I love thy kingdom, Lord, <br />The house of thine abode, <br />The church our blest Redeemer saved <br />With his own precious blood. <br /> <br />I love thy church, O God! <br />Her walls before thee stand, <br />Dear as the apple of thine eye, <br />And graven on thy hand. <br /> <br />If e'er to bless thy sons <br />My voice or hands deny, <br />These hands let useful skill forsake, <br />This voice in silence die. <br /> <br />For her my tears shall fall, <br />For her my prayers ascend; <br />To her my cares and toils be given <br />Till toils and cares shall end. <br /> <br />Beyond my highest joy <br />I prize her heavenly ways, <br />Her sweet communion, solemn vows, <br />Her hymns of love and praise. <br /> <br />Jesus, thou friend divine, <br />Our Saviour and our King, <br />Thy hand from every snare and foe <br />Shall great deliverance bring. <br /> <br />Sure as thy truth shall last, <br />To Zion shall be given <br />The brightest glories earth can yield, <br />And brighter bliss of heaven.<br /><br />Timothy Dwight<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-to-the-church/
