Gate of my heart, fly open wide,—
Shrine of my heart, spread forth;
The treasure will in thee abide,
Greater than heaven and earth:
Away with all this poor world’s treasures,
And all this vain world’s tasteless pleasures,
My treasure is in heaven;
For I have found true riches now,
My treasure, Christ, my Lord, art Thou,
Thy blood so freely given!
This treasure ever I employ,
This ever aid shall yield me;
In sorrow it shall be my joy,
In conflict it shall shield me;
In joy the music of my feast;
And when all else has lost its zest,
This manna still shall feed me;
In thirst my drink, in want my food,
My company in solitude,
To comfort and to lead me!
Death’s poison cannot harm me now,
Thy blood new life bestowing;
My shadow from the heat art Thou,
When the noontide is glowing;
And when by inward grief opprest,
My aching heart in Thee shall rest,
As tired head on the pillow.
Should storms of persecution toss,
Firm anchored by Thy saving cross,
My bark rests on the billow!
And when at last Thou leadest me
Into Thy joy and light,
Thy blood shall clothe me royally,
Making my garments white;
Thou It place upon my head the crown,
And lead me to the Father’s throne,
And raiment fit provide me;
Till I by Him to Thee betrothed,
By Thee in bridal costume clothed,
Stand as a bride beside Thee!