Scripture Verse

We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Isaiah 26:1

Introduction

portrait
Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spi­ri­tu­al Songs, Book 1, 1707, num­ber 7. The safe­ty and pro­tec­tion of the Church.

Music: Ir­ish A Col­lec­tion of Hymns and Sac­red Po­ems, by S. Pow­ell (Dub­lin: 1749) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

How honorable is the place
Where we adoring stand,
Zion, the glory of the earth,
And beauty of the land!

Bulwarks of mighty grace defend
The city where we dwell;
The walls, of strong salvation made,
Defy th’assaults of hell.

Lift up the everlasting gates,
The doors wide open fling;
Enter, ye nations that obey
The statutes of our king.

Here shall you taste unmingled joys,
And live in perfect peace,
You that have known Jehovah’s name.
And ventured on His grace.

Trust in the Lord, for ever trust,
And banish all your fears;
Strength in the Lord Jehovah dwells,
Eternal as His years.

What though the rebels dwell on high,
His arm shall bring them low;
Low as the caverns of the grave
Their lofty heads shall bow.

On Babylon our feet shall tread
In that rejoicing hour;
The ruins of her walls shall spread
A pavement for the poor.