Part 32 (1/2)

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.