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Words: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., 1861. It was during the American civil war that Holmes wrote these words, which echo a patriotic theme.
Music: "Hesperus (Quebec)," Henry Williams Baker, 1862
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O Lord of hosts, almighty King,
Behold the sacrifice we bring:
To every arm Thy strength impart;
Thy Spirit shed through every heart.
Wake in our breasts the living fires,
The holy faith that warmed our sires;
Thy hand hath made our nation free;
To die for her is serving Thee.
Be Thou a pillared flame to show
The midnight snare, the silent foe;
And when the battle thunders loud,
Still guide us in its moving cloud.
God of all nations, sovereign Lord,
In Thy dread Name we draw the sword,
We lift the starry flag on high
That fills with light our stormy sky.
From treason's rent, from murder's stain,
Guard Thou its folds till peace shall reign,
Till fort and field, till shore and sea,
Join our loud anthem, praise to Thee.
Hymns supplied through the gracious generosity of the Cyber Hymnal Website