The Book of Praise ‎#610

610. Light's abode, celestial Salem

1 Light's abode, celestial Salem,
vision whence true peace doth spring,
brighter than the heart can fancy,
mansion of the highest King;
oh how glorious are the praises
which of thee the prophets sing.

2 There forever and forever
hallelujah is outpoured,
for unending, for unbroken
is the feast day of the Lord;
all is pure and all is holy
that within thy walls is stored.

3 There no cloud nor passing vapour
dims the brightness of the air;
endless noonday, glorious noonday,
from the Sun of suns is there;
there no night brings rest from labour,
for unknown are toil and care.

4 Oh how glorious and resplendent,
fragile body, shalt thou be,
when endued with so much beauty,
full of health, and strong and free,
full of vigour, full of pleasure
that shall last eternally.

5 Now with gladness, now with courage,
bear the burden on thee laid,
that hereafter these thy labours
may with endless gifts be paid,
and in everlasting glory
thou with joy mayst stand arrayed.

Text Information

• First Line: Light's abode, celestial Salem
• Title: Light's abode, celestial Salem
• Author: Thomas à Kempis, c.1380-1471
• Translator: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866
• Meter: 8 7 8 7 8 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Psalm 92
  ;
  1 Corinthians 15:42-44
• Topic: Communion of Saints; Courage; Eternal Life; Gladness / Happiness; Heaven; Light; New Day; Vision / Dream
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: REGENT SQUARE, WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Tune Information

• Name: RHUDDLAN
• Meter: 8 7 8 7 8 7
• Key: G Major or modal
• Source: Welsh melody
• Copyright: Public Domain