“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”

Recently I came across a hymn by James Montgomery (4 November 1771 – 30 April 1854). Montgomery was a British editor, hymnwriter and poet. He was particularly associated with humanitarian causes such as the campaigns to abolish slavery and to end the exploitation of child chimney sweeps.

He wrote an amazing hymn of praise to Jesus the Lord’s Anointed (Messiah). It’s rich with Davidic eschatological themes.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Update:
Here’s a version of the song by Welcome Wagon