191 Thou, whose coming seers and sages

1 Thou, whose coming seers and sages Long foretold to Israel, Hast appeared in these last ages, Jesus Christ Immanuel. O thou precious day of grace, Fraught with blessings to our race! None need now despair of pardon, Bowed beneath a hopeless burden. 2 Simeon longed for Thy salvation; David, wrapt with holy fire, Poured forth strains of inspiration, As he swept his royal lyre; Righteous men and gifted seers Longed for Thee in bygone years, Some in silence, some loud crying, Mingling prayers with tears and sighing. 3 God be blessed, who hath granted In His grace to you and me, That for which so many panted, Vainly hoped to hear and see. Now God's counsel is revealed, And the vision is unsealed; God hath heard your supplication. And is come to bring salvation. 4 Joyfully we sing Hosanna! Blessed Savior, enter in; Feed us with the living manna, Cleanse our hearts from every sin. See, we open wide the door! Enter, to depart no more; Come, and let us now enthrone Thee In the hearts that long to own Thee. 5 Sin, alas! hath long compelled us Her dread bidding to obey, And, both soul and body, held us Captive with resistless sway; All our efforts have been vain To cast off her iron chain; Thou, and Thou alone, Lord Jesus, Canst from all our sins release us. 6 Take Thy kingdom, wait no longer, Since to Thee it doth belong; And He only who is stronger Can release us from the strong. Make us happy, God's dear Son, Reap the fruit Thy love has won; Till earth's farthest realms adore Thee, And her kings fall down before Thee.