Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as he is.
1 John 3:2
Words & Music: Robert L. Powell, in Gospel Songs No. 2, edited by Austin Taylor & George H. P. Showalter (Austin, Texas: Firm Foundation Publishing, 1919), alt. (🔊 pdf nwc). Note: The melody shifts to the tenors in some parts of last stanza; see score for details.
If you know where to get a good photo of Powell (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
When the Savior comes for His chosen ones,
We’ll be like Him, we’ll be like Him;
With the bright daybreak when the dead awake;
We’ll be like Him when He comes.
Refrain
We’ll be like Him, sing the glad refrain;
We’ll be like Him when He comes again;
Blessèd thought to me that His face I’ll see,
And be like Him when He comes.
Let the message rain upon hill and plain,
We’ll be like Him, we’ll be like Him;
Send it far and wide on the Gospel tide;
We’ll be like Him when He comes.
Refrain
He’s the One we love, He’s the one we prove,
We’ll be like Him, we’ll be like Him;
He’s the One who cheers thro’ the weary years;
We’ll be like Him when He comes.
Refrain
Tho’ He tarry long, this will be our song,
We’ll be like our king when He comes again;
Tho’ the path be dim we will cling to Him;
We’ll be like Him when He comes.
We’ll be like our King, sing the glad refrain;
We’ll be like our King when He comes again;
Blessèd thought to me that His face I’ll see,
And be like Him when He comes.