1 When favour'd John beheld
The visions of the Lord,
With admiration fill'd,
He heard the Father's word
Revealing what his purpose was,
And what his love should bring to pass.

2 Thus spake the sov'reign Lord,
Whilst on his throne he sat,
"Hear ye my faithful word;
Behold I will create,
And make all things in love anew:
Write thou these words, for they are true."

3 When God had thus declar'd
The secret of his will,
The man who was prepar'd
His counsel to fulfil,
Emphatically spake to John,
And said, "Behold, the work is done:

4 For I the Alpha am,
And the Omega too;
You, in this sacred name,
The finish'd work may view:
I, the Beginning and the End
Of all the joys which you attend."