Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength, My rock, my tower, my high defence: Thy mighty arm shall be my trust, For I have found salvation thence.
Death, and the terrors of the grave, Stood round me with their dismal shade; While floods of high temptations rose, And made my sinking soul afraid.
I saw the op'ning gates of hell, With endless pains and sorrows there, Which none but they that feel can tell; While I was hurried to despair.
In my distress I called my God, When I could scarce believe him mine: He bowed his ear to my complaint, Then did his grace appear divine.
With speed he flew to my relief, As on a cherub's wing he rode; Awful and bright as lightning shone The face of my deliverer, God.
Temptations fled at his rebuke, The blast of his almighty breath; He sent salvation from on high, And drew me from the deeps of death.
Great were my fears, my foes were great, Much was their strength, and more their rage; But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still, In all the wars that devils wage.
My song for ever shall record That terrible, that joyful hour; And give the glory to the Lord, Due to his mercy and his power