Hymnal: according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America 281. O 't was a joyful sound to hear

You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

Click here to donate to Hymnary.org I have already donated. Please don't show this to me again

280

Hymnal‎#281

282

Text:

O 't was a joyful sound to hear

281. O 't was a joyful sound to hear

Full Text

1 O 't was a joyful sound to hear
Our tribes devoutly say,
Up, Israel! to the temple haste,
And keep your festal-day.

2 At Salem's courts we must appear,
With our assembled powers,
In strong and beauteous order ranged,
Like her united towers.

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

4 May peace within thy sacred walls
A constant guest be found;
With plenty and prosperity
Thy palaces be crown'd.

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

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

Text Information
First Line:	O 't was a joyful sound to hear
Meter:	C. M.
Language:	English
Publication Date:	1871
Topic:	Offices of the Church: Consecration of the Churches and Chapels
Notes:	Public Domain.