Hymnal ‎#189

189. Hark! the sound of holy voices

1 Hark! the sound of holy voices,
Chanting o'er the crystal sea,
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord, to Thee;
Multitude, which none can number,
Like the stars in glory stands,
Clothed in white apparel, holding
Palms of victory in their hands.

2 Patriarch, and holy Prophet.
Who prepared the way for Christ,
King, Apostle, Saint, Confessor,
Martyr and Evangelist;
Saintly Maiden, Golden 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 wash'd their robes in blood,
Wash'd them in the blood of Jesus;
Tried they were, and firm they stood;
Mock'd, imprison'd, stoned, tormented,
Sawn asunder, slain with sword,
They have conquer'd death and Satan
By the might of Christ the Lord.

4 Marching with Thy cross their banner,
They have triumph'd, following
Thee, the Captain of salvation,
Thee, their Saviour and their King;
Gladly, Lord, with Thee they suffer'd;
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 for ever,
And all truth and knowledge see
In the beatific vision
Of the blessèd Trinity.

Text Information

• First Line: Hark! the sound of holy voices
• Meter: 8s. 7s. double.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1871
• Topic: The Communion of Saints

Tune Information

(No tune information)