Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#X

X. Prayer heard, and Saints saved; or Pride, Atheism and Oppression punished

1 Why doth the Lord depart so far,
And why conceal his face,
When great calamities appear,
And times of deep distress?

2 Lord, shall the wicked still deride
Thy justice and thy laws?
Shall they advance their heads in pride,
And slight the righteous cause.

3 They cast thy judgements from their sight,
And then insult the poor,
They boast in their exalted height,
That they shall fall no more.

4 Arise, O GOD, lift up thine hand,
Attend our humble cry;
No enemy shall dare to stand
When GOD ascends on high.

Pause.

5 Why do the men of malice rage,
And say with foolish pride,
"The GOD of Heaven will ne'er engage
"To fight on Zion's Side.

6 But thou for ever art our Lord;
And powerful is thine hand,
As when the heathens felt thy sword,
And perish'd from thy land.

7 Thou wilt prepare our hearts to pray,
And cause thine ear to hear;
Accept the vows thy children pay,
And free thy saints from fear.

8 Proud tyrants shall no more oppress,
No more despise the just;
And mighty sinners shall confess
They are but earth and dust.

Text Information

• First Line: Why doth the Lord depart so far
• Title: Prayer heard, and Saints saved; or Pride, Atheism and Oppression punished
• Meter: Common Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1785
• Scripture:
  Psalm 10

Tune Information

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