He led them forth to Bethany

He led them forth to Bethany,
And with uplifted hand,
Invoked abiding blessing there,
Upon His chosen band.

And while He climbed the heavenly path,
His followers with amaze
Beheld the Christ from earth ascend,
Beyond their farthest gaze.

O Christ, our Lord, ascended now,
The Kingdom is Thine own;
And angel hosts in triumph lead
The Victor to His throne.

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But think upon the days of woe,
The sorrow and the pain,
And visit with Thy gracious help
Thy followers again.

That they may stand while others fall,
And fight while others flee,
And on the cross their arms extend
In loyalty to Thee.

And raise them to the calm of heaven
When all the strife is past,
Where saints behold Thee and adore
While endless ages last.