The highest and the holiest place

The highest and the holiest place
guards not the heart from sin;
the Church that safest seems without
may harbor foes within.

Thus in the small and chosen band,
beloved above the rest,
one fell from his apostleship,
a traitor-soul unblest.

But not the great designs of God
man's sins shall overthrow;
another witness to the truth
forth to the lands shall go.

The soul that sinneth, it shall die;
thy purpose shall not fail;
the word of grace no less shall sound,
the truth no less prevail.

Righteous, O Lord, are all thy ways;
long as the worlds endure,
from foes without and foes within
thy Church shall stand secure.

Words: Henry Alford, 1844

Music: St. James, Tallis, Jackson

Meter: CM

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.