O 'TWAS A JOYFUL SOUND TO HEAR

From Psalm 122

O 'twas a joyful sound to hear
Our tribes devoutly say,
Up, Israel! to the temple haste,
And keep your festal day.

At Salem's courts we must appear
With our assembled pow'rs,
In strong and beauteous order ranged,
Like her united tow'rs.

O pray we then for Salem's peace;
For they shall prosp'rous be,
Thou holy city of our God,
Who bear true love to thee.

May peace within thy sacred walls
A constant guest be found;
With plenty and prosperity
Thy palaces be crowned.

For my dear brethren's sake, and friends
No less than brethren dear,
I'll pray, May peace in Salem's tow'rs
A constant guest appear.

But most of all I'll seek thy good,
And ever wish thee well,
For Zion and the temple's sake,
Where God vouchsafes to dwell.