The Rt Rev the Hon Dr Peter Hollingworth AO OBE
Rotary Reflection 7 October 2020
A young man who became a master of paradox, in faith, prose, poetry and
his daily journals offered a powerful poem which was set to music in the
new English hymnal of 1906. 125 years later his prophetic words ring true
for today’s world as they did at the time.
O god of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die.
The walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide.
Take not thy thunder from us, but take away our pride.
From all that terror teaches, the lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches, that comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation and the sword
From sleep and from damnation, deliver us good lord.
Tie in a living tether, the prince and priest and thrall
Bind all our lives together, smite us and save us all.
In ire and exaltation, aflame with faith and free,
Lift up a living nation, a single sword to thee.
Take what you can, applying it to our rotary membership in the modern
world.
