415. While sounds of war are heard around

1 While sounds of war are heard around,
And death and ruin strew the ground:
To thee we look, on thee we call,
The Parent and the Lord of all.

2 Thou, who hast stamp'd on human kind
The image of a heav'n-born mind,
And in a Father’s wide embrace
Hast cherished all the kindred race;

3 O see, with that insatiate rage
Thy sons their impious battles wage;
How spreads destruction like a flood,
And brothers shed their brothers' blood!

4 See guilty passions spring to birth,
And deeds of hell deform the earth;
Whilst righteousness and justice mourn,
And love and pity droop forlorn.

5 Great God! whose pow'rful hand can bind
The raging waves, the furious wind,
O bid the human tempest cease,
And hush the madd'ning world to peace.

6 With rev'rence may each hostile land
Hear and obey that high command,
Thy Son’s blest errand from above:—
“My creatures, live in mutual love!”

Text Information
First Line: While sounds of war are heard around
Language: English
Publication Date: 1814
Topic: Particular Occasions and Circumstances: Public and National Blessings and Afflictions; In time of war
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