When God from sin's captivity
Sets his afflicted people free,
Lost in amaze, their mercies seem
The transient raptures of a dream.

But soon their ransom'd souls rejoice,
And mirth and music swell their voice,
Till foes confess, nor dare condemn,
" The Lord hath done great things for them. "

They catch the strain and answer thus,
" The Lord hath done great things for us;
Whence gladness fills our hearts, and songs,
Sweet and spontaneous, wake our tongues. "

Turn our captivity, O Lord!
As southern rivers, at thy word,
Bound from their channels, and restore
Plenty, where all was waste before.

Who sow in tears shall reap in joy;
Nought shall the precious seed destroy,
Nor long the weeping exiles roam,
But bring their sheaves rejoicing home.