welcome as

* * Blessed IDEAL! rosy realm! Welcome resort of sad and weary souls! welcome, as to the fainting and lost way-farer, struggling with darkness and perils, the rising sun revealing prospects of relief and enjoyment! 
("Scenes Beyond the Western Border," Southern Literary Messenger 17, December 1851)

 Revised in the 1857 book version, as follows:

* * Blessed IDEAL! rosy realm! Welcome resort of sad and weary souls! welcome, as to the fainting, lost wayfarer, struggling in darkness, the rising sun.
Scenes and Adventures in the Army

 "....welcome as wine and olives after dinner."  (The Confidence-Man)

"Ay, welcome as the drums
Of marching allies unto men
Beleagured...."  (Clarel)

I keep the word "Welcome" all the time in my mouth, so as to be ready on the instant when you cross the threshold.  (Letter to Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1851)