Common Praise ‎#366

366. A safe stronghold our God is still

1 A safe stronghold our God is still,
a trusty shield and weapon;
he'll keep 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
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Translator: Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881
• Meter: 87 87 66 667
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  1 Peter 5:8-9
  ;
  Ephesians 2:2
  ;
  Ephesians 6:10-13
  ;
  Genesis 15:1
  ;
  Matthew 16:15-18
  ;
  Psalm 46:1
  ;
  Revelation 12:10-11
• Topic: Advent I: Year B; Lent II: Year C; Proper 4: Year A

Tune Information

• Name: EIN' FESTE BURG
• Composer (attributed to): Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Harmonizer: J. S. Bach, 1685-1750 (alt.)
• Meter: 87 87 66 667
• Key: D Major
• Source: Melody compiled or composed by Martin Luther