Voices of Praise ‎#210

210. For thee, O dear, dear country

1 For thee, O dear, dear country,
Mine eyes their vigils keep;
For very love beholding
Thy happy 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 banished,
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 has no shore, fair ocean!
Thou hast no time, bright day!
Dear fountain of refreshment
To pilgrims far away!
Upon the Rock of Ages
They raise thy holy tower;
Thine is the victor's laurel,
And thine the golden dower.

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

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: For thee, O dear, dear country
• Meter: 7s. 6s. D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1883
• Topic: Heaven

Tune Information

• Name: O BONA PATRIA
• Meter: 7s. 6s. D.
• Key: E♭ Major