The New English Hymnal ‎#204

204. Blessèd City, heavenly Salem

1 Blessèd City, heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who, of living stones upbuilded,
Art the joy of heaven above,
And, with angel cohorts circled,
As a bride to earth dost move!

2 From celestial realms descending,
Bridal glory round her shed,
To his presence, decked with jewels,
By her Lord shall she be led:
All her streets, and all her bulwarks,
Of pure gold are fashionèd.

3 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.

4 Many a blow and biting sculpture
Polished well those stones elect,
In their places now compacted
By the heavenly Architect,
Who therewith hath willed for ever
That his palace should be decked.

5 Laud and honour to the Father;
Laud and honour to the Son;
Laud and honour to the Spirit;
Ever Three, and ever One:
One in love, and One in splendour,
While unending ages run. Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Blessèd City, heavenly Salem
• Latin Title: Urbs beata Jerusalem
• Translator: J. M. Neale, 1818-66
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Dedication Festival; Office Hymn; The Christian Year: Festivals and Other Holy Days: Proper
• Source: Latin, 7th century
• Notes: Alternative tune WESTMINSTER ABBEY 205; If the date of the consecration of the church is unknown, or if it occurs at an inconvenient season,this festival is kept on the first Sunday in October

Tune Information

• Name: URBS BEATA
• Key: e minor
• Copyright: Arr. by permission of Oxford University Press (from "English Hymnal," 1933)