A Prospect of Christ's Church

1 Behold a lovely vine,
Here in this desert ground,
The blossoms shoot and promise fruit,
And tender grapes are found.

2 Its circling branches rise,
And shade the neighboring lands;
With lovely charms she spreads her arms,
With clusters in her hands.

3 This city can't be hid
Its built upon a hill;
The dazzling light it shines so bright
It doth the valleys fill.

4 Ye trees, which lofty stand,
And stars with sparkling light,
Ye christians hear both far and near,
'Tis joy to see the sight.

5 Ye insects, feeble race,
And fish that glide the stream;
Ye birds that fly secure on high,
Repeat the joyful theme.

6 Ye beasts that feed at home,
Or roam the valleys round,
With lofty voice proclaim the joys,
And join the pleasant sound.

7 Shall feeble nature sing,
And man not join the lays?
O may their throats be swelled with notes
And fill'd with songs of praise.

8 Glory to God on high,
For his redeeming grace;
The blessed dove comes from above,
To seal it to our race.

Divine Hymns, or Spiritual Songs: for the use of religious assemblies and private Christians 1800