Hymn 54

1. O 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
   the saints have dwelt secure;
   sufficient is thy arm alone,
   and our defence is sure.
   
   
3. Before the hills in order stood,
   or earth received 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 foll’wing years.
   
   
7. Like flow’ry fields the nations stand
   pleased with the morning light;
   the flow’rs beneath the mower’s hand
   lie with’ring ere ’tis night.
   
   
8. O God, our help in ages past,
   our hope for years to come,
   be thou our guard while troubles last,
   and our eternal home.