English Calvinist John Kent (1766-1843) wrote this hymn of praise to our eternal God with the imagery of Revelation. It was published in 1803. The tune is traditional Welsh. “As a working shipwright his opportunities for acquiring the education and polish necessary for the production of refined verse were naturally limited,” notes The Dictionary of Hymnology.

1. ‘Tis the church triumphant singing,
Worthy the Lamb!
Heav’n thro’out with praises ringing,
Worthy the Lamb!
Thrones and pow’rs before Him bending,
Odors sweet with voice ascending
Swell the chorus never ending,
Worthy the Lamb!

2. Ev’ry kindred, tongue and nation–
Worthy the Lamb!
Join to sing the great salvation;
Worthy the Lamb!
Loud as mighty thunders roaring,
Floods of mighty waters pouring,
Prostrate at his feet adoring,
Worthy the Lamb!

3. Harps and songs forever sounding
Worthy the Lamb!
Mighty grace o’er sin abounding,
Worthy the Lamb!
By His blood he dearly bought us;
Wand’ring from the fold He sought us;
And to glory safely brought us:
Worthy the Lamb!

4. Sing with blest anticipation,
Worthy the Lamb!
Thro’ the vale of tribulation,
Worthy the Lamb!
Sweetest notes, all notes excelling,
On the theme forever dwelling,
Still untold, tho’ ever telling,
Worthy the Lamb!