Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#514

514. How Good and Pleasant Is the Sight

1 How good and pleasant is the sight
when Christians make it their delight
to live in blest accord;
such love is like anointing oil
that consecrates for holy toil
the servants of the Lord.

2 Such love in peace and joy distills,
as if from heights of Hermon's hills
refreshing dew descends.
The Lord commands his blessing there,
and they that walk in love shall share
in life that never ends.

Text Information

• First Line: How good and pleasant is the sight
• Title: How Good and Pleasant Is the Sight
• Meter: 886 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 133
• Topic: Church and Mission; Church
• Source: Psalter, 1912, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: PRESSLY
• Composer: Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932
• Meter: 886 D
• Key: F Major

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 133:1-2
st. 2 = Ps. 133:3

A paraphrase of Psalm 133, this text is a revised version of the one found in the 1912 Psalter. (See further discussion of this psalm's text at PHH 133.) Using metaphors such as oil and dew, "How Good and Pleasant" extols the blessings of unity and love among God's people.

Liturgical Use:
Regular Sunday worship; ecumenical gatherings; other occasions of "communion of the saints."

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

PRESSLY is one of the many (now often forgotten) hymn tunes and gospel songs composed by Charles H. Gabriel (PHH 24). With a copyright date of l901, the tune first appeared with this text in the 1912 Psalter.

Sing in harmony as a testimony of our harmonious love! Well-trained choirs should lead the congregation in singing this hymn in two long lines rather than six short phrases.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook