OUR GOD.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 01, Issue 9, 1 June 1900, Page 32

OUR GOD.

The wondrous word of history shews How each age gave a nation birth, And as one fell, another rose, And left its trace upon the earth. Each had its ordered part to play, They served their purpose, each and all, They served their purpose, passed away, And left a lesson in their fall. They sot up gods and idols vain — The pride of riches, pomp, and state, They worshipped wealth and worldly gain, i . And in their luxury met their fate : Or else they fell because the sword They madetheirgod, and victory's palms, Because they worshipped not the Lord But pride of power and strength of arms. Though we are wealthy, yet we give Proto each to each, and will give more— Though proud of power, yet we would live In peace, and now we love not war— Though these have filled and yet shall fill The dangerous way our feet have trod, There is a danger greater stillTo, make our Empire as our G-od.

For we are strong, and rich, and tireat, A nation righteous, just, and free, And countless millions own our state, Our rule holds sway from sea to sea; Yet we should mark 'tis not through us That victory follows on our sword — " Not unto us ! Not unto us ! But to Thy Name, be glory, Lord " The danger comes in specious ways— For it is good to love our land, But when we give ourselves the praise, And claim success by our own hand, And when in strength we place our pride, And say kings tremble at our nod, That there is nothing us beside, "We take our Empire for our God. Lord, if we faint in trouble's hour, And lost in darkness seem to be, Let out of weakness come our power— That we do firmer build on Thee, And if our souls bear such dark stain That we shall fall beneath Thy rod, Oh ! make us serve but Thee again, And not take Empire for our God. Aiice "Wooduouse.