The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal ‎#69

69. God of Our Fathers, Known of Old

1 God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far-flung battle line,
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine:
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget!

2 The tumult and the shouting dies;
The captains and the kings depart;
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart:
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget!

3 Far called our navies melt away.
On dune and headland sinks the fire;
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget!

4 If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe,
Such boasting as the Gentiles use
Or lesser breeds without the law:
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget!

5 For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard;
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard:
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord!

Text Information

• First Line: God of our fathers, known of old
• Title: God of Our Fathers, Known of Old
• Author: Rudyard Kipling, 1865-1936
• Meter: 8. 8. 8. 8. 8. 8.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Topic: God's Providential Care

Tune Information

• Name: MELITA
• Composer: John B Dykes, 1823-1876
• Meter: 8. 8. 8. 8. 8. 8.
• Key: C Major