Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#415

415. King of the city splendid

1 King of the city splendid,
Eternal in the height,
May all our country's cities
Be holy in Thy sight:
Cleansed from the deeds of darkness
Cities of light.

2 Inspire the sons of labour,
That honest toil may be
Their token, in life's hardness,
Of loyalty to Thee.
That Thou mayst in their hand-work
Love's heart-work see.

3 Teach love to gladden children
Who know not childhood's mirth,
Wronged of their rights no beauty
In their scant reach of earth:
To hope's large sunshine give them
A second birth.

4 Lord, end the spell of passion,
Break Thou the drunkard's lure:
Thou art the one Physician
The human heart to cure;
The wavering will to strengthen,
Foul life make pure.

5 Soon may our country's cities
Thy robe of glory wear:
Each place of toil a temple,
Each house a home of prayer:
Each city's name of beauty
The Lord is There!

Text Information

• First Line: King of the city splendid
• Author: G. T. Coster, 1835-
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: City: Prayer for the; Prayer: For the City; The Church and the Kingdom of God: National Life; Social Righteousness; Righteousness: Social

Tune Information

• Name: CITY OF LIGHT
• Composer: A. V. Coster
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.7.4
• Key: A♭ Major