Melancholy assaulting, and Hope prevailing

Verse 1

To God I cry'd with mournful voice, I sought his gracious ear, In the sad hour when trouble rose, And fill'd my heart with fear.

Verse 2

Sad were my days, and dark my nights, My soul refus'd relief; I thought on God, the just and wise, But thoughts increas'd my grief.

Verse 3

Still I complain'd, and still opprest, My heart began to break; My God, thy wrath forbade me rest, And kept mine eyes awake.

Verse 4

My overwhelming sorrows grew, 'Till I could speak no more; Then I within myself withdrew, And called thy judgments o’er.

Verse 5

I call'd back years and ancient times When I beheld thy face; My spirit searched for secret times That might withhold thy grace.

Verse 6

I call'd thy mercies to my mind, Which I enjoy'd before; And will the Lord no more be kind; His face appear no more?

Verse 7

Will he for ever cast me off? His promise ever fail? Has he forgot his tender love? Shall anger still prevail?

Verse 8

But I forbid this hopeless thought, This dark, despairing frame, Rememb’ring what thy hand hath wrought; Thy hand is still the same.

Verse 9

I’ll think again of all thy ways, And talk thy wonders o’er, Thy wonders of recov'ring grace, When flesh could hope no more.

Verse 10

Grace dwells with justice on the throne; And men that love thy word Have in thy sanctuary known The counsels of the Lord.