The Mercy Seat

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.

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-stained mercy seat.

There is a spot where spirits blend, where friend holds fellowship with friend, tho' sundered far; by faith they meet around the common mercy seat.

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?

There, there on eagle wings we soar, and time and sense seem all no more, and heav'n comes down our souls to greet, and glory crowns the mercy seat.

O may my hand forget her skill, my tongue be silent, cold, and still, this bounding heart forget to beat, if I forget the mercy seat.