66.
Moses and Amalek.— Exod.xvii, 9. Feb. 27, 1778.
1 WHILE Joshua led the armed bands
Of Israel forth to war ;
Moses apart with lifted hands
Engaged in humble pray r.
2 The armed bands had quickly fail d,
And perish d in the fight,
If Moses pray r had not prevailM
To put the foes to flight.
3 When Moses hands through weakness dropp d
The warriors fainted too ;
Isr el s success at once was stopp d,
And Am lek bolder grew.
4 A people, always prone to boast,
Were taught by this suspense,
That not a num rous armed host,
But God, was their defence.
5 We now of fleets and armies vaunt,
And ships and men prepare ;
But men like Moses most we want,
To save the state by pray r.
6 Yet, Lord, we hope thou hast prepared
A hidden few to-day,
(The nation s secret strength and guard,)
To weep and mourn and pray.
7 Oh hear their pray rs, and grant us aid,
Bid war and discord cease ;
Eeal the sad breach which sin has made,
And bless us all with peace.
67.
The Hiding-place. Feb. 10, 1779.
1 SEE the gloomy ^ath ring cloud.
Hanging o er a sinful land !
