Christ Appearing to His Church, and Seeking Her Company

Verse 1

The voice of my Beloved sounds Over the rocks and rising grounds; O'er hills of guilt and seas of grief He leaps, he flies to my relief.

Verse 2

Now through the veil of flesh I see With eyes of love he looks at me; Now in the gospel's clearest glass He shows the beauties of his face.

Verse 3

Gently he draws my heart along, Both with his beauties and his tongue; "Rise," saith my Lord, "make haste away, No mortal joys are worth thy stay.

Verse 4

"The Jewish wintry state is gone, The mists are fled, the spring comes on; The sacred turtle-dove we hear Proclaim the new, the joyful year.

Verse 5

"Th' immortal vine of heav'nly root Blossoms, and buds, and gives her fruit:" Lo! we are come to taste the wine; Our souls rejoice, and bless the vine.

Verse 6

And when we hear our Jesus say, "Rise up, my love, make haste away!" Our hearts would fain outfly the wind, And leave all earthly loves behind.