Spouse of Christ,
in arms contending
O’er each clime
beneath the sun,
Blend with prayers
for help ascending
Notes of praise
for triumphs won.
As the Church
today rejoices
All her saints to
join on high,
So from earth let
all our voices
Rise in solemn
harmony.
First amid the
laurelled legions
Prays the mother
to her Son,
Close to Christ in
those fair regions
Where high praise
to Him is done.
Angels next, in
due gradation
Of the Spirit’s
ministry,
Hymn the Father of
creation,
Maker of the stars
on high.
John, the
herald voice
sonorous,
Head of the
prophetic throng,
Patriarchs, and
seers in chorus,
Join to swell the
angels’ song.
Near to Christ
th’Apostles
seated,
Trampling on the
powers of hell,
By the promise now
completed
Judge the tribes
of Israel.
They who nobly
died believing,
Martyrs purpled in
their gore,
Crowns of life by
death receiving,
Rest in joy
forevermore.
Priests and
Levites, Gospel
preachers,
And confessors
numberless,
Prelates meek and
holy teachers,
Bear the palm of
righteousness.
Virgin souls,
by high profession
To the Lamb
devoted here,
Strewing flowers
in gay procession
At the marriage
feast appear.
All are blest
together, praising
God’s eternal
majesty,
Thrice repeated
anthems raising
To the all holy
Trinity.
In your
heav’nly
habitations,
In your blessèd
home on high,
Hear, ye saints,
our aspirations,
As to God we lift
our cry.
Ever praising,
ever praying,
Help ye thus your
brethren here,
That the will of
God obeying
We in peace may
persevere.
So may we, with
hearts devoted,
Serve our God in
holiness;
So may we, by God
promoted,
Share that heaven
which ye possess.
