His mercy is forever sure,
His justice too must stand,
And people must obedient be
To what He does command.

So when the world so wicked proved,
And wander'd from the Lord,
And with most stubborn hearts refused
To hear His sovereign word;--

He bore with patience long and kind,
Their steady wickedness;
But did at last withdraw His grace,
And leave them in distress.

He gave them up to their own hearts,
To work their own desire;
He threatened them with judgment vast,
And kindled was His ire.

"My spirit shall not always strive"--
Jehovah sternly said--
A Flood I'll bring which will destroy
All things that I have made.

"Why should they live in guilt and wo,
And all my words despise;
Their every work, and every thought,
Is loathsome to my eyes."

When God provoked, in anger speaks,
Who can His word withstand?
His heart is full of holiness,
And strong is His right hand.

III.

NOAH AND HIS FAMILY.

One righteous man was found on earth,
And him Jehovah loved;
His thoughts, his words, and all his deeds,
Were by the Lord approved.

He kept himself away from sin,
Nor walk'd with wicked men;
He loved the God who reigns on high,
Nor did he love in vain.

His family he train'd to know,
And love and serve the Lord;
And they were safe in keeping all
The great Jehovah's word.

The Lord remembered Noah's walk,
And did not him condemn,
When, for the wickedness of men,
He did aloud proclaim,--

That He would rain upon the earth
An overwhelming flood;
But choose him and his family--
And firm His counsel stood.

The Lord forever shows regard
To those who love His ways,
They vindicate His righteousness
And ever show His praise.

So He would not destroy this man
Who walk'd with Him in love,
But promised him that He would give
Protection from above.

Then Noah's fervent heart was fill'd
With grief for sinful men;
Yet though God's judgment was severe,
He could not once complain.

He pitied the sad state of those
Who had despised the Lord;
He saw that God would punish them,
According to His word.

IV.

NOAH COMMANDED TO MAKE AN ARK.

Jehovah unto Noah said: