This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Eden
Staff Notation • Sacred
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Barry Johnston
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Eden by William Billings — Lyrics
These glorious minds, how bright they shine!
Whence all their white array?
How came they to the happy seats
Of everlasting day?
From torturing pains to endless joys
On fiery wheels they rode,
And strangely washed their raiment white
In Jesus' dying blood.
Now they approach a spotless God,
And bow before his throne
Their warbling harps and sacred songs
Adore the Holy One.
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About Eden
William Billings' anthem Eden is set for SATB choir and sung in English. It draws on Revelation 7, depicting the glorious company of saints in heaven, their white robes washed in Jesus' blood. The text celebrates their transition from earthly suffering to heavenly joy, where they worship God with harps and songs. The music likely reflects the ecstatic vision of the text, with the choir proclaiming the saints' ultimate peace and fulfillment in God's presence. This would be an ideal selection for Eastertide or a general service focusing on heavenly reward and divine praise.
