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

LXXVIIId. Backsliding and Forgiveness; or, Sin punish'd and Saints saved

1 Great GOD, how oft did Israel prove
By turns thine anger, and thy love?
There is a glass our hearts may see
How fickle and how false they be.

2 How soon the faithless Jews forgot
The dreadful wonders GOD had wrought?
Then they provoke him to his face,
Nor fear his power, nor trust his grace.

3 The Lord consum'd their years in pain,
And made their travels long and vain;
A tedious march thro' unknown ways
Wore out their strength, and spent their days.

4 Oft when they saw their brethren slain,
They mourn'd, and sought the Lord again;
Call'd him the rock of their abode,
Their high Redeemer, and their GOD.

5 Their prayers and vows before him rise
As flattering words or solemn lies,
While their rebellious tempers prove
False to his cov'nant and his love.

6 Yet could his sovereign grace forgive
The men who not deserv'd to live;
His anger oft away he turn'd,
Or else with gentle flame it burn'd.

7 He saw their flesh was weak and frail,
He saw temptations still prevail;
The GOD of Abraham lov'd them still,
And led them to his holy hill.

Text Information

• First Line: Great GOD, how oft did Israel prove
• Title: Backsliding and Forgiveness; or, Sin punish'd and Saints saved
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1785
• Scripture:
  Psalm 78
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

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