The City of God by L. D. Santee

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Sep 15, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 36.

The City of God

By L. D. Santee

By L. D. SANTEE

“Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.” Ps. 87:3.

I THINK with delight of the city of God, Where sorrow ne'er enters, and sin never trod. Its wondrous foundations are rainbows unrolled, Its walls are of jasper, its streets of pure gold. Its pavements shall echo with cadence so sweet, To the rapturous march of the glorified feet. 'Tis the rest for the weary, where troubles all cease, Where the angels draw near on the white wings of peace.

There are moments, I think, when the spirit receives Pure thoughts from above on its unwritten leaves, When the depths of the soul for a moment unclose, Like leaves from the innermost heart of the rose. And such is the spirit that woos me to-day From the grossness of earth to the home far away; And fancy soars up on her beautiful wings, Where the tree of life bends, and where sweet blossoms spring.

I am weary of toil. I am weary of pain. But not long will the days of my waiting remain; For I know that the moments and hours, as they go, But shorten the time I shall linger below. And the thought of all others, to me the most dear, Is the blessed assurance, “The city is near.” And ever this thought all my being enfolds, I shall walk with the ransomed on pavements of gold.

I shall share in a gladness that tongue never told, When the Shepherd shall gather the lambs to His fold, And voices familiar, sweet voices I've loved, Shall join in the anthems of praises above. I shall clasp their dear forms, I shall look into eyes That shall smile into mine with a wondrous surprise, In the city of light, that fair city above. I shall meet, I shall greet the dear friends that I love.