256: HAIL to the Lord's Anointed

256: HAIL to the Lord's Anointed

by James Montgomery (1771-1854)

1 HAIL to the Lord's Anointed,
Great David's greater Son,
When to the time appointed
The rolling years have run:
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity!

2 The heavens, which now conceal Him
In counsels deep and wise,
In glory shall reveal Him
To our rejoicing eyes;
He, who with hands uplifted
Went from this earth below,
Shall come again, all gifted,
His blessing to bestow.

3 He shall come down like showers
Upon the new-mown grass,
And joy and hope like flowers
Spring up where He doth pass;
Before Him on the mountains
Shall peace, the herald, go;
And righteousness in fountains
From hill to valley flow.

4 Kings shall fall down before Him,
And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore Him,
His praise all peoples sing,
Outstretched His wide dominion
O'er river, sea and shore,
Far as the eagle's pinion,
Or dove's light wing can soar.