The Poetry Corner

Translations. - The Fourty-Sixth Psalm. (Luther's Song-Book.)

By George MacDonald

Our God he is a castle strong, A good mail-coat and weapon; He sets us free from every wrong That wickedness would heap on. The ancient wicked foe He means earnest now; Force and cunning sly His horrid policy,-- On earth there's no one like him! Our strength is vain; do what we can Our hopes are soon dejected; But He fights for us, the right man, By God himself elected. Ask'st thou who is this? Jesus Christ it is; He is the Lord of Hosts In whom his people boasts; And he must win the battle. And did the world with devils swarm All gaping to devour us, We fear not from them the least harm; Success lies sure before us. This world's prince accurst, Let him rage his worst, Only roars about; His doom it is gone out, A word can overthrow him. The Word they'll have to let it bide, Nor there claim any merit; He is with us, and on our side With his own gifts and spirit! Let them take our life, Goods, name, child, and wife-- Everything may go: To them it is no gain; The kingdom ours remaineth.