1 Will God for ever cast us off? His wrath for ever smoke Against the people of his love, His little chosen flock?
2 Think of the tribes so dearly bought With their Redeemer's blood; Nor let thy Sion be forgot, Where once thy glory stood.
3 Lift up thy feet and march in haste, Aloud our ruin calls; See what a wide and fearful waste Is made within thy walls.
4 Where once thy churches pray'd and sang Thy foes profanely roar; Over thy gates their ensigns hang, Sad tokens of their power.
5 How are the seats of worship broke! They tear the buildings down, And he that deals the heaviest stroke Procures the chief renown.
6 With flames they threaten to destroy Thy children in their nest; "Come let us burn at once (they cry) The temple and the priest."
7 And still to heighten our distress Thy presence is withdrawn; Thy wonted signs of power and grace, Thy power and grace are gone.
8 No prophet speaks to calm our woes, But all the seers mourn; There's not a soul amongst us knows The time of thy return.