Hymn+for+the+Fourth+of+July

July 4, 1863

Hymn for the Fourth of July
By George Henry Boker

Lord, the people of the land In Thy presence humbly stand; On this day, when Thou didst free Men of old from tyranny, We, their children, bow to Thee. Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!

All our homes are red with blood; Long our grief we have withstood; Every lintel, each door-post, Drips, at tidings from the host, With the blood of some one lost. Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!

Comfort, Lord, the grieving one Who bewails a stricken son! Comfort, Lord, the weeping wife, In her long, long widowed life, Brooding o’er the fatal strife! Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!

On our Nation’s day of birth, Bless Thy own long-favored earth! Urge the soldier with Thy will! Aid their leaders with Thy skill! Let them hear Thy trumpet thrill! Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!

Lord, we only fight for peace, Fight that freedom may increase. Give us back the peace of old, When the land with plenty rolled, And our banner awed the bold! Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!

Lest we pray in thoughtless guilt, Shape the future as Thou wilt! Purge our realm from hoary crime With Thy battles, dread, sublime, In Thy well-appointed time! Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!

With one heart the Nation’s cries From our choral lips arise: Thou didst point a noble way From our Fathers through the fray; Lead their children thus to-day! Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!

In His name, who bravely bore Cross and crown begemmed with gore; By His last immortal groan, Ere He mounted to His throne, Make our sacred cause Thy own! Help us, Lord, our only trust! We are helpless, we are dust!