113. The Christian's Song on His March to Heaven

Blest is the Faith, divine and strong,
Of thanks and praise and endless fountain,
whose life is one perpetual song,
High up the Saviour's holy mountain.
Oh Sion's songs are sweet to sing,
With melodies of gladness laden;
Hark! how the harps of angels ring,
Hail, Son of Man! Hail, Mother-Maiden!

Blest is the Hope that holds to God
In doubt and darkness still unshaken,
And sings along the heavenly road.
Sweetest when most it seems forsaken.
Oh Sion's songs are sweet to sing,
AVith melodies of gladness laden;
Hark! how the harps of angels ring.
Hail, Son of Man! Hail, Mother-Maiden!

Blest is the Love that cannot love
Aught that earth gives of best and brightest;
Whose raptures thrill like saints' above.
Most when its earthly gifts are lightest.
Oh Sion's songs are sweet to sing,
With melodies of gladness laden;
Hark! how the harps of angels ring,
Hail, Son of Man! Hail, Mother-Maiden!

Blest is the Penance that believes
That charity turns hell to heaven,
Counts its dark sins, and, while it grieves,
Hopes with meek hope to be forgiven.
Oh Sion's songs are sweet to sing.
With melodies of gladness laden;
Hark! how the harps of angels ring.
Hail, Son of Man! Hail, Mother-Maiden!

Blest is the Time that in the eye
Of God its hopeful watch is keeping,
And grows into eternity.
Like noiseless trees, when men are sleeping.
Oh Sion's songs are sweet to sing.
With melodies of gladness lade-n;
Hark! how the harps of angels ring.
Hail, Son of Man! Hail, Mother-Maiden (

Blest is the Death that good men die,
Solemn, self-doubting, firm, and wary,
Trusting to God its destiny.
And leaning for its hour on ]\Iary.
Oh Slon's songs are sweet to sing,
AVith melodies of gladness laden;
Hark! how the harps of angels ring,
Hail, Son of Man! Hail, Mother-Maiden!