1 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 heavenly King.

2 These are they who have contended
For their Saviour's honor long,
Wrestling on till life was ended,
Following not the sinful throng:
These, who well the fight sustained,
Triumph by the Lamb have gained.

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

4 These, like priests, have watched and waited,
Offering up to Christ their will,
Soul and body consecrated,
Day and night they serve him still:
Now in God's most holy place,
Blest they stand before his face.

5 Lo, the Lamb himself now feeds them,
On Mount Sion's pastures fair;
From his central throne he leads them
By the living fountains there:
Lamb and Shepherd, Good Supreme,
Free he gives the cooling stream.