Hymns - How Joyful Tis to Sing - Текст песни

How joyful 'tis to sing
To God enthroned on high,
To raise the ancient strain
Of tuneful psalmody
As choristers, who thus delight
To chant his praise by day and night!

Yet art is not enough,
Nor voice that charms the ear,
Unless the heart be tuned
And worship be sincere:
Help us to fix our minds on thee,
And lead us to simplicity.

Should we with wandering thoughts
Our minds allow to stray,
Nor heed God's holy word,
And, kneeling, fail to pray,
Help us to serve with godly fear,
Lest we forget thy presence near.

We seek to perfect praise
On earth, in hope that we
Some glimpses here may gain
Of heavenly harmony,
Where discord ne'er shall mar the tone
Of those that sing around thy throne.

Then in the praise of God
Let boys and men unite,
And, mindful of our trust,
Gird on our robes of white,
As symbol of the purity
That all must seek, who seek for thee.