Hymnal ‎#492

492. For thee, O dear, dear country

1 For thee, O dear, dear country,
Mine eyes their vigils keep;
For very love, beholding
Thy holy Name, they weep.
The mention of Thy glory
Is unction to the breast,
And medicine in sickness,
And love, and life, and rest.

2 O one, O only mansion!;
O Paradise of joy!
Where tears are ever banish'd
And smiles have no alloy;
The Lamb is all thy splendour,
The Crucified thy praise;
His laud and benediction
Thy ransomed people raise.

3 With jasper glow Thy bulwarks,
Thy streets with emeralds blaze;
The sardius and the topaz
Unite in Thee their rays;
Thine ageless walls are bonded
With amethyst unpriced;
The saints build up its fabric,
And the corner-stone is Christ.

4 Thou hast no shore, fair ocean!
thou hast no time, bright day!
Dear fountain of refreshment
To pilgrims far away!
Upon the Rock of Ages
They build Thy holy tower;
Thine is the victor's laurel,
And Thine the golden dower.

5 O sweet and blessèd country,
The home of God's elect!
O sweet and blessèd country,
That eager hearts expect!
Jesu, in mercy bring us
To that dear land of rest;
Who art, with God the Father,
And Spirit, ever blest.

Text Information

• First Line: For thee, O dear, dear country
• Meter: 7s. 6s.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1871
• Notes: first rank hymn

Tune Information

(No tune information)