University of Virginia Library


250

THE PURE IN HEART.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

I asked the angels in my prayer,
With bitter tears and pains,
To show mine eyes the kingdom where
The Lord of glory reigns.
I said, My way with doubt is dim,
My heart is sick with fear;
Oh come, and help me build to Him
A tabernacle here!
The storms of sorrow wildly beat,
The clouds with death are chill;
I long to hear his voice so sweet,
Who whispered, “Peace; be still!”
The angels said, God giveth you
His love,—what more is ours?
And even as the gentle dew
Descends upon the flowers,
His grace descends; and, as of old,
He walks with man apart,
Keeping the promise as foretold,
With all the pure in heart.
Thou needst not ask the angels where
His habitations be;
Keep thou thy spirit clean and fair,
And He shall dwell with thee.