University of Virginia Library

HYMN XIII.

[Thrice happy estate of the dead]

Thrice happy estate of the dead,
Who die on Immanuel's breast!
From trouble and misery freed,
From pain they eternally rest;

365

Pursued by their labours of love,
By mercy assign'd their reward,
They mount to the mansions above,
And heaven enjoy in their Lord.
O how shall a sinner like me
That blissful enjoyment obtain?
To Jesus's bowels I flee,
Oppress'd with affliction and pain.
My burden of guilt I confess,
Just ready from earth to depart:
O Saviour, in pity release,
And pardon inscribe on my heart.
That rest from oppression bestow,
That faith in a crucified God,
And, freely forgiven, I know
The mercy procured by Thy blood;
Thy easy command I receive,
Affix'd to the infamous tree,
And daily expiring I live,
I suffer and triumph with Thee.
Then lowly I enter the rest
For lowly believers design'd,
The people in Jesus possess'd
Of pardon and purity join'd:
Then, faithful and just to Thy word,
Permit me in peace to remove,
Dissolved by a sight of my Lord,
And bless'd with a heaven of love.