Poem XIV, Supreme High Priest, the Pilgrim’s Light
Augustus Montague Toplady
SUPREME High Priest, the pilgrim's light
My heart for thee prepare,
Thine image stamp, and deeply write
Thy superscription there.
Ah! let my forehead bear thy seal,
My arm thy badge retain,
My heart the inward witness feel
That I am born again!
Thy peace, O Saviour, shed abroad,
That every want supplies:
Then from its guilt my soul renew'd,
Shall, phoenix like, arise.
Into thy humble mansion come,
Set up thy dwelling here;
Possess my heart, and leave no room
For sin to harbour there.
Ah! give me, Lord, the single eye,
Which aims at nought but thee;
I fain would live, and yet not I -
Let Jesus live in me.
Like Noah's dove, no rest I find
But in thy ark of peace:
Thy cross the balance of my mind,
Thy wounds my hiding-place.
In vain the tempter spreads the snare,
If thou my keeper art:
Get thee behind me, God is near,
My Saviour takes my part!
On him my spirit I recline,
Who put my nature on;
His light shall in my darkness shine,
And guide me to his throne.
Oh that the penetrating site,
And eagle’s eye were mine
Undazzled at the boundless light,
I'd see his glory shine!
Ev'n now, by faith, I see him live
To crown the conquering few;
Nor let me linger here, but strive
To gain the prize in view.
Add, Saviour, to the eagle's eye,
The dove's aspiring wing,
To bear me upwards to the sky,
Thy praises there to sing!