NOW let our souls on wings sublime Rise from the vanities of time, Draw back the parting veil, and see The glories of eternity.
Twice born by a celestial birth, Why should we grovel here on earth? Why grasp at this world’s passing toys, When we have Heaven’s eternal joys?
Shall we be side-tracked on the road, When we are travelling back to God? From exile—into life we come! And dying is but going home.
Welcome, sweet hour of full discharge, That sets our longing soul at large, Unbinds our chains, breaks up our cell, And gives us with our God to dwell.
To dwell with God, to feel His love, Is the full Heaven enjoyed above; And this sweet expectation now Is our sweet earnest here below.
Thomas Gibbons, 1720-85