Scripture Verse

Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually. Hebrews 13:15

Introduction

portrait
Richard M. Benson
1824–1915

Words: Ri­chard M. Ben­son, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1861.

Music: Xa­vi­er Fran­cis H. Champ­neys, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1875 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Francis H. Champneys
1848–1930

Lyrics

Praise to God who reigns above,
Binding earth and Heav’n in love;
All the armies of the sky
Worship His dread sovereignty.

Seraphim His praises sing,
Cherubim on fourfold wing,
Thrones, dominions, princes, powers,
Marshaled might that never cowers.

Speeds th’archangel from His face,
Bearing messages of grace;
Angel hosts His words fulfill,
Ruling nature by His will.

Yet on man they joy to wait,
All that bright celestial state,
For in man their Lord they see,
Christ, th’incarnate deity.

On the throne their Lord who died
Sits in manhood glorified;
Where His people faint below
Angels count it joy to go.

Oh, the depths of joy divine,
Thrilling through those orders nine,
When the lost are found again,
When the banished come to reign!

Now in faith, in hope, in love,
We will join the choirs above,
Praising, with the heav’nly host,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.