Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#140a

140a. For the Distress of War

1 Behold, O God, what cruel foes,
Thy peaceful heritage invade;
Thy holy temple stands defil'd,
In dust thy sacred walls are laid.

2 Wide o'er the vallies drench'd in blood,
Thy people fall'n in death remain;
The fowls of heaven their flesh devour,
And savage beasts divide the slain.

3 Th' insulting foes, with impious rage,
Reproach thy children to their face;
"Where is your God of boasted power,
"And where the promise of his grace?"

4 Deep from the prison's horrid glooms,
Oh hear the mournful captives sigh,
And let thy sovereign power reprieve,
The trembling souls condemn'd to die.

5 Let those, who dar'd insult thy reign,
Return dismay'd with endless shame,
While heathens, who thy grace despise,
Shall from thy vengeance learn thy name.

6 So shall thy children, freed from death,
Eternal songs of honour raise,
And every future age shall tell,
Thy sovereign power and pardoning grace.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold, O God, what cruel foes
• Title: For the Distress of War
• Meter: Long Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 79
• Topic: Hope: in darkness; Hope: and despair in death

Tune Information

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