THE THUNDERSTORM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2425, 5 September 1900, Page 56

THE THUNDERSTORM.

'Tis a hot, dry rummer again, And the weary earth is athirst, "Waiting for long-delayed ram, To moisten its dry, baked crust. The grass, all dried up and brown, Lies withering in the field; Short, stunted, the crops have grown, Poor proiiiisa of a goodly yield. The day, &o sultry and Avarm, Its weary hours slowly have past; Now clear twilight's sweet soft'ning charm O'ershadows the earth at last. The bush lies bilent and still, As singing birds fall asleep, The bright moon peeps over the hill, And lone vigil& the clear stars keep. - But look, daik clouds come lowering, With promise of rain to come; And the distant thunder is rumbling, Like roll of a muffled drum. Now nearer the thunder comes roiling, With an awe-inspiring sound, 'Tis the wheels of God's bright chariot, As He's swiftly borne around. As we stand in wonder gazing, Comes a dazzling blaze of light ; Bright fire from his chariot glancing, Shows earth revealed to our sight. His chariot wheels are grinding, As triumphant he rides 'mid storms ; His bright angel host attending, Unseen are their myriad forms. But the wind their wings aie fanning Comes cool as the breath of the mom, And our thoughts on high ascending, We dread not the fiery storm. With our hearts well attuned we listen :' To cur dull eaith ears comes steahrg A pean sublime from angel throng, Thro' Heaven's blue arch 'tis pealing : "Supreme, great God, mightiest and strong, Upholding the spheres in His handsj Glory, great God, glory — He alone The loud thunder and lightning commands ; Lei the blue-circled orbs loudly rejoice, Bowing down before Him with praise, To great Jehovah lift greatful voice, Hearts joyful in thinksgivmg raise Hosanna! Hosanna! Hallelujah!" As onward the chariot rolls, Thsir flight thro' the heavens winging, Yet farther and faither away, We still hear it faintly ringing. Now downward.-! on earth descending, A deep darkness like pall o'eithrown, A3 the rain in toirents blinding Comes steadily pouunq down. —B. J. O. Ahaura, Auj&usl 1900,