Jerusalem, Thou City Fair
Johannes Matthaeus Meyfart (1636) • Catherine Winkworth (1858) • English
Primary Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9
Verse 1
Jerusalem, O city fair and high, Your tow'rs I yearn to see: My longing heart to you would gladly fly, It will not stay with me. Elijah's chariot take me Above the lower skies, To heaven's bliss awake me, Released from earthly ties.
Verse 2
O happy day, O yet far happier hour, When will you come at last, When by my gracious Father's love and pow'r I see that portal vast? From heaven's shining regions To greet me gladly come Your blessed angel legions To bid me welcome home.
Verse 3
The patriarchs' and prophets' noble train, With all Christ's foll'wers true, Who washed their robes and cleansed sin's guilty stain, Sing praises ever new! I see them shine forever, Resplendent as the sun, In light diminished never, Their glorious freedom won.
Verse 4
Unnumbered choirs before the shining throne Their joyful anthems raise Till heaven's arches echo with the tone Of that great hymn of praise. And all its host rejoices, And all its blessed throng Unite their myriad voices In one eternal song.