed to David Dickson. It was probably altered and enlarged by him from one yet older, in the early part of the seventeenth century. CIj^ llaitsalcnt ai |)r0pljccir. WM. COW PER. Hear what God the Lord hath spoken : " O my people, faint and few. Comfortless, afflicted, broken, Fair abodes I build for you ; Thorns of heartfelt tribulation Shall no more perplex your ways ; You shall name your walls Salvation, And your gates shall all be Praise. " There, like streams that feed the garden, Pleasures without end shall flow ; WHAT IS HEAVEN? 77 For the Lord, your faith rewarding, All his bounty shall bestow ; Still in undisturbed possession Peace and righteousness shall reign ; Never shall you feel oppression, Hear the voice of war again. " Ye no more your suns descending, Waning moons no more shall see, But, your griefs forever ending. Find eternal noon in me ; God shall rise, and, shining o'er you, Change to day the gloom of night ; He, the Lord, shall be your glory, God your everlasting light." -oojseoo- ^Ije ^itn of §Icssi;bmss. FKOM THE LATIN OF PETEE DAMIANI. In the Fount of life perennial the parched heart its thirst would slake. And the soul, in flesh imprisoned, longs her prison walls to break, — ' Exile, seeking, sighing, yearning, in her fatherland to wake. 78 EYMXS ON HEAVEN. When with cares oppressed and sorrows, only groans her grief can tell ; Then she contemplates the glory which she lost when first she fell ; Present evil but the memory of the vanished good can swell. Who can ntter what the pleasures and the peace un- broken are, Where arise the pearly mansions, sheddmg silvery light afar, Festive seats and golden roofs which glitter like the eve- ning star ! Wholly of fair stones most precious are those radiant structures made ; With pure gold, like glass transparent, are those shining streets inlaid ; Nothing that defiles can enter, nothing that can soil or fade. Stormy winter, burning summer, rage within those re- gions never. But perpetual bloom of roses, and unfadmg spring for- ever ; Lilies gleam, the crocus glows, and droppmg balms their scents deliver. WHAT IS HEAVEN? 79 Honey pure, and greenest pastures, — this the lar.d of promise is, Liqiiid odors soft distiUing, perfumes breathing on the breeze ; Fruits immortal cluster always on the leafy fadeless trees. There no moon shines chill and changing, there no stars with twinkling ray, For the Lamb of that blest city is at once the sun and day; Night and time are known no longer, day sliall never fade away. There the saints like suns are radiant, like the sun at dawn they glow ; Crowned victors after conflict, all their joys together flow, And secure they count the battles where they fought the prostrate foe. Putting off their mortal vesture, in their Source th^ir souls they steep ; Truth by actual vision beaming, on its form their gaze they keep, Drmking from the living Fountain draughts of living- waters deep. 80 SY2fNS OX HEAVEN. Time with all its alternations enters not those hosts among ; Glorious, wakeful, blest, no shade of chance or change o'er them is flung ; Sickness cannot touch the deathless, nor old age the ever young. There their being is eternal ; things that cease have ceased to be ; All corruption there has perished, there they flourish strong and free ; Thus mortality is swallowed up of life eternally. Nought from them is hidden, knowing Him to whom all things are known. All the spirit's deep recesses, sinless, to each other shown, — Unity of will and purpose, heart and mind forever one. Diverse as their varied labors the rewards to each that fall. But Love what she loves in others evermore her own doth call ; Thus the several joy of each becomes the common joy of aU. WHAT TS HEAVEN? 81 Blessed who the King of heaven hi Ms beauty thus behold, And beneath his throne rejoicing see the universe un- fold,— Sun, and moon, and stars, and planets, radiant in his light unrolled ! Christ, the Palm of faithful victors ! of that city make me free ; When my warfare shall be ended, to its mansions lead thou me ; Grant me, with its happy inmates, sharer of thy gifts to be! 3:*jo FROM THB FBENCn — "HBUBES CIIRETIENNES DBS EGLISE3 LUTnERIENNES.' 'Tis God's decree that all shall die, — This earth is not my home ; My native land is far on high. Beyond the starry dome. I ne'er can reach the heavenly sphere, To gain the heavenly crown, Until in ^dle corruption here I've laid my body down. 82 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Thou to whom all worlds pertaiii, From earth thou callest me ; And gladly I, through sickness, pain, And death, shall come to thee. My trust and hope, Heavenly Sire, On thee I still repose ; Do thou, through Christ, when I expire, Thy bliss to me disclose. How vast the love of Christ, who came To die for men below, And underwent the cross's shame. That I may 'scape from woe ! His death's to me the source of life, And where he's now on high, Afar from death, and sin, and strife, A home obtam shall I. My heart's already there ; I long To quit my fleshly load. To leave these scenes of grief and wrong. And reach the blessed abode. There pleasure reigns, and jubilee. And mighty choirs proclaim, "Jehovah's holy — holy he, And holy, too, his name." WHAT IS HEAVEN? S3 'Tis there that all the ancient sires, Apostles, saints, and seers, Exult in songs which love inspires. And God in favor hears. There's naught but triumph, naught but song ; With plaudits ring the skies — To Christ, they cry, our joys belong, To Christ our anthems rise. glorious Zion ! thou who far In heaven hast reared thy walls, All bliss is thine ; nor want, nor war. Nor sickness thee befalls ; Thrice happy they who now thy day Of bliss and glory see ! Oh, when shall dawn the blissful ray That lights my feet to thee ? 1 see it come, it now is nigh ; The moment hastes apace When Jesus in the lofty sky Shall give my soul a place. And now shall I the crown obtain Which waits his folk on high ; Receive me, Lord ; now let me reign With thee in th' azure sky. 84 HYMNS ON UEAVEN. Farewell to kin and friends, farewell To all whom here I love ; I now depart, and go to dwell With God and saints above. And now, my kin, my friends, be true To God and duty here, That when to earth ye bid adieu, In heaven ye may appear. o-i^c Beautiful Zion ! city renowned ! Through the universe wide thy praise shall resound When straight from thy God thou dcscendest, the bride, For thy husband in garments of glory arrayed ; Oh glorious thy beauty, by prophets foretold, 'r'hy gates of fair pearls, thy streets of pure gold ! To dwell in the city mine may it be — The beautiful city, Zion the free ! Beautiful Zion ! the hope of thy rest Is a balm for the weary and sorrow-bound breast ; From the bars of affliction, and struggling with sighs, Sweet prayers for thy coming in breathings arise ; WHAT IS HEAVEN? 85 Eternal the joys in thy palaces found ; Forever the song of the saved shall resound ; To dwell in the city mine may it be — The beautiful city, Zion the free. Beautiful Zion ! desire of the earth ! No sorrow nor sighing in thee shall have birth ; Prisoners of hope, here with burdens oppressed, How long they to enter thy portals of rest ! Thy rivers of pleasure eternally roll, Anointing with gladness each blood-ransomed soul : To dwell in the city mine may it be — The beautiful city Zion the free ! in. THE PLi^CB OF REUKIOIT- oJ«.^c lui %cimn. FROM THE GERMAN, BY J. MONTGOMBET. #OYFUL words, — we meet again! Love's own language, comfort darting Through the souls of friends at parting ! Life in death — we meet again ! While we walk this vale of tears, Compassed round with care and sorrow, Gloom to-day and storm to-morrow, " Meet again " our bosom cheers. Far in exile when we roam, O'er our lost endearments weeping, Lonely, silent vigils keeping, " Meet again " transports us home. When this weary world is past, Happy they whose spirits soaring, Yast eternity exploring, " Meet again" in heaven at last. 8G WE AT IS HEAVEN f 87 H. HARBAVOH. Oft weeping memory sits alone Beside some grave at even, And calls upon some spirit flown ; Oh say, shall those on earth our own Be ours again in heaven ? Amid these lone sepulchral shades, Where sleep our dear ones riven, Is not some lingering spirit near To tell if those divided here Unite and know in heaven ? Shall friends who o'er the waste of life By the same storms are driven, — Shall they recount in realms of bliss The fortunes and the tears of this, And love again in heaven ? When hearts which have on earth been one By ruthless death are riven. Why does the one which death has reft Drag off in grief the one that's left, If not to meet in heaven ? 88 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. The warmest love on earth is still Imperfect when 'tis given ; But there's a purer clime above, Where perfect hearts in perfect love Unite, and this is heaven. If love on- earth is but "in part," As light and shade at even, If sin doth plant a thorn between The truest hearts, there is, I ween, A perfect love in heaven. happy world ! glorious place, Where all who are forgiven Shall j&nd their loved and lost below, And hearts, like meeting streams, shall flow, Forever one in heaven ! o>*;o ^ka d IB^ijfiitg. n. B ONAR. 'Tis thus they press the hand and part ; Thus have they bid farewell again ; Yet still they commune, heart with heart, Linked by a never-broken chain ; — WHAT IS HEAVEN? 89 Still one in life and one in death, One in their liope of rest above, One in their joy, their trust, their faith, One in each other's faithful love. Yet must they part, and, parting, weep ; What else has earth for them hi store ? These farewell pangs, how sharp and deep; These farewell words, how sad and sore ! Yet shall they meet again in peace, To sing the song of festal joy, Where none shall bid their gladness cease. And none their fellowship destroy ; Where none shall beckon them away. Nor bid their festival be done ; Their meeting-time the eternal day, Their meeting-place the eternal throne. There, hand in hand, firm linked at last, And heart to heart enfolded all, They'll smile upon the troubled past. And wonder why they wept at alL Then let them press the hand and part, The dearly loved, the fondly loving. Still, still, in spirit iKc S00n toitlj %\tt. FROM THE GERMAN OF J. LASTOB. Our beloved have departed, While we tarry, broken-hearted. In the dreary, empty house ; They have ended life's brief story ; They have reached the home of glory. Over death victorious ! Hush that sobbing ; weep more lightly ; On we travel, daily, nightly, To the rest that they have found ; Are we not upon the river, Sailing fast to meet forever On more holy, happy ground ? Whilst with bitter tears we're mourning. Thought to buried loves returning, Time is hasting us along, Downward to the grave's dark dwelling, Upward to the fountain welling With eternal life and song ! 92 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. See ye not the breezes hieing, Clouds along in hurry flying ? But we haste more swiftly on, Ever changing our position, Ever tossed in strange transition. Here to-day, to-morrow gone. Every hour that passes o'er us Speaks of comfort yet before us. Of our journey's rapid rate ; And, like passing vesper bells, The clock of time its chiming tells At eternity's broad gate. On we haste to home invited. There with friends to be united In a surer bond than here. Meeting soon, and met forever ; Glorious hope ! forsake us never, For thy glimmering light is dear. Ah, the way is shining clearer, As we journey, ever nearer To the everlasting home ; Friends who there await our landing, Comrades round the throne now standintr We salute you, and we come ! C3) WBAT IS HEAVE Nf 93 ^iiitn of Saints. CHAKLBS WESLEY. Come, let us join our friends above That have obtained the prize, And on the eagle wings of love To joys celestial rise ; Let all the saints terrestrial sing With those to glory gone, For all the servants of our King In earth and heaven are one. One family we dwell in him, One church above, beneath. Though now divided by the stream, — The narrow stream of death ; One army of the living God, To his command we bow ; Part of his host have crossed the flood. And part are crossing now. Ten thousand to their endless home This solemn moment fly ; And we are to the margin come, And we expect to die ; His militant, embodied host, With wishful looks we* stand. And long to see that happy coast And reach the heavenly land. 94 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Our old companions in distress We haste again to see, And eager long for our release And full felicity ; Even now by faith we join our hands With those that went before. And greet the blood-besprmkled bands On the eternal shore. Our spirits, too, shall quickly join, Like theirs, with glory crowned, And shout to see our Captain's sign, To hear his trumpet sound ; Oh that we now might grasp our Guide ! Oh that the word were given ! Come, Lord of hosts, the waves divide. And land us all in heaven 1 -oo>®^oo- lalMujal^, TBOM THE GERMAN OF U. A. ZILLG. Meet again ! yes, we shall meet again. Though now we part in pain ; His people all Together Christ shall call — Hallelujah ! WHAT IS HEAVENf 95 Soon the days of absence shall be o'er, And thou shalt weep no more ; Our meeting-day Shall wipe all tears away — Hallelujah ! Now I go with gladness to our home, "With gladness thou shalt come ; There I will wait To meet thee at heaven's gate — Hallelujah ! Dearest, what delight again to share Our sweet communion there — To walk among The holy ransomed throng — Hallelujah ! Here, in many a grief, our hearts were one, But there in joys alone ; Joy fading never, Increasing, deepening ever — Hallelujah ! Not to mortal sight can it be given To know the bliss of heaven ; But thou shalt be Soon there, and sing with me, Hallelujah ! 96 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Meet again ! yes, we shall meet again, Though now we part in pain ; Together all His people Christ shall call :— Hallelujah ! »j«:o CIIRISTIAS EXAMINEE. The earth, all light and loveliness in summer's golden hours, Smiles in her bridal vesture clad, and crowned with festal flowers So radiantly beautiful, so like to heaven above, We scarce can deem more fair that world of perfect bliss and love. Is this a shadow faint and dim of that which is to come ? What shall the unveiled glories be of our celestial home. Where waves the glorious tree of life, where streams of bliss gush free, And all is glowing in the light of immortality I To see again the home of youth, when weary years have passed, Serenely bright as when we turned and looked upon it last. WHAT IS HEAVEN? 97 To hear the voice of love, to meet the rapturous embrace. To gaze through tears of gladness on each dear familiar face, — Oh 1 this indeed is joy, though here we meet again to part ; But what transporting bliss awaits the pure and faithful heart, Where it shall find the loved and lost, those who have gone before, Where every tear is wiped away, where partings are no more ! When, on devotion's seraph wings, the spirit soars above, And feels thy presence, father. Friend, God of eternal love — Joys of the earth, ye fade away before that living ray Which gives to the rapt soul a glimpse of pure and perfect day,— , A gleam of heaven's own light, though now its brightness scarce appears Through the dim shadows which are spread around this vale of tears ; But thine unclouded smile, God, fills all that glorious place, Where we shall know as we are known, and see thee face to face ! 98 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. BISUOP MANT. Shall I e'er again thy features trace, Beloved friend, thy lineaments review ? Yes ; though the sunken eye and livid hue, And lips compressed, have quenched each lively grace, — Death's triumph ; still I recognize the face Which thine for many a year affection knew ; And what forbids that, clothed with life anew, It still on memory's tablet holds its place ? Though then thy cheek with deathless bloom be sheen. And rays of splendor wreathe thy sunlike brow. That change I deem shall sever not between Thee and thy former self, nor disallow That love's tried eyes discern thee through the screen Of glory then, as of corruption now. -ooJOioo- [g gear Contpmoit. C . B K V A N T . How shall I know thee in the sphere which keeps The disembodied spirits of the dead, When all of thee that time could wither sleeps And perishes among the dust we tread ? WHAT IS HEAVEN? 99 For I shall feel the sting of ceaseless pain If there I meet thy gentle presence not, Nor hear the voice I love, nor read again In thy serenest eyes the tender thought. Will not thy own meek heart demand me there. That heart whose fondest throbs to me were given ? My name on earth was ever in thy prayer, Shall it he banished from thy tongue in heaven ? In meadows fanned by heaven's life-breathing wind, In the resplendence of that glorious sphere. And larger movements of the unfettered mind. Wilt thou forget the love that joined us here ? The love that lived tlirough all the stormy past, And meekly with my harsher nature bore, And deeper grew, and tenderer to the last. Shall it expire with life and be no more ? A happier lot than mine, and larger light, Awaits thee there ; for thou hast bowed thy will In cheerful homage to the rule of right, And lovest all, and renderest good for ill. For me, the sordid cares in which I dwell Shrink and consume the heart, as heat the scroll ; And wrath has left its scar, — that fire of hell, — Has left its frightful scar upon my soul. 100 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Yet, though thou wear'st the glory of the sky, Wilt thou not keep the same beloved name, The same fair, thoughtful brow, and gentle eye, Lovelier in heaven's sweet climate, yet the same ? Shalt thou not teach me, in that calmer home. The wisdom that I learned so ill in this, — The wisdom which is love, — till I become Thy fit companion in that land of bliss ? -aoJOioo- ^roilj^r, foe sljall ||t^d antr %t%i, B. BON AK. Where the faded flower shall freshen, — Freshen never more to fade ; Where the shaded sky shall brighten, — Brighten never more to shade ; Where the sun-blaze never scorches ; Where the star-beams cease to chill ; Where no tempest stirs the echoes Of the wood, or wave, or hill ; Where the morn shall wake in gladness. And the noon the joy prolong. Where the daylight dies in fragrance, Mid the burst of holy song, — Brother, we shall meet and rest. Mid the holy and the blest ! WHAT IS EEAVENf 101 Where no shadow shall bewilder ; Where life's vain parade is o'er ; Where the sleep of sin is broken, And the dreamer dreams no more ; Where the bond is never severed, — Partings, claspings, sob, and moan, Midnight waking, twilight weeping, Heavy noon-tide, — all are done ; Where the child has found its mother, Where the mother finds the child ; Where dear families are gathered. That were scattered on the wild, — Brother, we shall meet and rest, Mid the holy and the blest ! Where the hidden wound is healed ; Where the blighted life re-blooms ; Where the smitten heart the freshness Of its buoyant youth resumes ; Where the love that here we lavish On the withering leaves of time Shall have fadeless flowers to fix on, In an ever spring-bright clime ; Where we find the joy of loving As we never loved before, — Loving on, unchilled, unhindered, Loving once and evermore, — Brother, we shall meet and rest, Mid the holy and the blest ! 102 Bi'MNS ON HEAVEN. Where a blasted world shall brighten Underneath a bluer sphere, And a softer, gentler sunshine Shed its heaUng splendor here ; Where earth's barren vales shall blossom, Putting on her robe of green, And a purer, fairer Eden Be where only wastes have been ; Where a King in kingly glory. Such as earth has never known, Shall assume the righteous sceptre. Claim and wear the holy crown, — Brother, we shall meet and rest, Mid the holy and the blest ! -OO'j^JOO- Sislcr, tobiT Starts iljc C^ar? Sister and friend, why starts the tear That kindred minds, no longer near, Perhaps no more shall mingle here Together ? Ere bowed beneath affliction's rod, The peaceful paths of life we trod, And journeyed to the house of God Together. WHAT IS HEAVEN? 103 No separate wish our thoughts employed, No separate care our bliss alloyed ; Ever we sorrowed or enjoyed Together. What though no more our souls prepare The various ills of life to bear, And every transient joy to share Together ? "We have a fairer home on high, — Dimly its bliss we here descry, — "Where we shall spend eternity Together. And where unbroken friendship reigns. Nor of divided joys complains. Shall rise our sweet angelic strains Together. lY. OUR REST* oje^io FEOM THE OEKMAX, BY MISS WINKWOETH. ES, there remaineth yet a rest ; Arise, sad heart, that darkly pines, By heavy care and pain oppressed, On whom no sun of gladness shines ; Look to the Lamb ! in yon bright fields iThou'lt know the joy his presence yields ; Cast off thy load and thither haste ; Soon shalt thou fight and bleed no more, Soon, soon thy weary course be o'er, And deep the rest thou then shalt taste. The rest appointed thee of God, The rest that nought shall break or move. That ere this earth by man was trod Was set apart for thee by Love, — Our Saviour gave his life to win This rest for thee ; oh, enter in ! 104 WHAT IS HEAVEN? 105 Hear how his voice sounds far and wide ! " Ye weary souls, no more delay ; Loiter not faithless by the way ; Here in my peace and rest abide ! " Ye heavy-laden, come to Him ! Ye who are bent with many a load, Come from your prisons drear and dim ; Toil not thus sadly on your road ! Ye've borne the burden of the day, And hear ye not your Saviour say, " I am your refuge and your rest " ? His children ye, of heavenly birth, Howe'er may rage sin, hell, or earth, Here are ye safe, here calmly blest. Yonder in joy the sheaves we bring. Whose seed was sown on earth in tears There in our Father's house we sing The song too sweet for mortal ears ; Sorrow and sighing all are past, And pain and death are fled at last ; There with the Lamb of God we dwell ; He leads us to the crystal river ; He wipes away all tears forever ; What there is ours no tongue can tell. 106 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Hunger nor thirst can pain us there ; The time of recompense is come ; Nor cold, nor scorching heat we bear, Safe sheltered in our Saviour's home ; The Lamb is in the midst, and those Who followed him through shame and woes Are crowned with honor, joy and peace ; The dry bones gather life again ; One Sabbath over all shall reign, Wherein all toil and labor cease. There is untroubled calm and light ; No gnawing care shall mar our rest ; Ye weary, heed this word aright ; Come, lean upon your Saviour's breast ! Fain would I linger here no more. Fain to yon happier world upsoar. And join that bright expectant band ! Oh raise, my soul, the joyful song That rings through yon triumphant throng ; Thy perfect rest is nigh at hand ! -i>oj*joo- lilt P^ab^jT ^hvit b §l^sf. Not in this weary world of ours Can perfect rest be found ; Thorns mingle with its fairest flowers, Even on cultured ground. WHAT IS IIEAVENl 107 A bro()k to drink of by the way, A rock its shade to cast, May cheer our path from day to day, But such not long can last ; Earth's pilgrim still his loins must gird To seek a lot more blest ; And this must be his onward word, — " In heaven alone is rest." . This cannot be our resting-place, Though now and then a gleam Of lovely nature, heavenly grace. May on thee briefly beam ; Grief's pelting shower, care's darkening shroud, Still falls, or hovers near ; And sin's pollutions often cloud The light of life while here ; Nor till it " shuffle off the coil " In which it lies depressed. Can the pure spirit cease from toil : " III heaven alone is rest ; " — * Rest to the weary, anxious soul, That on life's toilsome road Bears onward to the destined goal Its heavy, galling load ; Rest unto eyes that often weep Beneath the day's broad light, 108 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Or ofteiier painful vigils keep Through the dark hours of night ; But let us bear with pain and care, As ills to be redressed, Relying on the promise fair, — " In heaven there will be rest." -o-oJ«(ioi8>io«- Rest, weary soul ; The penalty is borne, the ransom paid, For all thy sins full satisfaction made ; Strive not thyself to do what Christ has done ; Take the free gift, and make the joys thine own ; No more by pangs of guilt and fear to sin distressed, Rest, sweetly rest. Rest, weary heart, From all thy silent griefs and secret pain, Thy profitless regrets and longings vain ; Wisdom and love have ordered all the past ; All shall be light and blessedness at last ; Cast off the cares that have so long oppressed, — Rest, sweetly rest. Rest, weary head ; Lie down to slumber in the peaceful tomb ; Light from above has broken through its gloom ; 10* 114 IIYMXS OX UK AVE N. Here, in the place where once thy Saviour lay, Where he sliall wake thee on a future clay, — Like a tired child upon its mother's breast. Rest, sweetly rest. Rest, spirit free. In the green pasture of the heavenly shore, Wliore sin and sorrow can approach no more ; With all the flock by the Good Shepherd fed, Beside the streams of life eternal led, Forever with thy God and Saviour blest, Rest, sweetly rest. -o-o;:Q^O<>- ^Ije M^itriJ arc at Jlest. B. n. MILMAN. Brother, thou art gone before us. And thy saintly soul is flown Where tears are wiped from every eye, And sorrow is unknown ; From the burthen of the flesh. And from care and fear released. Where the wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest. WHAT TS HEAVEN? 115 The toilsome way tliou'st travelled o'er, And borne the heavy load ; But Christ hath taught thy languid feet To reach his blest abode. Thou'rt sleeping now, like Lazarus Upon his father's breast. Where the wicked cease from troublmg, And the weary are at rest. Sin can never taint thee now, Nor doubt thy faith assail, Nor thy meek trust in Jesus Christ And the Holy Spirit fail ; And there thou'rt sure to meet the good. Whom on earth thou lovedst best, Where the wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest. " Earth to earth," and " dust to dust," The solemn priest hath said ; So we lay the turf above thee now, And we seal thy narrow bed ; But thy spirit, brother, soars away Among the faithful blest, Wliere the wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest. 116 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Aiid when the Lord shall summon us Whom thou hast left behind, May we, untainted by the world, As sure a welcome find ; May each, like thee, depart in peace, To be a glorious guest Where the wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest. \z m m %umnt li ii mm Djs=:o I* OUR GOD* oJ C^mpU, 17. A. MUnLENBEEO. SmCE o'er thy footstool here below- Such radiant gems are strewn, Oh what magnificence must glow, My God, about thy throne ! So brilliant here those drops of light. Where the full ocean rolls, how bright ! If night's blue curtain of the sky, With thousand stars inwrought, Hung like a royal canopy With glittering diamonds fraught. Be, Lord, thy temple's outer veil, Wliat splendor at the shrine must dwell ! WEO ARE IN HEAVEN? I'll The dazzling sun, at noontide hour, Forth from his flaming vase FHnging o'er earth the golden shower Till vale and mountain blaze. But shows, Lord, one beam of thine ; What, then, the day where thou dost shine ! Ah, how shall these dim eyes endure That noon of living rays ; Or how my spirit, so impure, Upon thy glory gaze ? Anoint, Lord, anoint my sight, ' And robe me for that world of light. -ooJ®:JOO- xs tb Starrir Mall. ^ Jo>^ FROM THE LATIX» BY WILLIAMS Open is the starry hall ; Hear ye ? 'tis the Bridegroom's call ! Holy virgins, one and all, Ready stand. For the heavenly festival Is at hand ! 128 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Come at last the nuptial day, Tears forever passed away ; Fled the prison-house, the clay, And the thrall ; God forever your sure stay. And your all ! In his presence is the store, Purest joys for evermore, And the fountain flowing o'er ; No more night, Safe upon the happy shore Of the light ! What was royalty's short flower. Or the triumph of an hour ? Wliat fleet pleasure's fading bower And control ? God's own presence is the dower Of the soul ! Wondrous, glorious mystery, • When the soul from flesh is free ! Bond of sweetness wliich shall be When the heart Joined is to Deity, Never to part ! n* OUR SAYIOUR* FROM THE SPANISH, BY BJIYANT. EGION of life and light, Laud of the good whose earthly toils are o'er, Nor frost iior heat may blight Thy vernal beauty, fertile shore, Yielding thy blessed fruits for ever- more ! There, without crook or sling, Walks the Good Shepherd ; blossoms white and red Round his meek temples cling ; And to sweet pastures led, His own loved flock beneath his eye is fed. He guides, and near him they Follow dcliglited ; for he makes them go Where dwells eternal May, And heavenly roses blow. Deathless, and gathered but again to grow. 129 180 nrMxs ox heaven. He leads them to the height Named of the infinite and long-sought Good, And fountains of dcliglit ; And where his feet liave stood Springs up along the way their tender food. And when, in the mid skies, The climbing sun has reached his highest bound. Reposing as he lies, With all his flock around, He witches the still air with numerous sound. From his sweet lute flow forth Immortal harmonies, of power to still All passions born of earth, And draw the ardent will Its destiny of goodness to fulfil. Might but a little part, A wandering breath, of that high melody Descend into my heart And change it, till it be Transformed and swallowed up, Love, in thee ! Ah ! then my soul should know. Beloved, where thou liest at noon of day, And, from this place of woe Released, should take its way To mingle with thy flock, and never stray. WnO ARE IX HEAVEN* 131 #itr Sbp^crb. TROH THB SPANISH OF LUIS DB L B O IT , BT aEO. TICXNOB. And dost thou, holy Shepherd, leave Thme unprotected flock alone Here, in this darksome vale, to grieve, While thou ascend' st thy glorious throne ? Oh where can they their hopes now turn Who never lived but on thy love ? Where rest the hearts that for thee burn When thou art lost in light above ? How shall those eyes now find repose That turn in vain thy smile to see ? What can they hear save mortal woes Who lose thy voice's melody ? And who shall lay his tranquil hand Upon the troubled ocean's might ? Who hush the winds by his command ? Who guide us through this starless night ? For Thou art gone ! that cloud so bright, That bears thee from our love away, Springs upward through the dazzling light, And leaves us here to weep and pray ! 132 HYMNS ON ME AVE N. WM. !I. BATHCKST. Why search ye in the narrow tomb For him who lives on high ? Heaven spreads her gates to make him room ; His glory fills the sky. Lift up your hearts and stretch your eyes ; The Saviour is not here ; Behold the Conqueror arise, To grace a brighter sphere. Angels, with loud, exulting songs, Welcome their Lord again ; To us the victory belongs ; For us the Lamb was slain. And shall we. Lord, ascend with thee, And see thee as thou art, From death's terrific power made free, And saved from Satan's dart ? Saviour, since thou art gone before, Oh grant that we may go Where sin's dark empire is no more. And death a vanquished foe ! WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 12,1 FROM THE LATIN OF BEDE. A HYMN of gloiy let us sing ! New hymns throughout the world shall ring ; Christ, by a way none ever trod, Ascendeth to the throne of God. The angels say to the eleven, " Why stand ye gazing into heaven ? " This is the Saviour — this is He ! Jesus hath triumphed gloriously. They said the Lord should come again, As these beheld him rising then, Calm soaring through the radiant sky, Mounting its dazzling summits high. May our affections thither tend, And thither constantly ascend. Where, seated on the Father's throne, Thee, reigning in the heavens, we own ! Be thou our present joy, Lord, Who wilt be ever our reward ; And, as the countless ages flee. May all our glory be in thee ! 12 134 Ei'JINS ox UEAVEN. Soft as falls the heavenly dew, Weary nature to renew, Or the flakes, unearthly pure, Of the snowy coverture ; Thus, too high for mortal sense, Christ his presence doth dispense, Seen in diviner sympathies, In sacred joys that rise And waft the soul to heaven with rapture's sighs. Jesus hath left his flock below, And gone into the mount to pray For his poor wanderers, left to go Without him on the stormy way ; But when the tempest rageth high With dread their fearful hearts to try, Their tearful eyes shall see him nigh, Stilling the tempest into peace. Bidding all dark forebodings cease. Shedding abroad his heavenly love. Inspiring hopes of joys above, Where soon upon the blissful shore They from their Lord shall go on stormy waves no more. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN* 135 €\mi i\t fving of (?IIorg. H ADAX. Hail the day that sees him rise Ravished from our wistful eyes ! Christ, awhile to mortals given, Reascends his native heaven ; There the mighty Conqueror waits ; " Lift your heads, eternal gates ! Wide unfold the radiant scene ! Take the King of Glory in ! " Circled round with angel-powers, Their triumphant Lord and ours, Conqueror o'er death, hell, and sin, — Take the King of Glory in ; Him though kindest heaven receives, Stni he loves the earth he leaves ; Though returned to his throne, StUl he calls mankind his own. See, he lifts his hands above ; See, he shows the prints of love ; Hark ! his gracious lips bestow Blessings on his church below ; Still for us he intercedes ; Prevalent his death he pleads ; Next himself prepares our place, Saviour of the human race. 136 HYMNS ON UEAVEN. " Master," may wc ever say, " Taken from our head to-day, See thy faithful servants, see, Ever gazing up to thee ! Grant, though parted from our sight, High above yon azure height, Grant our hearts may thither rise, Seeking thee beyond the skies ! " Ever upward may we move. Wafted on the wings of love, Looking when our Lord shall come, Longing, gasping after home ! There may we with thee remain. Partners of thine endless reign, There thy face unclouded see, Find our heaven of heavens in thee ! -OOjl^OO- The last sand from Time's hour-glass Shall soon disappear. And like vapor shall vanish This old-rolling sphere. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 137 0£f the floor, like the chaff-strjam In the dark, windy day, From the fan of destruction Shall suns drift away ; And the meteors of glory, Which wilder the wise, Only gleam till we open In true worlds our eyes. But aloft in God's heaven There blazes a Star, And I live whilst I'm watching Its light from afar. From its lustre immortal My soul caught the spark Which shall beam 0:1 undying When the sunshine is dark. So transforming its radiance, Its strength so Ijenign, The dull clay burns a ruby, And man grows divine. To the zenith ascended From Joseph's dark tomb, Star of Jesse ! so rivet My gaze midst the gloom, 12* 138 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. That thy beauty imbibing, My dross may refine, And in splendor reflected I burn and I sliine ! -o-o>«^oo- «ljrbt i\t f i#. There walk the saved ! yea, they who bore, Wliilo traversing life's stormy shore, Through tears and blood the hallowed cross, Who, purged from earth's terrestrial dross, Received the Sa^dou'r's form impressed, Whose signet on eacli hallowed breast Enstamped the mystic name, unknown To all save those around the throne ; Wlio, calm 'mid earth's tumultuous strife, Drew from himself that inward life Wliich spirits breathe, from sense apart, While deep in each devoted heart The formless glory dwelt serene, Of old in cherub splendor seen ; Prelude of l»liss reserved above, In perfect light, for perfect love. WHO ARE IN IIEAYENf 139 Now all in heaven 1 no temple there Unfolds its gates ; no voice of prayer From that bright multitude.ascends, Bnt holy rapture reverent bends Before the mediatorial throne, Before the Lamb, whose beams alone Irradiate that eternal sky, The bursting blaze of Deity ! Soft is the voice of golden lutes ; Sweet bloom heaven's fair, ambrosial fruits ; Bright beams the dazzling lustre, shed From radiant gems in order spread. From golden streets, from emerald floors, From crystal floods, from pearly doors, From rainbow tints, from angel wings^ From all unuttered glorious things. Yet not that city's dazzling glow, Nor limpid water's crystal flow. Nor dulcet harmony that springs From golden lyres ; no angel wings. Though glittering with intensest dyes Reflected from immortal skies. Complete the palmy bliss of those For whom heaven's pearly gates unclose. 140 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. No ; 'tis with iinfilmed eyes to see The once iiicaniate Deity, Who still with lamb-like meekness bears, Imprinted deep, those glorious scars Whence issued wide that crimson flow In which their robes were washed below. Which bought that crown whose splendor bright Now spheres them in that world of light. No, 'tis not all that heaven can show Of great or fair unglimpsed below. Nor converse deep with spirits high, Wlio saw those volleyed lightnings fly Which scathed their bright compeers in bliss, And hurled them down to hell's abyss ; Who marked creation rise sublime. And hymned the early birth of time ; — No, not with minds like these to blend, And feel each angel form a friend. But God, their fount, to know and see, From all-pervading Deity ; To catch the nearer burst of light ; To gain the beatific sight ; Entranced in glory's peerless blaze, Conformed to him, on him to gaze. WHO ARE IN UEAVENf 141 Cljrrsl ^nlljroit-etr. I . ir ATT 9 . Oh the delights, the heavenly joys, The glories of the place, Where Jesus sheds the brightest beams Of his o'erfiowing grace ! Sweet majesty and awful love Sit smiling on his brow, And all the glorious ranks above At humble distance bow. Princes to his imperial name Bend their bright sceptres down ; Dominions, thrones, and powers rejoice To see him wear the crown. Archangels sound his lofty praise Through every heavenly street. And lay their highest honors down Submissive at his feet. Those soft, tliose blessed feet of his. That once rude iron tore, High on a throne of light they stand And all the saints adore. 142 HYMNS OX HEAVEN. His head, the dear, majestic licad, That cruel thorns did wound, Sec what immortal glories shine And circle it around ! This is the man, th' exalted man. Whom we, unseen, adore ; But when our eyes hchold his face, Our hearts shall love him more. Lord, how our souls are all on fire To see thy blest abode ; Our tongues rejoice in tunes of praise To our incarnate God ! And while our faith enjoys this siglit. We long to leave our clay. And with thy fiery chariots. Lord, To fetch our souls away ! -oo^©icK>- FROM T n K LATIN OK 1" It It p E N T IIT S . Ye whoe'er for Christ are seeking, Lift your longing eyes on high ; There behold the glory breaking Of celestial majesty. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 143 Bright the vision there unveiling, With unbounded lustre bright, High, sublime, and never failing, Elder than primeval light. He is King all realms to gather, Kmg whom Israel's tribes obey, Promised to his people's father, Abraham, and his seed for aye. Seers to him high witness breathing, Seal their words with love and fear ; Him th' eternal Sire bequeathing, Bids his own believe and hear. -ooJiScJoo- JOHN BAKEWELL. Hail, thou once despised Jesus 1 Hail, thou Galilean King ! Thou didst suffer to release us, Thou didst free salvation bring ; Hail, thou agonizing Saviour, Bearer of our sin and shame ; By thy merits we find favor ; Life is given through thy name ! 144 UYMNS ON EH AVE N. Paschal Lamb, by God appointed, All our sins on thee were laid ; By almighty love anointed, Thou hast full atonement made ; All thy peo])lc are forgiven. Through the virtue of thy blood ; Opened is the gate of heaven ; Peace is made 'twixt man and Godo Jesus, hail ! enthroned in glory, There forever to abide ; All the heavenly hosts adore thee, Seated at thy Father's side ; There for sinners thou art pleading, There thou dost our place prepare, Ever for us interceding, Till in glory we appear. Worship, honor, power, and blessing. Thou art worthy to receive ; Loudest praises, without ceasing, Meet it is for us to give ; Help, ye bright, angelic spirits ; Bring your sweetest, noblest lays ; Help to sing our Saviour's merits, Help to chant Immanuel's praise. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 145 BBYDGES. Head of the hosts in glory ! We joyfully adore thee, Thy church on earth below, Blendmg with those on high. Where, through the azure sky, Thy saints in ecstasy Forever glow. Then raise the song of gladness, To dissipate our sadness Along this vale of tears ; We wend our weary way Up to the realms of day. And watch, and wait, and pray, Constant in fears. Holy apostles, beaming With radiance brightly streaming From diadems of power. Call on the awful name. That we, through flood and flame, The gospel may proclaim In every hour. 13 146 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Martyrs, whose mystic legions March o'er yon heavenly regions In triumph round and round, Wave, wave your banners, wave I For Christ, our Saviour, clave For death itself a grave, In hell profound. Saints, in fair circles casting Rich trophies everlasting At Jesu's pierced feet, Amidst our rude alarms Stretch forth your conquering arms, That we, too, safe from harms, In heaven may meet. Virgins, in bliss transcendent, Whose coronals resplendent Unwithering bloom. Exalt in ceaseless lays Him whom all anthems praise, And oft our spirits raise With your perfume. Angels, archangels, glorious Guards of the church victorious. Sing to the Lamb ! WHO ARE /A" HEAVEN? 1-47 Crown him with crowns of light, One of the Three by right, Love, Majesty, and Might, The great I AM ! -ooJOjo*- HENKY VAUOHAN. My soul, there is a countrie Afar beyond the stars. Where stands a winged sentrie, All skilful in the wars. There, above noise and danger, Sweet peace sits crowned with smiles, And One born in a manger Commands the beauteous files. He is thy gracious Friend, And (0 my soul, awake I) Did in pure love descend To die here for thy sake. If thou canst get but tliither, There grows the flowre of peace The rose that cannot wither, Thy fortresse and thy ease. 148 Hr^fNS ON HEAVEN. Leave, then, thy foolish ranges, For none can thee secnre But One, who never changes, Thy God, thy Life, thy Cure. -•OjOiOO- FEOU THS OEKMAN, BT E. MILLS. OuE Jesus, now at God's right hand. Is high in glory seated ; He reigns in that dear father-land. From far with transport greeted, Whither our warm affections move, And where celestial spirits love Him, as their Lord, to honor. Above all principality His shining throne he raises ; The angels' highest minstrelsy In vain would reach his praises ; To him the songs of cherubim. Responded by the seraphim, Cry "Holy, holy, holy!" WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 149 All things are subject to his reign, And earth and skies together, "What is, and what has ever been, The upper world and nether ; All power and might of every name Shall own, dear Lord, thy sovereign claim ; Thy rule is universal. Thou must, too, be our great High Priest, Thy blood our souls' oblation ; None else can show our guilt released. Or bless us with salvation ; The grace we need none else can give. For none, like thee, a priest shall live To intercede forever. Bright hopes to us thy love affords ; To faith thou naught deniest ; Thou reignest now the Lord of lords, Above all kmgs the highest ; Thy throne of righteousness secure, Through endless ages will endure. Dispensing grace and judgment. 4 Immanuel, ever at our side Thou'lt be, till time is ended, Through all our pilgrimage to guide, With power and mercy blended ; 13* 150 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. In every strait wilt bring us through, For us contend, and conquer, too. Till Death himself is vanquished ! Thou say'st, " Him that shall overcome None from my joys shall sever ; A child of God I'll bring him home, To share my throne forever. E'en as I, too, have victory won, And sit upon my Father's throne In majesty and glory." -ooj^oo- c S^^i^^J^i^^f^ an!tr |lcbccme!Er. MRS. ANNE STEELE. No sun shall gild the blest abode With his meridian ray, But the more radiant tlu'one of God Diffuse eternal day. Sorrow, and pain, and every care. And discord, there shall cease, And perfect joy, and love smcere, Adorn the realms of peace. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 151 The soul, from sin forever free, Shall mourn its power no more, But, clothed in spotless purity. Redeeming love adore. There, on a throne how dazzling bright, Th' exalted Saviour shines, And beams ineffable delight On all the heavenly minds. There shall the followers of the Lamb Join in immortal songs. And endless honors to his name Employ their tuneful tongues. While sweet reflection calls to mind The scenes of mortal care. When God, their God, forever kind, Was present to their prayer ; How will the wonders of his grace In their full lustre sliuie ! His wisdom, power, and faithfulness, All-glorious, all-divine ! The Saviour, dying, risen, crowned. Shall swell the lofty strains, Seraph and saint his praise resound Through all th' ethereal plains. 152 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. • But oh, their transports ! oh, theu* songs ! What mortal thought can pamt ? Transcendent glory awes our tongues, And all our notes are faint. Lord, tune our hearts to praise and love, Our feeble notes inspire, Till, in thy blissful courts above, We join the heavenly choir. MABIA J. JEWSBUET. A SOUND in yonder glade, But not of fount or breeze, A sound, but not of the whispering made By the palm and the olive trees ; It is not the minstrel's lute. Nor the swell of the night-bird's song, Nor the city's hum, when all else is mute, By echo borne along. 'Tis a voice, — the Saviour's own, — " Woman, why weepest thou ? " She turns, and her grief is forever flown, And the shade that dimmed her brow ; WHO ARE IN HEAVENf 153 He is there, her risen Lord, No more to know decline ; He is there, with peace in his every word, The wept one, still divine. ^' My Father's throne to share, As King, as God, I go ; But a brother's heart will be with me there For my brethren left below." The weeper is laid in dust ; Her Lord is throned on high ; But ours may be still that weeper's trust, And ours that Lord's reply. Mourner, mid nature's bloom, Dimming its light with tears. And captive, to whom the lone, dark room Grows darker yet with fears. And spirit, that, like a bird, Rests not on sea or shore. The voice in the olive-glade once heard, Hear ye, and weep no more. 154 EYMNS OX HEAVEN. #ur if£lIoto-<^uffer«r. JOHN LOO AN. "Where high the heavenly temple stands, The house of God not made with hands, A great High Priest our nature wears. The Guardian of mankind appears. Though now ascended up on high, He bends on earth a brother's eye ; Partaker of the human name, He knows the frailty of our frame. Our Fellow-Sufferer yet retains A fellow-feeling of our pains. And still remembers, m the skies, His tears, his agonies, and cries. In every pang that rends the heart, The Man of sorrows had a part ; He sympathizes with our grief. And to the sufferer sends relief. With boldness, therefore, at the throne Let us make all our sorrows known. And ask the aid of heavenly power To help us in an evil hour. WHO ARE IN HEAVENf 155 ^ts, im ^t, for gU. H. B ON AR. Yes, for me, for me he careth With a brother's tender care ; Yes, with me, with me he shareth Every burden, every fear. Yes, o'er me, o'er me he watcheth, Ceaseless watcheth, night and day ; Yes, even me, even me he snatcheth From the perils of the way. Yes, for me he standeth pleading At the mercy-seat above, Ever for me interceding, Constant in untiring love. Yes, in me abroad he sheddeth Joys unearthly, love and light ; And to cover me he spreadeth His paternal wing of night. Yes, in me, in me he dwelleth, I in him, and he in me ; And my empty soul he fiUeth, Here and through eternity. Thus I wait for his returning. Singing all the way to heaven ; Such the joyful song of morning, Such the tranquil song of even. in. HOLY ^KGBLS. o>iKc FROM THE ITALIAN, BY I. C. WEIGHT. RRj^lYED in semblance of a snow-white rose, That holy army was revealed to sight, 'Which for his spouse in death our Saviour chose. But the winged cherubs that behold and sing His praise, whose chords of love to love invite, And laud the goodness of their heavenly King, — • E'en as a troop of bees now seek the flowers. And now return with their delicious store, To lay it up amid their waxen bowers, — • On the vast flower descended from above, Wlience from its numerous leaves again they soar Back to the realm where ever dwells their Love. The looks of all were bright vsdth living flame, With gold their pinions, and their forms so wliite, 156 WHO ARE IN- HEAVEN? 157 No snow such perfect purity could claim ; Fanning their plumage, as with whig untired From round to round they on the flower alight, They impart the peace and love they have acquired ; Nor by their rapid passage, as they fly Betwixt the Flower and Fountain of their bUss, Was aught of splendor lost unto mine eye ; For through the world the Ray divine is- sent Where'er most worthy of that light it is, Nought having power to cause impediment In this blest realm, where spirits of ancient days And modern meet, in endless bliss to dwell, All to one Point their sight and ardors raise. -ooXHoo- Soitg of i^i €)^txnhxm,* FKOM THE RUSSIAN OF KIIEKUVIMIJ, BT BOWBINO. See the glorious cherubim Thronging round the Eternal's throne ; Hark ! they sing their holy hymn : To the unknown Three in One, All-supporting Deity, Living Spirit, praise to thee ! *'rhe hymn chantctl iii tlie Russiaa churches during the processioa of the cupi 14 158 nYMXS ON HEAVEN. Rest, ye worldly tumults, rest ; Here let all be peace and joy ; Grief no more shall rend our breast, Tears no more shall dew our eye. Heaven-directed spirits, rise To the temple of the skies ! Join the ranks of angels bright, Near th' Eternal's dazzling light. Hallelujah ! -<>ol*Jo<>- %xi%ih aittr i\z (^hxx^tH. H . n . M I L M A N . What means yon blaze on high ? The empyrean sky, Like the rich veil of some proud fane, is rendmg ; I see the star-paved land Where all the angels stand, Even to the highest height in burning rows ascending, Some with their wings disspread. And bowed the stately head. As on some mission of God's love departing, Like flames from midnight conflagration starting ; Behold ! the appointed messengers are they, And nearest earth they wait to waft our souls away. WHO ARE IN HEAVENS 159 Higher and liigher still More lofty statures fill The jasper courts of the everlasting dwelling ; Cherub and seraph pace The illimitable space, While sleep the folded plumes from their white shoul- ders swelling; From all the harping throng Bursts the tumultuous song, Like the unceasing sound of cataracts pouring, Hosanna o'er hosanna louder soaring, That, faintly echoing down to earthly ears. Hath seemed the concert sweet of the harmonious spheres. Still my rapt spirit mounts, And lo ! beside the founts Of flowing light Christ's chosen saints reclining ; Distinct among the blaze Their palm-crowned heads they raise. Their wliite robes e'en through that o'erpoworing lus- tre shining. Each in his place of state, Long the bright twelve have sate, O'er the celestial Zion high uplifted ; AVhile those with deep prophetic raptures gifted. Where life's glad river rolls its tidcless streams, Enjoy the full completion of their heavenly dreams. 160 ITYMXS OX nKAVEN. Again, I see again The great victorious train, The martyr army from their toils reposing. The blood-red robes they wear Empurpling all the air, Even their immortal limbs the signs of wounds dis- closing ; Oh, holy Stephen ! thou Art there, and on thy brow Hast still the placid smile it wore in dying, "When, under the heaped stones in anguish lying, Thy clasping hands were fondly spread to heaven, And thy last accents prayed thy foes might be forgiven. Beyond, ah ! who is there With the white snowy hair ? 'Tis He, 'tis He, the Son of man, appearing At the right hand of One, The darkness of whose throne That sun-eyed host behold with awe and fearing ; O'er him the rainbow springs, And spreads its emerald wings Down to the glassy sea, his loftiest seat o'erarching. Hark ! thunders from his throne, like steel-clad armies marching ; The Christ ! the Christ commands us to his home ! Jesus, Redeemer, Lord, we come, we come, we come ! WnO ARE IN HEAVEN? 161 Ye angels, praise the Lord ; His wondrous works proclaim, At whose creating word You into being came. Endowed witli strength and holiness, In realms of everlasting Ijliss, Where glory makes the day, 'Tis yours a higher bliss to know, Tlie Source from whence your blessings flow, And his coimnands obey. Ye heard the voice that bade Creation spring to light ; Creation rose, displayed In majesty of might. Unnumbered worlds in order stood ; God saw the work, pronounced it good, While all your hosts adored ; Their living harps to praise were strung, The heavens ynih hallelujahs rung To the Creator, Lord. A higher theme of praise, A brighter Sun has beamed ; The subject of your lays — A dying world redeemed ; 14* 162 EY.AfNS ON HEAVEN. " Glory to God ! " was then your song ; Redemption will the strain prolong Through all eternity ; Creation's theme may die away Like stars before the morning ray, But this can never die. Your portion is increase Of love, and bliss, and praise ; The works of God ne'er cease His attributes to raise. Oh height of praise in heaven above, When all the mighty plan of love Accomplished shall appear ; Wlien, crowned by her Messiah's side, The church, his purchased, spotless bride. Shall all your blessmgs share ! -oo^ScJOo- Maitmg upon ^aH* EDMUND SPEjrSER. Angels bright, All glistening glorious in their Maker's light ; — To them the heaven's illimitable hight (Not this round heaven which we from hence behold, Adorned with thousand lamps of burning light, WBO ARE IN HEAVEN? 1G8 And with ten thousand gemmes of shyning gold) He gave as their inheritance to hold, That they might serve him in eternall blis, And be partakers of those ioys of his. There they in their trinall triplicities About him wait, and on his will depend, Either with nimble wings to cut the skies. When he them on his messages doth send, Or on his owne dread presence to attend, Where they behold the glorie of his light. And caroll hymnes of love both day and night. Both day and night is unto them all one ; For he liis beames doth unto them extend. That darknesse there appeareth never none ; Ne hath their day, ne hath their blisse an end, But there their termelesse time in pleasure spend ; Ne ever should their happinesse decay. Had not they dar'd their Lord to disobay. -O-OJ^OO- ^.tenrcj; i\n yamb. BK Y DO B S. Bright cherubim and seraphim, In one mysterious crowd, Expand the everlasting hymn That rolls from cloud to cloud. 164 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Odors, in folds of fragrant fumes, Pervade the ravished skies. Whilst angels form, with arching plumes, A firmament of eyes. They gaze, and as they gaze they shine, And as they shine admire, "With adoration all divine, All love, all life, all fire. No temple there is made with hands, By human priesthood trod ; Alone the once-slain Victim stands, The livuig Lamb of God. -o-oj^oo- PHILIP DODDRIDOK. YE immortal throng Of angels round the throne, Join with our feeble song To make the Saviour known ; On earth ye knew His wondrous grace ; His beauteous face In heaven ye view. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN1 165 Ye saw the heaven-born child In human flesh arrayed, Benevolent and mild, While in the manger laid ; And praise to God, And peace on earth, For such a birth Proclaimed aloud. Te in the wilderness Beheld the tempter spoiled, Well known in every dress, In every combat foiled, And joyed to crown The Victor's head When Satan fled Before his frown. Around the bloody tree Ye pressed with strong desire That wondrous sight to see, The Lord of life expire ; And, could your eyes Have known a tear. Had dropped it there In sad surprise. 106 ' HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Around liis sacred tomb A willing watch ye keep, Till the blest moment come To rouse him from his sleep ; Then rolled the stone, And all adored Your rising Lord With joy unknown. When all arrayed in light The shining Conqueror rode. Ye hailed his rapturous flight Up to the throne of God, And waved around Your golden wmgs, And struck your strings Of sweetest sound. The warbling notes pursue. And louder anthems raise, While mortals sing with you Theu" own Redeemer's praise ; And thou, my heart. With equal flame. And joy the same, Perform thy part. WHO ARE IN HEAVENf lt)7 OREOO. Beyond the glittering starry skies, Far as the eternal hills, Yon heaven of heavens with living light Our great Redeemer fiUs. Legions of angels, strong and fair, In countless armies shine. And swell his praise with golden harps, Attuned to songs divine. " Hail, Prince," they cry, " forever hail. Whose unexampled love Moved thee to quit those glorious realms And royalties above ! " While he did condescend on earth To suffer grief and pain. They cast their honors at his feet, And waited in Ms train. They saw his heart, transfixed with wounds, With love and grief run o'er ; They saw him break the bars of death Which none e'er brake before. 168 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. They brought his chariot from above To bear him to his throne, Clapped their triumphant wings, and cried, " The glorious work is done ! " o>8«tJOO- FROM THK GERMAN OF DACH, BY LONGFELLOW. Oh how blest are ye whose toils are ended, Who through death have unto God ascended I Ye have arisen From the cares which keep us still in prison. We are still as in a dungeon living. Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving ; Our undertakings Are but toils, and troubles, and heart-breakings. Ye meanwhile are in your chambers sleeping, Quiet, and set free from all our weeping ; No cross nor trial Hinders your enjoyments with denial. WHO ARE IN TIEAVEX? 175 Christ lias wiped away your tears forever ; Ye have that for which we still endeavor ; To you are chanted Songs which no mortal ear ever haunted. Ah ! who would not, then, depart with gladness, To inherit heaven for earthly sadness ? Who here would languish Longer in bewailing and in anguish ? Come, Christ, and loose the chains that l)iiid us ; Lead us forth, and cast this world behind us ; With thee, the Anointed, Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed. -0-oj:gt^00- THOMAS B. BEAD. I STOOD by the open casement And looked upon the night, And saw the westward going stars Pass slowly out of sight. Slowly the bright procession Went down the gleaming arch. And my soul discerned the music Of their long, triumphal march ; 17G HYMNS OX HEAVEiV. Till the great celestial army, Stretching far beyond the poles, Became the eternal symbol Of the mighty march of souls. Onward, forever onward, Red Mars led down his clan ; And the moon, like a mailed maiden Was riding in the van. And some were bright in beauty. And some were faint and small ; But these might be in their greatest height The noblest of them all. Downward, forever downward. Behind Earth's dusky shore. They passed into the unknown night, — They passed, and "were no more. No more ? Oh, say not so ! And downward is not just ; For the sight is weak and the sense is dim That looks through heated dust. The stars and the mailed moon. Though they seem to fall and die. Still sweep with their embattled lines An endless reach of sky. WHO ARE IiV HEAVENf 177 And though the hills of death May hide the bright array, The marshalled brotherhood of souls Still keeps its upward way. Upward, forever upward, I see their march sublime. And hear the glorious music Of the conquerors of Time. And long let me remember That the palest, faintest one, May to diviner vision be A bright and blessed sun. -oo^^OO- lalm-S^artrs. J. MOJTTOOMERT. Palms of glory, raiment bright, Crowns that never fade away. Gird and deck the saints in light ; Priests, and kings, and conquerors they. Yet the conquerors bring their palms To the Lamb amidst the throne, And proclaim, in joyful psalms, Victory through His cross alone. 1 7 8 // 1' ^f X S iV // E A VE N. Kings for harps their crowns resign, Crying, as they strike the chords, " Take the kingdom, it is thine. King of kings, and Lord of lords ! " Round the altar priests confess, If tlieir robes are white as snow, 'Twas the Saviour's righteousness. And his blood, that made them so. Who were these ? On eartli they dwelt, Smners once of Adam's race ; Guilt, and fear, and suffering felt, But were saved by sovereign grace. They were mortal, too, like us ; Ah ! when we like them must die, May our souls, translated thus, *■ Triumph, reign, and shine on high ! -o-ojatio*- Mini im Clrasc.? TROM THE GERMAN OF SCHENK, BY MISS WINKVTORTH. Who are those before God's throne. What the crowned host I see ? As the sky, with stars thick-strown, Is their sliining company ; Hallelujahs, hark, they sing ; Solemn praise to God they bring. WJIO ARE IX 1IKAVEN1 179 Who are those that in their hands Bear aloft the conqueror's palm, As one o'er his foeman stands, Fallen beneath his mighty arm ? What the war and what the strife ? Whence came such victorious life ? Who are those arrayed in light, Clothed in righteousness divine, Wearing robes most pure and "wbite. That unstained shall ever shine, That can never more decay ? Whence came all this bright array ? They are those who, strong in faith, Battled for the mighty God ; Conquerors o'er the world and death. Following not sin's crowded road ; Through the Lamb who once was slain, Did they such high victory gain. They are those who much have borne, Trial, sorrow, pain, and care. Who have wrestled night and morn With the mighty God in prayer ; Now their strife hatli found its close ; God hath turned away their woes. 180 HTMNS OX HEAVEN. They are branches of that Stem ^ Who hath our salvation been ; In the blood He shed for them Have they made their raiment clean ; Hence they wear such radiant dress, Clad in spotless holiness. They are those who hourly here Served as priests before their Lord, Offering up, with gladsome cheer, Soul and body at Ms word : Now, within the holy place. They behold him face to face. As the harts at noonday pant For the river fresh and clear. Did their souls oft long and faint For the living Fountain here ; Now their thirst is quenched ; they dwell With the Lord they loved so well. Thitherwards I stretch my hands ; Lord Jesus, day by day. In thy house in these strange lands. Compassed round with foes, I pray, Let me sink not in the war ; Drive for me my foes afar. WnO ARE IN HEAVEN? 181 Cast my lot in earth and heaven With thy samts, made hke to thee ; Let my bonds be also riven ; Make thy child, who loves thee, free ; Near the throne where thou dost shine, May a place at last be mine. Ah ! that bliss can ne'er be told, When, with all that army bright, Thee, my Sun, I shall behold, Shining, star-like, with thy light I Amen ! thanks be brought to thee, Praise through all eternity ! -»oJ*icx>- Ten thousand times ten thousand sung Loud anthems round the throne, When, lo ! one solitary tongue Began a song unknown, — A song unknown to angel ears, A song that told of banished fears, Of pardoned sins and dried-up tears. Not one of all the heavenly host Could these high notes attain; But spirits from a distant coast United in the strain, 16 182 EVMNS ON HEAVEN. Till he who first began the song, To smg alone not suffered long, Was mingled with a countless throng. And still, as hours are fleeting by, The angels ever bear Some newly-ransomed soul on high, To join the chorus there ; And so the song will louder grow, Till all, redeemed by Christ below, To that fair world of rapture go. Oh give me, Lord, my golden harp, And tune my broken voice, That I may sing of troubles sharp Exchanged for endless joys ; The song that ne'er was heard before, A sinner reached the heavenly shore, But now shall sound for evermore. -o-o;:ec;o<>- iiimpmixs flf 6otr. II . H . M I I. M A N . Sing to the Lord ! let harp, and lute, and voice. Up to the expanding gates of heaven rejoice, While the bright martyrs to their rest are borne ; WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 183 Sing to the Lord ! their blood-stamed course is run, And every head its diadem hath won, Rich as the purple of the summer morn ; Sing the triumphant champions of their God, While burn their mounting feet along their skyward road. Sing to the Lord ! for in her beauty's prime Snatched from this wintry earth's ungcnial clime, In the eternal spring of Paradise to bloom ; For her the world displayed its brightest treasure. And the airs panted with the songs of pleasure ; Before earth's throne she chose the lowly tomb, The vale of tears with willing footsteps trod. Bearing her cross with thee, incarnate Son of God ! Sing to the Lord ! it is not shed in vain, — The blood of martyrs ; from its refreshing rain High springs the church, like some fount-shadowing palm ; The nations crowd beneath its branching shade ; Of its green leaves are kingly diadems made. And wrapt within its deep embosoming calm, Earth sinks to slumber like the breezeless deep. And war's tempestuous vultures fold their wings and sleep. Sing to the Lord 1 when time itself shall cease, And final ruin's desolating peace 184 HYMNS ON UEAVEN. Enwrap this wild and restless world of man, When the Judge rides upon the enthroning wind, And o'er all generations of mankind Eternal Justice waves its winnowing fan, To vast infinity's remotest space, While ages run their everlasting race, Shall all the beatific hosts prolong, Wide as the glory of the Lamb, the Lamb's triumphant song ! Y. OUR Si^INTED FRIEITDS. o>8c;c HENRY ALFORD. I NB, and another, pass they and are gone, Our early friends. Like minute-bells of heaven. Across our path in fitful wailings driven, Hear we death's tidings ever and anon. A little longer, and we stand alone ; A few more strokes of the Almighty rod, And the dread presence of the voice of God About our footsteps shall be heard and known. Toil on, toil on, thou weary, weary arm ; Hope ever onward, heavy-laden heart ; Let the false charmer ne'er so wisely charm ; Listen we not, but ply our task apart, Cheering each hour of work with thoughts of rest, And with their love who labored and are blest. 16* 186 186 EYMXS ON HEAVEN. CHARLES WESLEY. Weep not for a brother deceased ; Our loss is his infinite gain ; A soul out of prison released, And freed from its bodily chain ; With songs let us follow Ids flight, And mount with his spirit above, Escaped to the mansions of light, And lodged in the Eden of love. Our brother the haven hath gained. Out-flying the tempest and wind ; His rest he hath sooner obtained. And left his companions behind. Still tossed on a sea of distress. Hard toiling to make the blest shore, Where all is assurance and peace, And sorrow and sin are no more. There all the ship's company meet Who sailed with the Sa\dour beneath With shouting each other they greet, And triumph o'er sorrow and death ; The voyage of life's at an end ; The mortal affliction is past ; The age that in heaven they spend, Forever and ever shall last. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 187 J. MONTOOMERV. The broken ties of happier days, How often do they seem To come before our mental gaze, Like a remembered dream ! Around us each dissevered chain In sparkling ruin lies, And earthly hand can ne'er again Unite those broken ties. The parents of our youthful home. The kindred that we loved, Far from our arms perchance may roam. To desert seas removed ; Or we have watched their parting breath, And closed their weary eyes, And sighed to think how sadly death Can sever human ties. The friends, the loved ones of our youth. They, too, are gone or changed ; Or, worse than all, their love and truth Are darkened or estranged ; They meet us in the glittering throng With cold, averted eyes, And wonder that we weep then* vrrong, And mourn our broken ties. 188 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Oh who, in such a world as this, Could bear their lot of pain, Did not one radiant hope of bliss Unclouded yet remain ? That hope the sovereign Lord has given Who reigns above the skies, Hope that unites our souls to heaven By faith's enduring ties. Each care, each ill of mortal birth, Is sent in pitying love, To lift the lingering heart from earth, And speed its flight above ; And every pang that wrings the breast, And every joy that dies, Tells us to seek a purer rest, And trust to holier ties. ANDREWS NORTON. He has gone to his God, he has gone to his home, No more amid peril and error to roam ; His eyes are no longer dim ; His feet will no more falter ; No grief can follow him ; No pang liis cheek can alter. WHO ARE IN HEAVENf 189 There are paleness, and weeping, and sighs below, For our faith is faint, and our tears will flow ; But the liarps of heaven are ringing, Glad angels come to greet him, And hymns of joy are singing, "While old friends press to meet him. honored, beloved, to earth unconfined. Thou hast soared on high, thou hast left us behind ; But our parting is not forever ; We will follow thee by heaven's light. Where the grave cannot dissever The souls whom God will unite. -!X3j#<00- tour Jfruntr g^jokmcj;. DR. II U I E . Oh think that, while you're weeping here, His hand a golden harp is stringing ; And, with a voice serene and clear. His ransomed soul, without a tear, His Saviour's praise is singing ! And think that all his pains are fled, His toils and sorrows closed forever. While He, whose blood for man was shed, Has placed upon his servant's head A crown that fadeth never. 190 EYJfXS ox HE A VEX. Ajid think that, in that awful day, When darkness sun and moon is shading, The form that midst its kindred clay Your trembling hands prepare to lay. Shall rise to life unfading ! Then weep no more for him who's gone Where sin and suffering ne'er shall enter; But on that great High Priest alone, Wlio can for guilt like ours atone. Your own affections centre. For thus, while round your lowly bier Surviving friends are sadly bending. Your souls, like his, to Jesus dear. Shall wing their fliglit to yonder sphere, Faith lightest pinions lending. And thus, when to the silent tomb Your lifeless dust like his is given. Like faith shall whisper, midst the gloom, That yet again, in youthful bloom. That dust shall smile in heaven. WnO ARE IN HEAVEN? 191 MISS C. E. KOBERTS. " Is this her home ? " I ask, in earnest tone. All that make home are here, — Husband, and children dear, And kindred hearts, which ever seem to be Full of kind love and gentle sympathy ; But desolate they stand, That little household band ; Most mournful is the crying I hear, in sad replying Unto my earnest tone, " Is this her home ? " " Is this her home ? " I ask, in earnest tone. The new-laid turf is green, And the sweet flowers, I ween, Will love to come and deck the lowly bed, Where in calm slumbers rests that youthful head. The wild bird's song is here. The sunshine bright and clear ; peace ! she's sweetly sleeping, While we the watch are keeping ; Why answer still with weeping Unto my earnest tone, " Is this her home ? " 192 HYJfiVS ON HEAVEN. " Is this her home ? " I ask, in solemn tone. Behold, the Lord is here ; The Lamb of God is near, To lead her into pastures ever fair, And point her to the living waters there ; See ! robed in light she stands Amid the angel bands ; Her hand a harp is stringing ; Its notes through heaven are ringing ; Oh, list ! the song she's singing, Most joyful is the tone, " Heaven is my home." -ooJ*JOo- ]^txt xs miT Jfrimb? MRS. ANNA L. BARBACLD. PuEE spirit ! Oh where art thou now ? Oh whisper to my soul ! Oh let some soothing thought of thee . This bitter grief control ! 'Tis not for thee the tears I shed ; Thy sufferings now are o'er ; The sea is calm, the tempest past, On that eternal shore. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 193 No more the storms that wreck thy peace Shall tear that gentle breast, Nor summer's rage, nor winter's cold, Thy poor, poor frame molest. Thy peace is sealed, thy rest is sure ; My sorrows are to come ; Awhile I weep and linger here, Then follow to the tomb. And is the awful veil withdrawn That shrouds from mortal eyes, In deep, impenetrable gloom. The secrets of the skies ? Oh, in some dream of visioned bliss, Some trance of rapture, show Where, on the bosom of thy God, Thou rest'st from human woe ! Thence may thy pure devotion's flame On me, on me descend ; To me thy strong, aspiring hopes. Thy faith, thy fervors, lend. Let these my lonely path illume. And teach my wakened mind To welcome all that's left of good, To all that's lost resigned. 17 194 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Farewell ! with honor, peace, and love, Be thy dear memory blest ! Thou hast no tears for me to shed, When I, too, am at rest. -00>»^0«- Ijo §^Ihij£tr uxia y0to. JOHN MILTOW. When Faith and Love, which parted from thee never. Had ripened thy just soul to dwell with God, Meekly thou didst resign this earthly load Of death, called life, which us from life doth sever. Thy works, and alms, and all thy good endeavor, Staid not behind, nor m the grave were trod ; But, as Faith pointed with her golden rod, Followed thee up to joy and bliss forever. Love led them on, and Faith, who knew them best. Thy handmaids, clad them o'er with purple beams And azure wings, that up they flew so drest. And spake the truth of thee on glorious themes Before the Judge, who henceforth bade thee rest, And drink thy fill of pure immortal streams. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 195 CHARLOTTE ELLIOTT. She is in heaven ! That thought alone Should chase the grief which clouds thy hrow ; *Twas said, from her Redeemer's throne, " Into my joy now enter thou ! " She is in heaven. How sweet the phrase ! Yet its high import who can tell ? Here like a glimmering beam it plays, Of light, of joy ineffable. She is in heaven, lest earthly love. So sweet, so strong as hers and thine, To both might too attractive prove, Stealing the place of love divine. She is in heaven, to form a link Between thy heart and worlds unseen. That there, where nature's powers must sink, Faith's holier virtue may be seen. She is in heaven, that thou mayst waste No thought, no care, on earthly things. But travel with an angel's haste, And soar as on an angel's wings. 196 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. She is in heaven, that thou, like her, Mayst sliine with pure and steadfast liglit ; Attract tlieir eye whose footsteps err, And guide their wandering feet aright. She is in heaven, but still, unseen. With hers thy notes of praise may blend ; On the same Rock thy soul may lean, To the same centre hourly tend. She is in heaven, that thou mayst prove How blest the Christian's darkest lot ; Earth's joys may fail, earth's props remove, But God, thy portion, changes not. She is in heaven. "When thou art faint. And wouldst thy weary race were run, Think that the voice of that loved saint Whispers, " The prize will soon be won ! " She is in heaven, — has crossed ere noon The stream which bounds th' eternal land, ■ And wilt thou not rejoin her soon ? Yes, though till eve thou waiting stand. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN* 197 Sat, how can I with hghtsome feet Life's rugged pathway tread, Since he who once did cheer me on Lies silent now and dead. No more witli soothing words to cheer, And soon disperse my rising fear ? How can I to the festive board A willing guest repair. Since he who was my earthly all Will not conduct me there ? 'Tis vain for me to spread the feast, Since he I love is not a guest. And when around the quiet hearth My children fondly meet, Wliat anguish fills my inmost soul To see that vacant seat. Where the loved father used to smile, And our obtruding cares beguile. But why indulge these notes of grief ? Why should I thus complain ? What now to me is loss severe Is his eternal gain. I bow submissive to the rod ; It raised a sahit to dwell with God. 17* 198 HY3INS ON HEAVEN. A few more suns may run their course^ While I in sadness weep, Then by his side in sweet repose I shall securely sleep ; Then shall my soul with rapture soar Where saints shall meet to part no more ! -oo'^^^o<^- " The loved and lost ! " why do we call them lost Because we miss them from our onward road ? God's unseen angel o'er our pathway crossed, Looked on us all, and loving them the most, Straightway relieved them from life's weary load. They are not lost ; they are within the door That shuts out loss, and every hurtful tiling. With angels bright, and loved ones gone before. In their Redeemer's presence evermore. And God himself their Lord, and Judge, and King. And this we call a loss ; selfish sorrow Of selfish hearts ! we of httle faith ! Let us look round, some argument to borrow, Why we in patience should await the morrow That surely must succeed this night of death. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 199 Ay, look upon this dreary desert path, The thorns and thistles wheresoe'er we turn ; What trials and what tears, what wrongs and wrath, What struggles and what strife, the journey hath ! They have escaped from these, and, lo ! we mourn. Ask the poor sailor, when the wreck is done, Who with his treasures strove the shore to reach, While with the raging waves he battled on, Was it not joy, where every joy seemed gone, To see liis loved ones landed on the beach ? A poor wayfarer, leading by the hand A little child, hath halted by the well To wash from oflf her feet the clinging sand, Aud tell the tired boy of that bright land Where, this long journey past, they longed to dwell ; When, lo ! the Lord, who many mansions had, Drew near and looked upon the suffering twain, Then, pitpng, spake, " Give me the little lad ; " In strength renewed, and glorious beauty clad, I'll bring him with me when I come again." Did she make answer selfishly and wrong, — " Nay, but the woes I feel he too must share ! " Oh, rather, bursting into grateful song. She went her way rejoicing, and made strong To struggle on, shice he was freed from care. '200 HYM^S ON EEAVEN. We will do likewise ; death hath made no breach In love and sympathy, in hope and trust ; No outward sign or sound our ears can reach, But there's an inward, spiritual speech, That greets us still, though mortal tongues be dust. It bids us do the work that they laid down, Take up the song where they broke off the stram. So journeying till we reach the heavenly town Where are laid up our treasures and our crown. And our lost loved ones will be found ao-ain. YI* RSDSSMBD CHILDHBK* Clje #iu WlunitH. OD looked among liis cherub band, And one was wanting there ,To swell along the holy land The hymns of praise and prayer. One little soul which long had l)eeu Half way 'tween earth and sky, Untempted in a world of tui, He watched with loving eye. It was too promising a flower To bloom upon this earth, And God did give it angel power, And brio-ht celestial birth. The world was all too bleak and cold To yield it quiet rest ; God brought it to liis shepherd-fuld, And laid it on his breast. 201 202 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. There, mother, in thy Saviour's arms, Forever undefiled. Amid the little cherub band, Is thy beloved child. -o-oi*;o<>- CIjx l^ambs of Cljrbt. They were gathered early, earth's young and fair ; Time cannot touch them, nor woe, nor care ; Safe in the harbor of endless rest. The babes are cradled on Jesus' breast. There are eyes of sapphire, and locks of gold. And roseate hues, in that little fold ; Music untaught, like the wild bud's song, In gushes burst from the cherub throng. From silken couches, and beds of down. Through the dusky ways of the crowded town, By hall, and village, and moorland bleak, Have the angels travelled those buds to seek. And some who were born to an earthly crown. When the angels whispered, they laid it down ; 'Twas a weary weight for those tiny heads, So they died uncrowned in their little beds. WnO ARE IN HEAVEN? 203 Thero aro those who were born in grief and shame, ^Vithout mother's love, or a father's name ; O er tlieir lamp of life the chill night-wind swept ; They were laid in the earth unowned, unwept. There are some for whom gray heads toiled and planned, And they hoarded gold, and they purchased land ; The innocent heirs of a sordid care. They were snatched from the teeth of the gilded snare. Tliere are some who were taken, we know not why, By the love that walketh in mystery, The mercy that moves behind sunless clouds ; For earth's saints wept o'er tlieir early shrouds. There are those o'er whom solemn tears were shed By parents who struggled for daily bread. Who mourned o'er the soul they brought to strife ; But the angels gave it the bread of life. They are one in heaven, — the wept and dear, The foundling who perished without a tear. Of lands and titles earth's infant heir. And the blighted offspring of want and care. 204 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. The lambs of Christ ! bj the founts and rills, O'er the heights of the everlasting hills, They follow Avith joy the Bridegroom's train : If ye love, can yo wish them back again ? -oojaa^o"- Whnz Mz iljjjg goto? "Where are they now who used at morn to gambol, Like bounding roebucks, in our sunny path ? Where are they now who shared our evening ramble, And made the green wood vocal with their laugh ? Where are they now, from earth's glad pathway riven ? We trust, in heaven. Wliere are they now ? The early birds are singing Their joyful melodies to earth and air, While all around the song of hope is ringing ; Why come they not with us the scene to share ? No ; higher joys than ours to them are given, We trust, in heaven. Where are they now ? The spring's young charms are breaking, To deck fair nature with their budding bloom ; All things from mnter's cold embrace are wakhig — All save the tenants of the dreary tomb ; Their spring shall dawn, and death's dark bonds be riven, We trust, in heaven. WHO ARE IN EEAVENf 205 CHARLOTTE ELLIOTT. Oh could I pierce that deep abyss Which parts the unseen world from this, I would behold your seats in bliss, Sweet babes ! Would view your souls without a stain, In God's own image bright again. And feel that death for you was gain, Sweet babes ! And I would hear that matchless song Swelled by the bright celestial throng. And catch your notes the choir among. Sweet babes ! Thrice happy travellers ! how soon Your task is o'er, your work is done ; How short a race your prize has won, Sweet babes ! No toil nor care ye need bestow To make the flowers of virtue blow ; Spontaneous in that clime they grow. Sweet babes ! 18 206 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. There, sown in a congenial bed, Each heavenly blossom rears its head, There blooms, and there is perfected. Sweet babes ! And can we mourn that God, in love, Saw fit so early to remove Your spirits to his courts above. Sweet babes ? In this dark world, with dangers fraught. What snares your footsteps might have ca;iglit. What woe and ruin sin have wrought. Sweet babes ! There was a heavenly Eriend who knew What perils would your path bestrew, And in his arms he sheltered you. Sweet babes ! Erom earth's polluted region far, He bade you breathe a purer air ; How pure, when God himself is there. Sweet babes ! Could those who now their couch bedew With bitter tears your glory view, Ne'er would they weep again for you, Sweet babes.I WHO ARE IN HEAVEXf 207 But feel love's earthly tie was riven Only to be forever given A golden link 'twixt earth and heaven, Sweet babes ! -0-0>I»^0«- MRS. C. A. aOUTUET. God took thee in his mercy, A lamb iintasked, untried ; He fought the fight for thee. He won the victory, And thou art sanctified. I look around and see The evil ways of men. And, oh ! beloved child, I'm more than reconciled To thy departure then. The little arms that clasped me, The innocent life that pressed, "Would they have been as pure Till now as when of yore I lulled thee on my breast ? 208 HYJINS ON HEAVEN. Now like a dew-drop shrined Within a crystal stone, Thou'rt safe in heaven, my dove, Safe with the Source of love. The Everlasting One. And when the hour arrives From flesh that sets me free. Thy spirit may await The first at heaven's gate To meet and welcome me. -0-0^:0400- [n €^itii IPramateb'. THOMAS WARD. Thou bright and starlike spirit. That, in my visions wild, I see 'mid heaven's seraphic host, Oh, canst thou be my child ? My grief is quenched in wonder, And pride arrests my sighs ; A branch from tliis unworthy stock Now blossoms in the skies. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN* 209 Our hopes of thee were lofty ; But have we cause to grieve ? Oh, could our fondest, proudest wish A nobler fate conceive ? — A little weeper tearless, The sinner snatched from sin, The babe to more than manhood grown Ere childhood did begin ? And I, thy earthly teacher, Would blush thy powers to see ; Thou art to me a parent now, And I a child to thee. What bliss is born of sorrow ! 'Tis never sent in vain ; The heavenly Surgeon maims to save ; He gives no useless pain. Our God, to call us homeward, His only Son sent down. And now, still more to tempt our hearts. Has taken up our own. 18* •210 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. FROM THE SYKIAC OF EPHKAEM SYRTJS. Child, by God's sweet mercy given To thy mother and to me, Entering this world of sorrows, By Ms grace, so fair to see, Fair as some sweet flower in summer, Till death's hand on thee was laid, Scorched the beauty from my flower. Made the tender petals fade ; Yet I dare not weep nor murmur. For I know the King of kings Leads thee to his marriage-chamber, To the glorious bridal brings. Nature fain would have me weeping ; Love asserts her mournful right ; But I answer, they have brought thee To the happy world of light ; And I fear that my lamentings. As I speak thy cherished name, Desecrate the royal dwelling ; — Fear to meet deserved blame, If I press, with tears of anguish, Lito the abode of joy ; Therefore will I, meekly bowing, Offer thee to God, my boy. WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 211 Yet thy voice, thy childish singing, Soundeth ever in my ears, And I listen, and remember. Till my eyes will gather tears, Thinking of thy pretty prattlings, And thy childish words of love ; But when I begin to murmur, Then my spirit looks above, Listens to the songs of spirits, Listens, longing, wondering. To the ceaseless glad hosannas Angels at thy bridal sing. -t>o>ae;oo- Ps' ^^^ S^^^ <^^i^' PKOM THE OERMAir OF PAUL OEKHAKD, BY MISS WINKWORTH. Thou 'rt mine, yes, still thou art mine own ; Who tells me thou art lost ? But yet thou art not mine alone ; I own that He who crossed My hopes hath greater right in thee ; Yea, though he ask and take from me Thee, my son, my heart's delight, ^My wish, my thought, by day and night. 212 EYMXS 0^'^ EEAVEN. All, might I wish, ah, might I choose. Then thou, my star, shoulclst live, And gladly for thy sake I'd lose All else that life can give ; Oh fain I'd say. Abide with me, The sunshine of my house to be ; No other joy but this I crave, To love thee, darling, to my grave. Thus saitli my heart, and means it well ; God meaneth better still ; My love is more than words can tell, His love is greater still ; I am a father, he the Head And Crown of fathers, whence is shed The life and love from which have sprung All blessed ties in old and young. I long for thee, my son, my own, And He who once hath given Will have thee now beside his throne. To live with him in heaven. I cry, Alas, my light, my child ! But God hath welcome on him smiled, And said, " My child, I keep thee near, For there is nought but gladness here." WEO ARE IN HEAVEN? 213 Oh blessed word, oh deep decree, More holy than we think ! With God no grief or woe can be ; No bitter cup to drink, No sickening hopes, no want or care, No hurt, can ever reach him there ; Yes, in that Father's sheltered home I know that sorrow cannot come. We pass our nights in wakeful thought For our dear children's sake ; All day our anxious toil hath sought How best for them to make A future safe from care or need ; Yet seldom do our schemes succeed ; How seldom does their future prove What we had planned for those we love. How many a child of promise fair Ere now hath gone astray. By ill example taught to dare Forsake Christ's holy way ; Oh fearful the reward is then. The wrath of God, the scorn of men ! The bitterest tears that e'er are shed Are his who mourns a cliild misled. 214 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. But now I need not fear for thee ; "Where thou art all is well ; For thou thy Father's face dost see, With Jesus thou dost dwell ! Yes, cloudless joys around him shine ; His heart shall never ache like mme ; He sees the radiant armies glow That keep and guide us here below. He hears their singing evermore ; His little voice, too, sings ; He drinks of wisdom's deepest lore ; He" speaks of secret things That we can never see or know, Howe'er we seek or strive, below, While yet amid the mists we stand That veil this dark and tearful land. Oh that I could but watch afar, And hearken but a while To that sweet song that hath no jar. And see his heavenly smile As he doth praise the holy God Who made him pure for that abode ! In tears of joy full well I know This burdened heart would overflow ; ft WHO ARE IN HEAVEN? 215 Aiid I should say, Stay here, my son, My wild laments are o'er ; Oh well for thee that thou hast won ; I call thee back no more ; But come, thou fiery chariot, come, And bear me swiftly to that home Where he with many a loved one dwells, And evermore of gladness tells. Then be it as my Father wills ; I will not weep for thee ; Thou livest ; joy thy spirit fills ; Pure sunshine thou dost see. The sunshine of eternal rest. Abide, my child, where thou art blest ; I with our friends will onward fare, And, when God wills, shall find thee there. -ooj^oo- %nQd €^nxlu. EMILY C. JUDSON. He came, a beauteous vision. Then vanished from my sight. His wing one moment cleaving The blackness of my night ; 216 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. My glad ear caught its rustle, Then, sweepmg by, he stole The dew-drop that his coming Had cherished in my soul. Oh, he had been my solace "When grief my spirit swayed, And on his fragile being Had tender hopes been stayed ; Where thought, where feeling lingered, His form was sure to glide. And in the lone night watches 'Twas ever by my side. He came ; but as the blossom Its petals closes up. And hides them from the tempest Within its shattering cup. So he his spirit gathered Back to his frightened breast. And passed from earth's grim threshold. To be the Saviour's guest. My boy, ah me ! the sweetness, The anguish of that word ! My boy, when in strange night-dreams My slumbering soul is stirred, WHO ARE IN HEAVENf 217 When music floats around me. ^> Wlien soft lips touch my brow, And whisper gentle greetings, Oh, tell me, is it thou ? I know, by one sweet token, My Charlie is not dead ; One golden clue he left me, As on his track he sped : Were he some gem or blossom But fasliioned for to-day, My love would slowly perish With his dissolving clay. Oh, by this deathless yearning, Which is not idly given. By the delicious nearness My spirit feels to heaven. By dreams that throng my night-sleep, By visions of the day. By whispers when I'm erring, By promptings when I pray, — I know this life so cherished. Which sprang beneath my heart. Which formed of my own being So beautiful a part, 19 218 HYMNS ON HEAVEN, This precious, winsome creature, My unfledged, voiceless dove, Lifts now a serapli's pinion, And warbles lays of love. Oh, I would not recall thee, My glorious angel-boy ; Thou needest not my bosom. Rare bird of light and joy ; Here dash I down the tear-drops, Still gathering in my eyes, Blest — oh, how blest ! — in adding A seraph to the skies ! -o-ojjatjoo- J. W. CUNNINGHAM. Sweet babe, she glanced into our world to see A sample of our misery. Then turned away her languid eye To drop a tear or two, and die. Sweet babe, she tasted of life's bitter cup, Refused to drink the potion up ; But turned her little head aside, Disgusted with the taste, and died. WHO ARE IN HEAVENf 219 Sweet babe, she listened for a while to hear Our mortal griefs, then turned her ear To angels' harps and songs, and cried To join their notes celestial, sighed, and died. Sweet babe no more, but seraph now, Before the throne behold her bow ; To heavenly joys her spirit flies, Blest in the triumph of the skies, Adores the grace that brought her there • Without a wish, without a care. That washed her soul in Calvary's stream. That shortened life's distressing dream ; Short pain, short grief, dear babe, was thine. Now joys eternal and divine. Yes, thou art fled, and saints a welcome sing ; Thine infant spirit soars on angel's wing ; Our dark affection should have hoped thy stay ; The voice of God has called his child away. Like Samuel, early in the temple found ; Sweet rose of Sharon, plant of holy ground. Oh, more than Samuel blest, to thee 'tis given The God he served on earth to serve in heaven ! 220 BYMNS ON HEAVEN. FROM THE GERMAN OF W. MEINIIOLD, BY MISS WINK WORTH. Gentle Shepherd, thou hast stilled Now thy little lamb's long weeping ; Ah ! how peaceful, pale, and mild, In its narrow bed 'tis sleeping ; And no sigh of anguish sore Heaves that little bosom more. In this world of care and pain, Lord, thou wouldst no longer leave it ; To the sunny heavenly plain Dost thou now with joy receive it ; Clothed in robes of spotless white, Now it dwells with thee in light. All, Lord Jesus, grant that we Where it lives may soon be living, And the lovely pastures see That its heavenly food are giving ; Then the gain of death we prove, Though thou take what most we love. 9^ Bfei zxt }\q ^mi^ m jKMtim? 9 mm MM f iif iiiii wj ii o-i^c %^oxmQ iln Sabmur, ISAAC WATTS. ESCEND from heaven, immortal Dove, Stoop down and take us on thy wings. And mount and bear us far above The reach of these inferior things ; Beyond, beyond this lower sky. Up where eternal ages roll. Where solid pleasures never die, And fruits immortal feast the soul. Oh for a sight, a pleasing sight. Of our almighty Father's throne ! There sits our Saviour crowned with light, Clothed in a body like our own. Adoring saints around him stand. And thrones and powers before him fall ; The God shines gracious tlirough the man, And sheds sweet glories on them all. 223 224 ETMA'^S ON HEAVEN. Oh what amazing joys they feel, "While to their golden harps they sing, And sit on every heavenly hill, And spread the triumphs of their King ! When shall the day, dear Lord, appear That I shall mount to dwell above, And stand and bow amongst them there. And view thy face, and sing, and love ? -<>oj4>ioo- I S AAC WATT S. Seraphs with elevated strains Circle the throne around. And move and charm the starry plains With an immortal sound. Jesus the Lord their harps employs ; Jesus, my love, they sing ; Jesus, the name of both our joys. Sounds sweet from every string. 226 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Hark, how beyond the narrow bounds Of time and space they run, And speak, in most majestic sounds, The Godhead of the Son ; How on the Father's breast he lay, The darHng of his soul. Infinite years before the day Or heavens began to roll. And now they sink the lofty tones, And gentler notes they play, And bring the eternal Godhead down To dwell in humble clay. Oh sacred beauties of the Man ! The God resides within ; His flesh all pure, without a stain, His soul without a sin. Then how he looked, and how he smiled ; What wondrous things he said ! Sweet cherubs, stay, dwell here a while. And tell what Jesus did. At his command the blind awake. And feel the gladsome rays ; He bids the dumb attempt to speak. They try their tongues in praise. WHAT ARE THEY DOING IN HEAVEN? '2'11 He shed a thousand blessings round Where'er he turned his eye ; He spoke, and at the sovereign sound The hellish legions fly. Thus, while with unambitious strife Th' ethereal minstrels rove Through all the labors of his life And wonders of his love, In the full choir a broken string Groans with a strange surprise ; The rest in silence mourn their King, That bleeds, and loves, and dies. Seraph and saint, with drooping wings, Cease their harmonious breath ; No blooming trees, nor bubbling springs, While Jesus sleeps in death. Then all at once to living strains They summon every chord, Break up the tomb, and burst his chains, And show their rising Lord. Around the flaming army throngs To guard him to the skies, With loud hosannas on their tongues. And triumph in their eyes. 228 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. In awful state the conquering God Ascends his shining tlu-one, Wliile tuneful angels sound abroad The victories he has won. Now let me rise and join their song, And be an angel too ; My heart, my hand, my ear, my tongue, Here's joyful work for you. I would begin the music here, And so my soul should rise ; Oh for some heavenly notes to bear My spirit to the skies ! There ye that love my Saviour sit ; There I would fain have place. Amongst your thrones, or at your feet, So I might see his face. I am confined to earth no more, But mount in haste above. To bless the God that I adore, And sing the Man I love. WHAT ARE THEY DOING IN HEAVEN? 229 ^ftolling l^sws i\t Pmg, THOMAS KELLEY. Hark ! ten thousand harps and voices Sound the notes of praise above ; Jesus reigns, and heaven rejoices ; Jesus reigns, the God of love ; See, he sits on yonder throne ; Jesus rules the world alone. King of glory, reign forever, Thine an everlasting crown ; Nothing from thy love shall sever Those whom thou hast made thine own ; Happy objects of thy grace. Destined to behold thy face. Saviour, hasten thine appearing ; Bring, oh bring the glorious day, When, the awful summons hearing. Heaven and earth sliall pass away ; Then, with golden harps, we'll sing, " Glory, glory to our King ! " 20 230 EYMNS ON HEAVEN. Smgmig ''^0r% llje famb/' J. MONTGOMERY. Sing we the song of those who stand Around the eternal throne, Of every kmdred, clime, and land, A multitude unknown. Life's poor distinctions vanish here ; To-day the young, the old. Our Saviour and his flock, appear One Shepherd and one fold. Toil, trial, suffering, still await On earth the pUgrim throng ; Yet learn we, in our low estate, The church triumphant's song. "Worthy the Lamb for sinners slain," Cry the redeemed above, " Blessing and honor to obtain. And everlasting love." " "Worthy the Lamb," on earth we sing, " Who died our souls to save ; Henceforth, Death, where is thy sting ? Thy victory, Grave ? " WEAT ARE TEEY DOING IN HEAVEN? '231 Then hallelujah ! power and praise To God in Christ be given ; May all who now this anthem raise Renew the stram in heaven ! o>*io FROM THE LATIN. Ajxeluia ! sweetest music, voice of everlasting joy ! Alleluia is the language which the heavenly hosts employ, As they ever sing to God, In that pure and blest abode. Alleluia ! joyful mother, true Jerusalem above ! Alleluia is the music which thy happy children love ; Exiles, tears our songs must steep ; Oft by Babel's streams we weep. Alleluia cannot ever be our joyous psalm below ; Alleluia — sin will cross it often here with tones of woe ; Many a mournful hour we know When our tears for sm must flow. Therefore, 'mid our tears still praising, grant us, blessed Trinity, Tliy true paschal feast hereafter in the heavenly home to see, "Where our song shall ever be, Alleluia unto thee ! 232 HYMNS ON UEAVEN. %m%x\\% SOI0, foln, polg. Lord, thy glory fills the heaven ; Earth is with its fulness stored ; Unto thee be glory given, Holy, holy, holy Lord ! Heaven is still with anthems ringing ; Earth takes up the angels' cry, Holy, holy, holy, singing, Lord of hosts, thou Lord most high ! Ever thus in God's high praises, Brethren, let our tongues unite, Wliile our thoughts his greatness raises, And our love his gifts excite. With his seraph train before him, With his holy church below, Thus unite we to adore him. Bid we thus our anthem flow. Lord, thy glory fills the heaven ; Earth is with its fulness stored ; Unto thee be glory given, Holy, holy, holy Lord. Thus thy glorious name confessing, We adopt the angels' cry. Holy, holy, holy, blessing Thee, the Lord our God most high. WHAT ARE THEY DOING IN HEAVEN? 233 FROM THE LATIJT OF THOMAS A KEMPIS. High tlie angel choirs are raising Heart and voice in harmony, The Creator King still praising, Whom in beauty there they see. Sweetest strains from soft harps stealing, Trumpets notes of triumph pealing, Radiant wings and white stoles gleaming. Up the steps of glory streaming, Where the heavenly bells are ringing, Holy, holy, holy, singing. To the mighty Trinity; Holy, holy, holy, crying, For all earthly care and sighing In that city cease to be. Every voice is there harmonious, Praising God in hymns symphonious ; Love each heart with light enfolding, As they stand in peace beholding There the triune Deity, Whom adore the seraphim, Aye, with love eternal burning, 20* 234 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Venerate the cherubim, To their fount of honor turning, Whilst angelic throngs adoring Gaze upon his majesty. Oh how beautiful that region, And how fair that heavenly legion, Where thus men and angels blend ! Glorious will that city be. Full of deep tranquillity, Light and peace from end to end. All the happy dwellers there Shine in robes of purity, Keep the law of charity, Bound in firmest unity ; Labor finds them not, nor care ; Ignorance can ne'er perplex. Nothing tempt them, nothing vex ; Joy and health their fadeless blessing, Always all good things possessing. J^^d h }\t Mh i^ %tzmnt i(^ o>e^c fXnoixi 2^ i\^t yaittr anb fijje Mag ? FROM THE GERMAN, BY C. T. BROOKS. NOW ye the land ? Oh ! not on earth it lies For which the heart in hours of trouble sighs ; Where flows no tear, no sorrow mars the song, The good are happy, and the weak are strong. Know ye the land ? The goal, the goal, friends, is there ! Press on with heart and soul. Know ye the way, the rough and thorny road ? The wanderer groans beneath his painful load ; He faints — he sinks ; in dust he lifts his eyes ; " How long, Lord ? " the weary pilgrim sighs. Know ye the way ? It tends, it tends To that blest land where every torment ends. 237 nyjixs ox heaven. Know ye the Friend, a man, a child of earth, Yet more, far more than all of human birth ? That rough and thorny road his feet have trod Well can he guide poor pilgrims home to God. Know ye the Friend ? His hand, his hand Conducts us safely to our native land. -ooJjS^oo- foto tun to^ kitoto i\n Wkh? ^o FROM THE GERMAN OF F. SCHILLER. From out this dim and gloomy hollow, Where hang the cold clouds heavily, Could I but gain the clue to follow, How blessed would the journey be ! Aloft I see a fair dominion, Through time and change all vernal still ; But where the power, and what the pinion. To gain the ever-bloommg hill ? Afar I hear the music ringing, The lulling sounds of heaven's repose ; And the light gales are downward brinsino: The sweets of flowers the mountain knows. WHAT IS THE WAT TO HEAVEN? 239 I see the fruits, all golden glowing, Beckon the glossy leaves between ; And o'er the blooms that there are blowing Nor blight nor winter's wrath hath been. To suns that shine forever yonder. O'er fields that fade not, sweet to flee ; The very wmds that there may wander. How healing must their breathing be ! oJ«io«- StmB, Still Wzuii §n, FEOM THE OEBMAN OF COUNT Z I If Z E N D O BT. Jesus, still lead on, Till our rest be won ; And, although the way be cheerless, We will follow, calm and fearless ; Guide us by thy hand To our fatherland. If the way be drear, If the foe be near, Let not faithless fears o'ertake us. Let not faith and hope forsake us ; For through many a foe To our home we go. 244 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. When we seek relief From a long-felt grief, When temptations come alluring, Make us patient and enduring ; Show us that bright shore Where we weep no more. Jesus, still lead on, Till our rest be won ; Heavenly Leader, still direct us, Still support, console, protect us, Till we safely stand In our fatherland. -ooj^oo- FROM THE OEKMAN OF K O S E O A E T E N . Thkough night to light. And though to mortal eyes Creation's face a pall of horror wear. Good cheer, good cheer ! The gloom of midnight flies Then shall a sunrise follow, mild and fau\ Through storm to calm. And though his thunder car The rumbling tempest drive through earth and sky. Good cheer, good cheer ! The elemental war Tells that a blessed liealhig hour is nigh. WHAT IS TII£ WAY TO HEAVEN? 245 Through frost to spring. And though the biting blast Of Eurus stiffen nature's juicy veins, Good cheer, good cheer ! When winter's wrath is past. Soft murmuring spring breathes sweetly o'er the plains. Through strife to peace. And though with bristling front A thousand frightful depths encompass thee. Good cheer, good cheer ! Brave thou the battle's brunt, For the peace march and song of victory. Through sweat to sleep. And though the sultry noon. With heavy, drooping wing, oppress thee now. Good cheer, good cheer ! The cool of evening soon Shall lull to sweet repose thy weary brow. Through cross to crown. And though thy spirit's life Trials untold assail with giant strength, Good cheer, good cheer ! Soon ends the bitter strife. And thou shalt reign in peace with Christ at length. Through woo to joy. And though at morn thou weep. And though the midnight find thee weeping still, Good cheer, good cheer ! The Shepherd loves his sheep ; Resign thee to the watchful Father's will. Through death to life. And through this vale of tears, And through this thistle-field of life, ascend To the great supper in tliat world whose years Of bliss unfading, cloudless, know no end. 21* 246 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Is this the way, my Father ? 'Tis, my child ; Thou must pass through this tangled, dreary wild, If thou wouldst reach the city undefiled, Thy peaceful home above. But enemies are round. Yes, child, I know That where thou least expect'st thou'lt find a foe ; But victor thou shalt prove o'er all below, Only seek strength above. My Father, it is dark ! Child, take my hand, Clmg close to me ; I'll lead thee through the land ; Trust my all-seeing care ; so shalt thou stand 'Midst glory bright above. My footsteps seem to slide ! Child, only raise Thine eye to me ; then iu these slippery ways I will hold up thy goings ; thou shalt praise Me for each step above. Father, I am weary ! Child, lean thy head Upon my breast. It was my love that spread Thy rugged path. Hope on, till I have said, " Rest, rest for aye, above." WHAT IS THE WAY TO HEAVEN? 247 % Ingous Mag* PHILIP nODDBIDOE. Now let our voices join To form one pleasant song ; Ye pilgrims in Jehovah's ways, With music pass along. How straight the path appears ; How open and how fair ! No lurking gins to entrap our feet, No fierce destroyer there. But flowers of Paradise In rich profusion spring ; The sun of glory gilds the path. And dear companions sing. See Salem's golden spires In beauteous prospect rise, And brighter crowns than mortals wear, Which sparkle through the skies. All honor to his name Who drew the shining trace, To Him who leads the wanderers on, And cheers them with his grace. 248 HYMNS ON UEAVEN. Reduce the nations, Lord ; Teach all their kings thy ways, That earth's full choir the notes may swell, And heaven resound the praise. -»oi3*;oo- groppinig goton i\t gito. H. BONAR. Dropping down the troubled river, To the tranquil, tranquil shore, 'Dropping down the misty river, Time's willow-shaded river, To the spring-embosomed shore, Where the sweet light shineth ever. And the sun goes down no more ; wondrous, wondrous shore ! Dropping down the winding river. To the wide and welcome sea ; Dropping down the narrow river, Man's weary, wayward river. To the blue and ample sea, Wliere no tempest wrecketh ever, Where the sky is fair and free ; joyous, joyous sea ! WE AT IS TEE WAT TO EEAVENl 249 Dropping down the noisy river, To our peaceful, peaceful home ; Dropping down the turbid river, Earth's bustling, crowded river, To our gentle, gentle home. Where the rough roar riseth never, And the vexings cannot come ; loved and longed-for home ! Dropping down the eddying river, With a Helmsman true and tried ; Dropping down the perilous river, * Mortality's dark river, With a sure and heavenly Guide, Even Him who, to dehver My soul from death, hath died ; Helmsman true and tried ! Dropping down the rapid river, To the dear and deathless land ; Dropping down the well-known river, Life's swollen and rushing river, To the resurrection-land, Where the living live forever. And the dead have joined the Ijand ; fair and blessed land ! 250 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Father, into thy loving hands My feeble spirit I commit, While wandering in these border lands. Until thy voice shall summon it. Father, I would not dare to choose A longer life, an earlier death ; I know not what my soul might lose By shortened or protracted breath. These border lands are calm and still. And solemn are their silent shades ; And my heart welcomes them, until The light of life's long evening fades. I heard them spoken of with dread. As fearful and unquiet places. Shades where the living and the dead Look sadly in each other's faces. But since thy hand hath led me here. And I have seen the border land. Seen the dark river flowing near. Stood on its brink, as now I stand, WHAT IS TEE WAY TO HEAVEN? 251 Tliere has been nothing to alarm My trembhng soul ; how could I fear While thus encircled with thine arm ? I never felt thee half so near. What should appall me in a place That brings me hourly nearer thee ? When I may almost see thy face, Surely, 'tis here my soul would be. They say the waves are dark and deep, That faith has perished in the river ; They speak of death with fear, and weep ; Shall my soul perish ? never, never ! I know that thou wilt never leave The soul that trembles while it clings To thee ; I know thou wilt achieve Its passage on thine outspread wings. And since I first was brought so near The stream that flows to the Dead Sea, I think that it has grown more clear And shallow than it used to be. I cannot see the golden gate Unfolding yet to welcome me ; I cannot yet anticipate The joy of heaven's jubilee ; 252 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. But I will calmly watch and pray, Until I hear my Saviour's voice, Calling my happy soul away To see his glory and rejoice. □>a»ic ^i b not ggmg* FROM THE FRENCH OF C. MALAN. 0, no, it is not dying To go unto our God, The glowing earth' forsaking. Our journey homeward taking Along the starry road. No, no, it is not dying Heaven's citizen to be, The crown eternal wearing, And rest unbroken sharing, From care and conflict free. No, no, it is not dying To hear the precious word, Keceive a Father's blessing. For evermore possessing The favor of the Lord. 255 256 JIYMNS ON HEAVEN. No, no, it is not dying To wear a lordly cro'wn, Among God's people dwelling, The glorious anthem swelling Of Him whose love we own. Oh, no, this is not dying. Thou Saviour of mankind I Streams there are overflowing Of love, no hindrance knowing ; Dross only here we find. -oo>8- '§^dtKBt from prison, THOMAS PAKNELL. Death's but a path that must be trod. If man would ever pass to God ; A port of calms, a state of ease From the rough rage of swelling seas. As men who long in prison dwell, With lamps that glimmer round the cell. Whene'er their suffering years arc run. Spring forth to meet the glittering sun, 260 HYMXS ox HEAVEN. Such joy, though far transcendmg sense, Have pious souls at partmg hence ; On earth, and in the body placed, A few and evil years they waste ; But, when their chains are cast aside, See the bright scene unfolding wide, Clap the glad wing, and tower away, And mingle with the blaze of day. ooJO^oo B. B. THATCHES. Eaeth is the spirit's rayless cell ; But then, as a bird soars home to the shade Of the beautiful wood where its nest was made. In bonds no more to dwell, — So will its weary wing Be spread for the skies when its toil is done, And its breath flow free, as a bird's in the sun, And the soft, fresh gales of sprmg. Oh, not more sweet the tears Of the dewy eve on the violet shed. Than the dews of age on the hoary head When it enters the eve of yeai-s. WHAT IS IT TO GO TO HEAVEN? 261 Nor dearer, 'mid the foam Of the far-off sea, and its stormy roar, Is a breath of bahii from the unseen shore To him that weeps for home. Wings, like a dove, to fly ! The spirit is faint with its feverish strife ; Oh for its home in the upper life ! When, when will death draw nigh ? -ooJO^Oo- BICHABO C. TRENCH. Our course is onward, onward mto light ; What though the darkness gathereth amain ? Yet to return, or tarry, both are vain. How tarry, when around us thick is night ? Whither return ? What flower yet ever might, In days of gloom, and cold, and stormy rain, Enclose itself in its green bud again. Hiding from wrath of tempest out of sight ? Courage ! we travel tlirough a darksome cave ; But still, as nearer to the light we draw. Fresh gales will meet us from the upper air, And wholesome dews of heaven our foreheads lave. The darkness lighten more, till full of awe We stand in. the open sunshine, unaware. 2G2 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. ADELAIDE A. PROCTOB. Dim shadows gather thickly round, and up the misty stair they climb, The cloudy stair that upward leads to where the closed portals shine, Round which the kneeling spirits wait the openmg of the golden gate. And some with eager longing go, still pressing forward, hand in hand. And. some, with weary step and slow, look back where their beloved stand ; Yet up the misty stair they climb, led onward by the angel Time. As unseen hands roll back the doors, the light that floods the very air Is the dim shadow from within of the great glory hidden there ; And morn and eve, and soon and late, the shadows pass within the gate. As, one by one, they enter in, and the dim portals close once more. The halo seems to linger round those kneehng closest to the door : The joy that lightened from that place shines still upon the watcher's face. WHAT IS IT TO GO TO HEAVEN? 263 The faint, low echo that we hear of far-off music seems to fill The silent air with love and fear, and the world's clamors all grow still. Until the portals close again, and leave us toiling on in pami Complain not that the way is long ; — what road is weary that leads there ? But let the angel take thy hand, and lead thee up the misty stair,/ And then with beating heart await the opening of the golden gate. i>oJ»Joo IPassxit^ % 6 ate* THOMAS M'KELLAR. Theee is a land immortal, The beautiful of lands ; Beside the ancient portal A sentry grimly stands ; He only can undo it,' And open wide the door ; And mortals who pass through it Are mortals never more. 264 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. That glorious land is heaven, And Death the sentry grim ; The Lord, therefore, has given The opening keys to him ; And r^,nsomed sinners, sighing And sorrowful for sin. Do pass the gate in d3dng, And freely enter in. Though dark and drear the passage That leadeth to the gate. Yet grace comes with the message To souls that watch and wait ; And, at the time appointed, A messenger comes down, And leads the Lord's anointed From cross to glory's crown. Their sighs are lost m singuig, They're blessed in their tears ; Their journey homeward winging, They leave to earth their fears ; Death like an angel seemeth ; " We welcome thee," they cry ; Their face with glory beameth ; 'Tis life for them to die. WHAT IS IT TO GO TO HEAVEN? 265 FKOM THE GERMAN. I JOURNEY forth rejoicing From this dark vale of tears, To heavenly joy and freedom, From earthly bonds and fears. Where Christ our Lord shall gather All his redeemed again, His kingdom to inherit ; Good-night till then. Go to thy quiet resting, Poor tenement of clay ; From all thy pain and weakness I gladly haste away ; But still in faith confiding To find thee y^ again. All glorious and immortal ; Good-night till then. Wliy thus so sadly weeping, Beloved ones of my heart ? The Lord is good and gracious, Though now he bids us part. Oft have we met in gladness, And we shall meet again. All sorrow left behind us ; Good-night till then. 266 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. I go to see his gioiy Whom we have loved below ; I go the blessed angels, The holy saints, to know ; Our lovely ones departed I go to find again, And wait for you to join us ; Good-night till then. I hear the Saviour calling ; The joyful hour has come ; The angel guards are ready To guide me to our home, Where Christ our Lord shall gather All his redeemed again, His khigdom to inherit ; Good-niffht till then. -ao'i^oo- J. MONTGOMERY. Let me go, the day is breaking ; Dear companions, let me go ; We have spent a night of waking In the wilderness below ; Upward now I bend my way ; Part we here at break of day. WHAT IS IT TO GO TO HEAVEN? 267 Let me go ; I may not tarry, Wrestling thus with doubts and fears ; Angels wait my soul to carry Where my risen Lord appears ; Friends and kindred, weep not so ; K you love me, let me go. We have travelled long together, Hand in hand and heart m heart. Both through calm and stormy weather. And 'tis hard, 'tis hard to part ; Yet we must ; farewell to you ; Answer, one and all, Adieu. 'Tis not darkness gathering round me Which withdraws me from your sight ; Walls of flesh no more can bound me ; But, translated into light. Like the lark on mounting wing. Though unseen, you hear me sing. Heaven's' broad day hath o'er me broken, Far beyond earth's span of sky ; I am dead ; nay, by this token Know that I have ceased to die. Would you solve the mystery ? Come up hither, — come and see ! 268 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. JOHN AVILSON. A CLOUD lay cradled near the setting sun ; A gleam of crimson tinged its braided snow ; Long had I watched the glory moving on, O'er the still radiance of the lake below ; Tranquil its spirit seemed, and floated slow ; Even in its very motion there was rest ; "While every breath of eve that chanced to blow Wafted the traveller to the beauteous west. Emblem, methought, of the departed soul, To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is given, And by the breath of mercy made to roll Right onward to the golden gates of heaven, Where to the eye of faith it peaceful lies, And tells to man his glorious destmies. ACOnSTUS M. TOrtADT. Deathless principle, arise ! Soar, thou native of the skies ! Pearl of price, by Jesus bought, To his glorious likeness wrought, WE AT IS IT TO GO TO HEAVENf 269 Go to shine before his throne, Deck his mediatorial crown ; Go, his triumphs to adorn ; Born for God, to God return. Lo, he beckons from on high ! Fearless to his presence fly ; Thine the merit of his blood, Thine the righteousness of God ! Angels, joyful to attend, Hovering round thy pillow bend, Wait to catch the signal given, And escort thee quick to heaven. Is thy earthly house distressed, Willing to retain its guest ? 'Tis not thou, but it, must die — Fly, celestial tenant, fly ! Burst thy shackles ! drop thy clay ! Sweetly breathe thyself away ! Singing, to thy crown remove. Swift of wing, and fired with love I Shudder not to pass the stream ; Venture all thy care on Him, — Him, whose dying love and power Stilled its tossing, hushed its roar ; Safe in the expanded wave, Gentle as a summer's eve, 23* 270 HTMXS ON HEAVEN. Not one object of his care Ever suffered shipwreck there. See the haven full in view ; Love divine shall bear thee through ; Trust to that propitious gale, "Weigh thine anchor, spread thy sail ; Saints in glorj, perfect made. Wait thy passage through the shade, Ardent for thy comuig o'er ; See, they throng the blissful shore ! Mount, their transports to improve : Join the longing choir above ; Swiftly to their wish be given ; Khidle higher joy in heaven ; — Such the prospects that arise To the dying Christian's eyes ; Such the glorious vista faith Opens through the shades of death. -- JOANNA BAILLIE. A LONG farewell to sin and sorrow, To beam of day alid evening shade ; High in glory breaks our morrow. With light that cannot fade. WHAT IS IT TO GO TO HEAVEN? 271 While mortal flesh in flame is bleeding, For humble penitence and love, Our Brother and our Lord is pleading At mercy's throne above. We leave the hated and the hating. Existence sad in toil and strife ; The great, the good, the brave are waiting To hail our opening life. Earth's faded sounds our ears forsaking, A moment's silence death shall l)e ; Then, to heaven's jubilee awaking, Faith ends in victory. Shtig toitlj g(e. JAMES BOOO. Sing with me, sing with me. Weeping brethren, sing with me ! For now an open heaven I see, And a crown of glory laid for me. How my soul this earth despises ! How my heart and spirit rises ! Boundhig from the flesh I sever ; World of sin, adieu forever ! 272 EY3fNS ON HEAVEN. Sing with me, sing with me, Friends in Jesus, sing with me ! All my sufferings, all my woe, All my griefs, I here forego. Farewell, terrors, sighing, grieving. Praying, hearing, and believing, Earthly trust and all its wrongings. Earthly love and all its longings. Sing with me, sing with me, Blessed spirits, sing with me ! To the Lamb our songs shall be. Through a glad eternity. Farewell, earthly morn and even. Sun, and moon, and stars of heaven ; Heavenly portals ope before me. Welcome Christ in all his glory ! -»o>©io«- H . H . M I L M A N . Hallelujah ! Lord our God ! Now our earthly path is trod ; Passed are now our cares and fears, And we quit this vale of tears. TTHAT IS IT TO GO TO HEAVEN? 273 Hallelujah ! King of kings ! Now our spirits spread their wings To the mansions of the blest, To thy everlasting rest. Hallelujah ! Lord of lords ! Be our last and dying words, Glory to our God above, To our slaughterers peace and love. — oo^acjoo- % Smirm0 Ifnfatif. CHRISTIAN EXAMINES. 'Tis dying ; life is yielding place To that mysterious charm Which spreads upon the troubled face A fixed, unchanging calm, That deepens as the parting breath Is gently sinking into death. A thoughtful beauty rests the while Upon its snowy brow ; But those pale lips could never smile More radiantly than now ; And sure some heavenly dreams begin To dawn upon the soul within. 274 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Oh that those mildly conscious lips Were parted to reply, To tell how death's severe eclipse Is passing from thine eye ; For living eye can never see The change that death hath wrought in thee. Perhaps thy sight is wandering far Throughout the kindled sky, In tracing every infant star Amid the flames on high, — Souls of the just, whose path is bent Around the glorious firmament. Perhaps tliine eye is gazing down Upon the earth below. Rejoicing to have gained thy crown, And hurried from its woe To dwell beneath the throne of Him Before whose glory heaven is dim. Thy life, how cold it might have been. If days had grown to years ! How dark, how deeply stained with sin. With weariness and tears ! How happy thus to sink to rest, So early numbered with the blest ! WMAT 18 IT TO GO TO HEAVEN? 27o 'Tis well, then, that the smile should lie Upon thy marble cheek ; It tells to our inquiring eye What words could never speak — A revelation sweetly given Of all that man can learn of heaven. -«^c L ASPIRATIONS AFTER HEAYEIT- o>»ic yongm0 for Jmmorfalilg. MKS. ANNE STEELE. AD prisoners in a house of clay, With sins, and griefs, and pains oppressed, We groan the lingering hours away. And wish and long to be released. Nor is it liberty alone Which prompts our restless, ardent sighs ; For immortality we groan, For robes and mansions in the skies. Eternal mansions, bright array ! Oh blest exchange, transporting thought, Free from th' approaches of decay. Or the least shadow of a spot ! There shall mortality no more Its wide-extended empire boast, Forgotten all its dreadful power. In life's unbounded ocean lost. 24* 281 282 ffl'MXS ON HEAVEN. Bright world of bliss, Oh could I see One shilling glimpse, one cheerful ray ! Fair dawn of immortality. Break through these tottering walls of clay ! Jesus, in thy dear name I trust, My light, my life, my Saviour God ! "When this frail house dissolves in dust, Oh raise me to thy bright abode ! o-o^i3f^oo FBOM THE LATIN OF CASIMIRB, BY WATTS. The beauty of my native land Immortal love inspires ; I burn, I burn with strong desires, And sigh, and wait the high command ; There glides the moon her shining way. And shoots my heart through with a silver ray ; Upward my heart aspires : A thousand lamps of golden light. Hung high in vaulted azure, charm my sight, And wink and beckon with their amorous fires. O ye fair glories of my heavenly home, Bright sentinels who guard my Father's court, Where all the happy minds resort, "When will my Father's chariot come ? WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 288 Must ye forever walk the ethereal round, Forever see the mourner lie An exile of the sky, A prisoner of the ground ? Descend, some shining servants from on high, Build me a hasty tomb ; A grassy turf will raise my head. The neighboring lilies dress my bed, And shed a cheap perfume. Here I put off the chains of death My soul too long has worn ; Friends, I forbid one groaning breath, Or tear to wet my urn ; Raphael, behold me all undressed ; Here gently lay this flesh to rest ; Then mount, and lead the path unknown. Swift I pursue thee, flaming guide, on pinions of my own. -»o>»4oo- IT Carru Sen? FROM THB SPANISH OF PONCE DE I/EON, BT J. BOWEINO. When yonder glorious sky. Lighted with million lamps, I contemplate. And turn my dazzled eye To this vain mortal state. All dim and visionary, mean and desolate, — 284 EYiMNS ON HE AVE X. A mingled joy and grief Fills all my soul with dark solicitude ; I find a short relief In tears, whose torrents rude Roll down my cheeks, or thoughts which thus intrude: Thou so sublime abode, Temple of light, and beauty's fairest shrine ! My soul, a spark of God, Aspiring to thy seats divine. Why, why is it condemned in this dull cell to pine ? Why should I ask in vain For truth's pure lamp, and wander here alone, Seeking, through toil and pain, Light from the Eternal One, Following a shadow still that glimmers and is gone ? Dreams and delusions play With man ; he thinks not of his mortal fate ; Death treads his silent way ; The earth turns round ; and then, too late, Man finds no beam is left of all his fancied state. Rise from your sleep, vain men ! Look round, and ask if spirits born of heaven, And bound to heaven again, Were only lent or given To be in this mean round of shades and follies driven. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 285 Turn your unclouded eye Up to yon bright, to yon eternal spheres, And spurn the vanity Of time's delusive years, And all its flattering hopes, and all its frowning fears. What is the ground ye tread, But a mere point, compared with that vast space Around, above you spread, Wliere, in the Almighty's face. The present, future, past, hold an eternal place ? List to the concert pure Of yon harmonious, countless worlds of light ! See, in his orbit sure Each takes his journey bright. Led by an unseen hand through the vast maze of night. But who to these can turn. And weigh them 'gainst a weeping world like this, Nor feel his spirit burn To grasp so sweet a bliss, And mourn that exile hard which here his portion is ? For there, and there alone. Are peace, and joy, and never-dying love, — There, on a splendid throne, 'Midst all those fires above, In glories and delights which never wane nor move. 286 ffY^fXS ON' HEAVEN. Oh wondrous blessedness, Whose shadowy effluence hope o'er time can fling Day that shall never cease, — No night there threatening, No winter there to chill joy's ever-during spring. Ye fields of changeless green, Covered with living streams and fadeless flowers, Thou paradise serene ! Eternal, joyful hours My disembodied soul shall welcome m thy bowers. -o-oj®io<>- Come, Sarrjjtr Snng. Come, sacred song, thy heaven of joy spread o'er me ; Thy golden-pinioned choir bring in thy train ; The keen delights that throng thy path restore me ; I will not fright thee from my side again. Come at the morning hour, when life is gushing Afresh from the great Fount of life above ; Its anthem let me hear, earth's sorrows hushing, Turning my fevered soul to heaven's pure love. Oh come, and breathe but one sweet strain of gladness, To cheer my wearied spirit on its way ; Some wandering air of sel'aph's lyre, where sadness No undertone can muigie with its lay. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 287 Or let me hear that flood of music, pouring, Like the deep voice of thousand oceans' flow. From the great multitude of saints adoring Li heaven's high court, and in the church below. Or let mc hear thee, at the altar kneeling, As when He sung of old that hymn divine, To loving hearts eternal joys revealing, Where mortal forms in robes immortal shine. My spirit lives upon thy heavenly numbers, And I companion of thy way would be, Where thy pure beams illume the infant's slumbers, Or the high places of eternity. Come, sacred song, at the cool hour of evening Thy strains of joy pour on its sacred rest ; Let my repose in life and death, like heaven, All blissful be with anthems of the blest. Come at the silent hour of night, and bear me To your pure world, where discords never come ; Tune my dark soul ; exalt, refine, prepare me To sing with thee in thy celestial home. 288 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. ^ixnjplunir Coirlcmijlttlbn, EDMUND SPENSER. They see siicli admirable things, As carries them into an exstasy, And heare such heavenly notes and carolings Of God's high praise, that fiUes the .brasen sky, And feele such joy and pleasure inwardly, That maketh them all worldly cares forget. And onely think on that before them set. Ne from henceforth doth any fleshly sense. Or idle thought of earthly things, remaine ; But all that earst seemd sweet seemes now offense. And all that pleased earst now seemes to paine ; Their ioy, their comfort, their desire, their gaine. Is fixed all on that which now they see ; All other sights but fayned shadows bee. And that fair lampe which useth to enflame The hearts of men with selfe-consuming fyre, Thenceforth seemes fowle, and full of sinfull blame ; And all that pompe to which proud minds aspyre. By name of honor, and so much desyre, Seemes to them basenesse, and all riches drosse, And all mirth sadnesse, and all lucre losse. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVENf 289 So full their eyes are of that glorious sight, And senses fraught with such satietie, That in nought else on earth they can delight, But in the aspect of that felicitie Which tliey have written in theyr inward ey, On which tliey feed, and in theyr fastened mynd All happie ioy and full contentment fynd. All, then, my hungry soule, which long hast fed On idle fancies of thy foolish thought. And, with false beautie's flattering bait misled, Hast after vaine, deceitfull shadowes sought. Which all are fled, and now have left thee nought But late repentance through thy follies brief; Ah ! cease to gaze on matter of thy grief, And looke at last up to that soveraine Light From whose pure beams all perfect beauty springs, That kindleth love in every godly spright. Even the love of God ; which loathing brings Of this vile world and these gay-sceniing things ; With whose sweet pleasures being so possest. Thy straying thoughts henceforth forever rest. 290 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. TEOM THE LATIX OF ZUINOER, BY MEKEICK, What joy, wliile thus I view the day That warns my thirsting soul away, What transports fill my breast ! For, lo ! my great Redeemer's power Unfolds the everlasting door, And leads me to his rest. The festive morn, my God, is come That calls me to the hallowed dome, Thy presence to adore ; My feet the summons shall attend, With willing steps thy courts ascend, And tread th' ethereal floor. E'en now to my expecting eyes The heaven-built towers of Salem rise ; E'en now, with glad survey, I view her mansions, that contain Th' angelic forms, an awful train. And shine with cloudless day. Hither, from earth's remotest end, Lo ! the redeemed of God ascend, Their triljute hither bring ; Here, crowned with everlasting joy, In hymns of praise their tongues employ, And hail the immortal King ; — WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 291 Great Salem's King, who bids each state On her decrees dependent wait ; In her, ere time begun, High on eternal base upreared, His hands the regal seat prepared For Jesse's favored Son. Mother of cities ! o'er thy head See Peace, with healing wings outspread, Delighted fix her stay ; How blest who calls himself thy friend ; Success his labors shall attend. And safety guard his way. Tliy walls, remote from hostile fear, Nor the loud voice of tumult hear, • Nor war's wild wastes deplore ; There smiling Plenty takes her stand, And in thy courts with lavish hand Has poured forth all her store. Let me, blest seat, my name behold Among thy citizens enrolled, In thee forever dwell ; Let Charity my steps attend. My sole companion and my friend, And Faith and Hope farewell. 292 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. JmtScilcm, i\avi €xiQ Jfarr antr ^r^^. FROM THE GERMAN OF J. M. MEYFART, BY HISS C. WINKWORTH. Jerusalem, thou city fair and high, Would God I were in thee ! My longing heart fain, fain to thee would fly, — It will not stay with me ; Far over vale and mountain, Far over field and plain, It hastes to seek its Fountain, And quit this world of pain. Oh happy day, and yet far happier hour, When wilt thou come at last, When, fearless, to my Father's love and power, Whose promise standeth fast. My soul I gladly render ? For surely will his hand Lead her, with guidance tender, To heaven, her fatherland. A moment's space, and gently, wondrously, Released from earthly ties, The fiery chariot bears her up to thee, Through all these lower skies, To yonder shimng regions. While down to meet her come The blessed angel legions, And bid her welcome home. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVENf 293 Oh hail, thou glorious city ! now unfold The gates of grace to me ! How many a time I longed for thee of old, Ere yet I was set free From yon dark life of sadness, Yon world of shadowy nought. And God had given the gladness, The heritage I sought. Oh what the nation, what the glorious host, Comes sweeping swiftly down ? The chosen ones on earth who wrought the most, The church's brightest crown. Our Lord hath sent to meet me, As in the far-off years Their words oft came to greet me In yonder land of tears. The patriarchs' and prophets' noble train, With all Christ's followers true, "Who bore the cross, and could the worst disdain That tyrants dared to do, I see them shine forever, All-glorious as the sun, 'Mid light that fadeth never. Their perfect freedom won. 25* 294 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. And when within that lovely Paradise At last I safely dwell, From out my blissful soul what songs shall rise, What joy my lips shall tell, While holy saints are singing Hosannas o'er and o'er, Pure hallelujahs ringing Around me evermore. Linumerous choirs before the shining throne Their joyful anthems raise, Till heaven's glad halls are echoing with the tone Of that great hymn of praise, And all its host rejoices. And all its blessed throng Unite their myriad voices In one eternal song. -oo>»;o«- I AM weary of straying ; oh, fain would I rest In the 'far-distant land of the pure and the blest, Wliere sin can no longer her blandishments spread, And fears and temptations forever have fled. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 295 I am weary of hoping, where hope is untrue, As fair, but as fleeting, as morning's bright dew ; I long for that land whose blest promise alone Is changeless and sure as eternity's throne. I am weary of sighing o'er sorrows of earth. O'er joy's glowing visions that fade at their birth, O'er the pangs of the loved, that we cannot assuage, O'er the blightings of youth, and the weakness of age. I am weary of loving what passes away ; The sweetest, the dearest, alas ! may not stay ; I long for that land where these partings are o'er. And death and the tomb can divide hearts no more. I am weary, my Saviour, of grieving tliy love ; Oh, when shall I rest in thy presence above ? I am weary, but, oh ! let me never repine, While thy word, and thy love, and thy promise, are mine. -ao^Q^oo- S tooulb not yiij£ g^lixraw* W . A. MUIILENBEBO. I WOULD not live alway, live alway below ; Oh, no, I'll not linger when bidden to go ; The days of our pilgrimage granted us here Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer. 296 HYJIXS ON HEAVEN. Would I shrink from the path which the propliets of God, Apostles and martyrs, so joyously trod ? While brethren and friends are all hastening home. Like a spirit unblest o'er the earth would I roam ? I would not live alway ; I ask not to stay Where storm after storm rises o'er the dark way ; AVhere, seeking for peace, we but hover around. Like the patriarch's bird, and no resting is found ; Where Hope, when she paints her gay bow in the air. Leaves its brilliance to fade in the night of despair ; And joy's fleeting angel ne'er sheds a glad ray, Save the gleam of the plumage that bears him away. I would not live alway, thus fettered by sin, Temptation without, and corruption within ; In a moment of strength if I sever the chain. Scarce the Adctory's mine ere I'm captive again ; E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears, And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears ; The festival trump calls for jubilant songs. And my spirit her own miserere prolongs. I would not live alway ; no, welcome the tomb ! Immortality's lamp burns there bright 'mid the gloom ; There, too, is the pillow where Christ bowed his head ; Oh, soft are the slumbers of that holy bed ! WHO WOULD NOT GO TO IIEAVEXf 297 And then the ghid dawn soon to follow that night, When the sunrise of glory shall beam on my sight, When the full matin song, as the sleepers arise To shout in the morning, shall peal through the skies. Who, who would live alway, away from his God, Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode, Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, And the noontide of glory eternally reigns ; Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet. Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet ; While the songs of salvation unceasingly roll. And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul ? That heavenly music, what is it I hear ? The notes of the harp ring sweet on the ear ; And see, soft unfolding, those portals of gold ; The King, all arrayed in his beauty, behold. Oh give me, Oh give me the wings of a dove ; Let me hasten my flight to those mansions above ; Ay, 'tis now that my soul on swift pinions would soar, And in ecstasy bid earth adieu evermore ! 298 UYMNS ON HEAVEN. %n Mast^ I0 ht 60m. c? n. BONAK. Beyond the hills where suns go down, And brifjhtly beckon as they go, I see the land of fair renown, The land which I so soon shall know. Above the dissonance of time. And discord of its angry words, I hear the everlasting chime, The music of unjarring chords. I bid it welcome, and my haste To join it cannot brook delay ; Oh song of morning, come at last, And ye who sing it, come away ! Oh song of light, and dawn, and bliss, Sound over earth, and fill these skies ; Nor ever, ever, ever cease Thy soul-entrancing melodies ; — Glad song of this disburdened earth, Which holy voices then shall sing. Praise for creation's second birth. And glory to creation's King. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVENf 299 BAXTER. My soul, go boldly forth, Forsake this sinful earth ; What hath it been to thee But pain and sorrow ? And think' st thou it will he Better to-morrow ? "Why art thou for delay ? Thou cam'st not here to stay ; What tak'st thou for thy part But heavenly pleasure ? Where then should be thy heart But Where's thy treasure ? Thy God, thy Head, 's above ; There is a world of love ; Mansions there purchased are By Christ's own merit ; For there he doth prepare Thee by his Spirit. Lord Jesus, take my spirit ; I trust thy love and merit : Take home thy wandering sheep, For thou has sought it ; My soul in safety keep. For thou hast bought it. 300 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. FROM THE GERMAN OF J. O. ALBINUS, BY H.MILLS. All must die ! there's no redemption ; Flesh ! 'tis all alike but grass ! None that live can plead exemption ; Saints through death to glory pass. This vile body here must perish Ere, immortal, it can cherish Holy joys, the free reward For the ransomed of the Lord. Life on earth can I then covet Longer than my God shall please ? When above he would remove it, I will greet the soul's release. For, through what my Saviour suffered, Freedom from the curse is offered ; He has promised, and to faith Gives the victory over death. Death — for me the Saviour bore it ; Dying, won for me the prize : Life — he will in bliss restore it ; Shall I not then joyful rise From this world of sin and anguisli To that world for which I languisli, There the Three in One to praise, With his saints, through endless days ? WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVENf 301 Happy spirits, ever living, Thousand thousands all as one, Robed in light, their worship giving, There rejoice before the throne. There the seraphim are shining, Evermore in chorus joining — " Holy ! holy ! holy Lord ! Be thy holy name adored ! " Worthies, there, of sacred story, Prophets, patriarchs, are met ; There, apostles, too, in glory Fill their thrones by Jesus set ; All the saints that have ascended, Age on age through time extended, There in blissful concert sing Hallelujahs to their King. Jerusalem, thou fairest ! In thy King how greatly blest ! Praising thou his splendor sharest Through thy streets of holy rest : Joy and peace, in tlicc united. By no fear of change are blighted. Balmy fragrance cheers the day, Which no night shall drive away. 26 302 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Yes, metliinks I now behold it, That fair city of delight ; Now the robe — around me fold it, Robe of dazzling, purest white ; There, a crown of victory wearing, There, before the throne appearing, Mingle with the heirs of bliss, Where hosannas never cease. oj«t:c FROU THE OEKMAN OF J. G. ALBINUS, BY MISS C. WINK WORTH. World, farewell ! of thee I'm tired, Now toward heaven my way I take ; There is peace the long-desired, Lofty calm that nought can break. World, with thee is war and strife, Thou with cheating hopes art rife ; But in heaven is no alloy, Only peace and love and joy. When I reach that home of gladness, I shall feel no more this load, Feel no sickness, want, or sadness, Resting in the arms of God. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 303 Li the world woes follow fast, And a bitter death comes last, But in heaven shall nought destroy Endless peace and love and joy. What are earthly joys ? a weary Chase of mist, or wind-borne foam. On this desert black and dreary Sins and vices have their home ; Thine, world, are war and strife, Mocking pleasures, dying life ; But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace, and love, and joy. Oh, the music and the singing Of the host redeemed by love ! Oh, the hallelujahs ringing Through the halls of light above ! Thine, world, the scornful sneer, Misery thy reward, and fear ; But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace, and love, and joy. Here is nought but care and mourning ; Comes a joy, it will not stay ; Fairly shines the sun at dawning, Night will soon o'ercloud the day : 304 IIYJINS ON HEAVEN. World, with thee we weep and pine ; Gnawing care and grief are thine ; But in heaven is no alloy, Only peace, and love, and joy. Onward, then ; not long I wander, Ere my Saviour comes for me. And with him abiding yonder, All his glory I shall see ; For there's nought but sorrow here, Toil, and pain, and many a fear ; But in heaven is no annoy. Only peace, and love, and joy. Well for him whom death has landed Safely on yon blessed shore. Where, in joyful worship banded. Sing the faithful evermore ; For the world hath strife and war ; All her works and hopes they mar ; But in heaven is no annoy, Only peace, and love, and joy. Time, tliou speedest on but slowly ; Hours, how tardy is your pace, Ere witli Him, the High and Holy, I hold converse, face to face ; WMO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 305 World, with partings thou art rife, Filled with tears, and storms, and strife ; But in heaven can nought destroy Endless peace, and love, and joy. Therefore will I now prepare me, That my work may stand his doom, And, when all is sinking round me, I may hear, not Go, but Come ! World, the voice of grief is here, • Outward seeming, care, and fear ; But in heaven is no alloy. Only peace, and love, and joy. -<>oJ:®<0iKc Cake mc Wi^ ia ^\^n. OEOBOE HERBERT. OME, Lord, my head doth burn, my heart is sick, L Whilst thou dost ever, ever stay ; Thy long deferrings wound me to the quick ; My spirit gaspeth night and day : Oh, show thyself to me, Or take me up to thee ! Yet, if thou stayest still, why must I stay ? My God, what is this world to me. This world of woe ? Hence, all ye clouds, away. Away ; I must get up and see : Oh, show thyself to me, Or take me up to thee ! With one small sigh thou gav'st me th' other day I blasted all the joys about mo ; And, scowling on them, as they pined away, " Now come again," said I, " and flout mo : " Oh, show thyself to me, Or take me up to thee ! 307 JOS IIYJfNS ON HEAVEN. Nothing but drought and dearth, Ijut bush and brake, Which way soe'cr I look, I see ; Some may dream merrily ; but, when they wake, They dress themselves, and come to thee : Oh, show thyself to me, Or take me up to thee ! "We talk of harvests ; there are no such tilings But when we leave our corn and hay ; There is no fruitful year but that which brings The last and loved, though dreadful day : Oh, show thyself to me. Or take me up to thee ! Oh, loose this frame, this knot of man untie, That my free soul may use her wing. Which now is pinioned with mortality, As an entangled, hampered thing ! Oh, show thyself to me. Or take me up to thee ! What have I left, that I should stay and groan ? The most of me to heaven is fled ; My thoughts and joys are all packed up and gone. And for their old acquaintance plead ; Oh, show thyself to me. Or take me up to thee ! WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVENf 309 " Come, dearest Lord, pass not this holy season," My flesh, and bones, and joints do pray ; And e'en my verse, when, by the rhyme and reason, The word is Stay, says ever. Come : Oh, show thyself to me, Or take me up to thee ! -ooj^t^oo- ||(n g^b^^mtr i^ib^s. FBOM THE GBKIIAN OF LOUISA HENRIETTA, WIFE OF FREDERICK WlLHAil, ELECTOK OF BBAjrnENBURG, BV J. S. ROPES. Jesus, who is all my trust, Jesus, my Redeemer, lives ; Though my body sink in dust, This assurance comfort gives : Death's long night I need not fear, When I know that He is near. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives ; I with him shall live on high ; Life to me his promise gives ; Why, then, should I fear to die ? Can my glorious risen Head Leave liis members with the dead ? 310 BTMNS ON HEAVEN. No ; too strong the sacred band That unites my soul to him ; While I clasp his gracious hand, Faith and hope can ne'er grow dim ; Death itself shall never part My Redeemer from my heart. Born of flesh, my mortal frame Must, I know, in dust decay ; But my Lord that dust shall claim, And his voice shall wake the clay ; Then shall I m glory rise To a mansion in the skies. Then, as faith assurance gives, Him, my God, shall I behold, ' Know that my Redeemer lives, And the grave shall lose its hold ; Then my flesh revived shall stand Evermore at Christ's right hand. There these eyes with raptured gaze My Redeemer's form shall know ; 'Mid the bright, unclouded rays Of his love my soul shall glow ; Nought of weakness shall remam. Purged away each earthly stain. WEO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 311 Here I suffer, weep, and groan ; There I shall in glory shine ; Here an earthly body sown. There a heavenly form is mine ; Mortal, in the dust I lie, . Spirit, I ascend on high. Let the thought our spirits cheer, Jesus bears us on our way ; Give no place to grief or fear ; Calm m death, expect the day When the last loud trumpet's sound Calls you from beneath the ground. Smiling greet the darksome tomb ; Look not on the grave with fear ; Christ shall dissipate its gloom ; You shall meet him in the air ; Every foe that once could try Vanquished at your feet shall lie. Seek then now your soul to raise From the earth and things below ; Consecrated to his praise To whose courts you long to go, Thither now your heart impel Where you would forever dwell. ^12 HYMNS OX HEAVEN. €\m%i mir %\\. r n O M THE O E K M A N OF PAUL (1 E K II A E D . Christ, how good and fair Will be my portion where Tliine eyes on me sliall rest, And make me fully blest, When from tliis narrow earth To thee I shall spring forth ! What joy, unmixed and full, Thou Treasure of the soul, Wlien, in that home above, Thy heart speaks out its love To all made one with thee, My brothers, Lord, and me ! What glorious light will shine Forth from thy face divine. Which in that life untold Then first I shall behold ! How will thy goodness free Fill me with ecstasy ! Lips, whence such words have streamed. Eyes, whence such pity beamed. Side, wounded once for me,* All, all I then shall see. With reverent rapture greet Thy pierced hands and feet ! WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 313 All, Jesus, my " good part," How will my mind and heart Yibrate with rapture through, And all my soul grow new, "When thou, with smiles of love, Openest those gates above ! " Come," thou wilt say, "blest child, Taste pleasures undefiled, And see the gifts, how lair, My Father's hands prepare ; Pasture thine heart forever In joy that fadeth never." thou poor, passing earth ! What are thy treasures worth Beside those heavenly crowns, And more than golden thrones. Which Christ hath treasured there For those who please him here ? This is the angels' land, Where all the blessed stand ; Here I hear nought but singing. See all with gladness springing ; Here is no cross, no sorrow. No parting on the morrow. 27 314 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. When shall that joy begm ? When wilt thou call me in ? Thou knowcst ; but my feet Press onward thee to meet, And my heart, day by day, Bears me to thee away. -o-ojoioo- Jongiitg far Jis ^joxa. CHARLOTTE ELLIOTT. There are refreshments sweeter far than sleep, Though its soft power Might gladly close the vigils I now keep From hour to hour, And hush these vain imaginings to rest, Which silence in my heart its dearest guest. Oh, I have heard his voice, his voice of love. In the still night, Sweet as the songs from seraph hearts above, Tranced in delight ! It haunts my memory, lives within my heart. And makes me long, yea, languish to depart. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 315 Those who have heard it once can ne'er forget That voice divine ; With it compared, earth's accents are not sweet. My God, I pine A dweller in those palaces to be, Where I shall hear it through eternity. Then I shall ne'er be harassed by the din Of earthly thought ; All will be holy and serene within ; My spirit, fraught With deepest reverence, with intense desire, Will listen to that voice, and never tire. -oo>8)o- §\ lljat I ^ab- Wm%% lib vt, ^a'at ! My soul, amid this stormy world, Is like some fluttered dove, And fain would be as swift of wing, To flee to Him I love. The cords that bound my heart to earth Ai'C broken by his hand ; Before his cross I found myself, A stranger in the land. 316 HYJINS ON HEAVEN, That visage marred, those sorrows deep, The vinegar and gall, Were Jesus' golden chains of love, His captive to enthrall. My heart is with him on his throne And ill can brook delay, Each moment listening for the voice, " Rise up, and come away." With hope deferred, oft sick and faint, " Why tarries he ? " I cry ; And should my Saviour chide my haste, Sure I could make reply, — May not an exile, Lord, desire His own sweet land to see ? May not a captive seek release, A prisoner to be free ? A child, when far away, may long For home and kindred dear. And she that waits her absent Lord May sigh till he appear. I would, my Lord and Saviour, know That which no measure knows ; Would search the mystery of thy love, The depth of all thy woes. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 317 H iijunt t0 hz ih\zxt. DE FLEURY. Ye angels who stand round the throne, And view my Immanuel's face, In rapturous songs make him known ; Tune, tune your soft harps to liis praise ; He formed you the spirits you are, So happy, so noble, so good ; When others sunk down in despair, Confirmed by his power ye stood. Ye saints, who stand nearer than they. And cast your bright crowns at his feet. His grace and his glory display, And all his rich mercy repeat ; He snatched you from hell and the grave ; He ransomed from death and despair ; For you he was mighty to save. Almighty to bring you safe there. Oh, when will the moment ajjpear When I shall unite in your song? I'm weary of lingering here. And I to your Saviour belong ; I'm fettered and chained up in clay ; I struggle and pant to be free ; I long to be soaring away. My God and my Saviour to see. 27* 318 HYMXS ON HEAVEN. I want to put on my attire, Washed white in the blood of the Lamb I want to be one of your choir, And tune my sweet harp to liis name ; I want, oh, I want to be there, Where sorrow and sin bid adien, Your joy and your friendship to share, To wonder and worship with you ! ->o>*;oo- Away with our sorrow and fear ; We soon shall have entered our home ; The city of saints shall appear, The day of eternity come ; From earth we shall quickly remove, To dwell in a native abode, In mansions of glory above, Prepared of our Father and God. Ah ! who upon earth can conceive The bliss that in heaven they'll share ? And who this dark world would not leave. And cheerfully seek to be there. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 319 Where Christ is the Light and the Sun, And we by reflection shall shine, With him everlastingly one, And bright in effulgence divine ? 'Tis good at thy word to be here ; 'Tis better in thee to be gone. And see thee in glory appear. And rise to a share in thy throne ; All tears will be wiped from our eyes. When thee we behold in the cloud. And echo the joys of the skies. And shout to the trumpet of God. -oo^StJoo- [^tle aw tlje ^zx^t oi ^xk J Stantr. PHILIP DODDEIDOB. While on the verge of life I stand, And view the scenes on either hand. My spirit struggles with its clay. And longs to wing its flight away. Where Jesus dwells my soul would be ; It faints my much-loved Lord to see ; Earth, twine no more about my heart, For 'tis far better to depart. 320 nvjfiYS ON HEAVEN. Como, ye angelic envoys, come, And lead the willing pilgrim home ; Ye know the way to Jesus' throne, Source of my joys and of your own. That blessed interview how sweet, To fall transported at his feet ; Raised in his arms, to view his face, Through the full beamings of his grace ; To see heaven's shining courtiers round, Each with immortal glories crowned, And, while his form in each I trace. Beloved and loving all to embrace ; As with a seraph's voice to sing ; To fly as on a cherub's wing ; Performing, with unwearied hands, A present Saviour's high commands ! Yet, with these prospects full in sight, I'll wait thy signal for my flight ; For, while thy service I pursue, I find my heaven begun below. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 321 I Jonig la §cIjoItr ^im g^rramtr. CHARLES WESLEY. I LONG to behold him arrayed "With glory and light from above, The King in his beauty displayed, His beauty of holiest love ; I languish and sigh to be there, Where Jesus has fixed his abode ; Oh, when shall we meet in the air. And fly to the mountain of God ? With him I on Zion shall stand, For Jesus hath spoken the word, The breadth of Immanuel's land . Survey by the light of my Lord ; But when, on thy bosom reclined, Thy face I am strengthened to see, My fulness of rapture I find, My heaven of heavens, in thee. How happy the people that dwell Secure in the city above ! No pain the inhabitants feel, No sickness 6v sorrow shall prove. Physician of souls, unto me Forgiveness and holiness give ; And then from the body set free, And then to the city receive ! 322 HY^fNS ON HEAVEN. Cl^rbt llje 6Iortr cf Ptate, MRS. ANNE STEELE. Oh for the wings of faith and love, To bear my thonghts and hopes above These little scenes of care ! Above these gloomy mists which rise, And pain my heart, and clond my eyes, To see the dawn of heavenly day, and breathe celestial air. Yet higher wonld I stretch my flight. And reach the sacred courts of light, Where my Redeemer reigns ; Far-beaming from his radiant throne. Immortal splendors, joys unknown. With never-fading lustre, shine o'er all the blissful plains. Ten thousand times ten thousand tongues There join in rapture-breathing songs. And tune the golden lyre To Jesus, their exalted Lord ; Dear name, how loved, and how adored ! His charms awake the heavenly strain, and every note inspire. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN* 323- No short-lived pleasure there beguiles, But perfect bliss forever smiles, With undecliuing ray ; Thither my thoughts would fain ascend, But, ah ! to dust and earth they bend. Fettered with empty vanities, and chained to lifeless clay. Dear Lord, and shall I ever be So far from bliss, so far from thee, An exile from the 'sky ? Oh break these chains, my wishes fire, And upward bid my heart aspire ; Without thy aid I cannot rise ; oh give me wings to fly ! -OOjOJOO- MRS. ANNE STEELE. Should nature's charms, to please the eye. In sweet assemblage join. All nature's charms would droop and die, Jesus, compared with thine. Vain were her fairest beams displayed, And vain her blooming store ; Even brightness languishes to shade, And beauty is no more. 324 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. But ah, how far from mortal sight The Lord of glory dwells ! A veil of interposmg night His radiant face conceals. Oh could my longing spirit rise On strong, immortal wing. And reach thy palace in the skies, My Saviour and my King ! There myriads worship at thy feet, And there — divine employ — The triumphs of thy love repeat. In songs of endless joy. Thy presence beams eternal day O'er all the blissful place ; Who would not drop this load of clay And die to see thy face ? -ooja&ilo-o- C0 Icsws i\t Proton d mg gopt. WM. COWPEK. To Jesus, the crown of my hope. My soul is in haste to be gone ; Oh bear me, ye cherubim, up. And waft me away to his throne I WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 325 My Saviour, whom absent I love, Wliom, not having seen, I adore, Whose name is exalted above All glory, dominion, and power ; Dissolve thou these bonds, that detain My soul from her portion in thee ; Ah, strike off tliis adamant chain, And make me eternally free ! When that happy era begins, When arrayed in thy glories I shine, Nor grieve any more by my sins The bosom on which I recline, — Oh then shall the veil be removed. And round me thy brightness be poured ; I shall meet him whom absent I loved, I shall see whom unseen I adored. And then never more shall the fears, The trials, temptations, and woes, Which darken this valley of tears, Intrude on my blissful repose. Or, if yet remembered above. Remembrance no sadness shall raise ; They will be but new signs of thy love. New themes for my wonder and praise. 28 326 HYMXS ON UEAVEX. Thus the strokes which from sin and from pain Shall set me eternally free, "Will but strengthen and rivet the chain Which binds me, my Saviour, to thee. ooj^oo HENRY VAUOHAN. Ah ! what time wilt thou come ? when shall that crie, " The Bridegroom's coming ! " fill the sky ? Shall it in the evening run, When our words and T^orks are done ? Or will thy all-surprising light Break at midnight, When either sleep, or some dark pleasure, Possesseth mad man without measure ? Or shall these early fragrant hours Unlock thy bowers. And, with their blush of light, descry Thy locks crowned with eternitie ? Indeed, it is the only time That with thy glory doth best chime : All now are stirring ; every field Full hymns doth yield ; The whole creation shakes off night, And for thy shadow looks the light ; WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVE Nf 327 Stars now vanish without number ; Sleepie planets set and skimber ; The pursie clouds disband and scatter ; All expect some sudden matter ; Not one beam triumphs, but from far That Morning Star. Oh, at what time soever Thou, Unknown to us, the heavens wilt bow, And, with thy angels in the van, Descend to judge poor careless man, Grant, .... As this restless, vocal spring All day and night doth run and sing, And though here born, yet is acquainted Elsewhere, and flowing keeps untainted ; So let me, all my busie age, In thy free services engage ; And though, while here, of force I must Have commerce sometimes with poor dust, And in my flesh, though vile and low, As this doth in her channel flow. Yet let my course, my aim, my love, And chief acquaintance, be above ; So, when that day and hour shall come In which thyself wilt be the sun, Thou'lt find me dressed and on my way. Watching the break of thy great day. 328 HYMNS ON UEAVEN. W\m, Sorb, 0lj fajljm sljixll Mt? JEEEMY TAYLOK. When, Lord, oli when shall we Our dear Salvation see ? Arise, arise ; Our fainting eyes Have longed all night, and 'twas a long one, too. Man never yet could say He saw more than one day, . One day of Eden's seven ; The guilty hours, there blasted with the breath Of sin and death. Have ever since worn a nocturnal hue ; But thou hast given us hopes that we, At length, another day shall see. Wherein each vile, neglected place, Gilt with the aspect of thy face, Shall be, like that, the porch and gate of heaven. How long, dear God, how long ? See how the nations throng ; All human kind. Knit and combined Into one body, look for thee their head. Pity our multitude ; Lord, we are vile and rude, Headless and senseless, without thee, WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 329 Of all things but the want of thy blest face ; Oh haste apace, And thy bright self to this our body wed, That, through the influx of thy power, Each part, that erst confusion wore, May put on order, and appear Spruce, as the childhood of the year, When thou to it shalt so united be. Amen. oi«4cx'- MJJCIT sljall tljiT yobtln Jfaa h Bmx ? ISAAC WATTS. When shall thy lovely face be seen ? When shall our eyes behold our God ? What lengths of distance lie between, And hills of guilt, a heavy load ! Our months are ages of delay, And slowly every minute wears ; Fly, winged time, and roll away These tedious rounds of sluggish years. Ye heavenly gates, loose all your chauis ; Let the eternal pillars bow ; Blest Saviour, cleave the starry plains. And make the crystal mountams flow. 28* 330 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Hark, how thy saints unite their cries, And pray, and wait the general doom ; Come thou, the Soul of all our joys, Thou, the Desire of nations, come. Our spirits shake their eager wings, And burn to meet thy flying throne ; We rise away from mortal things T' attend thy shining chariot down. Now let our cheerful eyes survey The blazing earth and melting liills, And smile to see the lightnings play, And flash along before thy wheels. Oh for a shout of violent joyS To join the trumpet's thundering sound ! The angel herald shakes the skies, Awakes the graves, and tears the ground. Ye slumbering saints, a heavenly liost Stands waiting at your gaping tombs ; Let every sacred sleeping dust Leap into life, for Jesus comes. Jesus, the God of might and love, New moulds our limbs of cumbrous clay ; Quick as seraphic flames we move. Active and young, and fair as they. WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 331 Our airy feet with unknown flight, Swift as the motions of desire, Run up the hills of heavenly light, And leave the weltering world in fire. -0-Oj:040«- CIj^ gag gatomncj;. I. WATT S . How long shall Death the tyrant reign And triumph o'er the just, Wliile the rich blood of martyrs slain Lies mingled with the dust ? When shall the tedious night be gone ? When will our Lord appear ? Our fond desires would pray him down, Our love embrace him here. Let faith arise and climb the hills, And from afar descry How distant are his chariot wheels, And tell how fast they fly. Lo, I behold the scattering shades ; The dawn of heaven appears ; The sweet immortal morning spreads Its blushes round the spheres. 332 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. I see the Lord of glory come, • And flaming guards around ; The skies divide to make him room, The trumpet shakes the ground. I hear the voice, " Ye dead, arise ! " And, lo ! the graves obey, And waking saints with joyful eyes Salute th' expectant day. They leave the dust, and on the wing Rise to the middle air, In shining garments meet their King, And low adore him there. Oh may my humble spirit stand Amongst them clothed in white ! The meanest place at his right hand Is infinite delidit. How will our joy and wonder rise, When our returning King Shall bear us homeward through the skies On love's triumphant wing ! WHO WOULD NOT GO TO HEAVEN? 333 Clje ^kibc0r0om Comctlj. FROM THE OERMAN'OF LAURENTIUS LAUBEITTII. Rejoice, all ye believers, Aiid let your lights appear ; The evening is advancing, And darker night is near ; The Bridegroom is arising. And soon he draweth nigh ; Up ! pray, and watch, and wrestle, — At midnight comes the cry. See that your lamps are burning ; Replenish them with oil. And wait for your salvation, The end of earthly toil ; The watchers on the mountain Proclaim the Bridegroom near ; Go, meet him as he cometh, With hallelujahs clear ! Ye wise and holy virgins. Now raise your voices higher, Till in songs of jubilee They meet the angel-choir ; The marriage-feast is waiting. The gates wide open stand ; Up ! up ! yc heirs of glory. The Bridoo;room is at hand ! 334 nY.\fXS ON HEAVEN. Ye saints, who here in patience Your cross and sufferings bore, Shall live and reign forever When sorrow is no more ; Around the throne of glory The Lamb ye shall behold, In triumph cast before Him Your diadems of gold. Palms of victory are there ; There radiant garments are ; There stands the peaceful harvest, Beyond the reach of war ; There, after stormy winter, The flowers of earth arise, And from the grave's long slumber Shall meet again our eyes. I Our Hope and Expectation, Jesus, now appear ! Arise, thou Sun, so longed for. O'er this benighted sphere ! With hearts and hands uplifted. We plead, Lord, to see The day of earth's redemption That brings us unto thee ! WHO WOULD NOT GO TO IIEAVENf 335 gob tlje f carlir 6ates ^Infoto. FROM THE OEKMAN OFW. C. DESSLEK, BY MISS WINKWOETH. Now the pearly gates unfold ; Qh, thou Joy of highest heaven, Who, ere earth was made, of old Light of light for light was given ! Hasten, Lord, and quickly come ; Bring the bride thou hast betrothed, In thine own pure radiance clothed, Safe to thine eternal home. Where no more the night of sin Spreads its fear and gloom within. All my spirit thirsts to see. Lord, thy face unveiled and bright, And to stand from sin set free. Spotless Lamb, amid thy light ; But I leave it, — thou dost well, And my heaven is here and now, Daystar of my soul, if thou Wilt but deign in me to dwell ; For without thee could there be Joy in heaven itself for me ? Bliss from thee my soul hath won, Spite of darkly threatening ill ; And my heart calls thee its Sun, And the sea of care grows still 336 nY.\fNS ON HEAVEN. In the shining of thy smile ; And thy love's all-quickening ray Chases night and pam away, That my heart grows light the while ; Heavenly joys in thee are mine ; Far from thee I mourn and phie. Graft me into thee forever, Tree of Life, that I may grow Stronger heavenward, drooping never For the sharpest storms that blow, Bearing fruits of faith and truth ; Then transplant me out of time Into that eternal clime Where I shall renew my youth, When earth's withered leaves shall bloom Fresh in beauty from the tomb. Life, to whom as to my Head I unite me, through my soul Now thy quickening life-stream shed, And thy love's warm current roll. Freshening all with strength and grace ; Be thou mine, — I am thine own. Hero and ever, thine alone ; All my hope in thee I place ; Heaven and earth are nought to me, Safe, Life of life, with thee ! nil :>>®io oixr ^01X0? H. BONAK. ^^ Y God, it is not fretfulness That makes me say " How long ? " It is not heaviness of heart ^ That hinders me in song ; (X^'Tis not despair of truth and right, Nor coward dread of wrong. But how can I, with such a liopc Of glory and of home, With such a joy before my eyes, Not wish the time were come, Of years the jubilee, of days The Sabbath and the sun ? These years, what ages they have been ! This life, how long it seems ! And how can I, in evil days, 'Mid unknown hills and streams. But sigh for those of home and heart, And visit them in dreams ? 339 340 ETMNS ON HEAVEN. Yet peace, my heart, and hush, my tongue ; Be cahii, my troubled breast ; Each restless hour is hastening on The everlasting rest ; Thou knowest that the time thy God Appoints for thee is best. Let faith, not fear nor fretfulness, Awake the cry, " How long ? " Let no faint-heartedness of soul Damp thy aspiring song : Right comes, truth dawns, the night departs Of error and of wrong. -o<>>at^o<>- FROM THE OKEMAN OF K. J. P. SPITTA. " Jesus' hour is not yet come ; " Let this word thy answer be, Pilgrim, asking for thy home, Longing to be blest and free Yet a season tarry on, — Nobly borne is nobly done. EOW SOOiY IN HEAVENl 341 While oppressing cares and fears Night and day no respite leave, Still prolonged through many years, None to help thee or relieve ; Hold the word of promise fast, Till deliverance comes at last. Every creature-hope and trust. Every earthly prop or stay, May lie prostrate in the dust. May have failed or passed away ; Then, when darkest falls the night, Jesus comes, and all is light. Yes, the Comforter draws nigh To the breaking, bursting heart. For, with tender sympathy. He has seen and felt its smart ; Through its darkest hours of ill He is waiting, watching still. Dost thou ask when comes his hour ? Then when it shall aid thee best ; Trust his faithfulness and power, Trust in him, and quiet rest ; Suffer on, and hope, and wait, — Jesus uever comes too late. 29* 342 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Blessed day, which hastens fast, End of conflict and of sin ! Death itself shall die at last. Heaven's eternal joys begin ; Then eternity shall prove God is Ligrht and God is Love. 0>«»«i50 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Then, my Lord, prepare My soul for that blest day ; Oh wash me in thy precious blood, And take my sins away. A few more Sabbaths here Shall cheer us on our way, And we shall reach the endless rest, The eternal Sabbath-day. Then, my Lord, prepare My soul for that sweet day ; Oh wash me in thy precious blood, And take my sins away. 'Tis but a little while, And He shall come again Who died that we might live, who lives That we with him may reign. Then, my Lord, prepare My soul for that glad day ; Oh wash mc in thy precious blood. And take my sins away. HOW SOON IN HEAVENS 351 50011 Mamt, Beyond the smiling and tlie weeping I shall be soon ; Beyond the waking and the sleeping, Beyond the sowing and the reaping, I shall be soon ; Love, rest, and home ! Sweet home ! Lord, tarry not, but come. Beyond the blooming and the fading I shall be soon ; Beyond the shining and the shading, Beyond the hoping and the dreading, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home ! Sweet home ! Lord, tarry not, but come. Beyond the rising and the setting I shall be soon ; Beyond the calming and the fretting, Beyond remembering and forgetting, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home ! Sweet home ! Lord, tarry not, but come. 352 ETMNS ON HEAVEN. Beyond the parting and the meeting I shall be soon ; Beyond the farewell and the greeting, Beyond the pulse's fever beating, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home ! Sweet home ! Lord, tarry not, but come. Beyond the frost-chain and the fever I shall be soon ; Beyond the rock-waste and the river, Beyond the ever and the never, I shall be soon. Love, rest, and home ! Sweet home ! Lord, tarry not, but come. jctu ^nug it: %mmut iiifii 3i*JO L TILL THE HESURRECTIOK^ oJ»Jo nxml mxii |lcsurmtbn. OEOBOE cr. OLT. ARTH to earth, and dust to dust ! Here the evil and the just, Here the youthful and the old, Here the fearful and the bold, Here the matron and the maid, In one silent bed are laid ; Here the vassal and the king Side by side lie withering ; Here the sword and sceptre rust : " Earth to earth and dust to dust ! " Age on age shall roll along O'er this pale and mighty throng ; Those that wept them, those that weep, All shall with these sleepers sleep ; 355 356 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Brothers, sisters of the worm, Summer's sun, or winter's storm Song of peace, or battle's roar, Ne'er shall break their slumbers more ; Death shall keep his silent trust : " Earth to earth and dust to dust ! " But a day is coming fast, Earth, thy mightiest and thy last ; It shall come in fear and wonder, Heralded by trump and thunder ; It shall come in strife and toil ; It shall come in blood and spoil ; ) It shall come in empires' groans, Burning temples, trampled thrones ; Then, ambition, rule thy lust : " Earth to earth and dust to dust ! " Then shall come the judgment sign ; In the east the King shall shine, Flashing from Heaven's golden gate. Thousands, thousands round his state, Spirits with the crown and plume. Tremble, then, thou sullen tomb ; Heaven shall open on our sight. Earth be turned to living light, Kingdoms of the ransomed just : " Earth to earth and dust to dust ! " EOW LONG IN HEAVENf 857 Then thy mount, Jerusalem, Shall be gorgeous as a gem ; Then shall in the desert rise Fruits of more than Paradise ; Earth by angel feet be trod, One great garden of her God, Till are dried the martyrs' tears, Through a thousand glorious years. Now in hope of Him we trust : " Earth to earth and dust to dust ! " -oo>a>=joo- FROM THE OEKMAN OF P. F. HILLER. The Shepherd, by his passion. Made peace and wrought salvation ; To all in his good keeping Now dying is but sleeping. They go, not souls affrighted. To judgment sternly cited ; They go from hardships dreary, To rest like soldiers weary. No fears the heart molesting, From all life's trouble resting, They wait the glad revival, And sleep till its arrival. 358 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. They lay their toil-worn members In death's cool, quiet chambers, And, free from care and cumber, Like children sink to slumber. Safe in God's love that found them, With Christ's strong arm around them. And sealed by his good Spirit, To die, why need they fear it ? Thy grace, Lord, doth teach me No harm through death can reach me So let mine eyes, when closing, Be on thy cross reposmg ; This heart to thee be cleaving, To its last beat believing ; Then, till the resurrection, Give my poor dust protection. Glad, then, be mine awaking. My lips in praises breaking. My body^ elad with brightness. Like the spring lily's whiteness I HOW LONG JN HEAVEN? 359 FEOM THE LATIN OP PKUDENTIUS. Ah ! hush now your mournful complainings, Nor, mothers, your sweet babes deplore ; This death we so shrink from but cometh The ruin of life to restore. Wlio now would the sculptor's rich marble, Or beautiful sepulchres, crave ? We lay them but here in their slumber ; This earth is a couch, not a grave. For quickly the day is approaching When life through these cold limbs shall flow, And the dwelling, restored to its inmate, With the old animation shall glow. The body which lay in dishonor In the mouldering tomb to decay. Rejoined to the spirit which dwelt there, Shall soar like a swift bird away. The seed which we sow in its weakness In the spring shall rise green from the earth, And the dead we thus mournfully bury In God's spring-time again shall shine forth. 360 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Yet whilst, our God, o'er the body Thou watchest, to mould it again. What region of rest hast thou ordered Where the spirit unclothed may remain? In the bosom of saints is her dwelling, Where the fathers and Lazarus are, Whom the rich man, athirst, in liis anguish Beholds in their bliss from afar. We follow thy words, Redeemer, When, trampling on Death in his pride, Thou sentest to tread in thy footsteps The thief on the cross at thy side. The bright way of Paradise opened. For every believer has space. And that garden again we may enter Which the serpent once closed to our race. -ooj^jcjoo- rSOM THE GEBMAN OF P. BCSCB, BY H. MILLS. I HAIL the day, in prospect bright. When I from death awaking. My Saviour God shall meet my sight, Forth in his glory breaking ; HOW LONG IN HEAVENI 361 Then to the skies with joy I'll rise, Their crown of glory wearing Who love their Lord's appearing. Thou, Lord, wilt in due time reveal That day of consummation, When all thy saints from every iU Shall have complete salvation ; Then of thy love shall learn above, Through endless life, the measure, Of grace thy boundless treasure. That life thou wilt to me impart ; Thou art my hope unceasing ; Thy coming shall rejoice my heart, My prisoned dust releasing ; Nor need I fear before thy bar The scoffers to resemble, Who shall in anguish tremble ; While I, in wonder and delight, Shall stand, dear Lord, before thee, With ransomed sinners on thy right. And then in heaven adore thee. With hopes so high thy grace supply. To fit me for thy favor. And for thy joys forever ! 81 362 UYMNS ON heaven: Cl^c 6Iorroiis Coming. T. LAURIE. Our Saviour shall descend again, Earth's buried millions raising; With him shall come a glorious train, Adoring him and praising. Kaise high the song that loud and long Before Mm ceaseth never, Till, casting down each golden crown, All worship him forever. What though these bodies lie in dust Before that glad appearing ? Yet shall they stand among the just, Our Saviour's image wearing. Raise high the song that loud and long Before Mm ceaseth never, Till, casting down each golden crown. All worship Mm forever. What though earth's gathering tempests lower. And ages pass in sadness ? Their darkest hour shall swell the power And glory of that gladness. Raise high the song that loud and long Before Mm ceaseth never. Till, casting down each golden crown All worship him forever. HOW LONG IX HEAVEN? 363 Then safe at last the blessed throng, Set free from tribulation, Forever praise, in holy song, The God of their salvation. Raise high the song that loud and long Before him ceaseth never, Till, casting down each golden crown, All worship him forever. -Oojl8l:^0«- HENRY VAUOHAN. BODY. Farewell ! I goe to sleep ; but when The day-star springs, I'll wake again. SOUL. Goe, sleep in peace ; and when thou lyest Unnuml)ered in thy dust, when all this frame Is but one dramme, and what thou now descriest In sev'rall parts shall want a name, Then may His peace be with thee, and each dust Writ in His book, who ne'er betrayed man's trust ! BODY. Amen ! but hark, ere we two stray, — How many hours, dost think, 'till day ? 364 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. SOUL. Ah, go ; thou'rt weak, and sleepie. Heaven Is a plain watch, and without figures winds All ages up ; who drew this circle, even He fills it ; dayes and hours are blinds. Yet this take with thee : the last gasp of time Is thy first breath, and man's eternaU prime. -o-o>38>- H. BONAB. The star is not extinguished when it sets Upon the dull horizon ; but it goes To shine in other skies, then reappear In ours, as fresh as when it first arose. The river is not lost when o'er the rock It pours its flood into the abyss below ; Its scattering force regathering from the shock, It hastens onward with yet fuller flow. 31* 366 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. The bright sun dies not when the shadowing orb Of the echpsing moon obscures its ray ; It still is shining on, and soon to us Will burst undimmed into the joy of day. The lily dies not when both flower and leaf Fade, and are strewed upon the chill, sad ground ; Gone for shelter to its mother earth, 'Twill rise, re-bloom, and shed its fragrance round. The dew-drop dies not when it leaves the flower, And passes upward on the beam of morn ; It does but hide itself in light on high. To its loved flower at twilight to return. The fine gold has not perished when the flame Seizes upon it with consuming glow ; In freshened splendor it comes forth anew, To sparkle on the monarch's throne or brow. Thus nothing dies, or only dies to live, — Star, stream, sun, flower, the dew-drop, and the gold ; Each goodly thing, instinct with buoyant hope, Hastes to put on its purer, finer mould. So, in the quiet joy of kindly trust. We bid each parting saint a brief farewell ; Weeping, yet smilmg, we commit their dust To the safe keeping of the silent cell. now LONG IN HEAVEN? 367 Softly ■^ithin that peaceful resting-place We place their wearied limbs, and bid the clay Press lightly on them, till the night be past, And the far east give note of coming day. The day of reappearing, how it speeds ! He who is true and faithful speaks the word ; Then shall we ever be with those we love ; Then shall we be forever with the Lord. The shout is heard ; the archangel's voice goes forth ; The trumpet sounds ; the dead awake and sing ; The living put on glory ; one glad band. They hasten up to meet their coming King ! Short death and darkness, endless life and light ! Short dimming, endless shining in yon sphere. Where all is incorruptible and pure, The joy without the pain, the smile without the tear. ->»{0 C^e gag grtaket^. FROM THE OEBMAIi OF C. C. STUKM. Hark 1 the trump of God is sounding. The archangel's shout the call resounding, Arise, ye saints, and leave the tomb ; Children of your heavenly Fatlier, 368 ETMNS ON HEAVEN. To him from your dispersions gather ; The Lord of glory calls you home ; Behold the morning break ; Death's night is gone ; awake ! Hallelujah ! Now is prepared Your full reward ; That day, the last great day, is here ! Earth, and sea, and hell, are quaking ; Now the redeemed to life are waking ; To new and perfect life they rise ; Jesus comes in glory's brightness, Before him mercy, truth, uprightness, — How fau' their crown ! how rich the prize ! They live with God's dear Son, Their light his shining tlirone ; Shout hosannas ; Redeemer, thou Dost give us now Sure mansions of eternal peace. Praise shall be our glad employment Through endless day of pure enjoyment ; What stores in thee of grace unknown ! Joys are now all hope excelling ; New wonders still thou art revealing, Our Friend, and God's beloved Son. HOW LONG IN HEAVEN? 369 Never to eye appeared, Such things were tiever heard, — Thine the glory ; Eternally, Lord, to thee New songs and honors be addressed ! o>«Kc FROM THE OEEMAN OF PHILIP NICOLAI. Awake, awake, for night is flying. The watchmen on the heights are crying ; Awake, Jerusalem, at last ! Midnight hears the welcome voices, And at the thrilling cry rejoices : Come forth, ye virgins, night is past ; The Bridegroom comes ; awake ; Your lamps with gladness take ; Hallelujah ! And for his marriage-feast prepare. For ye must go to meet him there. Zion hears the watchmen singing. And all her heart with joy is springing ; She wakes ; she rises from her gloom ; For her Lord comes down all-glorious. The strong in grace, in truth victorious ; 370 IIYMXS ox II £ A VEX. Her star is risen, her Light is come. Ah, come, thou blessed Lord, Jesus, Son of God, Hallelujali ! We follow till the halls wc see Where thou hast bid us sup with thee. Now let all the heavens adore thee, And men and angels sing before thee, With harp and cymbal's clearest tone ; Of one pearl each shining portal, Where we are with the choir immortal Of angels round thy dazzling throne; Nor eye hath seen, nor ear Hath yet attained to hear What there is ours ; But we rejoice, and sing to thee Our hymn of joy eternally. H. BON AS. Ascend, beloved, to the joy ; The festal day has come ; To-night the Lamb doth feast his own, To-night he with his bride sits down, To-night puts on the spousal crown, La the great upper room. MOW LONG IX UEAVEN1 oTl Ascend, beloved, to the love ; This is the day of days ; To-night the bridal song is sung, To-night ten thousand harps are strung, In sympathy with heart and tongue, Unto the Lamb's high praise. The festal lamps are lighting now In the great marriage-hall ; By angel-hands the board is spread ; By angel-hands the sacred bread Is on the golden table laid ; The King his own doth call. The gems are gleaming from the roof, Like stars in night's round dome ; The festal wreaths are hanging there, The festal fragrance fills the air. And flowers of heaven, divinely fair, Unfold their happy bloom. Long, long deferred, now come at last, The Lamb's glad wedding-day ; The guests are gathering to the feast. The seats in heavenly order placed. The royal throne alcove the rest ; How bright the new array ! 372 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Sorrow and sighing are no more ; The weeping hours are past ; To-night the waiting will be done, To-night the wedding-robe put on, The glory and the joy begun ; The crown has come at last. Without, within, is light, is light ; Around, above, is love, is love ; We enter, to go out no more ; We raise the song unsung before ; We doff the sackcloth that we wore ; For all is joy above. Ascend, beloved, to the life ; Our days of death are o'er ; Mortality has done its worst ; The fetters of the tomb are burst ; The last has now become the first, Forever, evermore. Ascend, beloved, to the feast ; Make haste, thy day is come ; Thrice blest are they the Lamb doth call To share the heavenly festival In the new Salem's palace-hall, Our everlasting home. IL FOR EYER &ITD EYER- RIEF life is here our portion, Brief sorrow, short-lived care ; The hfe that knows no ending, The tearless life, is there. Reward of grace how wondrous ! Short toil, eternal rest I Oh, miracle of mercy. That rebels should he blest ! That we, with sin polluted. Should have our home so high ! That we should dwell in mansions Beyond the starry sky ! And now we fight the battle, And then we wear the crown Of full and everlasting And ever-bright renown. I know not, oh ! I know not What social joys are there ; What pure, unfading glory ; What light beyond compare ; 32 373 EYJfNS ON nEAVEN. And -svlien I fain Avould sing them, My spirit fails and faints, And vainly strives to image The assembly of the saints. There is the throne of David, And there, from toil released, The shout of them that triumph, The song of them that feast ; garden free from sorrow ! plains that fear no strife ! princely bowers all-blooming ! realm and home of life ! -0-0>®iCK>- CUBLIir UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE. Two worlds there are. To one our eyes we strain, Whose magic joys we shall not see again ; Bright haze of morning veils its glimmering shore ; Ah ! truly breathed we there Intoxicating air ; Glad were our hearts m that sweet realm of nevermore. HOW LONG JN HEAVENS 375 The lover there drank her delicious breath Whose love has yielded since to change or death ; The mother kissed her child whose days are o'er. Alas ! too soon have fled The irreclaimable dead ; We see them — visions strange — amid the nevermore. The merry song some maidens used to sing, The brown, brown hair, that once was wont to cling To temples long clay cold — to the very core They strike our weary hearts, As some vexed memory starts From that long-faded land, the realm of nevermore. It is perpetual summer there. But here Sadly we remember rivers clear. And harebells quivering on the meadow floor ; For brighter bells and bluer. For tender hearts and truer. People that happy land, the realm of nevermore. Upon the frontier of this shadowy land We, pilgrims of eternal sorrow, stand ; Wliat realm lies forward, with its happier store Of forests green and deep, Of valleys hushed in sleep. And lakes most peaceful ? 'Tis the land of evermore. 376 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. Yerj far oflf its marble cities seem ; Yery far off, beyond our sensual dream, Its woods unruffled by the wild wind's roar; Yet does the turbulent surge Howl on its very verge ; One moment, and we breathe witluii the evermore. They whom we loved and lost so long ago Dwell in those cities, far from mortal woe. Haunt those fresh woodlands, whence sweet carollings soar. Eternal peace have they ; God wipes their tears away ; They drink that river of life which flows for evermore. Thither we hasten through these regions dim ; But, lo ! the wide wings of the seraphim Shine m the sunset ! on that joyous shore Our lightened hearts shall know The life of long ago ; The sorrow-burdened past shall fade for evermore. EOW LONG IN HEAVE Nf 377 ^aan ait!tr Jfanto. J. S. 510NSELL. " Soon and forever ! " Such promise our trust, Though ashes to ashes, And dust unto dust, — Soon and forever Our union shall be Made perfect, our glorious Redeemer, in thee. When the sins and the sorrows Of time shall ho o'er. Its pangs and its partings Remembered no more, When hfe cannot fail. And when death cannot sever Christians with Christ shall be Soon and forever. Soon and forever The breaking of day- Shall drive all the night-clouds Of sorrow away. Soon and forever We'll see as we're seen, And learn the deep meaning Of things that have been ; 32* 378 ' HYMNS ON HEAVEN. When fightings without us, And fears from within, Shall weary no more In the warfare of sin ; Where tears, and where fears. And where death shall be never. Christians with Christ shall be Soon and forever. Soon and forever The work shall be done. The warfare accomplished. The victory won ; Soon and forever The soldier lay down His sword for a harp, And his cross for a crown. Then droop not in sorrow, Despond not in fear ; A glorious to-morrow Is brightening and near, When, blessed reward Of each faitliful endeavor, Christians with Christ shall be Soon and forever. EOW LONG IN HEAVEN? 379 J. MOXTOOMEEY. " Forever with the Lord ! " Amen ; so let it be ; Life from the dead is in that word, 'Tis immortahty. Here in the body pent, Absent from him I roam, Yet nightly pitch my moving tent A day's march nearer home. My Father's house on high. Home of my soul, how near, At times, to faith's foreseeing eye Thy golden gates appear ! All ! then my spirit faints To reach the land I love, The bright inheritance of saints, Jerusalem above. Yet clouds will intervene. And all my prospect flies ; Like Noah's dove, I flit between Rough seas and stormy skies. 380 EY3IXS ox HEAVEN. Anon the clouds depart, The winds and waters cease, Wliile sweetly o'er my gladdened heart Expands the bow of peace. Beneath its glowing arch, Along the hallowed ground, I see cherubic armies march, A camp of fire around. I hear at morn and even. At noon and midnight hour, The choral harmonies of heaven , Earth's Babel-tongues o'erpower. Then, then I feel that He (Remembered or forgot), The Lord, is never far from me, , Though I perceive him not. In darkness as in light. Hidden alike from view, I sleep, I wake, as in His sight Who looks all nature tl^ough. All that I am, have been, All that I yet may be, He sees at once, as he hath seen, And shall forever see. EOW LONG IN EEAVEN1 381 How can I meet his eyes ? Mine on the cross I cast, And own my life a Saviour's prize, Mercy from first to last. " Forever with the Lord ! " Father, if 'tis thy will. The promise of that faithful word Even here to me fulfil ! Be thou at my right hand, Then can I never fail ; Uphold thou me, and I shall stand ; Fight, and I must prevail : So when my latest hreath Shall rend the veil in twain. By death I shall escape from death, And life eternal gain. Knowing as I am known, How shall I love that word. And oft repeat before the throne, " Forever with the Lord ! " Then, though the soul enjoy Communion high and sweet. While worms this body must destroy. Both shall in glory meet. 382 HYMNS ON HEAVEN. The trump of final doom Will speak the self-same word, And heaven's voice thunder through the tomb, " Forever with the Lord ! " The tomb shall echo deep That death-awakening sound ; The saints shall hear it in their sleep, And answer from the ground. Then upward as they fly, That resurrection-word Shall be their shout of victory, " Forever with the Lord ! " That resurrection-word. That shout of victory. Once more, " Forever with the Lord ! " Amen ; so let it be. THE END. Princeton Theological Seminary Libraries 1 1012 01210 5963 Date Due ^