When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When I stand with Christ on high,
Looking o’er life’s history;
Then, Lord, shall I fully know–
Not till then–how much I owe.
Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark as midnight’s gloomy shroud,
But when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know–
Not till then–how much I owe.
When the praise of heav’n I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know–
Not till then–how much I owe.
E’en on earth, as through a glass,
Darkly, let Thy glory pass.
Make forgiveness feel so sweet;
Make Thy Spirit’s help so meet;
E’en on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.
– Robert M. McCheyne (1837)