Greatest and best Thou art !
Thou comest on Thine angel-wing
Straight from our Father's heart.
Spirit of love, expand Thy wings,
Brood o'er my heart to-day ;
Fill me with heavenly tenderness
As now to Thee I pray.
2 God sendeth Thee, His messenger,
From His bright home above ;
And surely all that is of Thee
Are His, for God is love !
3 Faith leadeth us through earthly life
Down to the gates of death :
There stays ; for where “they see His face
They have no need of faith.
4 Hope cometh to the threshold fair,
But cannot pass it o'er ;
For there our hopes are all fulfilled,
For ever, evermore.
5 But love goes through the pearly gates
Into the city blest,
And flies on pinions swift and sure,
Straight to our Father's breast.