Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#23

23. Complaint under the Temptation of Death

1 How long wilt thou conceal thy face?
My God, how long delay?
When shall I feel those heavenly rays
That chase my fears away?

2 How long shall my poor labouring soul
Wrestle and toil in vain?
Thy word can all my foes controul,
And ease my raging pain.

3 See how the Prince of darkness tries
All his malicious arts;
He spreads a mist around my eyes,
And throws his fiery darts.

4 Be thou my Son, and thou my shield,
My soul in safety keep;
Make haste before mine eyes are seal'd
In death's eternal sleep.

5 How would the tempter boast aloud,
Should I become his prey!
Behold the sons of hell grow proud
To see thy long delay.

6 But they shall fly at thy rebuke,
And Satan hide his head;
He knows the terrors of thy look,
And hears thy voice with dread.

7 Thou wilt display that sovereign grace,
Whence all my comforts spring;
I shall employ my lips in praise,
And thy salvation sing.

Text Information

• First Line: How long wilt thou conceal thy face?
• Title: Complaint under the Temptation of Death
• Meter: Common Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 13
• Topic: Afflictions: hope in them; Complaint: of Desertion; Complaint: of temptation; Desertion and Distress of Soul; Hope: in darkness; Satan subdued

Tune Information

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