608 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 splendor; 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 bounded With amethyst unpriced; The saints build up thy fabric, The corner-stone is Christ. 4 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. 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.