The saints above, in spotless white,
For ever sing and shine;
Our clothing oft abhors the light,
And we in darkness pine.

Yet we all eat one living bread,
And share one noble birth;
Though they in heav'n are richly fed,
And we supply'd on earth.

They all were once as vile as we,
And wore the chains of sin;
Like us they struggled to be free,
And mourn'd the plague within.

And soon shall we, as bright as they,
In robes of honour shine.
And spend with them an endless day,
In pleasures all divine.

Then shall we all begin at home
One everlasting song:
Till then, dear Lord, thy kingdom come!
Nor let the time be long.