1. O God, our help in ages past,

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defence is sure.

Before the hills in order stood Or earth received her frame From everlasting Thou art God To endless year the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone, Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun.

The busy tribes of flesh and blood With all their cares and fears, Are carried downward by the flood, And lost in following years.

Time like an ever rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be thou our guard while troubles last And our eternal home.