O 'twas a joyful sound to hear

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.


Source: Trinity Hymnal (Rev. ed.) #344

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #5351