I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.
Isaiah 28:16
Words: Unknown author, 7th Century (Angularis fundamentum). Translated from Latin to English by John M. Neale in Mediæval Hymns, 1851.
Music: Regent Square Henry T. Smart, in Psalms and Hymns for Divine Worship (London: 1867) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
Chosen of the Lord, and precious,
Binding all the Church in one,
Holy Zion’s help forever,
And her confidence alone.
All that dedicated city,
Dearly loved of God on high,
In exultant jubilation,
Pours perpetual melody,
God the One in Three adoring
In glad hymns eternally.
To this temple, where we call Thee,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With Thy wonted lovingkindness
Hear Thy servants as they pray.
And Thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls alway.
Here vouchsafe to all Thy servants
What they ask of Thee to gain;
What they gain from Thee forever
With the blessèd to retain,
And hereafter in Thy glory
Evermore with Thee to reign.
Laud and honor to the Father,
Laud and honor to the Son,
Laud and honor to the Spirit,
Ever Three and ever One;
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run.