Classic Poem

I.

Oft have I said, with inward sighs,
I find no solid good below,
Earth's fairest scenes but cheat my eyes,
Her pleasure is but painted woe.

II.

Then why, my soul, so loath to leave
These seats of vanity and case?
Why do I thus to trifles cleave,
And seed on chaff, and grasp the air?

III.

There is a world all fair and bright;
But clouds and darkness dwell between,
The fable veil obstructs my sight,
And hides the lovely, distant scene.

IV.

Whene'er I look with frighted eyes
On death's impenetrable shade,
Alas! what gloomy horrors rise,
And all my trembling frame invade!

V.

O death, frail nature's dreaded soe,
Thy frown with terror fills my heart;
How shall I bear the satal blow,
Which must my soul and body part?

VI.

'Tis sin which arms his dreadful frown,
This only points his deadly sting;
My sins which throw this gloom around,
And all these shocking terrors bring.

VII.

O could I know my sins forgiven,
Soon would these terrors disappear;
Then should I see a glimpse of heaven,
And look on death without a fear.

VIII.

Jesus, my Saviour, and my God,
To thee my trembling spirit flies;
Thy merits, thy atoning blood,
On this alone my soul relies.

IX.

O let thy love's all-powerful ray
With pleasing force, divine controul,
Arise, and chase these clouds away,
And shine around my doubting soul.

X.

Then shall I change the mournful strain,
And bid my thoughts and hopes arise,
Above these gloomy seats of pain,
To glorious worlds beyond the skies.

XI.

With cheerful heart I then shall sing,
And triumph o'er my vanquish'd foe —
O death, where is thy pointed sting?
My Saviour wards the fatal blow.

XII.

O when will that illustrious day,
When will that blissful moment, come,
That shall my weary soul convey
Safe to her everlasting home?

XIII.

Then shall I leave these fetters here,
And upward rise to joys unknown;
And call, without an anxious fear,
The fair inheritance my own.

XIV.

Adieu to all terrestrial things;
Come bear me through the starry road,
Bright Seraphs, on your soaring wings,
To see my Saviour, and my God.