Angelic Visits.
In ancient times bright angels
Oft burst upon the sight,
In radiant forms, and filled the hearts
Of men with rich delight.
Then earth was nigh to heaven,
And man more good and pure,
And through his spirit’s holy strength
Such brightness could endure.
But now deep clouds of darkness
Shut out the realms of light,
And shroud the earth beneath the shade
Of sin’s impervious night.
Oh that the veil were rended
Which hides them from our view,
That they might come in loving bands
Their visits to renew.
Are they not elder brothers
Advanced to higher spheres,
Who with bright tales of those high worlds
Could oft entrance our ears?
Then darkening doubt would vanish,
And faith would burn serene,
And man rejoice in glorious hope
Of heavenly worlds unseen.
Yea oft in holy vision
Their shores he might behold,
More fair than light, more rich than gems,
More radiant than gold.
Oh Thou with love Redemptive,
Thy mighty work complete,
And cleanse all souls, that heaven and earth,
In one pure bond may meet.