1 A GLANCE from heaven, with sweet effect,
Sometimes my pensive spirit cheers ;
But ere I can my thoughts collect,
As suddenly it disappears.

2 So lightning in the gloom of night
Affords a momentary day ;
Disclosing objects full in sight,
Which, soon as seen, are snatched away.

3 Ah ! what avail these pleasing scenes !
They do but aggravate my pain ;
While darkness quickly intervenes,
And swallows up my joys again.

4 But shall I murmur at relief?
Though short, it was a precious view,
Sent to control my unbelief,
And prove that what I read was true.

5 The lightning's flash did not create
The opening prospect it revealed ;
But only showed the real state
Of what the darkness had concealed.

6 Just so, we by a glimpse discern
The glorious things within the vail,
That, when in darkness, we may learn
To live by faith, till light prevail.

7 The Lord's great day will soon advance,
Dispersing all the shades of night ;
Then we no more shall need a glance,
But see by an eternal light.