HYMN #0407 A&M #407 • Ancient & Modern Meter: CM Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #407: O Sion, open wide thy gates

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Hymns Ancient & Modern

1

" I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
oming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned
396 for her husband."

2

Blessed city, heavenlv Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love.
Who of living stones art builded
In the height of heav'n above,

3

And, with Angel hosts encircled
As a bride doth earthward move ;
From celestial realms descending,
Bridal glorv round thee shed,

4

Meet for Him Whose love espoused
thee,
To thy Lord shalt thou be led ;
All thy streets, and all thy bulwarks

5

Of pure gold are fashion dd.
Bright thy gates of pearl are
They are open evermore ;
And by virtue of His merits

6

Thither faithful souls do soar,
Who for CnRisT's dear Name in
this world
Pain and tribulation bore.

7

FESTIVAL OF THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH
Manv a blow and biting sculpture
Polish 'd well those stones eiect.
In their places now compacted

8

By the heavenly Architect.
Who therewith hath will'd for ever
That His Palace should be deck'd.
Christ is made the sure Foundation,

9

Christ the Head and Corner-stone,
Chosen of the Lord, and precious,
Binding all the Church in one,
Holv Sion's help for ever,

10

And her confidence alone.
Aii that dedicated city.
Dearly loved of God on high,
In exultant jubilation

11

Pours perpetual melodv,
P God the One in Three adoring
In glad hymns eternally.
Tn this Temple, where we call

12

Thee,
Come, 0 Lord of hosts, to-day ;
With Thy wonted loving-kindness
Hear Thy servants, as rhey pray ;

13

And Thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls alway.
Here vouchsafe to all Thv servants
What thev ask of Thee to gain,

14

What thev train from Thee for ever
With the Blessed to retain,
And hereafter in Thy don-
Evermore with Thee to reign.

15

The following may he sang at the end of
each Part:
Laud and honour to the Father,
Laud and honour to the Sox.

16

Laud and honour to the Spirit
Ever Three, and ever One,
Consubstantial. Co-eternal,
While unending ages run.

16

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "O Sion, open wide thy gates"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #407 in the venerable Hymns Ancient & Modern (1889 Standard Edition). Originally compiled under the guidance of the Rev. Sir Henry Williams Baker and a committee of dedicated church musicians, this hymnal harmonized historic Latin, Greek, and German hymnody with classical English psalmody.

It has served as a primary liturgical hymnal for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican and Episcopal communion for generations, renowned for its doctrinal clarity and reverent choral tradition.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 17 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: CM
Stanza Structure: 17 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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