HYMN 8. (C. M.) The Tree of Life.
I
Come let us join a joyful tune
To our exalted Lord,
Ye saints on high around his throne,
And we around his board.
II
While once upon this lower ground
Weary and faint ye stood,
What dear refreshments here ye found
From this immortal food!
III
The tree of life that near the throne
In heaven's high garden grows,
Laden with grace bends gently down
Its ever-smiling boughs.
IV
Hov'ring amongst the leaves there stands
The sweet celestial dove;
And Jesus on the branches hangs
The banner of his love.
V
'Tis a young heaven of strange delight
While in his shade we sit;
His fruit is pleasing to the sight,
And to the taste as sweet.
VI
New life it spreads thro' dying hearts,
And cheers the drooping mind;
Vigour and joy the juice imparts
Without a sting behind.
VII
Now let the flaming weapon stand,
And guard all Eden's trees;
There's ne'er a plant in all that land
That bears such fruits as these.
VIII
Infinite grace our souls adore,
Whose wondrous hand has made
This living branch of sovereign power
To raise and heal the dead.
