256. O, God Our Help

O, God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come;
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home!

Under the shadow of Thy throne, Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defence is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, Or each received her frame;
From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight, Are like an ev’ning gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night, Before the rising sun.