Who are these like stars appearing,
These, before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing
Who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! Hark, they sing;
Praising loud their heav'nly King

Who are these of dazzling brightness,
Clothed in God's own righteousness?
These, whose robes of purest whiteness,
Shall their luster still possess,
Still untouched by time's rude hand?
Whence came all this glorious band?

These are they who have contended
For their Savior's honor long,
Wrestling on till life was ended,
Foll'wing not the sinful throng
These who well the fight sustained,
Triumph through the Lamb have gained.

These are they whose hearts were riven,
Sore with woe and anguish tried,
Who in pray'r full oft have strivèn
With the God they glorified;
Now, their painful conflict o'er,
God has bid them weep no more.

These, th'Almighty contemplating,
Did as priests before him stand,
Soul and body always waiting
Day and night at his command
Now in God's most holy place
Blest they stand before his face.