← If I in thy likeness, O Lord, may awake Hymns and Tunes (1888) · No. 968

If I in thy likeness, O Lord, may awake

1

If I in thy likeness, O Lord, may awake,And shine, a pure image of thee,Then I shall be satisfied, when I can breakThe fetters of death, and be free.

2

I know this stained tablet must first be washed white,To let thy bright features be drawn;I know I must suffer the darkness of night,To welcome the coming of dawn.

3

O, I shall be satisfied when I can castThe shadow of nature all by,When this dreary world from my vision is passed,To live in an unclouded day.

4

I feel the blest morning begins to draw near,When time's dreary fancy shall fade;O, then in thy likeness may I but appear,In glory and beauty arrayed!

5

When on thine own image in me thou hast smiled,Within thy blest mansion, and whenThe arms of my Father encircle his child,O I shall be satisfied then!