Scripture Verse

May God give you of the dew of Heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and an abundance of grain and new wine. Genesis 27:28

Introduction

Words: Ben­ja­min Bed­dome (1717–1795). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Adapt­ed to Pub­lic Wor­ship (Lon­don: Bu­rton & Briggs, 1818), num­ber 726. Alarming Drought.

Music: Wal­sall, at­trib­ut­ed to Hen­ry Pur­cell (1658–1695) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Bed­dome (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Henry Purcell
1658–1695

Lyrics

Oh Lord, we tremble at Thy frown,
And dread Thy scourging hand;
The varied sins and crimes we own,
Of this our guilty land.

But spare, oh Lord, in mercy spare
The herbage of the field;
And under Thy paternal care,
May it abundance yield.

Restrain the solar fervid ray,
And grant refreshing rains;
Restore the verdure from decay,
And drench the parchèd plains.

But speak the word, and soon shall rise
The faint and withered grain;
And hopeful prospects of supplies,
Our hearts shall raise again.

Then we our gratitude will show,
To our preserver, God;
Our songs of melody shall flow,
And spread His praise abroad.