The Cyber Hymnal ‎#139

139. Although on Massy Pillars Built

1. Although on massy pillars built,
The earth has lately shook;
It trembled under all our guilt,
[originally, Britain’s guilt]
Before its maker’s look.

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

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

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. 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. But happy they who love the Lord
And His salvation know;
The hope that’s founded on His Word,
No change can overthrow.

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. Jesus, your shepherd, Lord, and chief,
Shall shelter you from ill;
And not a worm or shaking leaf
Can move, but at His will.

Text Information

• First Line: Although on massy pillars built
• Title: Although on Massy Pillars Built
• Author: John Newton (1779)
• Meter: CMD
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 68, alt.: "the earthquake. September 8, 1775."
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ST. MATTHEW
• Composer: William Croft (1708)
• Meter: CMD
• Incipit: 53513 21713 25654
• Key: B♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain