The Church is the Honor and Safety of a Nation

Verse 1

Great is the LORD, our God, and let His praise be great; He makes His churches His abode, His most delightful seat. These temples of His grace, how beautiful they stand, the honors of our native place and bulwarks of our land!

Verse 2

Oft have our fathers told, our eyes have often seen, how well our God secures the fold where His own sheep have been. In ev'ry new distress we’ll to His house repair, recall to mind His wondrous grace, and seek deliv'rance there.

Verse 3

Far as Thy Name is known, the world declares Thy praise; Thy saints, O LORD, before Thy throne, their songs of honor raise. With joy Thy people stand on Zion's chosen hill, proclaim the wonders of Thy hand, and councils of Thy will.

Verse 4

How decent and how wise! How glorious to behold! Beyond the pomp that charms the eyes, and rites adorned with gold. The God we worship now will guide us till we die; will be our God while here below, and ours above the sky.