For Thee, O Dear, Dear Country

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.

O one, O only mansion,

O paradise of joy,

Where tears are ever banished

And smiles have no alloy!

The Lamb is all thy splendor,

The Crucified thy praise;

His laud and benediction

Thy ransomed people raise.

With jasper glow thy bulwarks,

Thy streets with emeralds blaze;

The sardis and the topaz

Unite in thee their rays;

Thine ageless walls are bonded

With amethyst unpriced;

The saints build up thy fabric,

The cornerstone is Christ.

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.

O sweet and blessèd country,

The home of God's elect!

O sweet and blessèd 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.