Hymn LI. Long Metre. The Sight of Christ in Heaven

Descend, ye hosts of angels bright, And bear us on your guardian wings, Through regions of celestial light, Above the reach of earthly things.

Beyond this curtain of the sky, Up where eternal ages roll! Where solid pleasures never die, And fruits immortal feast the soul.

O for a beatific sight Of our Almighty Father's throne! There sits our saviour, crown'd with light, Cloth'd with a body like our own.

Adoring faints around him stand, And heavenly powers before him fall; The God shines gracious thro' the man, And sheds bright glories on them all.

What joys unspeakable they feel! Whilst to their golden harps they sing; And echo from each heav'nly hill, The glorious triumph of their king.

O may the happy day draw nigh, When we shall rise to realms above; To join the music of the sky, And celebrate redeeming love.