n Canaan's fairest borders, in thought, I seemed to stand,
I'd left my broken palace for this long-wished-for land.
On earth for me they're mourning, friends weeping sad and low,
It seemed the bells were sobbing, my joy there none could know.
CHORUS.
Most Gracious King, One Lord in Three,
All Heaven in anthems rung,
Hosanna, praise, triumphantly,
Rejoice for the lost Christ won.
On earth, loved ones were sighing around my vacant chair,
Our risen Lord forgetting, smiles turn to lines of care;
In Heaven the waves of gladness, from gate to gate doth roll,
And Christ now changed my spirit into a ministering soul.
From beauties of Christ's kingdom, I came to earth by night,
To mine I whispered comfort, breathed of celestial light;
I hovered near the aged, who sorrowed till the end,
And soothed the restless slumbers of those who knew no friend.
Into the lowly dwellings, where mother's cheeks grew pale,
I kissed the fading forehead, and hushed the infant's wail;
The wrath of men appeasing, to weary laborers gave
A greeting smile, and told them Christ came on earth to save.
Moan not, O bells, but joyous ring out your Christian souls,
Eternity, all wondrous, brightly to them unfolds;
From death to life their changing, let glorias float afar,
Our loved, our lost, are watching, within the gates ajar.

Transition.

he home of my soul, worn and weary
And pierced by the rocks of old time,
The windows grown dim and the key-boards
Were mute to the wind's whispered chime.
The pillars were trembling; the pitcher
Was full to the brim, running o'er
With burdens, hurled oft' at the fountain,
And closed were the gates evermore.
Old castle of hopes and of tempests,
I bid thee a loving adieu,
Thou sheltered me oft' from the cloud-bursts,
The winds blowing fiercely on you.
My soul now arises on pinions,
And wings through terrestial space,
By planets all gleaming with starlight,
I stand with my Lord, face to face.
O, Master, I cry, the old temple,
Thou gavest on earth passed away,
I come to thee houseless, unsheltered,
Hast room in Thy mansion to-day?
I left Mother Earth in the night-watch,
And travelled alone to thy gate,
Hast mercy for me, dearest Master,
Do I plead for thy pardon too late?
Dear Master, sore trials beset me,
My feet slipping oft' by the way,
Temptations and doubt, overwhelming,
From Thee, led me often astray.
My cross was oft' covered with roses,
Just hiding the sly, cruel thorn,
My homestead built out of dust only,
Has crumbled; to-day I am born.
Just born in the light of thy kingdom,
Hast house in thy domain to give?
A homestead to fill with the loved ones,
Where with Thee in peace we may live.
I know that my spirit is earth-stained,
I'd wash it in yon flowing stream,
I've come, oh my Saviour, all broken,
Are hopes to be only a dream?
He turned with a look of compassion,
His voice, as sweet waters and low,
My child, I've a palace built for thee,
Which time nor rude winds can o'erthrow.
I've watched thee in all of thy wanderings,
E'en when thy homestead of clay fell;
I list for thy knock at our portals,
Heard thee faintly ask, "Is all well?"
When doubts have assailed, I would press thee,
In sorrow, stood oft' by thy side;
I've quelled maddened waves as they dashed thee,
Soul, ring heaven's bells and abide.
Thy footsteps shall fall in soft places,
And by mirrored waters can'st roam;
Thy kindred, thy Father, shall greet thee,
To peace, beauty, love,—welcome home.

Peace.

ather, before Thee I am kneeling
In gratitude and love,
Sad, weary years I sought, appealing
For succor from above.
My cries seemed wild as unavailing
Before Thy chastening rod,
My spirit in the strife oft failing
To trust Thee, O my God!
When floods of sorrow o'er me sweeping,
Thy hand I could not see;
Then Thou, when heart and strength were yielding,
Bade me to cling to thee.
Strength from Thy promise gave endurance
To stem, to cross the flood;
I thank Thee; rest in blest assurance
Of Jesus' cleansing blood.