FOR EVER. 



Yes, ill ** for ever" dwells a tone, 



A thrilling import all its own. 



Say, has not man some seat of bliss. 



Some rest more durable than this. 



Some home from whence a guiding ray 



Cheers the poor pilgrim on his way. 



Bids faith with eagle eye aspire. 



And hope light up the vestal fire? 



Yes, wait the few appointed years, 



A scene beyond the tomb appears, 



A scene — but ah! what mortal hand 



Can sketch the glory of that land ? 



Eye hath not seen, nor ear, nor heart. 



Heard or conceived a thousandth part. 



To death's cold grasp alone 'tis given 



To lift the veil that hangs o'er heaven. 



Yet though so much lies hid from view. 



When truth shines clearly, brightly through. 



The glory, whatsoe'er it be. 



Is link'd with immortality. 



Once reach it, child of love divine. 



Once enter, 'tis for ever thine. 



No flight of time prescribes a bound. 



No mockery now is in that sound. 



No change is there, no sad decay. 



No shades of night, 'tis one long day ; 



No seasons in their circle bring 



Winter and storms, 'tis one sweet spring. 



Nor weekly cares, nor worldly pains. 



The spirit vex, one Sabbath reigns, — 



All, all is fix'd on that blest shore. 



And fix'd in joy for evermore^ 



