The Army and Navy Hymnal/Readings/National Penitence
SELECTION 27
NATIONAL PENITENCE
HEAR the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel; for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is no truth, nor goodness, nor knowledge of God in the land.
There is nought but swearing and breaking faith,
And killing, and stealing, and committing adultery.
FORASMUCH therefore as ye trample upon the poor, and take exactions from him of wheat:
Ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them;
Ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink the wine thereof.
For I know how manifold are your transgressions, and how mighty are your sins
Ye that afflict the just, that take a bribe,
And that turn aside the needy in the gate from their right.
I hate, I despise your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Yea, though ye offer me your burnt-offerings and meat-offerings, I will not accept them;
Neither will I regard the peace-offerings of your fat beasts.
Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs;
For I will not hear the melody of thy viols.
But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
REMEMBER not against us the iniquities of our forefathers:
Let thy tender mercies speedily meet us; for we are brought very low.
Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name;
And deliver us, and forgive our sins, for thy name's sake.
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture
Will give thee thanks for ever; we will show forth thy praise to all generations.