O how shall I receive Thee, How meet Thee on Thy way; Blest hope of every nation, My soul's delight and stay? O Jesus, Jesus, give me, By Thine illuming light, To know whate'er is pleasing And welcome in Thy sight. | Thy Zion psalms is strewing With branches fresh and fair; And every soul awaking, Her anthem shall prepare; Perpetual thanks and praises Forth from our hearts shall spring; And to Thy name the service Of all our powers we bring. | O ye who sorrow, sinking Beneath your grief and pain, Rejoice in His appearing, Who shall your souls sustain; He comes, He comes with gladness! How great is His good-will! He comes, all grief and anguish Shall at His word be still. | Ye who with guilty terror Are trembling, fear no more; With love and grace the Savior Shall you to hope restore; He comes, who contrite sinners Will with the children place, The children of His Father, The heirs of life and grace. | He comes, the Lord, to judgment; Woe, woe to them who hate! To those who love and seek Him He opes the heavenly gate. Come quickly, gracious Savior, And gather us to Thee, That in the light eternal Our joyous home may be. | |