I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

Verse 1 I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.

Verse 2 I love Thy church, O God.
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
And written on Thy hand.

Verse 3 If e’er to bless Thy sons
My voice or hands deny,
These hands let useful skills forsake,
This voice in silence die.

Verse 4 Should I with scoffers join
Her altars to abuse?
No! Better far my tongue were dumb,
My hand its skill should lose.

Verse 5 For her my tears shall fall
For her my prayers ascend,
To her my cares and toils be giv’n
Till toils and cares shall end.

Verse 6 Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heav’nly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

Verse 7 Jesus, Thou Friend divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliv’rance bring.

Verse 8 Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be giv’n
The brightest glories earth can yield
And brighter bliss of Heav’n.