Christian Songs, Song. VII

Descend, fair Hope (tho' heav'nly born Thou visit'st human race), And let us in thy sacred glass Survey our Saviour's face.

2 Let songs for ever crown that morn, When, new to life again, Immanuel rose, and sent thee down, Full fraught with life to men.

3 Tho' man, in Eden, was of old With heav'nly visits blest; More happy they to dwell with whom Descends this heav'nly guest:

4 For them a fairer Eden shines, And on their wond'ring eyes The riches of their smiling God In larger prospects rise.

5 Led by thy hand, celestial Hope, How oft, at thy desire, Has man encounter'd shame and want, Nor shrunk to pass through fire?

6 See, gazing on the ample joys Which wait a happier day, How the pale famish'd visage smiles, And poverty looks gay!

7 O happy they whose dying eyes By thy bless'd hands are seal'd! In hope of life they sleep, and wake To see that life reveal'd.

8 Let others bound their life, and joys, In what's to earth confin'd: Take wing, ye saints, and soar with Hope To pleasures more refin'd;

9 Where Jesus waits to crown your flight With transport in his face, And where th' eternal arms unfold To meet your dear embrace.

10 But what is Hope, and what is Faith? But fainter stars of night, To guide the pilgrim thro' the shade, Till dawns the morning light.

11 O! let the morning-star arise, And usher in the day With brighter beams; then paler lights And shadows fly away.