The Sixty-Third Chapter of Isaiah, Part 1

I Too will magnify the Lord,
And emulate the angels' lays,
His loving-kindnesses record,
In sounds of everlasting praise.

For all He hath on us bestow'd
This only tribute can I bring,
Extol the mercies of my God,
His multitude of mercies sing.

How good to Israel's chosen race!
Who, who can all His goodness tell?
So rich in unexhausted grace;
His riches are unsearchable.

Surely, He said, Mine own they are,
My people will not faithless prove;
My children will not slight My care,
Or disappoint a Father's love.

Sweetly He strove their hearts to gain,
He woo'd them to embrace His will.
They never ask'd His help in vain,
But found a present Saviour still.

Dear as the apple of His eye
In all their griefs He kindly grieved;
The angel of His presence nigh
From all the favourite nation saved.

He rescued when to evil sold,
He snatch'd them from impending harms,
Carried them all the days of old
Safe in His everlasting arms.

He magnified His saving power,
Call'd them His utmost grace to prove;
With infinite compassion bore
The objects of His tenderest love.

But O! they soon forsook their God;
The faithless and rebellious race
In devious paths of evil trod,
And grieved the Spirit of His grace.

They vex'd; and forced His wrath to rise:
His vengeance fell, so long delay'd:
Constrain'd the rebels to chastise,
He pour'd His judgments on their head.

His mercy then He call'd to mind;
He call'd to mind the ancient days
When, only merciful and kind,
He smiled on the peculiar race.

Where is He now — their God, their Guide!
(He taught their hearts the powerful plea;)
Where is He now, their hearts replied,
Who brought His people from the sea?

Who placed a shepherd o'er the rest,
And gave him wisdom from above,
And breathed into his peaceful breast
The meek, mild spirit of His love.

Them by the hand of Moses led,
His power and goodness to proclaim,
Beyond the bounds of time to spread
JEHOVAH'S everlasting name.

The Lord of Hosts in all appear'd,
He smote the sea with Moses1 rod,
His glorious arm aloft He rear'd:
The parting sea confess'd its God.

He brought them through the wondrous way;
The deep was dry at His command;
Secure they march'd in firm array,
Nor stumbled, till they reach'd the land.

Smooth as the generous-nurtured beast
Into the verdant vale goes down,
To bring them to that promised rest,
His Spirit gently led them on.

Thus didst Thou guide Thy chosen race,
That every tongue might speak Thy fame,
And earth and heaven conspire to praise
The God of IsraeFs glorious Name.