176. Blessed Hope

There is a blessed hope,
More precious and more bright;
Than all the joy-less mockery,
The world esteems delight.

There is a lovely star,
That lights the darkest gloom,
And sheds a peaceful radiance o’re,
The prospects of the tomb.

There is a cheering voice,
That lifts the soul above;
Dispels the painful, anxious doubt,
And whispers, “God is love.”

That voice from Calvary’s height,
Proclaims the soul forgiv’n;
That star is revelation’s light,
That hope, the of heav’n.