Classic Poem

If God himself, with joy and pride,
May Israel in salvation say;
If God had not been on our side
On that tremendous day,

The hostile swarms had overpow'r'd
Our utmost efforts to engage,
And quick with fire and sword devour'd,
So furious was their rage.

Yea, Rabbah's waters stain'd with blood
Had borne our carcasses afloat,
And we had perish'd in the flood
That fills the circling mote.

The stream with flowing life enlarg'd,
Had giv'n their proud revenge delight;
The deep canal, with death surcharg'd,
Had gratify'd their spite.

But blessed be the God of peace,
Who hath not left his chosen fold
For thieves and murderers to fleece
With malice uncontroul'd.

As when the greedy fowler's snare
The birds by providence elude,
Our souls are rescu'd from despair,
And their free flight renew'd.

Our help in God's most holy name
With perfect confidence we place,
Which made the world's harmonious frame,
And man's unnumber'd race.