Happy the church, thou sacred place, The seat of thy Creator’s grace! Thine holy courts are his abode, Thou earthly palace of our God! 2 Thy walls are strength, and at thy gates A guard of heavenly warriors waits; Nor shall thy deep foundations move, Fixed on his counsels and his love. 3 Thy foes in vain designs engage; Against his throne in vain they rage: Like rising waves, with angry roar, That dash and die upon the shore. 4 God is our shield, and God our sun; Swift as the fleeting moments run, On us he sheds new beams of grace, And we reflect his brightest praise. 442 L. M. God is our refuge. Psalm 46:1. God is the refuge of his saints, When storms of sharp distress invade; Ere we can offer our complaints, Behold him present with his aid. 2 Let mountains from their seats be hurled Down to the deep, and buried there; Convulsions shake the solid world; Our faith shall never yield to fear. 3 Zion enjoys her monarch’s love, Secure against a threatening hour; Nor can her firm foundations move, Built on his truth, and armed with power. 443 C. M. A kingdom which can not be moved. Heb. 12:28. Thy kingdom, Lord, for ever stands, While earthly thrones decay; And time submits to thy commands, While ages roll away. 2 Thy sovereign bounty freely gives Its unexhausted store; And universal nature lives On thy sustaining power. 3 Holy and just in all thy ways, Thy providence divine; In all thy works, immortal rays Of power and mercy shine. 4 The praise of God—delightful theme! Shall fill my heart and tongue; Let all creation bless his name, In one eternal song. 444 C. M. A sure foundation. Isaiah 28:16. Behold the sure foundation-stone, Which God in Zion lays, To build our heavenly hopes upon, And his eternal praise! 2 Chosen of God, to sinners dear, And saints adore the name; They trust their whole salvation here, Nor shall they suffer shame. 3 The foolish builders, scribe, and priest, Reject it with disdain; Yet on this rock the church shall rest, And envy rage in vain. 4 What though the gates of hell withstood, Yet must this building rise: ’Tis thy own work, almighty God, And wondrous in our eyes. 445 C. M. Let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1. How did my heart rejoice to hear My friends devoutly say, “In Zion let us all appear, And keep the solemn day.”