Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice
Philippians 4:4
Words: L. E. R. Stunz, in Songs of Joy and Gladness No. 2, edited by William McDonald et al. (Boston, Massachusetts, and Chicago Illinois: McDonald & Gill, 1889), number 28.
Music: Siirt John R. Sweney, 1889 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Stunz’ full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Rejoice, ye saints in Christ, the Lord,
And praise His name with one accord;
Let every heart rejoice with song,
For thanks and praise to Christ belong.
Refrain
Rejoice He came our souls to save;
Rejoice He triumphed o’er the grave;
Rejoice for Him who once was slain;
Rejoice for Him who rose again.
Rejoice, the Comforter has come;
Within our hearts He makes His home;
He feeds us with divinest food,
Fresh every morn, at eve renewed.
Refrain
Rejoice o’er sin now washed away,
For hope of an eternal day;
For present peace and rest of mind,
For will and heart and life resigned.
Refrain
Lord, keep us ever at Thy feet,
In faith and love, and hope complete;
Saying in all our pathways here,
That Christ, our Lord, is ever near.
Refrain