Union (1786) (William Billings)

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• (Posted 2015-02-23)  CPDL #34655:       

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2015-02-23).   Score information: Letter, 4 pages, 153 kB   Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Oval-note edition.

General Information

Title: Union (1786)
First Line: Behold, how good and joyful a thing
Composer: William Billings

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Anthem

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1786 in The Suffolk Harmony
Description: Published in The Suffolk Harmony, 1786, pp. 3-9. Words adapted by Billings from Psalm 133; the last part from Thomas Ken, 1674. Very different than Union published in 1770.

Original text and translations

English text

Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity and peace.
It is like the precious ointment upon the head,
That ran down unto the beard of Aaron,
And went down to the skirts of his clothing.
Like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Zion.
For there the Lord promised His blessing, and life forever more. Amen.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye angelic host,
Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Holy Ghost.