Ephraim Repenting. - Jeremiah xxxi.18-20.

My God, till I received thy stroke, How like a beast was I! So unaccustom'd to the yoke, So backward to comply. With grief my just reproach I bear, Shame fills me at the thought; How frequent my rebellions were! What wickedness I wrought! 3 Thy merciful restraint I scorn'd, And left the pleasant road; Yet turn me, and I shall be turn'd: Thou art the Lord my God. Is Ephraim banish'd from my thoughts, Or vile in my esteem? No, saith the Lord, with all his faults I still remember him. Is he a dear and pleasant child? Yes, dear and pleasant still; Though sin his foolish heart beguiled. And he withstood my will. My sharp rebuke has laid him low, He seeks my face again; My pity kindles at his woe, He shall not seek in vain.