O bright, O glorious day! resplendent morn

Verse 1

O bright, O glorious day! resplendent morn! With what a beamy lustre dost thou dawn? What joy pervades my soul, the tribes to see In pious throngs, dear Salem, visit thee?

Verse 2

I too with them will croud thy sacred gate; To join the joyous tribes I earnest wait;

Verse 3

Yes; thee I'll visit thy bright domes arise In fair proportion, equal with the skies: Fruitless th' attempt, in numbers to express Thy lofry tow'rs and stately palaces.

Verse 4

Approach thy gates on this appointed day The faithful tribes, their stated vows to pay, Their annual rites t' observe; in tuneful lays, In rapt'rous hymns, to sing Jehovah's praise.

Verse 5

In thee hath judgment fix'd her awful seat; Thee has Jessides made his blest retreat; From his high throne he hears the orphan's cause, Condemns oppression, and supports the laws.

Verse 6

O favour'd city! long may downy peace, May ev'ry joy, thy happy people bless! May heav'n it's choicest gifts on thee bestow; Around thy plains eternal plenty flow! May that dread pow'r, who long thy sacred hill Hath chose for his abode, protect thee still.