Blessed City, Heavenly Salem

Verse 1

Blessèd city, heavenly Salem, vision dear of peace and love, who of living stones art builded in the height of heaven above, and with angel hosts encircled, as a bride dost earthward move!

Verse 2

From celestial realms descending, bridal glory round thee shed, meet for him whose love espoused thee, to thy Lord shalt thou be led; all thy streets and all thy bulwarks of pure gold are fashioned.

Verse 3

Bright thy gates of pearl are shining, they are open evermore; and by virtue of his merits thither faithful souls do soar, who for Christ's dear name in this world pain and tribulation bore.

Verse 4

Many a blow and biting sculpture polished well those stones elect, in their places now compacted by the heavenly Architect, who therewith hath willed for ever that his palace should be decked.

Verse 5

Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the Head and cornerstone, chosen of the Lord, and precious, binding all the church in one, Holy Sion's help for ever, and her confidence alone.

Verse 6

All that dedicated city, dearly loved of God on high, in exultant jubilation pours perpetual melody, God the One in Three adoring in glad hymns eternally.

Verse 7

To this temple, where we call thee, come, O Lord of Hosts, to-day; with thy wonted loving-kindness hear thy servants as they pray, and thy fullest benediction shed within its walls alway.

Verse 8

Here vouchsafe to all thy servants what they ask of thee to gain, what they gain from thee for ever with the blessed to retain, and hereafter in thy glory evermore with thee to reign.

Verse 9

Laud and honour to the Father, laud and honour to the Son, laud and honour to the Spirit, ever Three, and ever One, consubstantial, co-eternal, while unending ages run.