Who are these, like stars appearing

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 heav’nly King.

Who are these in dazzling brightness,
Clothed in God’s own righteousness,
These, whose robes of purest whiteness
Shall their lustre still possess,
Still untouched by time’s rude hand?
Whence came all this glorious band?

These are they who have contended
For their Saviour’s honour long,
Wrestling on till life was ended,
Foll’wing not the sinful throng;
These, who well the fight sustained,
Triumph by the Lamb have gained.

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