143. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope
O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come;
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.
2 Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.
4 A thousand ages in Thy sight, Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the Night before the rising sun.
5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream, Dies at the opening day.
6 O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guard while life shall last, And our eternal home