Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#245a

245a. Blessed city, heavenly Salem

1 Blessed 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 fashioned. A-men.

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
Fashioned 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 honor to the Father;
Laud and honor to the Son;
Laud and honor to the Spirit;
Ever Three and ever One:
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Blessed city, heavenly Salem
• Translator: John Mason Neale, 1818 - 66
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: The Church Year: Saints' Days - Minor Festivals; The Life In Christ: Life Everlasting; The Church: The House of God
• Source: Latin hymn, cir. IX cent.
• Notes: This hymn may also be sung to REGENT SQUARE (No. 242).

Tune Information

• Name: TANTUM ERGO (DULCE CARMEN)
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 8 7.
• Key: G Major
• Source: Essay on the Church Plain Chant, 1782