How blest are they who take delight

1 How bless'd are they who take delight
To visit Christ the Lord!
As Nicodemus came by night,
To hear the gospel word.

2 The Lord will open to their view,
The things of greatest worth--
That which before they never knew:
The new and heav'nly birth.

3 Christ solemnly declares 'tis true,
This truth will e'er remain;
God's kingdom ye can never view,
Till ye are born again!

4 Indeed ye must be thus renew'd?
And feel this change within:
Or ne'er become the son's of God,
And live and die in sin.

5 This works a change upon the mind,
And fills the soul with love!
And thus the seeking soul shall find:
This work is from above.

6 The water and the spirit are
The means which Christ directs;
And as the Saviour doth declare:
These must have their effects.

7 But how this gracious work is wrought,
Is more than man can know!
And far beyond the reach of thought,
What heav'nly grace can do.

8 The spirit worketh as he please;
And they who will submit,
Shall find that God's appointed ways
Will make the work complete.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #XCVI