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

LXXVIIIc. The Punishment of Luxury and Intemperance; or, Chastisement and Salvation

1 When Israel sinn'd, the Lord reprov'd,
And fill'd their hearts with dread;
Yet he forgave the men he lov'd,
And sent them heavenly bread.

2 He fed them with a liberal hand,
And made his treasures known;
He gave the midnight-clouds command
To pour provision down.

3 The manna, like a morning shower,
Lay thick around their feet;
The food of heaven, so light, so pure;
As tho' 'twere angels meat.

4 But they in murmuring language said,
"Is manna all our feast?
"We loathe this light, this airy bread;
"We must have flesh to taste."

5 "Ye shall have flesh to please your lust,"
The Lord in wrath reply'd,
And sent them quails like sand or dust,
Heap'd up on every side.

6 He gave them all their own desire;
And greedy as they fed,
His vengeance burnt with secret fire,
And smote the rebels dead.

7 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.

8 Oft he chastis'd, and still forgave,
'Till, by his gracious hand
The nation he resolv'd to save
Possess'd the promis'd land.

Text Information

• First Line: When Israel sinn'd, the Lord reprov'd
• Title: The Punishment of Luxury and Intemperance; or, Chastisement and Salvation
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1785
• Scripture:
  Psalm 78

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