Scripture Verse

Absent from the flesh, and…present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Introduction

portrait
Theodore E. Perkins
1831–1912

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spir­it­u­al Songs, Book 1, 1707, num­ber 23, part 1. Ab­sent from the bo­dy, and pre­sent with the Lord.

Music: Re­pent­ance The­o­dore E. Per­kins, 1875 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Lyrics

Absent from flesh! O blissful thought!
What unknown joys this moment brings!
Freed from the mischiefs sin has brought,
From pains, and fears, and all their springs.

Absent from flesh! illustrious day!
Surprising scene! triumphant stroke
That rends the prison of my clay;
And I can feel my fetters broke.

Absent from flesh! then rise, my soul,
Where feet nor wings could never climb,
Beyond the heav’ns, where planets roll,
Measuring the cares and joys of time.

I go where God and glory shine,
His presence makes eternal day:
My all that’s mortal I resign,
For angels wait and point my way.