HYMN #1195 SSS #1195 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1195: I have read of a beautiful City

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

I have read of a beautiful City,
Far away in the kingdom of God;
I have read how its walls are of jasper,
How its streets are all golden and broad.
In the midst of the street is life’s river,
Clear as crystal, and pure to behold;
But not half of that City’s bright glory
To mortals has ever been told.
Not half has ever been told, . .
Not half has ever been told; . .
Not half of that City’s bright glory
To mortals has ever been told.

I have read of bright mansions in Heaven,
Which the Saviour has gone to prepare;
And the saints who on earth have been faithful,
Rest for ever with Christ over there:
There no sin ever enters, nor sorrow,
The inhabitants never grow old;
But not half of the joys that await them
To mortals has ever been told.

I have read of white robes for the righteous,
Of bright crowns which the glorified wear,
When our Father shall bid them" Come,enter,
And My glory eternally share:"
How the righteous are evermore blessed,
As they walk through the streets of pure gold;
But not half of the wonderful story
To mortals has ever been told.

I have read of a Christ so forgiving,
That vile sinners may ask and receive
Peace, and pardon for every transgression,
If when asking they only believe.
I have read how He’ll guide and protect us,,
If for safety we enter His fold;
But not half of His goodness and mercy
To mortals has ever been told.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I have read of a beautiful City"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1195 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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