475.
The Goal in Sight.
1
Should the christian, death bewail,
Freed from his oppressive chains;
With a body vile and frail,
That the ceaseless strife maintains?
Wherefore should our heaven-bound spirits
Thus, at distance, love to roam,
When we trust a Saviour's merits,
Who invites his children home.
2
When we feel the stormy blast,
And affliction's waves increase,
We our eager eyes should cast
Toward the realms of perfect peace:
Anxious fears, that once distress'd us,
Disappointments, aches, and pains,
These will never more molest us
In the world where Jesus reigns.
3
Let us check our rising sighs;
Let the trembling heart be strong;
There are treasures in the skies,
Which to us, and ours, belong:
Since our watchful Shepherd sought us,
As we wander'd from his fold,
We shall, through the Lamb that bought us,
Soon a better world behold!
4
When their resting-place is near,
Earthly racers faster flee;
Shall we now relax and fear,
When our heavenly goal we see?
Why should doubt and dread assail us,
With our fullest ransom paid?
Saints and angels wait to hail us,
With a crown that will not fade.
