THE CITY SAINTLY by D. DeVRIES

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1878

THE CITY SAINTLY.

By D. DeVRIES

I see afar the pearly gates On golden hinges swinging, And porticoes of emerald hue Where purple vines are clinging: I see the mansion turrets faintly In the city of the saintly.

I hear sweet music from the mansions Of the bright angelic throng, Pealing forth from happy harpers, Blending into heavenly song: Yet I only hear them faintly From the city of the saintly.

I feel the heavenly zephyrs stealing O’er my heart so cold and bare, Upper trade-winds, always bringing Precious seeds to scatter there: Yet it comes to me but faintly From the city of the saintly.

I catch sweet perfume from the flowers In the garden of the Lord, Coming o’er the walls of jasper, Past the angels standing guard: Yet their odors come but faintly From the city of the saintly.

I can taste the hidden manna, Oh, how sweet its taste to me! Never olive orchard yieldeth Rich and goodly fruit like thee: ’Tis by faith, and so but faintly, In the city of the saintly,

Well I know that land is nearing Where these realms, these riches be; Endless life, eternal glories, Wait me o’er the crystal sea: Yet I realize but faintly Thy sweet joys, O city saintly.

City fair, how oft I’m dreaming Of thy glories yet unseen, Fruits and flowers and verdant meadows Watered by thy crystal stream, Shining river, sparkling fountain, “Tossing pearl drops in the air,” Golden steps and golden pathway Leading to the mansions fair; How I long thy gates to pass, And stand upon the sea of glass! Then I’ll taste and hear and see All that Christ has bought for me: Not by faith, so far and faintly, But then within that city saintly.

By D. DeVRIES.