CLVI. Preparing to meet GOD.

HE comes, thy GOD, O Israel, comes;
Prepare thy GOD to meet:
Meet him in Battle's Force array'd,
Or humbled at his Feet.

He form'd the Mountains by his Strength;
He makes the Winds to blow;
And all the secret Thoughts of Man
Must his Creator know.

He shades the Morning's op'ning Rays;
He shakes the solid World;
And Stars and Angels from their Seats
Are by his Thunder hurl'd.

Eternal Sov'reign of the Skies,
And shall thine Israel dare
In mad Rebellion to arise,
And tempt th' unequal War?

Lo, Nations tremble at thy Frown,
And faint beneath thy Rod;
Crush'd by its gentlest Movement down,
They fall, Tremendous GOD.

Avert the Terrors of thy Wrath,
And let thy Mercy shine;
While humble Penitence and Pray'r
Approve us truly thine.