1256
L. M.
Confession and prayer.
O may the power 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,
Thy people’s eyes are fixed on thee!
We own thy just, uplifted hand,
Which thousands can not, will not see.
3 How long hast thou bestowed thy care
On this indulged, ungrateful spot;
While other nations, far and near,
Have envied and admired 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 heaven and earth have heard
Our vile requital of his love!
We, whom like children he has reared,
Against his goodness rebels prove.
6 His grace despised, his power defied,
And legions of the blackest crimes,
Profaneness, riot, lust and pride,
Are signs that mark the present times.
7 The Lord, displeased, hath raised 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 everywhere,
Who meet to mourn, confess and pray;
The nation and thy churches spare,
And let thy wrath be turned away.