699. They whose course on earth is o'er

1 They whose course on earth is o’er,
think they of their brethren more?
They before the throne who bow,
feel they for their brethren now?

2 We by enemies distrest,
they in paradise at rest;
we the captives, they the freed —
we and they are one indeed.

3 Those whom many a land divides,
many mountains, many tides,
have they with each other part,
fellowship of heart with heart?

4 Each to each may be unknown,
wide apart their lots be thrown;
differing tongues their lips may speak,
one be strong, and one be weak:

5 yet in sacrament and prayer
each with other hath a share;
hath a share in tear and sigh,
watch and fast and litany.

6 Saints departed even thus
hold communion still with us;
still with us, beyond the veil
praising, pleading, without fail.

7 With them still our hearts we raise,
share their work and join their praise,
rendering worship, thanks, and love,
to the Trinity above.

Text Information
First Line: They whose course on earth is o'er
Author: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866
Meter: 7.7.7.7
Language: English
Publication Date: 2010
Topic: Sacraments and Other Occasions: Funerals/Commemorations
Source: Other authors: Editors of Hymns Ancient and Modern
Notes: A lower setting of VIENNA is found at 659
Tune Information
Name: VIENNA
Composer: Johann Heinrich Knecht, 1752-1817
Meter: 7.7.7.7
Key: G Major



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