Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book
Date: 1865
Compiler: Alexander Campbell
Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern
First Line: The angels that watch'd round the tomb
Topic: Christ/His Burial and Resurrection
Writer: <no first name given> Collyer
Composer:
Meter: 8s
Tune:
Hymn Number: 193
Page Number: 121, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsThe angels that watch'd round the tomb
Where low the redeemer was laid,
When deep in mortality's gloom
He hid for a season his head;
That vail'd their fair face while he slept,
And ceas'd their sweet harps to employ,
Have witness'd his rising, and swept
The chords with the triumphs of joy.
You saints, who once languish'd below,
But long since have enter'd your rest,
I pant to be glorified too,
To lean on Immanuel's breast.
The grave in which Jesus was laid
Has buried my guilt and my fears;
And while I contemplate its shade,
The light of his presence appears.
O sweet is the season of rest,
When life's weary journey is done!
The blush that spreads over its west,
The last ling'ring ray of its sun!
Though dreary the empire of night,
I soon shall emerge from its gloom,
And see immortality's light
Arise on the shades of the tomb.
Then welcome the last rending sighs,
When these aching heartstrings shall break,
When death shall extinguish these eyes,
And moistened with dew the pale cheek.
No terror the prospect begets,
I am not mortality's slave,
The sunbeam of life, as it sets,
Paints a rainbow of peace on the grave.