1 To GOD I cry'd with mournful Voice,
I sought his gracious Ear,
In the sad Day, when Troubles rose,
And filled the Night with Fear.
2 Sad were my Days, and dark my Nights,
My Soul refus'd Relief;
I thought on GOD the Just and Wise,
But Thoughts increas'd my Grief.
3 Still I complain'd, and still opprest,
My Heart began to break;
My GOD, thy Wrath forbid my Rest,
And kept my Eyes awake.
4 My overwhelming Sorrows grew,
'Till I could speak no more;
Then I within myself withdrew,
And call'd thy Judgments o'er.
5 I call'd back Years and ancient Times,
When I beheld thy Face:
My Spirit search'd for secret Crimes
That might with-hold thy Grace.
6 I call'd thy Mercies to my Mind
Which I enjoy'd before;
And will the Lord no more be kind?
His Face appear no more?
7 Will he for ever cast me off?
His Promise ever fail?
Has he forgot his tender Love?
Shall Anger still prevail?
8 But I forbid this hopeless Thought,
This dark despairing Frame,
Rememb'ring what thy Hand hath wrought;
Thy Hand is still the same.
9 I'll think again of all thy Ways,
And talk thy Wonders o'er;
Thy Wonders of recov'ring Grace,
When Flesh could hope no more.
10 Grace dwells with Justice on the Throne;
And Men that love thy Word,
Have in thy Sanctuary known
The Counsels of the Lord.