The house of our Fa-ther above, 2 Our mourning is all at an end, When, raised by the life-giving word, We see the new city descend, Adorned as a bride for her Lord; The city so holy and clean, No sorrow can breathe in the air; 3 By faith we already behold That lovely Jerusalem here; She stands as she ever hath stood, And flames with the glory of God. Which never is followed by night, A pure and a permanent light; And bright in effulgence divine! 5 The saints in his presence receive They reign in the smile of their Lord : Is kindled at Jesus's face; And all the enjoyment above HYMN 74.-Continued. 2 It stands securely high, Our glorious mansion in the sky GERMAN MELODY. O were we entered there, To perfect heaven restored! O were we all caught up to share The triumph of our Lord! For this in faith we call, For this we weep and pray: O might the tabernacle fall! Ŏ might we 'scape away! Full of immortal hope, We urge the restless strife, And hasten to be swallowed up Of everlasting life. 4 Absent, alas! from God, We in the body mourn, And pine to quit this mean abode, And languish to return. Jesus, regard our vows, And change our faith to sight; And clothe us with our nobler house 5 Of empyrean light! O let us put on thee In perfect holiness, And rise prepared thy face to see, Thy bright, unclouded face! Thy grace with glory crown, Who hast the earnest given, And now triumphantly come down, And take our souls to heaven! HYMN 75.-Continued. 2 Saints begin the endless song, God, the glorious Saviour, praise : Him, who reigns enthroned on high: Let the morning stars reply. 3 Angel-powers the throne surround, 4 Be it so, they all reply, Him let all our orders praise; Glory, wisdom, thanks, and power, 1 What are these arrayed in white, Brighter than the noon-day sun? Foremost of the sons of light, Nearest the eternal throne? These are they that bore the cross, Nobly for their Master stood; Sufferers in his righteous cause, Followers of the dying God. 2 Out of great distress they came, Washed their robes by faith below, In the blood of yonder Lamb, Blood that washes white as snow : Therefore are they next the throne, Serve their Maker day and night; God resides among his own, God doth in his saints delight. 3 More than conquerors at last, Here they find their trials o'er ; They have all their sufferings past, Hunger now and thirst no more; No excessive heat they feel From the sun's directer ray, In a milder clime they dwell, Region of eternal day. |