Christian Hymns/Arise, Sons of the Kingdom

Background

Text

• Author: Johann von Rist
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth, alt.
• Source:

Music

Hymn Tune(s):

• Aus Meines Herzens Grunde
• Von Gott Will Ich Nicht Lassen

Lyrics

Arise, sons of the kingdom!

The King is drawing nigh;

Arise and hail with gladness

The Ruler from on high.

Ye Christians, hasten forth!

Your praise and homage bring Him,

And glad hosannas sing Him;

Naught else your love is worth.

Arise, ye drooping mourners!

The King is very near;

Away with grief and sorrow,

For, lo! your help is here.

Behold in many a place

O blessed consolation!

We find Him, our Salvation,

In His pure means of grace.

Now hear, ye bold transgressors,

The King does well give heed

To all that ye are doing,

And to the life ye lead,

Enthralled by sin and hell;

Nothing in all creation

Escapes His observation,

He marketh all things well.

Be righteous, ye His subjects,

The King is just and true;

Prepare for Him a highway,

Make all things straight and new.

He means all for our good;

Then let us bear the crosses

Which He Himself imposes

In an undaunted mood.

He nevermore forsaketh

A child that feels the rod,

Who Him his refuge maketh,

And puts his trust in God.

He is our sovereign King;

E'en death itself shall never

Those from their Master sever

Who to His mercy cling.

Arise, ye faint and fearful!

The King now comes with might;

His heart hath long since loved us,

He makes our darkness light.

Now are our sorrows o'er;

No wrath shall e'er befall us,

Since God in grace doth call us

His children evermore.

The King in grace remembers

His loved ones here below

With gifts of royal treasures,

Yea, doth Himself bestow

Through His blest word and grace.

O King arrayed in splendor,

To Thee all praise we'll render

Here and there face to face.

Oh, rich the gifts Thou bring'st us,

Thyself made poor and weak;

O Love beyond expression

That thus can sinners seek!

For this, O Lord, will we

Our joyous tribute bring Thee,

And glad hosannas sing Thee,

And ever grateful be.