GOD BLESS OUR SOUTHERN LAND.
Reading edition
Respectfully inscribed to Major-General J. B. Magruder, and sung on the occasion of his public reception in the city of Houston, Texas, Jan. 20, 1863.
God bless our Southern land, God save our sea-girt land, And make us free; With justice for our shield, May we on battle field Never to foemen yield Our liberty. O Lord! protect the Chief Who to our prompt relief From threaten’d woe, Hasten’d to lead the way; Nor faltered in the fray, When from our beauteous Bay He drove the foe. And may the gallant band Worthy in his command Ever to be, Have of Thy watchful care Ever a plenteous share, Inspiring each to dare For home and thee. “O Lord our God! arise, Scatter our enemies, And make them fall!” And when, with peace restored, Each man lays by the sword, May he with joy record Thy mercies all.