13 When Isra'l sinn'd the Lord reprov'd,
And fill'd their hearts with dread;
Yet he forgave the men he lov'd,
And sent them heav’nly bread.
14 He fed them with a lib'ral hand,
And made his treasures known;
He gave the mid-night clouds command
To pour provision down.
15 The manna like a morning show'r
Lay thick around their feet
The food of heav’n, so light, so pure,
As tho' ’twere angels meat.
16 But they in murm'ring language said,
"Is manna all our feast?
We loathe this light, this airy bread;
We must have flesh to taste."
17 "Ye shall have flesh to please your lust,"
The Lord in wrath repli'd,
And sent them quails like sand or dust,
Heap'd up on ev'ry side.
18 He gave them all their own desire,
And greedy as they fed,
His vengeance burnt with secret fire,
And smote the rebels dead.
19 When some were slain the rest return'd,
And sought the Lord with tears;
Under the rod they fear'd and mourn'd,
But soon forgot their fears.
20 Oft he chastis'd, and still forgave,
'Till by his gracious hand
The nations he resolv'd to save,
Possess'd the promis'd land.
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.LXXVII.III
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 >
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