492b. O God of earth and altar

1 O God of earth and altar,
bow down and hear our cry,
our earthly rulers falter,
our people drift and die;
the walls of gold entomb us,
the swords of scorn divide,
take not thy thunder from us,
but take away our pride.

2 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 honour and the sword,
from sleep and from damnation,
deliver us, good Lord!

3 Tie in a living tether
the prince and priest and thrall,
bind all our lives 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.

Text Information
First Line: O God of earth and altar
Title: O God of earth and altar
Author: Gilbert Keith Chesterton, 1874-1936
Meter: 76 76 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2000
Topic: Redemption and Salvation; Remembrance; The Nation (1 more...)
Copyright: © Copyright Control
Notes: Now Public Domain
Tune Information
Name: WILLSBRIDGE
Composer: Robert Lucas de Pearsall, 1796-1856
Meter: 76 76 D
Key: G Major



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