Classic Poem

When Zion's sons, in bonds detain'd,
God hasted to redeem,
A pleasing doubt at first remain'd
As unto those that dream.

Then smiles bedeckt each alter'd face
Thro' fulness of content;
And songs and anthems held the place
Of sighs in sorrow sent.

Then said the heathen, as they freed
Our feet from out the gyves,
God's wond'rous grace has thus decreed
Your liberties and lives.

Yea, God has done stupendous things
Both now and all along,
For which our grateful nation rings
With many a joyful song.

Turn thou, O Lord, our captive state
As southern rivers flow,
Which first foam turbid, but abate,
And brighten as they go.

To those who mournful till the ground,
And on the furrows weep,
Their travel shall to peace redound
When they with pleasure reap.

He that with tears his grief relieves,
And bears a kindly grain,
Shall in true gladness bind his sheaves
When Christ shall come again.