The Psalms of David ‎#CVII

CVII. To GOD your grateful Voices raise

1 To GOD your grateful Voices raise,
Who does your Patron prove;
And let your never ceasing Praise
Attend his endless Love.
Let those give Thanks, whom he from Bands
Of haughty Foes releas'd;
And brought them back from distant Lands,
From North, South, West and East.

2 Through lonely desart Ways they went,
Nor could a City find;
'Till quite with Thirst and Hunger spent,
Their Souls within them pin'd.
Then soon to GOD's indulgent Ear
Did they their Cry address;
Who graciously vouchsaf'd to hear,
And freed them from Distress.

3 From crooked Paths he led them forth,
And did their Footsteps guide;
To wealthy Towns of great Resort,
Where they were well supply'd.
Oh then, that all the Earth, with me,
Would GOD's great Mercy praise;
And ALL the mighty Works, which he
Throughout the World displays.

4 For he beholds the longing Souls,
Their Wants he satisfies;
The hungry Soul, e'en to the full,
With Goodness he supplies.
10 Some lie, with Darkness compass'd round,
In Death's tremendous Shade;
And with unwieldy Fetters bound,
By Cares more heavy made.

5 Because GOD's Counsel they defy'd,
And lightly priz'd his Word,
They fell, and were with Sorrows try'd,
Where none could Help afford.
Then soon to God's indulgent Ear
They did their Cry address;
Who graciously vouchsaf'd to hear,
And freed them from Distress.

6 From dismal Dungeons, dark as Night,
And Black as Death's Abode,
He brought them forth, to chearful Light,
And Liberty bestow'd.
Oh then that all the Earth, with me
Would GOD's great Mercy praise,
And all the mighty Works, which he
Throughout the World displays!

7 For he, with his Almighty Hand,
The Gates in Pieces broke;
Nor could the Bars of brass withstand,
Or Steel resist his Stroke.

Part II

8 Remorseless Wretches, void of Sense,
With Boldness GOD defy;
And for their multiply'd Offence,
Oppress'd with sickness lie.
Their Soul, a Prey to Pain and Fear,
Abhors the choicest Meats;
And they by faint Degrees draw near
To Death's most dreadful Gates.

9 Then straight to GOD's indulgent Ear,
They do their Cry address;
Who graciously vouchsafes to hear,
And free them from Distress.
He all their sad Distempers heals,
And Health and Safety gives;
And when all human Succour fails,
Their Souls from Death retrieves.

10 Oh then, that all the Earth, with me
Would GOD's great Mercy praise;
And all his wondrous Works, which he
Throughout the World displays!
With Off'rings let his Altar flame,
Whilst they their Thanks express;
And with loud Joy, his holy Name,
For all his Wonders bless.

Part III

13 They that in Ships, with Courage bold,
Through Seas their Trade pursue,
Do GOD's amazing Works behold,
And fearful Wonders view.
No sooner his Command is past,
But forth the Tempest flies;
Which sweeps the Sea with rapid Haste,
And makes the Billows rise.

12 Sometimes the Ships, toss'd up to Heav'n,
On Mountain Waves appear;
Then down the steep Abyss are driv'n,
Each Soul dissolves with Fear.
They reel and stagger to and fro,
Like Men with Wine oppress'd;
Nor do the skilful Seamen know,
Which Course to steer, is best.

14 Then straight to GOD's indulgent Ear
They do their Cry address;
Who graciously vouchsafes to hear,
And free them from Distress.
He does the raging Storm appease,
And makes the Billows still;
With Joy they see their Fury cease,
Their Voyage they fulfil.

14 Oh then, that all the Earth, with me
Would GOD's great Mercy praise,
And all the mighty Works, which he
Throughout the World displays!
Let them, where all the Tribes resort,
Advance his glorious Name,
And in the Elders sov'reign Court,
With Joy his Praise proclaim.

Part IV

15 A fruitful Land, where Streams abound,
GOD, if People sin,
Will turn to dry and barren Ground,
And punish those therein:
The parch'd and desart Heath, he makes
To smile springing Wells;
Which for his Lot the Hungry takes,
And in strong Cities dwells.

16 He sows the Fields, the Vineyard plants,
Which all his Toil repay;
Nor can, while GOD his Blessing grants,
His Seed or Stock decay.
But when his Sins Heav'n's Wrath provoke,
His Substance fades away;
He feels th'Oppressor's gauling Yoke,
And falls to Grief a Prey.

17 The Prince that slights what GOD commands,
Must quickly leave his Throne;
And over wild and desart Lands
Abandon'd stray alone.
Whilst GOD from all afflicting Cares
Sets humble Men on high;
And makes in Time his num'rous Heirs
With num'rous Flocks to vie.

18 Then Sinners shall have nought to say,
The Just their Joy shall show;
The Wise these strange Events shall weigh,
And GOD's great Mercy know.

Text Information

• First Line: To GOD your grateful Voices raise
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 107
• Topic: Songs of Praise to God: the Creation and Providence; Thanksgivings: For Delerances and Wonders, General

Tune Information

• Name: [To God, your grateful voices raise]
• Key: a minor