519 - The Church

1. Blessed city, heavenly Salem,

vision dear of peace and love,

who of living stones art builded

in the height of heaven above,

and, with angel hosts encircled,

as a bride dost earthward move;

2. from celestial realms descending,

bridal glory round thee shed,

meet for him whose love espoused thee,

to thy Lord shalt thou be led;

all thy streets and all thy bulwarks

of pure gold are fashioned.

3. Bright thy gates of pearl are shining;

they are open evermore;

and by virtue of his merits

thither faithful souls do 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 there-with 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, coeternal,

while unending ages run.

Words: Latin, ca. 7th cent.; tr. Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861, after John Mason Neale (1818-1866), alt. Music: Urbs beata Jerusalem, plainsong, Mode 2, Nevers MS, 13th cent.