The Tree of Life

1 Come, let us join a joyful tune
To our exalted Lord,
Ye saints on high around his throne,
And we around his board.

2 While once upon this lower ground
Weary and faint ye stood,
What dear refreshments here ye found
From this immortal food?

3 The tree of life, that near the throne
In heaven's high garden grows,
Laden with grace, bends gently down
Its ever smiling boughs.

[4 Hovering amongst the leaves there stands
The sweet celestial Dove;
And Jesus on the branches hangs
The banner of his love.]

[5 'Tis a young heaven of strange delight
While in his shade we sit;
His fruit is pleasing to the sight,
And to the taste as sweet.

6 New life it spreads through dying hearts,
And cheers the drooping mind;
Vigor and joy the juice imparts,
Without a sting behind.]

7 Now let the flaming weapon stand,
And guard all Eden's trees
There's ne'er a plant in all that land
That bears such fruits as these.

8 Infinite grace our souls adore,
Whose wondrous hand has made
This living branch of sovereign power
To raise and heal the dead.

The Christian's duty, exhibited in a series of hymns, 1791