Scripture Verse

The root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star. Revelation 22:16

Introduction

portrait
Edward J. Hopkins (1818–1901)

Words: James G. Deck (1807–1884).

Music: Ell­ers Ed­ward J. Hop­kins, in the Sup­ple­ment­al Tune-Book, by Ro­bert Brown-Borth­wick, 1869 (🔊 pdf nwc)

If you know when this hymn was writ­ten,

portrait
James G. Deck (1802–1884)

Lyrics

In hope we lift our wishful, longing eyes,
Waiting to see the Morning Star arise;
How bright, how gladsome will His advent be,
Before the Sun shines forth in majesty!

How will our eyes to see His face delight,
Whose love has cheered us thro’ the darksome night!
How will our ears drink in His well-known voice,
Whose faintest whispers make our soul rejoice!

No strain within, no foes or snares around,
No jarring notes shall there discordant sound;
All pure without, all pure within the breast;
No thorns to wound, no toil to mar our rest.

If here on earth the thoughts of Je­sus’ love
Lift our poor heart this weary world above,
If even here the taste of heav’nly springs
So cheers the spirit, that the pilgrim sings.

What will the sunshine of His glo­ry prove?
What the unmingled fullness of His love?
What hallelujahs will His presence raise?
What, but one loud eter­nal burst of praise?