37.  A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD,

A mighty fortress is our God, -a bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood -of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe  -doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, - and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our strength confide, -our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,-the Man of God's own choosing: - Dost ask who that may be? -Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbaoth, His Name, -from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, -should threaten to undo us, --We will not fear, for God hath willed -his truth to triumph through us: -the Prince of Darkness grim, -we tremble not for him;  -  His rage we can endure, -for lo, his doom is sure,  one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, -no thanks to them, abideth;-  The Spirit and the gifts are ours -through Him Who with us sideth:  -Let good and kindred go, -this mortal life also; -the body they may kill: -God's truth abideth still,
his kingdom is forever.

                                                      Martin Luther