1 To God I cry'd with mournful voice,
I sought his gracious ear,
In the sad hour when trouble rose,
And fill'd my heart with fear.
2 Sad were my days, and dark my nights,
My soul refus'd relief;
I thought on God, the just and wise,
But thoughts increas'd my grief.
3 Still I complain'd, and still opprest,
My heart began to break;
My God, thy wrath forbade me rest,
And kept mine eyes awake.
4 My overwhelming sorrows grew,
'Till I could speak no more;
Then I within myself withdrew,
And called thy judgments o’er.
5 I call'd back years and ancient times
When I beheld thy face;
My spirit searched for secret times
That might withhold thy grace.
6 I call'd thy mercies to my mind,
Which I enjoy'd before;
And will the Lord no more be kind;
His face appear no more?
7 Will he for ever cast me off?
His promise ever fail?
Has he forgot his tender love?
Shall anger still prevail?
8 But I forbid this hopeless thought,
This dark, despairing frame,
Rememb’ring what thy hand hath wrought;
Thy hand is still the same.
9 I’ll think again of all thy ways,
And talk thy wonders o’er,
Thy wonders of recov'ring grace,
When flesh could hope no more.
10 Grace dwells with justice on the throne;
And men that love thy word
Have in thy sanctuary known
The counsels of the Lord.
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.I