JERUSALEM, THE GOLDEN
After that everyone stood up. They all opened
their mouths and tried to sing 'Jerusalem, the
Golden.' Not many of them knew the words or the
tune... -- On the Banks of Plum Creek,
Chapter 24, "Going to Church"
When Mrs. Tower has the girls stand and sing "Jerusalem, the Golden," (no song title is given in the surviving manuscript for On the Banks of Plum Creek) not many knew the words or music. "Miserable squiggles went up Laura's backbone and the insides of her ears crinkled." Ma commented later that hymnbooks were used "nowadays," and it seems that the Walnut Grove Congregational Church may have gotten them before the Ingalls family left for Dakota Territory. In letters, Laura Ingalls Wilder referred to Pure Gold for Sunday School as the hymnal Ma brought from Walnut Grove. By the time the Hard Winter was over, the Ingalls family apparently had memorized the songs in this hymnal, and Wilder used a number of favorites in the De Smet "Little House"® books.
"Jerusalem, the Golden" was written by Bernard of Morlaix at the Abbey of Cluny (at Bretagne, France) during the 12th century. It was translated from the Latin by John Neale in 1858. John Mason Neale (1818-1866) was born in London, the son of a clergyman. Neale became a High Clergyman, and he was instrumental in the restoration of many churches in England. Neale adapted and translated many ancient and medieval works throughout his life. He and his collaborators produced over 400 hymns and carols.
The music of "Jerusalem, the Golden" is "Ewing," composed by Alexander Ewing in 1853. Ewing (1830-1895) was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and was a decorated army officer who also studied law. Music was his passion. He composed "Ewing" while a member of the Harmonic Choir in Aberdeen.
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JERUSALEM, THE GOLDEN
1. Jerusalem, the golden! With milk and honey blest, Beneath thy contemplation sink heart and voice opressed. I know not, -oh, I know not, what joys await me there, What radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare.
2. They stand, those halls of Zion, all jubiant with song, And bright with many an angel, and all the martyr throng. The Prince is ever in them, the daylight is serene. The pastures of the blessed are decked in glorious sheen.
3. There is the throne of David, and there from toil released, The shout of them that triumph, the song of them that feast. And they who with their Leader have conquered in the fight, For ever and for ever are clad in robes of white.
4. Oh, sweet and blessed country, the home of God's elect! Oh, sweet and blessed country, that eager hearts expect! Jesus, in mercy bring us to that dear land of rest; Who art, with God the Father, And Spirit ever blest. |
Use the navigation bar above to listen to "Jerusalem, the Golden." Midi sequence from the Cyber Hymnal at www.cyberhymnal.org, featuring thousands of Christian hymns and gospel songs from many denominations - lyrics, midi files, scores, pictures, history and more. If you do not see the midi player above, click HERE to listen.
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