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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EXODUS X: 21-23 by JOHN WILLIAM BURGON

First Line: WHEN ISRAEL DWELT IN EGYPT'S LAND
Last Line: WHILE ALL SEEMS DARK AND CHEERLESS ROUND!
Subject(s): BIBLE; EXODUS FROM EGYPT; ISRAEL; JEWS; JUDAISM;

WHEN Israel dwelt in Egypt's land,
And groan'd beneath the tyrant's pow'r,
O Lord, 'twas Thine Almighty hand
Sustain'd him thro' that dreary hour.
When all the air at noon of day
Was filled with gloom "which might be felt,"
Thy smile was still a cheerful ray
In every tent where Israel dwelt.

And thus, O Lord, the faithful heart
Believes that it will ever be;
Thy love, we know, will ne'er depart
From those who truly trust in Thee.
When all the world grows dark through sin,
With them Thy smile will still be found;
Diffusing joy and peace within,
While all seems dark and cheerless round!



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