397. L. M. Barbauld.
Christian Friendship.
1How blest the sacred tie that binds
In union sweet according minds!
How swift the heavenly course they run,
Whose hearts, and faith, and hopes are one!
2To each the soul of each how dear!
What jealous love, what holy fear!
How doth the generous flame within
Refine from earth, and cleanse from sin!
3Their streaming eyes together flow
For human guilt and mortal woe;
Their ardent prayers together rise
Like mingling flames in sacrifice.
4Together shall they seek the place
Where God reveals his awful face:
How high, how strong, their raptures swell
There's none but kindred souls can tell.