Verse 1
Lord at thy temple we appear,
As happy Simeon came,
And hope to meet our Saviour here;
O make our joys the same!
Verse 2
With what divine and vast delight
The good old man was fill’d,
When fondly in his wither’d arms
He clasp’d the holy child!
Verse 3
“Now I can leave this world,” he cry’d,
“Behold thy servant dies,
“I’ve seen thy great salvation, Lord,
“And close my peaceful eyes.
Verse 4
“This is the light prepar’d to shine
”Upon the Gentile lands,
“Thine Israel’s glory, and their hope
”To break their slavish bands.”
Verse 5
Jesus, the vision of thy face
Hath overpowering charms
Scarce shall I feel death’s cold embrace
If Christ be in my arms.
Verse 6
Then while ye hear my heart-strings break,
How sweet my minutes roll!
A mortal paleness on my cheek,
And glory in my soul.
Isaac Watts, “Lord at Thy Temple We Appear”