HYMN 55. (C. M.) Hezekiah's Song; or, Sickness and Recovery, Isaiah xxxviii. 9, &c.
I
When we are rais'd from deep distress
Our God deserves a song;
We take the pattern of our praise
From Hezekiah's tongue.
II
The gates of the devouring grave
Are open'd wide in vain,
If he that holds the keys of death
Commands them fast again.
III
Pains of the flesh are wont t'abuse
Our minds with slavish fears;
‘Our days are past, and we shall lose
‘The remnant of our years.’
IV
We chatter with a swallow's voice,
Or like a dove we mourn,
With bitterness instead of joys,
Afflicted and forlorn.
V
Jehovah speaks the healing word,
And no disease withstands;
Fevers and plagues obey the Lord,
And fly at his commands.
VI
If half the strings of life should break,
He can our frame restore;
He casts our sins behind his back,
And they are found no more.
