

                          "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord"
                         by Timothy Dwight, 1752-1817 
                                 Text From:
                      THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
             (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942) p.326



        1. I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
        The house of Thine abode,
        The Church our blest Redeemer saved
        With His own precious blood.

        2. I love Thy Church, O God,
        Her walls before Thee stand,
        Dear as the apple of Thine eye
        And graven on Thy hand.

        3. Should I with scoffers join
        Her altars to abuse?
        No! Better far my tongue were dumb,
        My hand its skill should lose.

        4. For her my tears shall fall,
        For her my prayers ascend,
        To her my cares and toils be given
        Till toils and cares shall end.

        5. Beyond my highest joy
        I prize her heavenly ways
        Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
        Her hymns of love and praise.

        6. Jesus, Thou Friend Divine,
        Our Savior and our King,
        Thy hand from every snare and foe
        Shall great deliverance bring.

        7. Sure as Thy truth shall last,
        To Zion shall be given
        The brightest glories earth can yield
        And brighter bliss of heaven.

       _______________________________________
        Notes from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
        Hymn #462 from _The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal_
        Text: Ps.137
        Author: Timothy Dwight, 1800, ab., alt.
        Composer: Aaron Williams, 1770
        Tune: "St. Thomas"
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            Please direct any comments or suggestions to: 
                        Rev. Robert E. Smith 
           Walther Library at Concordia Theological Seminary

                     E-mail: bob_smith@ctsfw.edu

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