The twelve gates were twelve pearls…and the street of the city was pure gold.
Revelation 21:21
Words: Frank M. Ellis, in The Silver Spray, edited by Howard Doane (Cincinnati, Ohio: John Church, 1868), page 110.
Music: W. Howard Doane (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Ellis (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
I am sitting at the portal,
With the sapphire gates ajar,
Where the eyes of hope immortal
Catch the gleaming world afar.
I’m sitting, I’m sitting at the portal,
I’m sitting, I’m sitting,
I’m sitting at the portal.
I am longing for that music,
Stealing thro’ the open door,
And my weary heart grows homesick,
For that land where sin’s no more.
I’m longing, I’m longing at the portal,
I’m longing, I’m longing,
I’m longing at the portal.
I am waiting for those loved ones,
Who are with the angel throng,
To come and bid me welcome;
But their coming seems so long.
I’m waiting, I’m waiting at the portal,
I’m waiting, I’m waiting,
I’m waiting at the portal.
I am hoping that the Master,
When my hour is fully come,
Will give my soul a welcome,
With the words, “’Tis done—well done!”
I’m hoping, I’m hoping at the portal,
I’m hoping, I’m hoping,
I’m hoping at the portal.