256   O GOD OUR HELP




[V1]


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

[V2]
Under the shadow of Thy throne,
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.

[V3]
Before the hills in order stood,
Or each received her frame;
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

[V4]
A thousand ages in Thy sight,
Are like an ev’ning gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night,
Before the rising sun.