Hymn XCV. Long Metre. The Glory and Defence of the Church

Happy the Church! thou sacred place, The seat of thy Creator's grace! Thy holy courts are his abode, Thou earthly palace of our God.

Thy walls are strength, and at thy gates, A guard of heavenly angels waits; Nor shall thy deep foundations move, Built on the counsels of his love.

Thy foes in vain designs engage, Against thy walls in vain they rage; Like rising waves, with anger roar, That dash and die upon the shore.

Then let our souls in Zion dwell, Nor fear the power of earth or hell; Since God defends this happy ground, Like brazen bulwarks built around.

God is our Sun, God is our shield, Light and protection he will yield; And we beneath the genial rays, Will sing his love, and speak his praise.