426 - Praise to God

1. Songs of praise the angels sang,

heavens with alleluias rang,

when creation was begun,

when God spoke and it was done.

2. Songs of praise awoke the morn

when the Prince of Peace was born;

song of praise arose when he

captive led captivity.

3. Heaven and earth must pass away;

songs of praise shall crown that day;

God will make new heavens and earth;

songs of praise shall hail their birth.

4. And shall Christians fail to sing

till on earth Christ come as King?

No; the Church delights to raise

psalms and hymns and songs of praise.

5. Saints below, with heart and voice,

still in songs of praise rejoice,

learning here, by faith and love,

songs of praise to sing above.

6. Borne upon their latest breath,

songs of praise shall conquer death;

then, amidst eternal joy,

songs of praise their powers employ.

Words: James Montgomery (1771-1854), alt. Music: Northampton, Charles John King (1859-1934)