Hosanna! Hosanna!

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Hosanna, hosanna, the children were singing

Author: Eliza E. Hewitt
Tune: [How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood] (Kaillmark)
Published in 7 hymnals

Representative Text

1 “Hosanna! hosanna!” the children were singing,
Singing in Zion, the city so fair;
“Hosanna! hosanna!” glad echoes were ringing,
Cheerily floating upon the soft air.
Beautiful blossoms the breezes perfuming,
Spring at His feet, as the Master passed by;
But lilies far sweeter for Jesus are blooming,
Wherever praises ascend to the sky.

2 Hosanna! hosanna! the birds in the wildwood
Honor their Maker with carols of glee;
Hosanna! hosanna! the voices of childhood
Blend in a chorus more joyous and free.
“Who’s this that cometh, so meek and so lowly?”
Multitudes question; and children reply,
“Tis Jesus of Nazareth, blessed and holy,
Jesus, the Son of our Father on high.”

3 Hosanna! hosanna! the palm waved before Him,
Green, budding branches were strewn in His way;
Hosanna! hosanna! we, too, would adore Him,
Gratefully bringing love’s offering today.
Glory forever to Thee, risen Savior!
Still in Thy temple the little ones sing;
Now smile on our praises and grant us Thy favor;
Glory to Thee, our Redeemer and King!”

Source: Light and Life Songs: adapted especially to sunday schools, prayer meetings and other social services #170

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Author: Eliza E. Hewitt

Pseudonym: Lidie H. Edmunds. Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was born in Philadelphia 28 June 1851. She was educated in the public schools and after graduation from high school became a teacher. However, she developed a spinal malady which cut short her career and made her a shut-in for many years. During her convalescence, she studied English literature. She felt a need to be useful to her church and began writing poems for the primary department. she went on to teach Sunday school, take an active part in the Philadelphia Elementary Union and become Superintendent of the primary department of Calvin Presbyterian Church. Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (… Go to person page >

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