Swing Open, Fair Portals

Verse 1

Swing back for one moment, fair portals Of that wondrous city, we pray; One glimpse, and the fears of these mortals Shall vanish forever away.

Chorus

Swing open, fair portals, A moment, and let us look thro’; One glimpse, and we, faltering mortals, To enter, shall press anew.

Verse 2

One glimpse shall our courage embolden, And brighten the whole of our way; Oh, why should the sight be withholden? By faith we would view it today.

Verse 3

We’ve read of that city’s bright glory, That knows not the darkness of night; And reading that wonderful story, Has ravished our souls with delight.

Verse 4

We’ve read of the tree and the river, Life’s water and fruit ever fair; We’ve looked up in faith to the Giver, And prayed that we might enter there.

Verse 5

Those gates we’re approaching, how cheering! Oh, let us prove faithful alway; And know, as the city we’re nearing, That they shall to us some sweet day.

Chorus 2

Swing open those portals, And we shall in triumph go in, Where we shall, as ransomed immortals, Eternity blessed begin.