Psalm LXXVII

To God I rais'd my earnest cries,
To God, who rules the earth and skies;
His sovereign mercy deign'd to hear
My loud complaints with pitying ear.

The tedious day was spent in grief,
In humble prayer I sought relief;
But day and night the restless smart
Deny'd sweet comfort to my heart.

I thought on God with terrors arm'd;
New troubles then my soul alarm'd!
Then overwhelming sorrows rose,
Nor could complaining ease my woes.

Thy terrors, Lord, forbid my rest,
And silent anguish fills my breast;
And now in sad reflection rise
Past days and years before my eyes.

My nightly songs I call to mind,
And try some gleam of joy to find;
But search this wretched heart in vain,
For all is darkness, grief and pain.

Will God for ever leave his care?
Must I no more his favour share?
Shall long-lost mercy ne'er prevail?
And can his word for ever fail?

Array'd in frowns his angry face,
Has God forgot his wonted grace?
And clos'd the full, the boundless store
Of mercy, ne'er to open more?

But I rebuke my drooping heart,
Far hence ye guilty fears depart:
Still will I call past comforts o'er,
And trust almighty love and power.

This drooping heart again shall trace
The ancient wonders of thy grace;
The mighty works my God has wrought,
Shall still employ my voice, my thought.

Thy way, O God, thy wonderous way,
While in thy temple I survey,
Struck with astonishment, I cry,
Where is a power so great, so high?

Whoe'er surveys thy works must own
That thou art God, and thou alone;
Thy favours to thy chosen care
The wonders of thy power declare.

Thy potent arm, for ever near,
Controul'd their foes, controul'd their fear;
And Jacob's sons, (distinguish'd race!)
Confess'd thy kind delivering grace.

The waters with thy presence aw'd,
Beheld, and own'd their maker God;
The ocean shook with all its waves,
And trembled through its deepest caves.

The full clouds pour'd their watery store;
Amid the storm's impetuous roar,
Thy dreadful arrows flew abroad,
And sounding skies proclaimed the God

Thy awful voice in thunder broke,
Heaven listen'd while the Almighty spoke;
While o'er the world keen lightenings spread,
Earth trembled with unusual dread!

Thy path, O Lord, thy trackless way
Lies in the deep unfathom'd sea;
No mortal thought can ever trace
Thy steps of wisdom, power and grace.

Thy people found thy guardian care;
Where'er they wander'd, God was there;
Till guided by thy prophet's hand,
They reach'd secure the promis'd land.