We shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Words: Anonymous, in The Advent Harp, edited by Joshua Vaughan Himes (Boston, Massachusetts: J. V. Himes, 1849), number 192, alt.
Music: Das walt’ Gott Vater Daniel Vetter, Musicalische Kirch-und Hauß-Ergötzlichkeit, part 2 (Leipzig, Germany: 1713). Adapted and harmonized by Johann S. Bach (🔊 pdf nwc).
A mystery doth the Gospel show—
We shall ere long be changed below;
When from the graves the saints shall rise,
And loud their songs salute the skies.
The earth, to its first form restored,
Shall glorify its mighty Lord;
And blest, His children hail the place,
Where they may view Him face to face.
What joys ecstatic will surprise,
When God shall wipe from off our eyes
All tears of grief, and bliss restore,
And suffer us to sin no more!
Lord, let this glorious kingdom come!
We would proclaim, there still is room
For myriads yet unborn to God;
O, fly—or ye must feel His rod!
Open each eye, unstop each ear,
And show Thy great approach draws near,
To claim the kingdoms for Thine own,
Renew the world, erect Thy throne.
O quickly change each earthly clod;
Restore the image of our God;
Let universal nature sing
Its praise to Christ, our heav’nly king.