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 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,
The cornerstone is Christ.
3 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 raise thy holy tower ;
Thine is the victor's laurel,
And thine the golden dower.
4 Oh, sweet and blessed country,
The home of God's elect !
Oh, 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.