O God of Earth and Altar

Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Compositor: Gilbert Keith Chesterton / Nylson Alves

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 comforts 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 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