O God of earth and altar (Anonymous)

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• (Posted 2023-06-25)  CPDL #74323:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2023-06-25).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 56 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn with harmony and underlaid words in the version published in The Hymnal 1982.

• (Posted 2023-06-25)  CPDL #74322:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2023-06-25).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 135 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn in the version published in The Hymnal 1982, melody with words.

General Information

Title: O God of earth and altar
Composer: Anonymous
Tune: Llangloffan
Lyricist: Gilbert Keith Chesterton^{create page}
Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Hymn   Meter: 76. 76. D

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella or keyboard

First published:
Description: Melody from Hymnau a Thonau er Gwasanaeth yr Eglwys yng Nghymru (1865). A descant to the hymn can be found here.

External websites:

• https://embassysingers.de/scores/hymns.html

Original text and translations

English text

O God of earth and altar,
bow down and hear our cry,
our earthly rulers falter,
our people drift and die;
the walls of gold entomb us,
the swords of scorn divide,
take not thy thunder from us,
but take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches,
from lies of tongue and pen,
from all the easy speeches
that comfort cruèl men,
from sale and profanation
of honor, and the sword,
from sleep and from damnation,
deliver us, good Lord!

Tie in a living tether
the prince and priest and thrall,
bind all our lives together,
smite us and save us all;
in ire and exultation
aflame with faith, and free,
lift up a living nation,
a single sword to thee.