1 Happy the spirit released from its clay;
Happy the soul that goes bounding away;
Singing, as upward it hastes to the skies,
Victory! victory! homeward I rise.
2 Many the toils it has passed through below,
Many the seasons of trial and wo;
Many the doubtings it never should sing
Victory! victory! thus on the wing.
3 There lies the wearisome body at rest;
Closed are its eyelids, and quiet its breast;
But the glad spirit, on pinions of light,
Victory! victory! sings in its flight.
4 While we are weeping our friends gone from earth,
Angels are singing their heavenly birth:
Welcome, oh welcome to our happy shore;
Victory! victory! weep ye no more.
5 How can we wish them recall'd from their home,
Longer in sorrowing exile to roam?
Safely they pass'd from their troubles beneath,
Victory! victory! shouting in death.
6 Thus let them slumber, till Christ from the skies,
Bids them in gloried bodies arise;
Singing, as upward they spring from the tomb,
Victory! victory! Jesus hath come!
Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #12
Hunter, William, D.D, son of John Hunter, was born near Ballymoney, County Antrim, Ireland, May 26, 1811. He removed to America in 1817, and entered Madison College in 1830. For some time he edited the Conference Journal, and the Christian Advocate. In 1855 he was appointed Professor of Hebrew in Alleghany College: and subsequently Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Alliance, Stark Country, Ohio. He died in 1877. He edited Minstrel of Zion, 1845; Select Melodies, 1851; and Songs of Devotion, 1859. His hymns, over 125 in all, appeared in these works. Some of these have been translated into various Indian languages. The best known are :—
1. A home in heaven; what a joyful thought. Heaven a Home. From his Minstrel of Zion, 1… Go to person page >
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files