Text:God's gentle Chastisement; or His tender Mercy to his People

183. God's gentle Chastisement; or His tender Mercy to his People

1 The Lord, how wond'rous are his Ways!
How firm his Truth! how large his Grace!
He takes his Mercy for his Throne,
And thence he makes his Glories known.

2 Not half so high his Pow'r hath spread
The starry Heav'ns above our Head,
As his rich Love exceeds our Praise,
Exceeds the highest Hopes we raise.

3 Not half so far hath Nature plac'd
The rising Morning from the West,
As his forgiving Grace removes
The daily Guilt of those he loves.

4 How slowly doth his Wrath arise!
On swifter Wings Salvation flies;
And if he lets his Anger burn,
How soon his Frowns to Pity turn!

5 Amidst his Wrath Compassion shines;
His Strokes are lighter than our Sins;
And while his Rod corrects his Saints,
His Ear indulges their Complaints.

6 So Fathers their young Sons chastise
With gentle Hands and melting Eyes;
The Children weep beneath the Smart,
And move the Pity of their Heart.

Pause.

7 The mighty GOD, the Wise and Just,
Knows that our Frame is feeble Dust;
And will no heavy Loads impose
Beyond the Strength that he bestows.

8 He knows how soon our Nature dies,
Blasted by ev'ry Wind that flies;
Like Grass we spring, and die as soon,
As Morning Flow'rs that fade at Noon.

9 But his eternal Love is sure
To all the Saints, and shall endure;
From Age to Age his Truth shall reign,
Nor Children's Children hope in vain.

Text Information
First Line: The Lord, how wond'rous are his Ways!
Title: God's gentle Chastisement; or His tender Mercy to his People
Meter: Long Metre
Language: English
Publication Date: 1740
Scripture:
Topic: Afflicted: gentle; Angels: praise the Lord; Compassion of God (5 more...)
Tune Information
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