HYMN 62. P. M.

When Earth was Dress’d in Beauty

William W. Phelps 1792–1872


1

When earth was dress’d in beauty,
And join’d with heav’n above.

The Lord took Eve to Adam,
And taught them how to love.

2

On such a grand occasion,
As union had begun,
They held a sweet communion,
And join’d the twain as one.

3

And bless’d them as an altar,
For chaste and pure desire,
That no unhallow’d being
Might offer there “strange fire.”

4

Beware of all temptation;
Be good, be just, be wise,
Be even as the angels,
That dwell in Paradise.

5

Go multiply,—replenish,
And fill the earth with men,
That all your vast creation,
May come to God again:—

6

And dwell amid perfection,
In Zion’s wide domains,
Where union is eternal,
And Jesus ever reigns.