1. From ev'ry stormy wind that blows, From ev'ry swelling tide of woes, There is a calm, a sure retreat: 'Tis found beneath the mercy seat. 2. There is a place where Jesus sheds The oil of gladness on our heads; A place than all besides more sweet; It is the blood bought mercy seat. 3. There is a scene where spirits blend, Where friend holds fellowship with friend; Though sundered far, by faith they meet Around one common mercy seat. 4. There, there, on eagles' wings we soar, And time and sense seem all no more; And heaven comes down, our souls to greet, And glory crowns the mercy seat. 5. Oh, let my hand forget her skill, My tongue be silent, cold, and still, This bounding heart forget to beat, If I forget the mercy seat! 6. Ah! Whither could we flee for aid, When tempted, desolate, dismayed: Or how the hosts of hell defeat, Had suff'ring saints no mercy seat. 7. Ah! there on eagle wings we soar, And sin and sense molest no more: and heav'n comes down our souls to greet, While glory crowns the mercy seat.
Lyrics: Hugh Stowell
Music: Thomas Hastings
Tune: RETREAT
Meter: L.M.
Hugh Stowell, 1799–1865
Hugh Stowell, the author, was a minister in the Anglican church and was known as one of the truly evangelical leaders in the church during his time. His ministry was also characterized by a love for children and an active Sunday school in his church. This hymn text was originally titled “Peace at the Mercy Seat” and was first published in 1828 in a collection of poems by the author.