Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

Glorious things of thee are spoken

John Newton

An English Anglican cleric and former slave ship captain (1725–1807). After surviving a terrifying storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He later became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, partnering with William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain. His legendary hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was written to illustrate a New Year's sermon in 1773, reflecting his personal awe at how God's grace could rescue and redeem a 'wretch' like him.

Source: Olney Hymns

Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He, whose word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for his own abode:
On the rock of ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded
Thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
See! the streams of living waters
Springing from eternal love;
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove:
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst t' assuage?
Grace, which like the LORD, the giver,
Never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hov'ring
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a cov'ring,
Showing that the LORD is near:
Thus deriving from their banner
Light by night and shade by day;
Safe they feed upon the Manna
Which he gives them when they pray.
Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Washed in the Redeemer's blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to GOD:
'Tis his love his people raises
Over self to reign as kings
And as priests, his solemn praises
Each for a thank-offering brings.
Savior, if of Zion's city
I through grace a member am;
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in thy name
Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasure,
None but Zion's children know.