A Hymn: O God of Earth and Altar
The Society of G.K. Chesterton
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A Hymn: O God of Earth and Altar

A Chesterton poem you can sing in church

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.

 

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.

 

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.

For more Chesterton poetry see The Coloured Lands.