7s On the Ascension of Christ. 1 HAIL the day that sees him rise, Ravished from our wishful eyes! Christ, awhile to mortals given, Reascends his native heaven.
2 There the pompous triumph waits: "Lift your heads, eternal gates; Wide unfold the radiant scene; Take the King of glory in!"
3 Circled round with angel-powers, Their triumphant Lord, and ours, Conqueror over death and sin; "Take the King of glory in!"
4 Him though highest heaven receives, Still he loves the earth he leaves; Though returning to his throne, Still he calls mankind his own.
5 See, he lifts his hands above! See, he shows the prints of love! Hark, his gracious lips bestow Blessings on his church below!
6 Still for us his death he pleads; Prevalent he intercedes; Near himself prepares our place, Harbinger of human race.
7 Master, (will we ever say) Taken from our head to day; See thy faithful servants, see, Ever gazing up to thee.
8 Grant, though parted from our sight, High above yon azure height, Grant our hearts may thither rise, Following thee beyond the skies.
9 Ever upward let us move, Wafted on the wings of love; Looking when our Lord shall come, Longing, gasping after home.
10 There we shall with thee remain, Partners of thy endless reign; There thy face unclouded see, Find our heaven of heavens in thee.
