eHymns.org

Karl Johann Philipp Spitta

Charles Crozat Converse in 1868

Anonymous

As a trav'ler home returning
From some far and distant land,
Thinks of it with bosom yearning,
Ere his foot has touched the strand,
So amid the noisy pleasures
Of the world the heart oft sighs
For the nobler, higher treasures
Laid up for us in the skies.

All our choice and our endeavor
Are for Him Who gave us love,
And our soul would live forever
For Him Who came from above.
Here alone it finds contentment;
Here alone delights to be;
Gladly leaves the world's enchantment
For the joy it shares with Thee.

Jesus, like a magnet, raises
Our faint spirit to the skies;
And we seem in pray'r and praises
As on eagle's wings to rise.
All our life and conversation
Is before our Saviour's face;
All our thoughts and occupation
This vain world cannot embrace.

Should our enemies asperse us,
Our dear Lord, who loves us so,
Bids us bless e'en those who curse us
And to love our greatest foe.
He, who died for our salvation
And on us hath life bestowed,
Wills that by our conversation
We should glorify our God.

Can we have our hearts in heaven
And yet earthly-minded live?
Can we, who have been forgiven,
Not forget and not forgive?
Can we hate an erring brother,
Only love when we are loved,
And not bear with one another,
By Christ's Holy Spirit moved?

Nay, no hater or blasphemer,
None who slander and defame,
Can be one with the Redeemer,
Who was gentle as a lamb.
Love will cause assimilation
With the object of our love;
Love will work a transformation
And renewal from above.

Let me ne'er from Thee be parted,
Saviour true and full of love!
That I may live true and holy,
Send Thy teaching from above!
Keep me from the world unspotted,
That I may not only be
To Thy service here devoted,
But abide in heav'n with Thee!