Classic Poem

Thy sudden terrors strike the world with dread,
Whole cities by the earthquake's shock laid low!
The maimed, and suffering buried with the dead,
The living stunned, bewildered by the blow!
Fair was the day, and joyously the throng
Filled all the streets, on gain, or pleasure bent;
The city full of revelry and song;
When by the shock the solid earth was rent!
So dost Thou teach the nations, Lord of heaven
And earth, to own Thy righteous sway;
Not unto them alone the lesson given,
But that all men might Thy commands obey.
Nor dost Thou teach them only by Thy Word,
But earth, too, trembles at Thy voice, O Lord!