Psalm XLVI

God is our strength, omnipotence our stay,
Our refuge, present still when troubles rise.
Safe in his care, no fear shall reach our souls,
Though earth be from her firm foundations mov'd,
And mountains with tremendous shock are torn,
Deep from their antient basis torn, and hurl'd
With dreadful dash, amidst the roaring waves;
Though the waves roar and boil with restless rage,
And threat with hideous swell the trembling world.

There is a river of immortal peace,
Clear springing from the high eternal throne,
Which flows in blissful streams through all the groves
Of paradise — from this eternal spring
Some little rivulets descend, to cheer
The city of our God, the sacred place
Of his abode on earth: though all around
Be discord and commotion, she shall dwell
Unmov'd, serene, and safe, for God is there:
His arm omnipotent is ever near
Her present help, her all-sufficient guard.

The heathen rag'd with war, the empires shook,
And all was uproar, noise and wild confusion!
His awful voice was heard, and all was hush'd,
And earth dissolv'd in silence!
The Lord of hosts is with us; Israel's God
Is our defence, our everlasting refuge.

The Lord! behold the wonders of his hand!
The mourning nations, desolate and waste,
Confess the power of his tremendous frown.
Through the wide earth he bids stern war to cease,
The earth obeys, and war is heard no more.
With one light touch he breaks the useless bow,
Shivers the spear, and burns the warlike chariot.

He speaks! — the world in deep attention held,
Awaits the sacred sounds! "Be still and know
"That I am God, among the heathen tribes
"I will be honour'd; through the spacious earth
"My name shall be exalted and ador'd!"
The Lord of hosts is with us; Israel's God
Is our defence, our everlasting refuge.