I Love thy kingdom, Lord—

The house of thine abode,

The church our blest Redeemer saved

With his own precious blood.

2 I love thy Church, O God!

Her walls before thee stand,

Dear as the apple of thine eye,

And graven on thy hand.

3 For her my tears shall fall,

For her my prayers ascend;

To her my cares and toils be given,

Till toils and cares shall end.

4 Beyond my highest joy

I prize her heavenly ways,

Her sweet communion, solemn vows,

Her hymns of love and praise.

5 Jesus, thou Friend divine,

Our Saviour and our King,

Thy hand from every snare and foe

Shall great deliverance bring.

6 Sure as thy truth shall last,

To Zion shall be given

The brightest glories earth can yield,

And brighter bliss of heaven.