O the Hope of Israel, the Savior Thereof

1314.   O the Hope of Israel, the Saviour thereof, &c.—[Jeremiah 14:8-9]. 1 HOPE of Thy church and Saviour, hear! In all our pass'd distresses near, In all our faith's decays, Why shouldst Thou at a distance stand, Now as a stranger in the land, And hide Thine angry face?

2 Or if Thy people to revive, Thy Spirit doth for a season strive, And visit us in love, Why dost Thou vanish from our sight, A guest that tarrieth but a night, Impatient to remove?

3 Canst Thou at sin astonish'd be, At Israel's incredulity, And not know what to do? Why should Omnipotence give place, Or cease its miracles of grace In such a land to show?

4 Yet in the midst of us Thou art, Thou dost in many an humble heart Thy gracious sway maintain, Our candlestick is not removed; Thy name is still by those approved Who bear Thy name in vain.

5 Thee in our creeds we still confess, Hold fast our form of godliness, And search Thy written word: Ah! do not, Lord, our nation leave. Till with Thy Spirit we receive A power to call Thee Lord.

6 Confirm in our degenerate days And perfect Thine own work of grace But now again begun, Still with our favour'd nation stay, Till every island flee away Before Thine azure throne.