1 O 'twas a joyful sound to hear
Our tribes devoutly say,
Up, Israel! to the temple haste,
And keep your festal day.:
2 At Salem's courts we must appear
With our assembled pow'rs,
In strong and beauteous order ranged,
Like her united tow'rs.
3 O pray we then for Salem's peace;
For they shall prosp'rous be,
Thou holy city of our God,
Who bear true love to thee.
4 May peace within thy sacred walls
A constant guest be found;
With plenty and prosperity
Thy palaces be crowned.
5 For my dear brethren's sake, and friends
No less than brethren dear,
I'll pray, :May peace in Salem's tow'rs
A constant guest appear.
6 But most of all I'll seek thy good,
And ever wish thee well,
For Zion and the temple's sake,
Where God vouchsafes to dwell.