Church Hymn Book ‎#P.LXXVIII.IV

P.LXXVIII.IV. Great God, how oft did Isra'l prove

21 Great God, how oft did Isra'l prove
By turns thine anger, and thy love?
There in a glass our hearts may see
How fickle and how false they be.

22 How soon the faithless Jews forgot
The dreadful wonders God had wrought;
Then they provok'd him to his face
Nor fear his pow'r, nor trust his grace.

23 The Lord consum'd their years in pain,
And made their travels long and vain;
A tedious march thro' unknown ways
Wore out their strength, and spent their days.

24 Oft when they saw their brethren slain,
They mourn'd and sought the Lord again;
Call'd him the rock of their abode,
Their high Redeemer and their God.

25 Their pray'rs and vows before him rise
As flatt'ring words or solemn lies,
While their rebellious tempers prove
False to his cov'nant and his love.

26 Yet could his sov'reign grace forgive
The men who ne'er deserv'd to live;
His anger oft away he turn'd,
Or else with gentle flame it burn'd.

27 He saw their flesh was weak and frail,
He saw temptations still prevail;
The God of Abrah'm lov'd them still,
And led them to his holy hill.

Text Information

• First Line: Great God, how oft did Isra'l prove
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1816
• Scripture:
  Psalm 78:21-27
• Topic: Backsliding and Forgiveness

Tune Information

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