71. Confession and Prayer

1 Oh may the pow'r which melts the rock
Be felt by all assembled here!
Or else our service will but mock
The God whom we profess to fear!

2 Lord, while thy judgments shake the land,
The people's eyes are fix'd on thee!
We own thy just uplifted hand,
Which thousands cannon, will not see.

3 How long hast thou bestow'd thy care
On this indulg'd ungrateful spot;
While other nations, far and near,
Have envy'd and admir'd our lot.

4 Here peace and liberty have dwelt,
The glorious gospel brightly shone;
And oft our enemies have felt,
That God has made our cause his own.

5 But ah! both heav'n and earth have heard
Our vile requital of his love!
We, whom like children he has rear'd,
Rebels against his goodness prove.

6 His grace despis'd, his pow'r defy'd,
And legions of the blackest crimes;
Profaneness, riot, lust and pride,
Are signs that mark the present times.

7 The Lord displeas'd has rais'd his rod,
Ah, where are now the faithful few
Who tremble for the ark of God,
And know what Israel ought to do.

8 Lord hear thy people ev'ry where,
Who meet to mourn, confess and pray;
The nations and thy churches spare,
And let thy wrath be turn'd away.

Text Information
First Line: Oh, may the pow'r which melts the rock
Title: Confession and Prayer
Language: English
Publication Date: 1803
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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