Church Hymnary (4th ed.) ‎#745

745. How bright these glorious spirits shine!

1 How bright these glorious spirits shine!
Whence all their bright array?
How came they to the blissful seats
of everlasting day?
Lo! these are they, from sufferings great
who came to realms of light,
and in the blood of Christ have washed
those robes which shine so bright.

2 Now, with triumphal palms, they stand
before the throne on high,
and serve the God they love, amidst
the glories of the sky.
His presence fills each heart with joy,
tunes every mouth to sing:
by day, by night, the sacred courts
with glad hosannas ring.

3 Hunger and thirst are felt no more,
nor suns with scorching ray;
God is their sun, whose cheering beams
diffuse eternal day.
The Lamb who dwells amidst the throne
shall o'er them still preside,
feed them with nourishment divine,
and all their footsteps guide.

4 'Mong pastures green he'll lead his flock,
where living streams appear;
and God the Lord from every eye
shall wipe off every tear.

Text Information

• First Line: How bright these glorious spirits shine!
• Meter: DCM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2005
• Scripture:
  Revelation 7:13-17
• Topic: The Church Celebrates: Oneness with the Church in Heaven; Communion of Saints; Funerals: general
• Source: Scottish Paraphrases, 1781, Parpahrase 66
• Notes: Verse 4 is sung to the second half of the tune.

Tune Information

• Name: ST. ASAPH
• Possibly by: Giovanni Marie Giornovichi (1745-1804)
• Meter: DCM
• Key: F Major
• Source: Smith's Sacred Music, Edinburgh, 1825