HYMN NO. 598

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 With jaspers glow thy bulwarks; Thy streets with emeralds blaze; The Sardius and the topaz; unite in thee their rays; Thine at ageless walls are both amethyst unpriced; Thy saints build up its fabric, And the corner-stone is Christ.

3 The Cross is all thy splendor,
The Crucified thy praise;
His laud and benediction
Thy ransomed people raise. Upon the Rock of Ages
They raise thy holy tower;
Thine is the victor's laurel,
And thine the golden dower.
4 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.