Classic Poem

Source of all life, and joy, and light!
Creator of each starry sphere,
That o'er me, on the arch of night,
Gleams like a diamond, bright and clear.
Oh, as I gaze, transported now,
Upon this blue, resplendent dome,
Deign but to hear my prayer, that Thou
Wilt call my erring spirit home.

Home from the world's fast fading bowers,
Frail visions and deluding dreams,
To that fair clime of Eden's flowers,
Sweet airs and softly gliding streams.
Oh, make me feel that while I stay,
A stranger and sojourner here,
My soul must seek its homeward way,
Far, far beyond each starry sphere!

I kneel before thy gorgeous throne,
Upon thy footstool, King of kings!
And, gazing on the glories strown
Beneath the Holy Spirit's wings,
Abject and weak my awe-struck heart
Would from thy dreadful presence flee,
If, Savior, Thou didst not impart
Rays of undying hope to me.

As yonder faint and glimmering star
Receives its lustre from the sun,
Though from its' fiery splendors far;
So from thy love, Almighty One,
My spirit drinks immortal light;
Oh, never may that light decay,
But, like yon diamond of the night
In heaven's own beauty melt away.