Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#127

127. Afflicted Saints happy, and prosperous Sinners cursed

1 Now I’m convinc'd the Lord is kind
To men of heart sincere,
Yet once my foolish thoughts repin'd,
And border'd on despair.

2 I griev'd to see the wicked thrive,
And spoke with angry breath,
“How pleasant and profane they live!
"How peaceful is their death!

3 "With well fed flesh and haughty eyes
"They lay their fears to sleep;
"Against the heavens their slanders rise,
"While saints in silence weep.

4 "In vain I lift my hands to pray,
"And cleanse my heart in vain;
"For I am chastened all the day,
"The night renews my pain."

5 Yet while my tongue indulg'd complaints,
I felt my heart reprove;
"Sure I shall thus offend thy saints,
"And grieve the men I love."

6 But still I found my doubts too hard,
The conflict too severe;
'Till I retir'd to search thy word,
And learn thy secrets there.

7 There, as in some prophetic glass,
I saw the sinner’s feet
High mounted on a slippery place,
Beside a fiery pit.

8 I heard the wretch profanely boast,
'Till at thy frown he fell;
His honors in a dream were lost,
And he awakes in hell.

9 Lord what an envious fool I was!
How like a thoughtless beast;
Thus to suspect thy promis'd grace,
And think the wicked blest.

10 Yet I was kept from full despair,
Upheld by power unknown:
That blessed hand that broke the snare,
Shall guide me to thy throne.

Text Information

• First Line: Now I'm convinc'd the Lord is kind
• Title: Afflicted Saints happy, and prosperous Sinners cursed
• Meter: Common Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 73
• Topic: Afflicted Saints happy; Delight: in God; God: our portion here and hereafter; Prosperity dangerous; Prosperous sinners cursed; Providence: its mystery unfolded

Tune Information

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