Classic Poem

R EMEMBERING Thy sacrificial throne,
We chosen guardians of revelation
Establish on the earth the Word's foundation
On men that groan.

We praise and magnify Thee, that of seed
Thy martyrs planted who in anguish died
We are the fruit indeed,
Consummate, justified.

Against inquiry and ardour's heat
Thy mercy we entreat;

From consequence untoward and perilous
Deliver us;

From rod and tribulation for Thy sake
Deliver us;

From slander, ruin and from social break
Deliver us;

From too-exceeding love and penitence;
From unproductive forms of violence
Deliver us;

From needless pain and execrated sorrow;
From the fool's paradise, unplanned tomorrow;
From hunger fell, with its fell partner thirst;
From leprous blight of poverty accursed;
From exile, revolution and the rest
That Thou hast blest,
Deliver us;

And at the last, we pray Thee, of Thy grace
From sudden death
Deliver us;
Lest it be truly as the prophet saith,
That in unsheltered space
We look upon Thy face.