LUTHER'S GREAT HYMN

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 16.

LUTHER'S GREAT HYMN.

[It has been said of Luther's words that they were "half battles," but the words of this tremendous outburst of a heroic faith, from the midst of the most threatening difficulties, are worthy of a still more decisive designation. We give below the translation by Carlyle, which is conceded to be the most perfect ever made, retaining all the spirit, the vigor, and the stirring power of the original.]

A SAFE stronghold our God is still, A trusty shield and weapon; He'll help us clear from all the ill That has us now o'ertaken. The ancient prince of hell Hath risen with purpose fell; Strong mail of craft and power He weareth in this hour; On earth is not his fellow.

With force of arms we nothing can; Full soon were we down ridden; But for us fights the proper Man, Whom God himself hath bidden. Ask ye, Who is this same?— Christ Jesus is his name, The Lord, Zebaoth's Son, He and no other one Shall conquer in the battle.

And were this world all devils o'er, And watching to devour us, We lay it not to heart so sore, Not they can overpower us. And let the prince of ill Look grim as e'er he will, He harms us not a whit, For why?—His doom is writ, A word shall quickly slay him.

God's word, for all their craft and force, One moment will not linger, But spite of hell shall have its course; 'Tis written by His finger; And though they take our life, Goods, honor, children, wife, Yet is their profit small; These things shall vanish all; The city of God remaineth. —Lutheran Observer.