440.
Beatitude. 9.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, &c.”
1
Are there blessings still recorded,
To inspire us on our way?
Crowns unwithering, glorious mansions,
Regions of immortal day,
To receive us, everlasting!
When these heavens have passed away?
2
He, who rescued man from ruin,
Hath a blessing left behind,
On their heads, who bear revilings,
Evil thoughts, and words unkind,
For adherence, meek, but steadfast,
To the Saviour of mankind.
3
View not, as a bitter portion,
Burdens, you are called to bear!
Soon the ills, that now afflict you,
Less than nothing will appear,
When you enter, heirs of glory!
On the one eternal year!
4
Be exceeding glad and joyful;
These are signs of future good!
Crowns, that fade not, wait the righteous,
(Through the Saviour's precious blood;)
To possess your weight of glory,
Fearless, enter Jordan's flood!
5
Keener pangs than you have suffered,
Righteous men endured of old!
Prophets, servants of the Highest,
Many a tale of sorrow told!
Short the conflict! now, for ever,
They, the face of God behold!
6
For your momentary anguish,
Ages of delight await;
When you pass, with all the ransomed,
(Led by angels,) Zion's gate!
Former sorrows, once so grievous,
Will but swell your happier state.
7
Raise the head that now is drooping!
With such prospects, bright, before,
An inheritance of glory!
Why upon the present pore?
Through Messiah, on the morrow,
You shall ever God adore!
