The Psalms of David Part 32

4 My overwhelming sorrows grew Till I could speak no more; Then I within myself withdrew, And call'd thy judgments o'er.

5 I call'd back years and ancient times, When I beheld thy face; My spirit search'd for secret crimes That might withhold thy grace.

6 I call'd thy mercies to my mind Which I enjoy'd before; And will the Lord no more be kind?

His face appear no more?

7 Will he for ever cast me off?

His promise ever fail?

Has he forgot his tender love?

Shall anger still prevail?

8 But I forbid this hopeless thought, This dark despairing frame, Rememb'ring what thy hand hath wrought, Thy hand is still the same.

9 I'll think again of all thy ways, And talk thy wonders o'er; Thy wonders of recovering grace, When flesh could hope no more.

10 Grace dwells with justice on the throne; And men that love thy word Have in thy sanctuary known The counsels of the Lord.

Psalm 77:2. Second Part.

Comfort derived from ancient providences; or, Israel delivered from Egypt, and brought to Canaan.

1 "How awful is thy chastening rod!"

(May thine own children say) "The great, the wise, the dreadful G.o.d!

"How holy is his way!"

2 I'll meditate his works of old; The King that reigns above; I'll hear his ancient wonders told, And learn to trust his love.

3 Long did the house of Joseph lie With Egypt's yoke opprest: Long he delay'd to hear their cry, Nor gave his people rest.

4 The sons of good old Jacob seem'd Abandon'd to their foes; But his almighty arm redeem'd The nation that he chose.

5 Israel, his people, and his sheep, Must follow where he calls; He bid them venture thro' the deep, And made the waves their walls.

6 The waters saw thee, mighty G.o.d!

The waters saw thee come; Backward they fled, and frighted stood, To make thine armies room.

7 Strange was thy journey thro' the sea, Thy footsteps, Lord, unknown, Terrors attend the wondrous way That brings thy mercies down.

8 [Thy voice with terror in the sound Thro' clouds and darkness broke; All heaven in lightning shone around, And earth with thunder shook.

9 Thine arrows thro' the skies were hurl'd; How glorious is the Lord!

Surprise and trembling seiz'd the world, And his own saints ador'd.

10 He gave them water from the rock; And safe by Moses' hand Thro' a dry desert led his flock Home to the promis'd land.]

Psalm 78:1. First Part.

Providence of G.o.d recorded; or, Pious education and instruction of children.

1 Let children hear the mighty deeds, Which G.o.d perform'd of old, Which in our younger years we saw, And which our fathers told.

2 He bids us make his glories known, His works of power and grace; And we'll convey his wonders down Thro' every rising race.

3 Our lips shall tell them to our Sons, And they again to theirs, That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs.

4 Thus shall they learn in G.o.d alone Their hope securely stands, That they may ne'er forget his works, But practise his commands.

Psalm 78:2. Second Part.

Israel's rebellion and punishment; or, The sins and chastis.e.m.e.nts of G.o.d's people.

1 What a stiff rebellious house Was Jacob's ancient race!

False to their own most solemn vows, And to their Maker's grace.

2 They broke the covenant of his love, And did his laws despise, Forgot the works he wrought to prove His power before their eyes.

3 They saw the plagues on Egypt light, From his revenging hand: What dreadful tokens of his might Spread o'er the stubborn land!

4 They saw him cleave the mighty sea, And march'd in safety thro', With watery walls to guard their way, Till they had 'scap'd the foe.

5 A wondrous pillar mark'd the road, Compos'd of shade and light; By day it prov'd a sheltering cloud, A leading fire by night.

6 He from the rock their thirst supply'd; The gus.h.i.+ng waters fell, And ran in rivers by their side, A constant miracle.

7 Yet they provok'd the Lord most high, And dar'd distrust his hand; "Can he with bread our host supply "Amidst this desert land?"

8 The Lord with indignation heard, And caus'd his wrath to flame His terrors ever stand prepar'd To vindicate his Name.

Psalm 78:3. Third Part.

The punishment of luxury and intemperance; or, Chastis.e.m.e.nt and salvation.

1 When Israel sins, the Lord reproves, And fills their hearts with dread; Yet he forgives the men he loves, And sends them heavenly bread.

2 He fed them with a liberal hand, And made his treasures known; He gave the midnight clouds command To pour provision down.

3 The manna, like a morning shower, Lay thick around their feet; The corn of heaven, so light, so pure, As tho' 'twere angels' meat.

4 But they in murmuring language said, "Manna is all our feast; "We loathe this light, this airy bread; "We must have flesh to taste."

5 "Ye shall have flesh to please your l.u.s.t;"

The Lord in wrath reply'd, And sent them quails like sand or dust, Heap'd up from side to side.

6 He gave them all their own desire; And greedy as they fed, His vengeance burnt with secret fire, And smote the rebels dead.

7 When some were slain, the rest return'd, And sought the Lord with tears; Under the rod they fear'd and mourn'd, But soon forgot their fears.

8 Oft he chastis'd and still forgave, Till by his gracious hand The nation he resolv'd to save, Possess'd the promis'd land.