Although on massy pillars built

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. Although on massy pillars built,The earth has lately shook;It trembled under Britain’s guilt,Before its Maker’s look.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Swift as the shock amazement spreads,And sinners tremble too;What flight can screen their guilty heads,If earth itself pursue.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. But mercy spared us while it warned,The shock is felt no more;And mercy, now, alas! is scornedBy sinners, as before.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. But if these warnings prove in vain,Say, sinner, canst thou tell,How soon the earth may quake again,And open wide to hell.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. Repent before the Judge draws nigh;Or else when he comes down,Thou wilt in vain for earthquakes cry,To hide thee from his frown.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. But happy they who love the LORDAnd his salvation know;The hope that’s founded on his word,No change can overthrow.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. Should the deep–rooted hills be hurled,And plunged beneath the seas;And strong convulsions shake the world,Your hearts may rest in peace.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. Jesus, your Shepherd, LORD, and Chief,Shall shelter you from ill;And not a worm or shaking leafCan move, but at his will.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 68. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-68