The Cyber Hymnal ‎#13074

13074. See, when a black o’erspreading cloud

1 See, when a black o’erspreading cloud
[Originally, When a black ov­er­spread­ing cloud]
Has darkened all the air;
And peals of thunder roaring loud
Proclaim the tempest near.

2 Then guilt and fear, the fruits of sin,
The sinner oft pursue;
A louder storm is heard within,
And conscience thunders too.

3 The law a fiery language speaks,
His danger he perceives;
Like Satan, who his ruin seeks,
He trembles and believes.

4 But when the sky serene appears,
And thunders roll no more;
He soon forgets his vows and fears,
Just as he did before.

5 But whither shall the sinner flee,
When nature’s mighty frame,
The ponderous earth, and air, and sea,
Shall all dissolve in flame?

6 Amazing day! it comes apace!
The Judge is hasting down!
Will sinners bear to see His face,
Or stand before His frown?

7 Lord, let Thy mercy find a way
To touch each stubborn heart
That they may never hear Thee say,
"Ye cursed ones, depart."

8 Believers, you may well rejoice!
The thunder’s loudest strains
Should be to you a welcome voice,
That tells you, "JESUS REIGNS!"

Text Information

• First Line: See, when a black o’erspreading cloud
• Author: John Newton
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779), Book 2, alt.
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: BURFORD
• Meter: CM
• Key: f minor
• Source: Chetham's Psalmody, 1718
• Copyright: Public Domain