Doctor Watts's imitation of the Psalms of David, to which is added a collection of hymns; the whole applied to the state of the Christian Church in general (3rd ed.) ‎#130

130. The Mystery of Providence unfolded

1 Sure there's a righteous God,
Nor is religion vain;
Though men of vice may boast aloud,
And men of grace complain.

2 I saw the wicked rise,
And felt my heart repine,
While haughty fools with scornful eyes
In robes of honour shine.

3 [Pamper'd with wanton ease,
Their flesh looks full and fair,
Their wealth rolls in like flowing seas,
And grows without their care.

4 Free from the plagues and pains
That pious souls endure,
Through all their life oppression reigns,
And racks the humble poor.

5 Their impious tongues blaspheme
The everlasting God;
Their malice blasts the good man's name,
And spreads their lies abroad.

6 But I with flowing tears
Indulg'd my doubts to rise;
"Is there a God that sees or hears
"The things below the skies?

7 The tumults of my thought
Held me in hard suspense,
Till to thy house my feet were brought
To learn thy justice thence.

8 Thy word with light and power
Did my mistake amend:
I view'd the sinners' life before,
But here I learnt their end.

9 On what a slippery steep
The thoughtless wretches go;
And oh that dreadful fiery deep
That waits their fall below!

10 Lord, at thy feet I bow,
My thoughts no more repine:
I call my God my portion now,
And all my powers are thine.

Text Information

• First Line: Sure there's a righteous God
• Title: The Mystery of Providence unfolded
• Meter: Short Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1786
• Scripture:
  Psalm 73
• Topic: Afflicted Saints happy; Delight: in God; God: our portion here and hereafter; Prosperity dangerous; Prosperous sinners cursed; Providence: its mystery unfolded

Tune Information

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