A hymn by John Fawcett (1739-1817)

Hebrews 11:16 speaks beautifully of God’s people, who desire a “better country,” and of God, who reciprocates by preparing a heavenly city for his people. In this hymn, John Fawcett – a Particular Baptist pastor from Hebden Bridge – captures a Christian’s longing for heaven.

When shall my longing soul ascend,
To God my everlasting Friend?
When shall I quit this house of clay,
And triumph in immortal day?

In darkness here, I often mourn,
As one forsaken and forlorn;
When shall I see those blissful plains,
Where perfect light for ever reigns?

A thousand snares beset my way,
To draw my wav’ring soul astray;
But there the saints from danger free,
Abide in perfect purity.

A stranger in the world I roam,
Far from my everlasting home;
I long to reach the blest abode,
Of my Redeemer, and my God.

Here wondrous things attract mine eye,
Both in the earth and arched sky;
But brighter beatuties shine above,
Where all is harmony and love.

Some glimpses of my Saviour’s face
I see within his courts of grace;
I bless his name, yet fain would be,
Where angels all his glories see.

What imperfection here attends,
The saints, my most esteemed friends,
Their fellowship on earth I prize,
But long to meet them in the skies.

My soul with sin and grief oppressed,
Aspires to her eternal rest;
Cut short thy work, my Lord, and come,
Receive me to my heavenly home.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How would you describe the mood or the tone of
Fawcett’s hymn?

2. Do you think Fawcett’s attitude towards this life is
biblically sanctioned? What Scripture would you cite
to defend your answer?

3. In the sixth stanza, what do you think he is referring to
when he mentions “courts of grace”?

4. How does suffering change the way you look at
this world? How does it change the way you think about heaven?