The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. Containing, besides his Sermons, and Essays on miscellaneous subjects, several additional pieces, Selected from his Manuscripts by the Rev. Dr. Jennings, and the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, in 1753: to which are prefixed, memoirs of the life of the author, compiled by the Rev. George Burder. In six volumes |
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PSALM 78. v. 32, &c. Fourth Part. (L. M.) Backsliding and Forgiveness; or, Sin punished and Saints saved.
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
PSALM 78. v. 32, &c. Fourth Part. (L. M.) Backsliding and Forgiveness; or, Sin punished and Saints saved.
I
Great God, how oft did Israel proveBy turns thine anger and thy love?
There in a glass our hearts may see
How fickle and how false they be.
II
How soon the faithless Jews forgotThe dreadful wonders God had wrought!
Then they provoke him to his face,
Nor fear his power, nor trust his grace.
III
The Lord consum'd their years in pain,And made their travels long and vain;
A tedious march through unknown ways
Wore out their strength, and spent their days.
IV
Oft when they saw their brethren slain,They mourn'd and sought their Lord again;
Call'd him the rock of their abode,
Their high Redeemer and their God.
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V
Their prayers and vows before him riseAs flattering words or solemn lies,
While their rebellious tempers prove
False to his covenant and his love.
VI
Yet did his sovereign grace forgiveThe men who not deserv'd to live;
His anger oft away he turn'd,
Or else with gentle flame it burn'd.
VII
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.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |