HYMN 69. (L. M.) Christ appearing to his Church, and seeking her
Company, Sol. Song ii. 8–13.
I
The voice of my beloved sounds
Over the rocks and rising grounds,
O'er hills of guilt and seas of grief,
He leaps, he flies to my relief.
II
Now thro' the veil of flesh I see
With eyes of love he looks at me;
Now in the gospel's clearest glass
He shews the beauties of his face.
III
Gently he draws my heart along
Both with his beauties and his tongue;
‘Rise,’ saith my Lord, ‘make haste away;
‘No mortal joys are worth thy stay.
IV
‘The Jewish wintry state is gone,
‘The mists are fled, the spring comes on,
‘The sacred turtle dove we hear
‘Proclaim the new, the joyful year.
V
‘Th'immortal vine of heavenly root
‘Blossoms and buds, and gives her fruit:’
Lo, we are come to taste the wine;
Our souls rejoice and bless the vine.
VI
And when we hear our Jesus say,
‘Rise up, my love, make haste away!’
Our hearts would fain out-fly the wind,
And leave all earthly loves behind.
