Scripture Verse

Lay hold upon the hope set before us, which…we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:18–19

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Hor­ace H. Haw­ley, in Hymns of Zi­on, by Ab­el C. Tho­mas (Phi­la­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia, 1839) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Haw­ley (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

There is a hope, a glorious hope,
More precious and more bright
Than all the joyless mockery
The world esteems delight.

Refrain

That hope, that hope, that precious hope,
Of everlasting rest…
With the bright beaming star,
And the voice from afar,
All point to the land of the blest.

There is a star, a lovely star,
That lights the darkest gloom,
And sheds a peaceful radiance over
The prospects of the tomb.

Refrain

There is a voice, a cheering voice,
That lifts the soul above,
Dispels the painful, anxious doubt,
And whispers, God is love.

Refrain

That voice, aloud from Calvary’s height,
Proclaims the soul forgiven;
That star is revelation’s light;
That hope, the hope of Heav’n.

Refrain