Then Open Wide The Temple Gates

For Christmas Day

Words: Psalm CXVIII, Verse 19 to the End, from Brady and Tate, A New Version of the Psalms of David, Psalm 118

Tune: Sandwich by William Knapp

Source: William Knapp, ed., A Set of New Psalms and Anthems, In Four Parts, On Various Occasions. Eighth Edition. (London: George Bigg, 1738, 1770), pp. 34-35.

19
Then open wide the temple gates
to which the just repair,
That I may enter in, and praise
my great deliv'rer there.

20,21
Within those gates of God's abode,
to which the righteous press;
Since thou hast heard, and set me safe,
thy holy Name I'll bless.

22,23
That which the builders once refused
is now the corner-stone:
This is the wondrous work of God,
the work of God alone.

24,25
This day is God's; let all the land
exalt their cheerful voice:
Lord, we beseech thee, save us now,
and make us still rejoice.

26
Him that approaches in God's Name
let all th' assembly bless;
"We that belong to God's own house,
have wished you good success."

27
God is the Lord, through whom we all
both light and comfort find;
Fast to the altar's horn with cords
the chosen victim bind.

28
Thou art my Lord, O God, and still
I'll praise thy holy Name:
Because thou only art my God,
I'll celebrate thy fame.

29
O then with me give thanks to God,
who still does gracious prove;
And let the tribute of our praise
be endless as his love.

Sheet Music: William Knapp, ed., A Set of New Psalms and Anthems, In Four Parts, On Various Occasions. Eighth Edition. (London: George Bigg, 1738, 1770), pp. 34-35.

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