153.

SAINTS of God, whom faith united
In the twelve Apostles' band;
Who for Christ in pain delighted,

Who are now at Christ's right hand;
Ye had many a bitter trial,

Ye were scorned and set at nought, Fearing nothing but denial

Of the Lord for whom ye fought.

Called on earth to different stations
In the battle of the Lord,

Ye went on through tribulations,

Faith your shield, and truth your sword:
Far apart, through toils and dangers
Passed ye onward to your rest;

In the land where none are strangers,
Now together ye are blest.

Leaves of autumn tell the story

How our lives must also pass,
And that this world's pomp and glory
Fadeth like the summer grass:
Earthly joys are vain and hollow,
Earthly hopes but poor at best;
Christ's true martyrs, we would follow
In your steps, and gain our rest!

Him whose love mankind created,
Him who came for man to bleed,
Him who hath regenerated

Us and all His chosen seed,
We, as we are onward pressing

To His glorious home on high,

With His saints and angels blessing,
Now and ever magnify.

JOHN M. NEALE, 1846.

154.

WHAT are these in bright array,
This innumerable throng,
Round the altar, night and day,
Hymning their triumphant song?
Worthy is the Lamb once slain,
"Blessing, honour, glory, power,
"Wisdom, riches, to obtain,

"New dominion every hour."

These through fiery trials trod;
These from great afflictions came;

Now before the throne of God,
Sealed with His almighty name,
Clad in raiment pure and white,
Victor palms in every hand,
Through their dear Redeemer's might,
More than conquerors they stand.

Hunger, thirst, disease unknown,
On immortal fruits they feed;
Them the Lamb amidst the throne
Shall to living fountains lead:
Joy and gladness banish sighs;
Perfect love dispels all fear;

And for ever from their eyes

God shall wipe away the tear.

JAMES MONTGOMERY, 1819.