Classic Poem

MY God ! till I receiv'd 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!

Thy merciful restraint I scorn'd,
And left the pleasant road;
Yet turn me, and I shall be turn'd,
Thou art the L ORD my God .

Is Ephraim banish'd from my thoughts,
Or vile in my esteem?
No, saith the L ORD , with all his faults,
I still remember him.

Is he a dear and pleasant child?
Yes, dear and pleasant still;
Tho' sin his foolish heart beguil'd,
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.