English poem
The Church built on a Rock, and secured against the Gates of Hell. Matt. xvi. 18
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
Now let the Gates of Zion sing, And challenge all her spiteful Foes: She triumphs in her Saviour King, In him, who from the Dead arose.
He is the Rock, on whom we rest, And firm on that Foundation stand; Divine Compassion fills his Breast, His Word is sure, and strong his Hand.
Hell and its Host may rage in vain; Vain are their Counsels, and their Pow'r; Grim Death may marshall all his Train, And boast the Conquest of an Hour.
Breathless and pale his Servants lie, And know their former Place no more; Their Children raise his Praises high, And o'er their Fathers Dust adore.
Their Fathers Dust the LORD shall raise, And burst the Barriers of the Grave; Parents and Children join his Praise, Who thro' Eternity can save.
More by Philip Doddridge
- The Christian Scheme of Salvation worthy of GOD. Hebrews ii. 10
- The Christian Warrior animated and crowned. Rev. ii. 10
- The Christian's Life connected with that of CHRIST. John xiv. -19
- The Christian's secret Feast. John iv. 32
- The Church the Birth-place of the Saints, and GOD'S Care of it. Psalm lxxxvii. 5
- The Circumstances of CHRIST'S second Appearing. 2 Pet. iii. 11, 12
- The compleating of the spiritual Temple. Zech. iv. 7
- The Conquest of Death and Grief by Views of the heavenly State. Rev. xxi. 4