War-Time Hymn

FATHER of Peace, Ruler of Earth and Sea,
In pity hear a Nation's cry to Thee !
Grant us Thine aid, let right and truth prevail,
For without Thee all human efforts fail.

How long, O Lord, shall war Thy works despoil,
And man with man in bitterness embroil ?
How long, O Lord, shall death and terror reign,
And earth's fair fields be sadden'd with the slain ?

Cast down the proud, depose the men of strife,
Who maim and crush Thy precious gift of life.
Break Thou their sword, to nought their councils bring,
Make all men know that Thou, the Lord, art King.

Comfort, we pray, the widow in distress,
In mercy shield and keep the fatherless ;
Shed o'er each shadow'd home Thy healing light,
May morning beams arise where now 'tis night !

Stand forth, O Lord, bid war and tumult cease,
And usher in the joyous reign of peace.
O turn the hearts of friend and foe to Thee,
And fill us with Thine own sweet charity !

Written by
The Rev. A. Hampden Lee



Reverend Lee was for forty years the Pastor of Vicarage Walk Church, Walsall. This poem was first published in 1920.