O God Who holdest in Thy hand

O God Who holdest in Thy hand. Thomas George Crippen* (1841-1929).  This hymn was written at some time before 1887, when it was included by G.S. Barrett in the Congregational Church Hymnal (1887). It was entitled ‘Before a Parliamentary Election’:  O God, who holdest in Thy hand  The islands of the sea; Whose bounty makes our native land  So glorious, great, and free.  We bless Thee for Thy guardian care,  Who dost our foes restrain, And for the freedom, large and fair,  Our fathers died to gain.  Now bend our hearts to Thy command;  And grant us wisdom true To know the times, and understand  What England ought to do.  The heat of party strife abate,  And teach us how to choose Good men...