``A Mighty Fortress is Our God''
                 by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546
                   Composite Translation from
          the Pennsylvania Lutheran CHURCH BOOK of 1868
                           Text From:
               THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
     (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942). pp. 192

1. A mighty Fortress is our God,
   A trusty Shield and Weapon;
   He helps us free from every need
   That hath us now o'ertaken.
   The old evil Foe
   Now means deadly woe;
   Deep guile and great might
   Are his dread arms in fight;
   On Earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done,
   Soon were our loss effected;
   But for us fights the Valiant One,
   Whom God Himself elected.
   Ask ye, Who is this?
   Jesus Christ it is.
   Of Sabaoth Lord,
   And there's none other God;
   He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill,
   All eager to devour us.
   We tremble not, we fear no ill,
   They shall not overpower us.
   This world's prince may still
   Scowl fierce as he will,
   He can harm us none,
   He's judged; the deed is done;
   One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain
   nor any thanks have for it;
   He's by our side upon the plain
   With His good gifts and Spirit.
   And take they our life,
   Goods, fame, child and wife,
   Let these all be gone,
   They yet have nothing won;
   The Kingdom our remaineth.

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This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg
by Rev. Robert E. Smith and is in the public domain.  You may
freely distribute, copy or print this text.  Please direct any
comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther
Library at Concordia Theological Seminary.
                  E-mail: smithre@mail.ctsfw.edu
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