American Hymn

Who, when darkness gathered o'er us,
Foes and death on every side,
Robed in glory, walked before us,
Leading on, like Israel's guide?
'T was Jehovah! he appearing
Showed his banner far and wide!

When the trump of War was sounding,
'T was the Lord who took the field;
He, his people then surrounding,
Made the strong in battle yield,
To our fathers, few in number,
He was armor, strength and shield!

In the God of armies trusting,
Mid their weakness, void of fear,
Soon they felt their bonds were bursting—
Saw the dawning light appear.
Clouds, dissolving in the sunbeams,
Showed the land of freedom near.

Hark! we hear to heaven ascending,
From the voices of the free,
Hallelujahs, sweetly blending
With the song of Liberty!
Power Almighty, we the victory
Ever will ascribe to thee!

Lo! the dove, the olive bearing,
Plants it on Columbia's shore!
Every breast its branch is wearing
Where the buckler shone before!
Praise the Eternal! He is reigning!
Praise Him! praise Him evermore!