Lightning in the Night

A Glance from heav'n, with sweet effect,
Sometimes my pensive spirit cheers;
But, ere I can my thoughts collect,
As suddenly it disappears.

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

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

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

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

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

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.