Hymnal: The Christian Hymnal
Date: 1871
Compiler: Under direction of the Christian Hymn-Book Committee
Publisher/Printer: Bosworth Chase & Hall
First Line: Dark and thorny is the desert
Topic: The New Life/Temptations and Conflicts
Writer: <no first name given> <no last name given>
Composer: T Hastings
Meter: 8s and 7s double
Tune: Hastings
Hymn Number: 652
Page Number: 236, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsDark and thorny is the desert
Thro' which pilgrims make their way,
But beyond this vale of sorrow,
Lie the realms of endless day.
Dear young soldiers, do not murmur
At the troubles of the way;
Meet the tempest, fight with courage--
Never faint, but often pray.
He whose thunder shakes creation;
He that bids the planets roll;
He that rides upon the tempest,
And whose scepter sway the whole--
Jesus, Jesus, will defend you!
Trust in him and him alone;
He has shed his blood to save you,
And will bring you to his throne.
There on flowery fields of pleasure,
And the hills of endless rest,
Joy, and peace, and love, shall ever
Reign and triumph in your breast.
There ten thousand flaming seraphs
Fly across the heavenly plain;
There they sing immortal praises!
Glory, glory is their theme.
But, methinks, a sweeter concert
Makes the crystal arches ring,
And a song is heard in Zion
Which the angels can not sing;
Who can paint those sons of glory,
Ransomed souls that dwell on high,
Who with golden harps, forever,
Sound redemption through the sky.
See the heavenly host in rapture
Gazing on these shining bands;
Wondering at their costly garments,
And the laurels in their hands;
There upon the golden pavement,
See the ransomed march along!
While the splendid courts of glory
Sweetly echo with their song!
Here I see the under shepherds,
And the flocks they fed below,
Here with joy they dwell together,
Jesus is their shepherd now.
Hail! you happy, happy spirits!
Welcome to the blissful plain--
Glory, honor, and salvation;
Reign, sweet Shepherd, ever reign.