"Where there is no vision, no redemptive revelation of God,
the people perish; but he who keeps the law of God, which
includes that of man, blessed is he."
(Proverbs 29:18)
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 honor and the sword;
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord!
Tie in a living tether
The priest and prince and thrall;
Bind all our lives together,
Smite us and save us all;
In ire and exultation,
A-flame with faith, and free,
Lift up a living nation,
A single sword to Thee.
Amen.
"O God Of Earth And Altar"
(1906)
Gilbert Keith Chesterton
(1874-1936)
English writer, philosopher,
Christian apologist,
literary and art critic.
Written as a "Prayer For The Nation" in
The English Hymnal
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