C. M.

Saints chastised, and sinners destroyed; or, Instructive afflictions.

O God, to whom revenge belongs,

"Proclaim thy wrath aloud;

Let sovereign power redress our wrongs,

Let justice smite the proud.

They say, "The Lord nor sees nor hears:"

When will the fools be wise?

Can he be deaf who formed their ears?

Or blind, who made their eyes?

He knows their impious thoughts are vain,

And they shall feel his power;

His wrath shall pierce their souls with pain

In some surprising hour.

But if thy saints deserve rebuke,

Thou hast a gentler rod;

Thy providences and thy book

Shall make them know their God.

Blest is the man thy hands chastise,

And to his duty draw;

Thy scourges make thy children wise

When they forget thy law.

But God will ne'er cast off his saints,

Nor his own promise break

He pardons his inheritance

For their Redeemer's sake.