An anthem for TTBB men’s voices and tenor solo. Dedicated to The Rev. William N. Penfield.
Lyrics
My Soul, there is a Countrie
Far beyond the stars,
Where stands a winged Centrie
All skilfull in the wars,
There above noise, and danger
Sweet peace sits crowned with smiles,
And one born in a Manger
Commands the Beauteous files,
He is they gracious friend,
And (O my Soul awake!)
Did in pure love descend
To die here for thy sake,
If thou canst get but thither,
There growes the flowre of peace,
The Rose than cannot wither,
Thy fortresse, and thy ease;
Leave then thy foolish ranges;
For none can thee secure,
But one, who never changes,
Thy God, thy life, thy Cure.
—Henry Vaughan (1621-1695)
