1. God of our fathers, whose almighty hand Leads forth in beauty all the starry band Of shining worlds in splendor thro' the skies, Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise. 2. Thy love divine hath led us in the past, In this free land by Thee our lot is cast; Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay, Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way. 3. From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence, Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense; Thy true religion in our hearts increase, Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace. 4. Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way, Lead us from night to never-ending day; Fill all our lives with love and grace divine, And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.
Lyrics: Daniel Crane Roberts
Music: George William Warren
Tune: NATIONAL HYMN
Meter: 10.10.10.10.
Daniel C. Roberts, 1841–1907
This hymn text was written in 1876, the year that America was preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Daniel Crane Roberts, a 35-year-old rector of a small Episcopal church in Brandon, Vermont, felt that the country should have a new national hymn for the occasion. His new song was sung for the first time by the parishioners of the Brandon village church for their worship service on July 4th, 1876. Later, at the time of the actual National Centennial Observance commemorating the adoption of the Constitution, Roberts’ hymn text was chosen as the official hymn for that event.