City of God, How Broad and Far

Verse 1

City of God, how broad and far
Outspread thy walls sublime!
The true thy chartered freemen are
Of every age and clime.

Verse 2

One holy Church, one army strong,
One steadfast high intent,
One working band, one harvest-song,
One King Omnipotent!

Verse 3

How purely hath thy speech come down
From man’s primeval youth;
How grandly hath thine empire grown
Of freedom, love, and truth!

Verse 4

How gleam thy watchfires through the night
With never-fainting ray!
How rise thy towers, serene and bright,
To meet the dawning day!

Verse 5

In vain the surge’s angry shock,
In vain the drifting sands:
Unharmed upon the eternal Rock
The eternal city stands.