There is a river pure and bright

Verse 1

There is a river pure and bright, Whose streams make glad the heavenly plains, Where, in eternity of light, The City of our God remains.

Verse 2

Built by the word of His command, With His unclouded presence blest, Firm as His throne, the bulwarks stand; There is our home, our hope, our rest.

Verse 3

Thither let fervent faith aspire; Our treasure and our heart be there: Oh! for a seraph's wing of fire! No,--on the mightier wings of prayer,--

Verse 4

We reach at once that last retreat, And, ranged among the ransom'd throng, Fall with the elders at His feet, Whose Name alone inspires their song.

Verse 5

Ah! soon, how soon! our spirits droop; Unwont the air of heaven to breathe; Yet God, in very deed, will stoop, And dwell Himself with men beneath.

Verse 6

Come to thy living temples, then, As in the ancient times appear; Let earth be Paradise again, And man, O God! thine image here.