1 Not far from the kingdom—so near to the gate
Where pardon and hope for the penitent wait;
Where life from the dead, and salvation from sin,
Are blessings made certain by entering in.
2 What glories are thine, blessed kingdom of heaven!
What garments stand crowns to the saved shall be given;
What rivers of pleasure shall sweep thro’ their souls,
What raptures of bliss while eternity rolls!
3 O kingdom of Jesus! shall mortals come nigh,
And stop at the threshold, and linger, and die?
Stand close to the Ark with its beckoning door,
And wait till it closes, and hope comes no more?