The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#142

142. City of God, how broad and far

1 City of God, how broad and far
outspread your walls sublime!
The true your 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 has your speech come down
from man's primeval youth!
How grandly has your empire grown
of freedom, love, and truth!

4 How gleam your watch-fires through the night
with never-fainting ray!
How rise your 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, 1822-1882 (alt.)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Topic: The Temple: The People of God
• Source: Altered by Compilers

Tune Information

• Name: RICHMOND
• Composer: Thomas Haweis, 1734-1820
• Harmoniser: Sameul Webbe, the younger, c. 1770-1843
• Meter: CM
• Key: F Major