1 We are exiles now from home,
While in paths of sin we roam,
And the days oft grief and danger to us bring;
But there is a far-off land
Where we by and by shall stand,
Safe and happy in the presence of the King.
Refrain:
In the presence of the King!
In the presence of the King!
Oh, the glory never told,
We with rapture shall behold,
In the presence of the great eternal King!
2 How this tho’t our souls should thrill,
And with higher longing fill
Hearts that would to crumbling earthly idols cling;
Heaven’s treasures shall be ours,
And endued with deathless pow’rs,
We shall soon be in the presence of the King. [Refrain]
3 Tho’ we meet with pain and loss,
And oft carry sorrow’s cross,
Yet by faith a song of triumph we may sing;
There are crowns that we shall wear,
And palm branches we shall bear,
When we come into the presence of the King. [Refrain]
4 When all conflicts here are o’er
Thro’ the blessed evermore,
We shall hear the golden harps of vict’ry ring;
We shall join the glad new song,
Of the holy ransom’d throng
As they worship in the presence of the King. [Refrain]
Source: Crowning Day No. 3 #34