7.6.7.6.D. [2106]Alford: John Bacchus Dykes, 1875 Henry Alford, 1867 Ten thousand times ten thousand In sparkling raiment bright, The armies of the ransomed saints Throng up the steeps of light: 'Tis finished! all is finished, Their fight with death and sin: Fling open wide the golden gates, And let the victors in. What rush of alleluias Fills all the earth and sky! What ringing of a thousand harps Bespeaks the triumph nigh! O day, for which creation And all its tribes were made! O joy, for all its former woes A thousand-fold repaid! O then what raptured greetings On Canaan's happy shore! What knitting severed friendships up, Where partings are no more! Then eyes with joy shall sparkle That brimmed with tears of late; Orphans no longer fatherless, Nor widows desolate. Bring near thy great salvation, Thou Lamb for sinners slain; Fill up the roll of thine elect, Then take thy power and reign! Appear, Desire of nations! Thine exiles long for home: Show in the heavens thy promised sign! Thou Prince and Savior, come! Amen. |