The Hymnal ‎#470

470. City of God, how broad and far

City of God, how broad and far
Outspread thy walls sublime!
The true thy chartered freemen are
Of every age and clime.

One holy Church, one army strong,
One steadfast high intent,
One working band, one harvest song,
One King omnipotent!

428
How purely hath thy speech come down
From man's primeval youth;
How grandly hath thine empire grown
Of freedom, love, and truth!

How gleam thy watchfires through the night
With never-fainting ray!
How rise thy towers, serene and bright,
To meet the dawning day!

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 (1860)
• Meter: C.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1916
• Topic: The Church Militant
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: BEULAH
• Composer: George M. Garrett (1889)
• Meter: C.M.
• Incipit: 32315 45357 6532
• Key: E Major
• Notes: Now Public Domain.