Scripture Verse

This is the gate of Heaven. Genesis 28:17

Introduction

portrait
Thomas Kelly (1769–1855)

Words: Tho­mas Kel­ly, Hymns on Va­ri­ous Pass­ag­es of Scrip­ture 1804.

Music: Beet­ho­ven (Ma­son) ar­ranged by Lo­well Ma­son in the Ply­mouth Col­lect­ion of Hymns and Tunes, ed­it­ed by Hen­ry W. Beech­er (New York: A. S. Barnes, 1855), page 4 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Lowell Mason (1792–1872)

Lyrics

How sweet to leave the world awhile,
And seek the presence of our Lord!
Dear Sav­ior, on Thy people smile,
And come according to Thy Word.

From busy scenes we now retreat,
That may we here converse with Thee;
Ah, Lord, behold us at Thy feet!
Let this the gate of Hea­ven be.

Chief of ten thousand, now appear,
That we by faith may see Thy face!
Oh speak, that we Thy voice may hear,
And let Thy presence fill this place!

Lord, Thou hast cast a pleasant lot
For those whom Thou hast called Thine own;
’Tis true the world esteems them not,
But Thou wilt place them on Thy throne.

Then let the worldling boast his joys!
We’ve meat to eat he knows not of;
We count his treasures worthless toys,
While we possess a Sav­ior’s love.

Lord, let Thy people’s views be clear,
And let their hearts be filled with love;
O may their light to all appear,
And prove their doctrine from above.