Composed by John B. Dykes (PHH 147), BEATITUDO was published in the revised edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (1875), where it was set to Isaac Watts' "How Bright Those Glorious Spirits Shine." Originally a word coined by Cicero, BEATITUDO means "the condition of blessedness."

Like many of Dykes's tunes, BEATITUDO has a convincing melodic contour and a somewhat chromatic harmonization. Sing the outer, framing stanzas in unison and the middle ones in parts. Use just enough organ to keep this hymn moving. Maintain one pulse per measure.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook