Longing for Christ's Appearing

Verse 1

Oh, when shall we sweetly remove, Oh, when shall we enter our rest,-- Return to the Zion above, The mother of spirits distressed;-- That city of God the great King, Where sorrow and death are no more, Where saints our Immanuel sing, And cherub and seraph adore?

Verse 2

But angels themselves can not tell The joys of that holiest place, Where Jesus is pleased to reveal The light of his heavenly face: When, caught in the rapturous flame, The sight beatific they prove, And walk in the light of the Lamb, Enjoying the beams of his love.

Verse 3

Thou know'st in the spirit of prayer We long thy appearing to see, Resigned to the burden we bear, But longing to triumph with thee; 'Tis good at thy word to be here; 'Tis better in thee to be gone, And see thee in glory appear, And rise to a share in thy throne.