As birds their infant brood protect

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH by William Cowper


 * As birds their infant brood protect,
 * And spread their wings to shelter them;
 * Thus saith the LORD to his elect,
 * "So will I guard Jerusalem."


 * And what then is Jerusalem,
 * This darling object of his care?
 * Where is its worth in God's esteem,
 * Who built it? who inhabits there?


 * Jehovah founded it in blood,
 * The blood of his incarnate Son;
 * There dwell the saints, once foes to God,
 * The sinners, whom he calls his own.


 * There, though besieged on every side,
 * Yet much beloved and guarded well;
 * From age to age they have defied,
 * The utmost force of earth and hell.


 * Let earth repent, and hell despair,
 * This city has a sure defence;
 * Her name is called, the LORD is there,
 * And who has pow'r to drive him thence.