Angelic Visits

In ancient times bright angels Oft burst upon the sight, In radiant forms, and filled the hearts Of men with rich delight.

Then earth was nigh to heaven, And man more good and pure, And through his spirit’s holy strength Such brightness could endure.

But now deep clouds of darkness Shut out the realms of light, And shroud the earth beneath the shade Of sin’s impervious night.

Oh that the veil were rended Which hides them from our view, That they might come in loving bands Their visits to renew.

Are they not elder brothers Advanced to higher spheres, Who with bright tales of those high worlds Could oft entrance our ears?

Then darkening doubt would vanish, And faith would burn serene, And man rejoice in glorious hope Of heavenly worlds unseen.

Yea oft in holy vision Their shores he might behold, More fair than light, more rich than gems, More radiant than gold.

Oh Thou with love Redemptive, Thy mighty work complete, And cleanse all souls, that heaven and earth, In one pure bond may meet.