524.
Pleasures of Religion.
1
Is it a heart-felt pleasure high,
Mid trackless waste, and burning sky,
To reach a calm retreat;
A shelter, with the evening near,
The shade to cool, the well to cheer,
And friendship's accents sweet?
2
Is it a joy of soothing kind,
When, leaving winds and waves behind,
The seaman homeward flies;
When first he views his native shore,
His haven now, and now the door,
Where all his treasure lies?
3
These are delights that touch the soul,
Yet on the choicest moments roll,
And soon, alas! they cease;
But there's an heritage sublime
Beyond this little span of time,
A world of perfect peace!
4
The fairest vision, here below,
Is fleeting, as the winter's snow;
A transitory guest;
But, Oh! what realms are those, refined,
Commensurate alone with mind,
Where all, with God, are bless'd!
5
Teach me to seek, Almighty Friend!
Delights, alone, that will not end;
The balm of Eden's gale;
Where, worshipping the Great, “I Am,”
With all the Followers of the Lamb,
Love, joy, and praise prevail!
6
A glimpse of this transporting scene,
O'erwhelms, in night, earth's objects mean,
That charm the heedless throng;
And makes the soul, impatient wait
Her entrance on a nobler state,
To join in Gabriel's song!
7
A few declining suns, and I
Shall rise above this nether sky,
Heaven's portals bright I see!
Come, bless'd Immanuel! bear away
My spirit from its clog of clay,
And let me dwell with thee!
