Hail to the Lord's Anointed (Cruger)

Gesangbuch der H.W. k. Hofkapelle 1784
Text: James Montgomery 1821
Last verse harmonization by Noel Rawthorne

Normally this is sung to the melody of Ellacombe set by W.H. Monk.
This one is adapted from a choral by Johann Cruger

I once heard this melody sung by John's College Cambridge and thought it quite appropriate.

Hail to the Lord's Anointed,
great David's greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed,
his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
to set the captive free;
to take away transgression,
and rule in equity.

He comes with succor speedy
to those who suffer wrong;
to help the poor and needy,
and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing,
their darkness turn to light,
whose souls, condemned and dying,
are precious in his sight.

He shall come down like showers
upon the fruitful earth;
love, joy, and hope, like flowers,
spring in his path to birth.
Before him on the mountains,
shall peace, the herald, go,
and righteousness, in fountains,
from hill to valley flow.

To him shall prayer unceasing
and daily vows ascend;
his kingdom still increasing,
a kingdom without end.
The tide of time shall never
his covenant remove;
his name shall stand forever;
that name to us is love.