Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By TimothyDwight

17 Love to the Church

I LOVE thy kingdom, Lord,

The house of thine abode,

The church our blest Redeemer saved

With his own precious blood.

I love thy church, O God!

Her walls before thee stand,

Dear as the apple of thine eye,

And graven on thy hand.

If e’er to bless thy sons

My voice or hands deny,

These hands let useful skill forsake,

This voice in silence die.

For her my tears shall fall,

For her my prayers ascend;

To her my cares and toils be given

Till toils and cares shall end.

Beyond my highest joy

I prize her heavenly ways,

Her sweet communion, solemn vows,

Her hymns of love and praise.

Jesus, thou friend divine,

Our Saviour and our King,

Thy hand from every snare and foe

Shall great deliverance bring.

Sure as thy truth shall last,

To Zion shall be given

The brightest glories earth can yield,

And brighter bliss of heaven.