HOW bright these glorious spirits shine! Whence all their white 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 that shine so bright.
Now with triumphal palms they stand Before the throne on high, And serve the God they love, amidst The glories of the sky.
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.
In pastures green He’ll lead His flock, Where living streams appear; And God the Lord from every eye Shall wipe away each tear.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, William Cameron, 1751-1811