1  The church is Christ's deep longing

    And His good pleasure too.

    His every word and action

    Is made with her in view.

    His heart's love is established,

    And nought can Him deter;

    Before the earth's foundation

    His thoughts were filled with her.

 2  The eve of all creation

    He mused on His delight,

    And pondered every feature,

    Well-pleasing in His sight.

    Creation sprang to being,

    But deep in Him did hide

    A heart of depth unfathomed

    Fixed on a glorious Bride.

 3  And thus His will was 'stablished

    His counterpart to gain:

    This blessed, firm intention,

    Eternally the same.

    Though sin should e'en beguile man,

    Then mock his helpless state,

    He never could forsake her,

    His yearning ne'er abate.

 4  Then mercy richly flourished,

    And love was, oh, so vast,

    As graciously He sought her

    With wisdom unsurpassed.

    The love He gave to win her

    God only comprehends!

    His life laid down, an offering

    Whose fragrance yet ascends.

 5  And now in resurrection

    To her He draws most near,

    And with untold affection

    In glory does appear.

    As she beholds her Bridegroom,

    His glory floods her heart,

    'Til she, His Bride, is raptured,

    His longed-for counterpart.