I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD
"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May
my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you."
Psalms 137:5-6
Words: Timothy Dwight, Psalms of David, 1800. This is believed to be
the oldest hymn by an American which is still in common use.
Music: "St. Thomas," Aaron Williams (1731-1776), The New Universal
Psalmodist, 1770.
I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The church our blessed Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.
I love Thy church, O God.
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
And written on Thy hand.
Should I with scoffers join
Her altars to abuse?
No! Better far my tongue were dumb,
My hand its skill should lose.
For her my tears shall fall
For her my prayers ascend,
To her my cares and toils be given
Till toils and cares shall end.
Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.
Jesus, Thou Friend divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.
Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield
And brighter bliss of heaven.