LYRICS
| Meter: | 8 8 8 8 (L.M.)
| | Writer(s): | Nicholas Brady & Nahum Tate
| | Transl/Adapt: |
| | Dates: | 1821
| | Bible Refs: | Ps 18:7-15
| A New Version of the Psalms of David
| 1821
| 18
|
| 1. When God arose to take my part,
the conscious earth did quake for fear;
From their firm posts the hills did start,
nor could his dreadful fury bear.
2. Thick clouds of smoke dispersed abroad,
ensigns of wrath before him came;
Devouring fire around him glowed,
that coals were kindled at its flame.
3. He left the beauteous realms of light,
whilst heav'n bowed down its awful head,
Beneath his feet substantial night
was like a sable carpet spread.
4. The chariot of the King of kings,
which active troops of angels drew,
On a strong tempest's rapid wings,
with most amazing swiftness flew.
5. Black wat'ryy mists and clouds conspired
with thickest shades his face to veil;
But at his brightness soon retired,
and fell in show'rs of fire and hail.
6. Thro' heav'n's wide arch thund'ring peal
God s angry voice did loudly roar,
While earth's sad face with heaps of hail,
and flakes of fire, was covered o'er.
7. His sharpened arrows round he threw,
which made his scattered foes retreat;
Like darts his nimble lightenings flew,
and quickly finished their defeat,
8. The deep its secret stores disclosed,
the world's foundations naked lay;
By his avenging wrath exposed;
which fiercely raged that dreadful day.
|