The Beginning of Bliss

I am content with what I have, Little be it or much,

And, Lord, contentment still I crave, Because Thou savest such.

Fulness to such a burden is That go on Pilgrimage,

Here little, and hereafter Bliss Is best from age to age."

This bliss, this exultation, was too rich for me to shun

There is Life for a look at the Crucified One.

Thus far did I come laden with my sin;

Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in, -

Till I came hither: - what a place is this!

Must here be the beginning of my bliss?

Must here the burden fall from off my back?

Must here the strings that bound it to me crack?

Blest Cross! Blest Sepulchre! Blest rather be

The Man that was there put to shame for me!

Anthony Foster

After John Bunyan