A hymn by G K Chesterton, written in or around 1906. This is a hymn which speaks powerfully to me, despite my non-belief in a God who intervenes physically in day-to-day human affairs. To be delivered from lying politicians is a desire which I'm sure many can empathise with. This hymn is sung to either of the tunes Llangloffan or King's Lynn.
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.
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