For the Distress of War

Verse 1

Behold, O God, what cruel foes, Thy peaceful heritage invade; Thy holy temple stands defil'd, In dust thy sacred walls are laid.

Verse 2

Wise o'er the valleys, drench'd in blood, Thy people fall'n in death remain; The fowls of heav'n their flesh devour, And savage beasts divide the slain.

Verse 3

The insulting foes, with impious rage, Reproach thy children to their face; "Where is your God of boasted pow'r, And where the promise of his grace."

Verse 4

Deep from the prison's horrid glooms, Oh hear the mournful captive sigh, And let thy sov'reign pow'r reprieve, The trembling souls condemn'd to die.

Verse 5

Let those, who dar'd insult thy reign, Return dismay'd with endless shame, While heathens, who by thy grace despise Shall from thy vengeance learn thy name.

Verse 6

So shall thy children, freed from death, Eternal songs of honour raise, And ev'ry future age shall tell, Thy sov'reign pow'r and pard'ning grace.