"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit." 1 Cor. ii, 9, 10.
There are no bowers on earth so fair, as were the bowers of Eden;
There are no flowers nor fruits so rare, as those to man first given;
Sweet melody in every tree, from birdling voices sounded,
While peace and love, like that above, in every heart abounded.
'Twas sweet employ, without alloy, to do as God directed,
His name to bless, the garden dress, while by his love protected.
At cool of day, how gladly they would haste to meet their Father,
Then face to face, in sweet embrace, would pass the hours together.
When Satan's lie, "Thou shalt not die," caused man's first disobedience,
He sees no way, by which he may return to his allegiance;
He only saw God's broken law, whose penalty demanded
The life of those who dare refuse to do as God commanded.
Sweet mercy's voice, made man rejoice in hopes of coming favor;
I've found for thee a remedy, she said, I've found a Saviour!
Oh sweeter word, ear never heard, than this one dear name Jesus,
Who'll save from sin (death's cruel sting); yes, e'en from death release us.
For disobedience to God's law there could be no remission
Without the richest blood was shed, mingled with intercession.
That blood was spilt, t'atone for guilt; then Christ's example given
To show those how to keep God's law, whose sins had been forgiven.
Then we'll obey, from day to day, each one of God's commandments;
Keep Jesus' faith, as th' angel saith, and do all his requirements;
His faith the same, as John did name, The testimony of Jesus,
Which is the spirit (mark the words) of prophecy, to teach us.
Oh blessed they who God obey, for they shall surely enter
Those pearly gates, where glory waits, and endless pleasures center.
If but one point we fail to keep, we shall be written guilty!
The least command if disobeyed, condemns us with the filthy.
The hour draws near when He'll appear; the Lord in clouds of heaven;
The trumpet sounds, and from the ground, the saints will have arisen;
Then words how sweet our ears will greet, Come, blessed of my Father!
Those mansions fair Christ did prepare, they'll then inherit ever.
Jerusalem, the saints' bright home, within the skies remaineth
A thousand years, till Christ appears again on earth, and reigneth.
Then it comes down, bearing God's throne, by all the saints attended,
To be henceforth earth's capitol, when sin's dark reign has ended.
The wicked now are raised, and bow to Satan as their leader,
Encompassing the saints' abode, as foes in battle gather;
But fire from God devours them all; both root and branch it burneth;
Their works are burned, the melted earth to elements returneth.
With these, the Lord's all-powerful word, re-fashions earth, and clothes it
With all that's beautiful and good, then to the meek restores it.
When everlasting death shall hush the sinner's wail forever,
The universe shall sound with praise, to Christ and God the Father.
Oh there will be life healing tree, beside life's flowing river;
And every tear shall disappear, its causes cease forever;
While wolves and lambs together feed, his chosen Jesus heedeth
In pastures green, by quiet stream, where every want he heedeth.