Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PSALM XIII by NATHANIEL COTTON

First Line: OFFENDED MAJESTY! HOW LONG
Last Line: AND RAPTURE SWELLS MY SONG.
Subject(s): FAITH; GOD; PAIN; BELIEF; CREED; SUFFERING; MISERY;

OFFENDED Majesty! how long
Wilt thou conceal thy face?
How long refuse my fainting soul
The succours of thy grace?

While sorrow wrings my bleeding heart,
And black despondence reigns;
Satan exults at my complaints,
And triumphs o'er my pains.

Let thy returning spirit, Lord!
Dispel the shades of night;
Smile on my poor deserted soul,
My God! thy smiles are light.

While scoffers at thy sacred word
Deride the pangs I feel,
Deem my religion insincere,
Or call it useless zeal.

Yet will I ne'er repent my choice,
I'll ne'er withdraw my trust;
I know thee, Lord, a powerful friend,
And kind, and wise, and just.

To doubt Thy goodness would be base
Ingratitude in me;
Past favours shall renew my hopes,
And fix my faith in Thee.

Indulgent God! my willing tongue
Thy praises shall prolong;
For oh! Thy bounty fires my breast,
And rapture swells my song.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net