This hymn by Irish native Charitie Lees Smith (1841–1923) was first published in “The Praise of Jesus”, a collection compiled by William Reid of Edinburgh. The text in this edition was in six stanzas of four lines, unattributed, without music, headed “Within the Vail with Jesus.” This hymn was repeated in Smith’s own collection, “Within the Vail and Other Sacred Poems”. In the preface to her collection, she offered this blessing: “may these verses find an echo in other hearts, and be of help, especially in hours of trial, by reminding of a Saviour’s sympathy and a Father’s love. May they help some to take humbly and patiently the chastisement which is sent, not less in tenderness than in wisdom. We are ‘not as yet come to the rest, and the inheritance.’ Thank God, we shall soon enjoy both!”¹

Before the Throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace!
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Saviour and my God
With Christ, my Saviour and my God.

¹hymnologyarchive.com/before-the-throne-of-god-above