The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

How happy are the little flock,
Who safe beneath their guardian rock
In all commotions rest!
When wars and tumult's waves run high,
Unmoved above the storm they lie,
They lodge in Jesu's breast.

Such happiness, O Lord, have we,
By mercy gather'd into Thee,
Before the floods descend:
And while the bursting cloud comes down,
We mark the vengeful day begun,
And calmly wait the end.

The plague, and dearth, and din of war
Our Saviour's swift approach declare,
And bid our hearts arise:
Earth's basis shook confirms our hope,
Its cities' fall but lifts us up,
To meet Thee in the skies.

Thy tokens we with joy confess,
The war proclaims the Prince of Peace,
The earthquake speaks Thy power,
The famine all Thy fulness brings,
The plague presents Thy healing wings,
And nature's final hour.

Whatever ills the world befall,
A pledge of endless good we call,
A sign of Jesus near:
His chariot will not long delay;
We hear the rumbling wheels, and pray,
Triumphant Lord, appear.

Appear with clouds on Sion's hill,
Thy word and mystery to fulfil,
Thy confessors to' approve,
Thy members on Thy throne to place,
And stamp Thy name on every face
In glorious heavenly love.

University of Virginia Library

HYMN XVII.

[How happy are the little flock]