How blest the sacred tie that binds <br />In union sweet according minds! <br />How swift the heavenly course they run, <br />Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one! <br />To each, the soul of each how dear, <br />What jealous love, what holy fear! <br />How doth the generous flame within <br />Refine from earth and cleanse from sin! <br />Their streaming tears together flow <br />For human guilt and mortal woe; <br />Their ardent prayers together rise, <br />Like mingling flames in sacrifice. <br /> <br />Together both they seek the place <br />Where God reveals his awful face; <br />How high, how strong, their raptures swell, <br />There's none but kindred souls can tell. <br />Nor shall the glowing flame expire <br />When nature droops her sickening fire; <br />Then shall they meet in realms above, <br />A heaven of joy—because of love.<br /><br />Anna Laetitia Barbauld<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/pious-friendship/
