Hail to the Lord's Anointed
Words: by James Montgomery, 1821
Tune: ES FLOG EIN KLEINS WALDVOGELEIN, Memmingen ms., 17th century
Hail to the Lord's anointed, great David's greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free;
To take away transgression and rule in equity.
He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in His sight.
Kings shall fall down before Him, and gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore Him, His praise all people sing;
For Him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend;
His kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.
He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth;
Love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in His path to birth.
Before Him, on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go,
And righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.