"Strong Tower and Refuge is our God." by Martin Luther, 1483-1546 Text From: THE HYMNS OF MARTIN LUTHER (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1883), pp. 53 1. Strong tower and refuge is our God, Right goodly shield and weapon; He helps us free in every need, That hath us now o'ertaken. The old evil foe, Means us deadly woe; Deep guile and great might Are his dreaded arms in fight; On earth is not his equal. 2. With our own might we nothing can, Soon are we lost and fallen; But for us fights the righteous man, Whom God himself hath callen. Ask ye, Who is this? Jesus Chirst it is, Our sole King and Lord, As God of Hosts adored; He holds the field forever. 3. Though earth all full of devils were, Wide roaring to devour us; Yet fear we no such grievous fear, They shall not overpower us. This world's prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none, He's judged; the deed is done; One little word can fell him. 4. His Word they still shall let abide, And little thank have for it; Through all the fight he's on our side With his good gifts and Spirit. Take they then our life, Wealth, fame, child and wife, Let these all be gone, No triumph have they won. The kingdom ours remaineth. _______________________________________________________ Notes: Text: Psalm XLVI, "Deus noster refugium et virtus." Hymn XXVI from The Hymns of Martin Luther Author: Martin Luther Titled: "Ein'feste Burg ist unser Gott" Melody: 1525 1st Published in: "Form Und Ordnung Geistlicher Gesang" Town: Augsburg, 1529 ______________________________________________________________ This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther Library at Concordia Theological Seminary. E-mail: CFWLibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St.,Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA Phone: (219) 481-2123 Fax: (219) 481-2126 ______________________________________________________________