Hymns

The voice of my Beloved sounds

by Isaac Watts·1707·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

Based on SS 2:8-13.

1

The voice of my Beloved sounds
Over the rocks and rising grounds;
O'er hills of guilt and seas of grief
He leaps, he flies to my relief.

2

Now through the veil of flesh I see
With eyes of love he looks at me;
Now in the gospel's clearest glass
He shows the beauties of his face.

3

Gently he draws my heart along,
Both with his beauties and his tongue;
"Rise," saith my Lord, "make haste away,
No mortal joys are worth thy stay.

4

"The Jewish wintry state is gone,
The mists are fled, the spring comes on;
The sacred turtle-dove we hear
Proclaim the new, the joyful year.

5

"Th' immortal vine of heav'nly root
Blossoms, and buds, and gives her fruit:"
Lo! we are come to taste the wine;
Our souls rejoice, and bless the vine.

6

And when we hear our Jesus say,
"Rise up, my love, make haste away!"
Our hearts would fain outfly the wind,
And leave all earthly loves behind.