Backsliding and Forgiveness; or, Sin Punished, and Saints Saved

Verse 1

Great God, how oft did Isra'l prove By turns thine anger, and thy love? There in a glass our hearts may see How fickle and how false they be.

Verse 2

How soon the faithless Jews forgot The dreadful wonders God had wrought; Then they provok'd him to his face Nor fear his pow'r, nor trust his grace.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 5

Their pray'rs and vows before him rise As flatt'ring words or solemn lies, While their rebellious tempers prove False to his cov'nant and his love.

Verse 6

Yet could his sov'reign grace forgive The men who ne'er deserv'd to live; His anger oft away he turn'd, Or else with gentle flame it burn'd.

Verse 7

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