Easy speeches that comfort cruel men
I was recently given a CD called Vaughan Williams Hymnal, which had this text from G.K. Chesterton set to KING’S LYNN:
O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide;
Take not Thy thunder from us, but take away our pride.From all that terror teaches, from lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches that comfort cruel men;
From sale and profanation of honor and the sword;
From sleep and from damnation, deliver us, good Lord!Tie in a living tether, the prince and priest and thrall;
Bind all our lives together, smite us and save us all;
In ire and exultation aflame with faith and free,
Lift up a living nation, a single sword to Thee.
As we approach election day, the line about “easy speeches” seems especially pertinent.
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O God of Earth and Altar was in the LCMS Worship Supplement(1969) WS784.
Thanks; I wasn’t aware of that. I’m glad it’s not in LSB, as it doesn’t meet my criteria for use in Divine Service. Nevertheless, I like the text.