Hymnal: The Sacred Melodeon
Date: 1848
Compiler: A S Hayden
Publisher/Printer: A S Hayden
First Line: Along the banks where Babel's current flows
Topic: <no topic given>
Writer: <no first name given> <no last name given>
Composer:
Meter: 10s
Tune: Babel
Hymn Number: <no hymn number given>
Page Number: 206, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsAlong the banks where Babel's current flows,
Our captive bands in deep despondence stray'd;
While Zion's fall in sad remembrance rose,
Her friends, her children mingled with the dead.
The tuneless harp that once with joy we strung,
When praise employ'd, and mirth inspired the lay,
In mournful silence on the willows hung,
The growing grief prolong'd the tedious day.
The barb'rous tyrants, to increase the wo,
In taunting smiles a song fo Zion claim;
Bid sacred praise in strains melodious flow,
While they blaspheme the great Jehovah's name.
But now, in heathen chains and lands unknown,
Shall Israel's sons a song of Zion raise?
O hapless Salem! God's terrestrial throne!
Thou land of glory, sacred mount of praise!
If e'er my memory lose thy sacred name,
If my cold heart neglect my kindred race,
Let dire affliction seize this guilty frame,
My hand shall perish, and my voice shall cease.
Yet shall the Lord, who hears when Zion calls,
O'ertake her foes with terror and dismay;
His arm avenge her desolated walls,
And raise her children to eternal day.