How blest the sacred tie that binds, In sweet communion, kindred minds! How swift the heav'nly course they run, Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one! To each the soul of each how dear! What tender love, what holy fear! How doth the gen'rous flame within Refine from earth, and cleanse from sin. Nor shall the glowing flame expire, When dimly burns frail nature's fire; Then shall they meet in realms above, A heaven of joy, a heaven of love.