Hark! The Sound of Holy Voices - #471 - Christopher Wordsworth

"Hark! The Sound of Holy Voices"
by Christopher Wordsworth, 1807-1885

1. Hark! The sound of holy voices
Chanting at the crystal sea,
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord, to Thee.
Multitudes which none can number
Like the stars in glory stand,
Clothed in white apparel, holding
Palms of victory in their hand.

2. Patriarch and holy prophet,
Who prepared the way of Christ,
King, apostle, saint, confessor,
Martyr, and evangelist,
Saintly maiden, godly matron,
Widows who have watched to prayer,
Joined in holy concert, singing
To the Lord of all, are there.

3. They have come from tribulation
And have washed their robes in blood,
Washed them in the blood of Jesus;
Tried they were, and firm they stood.
Mocked, imprisoned, stoned, tormented,
Sawn asunder, slain with sword,
They have conquered death and Satan
By the might of Christ the Lord.

4. Marching with Thy cross, their banner,
They have triumphed, following
Thee, the Captain of salvation,
Thee, their Savior and their King.
Gladly, Lord, with Thee they died,
And by death to life immortal
They were born and glorified.

5. Now they reign in heavenly glory,
Now they walk in golden light,
Now they drink, as from a river,
Holy bliss and infinite.
Love and peace they taste forever
And all truth and knowledge see
Of the blessed Trinity.

6. God of God, the One-begotten,
Light of Light, Emmanuel,
In whose body, joined together,
All the saints forever dwell,
Pour upon us of Thy fulness
That we may forevermore
God the Father, God the Spirit.
One with Thee on high, adore.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #471
Text: Rev. 7:9, 10
Author: Christopher Wordsworth, 1862
Tune: "O Durchbrecher"
1st Published in: Neues geistreiches Gesangbuch
Town: Halle, 1704