Blessed city, heavenly Salem

General information

Translation of Urbs beata Jerusalem by John Mason Neale.

Settings by composers

• Edward Bairstow SATB
• Charles H. Giffen SATB

Text and translations

English text 1  Blessed city, heavenly Salem, Vision dear of peace and love, Who of living stones art builded In the height of heaven above, And by Angel hands apparelled, As a bride doth earthward move; 2  Out of heaven from God descending, New and ready to be wed To thy Lord, whose love espoused thee, Fair adorned shalt thou be led; All thy gates and all thy bulwarks Of pure gold are fashioned. 3  Bright thy gates of pearl are shining; They are open evermore; And their well-earned rest attaining 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, Nevermore to leave the Temple Which with them the Lord hath decked. 5  To this Temple, where we call Thee, Come, O Lord of hosts, today; With Thy wonted loving kindness, Hear Thy servants as they pray; And Thy fullest benediction Shed within its walls alway.