Century follows century - there it stands.
			
				Empires rise and fall and are forgotten - there it stands.
			
				Kings are crowned and uncrowned - there it stands.
			
				Despised and burned and torn to pieces - there it stands.
			
				Unbelief abandons it - there it stands.
			
				Atheists rail against it - there it stands.
			
				Critics deny its claim to inspiration - there it stands.
			
				Youth calls for a beacon - there it stands.
			
				Sorrow cries for consolation - there it stands.
			
				Weakness searches for strength - there it stands.
			
				Old age looks for an upholding staff - there it stands.
			
				The hungry soul begs for bread - there it stands.
			
				Do the lost seek salvation? - there it stands!