PSALM LXXIX. Long Metre. For the distress of War

Behold, O GOD, what cruel foes, Thy peaceful heritage invade; Thy holy temple stands defil'd, In dust thy sacred walls are laid.

Wide o'er the vallies, drench'd in blood, Thy people fall'n in death remain; The fowls of heaven their flesh devour, And savage beasts divide the slain.

Th' insulting foes, with impious rage, Reproach thy children to their face; "Where is your GOD of boasted power, "And where the promise of his grace."

Deep from the prison's horrid glooms, Oh hear the mournful captives sigh, And let thy sovereign power reprieve, The trembling souls condemn'd to die.

Let those, who dar'd insult thy reign, Return dismay'd with endless shame, While heathens, who thy grace despise, Shall from thy vengeance learn thy name.

So shall thy children, freed from death, Eternal songs of honour raise, And every future age shall tell, Thy sovereign power and pardoning grace.