A Hymn for the Church Militant
Posted by Nick Milne on July 15, 2008
Written some time between 1904 and 1915 (scholarship is so very precise), G.K. Chesterton’s “A Hymn for the Church Militant” does not strike the note one might expect. Why that is so shall swiftly become apparent, but it may best be summed up as a reminder to the soldier that his cause is greater than his prowess.
A Hymn for the Church Militant
Great God, that bowest sky and star,
Bow down our towering thoughts to thee,
And grant us in a faltering war
The firm feet of humility.
Lord, we that snatch the swords of flame,
Lord, we that cry about Thy ear,
We too are weak with pride and shame,
We too are as our foemen are.
Yea, we are mad as they are mad,
Yea, we are blind as they are blind,
Yea, we are very sick and sad
Who bring good news to all mankind.
The dreadful joy Thy Son has sent
Is heavier than any care;
We find, as Cain his punishment,
Our pardon more than we can bear.
Lord, when we cry Thee far and near
And thunder through all lands unknown
The gospel into every ear,
Lord, let us not forget our own.
Cleanse us from ire of creed or class,
The anger of the idle kings;
Sow in our souls, like living grass,
The laughter of all lowly things.
The second half of the second stanza should be engraved over the entrance to The Internet.
