Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#419a

419a. 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 boastings 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
• Author: Rudyard Kipling, 1865-
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Confession: National; The Church and the Kingdom of God: National Life; Witness of the Spirit; Spirit: Witness of the; National: Confession; Humility: National

Tune Information

• Name: RECESSIONAL
• Composer: James Edmund Jones, 1866-
• Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8
• Key: d minor or modal