The New English Hymnal ‎#165

165. The highest and the holiest place

1 The highest and the holiest place
Guards not the heart from sin;
The Church that safest seems without
May harbor foes within.

2 Within that small and chosen band,
Beloved above the rest,
One fell from his apostleship,
A traitor soul unblest.

3 But ne'er the great designs of God
Man’s sins shall overthrow;
A better witness to the truth
Forth to the lands shall go.

4 Matthias was the chosen one--
God's purpose cannot fail--
The word of grace no less shall sound,
The truth no less prevail.

5 Righteous, O Lord, are all thy ways:
Long as the worlds endure,
From foes without and foes within
Preserve thy Church secure.

Text Information

• First Line: The highest and the holiest place
• Author: Henry Alford, 1810-71
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: St. Matthias: May 14th; The Christian Year: Festivals and Other Holy Days: Proper
• Notes: Alternative tune ST JAMES 318

Tune Information

• Name: JACKSON
• Composer: Thomas Jackson
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major