With ecstasy of joy

Verse 1

With ecstasy of joy Extol his glorious name, Who rear'd the spacious earth, And rais'd our mortal frame. He built the church, Who spread the sky: Shout and exalt His honours high.

Verse 2

See the foundation laid By pow'r and love divine; Jesus, his first-born Son, How bright his glories shine! Low he descends, In dust he lies, That from his tomb A church might rise.

Verse 3

But he for ever lives, Nor for himself alone; Each saint new life derives From him, the living stone. His influence spreads Through ev'ry soul, And in one house Unites the whole.

Verse 4

To him with joy we move; In him cemented stand; The living temple grows, And owns the founder's hand. That structure, Lord, Still higher raise, Louder to sound Its builder's praise.