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 maniac 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.