Ancient and Modern ‎#613

613. City of God, how broad and far

1 City of God, how broad and far
outspread thy walls sublime!
The true thy chartered freemen are
of every age and clime:

2 One holy church, one army strong,
one steadfast, high intent;
one working band, one harvest-song,
one King omnipotent.

3 How purely hath thy speech come down
from man's primaeval youth!
How grandly hath thine empire grown
of freedom, love, and truth!

4 How gleam thy watch-fires through the night
with never-fainting ray!
How rise thy towers, serene and bright,
to meet the dawning day!

5 In vain the surge's angry shock,
in vain the drifting sands:
unharmed upon the eternal Rock
the eternal city stands.

Text Information

• First Line: City of God, how broad and far
• Author: Samuel Johnson (1822-1882)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Psalm 87:1-3
  ;
  Ephesians 4:4-6
• Topic: Church: nature of; Church: Universal; Proper 4: Year A

Tune Information

• Name: RICHMOND
• Harmonizer: Samuel Webbe, the elder (1740-1816)
• Composer (melody): Thomas Haweis (1733-1820)
• Composer (descant): Craig Sellar Lang (1891-1971)
• Meter: CM
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: Adaptation: © Chester Music and Novello & Co, 14-15 Bemers Street, London W1T 3LJ UK Permission applied for.