Why art thou for delay? Thy God, thy head's above; Look up towards Heav'n, and seo How vast those regions be, Where blessed spirits dwell, How pure and lightful! But earth is near to Hell, How dark and frightful! Here life doth strive with death, Which would be ended, When it is but begun, If not defended. Here life is but a spark, Which souls reside in; Hither thou cam'st from thencs: The divine influence In flesh my soul did place, To be of human race, Was his free giving. There I shall know God more. Jerusalem above, Glorious in light and love, Who shall enjoy them. O blessed company, Where all in harmony, Jehovah's praises sing, Still without ceasing: And all obey their King, With perfect pleasing. God there is the saint's rest, God is essential love, Love flames in every breast, Love leaves no place for strife; Each is to other dear, What joy must there needs he, Where all God's glory see; Feeling God's vital love, Which still is burning: And flaming God-ward move, Self makes contention here, Love makes all common there, There's no propriety, Mine is my brother's. Perfect community Makes one's another's, Go out then, ling'ring soul, They biss and sting us. Will not Christ, dost thou think, Think not that Heav'n wants store, Earth's scarce one tittle To the vast Heavens: at most, All those blest myriads be, Gladly my soul go forth; This world of trouble? Prefer eternal bliss, Before this bubble. Wish not still for delay. Why wouldst thou longer stay In self-denial; And live in longer war, A life of trial? Souls live when flesh lies dead: When Christ doth death disarm, And souls that fear no harm, Cherish not causeless doubt, From Heav'n by letter? Hath mercy made life sweet? What if foes should make haste? Thou wilt the sooner taste What all blest souls enjoy, With Christ for ever; Where those that thee annoy, Shall hurt thee never. Fear not the world of light, For want of seeing. |