Hymns Written in the Time of the Tumults, 1

The floods, O Lord, lift up their voice.
And ocean's waves with angry noise.
With din tremendous roar;
Convulsive pangs our nation seize,
And discord's horrible abyss
Wide opens to devour.

Blaspheming multitudes we hear,
By wild astonishment and fear
Beset on every side:
How shall we the destruction shun,
Or to what place of safety run.
Our trembling souls to hide?

Jesus, our sanctuary Thou art:
And if Thou take Thy people's )art,
Elisha's flaming bands.
Their high commission to fulfil.
Secure from every threaten'd ill,
Shall bear us in their hands.

We now with Thy protection bless'd,
Beneath Thy wings of mercy rest,
Till all this tyranny
Is, like a sudden flood, o'erpass'd.
And peace, which evermore shall last,
And love returns with Thee.