Text:Death and Heaven: The spirit's farewell to the body after long sickness

CLXXIII. Death and Heaven: The spirit's farewell to the body after long sickness

Part I

1 How am I held a pris'ner now,
Far from my God! this mortal chain
Binds me to sorrow: all below
Is short-liv'd ease, or tiresome pain.

2 When shall that wond'rous hour appear,
Which frees me from this dark abode,
To live at large in regions where
Nor cloud nor vail shall hide my God?

3 Farewell this flesh, these ears, these eyes,
These snares and fetters of the mind;
My God! nor let this frame arise,
Till ev'ry dust be will refin'd.

4 Blest Jesus! make my nature whole,
Mould me a body like thy own,
Then shall it better serve my soul,
In works of praise and worlds unknown.

Part II

5 Absent from flesh! O blissful thought!
What unknown joys this moment brings!
Freed from the mischief sin hath wrought,
From pains and tears and all their springs.

6 Absent from flesh! illustrious day!
Surprising scene! triumphant stroe!
That rends the prison of my clay,
And I can feel my fetters broke.

7 Absent from flesh! then rise, my soul!
Where feet or wings could never climb,
Beyond the heav'ns where planets roll,
Measuring the cares and joys of time.

8 I go where God and glory shine;
His presence makes eternal day:
My all that's mortal I resign,
For Jesus waits and points the way

Part III

9 And is this heav'n? and am I there?
How short the road, how swift the fligt!
I am all life, all eye, all ear;
Jesus is here--my soul's delight.

10 Is this the heav'nly friend who hung
In blood and anguish on the tree,
Whom Paul proclaim'd, whom David sung,
Who dy'd for them, who dy'd for me?

11 Lo! he presents me at the throne
All spotless; there the Godhead reigns
Sublime and peaceful through the Son:
Awake, my voice in heav'nly strains.

12 How fair thou blest, eternal word!
Full Godhead shines through all thy face!
Thy death procur'd this blest abode,
Thy vital beams adorn the place!

Part IV

13 Creator God, eternal light,
Fountain of good, tremendous pow'r,
Ocean of wonders, blissful sight,
Beauty and love unknown before!

14 Thy grace, thy nature, all unknown
In yon dark region whence I came,
Where languid glimpses from thy throne,
And feeble whispers taught thy name.

15 I'm in a world where all is new;
Myself, my God, O blest amaze!
Not my best hopes or wishes knew
To form a shadow of this grace.

16 Fix'd on my God my heart adore,
My restless thoughts forbear to rove,
Ye meaner passions stir no more,
But all my pow'rs be joy and love.

Text Information
First Line: How am I held a pris'ner now
Title: Death and Heaven: The spirit's farewell to the body after long sickness
Meter: C.M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1799
Topic: Death: And heaven; Death: The moment or; Farewell: To this body (2 more...)
Notes: In four parts
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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