1 Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.
2 Under the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is thine arm alone, And our defence is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood, Or earth receiv'd her frame, From everlasting thou art God, To endless years the same.
4 Thy word commands our flesh to dust, "Return, ye sons of men:" All nations rose from earth at first, And turn to earth again.
5 A thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun.
6 [The busy tribes of flesh and blood, With all their lives and cares, Are carried downwards by thy flood, And lost in following years.
7 Time like an ever-rolling stream Bears all its Sons away; They fly forgotten as a dream Dies at the opening day.
8 Like flowery fields the nations stand Pleas'd with the morning light; The flowers beneath the mower's hand Lie withering ere 'tis night.]
9 Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home.