Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
60Resource Type:
Keys included:
F
About this Hymn
Written for the Peterborough Cathedral, the hymn begins with a grand procession of banners, joined in song by men and women, young and old, expanding outward to angel choirs and all the saints. But then, as Albert E. Bailey put it, the image is personalized: "Life is a processional path along which it is our privilege to sing from youth to age; it is an army's march, through toil and danger and sacrifice, from darkness into light."
Lyrics
Verse 1
Rejoice, ye pure in heart, rejoice, give thanks, and sing: your festal banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King.
Chorus
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Verse 2
Bright youth and snow-crowned age, strong men and maidens meek, raise high your free, exulting song, God's wondrous praises speak.
Verse 3
With all the angel choirs, with all the saints on earth, pour out the strains of joy and bliss, true rapture, noblest birth!
Verse 4
Yes, on through life's long path, still chanting as ye go; from youth to age, by night and day, in gladness and in woe.
Verse 5
At last the march shall end; the weary ones shall rest; the pilgrims find their heav'nly home, Jerusalem the blest.
Verse 6
Then on, ye pure in heart, rejoice, give thanks, and sing; your glorious banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice, ye pure in heart, rejoice, give thanks, and sing: your festal banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King.
Chorus
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Verse 2
Bright youth and snow-crowned age, strong men and maidens meek, raise high your free, exulting song, God's wondrous praises speak.
Verse 3
With all the angel choirs, with all the saints on earth, pour out the strains of joy and bliss, true rapture, noblest birth!
Verse 4
Yes, on through life's long path, still chanting as ye go; from youth to age, by night and day, in gladness and in woe.
Verse 5
At last the march shall end; the weary ones shall rest; the pilgrims find their heav'nly home, Jerusalem the blest.
Verse 6
Then on, ye pure in heart, rejoice, give thanks, and sing; your glorious banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Edward Plumptre, 1865, alt.
Music: Arthur H. Messiter, 1883
Music: Arthur H. Messiter, 1883