O GOD of battles! On the bended knee,
With smiles of joy that may not be repressed,
Grateful and hopeful, now we come to thee,
We whom thy goodness hath so richly blessed.
Our country's " crimson stripes and fadeless stars "
Above once " startled Sumter " proudly wave:
Behold, through gates which Liberty unbars,
Come peace to us, and joy to every slave.
Let the full tide of our rejoicings flow,
Forever mingled with our grateful praise.
Thou reignest on earth; thy power the nations know
Peace is his portion who thy law obeys;
And blessed peace must crown this war-purged land,
Now truth and freedom go forth hand in hand.