PSALM 78. Third Part. (C. M.) The Punishment of Luxury and Intemperance; or, Chastisement and Salvation.
I
When Israel sins, the Lord reproves,
And fills their hearts with dread;
Yet he forgives the men he loves,
And sends them heavenly bread.
II
He fed them with a liberal hand,
And made his treasures known;
He gave the midnight clouds command
To pour provision down.
III
The manna, like a morning shower,
Lay thick around their feet;
The corn of heaven, so light, so pure,
As tho' 'twere angels meat.
IV
But they in murmuring language said,
‘Manna is all our feast;
‘We loathe this light, this airy bread;
‘We must have flesh to taste.’
V
‘Ye shall have flesh to please your lust,’
The Lord in wrath reply'd,
And sent them quails like sand or dust,
Heap'd up from side to side.
VI
He gave them all their own desire;
And greedy as they fed,
His vengeance burnt with secret fire,
And smote the rebels dead.
VII
When some were slain, the rest return'd,
And sought the Lord with tears;
Under the rod they fear'd and mourn'd,
But soon forgot their fears.
VIII
Oft he chastis'd, and still forgave,
Till by his gracious hand
The nation he resolv'd to save,
Possess'd the promis'd land.
