Whatever beauty this world holds

Whatever beauty this world holds,
It holds as a poor reflection of heaven,
It holds yet as pure as the earthly can be,
It holds and it draws me more close to Thee.

Whatever beauty this world contains,
It contains as a gift from heaven,
It contains as mist or rains
Something of the glory yet to be known,
It contains yet a bit, yet a scent,
And through it I see and sense,
Incense which draws me more close to Thee.

Whatever beauty of bird or mornings dew
Can only point me more to You
For all that is lovely in truth and delight
Is at God's right hand in radiant light.