English poem
Noah preserved in the Ark, and the Believer in CHRIST. 1 Pet. iii. 20, 21
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
The Deluge, at th' Almighty's Call, In what impetuous Streams it fell! Swallow'd the Mountains in its Rage, And swept a guilty World to Hell.
In vain the tallest Sons of Pride Fled from the close-persuing Wave; Nor could their mightiest Tow'rs defend, Nor Swiftness 'scape, nor Courage save.
How dire the Wreck! How loud the Roar! How shrill the universal Cry Of Millions in the last Despair Re-eccho'd from the louring Sky!
Yet Noah, humble happy Saint, Surrounded with the chosen Few, Sat in his Ark, secure from Fear, And sang the Grace that steer'd him thro.
So may I sing, in Jesus safe, While Storms of Vengeance round me fall, Conscious how high my Hopes are fix'd, Beyond what shakes this earthly Ball.
Enter thine Ark, while Patience waits, Nor ever quit that sure Retreat: Then the wide Flood, which buries Earth, Shall waft thee to a fairer Seat.
Nor Wreck nor Ruin there is seen; There not a Wave of Trouble rolls; But the bright Rainbow round the Throne Seals endless Life to all their Souls.
More by Philip Doddridge
- Ministers comforted, that they may comfort others. 2 Cor. i. 4
- MOSES'S View of the divine Glory. Exod. xxxiii. 18
- Moses's wise Choice. Heb. xi. 26
- Nearness to GOD thro' CHRIST. Eph. ii. 13
- Of lamenting national Sins. Ezek. ix. 4-6
- On Recovery from Sickness, during which, much of the divine Favour had been experienced
- Our Desire and Groaning before GOD, when proceeding from the greatest Distress. Psal. xxxviii. 9. 10
- Our Prayers effectual, when we abide in CHRIST, and his Word abideth in us. John xv. 8