Scripture Verse

May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Introduction

portrait
John B. Dykes (1823–1876)

Words: John H. Holmes, 1911.

Music: St. Ag­nes John B. Dykes, in Hym­nal for Use in the Eng­lish Church, by John Grey, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
John H. Holmes
1879–1964

Lyrics

God of the nations, near and far,
Ruler of all mankind,
Bless Thou Thy people as they strive
The paths of peace to find.

The clash of arms still shakes the sky,
King battles still with king—
Wild through the frighted air of night
The bloody tocsins ring.

But clearer far the friendly speech
Of scientists and seers,
The wise debate of statesmen and
The shouts of pioneers.

And stronger far the claspèd hands
Of labor’s teeming throngs,
Who in a hundred tongues repeat
Their common creeds and songs.

From shore to shore the peoples call
In loud and sweet acclaim,
The gloom of land and sea is lit
With Pentecostal flame.

O Fa­ther! from the curse of war
We pray Thee give release,
And speed, O speed the blessèd day
Of justice, love and peace!