Beyond our sight a city foursquare lieth,
Above the clouds, the fogs and mists of earth;
And none but souls that Jesus purifieth
Can see its walls, or hear its holy mirth.
Beyond our sight, beyond our night,
Beyond this world's sad story;
That city bright,... it stands in light,
The home of all the holy.
Secure and strong, this heavenly city builded
By Christ the Lamb for all the blood-washed throng,
Gleams fair and bright, with golden glory gilded,
For ever thrilling with triumphant song.
Beyond our sight, beyond our night,
Beyond this world's sad story;
That city bright,... it stands in light,
The home of all the holy.
There, on the throne, the Lamb once slain is seated,
The Shepherd's joy upon His holy face;
While countless hosts, their warfare all completed,
In circling bands, lift ceaseless songs of praise.
Beyond our sight, beyond our night,
Beyond this world's sad story;
That city bright,... it stands in light,
The home of all the holy.
O sorrowing souls, beneath earth's burdens bending,
Lift up your eyes to yonder city fair;
And through your tears let praise be still ascending,
For rest, and home, and loved ones waiting there.
Beyond our sight, beyond our night,
Beyond this world's sad story;
That city bright,... it stands in light,
The home of all the holy.