Oh how the thought that I shall know
The Man that suffered here below,
To manifest God's favor
For me, and for the saints I love,
Both here, and with Himself above,
Doth my renewèd nature move
At that sweet word, "Forever!"
Forever to behold Him shine!
Forevermore to call Him mine!
And see Him still before me;
Forever on His face to gaze,
And meet the full, assembled rays,
While all His beauty He displays
To all the saints in glory!
Not all things else are half so dear
As is His blissful presence here,
What will it be in heaven!
'Tis heaven on earth that we can say,
As now we journey, day by day,
"Himself has borne our guilt away,
Our sins are all forgiven."
But how will His celestial voice
Make each enraptured heart rejoice,
Of saints in glory near Him!
When we no longer absent wait,
But like Him in His glorious state,
Where naught our bliss can e'er abate,
With joy in heaven shall hear Him!