O God of earth and alter,
Bow down and hear our cry.
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die.
Our walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide.
Take not thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.
From all that terror teaches,
From lies of tongue and pen.
From all the easy speeches,
that comfort cruel men.
From sale and profanation,
of honor and the sword.
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us good lord.
Bind in a living tether,
The prince, the priest, the thrall.
Bind all our hearts together,
Smite us and save us all.
In ire and exultation,
Aflame with faith and free.
Lift up a living nation,
A single sword to thee.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton, 1906
Kings Lynn (7 6, 7 6, D.)
Traditional English Melody
arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
This is a hymn we sing at church. We love it!
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