Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken Lyrics
Tune Name: AUSTRIA
Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn
Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
Hymnbook Source: Hymns Ancient & Modern (1861)
Verse 1
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.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
Round each habitation hovering,
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a cov’ring
Showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from our banner
Light by night and shade by day;
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which He gives them when they pray.
Verse 4
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.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken |
| Author / Lyricist | John Newton (1725–1807) |
| Composer / Tune | Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) – Austria |
| Date Written / Published | Late 18th century |
| Historical Context | Written in England; reflects Newton’s focus on God’s providence and the church’s protection. |
| Theme / Message | Celebration of God’s providence and protection over His church. |
| Notable Features | Poetic and triumphant; suitable for congregational worship. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Popular in Reformed and Methodist traditions; often sung during communion and dedication services. |
| Source / Scholarship | John Newton: His Life and Hymns – W. H. Milne |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton’s emphasis on the church as God’s dwelling aligns with the hymn’s portrayal of spiritual Zion. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian highlights its nationalistic and devotional impact in Victorian congregational singing. |
| Isaac Watts, English Hymn Writer & Theologian, 1674–1748 | Watts’ hymns celebrating God’s covenant and church provide context for the theological themes in this hymn. |
| Philip Doddridge, Nonconformist Minister & Hymn Writer, 1702–1751 | Doddridge emphasizes the spiritual security and blessings of God’s people, reflected in this hymn. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s devotionally rich hymns illustrate themes of God’s providence and church life similar to those in this hymn. |
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