Classic Poem

SALVATION comes! O Saviour dear,
Heaven sang when Mary bore Thee;
That song of joy true shepherds hear,
They seek Thee and adore Thee;
Thy star when eastern kings behold,
They haste with incense, myrrh, and gold,
To worship Thee for ever.

Salvation comes: O spotless Lamb,
Upon Thine altar lying, —
Thou G OD of G OD , Thou great I AM,
Thou Victim, bleeding, dying, —
For us Thy Cross of shame and woe,
For us the Blood and Water flow;
O make us Thine for ever.

Salvation comes: O burst the bands
Of death and hell in sunder!
The sealed stone, lo! angel hands
Roll back with earthquake-thunder;
The rising G OD comes forth again,
He rises, Whom our sins had slain, —
To die no more for ever.

Salvation comes: O clouds of heaven,
Receive your L ORD ascending!
To Him alone all power is given,
And thrones and crowns unending.
O JESU, reign through earth and sky;
Thy royal banner lift on high,
And be our King for ever.

Salvation comes: O rushing Wind,
O cloven Tongues descending, —
Our blinded sight, our darkened mind,
Enlightening and defending, —
O Comforter and Fire of Love,
Thou Gift of grace, Thou heavenly Dove,
Abide with us for ever.

To F ATHER , S ON , and H OLY G HOST ,
All glory be outpouring, —
All praise from heaven's triumphant host,
And saints on earth adoring:
All praise resound eternally,
As was, and is, and yet shall be
For ever and for ever.