1 Thou didst, O mighty God, exist
Ere time began its race--
Before the ample elements
Filled up the void of space.
2 Before the ponderous earthly globe
In fluid air was stayed,
Before the ocean's mighty springs
Their liquid stores displayed--
3 Ere through the gloom of ancient night
The streaks of light appeared,
Before the high celestial arch
Or starry poles were reared--
4 Ere man adored, or angels knew
Or praised thy wondrous name,
Thy bliss, O sacred Spring of life,
And glory, were the same.
5 And when the pillars of the world
With sudden ruin break,
And all this vast and goodly frame
Sinks in the mighty wreck--
6 When from her orb the moon shall start,
Th' astonished sun roll back,
While all the trembling starry lamps
Their ancient course forsake--
7 Forever permanent and fixed,
From agitation free,
Unchanged in everlasting years
Shall thy existence be.
Source: The Voice of Praise: a collection of hymns for the use of the Methodist Church #36
First Line: | Thou didst, O mighty God, exist |
Author: | Elizabeth Singer Rowe |
Copyright: | Public Domain |