A Collection of Hymns and A Liturgy ‎#495

495. How long shall death, the tyrant, reign

1 How long shall death, the tyrant, reign,
And triumph o'er the just,
While the rich blood of martyrs slain
Lies mingled with the dust?

2 Lo, I behold the scatter'd shades!
The dawn of heav'n appears:
The sweet, immortal morning spreads
Its blushes round the spheres.

3 I hear the voice, "ye dead arise;"
And lo! the graves obey;
And waking saints with joyful eyes
Salute th' expected day.

4 They leave the dust, and on the wing
Rise to the mid-way air;
In shining garments meet their King,
And bow before him there.

5 O may our humble spirits stand
Amongst them cloth'd in white!
The meanest place at his right hand
Is infinite delight.

Text Information

• First Line: How long shall death, the tyrant, reign
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1814
• Topic: Resurrection

Tune Information

(No tune information)