645SM
 
    WE love Thy kingdom, Lord,
  The house of Thine abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
    With His own precious blood.
 
2     We love Thy Church, O God;
    Her walls before Thee stand;
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
    And graven on Thy hand.
 
3     Beyond our highest joy,
    We prize her heavenly ways;
Her fellowship and solemn vows,
    Her hymns of love and praise.
 
4     Jesus, our Friend divine,
    Our Saviour and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
    Shall great deliverance bring.
 
5     Sure as Thy Truth shall last,
    To Zion shall be given
The highest glories earth can yield,
    And brighter bliss of Heaven.
 
Timothy Dwight, 1752-1817