The Minstrel of Zion ‎#12

12. The Christian victor

1 Happy the spirit released from its clay;
Happy the soul that goes bounding away;
Singing, as upward it hastes to the skies,
Victory! victory! homeward I rise.

2 Many the toils it has passed through below,
Many the seasons of trial and wo;
Many the doubtings it never should sing
Victory! victory! thus on the wing.

3 There lies the wearisome body at rest;
Closed are its eyelids, and quiet its breast;
But the glad spirit, on pinions of light,
Victory! victory! sings in its flight.

4 While we are weeping our friends gone from earth,
Angels are singing their heavenly birth:
Welcome, oh welcome to our happy shore;
Victory! victory! weep ye no more.

5 How can we wish them recall'd from their home,
Longer in sorrowing exile to roam?
Safely they pass'd from their troubles beneath,
Victory! victory! shouting in death.

6 Thus let them slumber, till Christ from the skies,
Bids them in gloried bodies arise;
Singing, as upward they spring from the tomb,
Victory! victory! Jesus hath come!

Text Information

• First Line: Happy the spirit released from its clay
• Title: The Christian victor
• Publication Date: 1845

Tune Information

• Name: THE CHRISTIAN VICTOR
• Meter: P. M.*
• Key: F Major or modal
• Notes: *Select Melodies, Hymn 291 and 294.