Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#396b

396b. A safe stronghold our God is still

1 A safe stronghold our God is still,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He'll help us clear from all the ill
That hath us now o'ertaken.
The ancient prince of hell
Hath risen with purpose fell;
Strong mail of craft and power
He weareth in this hour;
On earth is not his fellow.

2 With force of arms we nothing can,
Full soon were we down-ridden;
But for us fights the proper Man,
Whom God Himself hath bidden.
Ask ye, who is this same?
Christ Jesus is His name,
The Lord Sabaoth's Son;
He, and no other one,
Shall conquer in the battle.

3 And were this world all devils o'er
And watching to devour us,
We lay it not to heart so sore;
Not they can overpower us.
And let the prince of ill
Look grim as e'er he will,
He harms us not a whit;
For why? his doom is writ;
A word shall quickly slay him.

4 God's Word, for all their craft and force,
One moment will not linger,
But, spite of hell, shall have its course;
'Tis written by His finger.
And though they take our life,
Goods, honour, children, wife,
Yet is their profit small;
These things shall vanish all,
The city of God remaineth.

Text Information

• First Line: A safe stronghold our God is still
• Translator: Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Church and the Kingdom of God: Social Service; Fortress, God our; God: Fortress, our; God: Refuge, our; Refuge: God, our

Tune Information

• Name: EIN' FESTE BURG
• Composer: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7
• Key: D Major