The New English Hymnal ‎#346

346. 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, 1822-82
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986

Tune Information

• Name: RICHMOND
• Composer: Thomas Haweis, 1734-1820
• Harmonizer: S. Webbe the younger, c. 1770-1843
• Composer (descant): Alan Gray, 1855-1935
• Meter: CM
• Key: G Major