The Heavenward Course
Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Heb. xiii. 14.
Heavenward still our pathway tends,
Here on earth we are but strangers,
Till our road in Canaan ends,
Through this wilderness of dangers;
Here we but as pilgrims rove,
For our home is there above.
Heavenward still my soul ascend!
Thou art one of heaven’s creations;
Earth can ne’er give aim or end
Fit to fill thy aspirations;
And a heaven-enlighten’d mind
Ever turns its source to find.
Heavenward still! God calls to me,
In his word so loudly speaking;
Glimpses in that word I see
Of the home I’m ever seeking;
And while that my steps defends,
Still to heaven my track ascends.
Heavenward still my thoughts arise,
When He to his board invites me;
Then my spirit upward flies,
Such a ray from heaven lights me:
When on earth this food has ceas’d,
Comes the Lamb’s own Marriage-feast.
Heavenward still my spirit wends,
That fair land by faith exploring;
Heavenward still my heart ascends,
Sun, and moon, and stars out-soaring:
Their faint rays in vain would try
With the light of heaven to vie.
Heavenward still, when life shall close,
Death to my true home shall guide me;
Then, triumphant o’er my woes,
Lasting bliss shall God provide me:
Christ Himself the way has led,
Joyful in his steps I tread.
Still then heavenward! heavenward still!
That shall be my watchword ever;
Heaven’s delights my heart shall fill,
And from vain illusions sever:
Heavenward still my thoughts shall run,
Till the gate of heaven I’ve won.