The Hiding-Place. Feb. 10, 1779

I

See the gloomy gath’ring cloud,
Hanging o’er a sinful land!
Sure the Lord proclaims aloud,
Times of trouble are at hand.
Happy they who love his name,
They shall always find him near;
Though the earth were wrapp’d in flame,
They have no just cause for fear.

II

Hark! his voice in accents mild,
(Oh, how comforting and sweet!)
Speaks to every humble child,
Pointing out a sure retreat!
Come and in my chambers hide,
To my saints of old well known;
There you safely may abide
Till the storm be overblown.

III

You have only to repose
On my wisdom, love, and care;
When my wrath consumes my foes,
Mercy shall my children spare:
While they perish in the flood,
You that bear my holy mark,
Sprinkled with atoning blood,
Shall be safe within the ark.

IV

Sinners, see the ark prepared!
Haste to enter while there’s room!
Though the Lord his arm has bared,
Mercy still retards your doom:
Seek him while there yet is hope,
Ere the day of grace be past,
Lest in wrath he give you up,
And this call should prove your last.