Sometimes

Sometimes when I am all alone, Away from noise and strife, The many faults and weaknesses, That rule my daily life Seem to die out. And as I sit From worldliness apart, All that is good and pure obtains The mastery of my heart.

And then my soul turns heavenward, And I commune with God. I long to tread the narrow path That Christ before me trod. I long to see his precious face-- To go where angels go, To leave the fleeting, fading things That make up life below.

My soul expands with ecstasy, My heart grows brave, and strong, To meet whatever lies ahead-- To battle down the wrong. No sorrow can affright my soul, No earthly ill, I fear, While in that blessed trance I sit And feel that God is near.

And then I mingle with the world. And falter day by day, Until at last I walk within The olden, sinful way. O, shall I even grow in grace, O shall I ever be, Ready to meet the judgment day-- Fit for eternity?

1869.