Death  was  their  gate  to  endless  life ;
An  open'd  cage,  to  let  them  fly
And  build  their  happy  nest  on  high.
And  now  they  range  the  heavenly  plains,
And  sing  their  hymns  in  melting  strains ;
And  now  their  souls  begin  to  prove
The  heights  and  depths  of  Jesus'  love.
1


The  Holy  Catholic  Church,  129

He  cheers  them  with  eternal  smile  ;
They  sing  hosannas  all  the  while  ;
Or,  overwhelm'd  with  rapture  sweet,
Sink  down  adoring  at  His  feet.
Ah  !  Lord  !  with  tardy  steps  I  creep,
And  sometimes  sing,  and  sometimes  weep  ;
Yet  strip  me  of  this  house  of  clay,
And  I  will  sing  as  loud  as  they.
John  Berridge,  1785.
CXIV.
Rev.  VII.  13—17.
How  bright  these  glorious  spirits  shine  :
Whence  all  their  white  array  }

How  came  they  to  the  blissful  seats
Of  everlasting  day  ?

Lo  !  these  are  they  from  sufferings  great
Who  came  to  realms  of  light ;

And  in  the  blood  of  Christ  have  wash'd
Those  robes  which  shine  so  bright

Now  with  triumphal  palms  they  stand

Before  the  throne  on  high,
And  serve  the  Ciod  they  love,  amidst

The  glories  of  the  sky.
His  presence  fills  each  heart  with  joy.
Tunes  every  mouth  to  sing  ;
By  day,  by  night,  the  sacred  courts

With  glad  hosannas  ring.
K


130  The  Book  of  Praise,

Hunger  and  thirst  are  felt  no  more,

Nor  suns  with  scorching  ray ;
God  is  their  Sun,  whose  cheering  beams

Diffuse  eternal  day.
The  Lamb,  which  dwells  amidst  the  throne,

Shall  o'er  them  still  preside.
Feed  them  with  nourishment  divine.
And  all  their  footsteps  guide.
'Mong  pastures  green  He'll  lead  His  flock,

Where  living  streams  appear ;
And  God  the  Lord  from  every  eye
Shall  wipe  off  every  tear.
