Lyrics
1. Blessèd city, heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who of living stones art builded
In the heights of heaven above,
And, with angel host encircled,
As a bride to earth dost move.
2. Christ is made
the sure foundation,
Christ the head and corner-stone,
Chosen of the Lord, and precious,
Binding all the church in one,
Holy Zion’s help for ever,
And her confidence alone.
3. 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.
4. To this temple,
where we call Thee,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With Thy wonted loving kindness
Hear Thy servants as they pray;
And Thy fullest benediction
Shed within its wall alway.
5. Here vouchsafe
to all Thy servants
What they ask of Thee to gain,
What they gain from Thee for ever
With the blessèd to retain,
And hereafter in Thy glory
Evermore with Thee to reign.
6. Laud and honour to the Father,
Laud and honour to the Son,
Laud and honour ro the Spirit,
Ever Three, and ever One,
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run.
7. **alt verses
8. Blessèd city, heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who of living stones art builded
In the heights of heaven above,
And, with angel host encircled,
As a bride to earth dost move.
9. 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 fashionèd.
10. Bright with pearls her portals glitter
They are open evermore;
And, by virtue of His merits,
Thither faithful souls may soar,
Who for Christ’s
dear Name in this world
Pain and tribulation bore.
11. Many a blow and biting sculpture
Fashioned well those stones elect,
In their places now compacted
By the heavenly Architect,
Who therewith hath willed forever
That his palace should be decked.
12. Grant that all Thy faithful people
May Thy truer temple be;
Neither flesh, nor soul, nor spirit,
Know another Lord than Thee;
But to Thee once dedicated
Serve Thee ever lastingly.
13. Come Thou now,
and be among us,
Lord and Maker, while we pray;
Let Thy presence fill the temple
Which we dedicate today,
And Thyself, as consecrator,
Dwell within its walls always.
14. Glory to thy royal Bridegroom,
Salem, sing rejoicingly;
He, thy Lord, thy Light, thy Temple,
Dwelleth ever more with thee;
His be blessing and thanksgiving,
Now and to eternity.