622. 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;
O how glorious are the praises
which of thee the prophets sing!

2 There for ever and for ever
alleluia 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 vapor
dims the brightness of the air;
endless noonday, glorious noonday,
from the Sun of suns is there;
there no night brings rest from labor,
for unknown are toil and care.

4 O how glorious and resplendent,
fragile body, shalt thou be,
when endued with heavenly beauty,
full of health, and strong, and free,
full of vigor, full of pleasure
that shall last eternally!

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

Text Information
First Line: Light's abode, celestial Salem
Translator: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866 (alt.)
Meter: 87. 87. 87
Language: English
Publication Date: 1985
Topic: The Church Triumphant
Source: Latin, 15th cent.
Tune Information
Name: URBS BEATA JERUSALEM
Arranger: Alec Wyton, b. 1921
Meter: 87. 87. 87
Key: D Major
Source: Plainsong, Mode 2; Nevers Ms., 13th cent.; Schola Antiqua, 1983 (ver.)
Copyright: Melody rhythmic version © 1984, Schola Antiqua Inc. Used by permission.
Notes: Schola Antiqua is Latin for "Old School" or "Ancient School"



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