On Olivet a Little Band

On Olivet a little band
Around their risen Master stand:
And after charge and blessing giv’n,
He passeth from them into Heav’n.

Wistful their eyes, but angels twain
Cheer them with glorious words: “Again
One day shall Jesus even so
Return, as ye have seen Him go.”

Till then in Heav’n He doth remain,
True God, at God’s right hand to reign,
True Man, at human woes to grieve,
True God, almighty to relieve.

For every soul in every need
He ever lives to intercede,
Presenting there within the veil
A sacrifice that cannot fail.

Our heav’nly great high priest He stands:
By piercèd feet, and piercèd hands,
By bleeding brow and ’riven side,
He lives to plead for whom He died!

Whom have we, Lord, in Heav’n but Thee?
Like ships safe moored on stormy sea
Our souls in peril, with Thee there
Find anchorage of hope and prayer.

Set loose from earth, and evermore
Fast bound to that eternal shore,
So all our life and love shall be,
Ascended Master, hid with Thee!