Classic Poem

I.

  A GOD omnipotent I own,
   Eternal things allow;
But what of GOD have I e'er known?
 Or how's my standing now?

II.

I say that Christ for sinners died,
  And that a truth may be;
 But if not to my soul apply'd
   'Tis not a truth to me.

III.

I say he gives his people rest,
 And gives them life divine;
But if this life I ne'er possess,
 How is the blessing mine?

IV.

 I talk of everlasting death,
 And thousands of despair,
And do not know but the next breath,
  I die and enter there.

V.

Saints I believe with GOD will dwell
   In everlasting bliss;
 But is it mine? or can I tell,
  That I am sure of this?

VI.

 Or if in time its all unknown,
 Where we at death shall go,
Then I may the next breath be gone
  To everlasting wo.
VII.

How then can earthly charms allure
  My mind while here I dwell,
 When ev'ry breath I am not sure
   But I'm the next in hell?

VIII.

Why all the toil for sacred things,
  Or revelations giv'n,
If all no real knowledge brings,
 Nor makes us sure of heav'n?

IX.

Some point me here, and others there,
  And some say all is well;
 But I dare trust my soul no more
   On all they do or tell.

X.

 If I am bound to bliss or wo,
   And stand for trial here,
Then for myself I ought to know,
  Where I shall soon appear.

XI.

If none but GOD can mercy shew,
 Nor give me life divine,
Then from this GOD I ought to know,
 That life and heav'n is mine.
XII.

Sure he that first my being gave,
 Can witness who he is;
And he that dy'd my soul to save,
  Can tell me I am his.

XIII.

Then let it be O GOD impress'd,
 From thee by pow'rs divine,
On all my soul that I am blest,
  And am forever thine.

It is not alone my desire of you
That aches now, unsatisfied;
But most of all I am missing
Your desire of me.
How can I feel your desire
When you are so far!
I want the joy of your enjoying me;
It is that I am wanting—
Your delight in my delight,
Your longing crying to mine—
How can I hear your longing
When you are so far?