He built His church upon the earth

where fires kill and demons rage.

He tried His words and proved their worth

in humble men of every age.

He spread His kingdom everywhere

though kings of men forbade Him come.

He crushed the serpent and his snares

and brought His outcast servants home.

He gave Himself a glorious wife

though she was sin-chased, human, frail.

He bought the church with His own life—

the gates of hell could not prevail.