"Congratulation"

A hymn written by Joseph Irons in Zion's Hymns. (in short meter, such as "Blest Be the Tie that Binds")

"Congratulation"

1. Hail! favour'd saints of God,
Chosen in Christ your Head;
His constant care and love record,
In all the steps you tread.

2. The Saviour saw you lie,
O'erwhelm'd in guilt and sin,
Pitied your state, and deign'd to die,
To make you pure and clean.

3. In Him you stood belov'd,
Before the world was made -
In Him your souls shall stand unmov'd,
'Midst worlds in ruin laid.

4. Call'd by His sov'reign grace,
And blest with life divine,
To you belong both grace and peace -
You shall in glory shine.

5. Nor time, nor death, can hurt
The objects of His love,
His arm shall ev'ry ill avert,
And lead His saints above.

What a comforting hymn for weary hearts. Chosen and beloved in Christ before the world was made, then called by grace and kept through every step. That final promise lingers most. Neither time nor death can hurt those held by His love, and His arm still leads His saints homeward.