John Reynell Wreford (1800–1881)

LORD, while for all mankind we pray,

Of every clime and coast;

O hear us for our native land,—

The land we love the most!

Our fathers’ sepulchres are here,

And here our kindred dwell;

Our children, too:—how should we love

Another land so well!

O guard our shores from every foe,

With peace our borders bless;

With prosperous times our cities crown,

Our fields with plenteousness.

Unite us in the sacred love

Of knowledge, truth, and Thee;

And let our hills and valleys shout

The songs of liberty.

Here may religion, pure and mild,

Upon our Sabbaths smile;

And piety and virtue reign,

And bless our native isle.

Lord of the nations, thus to Thee

Our country we commend;

Be Thou her Refuge and her Trust

Her everlasting Friend!