One Sits upon the Throne

When war’s shrill blast abroad is heard

With thrones like sap­lings shak­ing;

When peace

like an af­fright­ed bird

Her flight from earth is tak­ing—

Know that a throne is set in Heav’n

One sits up­on the throne who sees.

When there is wild con­fus­ion round

Strange dis­cord and per­pe­tu­al din;

When vex­èd with the sight and sound

Of suf­fer­ing goodness

lord­ly sin—

Know that a throne is set in Heav’n

One sits up­on the throne who hears.

When some dis­tress­ing

pierc­ing strain

Or ma­nic shout shall reach thine ear

And thou dis­cern­est there is pain

In count­less hearts thou canst not cheer—

Know that a throne is set in Heav’n

One sits up­on the throne who knows.

When wea­ry of the cease­less fight

With Sa­tan and his ang­ry host

Or when the world

in fan­cied might

A moment o’er the Church may boast—

Know that a throne is set in Heav’n

One sits up­on the throne in light.

A skill­ful hand

di­vine­ly strong

Guides cours­es strange of change­ful years

And it shall make to cease

ere long

All cause of mi­se­ry and tears.

Know that a throne is set in Heav’n

God sits up­on the throne in love.