A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him,
Mark 4:37–39Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, Quiet! Be still!
Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Words: Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1840.
Music: Mazandaran James T. Lightwood, 1891 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Thrupp (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Lightwood, would you ?
A little ship was on the sea,
It was a pretty sight;
It sailed along so pleasantly,
And all was calm and bright.
When lo! a storm began to rise,
The wind grew loud and strong;
It blew the clouds across the skies,
It blew the waves along.
And all, but One, were sore afraid
Of sinking in the deep;
His head was on a pillow laid,
And He was fast asleep.
Master, we perish: Master, save!
They cried: their Master heard;
He rose, rebuked the wind and wave,
And stilled them with a word.
He to the storm says, Peace, be still!
The raging billows cease;
The mighty winds obey His will,
And all are hushed to peace.
Oh, well we know it was the Lord,
Our Savior and our friend;
Whose care of those who trust His word
Will never, never end.
A noble ship, our country dear,
Has weathered many a gale—
Yet now a storm beats so severe
That many stout hearts quail.
But One who rides above the storm
Can save us from all ill;
We only wait to hear His voice
Commanding, Peace, be still!
O Jesus, Master! hear, we pray
Remove the chastening rod;
Let not our foes exulting say,
There is no help in God.
From threatening storms preserve our land,
Rebuke the wind and waves;
And let us, one united band,
Rejoice in God, who saves.