I. Watts

C.M.

O GOD, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

2

Under the shadow of Thy throne

Thy saints have dwelt secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.

3

Before the hills in order stood,

Or earth received her frame;

From everlasting Thou art God,

To endless years the same.

4

A thousand ages in Thy sight

Are like an evening gone:

Short as the watch that ends the night

Before the rising sun.

5

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,

Bears all its sons away;

They fly, forgotten, as a dream

Dies at the opening day.

6

O God, our help in ages past

Our hope for years to come.

Be Thou our guard while troubles last

And our eternal home.