Blessed City, Heavenly Salem

Verse 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!

Verse 2

From celestial realms descending,
Bridal glory round her shed,
Meet for Him whose love espoused her,
To her Lord shall she be led;
All her streets and all her bulwarks
Of pure gold are fashionèd.

Verse 3

Bright with pearls her portal glitters,
It is 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.