CHESTER Words by William Billings (first stanza in the New-England Psalm Singer, 1770, remainder in The Singing Master's Assistant, 1778.) Music by William Billings, 1770. Sacred Harp, p. 479. MIDI: http://www.nationwide.net/~amaranth/chester.mid Let tyrants shake their iron rod And slav'ry Clank her galling Chains; We fear them not; we trust in God-- New-England's God forever reigns. Howe and Burgoyne and Clinton too, With Prescott and Cornwallis join'd Together plot our Overthrow, In one Infernal league combin'd. When God inspir'd us for the fight, Their ranks were broke, their lines were forc'd; Their Ships were Shatter'd in our sight, Or swiftly driven from our coast. The Foe comes on with haughty Stride, Our troops advance with martial noise; Their Vet'rans flee before our Youth, And Gen'rals yield to beardless Boys. What grateful Off'ring shall we bring? What shall we render to the Lord? Loud Hallelujahs let us Sing, And praise his name on ev'ry Chord.