The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Margaret Chandler/Thy Thunder Pealeth O'er Us

Thy Thunder Pealeth O'er Us
Thy thunder pealeth o'er us, God of the earth and sky! And o'er the gloomy heavens The clouds roll dark and high.

But 't is not by thine anger, Those flashing bolts are hurl'd, To desolate and humble A proud and guilty world.

Though awful in its grandeur The storm o'ermounts the sky, It bears from thee a blessing, Beneath its scowling eye.

Behind its steps more radiantly The deep blue heavens will shine, And the glad earth, rejoicing, Pour forth her corn and wine.

But oh, there lieth brooding, A cloud more dark and dread, Above our guilty nation, In fearful portent spread!

Though broad our frightful borders All smilingly expand, The curse of blood is on us, And on our pleasant land.

For we have sinn'd before thee, And caused dark floods to roll, Of tyranny and anguish, Across our brother's soul.

But let not yet thine anger Consume our blood-stain'd sod; Extend a little longer Thy mercy, oh our God!

And touch our flinty bosoms With thy dissolving grace, That we may hate our vileness, And weep before thy face.