With joy I heard my friends exclaim, ???Come, let us in God???s temple meet; Within thy gates, O Zion blest, Shall ever stand our willing feet.??? How beautiful doth Zion stand, A city built compact and fair; The people of the Lord unite With joy and praise to worship there. They come to learn the will of God, To pay their vows, His grace to own; For there is judgment???s royal seat, Messiah???s sure and lasting throne. For Zion???s peace let prayer be made; May all that love thee prosper well; Within thy walls let peace abide, And gladness with thy children dwell. For sake of friends and kindred dear, My heart???s desire is Zion???s peace; And for the house of God, the Lord, My loving care shall never cease.