Backsliding and Forgiveness; or, Sin Punished, and Saints Saved

Great God, how oft did Israel prove

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 32 hymnals

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Representative Text

21 Great God, how oft did Isra'l prove
By turns thine anger, and thy love?
There in a glass our hearts may see
How fickle and how false they be.

22 How soon the faithless Jews forgot
The dreadful wonders God had wrought;
Then they provok'd him to his face
Nor fear his pow'r, nor trust his grace.

23 The Lord consum'd their years in pain,
And made their travels long and vain;
A tedious march thro' unknown ways
Wore out their strength, and spent their days.

24 Oft when they saw their brethren slain,
They mourn'd and sought the Lord again;
Call'd him the rock of their abode,
Their high Redeemer and their God.

25 Their pray'rs and vows before him rise
As flatt'ring words or solemn lies,
While their rebellious tempers prove
False to his cov'nant and his love.

26 Yet could his sov'reign grace forgive
The men who ne'er deserv'd to live;
His anger oft away he turn'd,
Or else with gentle flame it burn'd.

27 He saw their flesh was weak and frail,
He saw temptations still prevail;
The God of Abrah'm lov'd them still,
And led them to his holy hill.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.LXXVIII.IV

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Great God, how oft did Israel prove
Title: Backsliding and Forgiveness; or, Sin Punished, and Saints Saved
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #1752
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The Cyber Hymnal #1752

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