When God all-clement heard his people's cries

Verse 1

When God all-clement heard his people's cries, And freed them from their galling miseries; When he redeem'd them with his mighty hand, And safe-restor'd them to their native land; 'Twixt hope and fear distracted, long they seem Like men awaking from an irksome dream;

Verse 2

Then were their sorrows into laughter turn'd; They then rejoic'd as much as late they mourn'd; Dried were their tears--'twas all one scene of joy; While hymn's of gratitude their tongues employ, Nor less astonish'd at the great event The heathen were, and murmur'd discontent: What wonders hath their God perform'd? they cry;

Verse 3

Wonders indeed! we therefore shout for joy.

Verse 4

And thou our brethren, gracious God, restore; In their hard bondage let them sigh no more; Let them return, and fill the crouded road; As, when the south-wind blows, the rapid flood Disdains confinement, and breaks down it's mounds, And the whole plain in one wide deluge drowns.

Verse 5

Who trusts his grain unto a barren soil, Anxious he fears, 'twill not repay his toil; But if glad rains a plenteous crop produce, What sudden transports o'er his soul diffuse?

Verse 6

So we, from exile happily return'd, Where long our fetters and our woes we 'ad mourn'd; Reseated in our native fields, are gay, And our deliv'rer's clemency display' Ourselves to life, to liberty, restor'd, We, raptur'd, sing the mercies of our Lord.