Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Augustus LucasHillhouse

141 Forgiveness of Sins a Joy unknown to Angels

TREMBLING before thine awful throne,

O Lord! in dust my sins I own:

Justice and Mercy for my life

Contend!—Oh, smile, and heal the strife!

The Saviour smiles! Upon my soul

New tides of hope tumultuous roll:

His voice proclaims my pardon found,

Seraphic transport wings the sound!

Earth has a joy unknown in heaven,—

The new-born peace of sin forgiven!

Tears of such pure and deep delight,

Ye angels! never dimmed your sight.

Ye saw of old on chaos rise

The beauteous pillars of the skies;

Ye know where morn exulting springs,

And evening folds her drooping wings.

Bright heralds of the Eternal Will,

Abroad his errands ye fulfil;

Or, throned in floods of beamy day,

Symphonious in his presence play.

Loud is the song,—the heavenly plain

Is shaken with the choral strain;

And dying echoes, floating far,

Draw music from each chiming star.

But I amid your choirs shall shine,

And all your knowledge shall be mine;

Ye on your harps must lean to hear

A secret chord that mine will bear!