URBS BEATA HIERUSALEM, Part I The author of this fine old rugged hymn is unknown. It is conjectured to be of sixth- or seventh-century date. It passed into many mediæval Breviaries, sometimes entire, but often divided into two parts. It was largely used for the dedication of churches. Part I. I O vision bright of heavenly peace, Jerusalem on high, With living stones Thy walls are built, All beauteous to the eye; A high-born bride, the angels stand Around Thee, an attendant band. II From heaven she cometh down prepared Her nuptial hour to grace; With jewels decked she shall be led To see her Bridegroom’s face. O fair her streets, her bulwarks fair, For purest gold is everywhere. III Her gates, adorned with glowing pearl, Stand open day and night, And hither come the faithful souls, And enter in His right, For whom they bore the cruel shame, That earth has linked to His dear name. IV All precious stones and shapely all, By sore affliction made; Each in its place the Heavenly King With His own hand has laid— Such was the plan, that with the Elect The walls of Zion should be decked. Part II. I Most firm the sure foundation stands, And strong the corner-stone, To bear the walls that proudly rise, And bind them into one; And Zion all her trust will lay Upon the strength of Christ alway. II Within that city, God beloved, Flow streams of praise along; And towers and bulwarks echo forth The gladness of the song; ’Tis praise to God continually, The Three in One, the One in Three. III Within Thine earthly temple, Lord, We meet to seek Thy face; O in Thy loving kindness, hear, Diffuse Thy heavenly grace; Grant, as Thy people humbly bow, Thine ample benediction now. IV Be found of all who seek Thee here, And every need supply— The joys of heaven that cheer the soul, When streams of earth are dry; And in the greatness of Thy love, Hereafter, open heaven above. INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE A Alleluia! Alleluia! 87 Alleluia, hymn of sweetness 93 B Be present, Holy Trinity 119 Broken are the bands that bound us 100 Burst are the iron gates of death 91