Classic Poem

Almighty Father! hearken,
Forgive, and help, and bless,
Nor let thine anger darken
The night of our distress;
A sin, and shame, and weakness,
Are all we call our own,
We turn to thee in meekness,
And trust on Thee alone.

O God, remember Zion —
And pardon all her sin!
Thy mercy we rely on,
To rein thy vengeance in;
Though dark pollution staineth
The Temple thou hast built,
Thy faithfulness remaineth —
And that shall cleanse the guilt!

To Thee then, Friend All-seeing,
Great source of grace and love,
In whom we have our being,
In whom we live and move —
Jerusalem, obeying
Thy tender word, " draw near, "
Would come securely, praying
In penitence and fear.

Thou knowest, Lord, the peril
Our ill deserts have wrought,
If earth for us is sterile,
And all our labour naught!
Alas! our righteous wages
Are famine, plague, and sword,
Unless Thy wrath assuages
In mercy, gracious Lord!

For lo! we know Thy terrors
Throughout the world are rife,
Seditions, phrensies, errors,
Perplexities, and strife!
Thy woes are on the nations,
And Thou dost scatter them —
Yet, heed the supplications
Of thy Jerusalem!

Truth, Lord, we are unworthy,
Unwise, untrue, unjust,
Our souls and minds are earthy,
And cleaving to the dust;
But pour thy graces o'er us,
And quicken us at heart;
Make straight Thy way before us,
And let us not depart!

Turn us, that we may fear Thee,
And worship day by day —
Draw us, that we draw near Thee,
To honour and obey;
Be with us in all trouble,
And, as our Saviour still,
Lord, recompense us double
With good for all our ill!

Though we deserve not pity,
Yet, Lord, all pounty yield,
All blessings in the city,
And blessings in the field,
On folded flocks and cattle,
On basket and on store,
In peace and in the battle,
All blessings evermore!

All good for earth and heaven!
For we are bold to plead,
As through Thy Son forgiven,
And in Him sons indeed!
Yes, Father! as possessing
In Thee our Father — God —
God give us every blessing,
And take away Thy Rod!