The Cyber Hymnal ‎#2900

2900. I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

1. I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The church our blessed Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.

2. I love Thy church, O God.
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
And written on Thy hand.

3. If e’er to bless Thy sons
My voice or hands deny,
These hands let useful skills forsake,
This voice in silence die.

4. Should I with scoffers join
Her altars to abuse?
No! Better far my tongue were dumb,
My hand its skill should lose.

5. 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.

6. Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

7. Jesus, Thou friend divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.

8. Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield
And brighter bliss of Heaven.

Text Information

• First Line: I love Thy kingdom, Lord
• Title: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
• Author: Timothy Dwight (1800)
• Meter: SM
• Language: English
• Source: Psalms of David, 1800
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: This is believed to be the oldest hymn by an American still in common use. Alternate tunes: HOLYROOD, James Watson, 1816-1880; SHIRLAND, Samuel Stanley, circa 1796; ST. AUGUSTINE, Chorale Songs for Four Voices, 1769; VENI, John Stainer, 1890

Tune Information

• Name: ST. THOMAS (Williams)
• Composer: Aaron Williams (1770)
• Meter: SM
• Incipit: 51132 12345 43432
• Key: G Major
• Source: The New Universal Psalmodist, 1770
• Copyright: Public Domain