Songs of Praise the Angels Sang - #35

"Songs of Praise the Angels Sang"
by James Montgomery, 1771-1854

1. Songs of praise the angels sang,
Heaven with alleluias rang,
When creation was begun,
When God spake and it was done.

2. Songs of praise awoke the morn
When the Prince of Peace was born;
Songs of praise arose when He
Captive led captivity.

3. Heaven and earth must pass away;
Songs of praise shall crown that day.
God will make new heavens and earth;
Songs of praise shall hail their birth.

4. And shall man alone be dumb
Till that glorious kingdom come?
No; the Church delights to raise
Psalms and hymns and songs of praise.

5. Saints below, with heart and voice,
Still in songs of praise rejoice;
Learning here, by faith and love,
Songs of praise to sing above.

6. Borne upon their latest breath,
Songs of praise shall conquer death;
Then, amidst eternal joy,
Songs of praise their powers employ.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #35
Text: Job 38:7
Author: James Montgomery, 1819, alt
Tune: "Innocents"
Composer: French melody, 13th century