Refuge in Distress

In a frail, shattered bark, I trembling ride;
Beneath me sin a boundless ocean spreads.
Amid the dreadful waves, or swell'd with tempest,
Loud threat'ning ruin, and immediate death;
Or smiling with a smooth deceitful calm,
But hiding rocks and sands and sure destruction,
A helpless voyager! nor skill nor strength,
To 'scape the danger, or outlive the storm.
Tempestuous winds with direful fury rise,
And waves, with terror fraught, incessant rage,
To plunge me in the fathomless abyss.
Thick clouds and darkness hide the face of heav'n;
No friendly star appears to point my course
To the wish'd haven of rest, the seats of bliss,
Ah! must I sink, forever lost?
See! through the dreadful gloom a cheering ray
With heavenly radiance break! a glimpse of hope,
A smile of pity from the Saviour's face!
To him I lift my suppliant hands and eyes,
To him my voice with trembling accent raise,
Lord, save me or I perish!
O thou, my refuge, and my only hope,
Draw near to my assistance; let thy arm,
Thy potent arm of mercy, oft extended
To sinking dying wretches, be my stay.
Thy sovereign voice can still the raging sea,
Can hush the warring winds and waves to peace.
And bid the clouded sky be all serene:
O speak, and smiling comfort shall attend
The charming sound, and drive my fears away.

Thou art my star: O let thy beams impart
Light to my eyes, and comfort to my soul.
Direct my course, and let thy gracious arm
Be ever near, my all-sufficient guard.
Then shall I never sink, though storms should rise,
And winds and waves in all their fury rage;
But o'er the swelling surge securely ride,
Thy cross my anchor, and thy word my guide:
Till death shall land me on the blissful shore,
Where sins, and fears, and dangers are no more.