Prophets, Psalmists, Seers, and Sages

For the last Sunday in the Easter season, a hymn that links the resurrection of Jesus to the resurrection of all:

Sing with all the saints in glory,
Sing the resurrection song!
Death and sorrow, earth’s old story,
To the former days belong.
All around the clouds are breaking,
Soon the storms of time shall cease;
In God’s likeness we awaken,
Knowing everlasting peace.

O what glory, far exceeding
All that eye has yet perceived!
Holiest hearts, for ages pleading,
Never that full joy conceived.
God has promised, Christ prepares it,
There on high our welcome waits.
Every humble spirit shares it;
Christ has passed th’eternal gates.

Life eternal! heaven rejoices;
Jesus lives, who once was dead.
Join we now the deathless voices;
Child of God, lift up your head!
Men and women from the ages,
Saints all longing for their heaven,
Prophets, psalmists, seers, and sages --
All await the glory given.

Life eternal! O what wonders
Crowd on faith; what joy unknown,
When, amidst earth’s closing thunders,
Saints shall stand before the throne!
O to enter that bright portal,
See that glowing firmament;
Know, with you, O God immortal,
Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

William J. Irons, 1873; alt.
Tune: HYMN TO JOY (8.7.8.7.D.)
Ludwig von Beethoven, 1824; adapt. Edward Hodges, 1846