Hymn CLVI. Long Metre. Storm and Thunder

Lord of the earth, and sea, and skies, All nature owns thy sovereign power; At thy command the tempests rise, At thy command the thunders roar.

We hear with trembling and affright The voice of heaven, tremendous sound! Keen lightnings pierce the shades of night, And spread their horrors all around.

What mortal could sustain the stroke, Should wrath divine in dreadful storms, Which our repeated crimes provoke, Descend to crush rebellious worms!

These dreadful glories of thy name With terror would o'erwhelm our souls; But mercy dawns with kinder beam, And guilt and rising fear controls.

O let thy mercy, on my heart, With cheering, healing radiance shine; Bid every anxious fear depart, And gently whisper "thou art mine."

Then, safe beneath thy guardian care, In hope serene, my soul shall rest; Nor storms nor dangers reach me there, In thee, my God, my refuge blest.