Christ My Song - 319
Honour and happiness unite - The Christian
(William Cowper/Johannes Thomas Rüegg)
The Christian.
1. Honour and happiness unite
to make the Christian's name a praise;
how fair the scene, how clear the light,
that fills the remnant of his days! (PDF - Midi)
2. A kingly character he bears,
no change his priestly office knows;
unfading is the crown he wears,
his joy can never reach a close.
3. Adorned with glory from on high,
salvation shines upon his face;
his robe is of the ethereal dye,
his steps are dignity and grace.
4. Inferior honours he disdains,
nor stoops to take applause from earth:
the King of kings himself maintains
the expenses of his heavenly birth.
5. The noblest creature seen below,
ordained to fill a throne above;
God gives him all he can bestow,
his kingdom of eternal love.
6. My soul is ravished at the thought!
Methinks from earth I see him rise!
Angels congratulate his lot,
and shout him welcome to the skies!
William Cowper, Complete Poetical Works, ca. 1853, 261.