Render to Caesar | To Caesar the Things Which Are Caesar's

This is a hymn about relationships with God vs human authority. It is based on Jesus instruction to "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." (Matt 22:21).

The words were written by American Congregational poet and hymn-writer, Laura E. Newell (1854-1916).

It was first published in Priceless Pearls: a collection of new sacred songs for the church, Sunday-school, young people's societies, evangelistic services and all religious meetings, by C. V. Strickland & Son, Huntington, Indiana, USA in 1904.

With meter 9.6.9.6, it is set to a tune composed for the text by American Civil War drummer, minister and hymnal publisher, Curtis V. Strickland (1848-1910) - who edited the Priceless Pearls collection.

Downloads

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Piano / organ sheet music

PowerPoint slides

Examples

Singer with very gentle (electronic?) organ

Lyrics

Render to Caesar his rightful due.
Only your God adore;
Bringing heart off'rings your vows renew,
Loving Him more and more.
Never confusing man's sacred trust,
Human for love divine,
Unto your neighbour be true and just,
Precepts inspired, are thine.

God's love unfailing remains the same --
Yesterday, now, for aye;
Let us, His people, extol His name,
Grateful allegiance pay.
Yield Him with gladness, heart mind, and soul,
Faithfully do His will,
He doth in mercy our ways control,
Let us our vows fulfill.

Sweet is His promise to guard His own,
All of life's rugged way:
Never His children shall walk alone,
Nearing the perfect day.
Onward, and upward, we'll bravely press,
Walk where our Master trod,
Thankfully pass through, the wilderness,
Paying our vows to God.