O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37)

Words: Wil­liam Cow­per, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­iv­er, 1779).
Music: Mainzer, Jo­seph Mainz­er, cir­ca 1845

As Birds Their Infant Brood Protect

As birds their infant brood protect,
And spread their wings to shelter them,
Thus saith the Lord to His elect,
“So will I guard Jerusalem.”

Mom’s protection

And what then is Jerusalem,
This darling object of His cares?
Where is its worth in God’s esteem?
Who built it? Who inhabits there?

Jehovah founded it in blood,
The blood of His incarnate Son;
There dwell the saints, once foes to God
The sinners whom He calls His own.

There, though besieged on every side,
Yet much beloved and guarded well,
From age to age they have defied
The utmost force of earth and hell.

Let earth repent, and hell despair,
This city has a sure defense;
Her name is called, “The Lord is there,”
And who has power to drive Him hence?