Hymn adaptation/editing: O God of Earth and Altar

Adapted for use in service 11 November 2018

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 your 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) that lead us wrong again,

From sale and profanation of honor 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, 

live up a living nation, a single sword to thee.)

 

God, be our only Ruler, our Guardian and our Guide;

No more let earthly rivals distract us from your side.

Bind all our lives together; rebuke and save us all;

O God of earth and altar, now hear our desperate call.

 

 

Text:

Stanza 1: G. K. Chesterton, 1906

Stanza 2: Chesterton, alt. CSF

Stanza 3: first Chesterton, then CSF

Tune: ELLACOMBE, Gesangbuch der Herzogl,. Wirtembergischen Katholischen Hofkapelle, 1784; alt. 1868.