607. How Long Hath God Bestowed His Care

1 How long hath God bestowed his care
On this indulged, ungrateful land!
How oft in times of danger near,
Preserved us by his sov'reign hand!

2 Here peace and liberty have dwelt,
The glorious Gospel brightly shone;
And oft our mightiest foes have felt
That God hath made our cause his own.

3 But, ah! both heav'n and earth have heard
Our vile requital of his love;
We, whom like children he has reared,
For all his care unthankful prove.

4 See! he uplifts his chast'ning rod!
O, where are now the faithful few,
Who tremble for the ark of God,
And know what Israel ought to do?

5 Lord, hear thy people ev'rywhere,
Who meet this day to weep and pray;
Our sinful land in mercy spare,
In mercy turn thy wrath away!

Text Information
First Line: How long hath God bestowed his care
Title: How Long Hath God Bestowed His Care
Author: John Newton, 1725-1807
Meter: L.M. 8.8.8.8.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1972
Scripture:
Topic: Book One: Hymns, Songs, Chorales; Seasons, Days, Services: National Repentance and Confession of Sin
Notes: If my people … shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear … forgive … and will heal their land. II Chron. 7:14.
Tune Information
Name: MELMORE
Composer: W. Martin
Meter: L.M. 8.8.8.8.
Key: D Major
Notes: M.M. 66



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