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We stood before a city's walls most glorious to behold;

We passed through gates of glistening pearl, o'er streets of purest gold;

It needed not the sun by day, the silver moon by night;

The glory of the Lord was there, the Lamb himself its light.

Bright angels paced the shining streets, sweet music filled the air,

And white-robed saints with glittering crowns, from every clime were there;

And some that I had loved on earth stood with them round the throne,

"All worthy is the Lamb," they sang, "the glory his alone."

But fairer far than all besides, I saw my Saviour's face;

And as I gazed he smiled on me with wondrous love and grace.

Lowly I bowed before his throne, o'erjoyed that I at last

Had gained the object of my hopes; that earth at length was past.

And then in solemn tones he said, "Where is the diadem

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That ought to sparkle on thy brow - adorned with many a gem?

I know thou hast believed on me, and life through me is thine;

But where are all those radiant stars that in thy crown should shine?

Yonder thou seest a glorious throng, and stars on every brow;

For every soul they led to me they wear a jewel now.

And such thy bright reward had been if such has been thy deed,

If thou hadst sought some wandering feet in paths of peace to lead.

Thou wert not called that thou shouldst tread the way of life alone,

But that the clear and shining light which round thy footsteps shone

Should guide some other weary feet to my bright home of rest,

And thus, in blessing those around, thou hadst thyself been blest."

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The vison faded from my sight, the voice no longer spake,