Behold, I make all things new.
Revelation 21:5
Words: Samuel Longfellow, 1876.
Music: Monkland John Antes, in A Collection of Hymn Tunes Chiefly Composed for Private Amusement by John Antes, circa 1790. Arranged by John B. Wilkes in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Antes or Wilkes (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Lo, the earth is risen again
From the winter’s bond and pain!
Bring we leaf and flower and spray
To adorn our holiday!
Once again the word comes true,
Lo, He maketh all things new!
Now the dark, cold days are o’er,
Light and gladness are before.
How our hearts leap with the spring!
How our spirits soar and sing!
Light is victor over gloom,
Life triumphant o’er the tomb.
Change, then, mourning into praise,
And, for dirges, anthems raise!
All our fears and griefs shall be
Lost in immortality.