Moses and Amalek

I

While Joshua led the armed bands
Of Israel forth to war;
Moses apart with lifted hands
Engaged in humble pray’r.

II

The armed bands had quickly fail’d,
And perish’d in the fight,
If Moses’ pray’r had not prevail’d
To put the foes to flight.

III

When Moses’ hands through weakness dropp’d
The warriors fainted too;
Isr’el’s success at once was stopp’d,
And Am’lek bolder grew.

IV

A people, always prone to boast,
Were taught by this suspense,
That not a num’rous armed host,
But God, was their defence.

V

We now of fleets and armies vaunt,
And ships and men prepare;
But men like Moses most we want,
To save the state by pray’r.

VI

Yet, Lord, we hope thou hast prepared
A hidden few to-day,
(The nation’s secret strength and guard,)
To weep and mourn and pray.

VII

Oh hear their pray’rs, and grant us aid,
Bid war and discord cease;
Heal the sad breach which sin has made,
And bless us all with peace.