1081    L.M.     A. Steele
Longing for Immortality. 2 Cor. 5. 4; Rom. 8. 23

1 Sad prisoners in a house of clay,
  With sins, and griefs, and pains oppressed,
  We groan the lingering hours away,
  And wish and long to be released.

2 Nor is it liberty alone,
  Which prompts our restless, ardent sighs;
  For immortality we groan,
  For robes and mansions in the skies.

3 Eternal mansions! bright array!
  O blest exchange! transporting thought!
  Free from the approaches of decay,
  Or the least shadow of a spot.

4 Bright world of bliss, O could I see
  One shining glimpse, one cheerful ray,
  (Fair dawn of immortality)
  Break through these tottering walls of clay.

5 Jesus, in thy dear name I trust,
  My life, my light, my Saviour, God;
  When this frail house dissolves in dust,
  O raise me to thy bright abode.