The Punishment of Luxury and Intemperance; or, Chastisement and Salvation

Verse 1

When Isra'l sinn'd the Lord reprov'd, And fill'd their hearts with dread; Yet he forgave the men he lov'd, And sent them heav’nly bread.

Verse 2

He fed them with a lib'ral hand, And made his treasures known; He gave the mid-night clouds command To pour provision down.

Verse 3

The manna like a morning show'r Lay thick around their feet The food of heav’n, so light, so pure, As tho' ’twere angels meat.

Verse 4

But they in murm'ring language said, "Is manna all our feast? We loathe this light, this airy bread; We must have flesh to taste."

Verse 5

"Ye shall have flesh to please your lust," The Lord in wrath repli'd, And sent them quails like sand or dust, Heap'd up on ev'ry side.

Verse 6

He gave them all their own desire, And greedy as they fed, His vengeance burnt with secret fire, And smote the rebels dead.

Verse 7

When some were slain the rest return'd, And sought the Lord with tears; Under the rod they fear'd and mourn'd, But soon forgot their fears.

Verse 8

Oft he chastis'd, and still forgave, 'Till by his gracious hand The nations he resolv'd to save, Possess'd the promis'd land.