O the joy of the salvation
We possess around the throne,
Countless thoughts of admiration
Mingling leave that joy but one.
Hark! ten thousand voices crying,
“Lamb of God!” with one accord;
Thousand thousand saints replying,
Bursts at once the echoing chord.
Long with free and glad devotion
Universal praise prevails,
Till, blest fruit of deep emotion,
Voice by voice in silence fails.
Now, in wondrous adoration,
Dwelling on His matchless love,
Sway’d with power of that salvation,
Silence fills the courts above.
Then their richest thoughts unfolding,
Each to each with joy divine,
Heavenly converse blissful holding,
Tells how bright His glories shine.
Some on God’s high glories dwelling,
Brightly beaming in His face;
Some His First-born greatness telling,
Ordering all things in their place.
These of Godhead’s counsels deep
Him th’ Accomplisher proclaim;
These how Jesu’s self could weep,
Of Godhead’s love the Witness came.
All on love surpassing rest,
That clothed in flesh the great I AM:
Till from a heart divinely parts
Bursts forth at length the loud exclaim,
“Praise the Lamb!” — at once awaking
The gather’d hosts, their voices throng;
Loud and wide each tongue partaking,
Roils renew’d the endless song.
Grateful incense this ascending,
Rises to the Father’s throne;
Every knee to Christ is bending,
All the mind in heaven is one.
All the Father’s counsels claiming
Equal honors to the Son,
All the Son’s effulgence bearing,
Glory of His Father’s throne.
By the Spirit all pervading
Radiant hosts unnumber’d round,
Breathing glory never fading,
Echo back the blissful sound.
Joyful now the wide creation
Rests in undisturbed repose;
Blest in Jesus’ full salvation,
Sorrow now nor thraldom knows.
Rich the streams of bounty flowing,
Common blessings from above,
Life and holy joy bestowing,
Tell of God’s unwearied love.
Hark, the heavenly notes again!
Loudly swells the air-borne praise;
Throughout creation’s vault, Amen,
“Amen!” responsive joy doth raise.
J. N. D.