"bulwark"

One of today's vocab words was "bulwark." Though the old hymns aren't as popular as they once were, there were a few kids who knew the second line of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." So, in case you haven't heard it in a while, here it is. (Oh, and "bulwark"? It's like a strong wall of protection.)

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow'r are great, And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth is His name,
From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.

And tho' this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim--We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow'rs-- No thanks to them--abideth:
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Thro' Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,  His kingdom is forever.
 (by Martin Luther)