Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee, How welcome Thee aright? All nations long to greet Thee, My hope, my sole delight! Brighten the lamp that burneth But dimly in my breast, And teach my soul, that yearneth To honour such high guest. | Thy Zion strews before Thce Her fairest buds and palms, And I too will adore Thee With sweetest songs and psalms; My soul breaks forth in flowers Rejoicing in Thy fame, And summons all her powers To honour Jesus' name. | Nought, nought, dear Lord, could move Thee To leave Thy rightful place Save love, for which I love Thee; A love that could embrace A world where sorrow dwelleth, Which sin and suffering fill, More than the tongue e'er telleth;-- Yet Thou couldst love it still! | O ye sad hearts that sicken With hope deferred, and see The gloom around you thicken, The joys ye hoped for flee,-- Despair not, He is near you, Yea, at the very door, Who best can help and cheer you, He will not linger more. | Nor sin shall make you fearful, Ashamed to see His face, The contrite heart and tearful He covers with His grace; He comes to heal the spirit That mourneth sin-oppressed, And raise us to inherit With Him our proper rest. | He comes to judge the nations, A terror to His foes, A light of consolations And blessed hope to those Who love the Lord's appearing: O glorious Sun, now come, Send forth Thy beams of cheering And guide us safely home! | |