18 Heav'n with thy thunder's voice was torn; whilst all the lower world With lightnings blaz'd, earth shook, and seem'd from her foundations hurl'd. 19 Thro' rolling streams thou find'st thy way, thy paths in waters lie; Thy wondrous passage, where no sight 20 Thou ledd'st thy people like a flock, By Moses, their meek skilful guide,
thy footsteps can descry.
safe through the desert land, and Aaron's sacred hand.
7 To teach them that in God alone That they should ne'er forget his works, 8 Lest, like their fathers, they might prove False-hearted, fickle to their God,
9 Such were revolting Ephraim's sons And skilful archers, arm'd with bows, 10,11 They falsified their league with God, Forgot his works and miracles
12 Nor wonders which their fathers saw Prodigious things in Egypt done, 13 He cut the seas to let them pass, While, pil'd in heaps, on either side 14 A wondrous pillar led them on, A shelt'ring cloud it prov'd by day,
devout attention lend; deep in your hearts descend. shall parables unfold,
and own'd for truths of old. of ancient times have known, to us have handed down. our off-pring shall be taught has works of wonder wrought. this league with Israel made; from race to race convey'd; should to their unborn heirs and they again to theirs. their hope securely stands ; but keep his just commands. a stiff rebellious race, unsteadfast in his grace. who, though to warfare bred, from field ignobly fled. his orders disobey'd, before their eyes display'd. did they in mind retain; and Zoan's fertile plain. restrain'd the pressing flood; the solid waters stood.
compos'd of shade and light; a leading fire by night.
15 When drought oppress'd them, where no stream the wilderness supplied, He cleft the rock, whose flinty breast 16 Streams from the solid rock he brought, That, trav'ling with their camp, each day 17 Yet there they sinn'd against him more, In that same desert, where he did
18 They first incens'd him in their hearts, And long'd for meat, not urg'd by want, 19 Then utter'd their blaspheming doubts, A table in the wilderness,
20 He smote the flinty rock, 'tis true, But can he corn and flesh provide 21 The Lord with indignation heard: On Jacob fell, consuming wrath 22 Because their unbelieving hearts Nor trust his care, who had from heav'n 23 Tho' he had made his clouds discharge And, when earth fail'd, reliev'd their needs 24 Tho' tasteful manna was rain'd down, Though from the stores of heav'n they did 25 Thus man, with angels' sacred food, Not sparingly, for still they found
26 From heav'n he made an east wind blow, 27 To rain down flesh, like dust, and fowls 28 Within their trenches he let fall And all around their spreading camp 29 They fed, were fill'd: he gave them leave 30, 31 Yet still their wanton lust crav'd on, But whilst in their luxurious mouths The wrath of God smote down their chiefs,
dissolv'd into a tide. which down in rivers fell, renew'd the miracle. provoking the Most High, their fainting souls supply. that did his pow'r distrust, but to indulge their lust. Can God, say they, prepare set out with various fare? and gushing streams ensu'd; for such a multitude? from heav'n avenging flame on thankless Israel came. in God would not confide, their wants so oft supplied: provisions down in show's; from his celestial stores: their hunger to relieve; sustaining corn receive. ungrateful man, was fed; plenteous table spread." then did the south command, like sea's unnumber'd sand. the luscious easy prey, the ready booty lay. their appetites to feast; nor with their hunger ceas'd. they did their dainties chew, and Israel's chosen slew,
32 Yet still they sinn'd, nor would afford 33 Therefore through fruitless travels he 34 When some were slain, the rest return'd 35 Own'd him the rock of their defence, 36 But this was feign'd submission all; 37 Their heart was still perverse, nor would 38 Yet, full of mercy, he forgave, But turn'd his kindled wrath aside, 39 For he remember'd they were flesh A murm'ring wind that's quickly past, 40 How oft did they provoke him there, In that same desert where he did
41 They tempted him by turning back, When Israel's God refus'd to be
42 Nor call'd to mind the hand and day 43 His signs in Egypt, wondrous works 44 He turn'd their rivers into blood, And rather chose to die of thirst, 45 He sent devouring swarms of flies; 46 Locusts and caterpillars reap'd
47 Their vines with batt'ring hail were broke, 48 Lightning and hail made flocks and herds 49 He turn'd his anger loose, and set And, with their plagues, bad angels sent 50 He clear'd a passage for his wrath The murrain on their firstlings seiz'd 51 The deadly pest from beast to man, It slew their heirs, their eldest hopes, 52 But his own tribe, like folded sheep, And them conducted like a flock 53 He led them on, and in their way But march'd securely through those deeps 54 Nor ceas'd his care, till them he brought And to his holy mount, the prize
55 To them the outcast heathen's land And in their foes' abandon'd tents
56 Yet still they tempted, still provok'd Nor would to practise his commands 57 But in their faithless fathers' steps They turn'd aside, like arrows shot 58 For him to fury they provok'd And with their graven images
59 When God heard this, on Israel's tribes 60 He quitted Shiloh, and the tents
61 To vile captivity his ark,
62 His people to the sword he gave, 63 Destructive war their ablest youth
No virgin was to th' altar led
64 In fight the sacrificer fell,
his miracles belief;
consum'd their lives in grief. to God with early cry;
their Saviour, God most high. their heart their tongue belied; firm in his league abide. nor did with death chastise; or would not let it rise. that could not long remain ; and ne'er returns again. how oft his patience grieve, their fainting souls relieve! and wickedly repin'd, by their desires confin'd. that their redemption brought; in Zoan's valley wrought. that man and beast forbore, than drink the putrid gore. hoarse frogs annoy'd their soil; the harvest of their toil.
with frost the fig-tree dies; one general sacrifice. no time for it to cease; their torments to increase. to ravage uncontroll'd; in ev'ry field and fold. from field to city came; through all the tents of Ham. he brought from their distress, throughout the wilderness. no cause of fear they found; in which their foes were drown'd. safe to his promis'd land, of his victorious hand. he did by lot divide;
made Israel's tribes reside. Part.
the wrath of God most high; their stubborn hearts apply. perversely chose to go; from some deceitful bow. with altars set on high; inflam'd his jealousy. his wrath and hatred fell; where once he chose to dwell, his glory to disdain,
nor would his wrath restrain. untimely did confound;
with nuptial garlands crown'd. the priest a victim bled;
And widows, who their death should mourn, themselves of grief were dead.
65 Then, as a giant rous'd from sleep, Shouts out aloud, the Lord awak'd,
66 He smote their host, that from the field
With wounds imprinted on their backs
whom wine had throughly warm', and his proud foe alarm'd.
a scatter'd remnant came, of everlasting shame.
67 With conquests crown'd, he Joseph's tents and Ephraim's tribe forsook;
68 But Judah chose, and Sion's mount 69 His temple he erected there, While deep and fix'd, as that of earth, 70 His faithful servant David too And from the sheepfolds him advanc'd 71 From tending on the teeming ewes, His own inheritance, the tribes 72 Exalted thus the monarch prov'd He fed them with an upright heart,
for his lov'd dwelling took. with spires exalted high, the strong foundations lie. he for his choice did own, to sit on Judah's throne. he brought him forth to feed of Israel's chosen seed. a faithful shepherd still and guided them with skill.
EHOLD, O God, how heathen hosts
2 The mangled bodies of thy saints Their flesh expos'd to savage beasts, 3 Quite through Jerus'lem was their blood And none were left alive to pay
4 The neighb'ring lands our small remains And we a laughing-stock are made
5 How long wilt thou be angry, Lord? Shall thy devouring jealous rage,
6 On foreign lands, that know not thee, Those sinful kingdoms let it crush,
7 For their devouring jaws have prey'd And to a barren desert turn'd 8 O think not on our former sins, The utter ruin of thy saints,
9 Thou God of our salvation, help, So shall our pardon and defence 10 Let infidels, that scoffing say, In vengeance for thy slaughter'd saints, 11 Lord, hear the sighing pris'ner's moan, Preserve the wretches, doom'd to die, 12 On them who us oppress let all Make their confusion seven times more 13 So we, thy people and thy flock, And with glad hearts our grateful thanks
Israel's Shepherd the cherubs rid Thou that dost on the cherubs ride, 2 Behold, how Benjamin expects, In our deliv'rance, the effects 3 Do thou convert us, Lord, do thou And all the ills we suffer now, 4 0 thou, whom heav'nly hosts obey, How long thy suff'ring people pray, 5 When hungry, we are forc'd to drench When dry, our raging thirst we quench 6 For us the heathen nations round, Our foes with spiteful joy abound, 7 Do thou convert us, Lord, do thou And all the ills we suffer now,
have thy possession seiz'd thy holy city raz'd. abroad unburied lay, and rav'nous birds of prey. like common water shed; last duties to the dead. with loud reproaches wound; to all the nations round. must we for ever mourn? like fire, for ever burn? thy heavy vengeance show'r; that have not own'd thy pow'r. on Jacob's chosen race; their fruitful dwelling-place. but speedily prevent almost with sorrow spent. and free our souls from blame; exalt thy glorious Name. Where is the God they boast? perceive thee to their cost. thy saving pow'r extend; from that untimely end. our suff'rings be repaid; than what on us they laid. shall ever praise thy Name; from age to age proclaim. LXXX.
our pray'rs to thee vouchsafe to hear; again in solemn state appear. with Ephraim and Manasseh join'd, of thy resistless strength to find. the lustre of thy face display; like scatter'd clouds, shall pass away. how long shall thy fierce anger burn? and to their pray'rs have no return? our scanty food in floods of woe; with streams of tears that largely flow. as for a common prey, contest; and at our lost condition jest. the lustre of thy face display; like scatter'd clouds, shall pass away.
18 So shall we still continue free And, if once more reviv'd by thee, 19 Do thou convert us, Lord, do thou And all the ills we suffer now,
from whatsoe'er deserves thy blame; will always praise thy holy Name. the lustre of thy face display;
like scatter'd clouds, shall pass away.
TO God, our never-failing strength, And jointly make a cheerful noise 2 Compose a hymn of praise, and touch Let psalteries and pleasant harps
3 Let trumpets at the great new moon To celebrate th' appointed time, 4 For this a statute was of old, To be with pious care observ'd 5 This he for a memorial fix'd, Strange nations' barb'rous speech we heard, 6 Your burden'd shoulders I reliev'd, Your servile hands by me were freed 7 Your ancestors, with wrongs oppress'd, With pity I their suff'rings saw, They sought for me, and from the cloud At Meribah's contentious stream
with loud applauses sing; to Jacob's awful King. your instruments of joy, your grateful skill employ. their joyful voices raise, the solemn day of praise. which Jacob's God decreed, by Israel's chosen seed. when, freed from Egypt's land, but could not understand. (thus seems our God to say,) from lab'ring in the clay. to me for aid did call; and set them free from all. in thunder I replied; their faith and duty tried.
8 While I my solemn will declare, If thou, O Israel, to my words 9 Then shall no god besides myself Nor shalt thou worship any god
10 The Lord thy God am I, who thee 'Tis I that all thy just desires
11 But they, my chosen race, refus'd Nor would rebellious Israel's sons 12 So I, provok'd, resign'd them up And in their own perverse designs 13 0 that my people wisely would And Israel in my righteous ways
14 Then should my heavy judgments fall And my avenging hand be turn'd 15 Their enemies and mine should all But as for them, their happy state 16 All parts with plenty should abound; The barren rocks, to please their taste,
my chosen people, hear: wilt lend thy list'ning ear; within thy coasts be found; of all the nations round.
brought forth from Egypt's land: supply with lib'ral hand. to hearken to my voice; make me their happy choice. to ev'ry lust a prey, permitted them to stray. my just commandments heed! with pious care proceed! on all that them oppose, against their num'rous foes. before my footstool bend; should never know an end. with finest wheat their field: should richest honey yield.
GOD in the great assembly stands,
In state surveys the earthly gods, 2, 3 How dare you then unjustly judge, Defend the orphans and the poor, 4 Protect the humble helpless man, And let not him become a prey 5 They neither know, nor will they learn, Justice and truth, the world's support, 6 Well then might God in anger say, I've said, Y'are gods, and all allied 7 But ne'ertheless your unjust deeds You all shall die like common men, 8 Arise, and thy just judgments, Lord, And all the nations of the world
Hor with consenting quiet looks
[OLD not thy peace, O Lord our God,
2 For lo! the tumults of thy foes And those who hate thy saints and thee
where his impartial eye and does their judgments try. or be to sinners kind? let such your justice find. reduc'd to deep distress, to such as would oppress. but blindly rove and stray; through all the land decay. I've call'd you by my Name; to the most High in fame. to strict account I'll call; like other tyrants fall. throughout the earth display; shall own thy righteous sway.
LXXXIII.
no longer silent be; our ruin calmly see.
o'er all the land are spread; lift up their threat'ning head.
8 Against thy zealous people, Lord, And to destroy thy chosen saints 4 Come, let us cut them off, say they, That no remembrance may remain 5 Thus they against thy people's peace And diff'ring nations, jointly leagu'd, 6 The Ishmaelites, that dwell in tents, And Moab's sons, our ruin vow,
7 Proud Ammon's offspring, Gebal too, The lords of Palestine, and all 8 All these the strong Assyrian king Who with a pow'rful army aids
they craftily combine; have laid their close design. their nation quite deface; of Israel's hated race. consult with one consent; their coinmon malice vent. with warlike Edom join'd, with Hagar's race combin'd. with Amalek conspire; the wealthy sons of Tyre. their firm ally have got; th' incestuous race of Lot.
9 But let such vengeance come to them,
To Jabin and proud Sisera,
as once to Midian came; at Kishon's fatal stream.
10 When thy right hand theirnum'rous hosts near Endor did confound;
And left their carcases for dung
11 Let all their mighty men the fate As Zebah and Zalmunna, so
12 Who, with the same design inspir'd, In firm possession for ourselves
13 To ruin let them haste, like wheels Like chaff before the winds, let all 14, 15 As flames consume dry wood or heath So let thy fierce pursuing wrath
16,17 Lord, shroud their faces with disgrace, Or them confound, whose harden'd hearts 18 So shall the wond'ring world confess, Jehovah's Name, o'er all the earth
to feed the hungry ground. of Zeeb and Oreb share; let all their princes fare. thus vainly boasting spake, let us God's houses take. which downwards swiftly move; their scatter'd forces prove. that on parch'd mountains grows, with terror strike thy foes. that they may own thy Name; thy gentler means disclaim. that thou, who claim'st alone hast rais'd thy lofty throne.
God of hosts, the mighty Lord, Where thou, enthron'd in glory, shew'st 2 My longing soul faints with desire My panting heart and flesh cry out
3 The birds, more happy far than I, Securely there they build, and there 4 O Lord of hosts, my King and God, Who in thy temple always dwell,
5 Thrice happy they, whose choice has thee Who long to tread the sacred ways 6 Who pass through Baca's thirsty vale, Their pools are fill'd with rain, which thou
how lovely is the place, the brightness of thy face! to view thy blest abode; for thee, the living God. around thy temple throng; securely hatch their young. how highly blest are they, and there thy praise display! their sure protection made; that to thy dwelling lead! yet no refreshment want; at their request dost grant.
7 Thus they proceed from strength to strength, and still approach more near,
Till all on Sion's holy mount
8 O Lord, the mighty God of hosts, Thou God of Jacob, let my pray'r 9 Behold, O God, for thou alone On thy anointed servant look, 10 For in thy courts one single day Than, Lord, in any place besides 11 Much rather in God's house will I Than in the wealthy tents of sin 12 For God, who is our sun and shield, And no good thing will he withhold 13 Thou God, whom heav'nly hosts obey, Whose hope and trust, securely plac'd,
before their God appear. my just request regard; be still with favour heard. canst timely aid dispense; be thou his strong defence: 'tis better to attend, a thousand days to spend. the meanest office take, my pompous dwelling make. will grace and glory give; from them that justly live. how highly blest is he, is still repos'd on thee!
LORD thou hast granted to thy land
And faithful Jacob's captive race 2,3 Thy people's sins thou hast absolv'd, Thou hast not let thy wrath flame on,
the favours we implor'd, hast graciously restor❜d. and all their guilt defac'd; nor thy fierce anger last.
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