The Cyber Hymnal ‎#9801

9801. How Long Shall Death, The Tyrant, Reign?

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

2 When shall the tedious night be gone?
When will our Lord appear?
Our fond desires would pray Him down,
Our love embrace Him here,

3 Let faith arise, and climb the hills,
And from afar descry
How distant are His chariot wheels,
And tell how fast they fly.

4 Lo, I behold the scattering shades,
The dawn of Heav’n appears,
The sweet immortal morning spreads
Its blushes round the spheres,

5 I see the Lord of glory come,
And flaming guards around:
The skies divide to make Him room,
The trumpet shakes the ground.

6 I hear the voice, "Ye dead arise,"
And lo, the graves obey,
And waking saints with joyful eyes
Salute th’expected day.

7 They leave the dust, and on the wing
Rise to the middle air,
In shining garments meet their king,
And low adore Him there.

8 O may my humble spirit stand
Amongst them clothed in white!
The meanest place at His right hand
Is infinite delight.

0 How will our joy and wonder rise,
When our returning king
Shall bear us homeward through the skies
On love’s triumphant wing!

Text Information

• First Line: How long shall death, the tyrant reign
• Title: How Long Shall Death, The Tyrant, Reign?
• Author: Isaac Watts
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Horae Lyricae and Divine Songs, Book I, 1706
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: DUNDEE
• Meter: CM
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Scottish Psalter, 1615