Dr. Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#171

171. Great God, how oft did Israel prove

1 Great God, how oft did Israel prove
By turns thine anger and thy love!
There in a glass our hearts may see
How fickle and how false they be.

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

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

4 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.

5 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.

6 Yet did his sov'reign grace forgive
The men who not deserv'd to live;
His anger oft away he turn'd,
Or else with gentle flame it burn'd.

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

Text Information

• First Line: Great God, how oft did Israel prove
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 78:32-72
• Notes: Part 4

Tune Information

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