The Hymnal ‎#416

416. Not alone for mighty empire

1 Not alone for mighty empire
Stretching far o'er land and sea,
Not alone for bounteous harvests,
Lift we up our hearts to Thee.
Standing in the living present,
Memory and hope between,
Lord, we would with deep thanksgiving
Praise Thee most for things unseen.

2 Not for battleship and fortress,
Not for conquests of the sword;
But for conquests of the spirit
Give we thanks to Thee, O Lord;
For the priceless gift of freedom,
For the home, the church, the school;
For the open door to manhood
In a land the people rule.

3 For the armies of the faithful,
Souls that passed and left no name;
For the glory that illumines
Patriot lives of deathless fame;
For our prophets and apostles,
Loyal to the living Word,
For all heroes of the Spirit,
Give we thanks to Thee, O Lord.

4 God of justice, save the people
From the clash of race and creed,
From the strife of class and faction:
Make our nation free indeed.
Keep her faith in simple manhood
Strong as when her life began,
Till it find its full fruition
In the brotherhood of man.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Not alone for mighty empire
• Author: Rev. William Pierson Merrill (1911)
• Meter: 8. 7. 8. 7. D.
• Publication Date: 1950
• Topic: The Kingdom of God on Earth: The Nation; Brotherhood; Country, our; Nation, The; Thanksgiving

Tune Information

• Name: HYFRYDOL
• Composer: Rowland Hugh Prichard (1811-1887)
• Meter: 8. 7. 8. 7. D.
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: Tune from "The English Hymnal." Used by permission of the Oxford University Press.