O could our thoughts and wishes fly,
by Anne Steele (1716–1778)
Representative text
As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 244 — the newest hymnal carrying it.
Verse 1
O could our thoughts and wishes fly, Above these gloomy shades, To those bright worlds beyond the sky, Where sorrow ne'er invades!
Verse 2
There, joys unseen by mortal eyes, Or reason's feeble ray, In ever-blooming prospect rise, Exposed to no decay.
Verse 3
Lord, send a beam of light divine, To guide our upward aim; With one reviving look of Thine, Our languid hearts inflame.
Verse 4
O then, on faith's sublimest wing, Our ardent souls shall rise To those bright scenes where pleasures spring Immortal in the skies.