O, may the pow’r which melts the rock

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. O, may the pow’r which melts the rockBe felt by all assembled here!Or else our service will but mockThe GOD whom we profess to fear!

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Lord, while thy judgments shake the land,Thy peoples’ eyes are fixed on thee!We own thy just, uplifted hand,Which thousands cannot, will not see.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. How long hast thou bestowed thy careOn this indulged ungrateful spot?While other nations, far and near,Have envied and admired our lot.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. Here peace and liberty have dwelt,The glorious gospel brightly shone;And oft our enemies have feltThat GOD has made our cause his own.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. But ah! both heav’n and earth have heardOur vile requital of his love!We, whom like children he has reared,Rebels against his goodness prove.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. His grace despised, his pow’r defied,And legions of the blackest crimes,Profaneness, riot, run, and pride,Are signs that mark the present times.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. The Lord, displeased, has raised his rod;Ah where are now the faithful fewWho tremble for the ark of God,And know what Israel ought to do?

8. 8

   Stanza 8. Lord, hear thy people everywhere,Who meet to mourn, confess and pray;The nation and thy churches spare,And let thy wrath be turned away.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 65. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-65