Hymns

God, with one piercing glance, looks through

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

Based on 2 Pet 2:8-10

1

God, with one piercing glance, looks through
Creation's wide extended frame;
The past and future in his view,
And days and ages are the same.

2

Sinners, who dare provoke his face,
Who on his patience long presume,
And trifle out his day of grace,
Will find he has a day of doom.

3

As pangs the lab'ring woman feels,
Or as the thief, in midnight sleep;
So comes that day, for which the wheels
Of time, their ceaseless motion keep!

4

Hark! from the sky, the trump proclaims
Jesus; the Judge approaching nigh!
See, the creation wrapped in flames,
First kindled by his vengeful eye!

5

When thus the mountains melt like wax,
When earth, and air, and sea, shall burn;
When all the frame of nature breaks,
Poor sinner, whither wilt thou turn?

6

The puny works which feeble men
Now boast, or covet, or admire;
Their pomp, and arts, and treasures, then
Shall perish in one common fire.

7

LORD, fix our hearts and hopes above!
Since all below to ruin tends;
Here may we trust, obey, and love,
And there be found amongst thy friends.

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