Scripture Verse

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you. Psalm 137:5–6

Introduction

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Timothy Dwight (1752–1817)

Words: Ti­mo­thy Dwight, Psalms of Da­vid 1800. This is be­lieved to be the old­est hymn by an Am­er­ican still in com­mon use.

Music: St. Tho­mas (Will­iams) Aar­on Will­iams, The New Uni­vers­al Psal­mo­dist 1770 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Will­iams (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The church our blessed Re­deem­er saved
With His own precious blood.

I love Thy church, O God.
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
And written on Thy hand.

If e’er to bless Thy sons
My voice or hands deny,
These hands let useful skills forsake,
This voice in silence die.

Should I with scoffers join
Her altars to abuse?
No! Better far my tongue were dumb,
My hand its skill should lose.

For her my tears shall fall
For her my prayers as­cend,
To her my cares and toils be given
Till toils and cares shall end.

Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

Jesus, Thou friend divine,
Our Sav­ior and our king,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.

Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield
And brighter bliss of Hea­ven.