FROM THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. 
 
 BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO 
 
 THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
 BbMon. 
 
 Section 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 N 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 ■ .. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • 
 
 
 / 
 
 V 
 
 
 • 
 
 % 
 
 * 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 '• 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 r 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ¥ 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 , 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 v 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
V 9 
 
 V 
 
 np d oi 
 
 o'AM't dr rnlNfl*>\ 
 
 eJ \ 
 
 NOV 20 1933 *■ 
 
 
 I 
 
 0 p / r ■■! ?r n \\V 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 In A Mew Metrical Version 
 
 By “J. C ” 
 
 ►V^ 
 
 t Jane Co^>\e4 i 
 
 "Let every thin& that hath breath praise the Lord. 
 Praise ye the Lord!”—Psalm 150:6. 
 
 Copyright 
 
 Bible Institute of Los Angeles 
 
 19 2 3 
 
 BIOLA BOOK ROOM 
 
 Bible Institute of Los Angeles 
 
 LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 
 

FOREWORD 
 
 Perhaps no book in the “Book of Books” has been so frequently 
 quoted by all classes of Christian readers as the Book of Psalms. 
 
 The First Psalm is well called “The Psalm of Psalms” as it is the 
 preface to the whole collection. 
 
 The best known passage of Scripture is undoubtedly the Twenty- 
 third Psalm. It has given courage, comfort and counsel to more 
 Christians, perhaps, than any other portion of the Word of God. It is 
 the “Psalm of the Crook” where we see the Shepherd leading His 
 sheep in the green pastures, and gathering with His loved ones at the 
 Table. 
 
 The Twenty-second Psalm is the Psalm of the Cross. In it we 
 see the God-man on the cruel tree, dying for sinners! hear His cry 
 “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” and see the picture 
 of Jehovah paying the price of sin. 
 
 The Twenty-fourth Psalm is the “Psalm of the Crown,”—the 
 heavens are open, the King of glory comes and ascends to the heights 
 with His own. We could tarry here with the reader and bask in the 
 sunshine of His face who is King of kings, and Lord of lords. 
 
 A young woman, a lover of the Lord and of His Word, com¬ 
 menced years ago on Sunday afternoons to meditate on the Psalms 
 and to put in verse form those which were her favorites. She had no 
 thought, at first, of publishing them, but finally the thought came to 
 her that she would not like to come to the Judgment and not be able 
 to give a satisfactory account of her “one talent.” Acting upon this 
 conviction, she has now completed the versification of the entire Book 
 of Psalms, with a rare spiritual understanding and perception which 
 will at once be apparent to the reader. 
 
 The author herself has so modest an opinion of the merit of her 
 book that she declines to allow her name to appear on the title page 
 and the publishers have, therefore, reluctantly acceded to her request. 
 
 We feel sure that these Psalms, so wisely and exquisitely metered, 
 will prove to be an untold blessing to a host of lovers of the Word, 
 coming, as they do, as an expression of the heart’s devotion of one 
 whose delight is in the law of her Lord, and in whose law she 
 has meditated day and night. Of her it could well be said, “The Lord 
 is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am 
 helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will 
 1 praise him.” (Psalm 28:7.) 
 
 We take genuine pleasure in commending this volume to the 
 saints which are scattered abroad throughout the world. 
 
 Superintendent, Bible Institute 
 of Los Angeles. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2019 with funding from 
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library 
 
 https://archive.org/details/peerlesspoemsofdOOcopl 
 
PSALM 1 
 
 Blest is the man that doth not walk 
 In ways that evil men devise; 
 
 Nor stands unmoved where sinners mock, 
 Nor sits where scorners flaunt their lies. 
 
 But he observes the law of God, 
 
 And in it takes his chief delight; 
 
 To follow it his feet are shod; 
 
 It gives to him unerring sight. 
 
 He’s like a tree that’s planted near 
 The living waters flowing by; 
 
 Whose fruit in season shall appear, 
 
 Whose leaf, unwithered, shall not die. 
 
 But the ungodly are not so; 
 
 They, like the chaff before the wind, 
 
 Are tossed which way the breeze may blow, 
 Nor can a sure position find. 
 
 Therefore, ungodly men shall ne’er 
 
 With saints before the Judgment stand; 
 
 Nor sinners with the righteous share 
 That blessed place at God’s right hand. 
 
 For sure the Lord doth know the way 
 Of all His righteous here below, 
 
 But the ungodly, as they stray, 
 
 Shall perish in unending woe. 
 
6 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 2 
 
 Why do the heathen rage, 
 
 And fret themselves for nought? 
 
 Why daily bow before the gods 
 
 Their own weak hands have wrought? 
 
 Their kings do set themselves; 
 
 Their rulers counsel take 
 
 Against the Lord, and vainly try 
 His cords and bands to break. 
 
 The Lord their work derides, 
 
 And laughs their plots to scorn: 
 
 He in His wrath will visit them, 
 
 And bring their souls to mourn. 
 
 While on His heavenly throne, 
 
 The Lord said unto me: 
 
 Thou art my Son, this day 
 Have I begotten Thee. 
 
 Ask me, and 1 will give 
 
 The heathen for Thine own; 
 
 And all the earth, from pole to pole, 
 Shall be to Thee a throne. 
 
 Thou’lt break them with a rod, 
 
 A rod of iron strong; 
 
 In pieces Thou shalt dash the hopes 
 Of all that do Thee wrong. 
 
 Be wise, O kings! and hear, 
 
 Ye judges of the earth! 
 
 Come ye with fear and serve the Lord; 
 Rejoice with trembling mirth. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 7 
 
 Kiss ye the Son in peace; 
 
 Bow ye before His throne, 
 Lest He in anger turn away, 
 And all thy works disown. 
 
 Thrice blessed are all they 
 That put in Him their trust, 
 For He is righteous evermore, 
 And all His laws are just. 
 
 PSALM 3 
 
 How are they increased, O Lord, 
 That rise up to trouble me! 
 
 Unto me Thy help afford, 
 
 Thy salvation let me see. 
 
 Many now of me would say: 
 
 There’s no help for him in God; 
 Lord, Thou art my shield and stay, 
 Thou wilt lift from me the rod. 
 
 Lo ! e’en while I prayed and wept, 
 
 He on Zion heard my voice; 
 
 Then I laid me down and slept, 
 
 And awakened to rejoice; 
 
 For the Lord didst me sustain, 
 
 When I was in dark despair; 
 
 Never shall I fear again, 
 
 When my foes surround me there. 
 
 Lord, arise! save me, I pray! 
 
 Thou my foes hast smitten all; 
 Thou didst conquer them and slay, 
 When 1 did unto Thee call. 
 
8 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Surely to the Lord belongs 
 Full salvation for His own: 
 
 Let us tell in thankful songs, 
 
 Help is found in Him alone. 
 
 PSALM 4 
 
 God of my righteousness, I pray, 
 
 Hear Thou my call from day to day; 
 
 Thou hast consoled me in distress, 
 
 Hear now when I Thy throne address. 
 
 Ye sons of men, how long will ye 
 My glory turn to vanity? 
 
 How long will ye unbridled speak, 
 
 And ev’ry new deception seek? 
 
 Know that the Lord hath set apart 
 Him that is godly in his heart: 
 
 I, worshiping, before Him fall, 
 
 And He will hear me when I call. 
 
 In awe stand ye and sin no more; 
 
 The Lord by grace wilt thee restore; 
 Commune with your own heart; be still; 
 The Lord will you with gladness fill. 
 
 Before His presence humbly bow, 
 
 And faithfulness unto Him vow; 
 
 Show forth the worship of the just, 
 
 And in the Lord put all your trust. 
 
 These words by all are understood: 
 
 Who now will show us any good? 
 
 Lift, Lord, Thy countenance of light; 
 Refresh us with the wondrous sight. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 9 
 
 Thou hast put joy within my heart; 
 
 Yea, more than corn and wine impart 
 
 When they o’erflow, and running down 
 
 The fruitful earth in glory crown. 
 
 I’ll lay me down in peace and sleep; 
 
 Thy watchful care my frame doth keep; 
 
 In safety Thou dost make me dwell, 
 
 Thou, Lord, who doeth all things well. 
 
 PSALM 5 
 
 Give ear unto my words; 
 
 My meditations hear; 
 
 Jehovah, now unto my prayer, 
 
 Most graciously give ear. 
 
 When morning light appears, 
 
 And tints the eastern sky, 
 
 Then shall my prayer ascend to Thee, 
 Then shall I look on high. 
 
 Thou art a holy God, 
 
 No evil dwells with Thee; 
 
 The wicked stand not in Thy sight, 
 Thou hatest iniquity. 
 
 Thou wilt destroy all them 
 That lying words do speak; 
 
 The bloody and deceitful man, 
 
 Thou wilt in anger seek. 
 
 But as for me, O God, 
 
 My feet shall seek Thy gate; 
 
 And in Thy house, with sacred fear, 
 
 I, worshiping, shall wait. 
 
10 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Lead me, O Lord, aright; 
 
 Lead me by truth and grace; 
 
 Because of enemies, make straight 
 The way before my face. 
 
 For they’ve no faithfulness; 
 
 Their hands are full of sin; 
 
 Their throat’s an open sepulcher 
 Where evil enters in. 
 
 Destroy Thou them, O God, 
 
 Let all their counsels fail; 
 
 For their transgressions cast them out, 
 For they didst ’gainst Thee rail. 
 
 But let all those rejoice 
 
 That put their trust in Thee; 
 Because Thou hast defended them, 
 
 Let them still grateful be. 
 
 For Thou, O Lord, wilt bless 
 The righteous with Thy grace; 
 
 With favor Thou wilt compass him, 
 Who seeks in fear Thy face. 
 
 PSALM 6 
 
 Rebuke me not in anger, Lord, 
 
 Nor in displeasure chasten me, 
 
 For 1 am weak; Thy grace afford; 
 
 Let me Thy healing powers see. 
 
 My soul is troubled; Lord, how long 
 Wilt Thou forsake me in my griefs 
 Save me, O Lord, and make me strong, 
 Give to my tortured soul relief. 
 
OF DAVID. THE KING 
 
 1 1 
 
 In death there is no thought of Thee; 
 
 Who can give thanks within the grave? 
 From doubt and darkness set me free; 
 
 Let them no more my soul enslave. 
 
 I weary with my mournful cries; 
 
 With tears I make my bed to swim; 
 Consumed with grief become mine eyes, 
 They, with my constant grief, grow dim. 
 
 All ye that work iniquity, 
 
 Stand back! and from me now depart; 
 The Lord doth hear, His eye doth see, 
 
 The anguish of my breaking heart. 
 
 My supplication He hath heard; 
 
 He will receive my earnest plea; 
 
 His pity for me has been stirred, 
 
 And He will haste to rescue me. 
 
 Let all my foes be now ashamed; 
 
 Let them return unto their place; 
 
 Nor let their presence e’er be named, 
 
 Nor let them see again my face. 
 
 PSALM 7 
 
 O Lord, my God, in Thee 
 Put I my trust alone; 
 
 Save me from them that persecute; 
 Deliver now Thine own. 
 
 Lest foes my soul should tear, 
 
 And it to pieces rend; 
 
 While to deliver there is none, 
 
 Thou wilt deliv’rance send. 
 
12 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Jehovah, Lord, if I 
 
 Have done this evil thing; 
 
 If in my hand iniquity, 
 
 I should before Thee bring. 
 
 If evil I have wrought 
 
 To him who was my friend— 
 
 (‘Yea, unto him who was my foe, 
 
 I did deliv’rance send.’) 
 
 Then let the enemy 
 
 My soul pursue and take, 
 
 Till life and honor shall for me 
 No more on earth awake. 
 
 Arise! O Lord, arise! 
 
 Avenge me of my foes; 
 
 Awake for me, and judgment give, 
 According to their blows. 
 
 So shall the people press 
 And compass me about; 
 
 Lord, for their sake return on high, 
 Till rings their joyful shout. 
 
 The Lord shall surely judge 
 By righteousness alone; 
 
 Judge me, O Lord, according to 
 A righteousness Thine own. 
 
 O let the evil of 
 
 The wicked have an end; 
 
 Establish Thou the just, for Thou 
 To such shalt justice send. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 13 
 
 In God is my defence; 
 
 He doth the upright save; 
 
 But wicked men shall surely come 
 To an untimely grave. 
 
 If evil men turn not, 
 
 The Lord will whet His sword; 
 Their lives He will require of them, 
 According to His word. 
 
 The wicked man conceives 
 But evil in his mind; 
 
 He makes a pit, and digs it deep, 
 And there his grave doth find. 
 
 His mischief shall return 
 Upon his own vile head; 
 
 The evil deeds that he hath done, 
 Shall crush him down like lead. 
 
 But I will praise the Lord; 
 
 His righteousness I’ll sing; 
 
 Yea, I will ever praise the name 
 Of our exalted King. 
 
 PSALM 8 
 
 O Lord, how excellent appears 
 Thy holy name in all the earth! 
 
 Thy glory calms our rising fears; 
 
 It doth the universe engirth. 
 
 Out of the mouth of babes hast Thou 
 
 Ordained that strength divine should flow, 
 So that Thine enemies should bow 
 Before Thee in subjection low. 
 
14 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 When I the starry heavens view, 
 
 And note the moon’s celestial light— 
 These wonders that seem ever new, 
 
 But have for ages shown Thy might— 
 
 Then comes the thought: Lord, what is man 
 That Thou art mindful of him still, 
 
 Whose earthly life though but a span, 
 
 Thou didst with highest powers fill? 
 
 All things on earth, and in the sea, 
 Are made subjective to his mind; 
 Yea, ev’ry thing to him is free, 
 
 In each he doth a servant find. 
 
 O Lord, how excellent appears 
 Thy holy name in all the earth! 
 
 Thy power quells our rising fears, 
 
 And gives to dying hopes new birth. 
 
 PSALM 9 
 
 I will ever praise Thee, Lord, 
 
 With an undivided heart; 
 
 All the marvels I have heard, 
 
 I to others will impart, 
 
 And, rejoicing, I will sing 
 Praises to Thy holy name, 
 
 O Thou great and glorious King! 
 Through eternity the same. 
 
 When my foes are turned back, 
 
 They shall fall before Thy sight; 
 
 No assistance shall I lack 
 
 When my cause maintained is right. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 15 
 
 Thou the heathen, righteous Lord, 
 Hast rebuked from age to age, 
 And the wicked, with Thy sword, 
 Stricken from the sacred page. 
 
 O thou enemy most dread! 
 
 Thy destroying war shall cease; 
 
 Blood of cities thou hast shed, 
 
 And made evil to increase; 
 
 But the Lord, the mighty God, 
 
 Will His judgment seat prepare, 
 
 And with His uplifted rod, 
 
 None of all the wicked spare. 
 
 Lord, Thou shalt a refuge be 
 For the lowly and oppressed; 
 
 Where the troubled soul may flee, 
 Where the troubled soul may rest. 
 
 They that know Thy name shall trust, 
 Trust in Thee for evermore; 
 
 Thou wilt not forsake the just, 
 
 But his favor wilt restore. 
 
 Sing your praises to the Lord, 
 
 Who doth still in Zion dwell; 
 
 Read aloud His wondrous word, 
 
 Of His doings haste to tell. 
 
 When the humble call on Him, 
 
 He will hear their faintest cry; 
 
 When the eye of faith grows dim, 
 Doubt Him not, for He is nigh. 
 
 Look upon my trouble, Lord, 
 
 Let Thy mercy rest on me, 
 
16 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Help to me Thou wilt afford, 
 
 When in prayer I look to Thee. 
 
 Then may I show forth Thy praise, 
 
 In the gates lift up my voice; 
 
 There to sing Thy praise always, 
 
 And in Thy rich grace rejoice. 
 
 Lo! the heathen are sunk down 
 In the pit their hands have made; 
 
 On their works the Lord will frown, 
 
 And undo the plots theyVe laid. 
 
 Into hell the Lord will turn 
 Ev’ry unrepentant soul, 
 
 With remorse their minds shall burn, 
 While eternal ages roll. 
 
 Let the needy feel no fear, 
 
 They shall not forgotten be; 
 
 Expectations shall appear, 
 
 Lasting as eternity. 
 
 Mighty God! arise! arise! 
 
 Let not sinful man prevail; 
 
 Make them fear before Thine eyes, 
 
 And their puny strength bewail. 
 
 PSALM 10 
 
 Why standest Thou so far away 
 
 From me, O Lord, my only stay? 
 
 When troubles do my soul surprise, 
 
 Why hide Thee from my longing eyes? 
 
 The wicked, in his haughty pride, 
 
 Doth vex the poor and him deride; 
 
 Let such be taken in the net 
 
 Which they have for the righteous set. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 17 
 
 How proudly do the wicked boast! 
 How fond of all God hateth most! 
 
 The boastful sinner is not taught, 
 
 And God is not in all his thought. 
 
 His ways are hard; he thirsts for gain; 
 God’s warnings are to him in vain; 
 And in his heart he proudly says: 
 
 I’ll prosper thus through all my days. 
 
 His mouth is full of all deceit; 
 
 His tongue but mischief doth repeat; 
 In secret places he doth hide, 
 
 The poor to plunder and deride. 
 
 E’en as a lion for his prey 
 Doth slyly watch from day to day, 
 
 So watches he, without alarm, 
 
 To catch the poor and do him harm. 
 
 Within his heart he vainly says: 
 
 God hath forgotten me always; 
 
 No judgment quick o’ertaketh me, 
 
 My sin He surely will not see. 
 
 Arise! O Lord; lift up Thy hand! 
 
 Let not the boastful sinner stand; 
 
 The wronged and humble cry to Thee; 
 Arise! O Lord, their helper be! 
 
 Why do the wicked dare despise 
 The righteous God? He will arise, 
 
 The rights of the oppressed demand, 
 With swiftest vengeance in His hand. 
 
18 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 For Thou hast seen it, mighty Lord, 
 The vengeful look, the spiteful word; 
 And they who trust their cause to Thee, 
 Find that Thou wilt their helper be. 
 
 The strong arm of the wicked break; 
 From out the world all evil take. 
 
 The Lord is King for evermore, 
 
 Him only, would our hearts adore. 
 
 Lord, Thou hast heard the fond desires, 
 To which the humble soul aspires; 
 Prepare the heart, and bend Thine ear, 
 The contrite prayer of faith to hear. 
 
 The fatherless, O Lord, defend! 
 
 To the oppressed deliv’rance send! 
 
 Let wicked men no more distress 
 The lowly ones, nor them oppress. 
 
 PSALM 11 
 
 In God, the Lord, I put my trust; 
 
 How to my soul say ye, 
 
 Like as a frightened bird for rest 
 Unto your mountain flee? 
 
 For lo! the wicked bend their bow, 
 
 And draw their arrowed string, 
 
 That they the upright man may pierce, 
 And his destruction bring. 
 
 If the foundations be destroyed, 
 
 What can the righteous do? 
 
 My sure foundation is the Lord, 
 
 My hope, His promise true. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 19 
 
 In the great temple dwells the Lord, 
 On His white throne on high; 
 
 His eyes behold the sons of men, 
 Their deeds His law doth try. 
 
 With loving skill the Lord doth try 
 The righteous man alway; 
 
 But soon the wicked and profane 
 His righteousness must slay. 
 
 And this must be their bitter cup, 
 The portion they must drain, 
 
 The anger of the Lord to fall 
 In storms of fiery rain. 
 
 The Lord is righteous, and He loves 
 The man of upright heart; 
 
 On him He will with favor look, 
 
 And grace and strength impart. 
 
 PSALM 12 
 
 O Lord, Thy help extend! 
 
 The godly man doth cease; 
 
 The faithful fall on ev’ry side, 
 
 The righteous ones decrease. 
 
 The wicked boldly speak, 
 
 Each with his neighbor near; 
 
 With flatt’ring lips and double heart, 
 Dissemble without fear. 
 
 The Lord will cause to cease 
 The proud, deceitful tongue; 
 
 And dumb before His judgment seat 
 Shall stand the old and young. 
 
20 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Those who, with haughty mien, 
 
 Have said, our tongues prevail, 
 
 And do, with proud and boastful speech, 
 The Sovereign Lord assail. 
 
 The Lord is over all; 
 
 He hears the groans and sighs 
 
 Of His oppressed and needy ones, 
 
 And for them will arise. 
 
 Yea, He will keep all such 
 In safety ev‘ry day, 
 
 Nor let the taunting voice of foes 
 Their fond assurance slay. 
 
 Jehovah’s words are pure, 
 
 Like silver purified; 
 
 Yea, pure as silver seven times 
 In heated furnace tried. 
 
 The righteous Thou wilt keep, 
 
 O Lord, for evermore; 
 
 ’Midst wicked men they’ll sing Thy praise, 
 And Thy rich grace adore. 
 
 The wicked boldly walk 
 In ev’ry place at will, 
 
 When vilest men in power do 
 The highest places fill. 
 
 PSALM 13 
 
 Lord, how long wilt Thou forget me? 
 Shall it be for evermore? 
 
 How long hide Thy face, and let me 
 Thy rich grace in vain implore? 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 21 
 
 How long shall I, vainly halting, 
 
 In my soul have doubt and fear? 
 How long shall my foe, exalting, 
 
 To my lasting hurt appear'? 
 
 Hear me, Lord, mine eyes enlighten, 
 Lest I sleep the sleep of death; 
 Lest mine enemy may frighten 
 From my soul the living breath. 
 In Thy mercy I have trusted, 
 
 Of Thy mercy I will sing— 
 
 All my wrongs have been adjusted; 
 Full salvation Thou didst bring. 
 
 PSALM 14 
 
 The fool hath said within his heart; 
 
 For me there is no God; 
 
 I love Him not, nor do I fear 
 The vengeance of His rod. 
 
 Corrupt are they who thus do speak; 
 
 They stand where sceptics stood; 
 Abominable are their works; 
 
 There’s none that doeth good. 
 
 Upon the sons of men the Lord 
 
 Looked down from Heaven above, 
 To see if any sought His face, 
 
 Or understood His love. 
 
 They all have wandered far aside, 
 And ev’ry evil done; 
 
 To serve the Lord in righteousness, 
 Alas! there is not one. 
 
22 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Have they who run in ways of sin 
 No knowledge of my word? 
 
 Who eat the substance of the good, 
 And call not on the Lord? 
 
 How fearful shall they be when God 
 Unvails His searching face, 
 
 And gives the vict’ry to the just, 
 
 His own peculiar race. 
 
 Ah! ye who have in pride despised 
 The counsel of the poor, 
 
 Take warning, for the righteous Lord 
 Will be their refuge sure. 
 
 O that the hosts of Israel, 
 
 The Lord’s salvation had! 
 
 Then Jacob’s children would rejoice, 
 And Israel be glad. 
 
 PSALM 15 
 
 Lord, who shall in Thy house abide? 
 And who shall dwell close by Thy side 
 Upon Thy holy hill? 
 
 He that uprightly here doth walk; 
 Who speaks the truth; and by his talk 
 Doth righteousness instill. 
 
 He that backbites not with his tongue, 
 Nor evil does his friends among, 
 
 Nor on their rights encroach; 
 
 He who condemns a person vile, 
 
 But such as live devoid of guile 
 He gladly doth approach. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 23 
 
 He that unto his hurt doth swear; 
 
 Who changes not, nor is unfair, 
 
 That riches may increase— 
 
 The man who thus uprightly lives 
 Shall not be moved; the Lord him gives 
 Security and peace. 
 
 PSALM 16 
 
 Keep me, Lord, my soul preserve; 
 
 Tis in Thee I put my trust; 
 
 I have said unto the Lord: 
 
 Thou alone art true and just; 
 Not to Thee can I extend 
 
 Any goodness found in me; 
 Only to the saints can I 
 
 A reward and comfort be. 
 
 Sorrows shall be multiplied 
 To all those that go astray; 
 Their offerings I will refuse, 
 
 Saith the Lord in that dread day. 
 Christ, the Lord, my portion is; 
 
 He is mine inheritance, 
 
 And the portion of my cup; 
 
 All my hopes in Him advance. 
 
 Unto me the lines descend 
 Into pleasant places here; 
 
 Yea, I have a heritage 
 
 That is goodly, full of cheer. 
 
 I will ever bless the Lord, 
 
 Who hath given me His light; 
 'Tis His grace instructeth me 
 In the seasons of the night. 
 
24 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I have set the Lord always 
 
 Thus before me as my guide; 
 
 And because I trust His grace, 
 
 I shall in His strength abide. 
 
 Truly, now my soul is glad, 
 
 And my glory doth rejoice; 
 
 E’en my flesh shall rest in hope, 
 
 Till awakened by His voice. 
 
 For Thou wilt not leave my soul 
 Food for quenchless flames to be, 
 
 Nor unto corruption give 
 
 Flesh that now doth cover me. 
 
 Thou wilt show to me the path 
 That will bring me fullest joy; 
 
 And above, at Thy right hand, 
 Pleasures give without alloy. 
 
 PSALM 1 7 
 
 Give ear unto my prayer, O Lord; 
 
 Hear Thou the right and heed my cry; 
 My sentence, let it come from Thee; 
 
 Let right be precious in Thine eye. 
 
 Lo! Thou hast proved mine inmost heart; 
 
 Thou hast me sought in times of night, 
 Thou hast me tried, and blameless found, 
 My speech in all things shall be right. 
 
 From works of men I’ve turned my feet; 
 
 My goings in Thy pathways hold, 
 
 So that my footsteps may not slip, 
 
 Nor go astray for gain or gold. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 25 
 
 My longing heart on Thee hath called, 
 
 For Thou, O Lord, my prayer wilt hear; 
 Unto my speech, though so unformed, 
 Incline most graciously Thine ear. 
 
 Show me Thy lovingkindness now, 
 
 O Thou who savest by Thy right hand, 
 
 All them that put their trust in Thee, 
 
 From those who do against them stand. 
 
 E’en as the apple of Thine eye, 
 
 Keep me when lurk unhallowed things; 
 Hide me, when dangers press me sore, 
 Beneath the shadow of Thy wings. 
 
 From wicked men who me oppress, 
 Preserve me, Lord, I humbly pray; 
 
 They compass me in their desire 
 
 To search me out, and take, and slay. 
 
 Arise! O Lord, and cast them down; 
 
 From wicked men set free my soul: 
 Bring Thou to judgment those who do 
 In ill-gained riches proudly roll. 
 
 But as for me, I will behold 
 
 Thy face, and of Thine image take; 
 Then, then shall I be satisfied, 
 
 When in Thy likeness I awake. 
 
 PSALM 1 8 
 
 I’ll love Thee, Jehovah, my King; 
 
 The Lord is my Fortress and Rock; 
 
 He hastens deliv’rance to bring; 
 
 In Him will I trust when foes mock: 
 
26 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 My Buckler, Salvation, High Tower, 
 
 Is God when 1 call on His name; 
 
 I’ll laud Him and praise Him each hour, 
 His mercy and help I’ll proclaim. 
 
 The sorrows of death compassed me, 
 
 And evil men made me afraid: 
 
 Hell compassed me round like the sea; 
 
 The terrors of death on me stayed; 
 
 Then I, in my deepest distress, 
 
 To God, unto God did I cry: 
 
 He heard me, as out of the stress 
 My tremulous voice rose on high. 
 
 The earth, it then trembled and shook, 
 
 The hills from their places were moved, 
 
 His nostrils emitted a smoke, 
 
 His presence by fire was proved. 
 
 The heavens, they bowed and came down, 
 And darkness was under His feet; 
 
 On wings did He fly to His own, 
 
 As wings of the wind were they fleet. 
 
 The darkness His secret place knew, 
 
 His tent was the clouds of the sky; 
 
 The light came before Him, clouds flew, 
 Hail fell, and the lightning was nigh, 
 
 The thunder the heavens did shake, 
 
 The rain-clouds their torrents gave out, 
 
 The earth, it became as a lake, 
 
 No places of safety about. 
 
 He sent from above and me drew 
 From waters of danger around; 
 
 My foe in confusion He threw, 
 
 Who for me too strong had been found. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 27 
 
 Jehovah alone was my stay, 
 
 He brought me forth to a large place, 
 
 Because I had kept in His way, 
 
 And turned not aside from His face. 
 
 His judgments before me were placed. 
 
 His statutes I had not removed; 
 
 Still upright was I, nor disgraced 
 
 The laws that His wisdom approved. 
 
 The Lord hath me recompensed well, 
 According to what I have done; 
 
 His kindnesses, how can I tell? 
 
 My heart and my service they’ve won. 
 
 With merciful men Thou wilt show 
 Thyself to be merciful too; 
 
 On righteous men Thou wilt bestow 
 A blessing that’s precious and true; 
 
 With pure men Thou’lt show Thyself pure, 
 The proud, Thou wilt bring to the dust; 
 
 The hope of Thy people is sure, 
 
 For Thou, Lord Jehovah, art just. 
 
 My lamp Thou wilt cause to give light; 
 The darkness from Thee flies away; 
 
 With Thee I’ve escaped in the night 
 From those that pursued me to slay. 
 
 Yea, perfect and tried is the word 
 Of God unto them that are His, 
 
 For who, who is God, save the Lord? 
 
 The Rock of Salvation He is. 
 
 ’Tis God that me girdeth with strength, 
 And perfectly guideth my way; 
 
 He bringeth my foot-steps at length 
 To places abundant to stay. 
 
28 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 My hands, too, He teacheth in skill 
 The arrow and bow to direct: 
 
 The shield of salvation Thy will 
 Ordains that it shall me protect. 
 
 Thy right hand hath holden me up; 
 
 Thy watchfulness giveth me light; 
 
 My way is enlarged, and my cup 
 Of blessings overflows in Thy sight. 
 
 My foes I’ve pursued not in vain, 
 
 Nor turned I till they were consumed; 
 
 I’ve wounded them sore, that again 
 Their courage could not be resumed. 
 
 For Thou hast me girded with strength, 
 The battle to enter with might, 
 
 That I might thus conquer at length 
 The foes that against me would fight; 
 
 Thou hast also given to me 
 
 The lives of the foes that I sought; 
 
 They cried, as they bended the knee, 
 
 For mercy, but God heard them not. 
 
 Then did I, as dust in the wind, 
 
 Them cast as but dirt in the road; 
 
 From strife and confusion, I find, 
 
 Thou hast from me lifted this load; 
 
 Of foes Thou hast made me the head; 
 
 A people unknown shall me serve; 
 
 As soon as they hear me they’re led 
 To obey, nor from me will swerve. 
 
 The strangers shall soon fade away, 
 They in their close places shall fear: 
 
 The Lord is our Rock and our Stay— 
 The Lord, all exalted and near. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 29 
 
 ’Tis God that avenges me still; 
 
 The people for me He subdues; 
 
 He lifteth me high on the hill, 
 
 The valley with heathen bestrews. 
 
 O Lord, I give thanks unto Thee, 
 
 In sight of the heathen I praise 
 The name of the Lord, for to me 
 Jehovah Thou shalt be always. 
 Deliverance Jehovah hath wrought 
 For David; and mercy hath shown 
 His people, in that He hath brought 
 His chosen one unto the throne. 
 
 PSALM 19 
 
 The firmament God’s skill declares, 
 
 And every star His glory shares; 
 
 Day unto day they utter speech, 
 
 Night unto night His knowledge teach. 
 
 There is no language where their voice 
 Doth not the heart of man rejoice; 
 
 Their words are gone through all the earth, 
 And do its farthest bounds engirth. 
 
 The sun, resplendent in his might, 
 
 Breaks from the darkness of the night; 
 With beams of gladness on his face, 
 
 He doth the cloudless heavens trace. 
 
 His heat descends to warm the earth 
 And quicken nature into birth; 
 
 His waves of light and comfort pour 
 Their blessing free on ev’ry shore. 
 
30 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 God’s perfect law corrects the soul 
 And makes the wounded sinner whole; 
 The statutes of the Lord are right 
 And give the trusting heart delight. 
 
 The Lord’s commandments all are pure; 
 A light to blinded eyes most sure; 
 
 A guide to lead the halting feet; 
 
 A solace to the heart most sweet. 
 
 Sure is our trust in Christ, the Lord, 
 Enduring as His deathless word; 
 
 The judgments of the Lord are true, 
 
 And righteous, all our journey through. 
 
 They are to be desired more 
 Than finest gold in richest store; 
 
 They sweeter are, where’er we roam, 
 Than honey in the honeycomb. 
 
 By them, Thy servant, warned to fly 
 From dangers which around him lie, 
 Walks more and more in their accord, 
 And wins at last a great reward. 
 
 What man is there on sea or land 
 Who doth his errors understand? 
 
 From secret faults, O cleanse my life, 
 And free my soul from inward strife. 
 
 Within Thy servant ever reign; 
 
 All his presumptous sins restrain; 
 
 Then upright, true, my life shall be, 
 And from the great transgression free. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 31 
 
 The words I speak from day to day, 
 
 The thoughts which prompt me when I pray, 
 Be they accepted in Thy sight, 
 
 O Lord, my King, my Strength, my Light. 
 
 PSALM 20 
 
 May the Lord Jehovah hear thee 
 In the hour of deep distress; 
 
 May His name defend and cheer thee, 
 When sharp trials round thee press; 
 Send thee help, thy faith to strengthen, 
 From Mount Zion’s holy hill, 
 
 Till thy list of off’rings lengthen, 
 
 Till thy choicest thou dost kill. 
 
 Grant to thee, with love, according 
 To thine own believing heart, 
 
 And fulfill each wish, affording 
 Plants of peace and joy to start. 
 We’ll rejoice in thy salvation, 
 
 Lift our banners in thy cause, 
 And the Lord of our creation, 
 
 Shall fulfill thy righteous laws. 
 
 Now I know the Lord redeemeth 
 His anointed by His grace, 
 
 And doth hear him, when He seemeth 
 ’Mid the clouds to hide His face. 
 
 He will hear him, and from Heaven, 
 With the strength of His right hand, 
 Save the one who long hath striven 
 With dark sin’s unyielding band. 
 
32 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Some in chariots trust when seeking 
 Safety from the coming foe; 
 
 We will trust—His praises speaking— 
 In the Lord where’er we go; 
 
 They who trust in human power 
 Are brought down and quickly fall; 
 Save us, Lord, in the dark hour, 
 
 Hear us when on Thee we call. 
 
 PSALM 21 
 
 The king shall rejoice in Thy power, O Lord; 
 
 He in Thy salvation shall greatly rejoice; 
 
 His heart’s deep desire Thou didst him afford, 
 
 And granted the prayer of his faltering voice. 
 
 With blessings of goodness Thou dost him attend; 
 
 Thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head: 
 
 He asked of Thee life; it to him Thou didst send; 
 
 In ways everlasting his feet have been led. 
 
 Because of Thy mercy, his glory is great; 
 
 Yea, honor and glory Thou hast on him laid, 
 
 For Thy richest blessings upon him await, 
 
 And surpassingly glad Thine aid hath him made. 
 
 The king puts his trust in Jehovah alone, 
 
 And through God’s kind mercy, he shall not be moved; 
 Thy hand shall find out all Thy foes, ev’ry one 
 That in the fierce battle has treacherous proved. 
 
 Thine anger shall make them a furnace of heat; 
 
 The Lord will consume them in volumes of flame; 
 Their sons Thou’lt destroy from the earth; and defeat 
 Their hopes of a long and illustrious name. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 33 
 
 For they did but evil against Thee intend: 
 
 They thought on a mischief they could not perform; 
 In terror, full backward, these foes Thou wilt send, 
 When arrows, resistless, upon them shall storm. 
 
 O be Thou exalted, Jehovah, on high; 
 
 Thy strength is attested each day and each hour; 
 Thine arm, ever ready to help us is nigh; 
 
 We’ll sing with acclaim of Thy wonderful power. 
 
 PSALM 22 
 
 My God! my God! why hast Thou gone, 
 
 And thus forsaken me? 
 
 Why seal Thine ear against my cry, 
 
 When I appeal to Thee? 
 
 When day appears, my waiting soul 
 Cries out in her distress, 
 
 And when the darkness shuts me in, 
 
 I still Thy throne address. 
 
 But Thou art holy, mighty God, 
 
 For evermore the same; 
 
 Thou didst our fathers safely lead 
 When trusting in Thy name. 
 
 They cried to Thee for help, and soon 
 Delivered were from ill; 
 
 Their hopes were not confounded, and 
 They trusted in Thee still. 
 
 But I am but a worm to creep 
 Among the dust of earth; 
 
 Yea, a reproach of men am I, 
 
 Despised, the people’s mirth. 
 
34 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 All they that see me shake the head, 
 
 And laugh at me in scorn— 
 
 Ah! cruel mockeries, that pierce 
 Deep as the sharpest thorn. 
 
 He trusted in the Lord, they say, 
 
 And sought His arm of might; 
 
 Let God deliver him, since he 
 Doth in the Lord delight. 
 
 But Thou art He that found me e’er 
 I saw the light of day; 
 
 Thine eyes beheld me when within 
 My mother’s arms I lay. 
 
 Since earliest childhood, Thou, O Lord, 
 Hast been my God and guide; 
 
 And now, when troubles gather thick, 
 Turn not from me aside. 
 
 Oppressors strong encompassed me, 
 They did beset me round; 
 
 They gaped upon me with their mouth, 
 They sought my soul to wound. 
 
 My blood, like water, is poured out; 
 
 My bones are out of joint; 
 
 My heart like wax is melted till 
 It doth my frame anoint. 
 
 My strength is like a potsherd dry; 
 
 My palsied tongue doth cleave 
 
 Unto my mouth; in death’s embrace, 
 There am I left to grieve. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 35 
 
 For dogs have compassed me about, 
 
 The wicked close me in; 
 
 In deepest anguish am I bruised, 
 Bruised for my people’s sin. 
 
 With cruel nails they pierced my hands, 
 They pierced my feet as well; 
 
 My heart and flesh alike are torn; 
 
 I all my bones can tell. 
 
 With taunting voice they pass me by; 
 
 They on my anguish stare; 
 
 Upon my vesture they cast lots, 
 
 And do my garments share. 
 
 O be not Thou so far from me! 
 
 My Lord, my Strength, my all; 
 Deliver me from fell despair, 
 
 When I upon Thee cedi. 
 
 Thy name in public Til declare; 
 
 Thee will I ever praise: 
 
 O ye that fear the Lord in truth, 
 
 Your hallelujahs raise. 
 
 For He hath not His own despised, 
 
 Nor turned from him aside; 
 
 When the afflicted called, He heard, 
 Nor did His presence hide. 
 
 My praise shall be of Thee when I 
 Within Thy house appear; 
 
 With thankfulness I’ll pay my vows 
 When throngs to view are near. 
 
36 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The meek with satisfaction eat 
 The food the Lord provides; 
 
 And he that serves the Lord in truth 
 In peace and joy abides. 
 
 The ends of all the world shall turn 
 Unto the Lord our God; 
 
 The nations of the earth shall bow 
 Before His sovereign rod. 
 
 For lo! the kingdoms are His own, 
 
 To govern and to keep; 
 
 The nations turn to dust again 
 And in oblivion sleep. 
 
 A seed shall serve Him, and shall spring 
 With healing on its leaves; 
 
 Who takes thereof in faith and love, 
 
 Eternal life receives. 
 
 From age to age they still shall rise 
 Who will His truth make known, 
 
 Till countless nations yet unborn, 
 
 His sov’reignty shall own. 
 
 PSALM 23 
 
 The Lord is my Shepherd, no want shall I know; 
 
 He maketh me lie in green pastures below; 
 
 He leadeth my feet the still waters beside; 
 
 He restoreth my soul, with me doth abide. 
 
 He marketh my steps in the way I should take, 
 
 In safe paths of righteousness for His name’s sake; 
 
 And e'en when I journey through death's darkened vale, 
 
 I’ll there fear no evil, my faith shall not fail. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 37 
 
 For Thou wilt be with me, to guide and protect; 
 Thy rod and Thy staff shall then comfort me yet; 
 For me Thou preparest a table well spread 
 In presence of foes; Thou anointest my head. 
 
 My cup runneth over; my blessings enlarge; 
 
 Thy goodness and mercy still have me in charge; 
 All the days of my life for me Twill be well, 
 
 And in the Lord's house I forever shall dwell. 
 
 PSALM 24 
 
 The teeming earth belongs 
 Unto the Lord Most High; 
 
 Its vast and living throngs 
 Are open to His eye; 
 
 His law is felt upon the seas, 
 
 The waves respond to His decrees. 
 
 Who, who shall here ascend 
 Unto God’s holy hill? 
 
 Or, worshipping, attend 
 Upon His sacred will? 
 
 He that hath hands unstained by sin, 
 And hath a heart all pure within. 
 
 Who hath not lifted high 
 His soul to vanity; 
 
 Nor sworn unto a lie, 
 
 That he enriched might be; 
 
 He shall a blessing here receive 
 From God, in whom he doth believe. 
 
38 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 This is of them that seek 
 His face, O Israel; 
 
 The lowly and the meek 
 Shall find He judgeth well: 
 
 He is the King for evermore, 
 Jehovah, whom the hosts adore. 
 
 Lift up your heads, ye gates! 
 
 Ye doors, be lifted high! 
 
 The King of glory waits, 
 
 Admit Him while He’s nigh: 
 
 Who is this King of glory, then? 
 
 *Tis Christ, who died for sinful men. 
 
 Ye gates, lift up your heads! 
 
 Ye long shut doors, unclose! 
 
 The King of glory sheds 
 His blood for sinful foes: 
 
 Who is this great and wondrous King? 
 *Tis Christ, who doth salvation bring. 
 
 PSALM 25 
 
 O Lord, to Thee 1 lift my soul; 
 
 My God, in Thee I trust; 
 
 Let not my foes in triumph rise, 
 
 And lay me in the dust. 
 
 Let none that wait on Thee, O Lord, 
 Ashamed be, or harmed; 
 
 Let such as disobey Thy laws 
 Ashamed be, and alarmed. 
 
 Show me Thy ways, O Lord Supreme; 
 
 Teach me Thy paths aright, 
 
 So shall I know Thy sacred truth, 
 And in Thy laws delight. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 39 
 
 Thy tender mercies, O how kind 
 They ever were of old! 
 
 Thy loving kindnesses have been 
 Throughout the past, untold. 
 
 My sins of youth, and later years, 
 
 From out Thy mem’ry take; 
 
 Show mercy, Lord, and pardon me, 
 E’en for Thine own name’s sake. 
 
 The Lord is good, and He will teach 
 All doubting souls the way; 
 
 The meek in judgment He will guide 
 In safety day by day. 
 
 God’s ways are ways of truth to such 
 As walk within His light; 
 
 He truth and mercy gives to all 
 That keep His laws aright. 
 
 My past iniquity, though great, 
 
 In mercy, Lord, forgive; 
 
 And in Thy loving-kindness teach 
 A sinner how to live. 
 
 What man is he that fears the Lord? 
 Him will He teach the way 
 
 That he shall choose; and lead therein, 
 Nor suffer him to stray. 
 
 His peaceful soul shall dwell at ease; 
 
 His seed, the earth possess; 
 
 The secret of the Lord attends 
 The ways of righteousness. 
 
40 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Mine eyes would look unto the Lord, 
 My help in troubles past; 
 
 He will release my feet from out 
 The net that holds them fast. 
 
 Turn unto me, Jehovah God: 
 
 Have mercy on me still; 
 
 Alone, afflicted, lo, I wait 
 To know Thy holy will. 
 
 The troubles of my heart are great; 
 
 My sin-tossed soul, bid live; 
 
 On my afflictions and my pain, 
 
 Look, Lord; and, Lord, forgive. 
 
 How many foes there are that rise 
 In hate to trouble me! 
 
 Deliver me, and keep my soul; 
 
 I put my trust in Thee. 
 
 On Thee I wait; let uprightness 
 Preserve me evermore; 
 
 And Israel redeem, O Lord, 
 
 From all his troubles sore. 
 
 PSALM 26 
 
 Judge me O Lord, I pray! 
 
 I in the truth abide; 
 
 Fve trusted also in the Lord, 
 Therefore I shall not slide. 
 
 Examine me, O Lord, 
 
 Prove Thou mine inmost heart; 
 Thy lovingkindness I behold; 
 
 Thy truth Thou didst impart. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 41 
 
 I’ve tarried not with those 
 Who would my Lord betray; 
 
 My soul abhors to seek the place 
 Where evil-doers stay. 
 
 From guilt I would be free; 
 
 Thine altar, Lord, I seek, 
 
 That I may there, with thanksgiving, 
 Of all Thy marvels speak. 
 
 I’ve loved Thy house, O Lord, 
 
 The place where Thou dost dwell; 
 O let me not be found with those 
 Who would Thine honor sell. 
 
 They, who of evil deeds 
 
 Their willing hand inscribes; 
 
 Whose right hand, free to do their will, 
 Is running o’er with bribes. 
 
 But as for me, I’ll walk 
 In mine integrity; 
 
 Redeem me, Lord, be merciful; 
 
 Be merciful to me. 
 
 My foot securely stands 
 Within an even place; 
 
 Amidst the people I will sing 
 Of Thy redeeming grace. 
 
 PSALM 27 
 
 The Lord is my salvation strong; 
 
 My light; whom shall I fear? 
 
 To him my strength and life belong; 
 Whom dread when He is near? 
 
42 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 When wicked men, mine enemies, 
 
 My secret foes, as well, 
 
 Came on me to destroy me, these 
 Soon stumbled there and fell. 
 
 Yea, though an host should there encamp 
 Against me, I will trust 
 
 In God, who will their armies tramp, 
 And mingle with the dust. 
 
 One thing have I besought the Lord, 
 
 And prayerfully will seek, 
 
 It is that I may know His word, 
 
 And of its beauties speak. 
 
 In times of trouble He shall me 
 In His pavilion hide; 
 
 I’ll in His tabernacle be, 
 
 And on His rock abide. 
 
 Then shall my head be lifted up 
 Above each bitter foe; 
 
 On sacred joys my soul shall sup, 
 
 My heart with praise oerflow. 
 
 Hear me, O Lord, when’er I cry; 
 
 Heed Thou my pleading voice; 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, and give reply, 
 
 And make my heart rejoice. 
 
 Thou saidst to me: seek ye my face; 
 
 My heart responsive spoke: 
 
 Thee will I seek; O, by Thy grace 
 More zeal in me provoke. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 43 
 
 Hide not Thy face far from me, Lord; 
 
 Thrust not Thy child away; 
 
 As in days past, Thy help afford; 
 
 Be thou my hope and stay. 
 
 E'en when my parents me forsake, 
 
 The Lord will me defend: 
 
 Teach me Thy way; a plain path make, 
 Lest foes me seize and rend. 
 
 Give me not over to my foes; 
 
 The false against me stand; 
 
 I fainted had beneath their blows, 
 
 But for Thy helping hand. 
 
 Wait, wait my soul, upon thy God! 
 
 Be thou of courage strong; 
 
 To thee He shall give strength; His rod 
 Shall bring to thee a song. 
 
 PSALM 28 
 
 Lord, unto Thee I’ll cry: 
 
 My Fortress, safe and strong; 
 Close not Thine ear to me 
 
 While dangers round me throng: 
 If Thou be silent to my call, 
 
 1 shall into destruction fall. 
 
 My supplications heed, 
 
 When I approach Thy throne; 
 When I lift up my hands, 
 
 My weak petitions own: 
 
 O let me not be found with those 
 Who fawn, but inwardly are foes. 
 
44 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 According to their deeds— 
 
 Which have been to our hurt— 
 
 So recompense them, Lord, 
 
 And give them their desert: 
 
 They were not found in God’s employ, 
 And them He surely will destroy. 
 
 Thrice blessed be the Lord! 
 
 For He hath heard my voice; 
 
 He is my Strength and Shield, 
 
 And in Him I rejoice: 
 
 Above my foes He doth me raise, 
 
 And with my songs I will Him praise. 
 
 Jehovah is the strength 
 Of His anointed here; 
 
 Thy people bless and save, 
 
 Who worship Thee in fear; 
 
 Feed them, O Lord; by grace restore, 
 And lift them up for evermore. 
 
 PSALM 29 
 
 Give to the Lord, ye mighty ones, 
 
 The glory due His name; 
 
 The beauty of His holiness, 
 
 In worship now proclaim. 
 
 His voice is heard upon the deep; 
 
 His thunders linger there; 
 
 On many waters He is found, 
 
 They do His glory share. 
 
 His works are seen on ev’ry side; 
 
 Majestic is His voice; 
 
 At His command the cedars break; 
 Again they all rejoice. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 45 
 
 The flames of fire His voice divides; 
 
 The wilderness it shakes; 
 
 The forests He hath made; each tree 
 To His high praise awakes. 
 
 Upon the floods the Lord doth sit; 
 
 He ruleth there as king; 
 
 All nature doth give praise to Him, 
 
 And tribute to Him bring. 
 
 The Lord will to His people give 
 A strength that will increase; 
 
 And He will bless His people with 
 A never-failing peace. 
 
 PSALM 30 
 
 Thee I’ll extol, O Lord, my God, 
 
 When blessings meet me, or the rod; 
 
 Thou hast me lifted up; Thy voice 
 Forbids my foes o’er me rejoice. 
 
 My mourning heart to Thee appealed; 
 
 Thou hast its wounds of sorrow healed; 
 From lowest depths Thou hast me brought, 
 When I Thy love and mercy sought. 
 
 Thou, gracious God, who gave me breath, 
 Hast kept my mortal frame from death; 
 
 O bless the Lord, and sing His praise! 
 
 Ye saints, His hallelujahs raise! 
 
 When ye remember all His love, 
 
 Give thanks, as do the saints above; 
 
 His anger but a moment burns, 
 
 His wrath to pity quickly turns. 
 
46 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Grief for a night our peace destroys, 
 
 But in the morning cometh joys, 
 
 Such as the world can ne’er bestow— 
 
 Grant, Lord, that we these joys may know. 
 
 I said in my prosperity, 
 
 I never more removed shall be: 
 
 How prone to boast! how vain is man! 
 
 How eager he to scheme and plan! 
 
 ’Twas by Thy favor and command 
 My mountain strong was made to stand; 
 
 But, Lord, when Thou didst hide Thy face, 
 
 My confidence to fear gave place. 
 
 I cried to Thee: In mercy save! 
 
 What profit is there in the grave? 
 
 Can mortal man the truth declare 
 
 When he the tomb with worms doth share? 
 
 Hear Thou my prayer, Jehovah, hear! 
 
 Have mercy, Lord! O Lord, draw near! 
 
 Be Thou mine aid when troubles press; 
 
 Be Thou my refuge in distress. 
 
 My mourning Thou hast turned to joy; 
 
 Thy mercies all my thoughts employ; 
 
 Thou hast my sackcloth cast away, 
 
 And clothed me in the light of day. 
 
 To sing Thy praise, O Sovereign Lord, 
 
 Shall all my days true joy afford: 
 
 O Lord, my God, Thee I adore! 
 
 And thanks shall give for evermore. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 47 
 
 PSALM 31 
 
 Lord, in Thee I put my trust, 
 
 Let me never be ashamed; 
 
 Though a feeble child of dust, 
 
 Thou heist me from death reclaimed. 
 
 Now from evil set me free, 
 
 Cleanse my life from ev’ry ill; 
 
 May Thy grace descend on me, 
 
 Till it all my being fill. 
 
 Bow to me Thy gracious ear; 
 
 Put not far Thy servant hence; 
 
 Be my house of refuge near, 
 
 Be my rock of sure defence. 
 
 Thou, my Fortress and my Rock, 
 Evermore unchanged shall stand; 
 
 Thou, who lead’st Thy ransomed flock, 
 Lead me ever by Thy hand. 
 
 From the net that foes have laid, 
 Hasten, Lord, to set me free; 
 
 Safe in Thee my soul is stayed, 
 
 Thou my strength shall ever be. 
 
 Lord, within Thy loving hand 
 I will now my spirit place; 
 
 Strengthen me and help me stand, 
 
 O Thou God of truth and grace. 
 
 I have shunned all them that sin, 
 
 But my trust is in the Lord; 
 
 May my heart rejoice within 
 
 That He doth me grace accord. 
 
 On my trouble Thou hast thought, 
 
 All my hidden grief heist known; 
 
 Thou hast me deliv’rance wrought, 
 And a place of freedom shown. 
 
48 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Look in mercy; bring relief; 
 
 For my soul is in distress; 
 
 Lord, I am consumed with grief; 
 
 Trials sore upon me press; 
 
 Yea, my life with grief is spent, 
 
 And with sighing pass the years; 
 
 All my mortal frame is rent 
 With the anguish of my fears. 
 
 A reproach and scorn was I, 
 
 And a fear around me spread; 
 
 They who saw me came not nigh; 
 
 They who met me quickly fled. 
 
 I, a broken vessel, lie 
 
 All forgotten and unused; 
 
 Foes would fain have made me die; 
 They me slandered and abused. 
 
 Still, I trusted Thee, and stand 
 
 More assured that Thou art mine; 
 
 All my times are in Thy hand; 
 
 Make Thy face on me to shine; 
 
 Save me for Thy mercies’ sake, 
 
 Let me never come to shame; 
 
 On the wicked vengeance take, 
 
 They who have blasphemed Thy name. 
 
 Let deceitful lips be still, 
 
 Lips that speak to harm the good; 
 They the righteous fain would kill, 
 
 Thou their words hast understood. 
 But how great Thy goodness, Lord, 
 
 Is to them that fear Thy name; 
 
 Thou dost unto them afford 
 Grace Thy mercy to proclaim. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 49 
 
 Thou wilt them in safety hide 
 In the secret of Thy love; 
 
 There secure they shall abide, 
 
 Watched and guarded from above; 
 Shelt’ring wings shall hover o’er, 
 
 Shielding them from strife and wrong; 
 Praise the Lord for evermore! 
 
 Praise and love to Him belong. 
 
 Once I said, in trembling haste, 
 
 I’m cut off before Thine eyes; 
 
 But I did Thy mercy taste, 
 
 Thou didst hear my earnest cries. 
 Love the Lord, ye saints, nor fear; 
 
 He His faithful ones will keep; 
 
 With good courage, now draw near, 
 
 He will give assurance deep. 
 
 PSALM 32 
 
 Blest is the man whose heart is cheered 
 By God’s forgiving smile; 
 
 And blessed is the man of truth 
 In whom is found no guile. 
 
 When I kept silence, all my bones 
 Waxed old through my complaint; 
 
 Thy heavy hand was on me laid, 
 
 Till I grew sick and faint. 
 
 Then did my trembling lips confess 
 My sins of heart and life, 
 
 And lo! a blissful peace arose, 
 
 Where reigned of late but strife. 
 
50 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 To Thee shall ev’ry child of Thine 
 In times of trouble cry, 
 
 For in such times of grief and fear 
 Thy helping hand is nigh. 
 
 Thou art my hiding place, O God, 
 
 Thou wilt preserve me still, 
 
 And my abode Thy presence shall 
 With songs of rapture fill. 
 
 1 will instruct thee in the way, 
 
 1 will with thee abide, 
 
 Thus saith the Lord, and with mine eye 
 I will thee ever guide. 
 
 Not as the horse may you be found, 
 Which knows not good nor ill; 
 
 Whose mouth by bit and bridle held, 
 
 Is led against his will. 
 
 Many the sorrows that shall fall 
 On wicked men that doubt, 
 
 But he that trusteth in the Lord, 
 
 Mercy shall gird about. 
 
 Rejoice! ye righteous, and be glad, 
 
 Nor from the Lord depart; 
 
 Yea, shout aloud for joy, all ye 
 That upright are in heart. 
 
 PSALM 33 
 
 Rejoice ye in the Lord! 
 
 Ye righteous ones rejoice; 
 
 Praise God upon the harp, 
 
 And with exultant voice: 
 
 Sing unto Him a song this day, 
 
 And on the mighty organ play. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 51 
 
 The word of God is right; 
 
 In truth His works are done; 
 He loveth righteousness; 
 
 He equity hath won; 
 
 The goodness of the Lord doth fill 
 The earth in valley and on hill. 
 
 *Twas by His word was made 
 The firmament above; 
 
 And all created things 
 
 His mighty power doth prove; 
 
 He rolls the waves up in a heap, 
 
 And their foundations layeth deep. 
 
 Let all the earth fall down 
 In awe before the Lord; 
 
 He spake and it was done 
 According to His word: 
 
 When He commanded, it stood fast; 
 
 For aye His words and works shall last. 
 
 The Lord doth surely bring 
 
 All heathen schemes to naught; 
 
 The plans the people make, 
 
 Shall to defeat be brought; 
 
 The counsel of the Lord doth stand; 
 
 His thoughts go out to all the land. 
 
 Blest is the nation that 
 Hath God to be its Lord, 
 
 For He will to His own 
 A promise rich afford; 
 
 He them regardeth from on high, 
 
 And for their help is always nigh. 
 
52 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 He looketh from the place, 
 
 Where He above doth dwell, 
 
 Upon the sons of men, 
 
 To see if they do well: 
 
 Their hearts He turneth as He will, 
 Their works He doth consider still. 
 
 ’Tis vain to trust in men; 
 
 No king is saved thereby; 
 
 Nor in great numbers can 
 A mighty man rely: 
 
 A horse for safety proves at length 
 The limitations of his strength. 
 
 On them that fear the Lord, 
 
 The eye of God doth rest; 
 
 To save their dying souls, 
 
 He heedeth their request: 
 
 To Him our waiting hearts would yield; 
 He is our only hope and shield. 
 
 For soon we shall rejoice; 
 
 Our hearts shall joy in Him; 
 
 Because we trust in God, 
 
 Our hope shall not grow dim: 
 
 Lord, let Thy mercy on us be, 
 According as we hope in Thee. 
 
 PSALM 34 
 
 My soul shall bless the Lord; 
 
 His praises I shall sing; 
 
 Come, let us join with one accord, 
 To praise and laud our King. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 53 
 
 The Lord I humbly sought, 
 
 And He vouchsafed to hear; 
 
 He to my soul redemption brought, 
 And banished all my fear. 
 
 The blinded eyes of sin 
 
 Looked unto Him, when lo! 
 
 A light arose their hearts within, 
 
 His saving grace to show. 
 
 When’er the needy cried, 
 
 The Lord inclined His ear; 
 
 He all their tears of anguish dried, 
 
 He unto them drew near. 
 
 The angel of the Lord 
 Encampeth all around 
 
 His people, who with one accord, 
 
 To fear His name are found. 
 
 O taste and see how good 
 Our God is, and how just! 
 
 Tell ye, who have Him understood, 
 How blest it is to trust. 
 
 Ye saints, for ever fear 
 
 The Lord; His love impart; 
 
 His rich supplies of grace appear, 
 
 To satisfy each heart. 
 
 The lions seek in vain 
 Their hunger to allay; 
 
 But they that seek the Lord shall gain 
 Rich blessings on the way. 
 
54 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Ye children, now draw near, 
 
 And hearken to my voice; 
 
 Ye will 1 teach the Lord to fear, 
 
 And in His name rejoice. 
 
 What man desires life, 
 
 And loveth many days, 
 
 That he amid earth’s busy strife 
 Some good may do always? 
 
 Thy tongue from evil keep, 
 
 Thy lips, from speaking guile; 
 
 In deep contrition mayst thou weep, 
 If sin should them defile. 
 
 From evil far depart; 
 
 Do good; be just and true; 
 
 Seek peace, and let it rule thy heart, 
 Let it thy way pursue. 
 
 The Lord’s unsleeping eyes 
 Are ever on the just; 
 
 His ears are open to the cries 
 Of all that on Him trust. 
 
 Against the evil turns 
 
 The Lord’s avenging face; 
 
 He cuts them off; their mem’ry burns, 
 Nor leaves of them a trace. 
 
 When’ er the righteous cry, 
 
 The Lord above doth heed; 
 
 He to deliver them is nigh, 
 
 To help them in their need. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 55 
 
 The Lord is nigh to all 
 
 That mourn with broken heart; 
 He hears the contrite sinner’s call, 
 And doth His grace impart. 
 
 The trials of the just 
 
 Oft cause the eyes to weep; 
 
 The Lord delivers all who trust; 
 
 He all their frame doth keep. 
 
 Sin shall the wicked slay; 
 
 And all who live to hate 
 The righteous, in some evil day 
 Shall be left desolate. 
 
 The Lord redeems all those 
 That worship Him in fear; 
 
 Not one who trusts, disquiet knows, 
 Nor grieves in darkness drear. 
 
 PSALM 35 
 
 O Lord Jehovah, plead my cause 
 With them that with me strive; 
 
 Lift up Thy hand against my foes, 
 And keep my hope alive. 
 
 Of shield and buckler now take hold; 
 
 Against my foes arise; 
 
 A safety be unto my soul, 
 
 When they its hurt devise. 
 
 Let such as my destruction seek, 
 
 Like chaff before the wind, 
 
 Be driven by Thy angel forth, 
 
 And their destruction find. 
 
56 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Let all their way be dark as night, 
 
 And troubles o’er them roll, 
 
 For without shame they cast their net 
 But to ensnare my soul. 
 
 Let swift destruction fall on him, 
 
 And pitfalls him ensnare, 
 
 Who, to destroy, doth spread his net; 
 Soon may he perish there. 
 
 Then shall my soul with songs of praise, 
 Be joyful in the Lord; 
 
 In His salvation I’ll rejoice, 
 
 While heart and flesh accord. 
 
 Yea, all my frame shall testify: 
 
 Lord, who is like to Thee, 
 
 Who doth the poor with courage stay, 
 And doth from foes set free. 
 
 False witnesses around me rose; 
 
 Yea, they before me stood; 
 
 They sought the spoiling of my soul, 
 And evil gave for good. 
 
 But as for me, when they were sick, 
 
 My clothes in grief I rent; 
 
 In prayer and fasting, for their sake, 
 
 My days and nights were spent. 
 
 Yea, I behaved myself as though 
 He were a brother born; 
 
 I proved myself as one that doth 
 For his own mother mourn. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 57 
 
 But they, in my adversity, 
 
 Together did rejoice; 
 
 And they, to do me evil, spoke 
 With their united voice. 
 
 O Lord, how long wilt Thou look on? 
 
 Me from destruction save; 
 
 Oh! rescue now my soul from such 
 As do against me rave. 
 
 Then shall my tongue with thankfulness 
 In the assembly speak; 
 
 And I among the people shall 
 Thy praise and glory seek. 
 
 Let not my foes o’er me rejoice; 
 
 Nor let their power rise; 
 
 Thy speak not peace, but ’gainst the good 
 They evil do devise. 
 
 Their mouths in scorn they open wide; 
 
 ’Gainst me they mocking say: 
 
 Our eyes have seen it, and they cry, 
 Deridingly, Aha! 
 
 This Thou hast seen, Jehovah Lord, 
 
 Keep silence not, I plead; 
 
 O Lord, be Thou not far from me, 
 
 But help me in my need. 
 
 Awake! O righteous God, awake! 
 
 Heed Thou my trembling voice; 
 
 Plead Thou my cause; be Thou my Judge; 
 Let not my foes rejoice. 
 
58 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Let them not say within their hearts: 
 
 So would we have it be, 
 
 Him have we swallowed up. O Lord, 
 Change Thou their proud decree. 
 
 Let them to shame be quickly brought 
 That did my ruin seek; 
 
 Let them be clothed with public shame 
 That did against me speak. 
 
 Let such as favor my right cause, 
 
 Now shout aloud for joy; 
 
 And let the praises of the Lord 
 Their thankful lips employ. 
 
 And thou, my tongue, shall gladly speak 
 Of righteousness and praise, 
 
 And everywhere God’s love proclaim, 
 And worship Him always. 
 
 PSALM 36 
 
 The evil deeds of wicked men 
 Within my troubled heart arise; 
 
 Their actions show they have no fear 
 Of the great God before their eyes. 
 
 The wicked flattereth himself, 
 
 Until abhored his sins appear; 
 
 His words are but iniquity; 
 
 To wisdom he doth not draw near. 
 
 But on his bed he doth devise 
 
 To work but mischief more and more; 
 
 He sets himself in ways not good, 
 
 Nor doth his heart his sins abhor. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 59 
 
 Thy mercy, O most gracious Lord, 
 
 Is in the heavens far on high; 
 
 Thy faithfulness doth reach the clouds, 
 Yea, it doth far surmount the sky. 
 
 Thy righteousness like mountains is; 
 
 Thy judgments are as the great deep; 
 Thou dost preserve both man and beast, 
 A knowledge of them Thou dost keep. 
 
 How good Thy loving kindness is! 
 
 Of it my heart exulting sings; 
 
 Thy children put their trust, O Lord, 
 Beneath the shadow of Thy wings. 
 
 The riches of Thy house divine 
 Shall satisfy each longing soul; 
 
 And Thou shalt make them all to drink 
 From where the pleasant waters roll. 
 
 The fount of life is found with Thee, 
 
 And in Thy light shall we see light; 
 
 Oh! let Thy loving kindness flow 
 To all who are in heart upright. 
 
 Let not the foot of pride advance 
 Against me, and let not the hand 
 Of sinful man reach out to thrust 
 Thy servant from this favored land. 
 
 The workers of iniquity! 
 
 There are they fallen in their place; 
 They are cast down, nor shall they be 
 Lifted again from their disgrace. 
 
60 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 37 
 
 When evil doers prospered are, 
 
 Let not thy spirit fret, 
 
 Nor works which the unrighteous do, 
 An envious thought beget. 
 
 They, like the grass which grows today 
 Luxuriantly and high, 
 
 Tomorrow is cut down, and left 
 To wither and to die. 
 
 Trust in the Lord, and do His will, 
 
 And thus possess the land; 
 
 For then with meat thou shalt be fed 
 From out God’s bounteous hand. 
 
 Delight ye in the Lord, and He 
 Rich blessings will impart, 
 
 And grant to thee the pure desires 
 That rise within thy heart. 
 
 Commit thy way unto the Lord, 
 
 Trust in Him evermore, 
 
 And soon thy righteousness, as light, 
 Shall shine as ne’er before. 
 
 Rest in the Lord, and for Him wait 
 In patience day by day; 
 
 Nor fret thy soul because of him 
 Who prospers in his way. 
 
 From anger cease; and wrath forsake; 
 Let not thyself do wrong: 
 
 The wicked die; but righteous men 
 God’s blessings shall make strong. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 61 
 
 For yet a little while, and lo! 
 
 Hie wicked shall not be; 
 
 Yea, thou shalt seek his wonted place, 
 But him thou wilt not see. 
 
 The righteous meek, with gentle sway, 
 The earth shall soon possess; 
 
 They shall delight themselves in peace; 
 Nought shall their souls distress. 
 
 The wicked plotteth ’gainst the just, 
 
 And would him quickly slay; 
 
 The Lord shall laugh at him, for lo! 
 
 He sees his coming day. 
 
 In hatred they have drawn the sword, 
 They long have bent the bow, 
 
 With which they would the needy slay. 
 And lay the righteous low. 
 
 Their swords shall enter their own hearts; 
 
 Their bows shall broken lie; 
 
 Yea, they who do the righteous kill 
 Shall in swift judgment die. 
 
 A little that a righteous man 
 Doth of this world possess, 
 
 Is better than the ill-gained wealth 
 Of those who do transgress. 
 
 The arms of wicked men shall break; 
 
 The Lord upholds the good; 
 
 Their riches are enduring, and 
 Their days are understood. 
 
62 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 They shall not hide their face with shame 
 In any evil time; 
 
 In days of famine they shall rise 
 On wings of faith sublime. 
 
 But wicked men shall perish soon, 
 
 Like smoke, consume away; 
 
 E’en one that borroweth, nor doth 
 In honesty repay. 
 
 The righteous man doth mercy show, 
 And gifts of love bestow; 
 
 And he who thus is blest of him, 
 
 Shall in abundance grow. 
 
 Each step the godly man doth take, 
 
 Is ordered by the Lord; 
 
 The Lord delighteth in his way, 
 
 And doth him grace afford. 
 
 Though he should fall, he shall not be 
 Entirely cast down; 
 
 The Lord upholds him with His hand, 
 And doth his efforts crown. 
 
 I have been young, and now am old; 
 
 I’ve seen the righteous led, 
 
 But ne’er forsaken, nor his seed 
 In hunger begging bread. 
 
 He merciful is ever found, 
 
 And to the poor doth lend; 
 
 And to his seed God’s loving hand 
 In blessing doth extend. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 63 
 
 Depart from evil, and do good 
 And live for evermore; 
 
 God loveth judgment, and will yet 
 His weakest saint restore. 
 
 The righteous shall possess the land, 
 
 And there in safety dwell; 
 
 The mouth of the redeemed doth speak 
 Of truth and wisdom well. 
 
 The law of God, so pure and just, 
 
 Doth in their hearts abide; 
 
 Their steps are ordered by the Lord, 
 
 Not one of them shall slide. 
 
 The wicked for the righteous watch, 
 
 And seeketh him to slay; 
 
 The Lord will snatch him from their hands, 
 Nor leave him for their prey. 
 
 Wait on the Lord and keep His law; 
 ’Gainst evil firmly stand; 
 
 God will exalt thee and will give 
 To thee the promised land. 
 
 I’ve seen the wicked in great power 
 Spread like a tree around; 
 
 Yet, lo! how soon he passed away. 
 
 Nor trace of him I found. 
 
 Mark thou the perfect, and behold 
 The man of upright heart; 
 
 Peace shall attend him, and in joy 
 His spirit shall depart. 
 
64 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 While the transgressors quickly shall 
 Together be destroyed; 
 
 Death and destruction for their end, 
 
 And darkness are employed. 
 
 But the salvation of the saints 
 Is of the Lord, divine; 
 
 When troubles rise, He’ll be their strength, 
 And on their pathway shine. 
 
 The Lord shall help, and set them free 
 From ev’ry snare unjust; 
 
 Yea, He will rescue them and save, 
 
 Because in Him they trust. 
 
 PSALM 38 
 
 Rebuke me not in wrath, 
 
 Nor judgment on me pour; 
 
 For, Lord, Thine arrows pierce me through, 
 Thy hand doth press me sore. 
 
 My flesh no soundness knows, 
 
 Because Thine anger burns; 
 
 Because of sin I groan with pain; 
 
 For rest my spirit yearns. 
 
 For mine iniquities 
 
 Have covered all my head; 
 
 They, like a burden, bear me down, 
 
 And darkness o’er me spread. 
 
 My sin-wounds are corrupt; 
 
 I’m troubled and distressed; 
 
 Bowed down with grief, I all day long 
 Go mourning and oppressed. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 65 
 
 My nature, filled with sin, 
 
 Knows neither health nor joy; 
 
 I weak and broken-hearted am, 
 
 Grief doth my voice employ. 
 
 All my desires, Lord, 
 
 I now before Thee lay; 
 
 My groaning is not hid from Thee; 
 
 Be Thou my help and stay. 
 
 My heart within me faints; 
 
 Of courage I have none; 
 
 As for the light that once was mine, 
 It from me, too, is gone. 
 
 My friends and lovers stand 
 Aloof, to view my sore; 
 
 My kinsmen, too, stand off afar, 
 
 Nor pity as before. 
 
 They that would seek my life, 
 
 Lay snares before my feet; 
 
 Their minds deceits against me frame, 
 And these their tongues repeat. 
 
 I, as the deaf, heard not; 
 
 My mouth was as the dumb; 
 
 Thus instruments of just reproof, 
 
 My lips did not become. 
 
 For, Lord, in Thee 1 trust; 
 
 I know that Thou wilt hear— 
 
 If Thou art for me, O my God, 
 
 What mortal need I fear! 
 
66 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I said within my heart, 
 
 Hear, Lord, lest otherwise, 
 
 They should rejoice to see me fall, 
 And should my hope despise. 
 
 But I, alas! am weak; 
 
 My feet uneven walk; 
 
 In sorrow I confess my sin, 
 
 And of my failings talk. 
 
 Mine enemies are strong; 
 
 Their number larger grows; 
 
 And they that hate me wrongfully, 
 My halting feet oppose. 
 
 They, also, that return 
 
 But ill for good I*ve done, 
 
 Mine adversaries are, because 
 In righteous ways IVe run. 
 
 Forsake me not, O Lord; 
 
 Let me Thy goodness taste; 
 
 Be not afar removed from me; 
 
 To help me, Lord, make haste. 
 
 PSALM 39 
 
 Heed I’ll take unto my ways, 
 
 That I sin not with my tongue; 
 Speech I’ll guard through all my days 
 While the wicked I’m among. 
 Dumb with silence I was found, 
 E’en from good I held my peace; 
 Grief within me and around, 
 
 Did with ev’ry change increase. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 67 
 
 Hot within me was my heart; 
 
 While I mused the fire burned: 
 
 Then I spake: To me impart 
 
 That for which my soul hath yearned; 
 
 Make me, Lord, to know mine end, 
 
 And the measure of my days; 
 
 Frail I am; Thy grace extend, 
 
 It alone my spirit stays. 
 
 As a handbreadth Thou hast made 
 All my days before Thee pass; 
 
 Soon appears life’s evening shade, 
 When we fall as doth the grass. 
 
 Surely ev’ry man doth walk 
 In a vain and empty show; 
 
 Of his riches he doth talk, 
 
 Knowing not where they shall go. 
 
 Now, O Lord, what wait I for? 
 
 All my hope is fixed in Thee; 
 
 My transgressions I deplore, 
 
 From them all deliver me. 
 
 I was dumb and held my peace, 
 
 For Thy hand had laid me low; 
 
 Lord, Thy chast’ning deign to cease, 
 Lest I die beneath Thy blow. 
 
 When Thy hand, in Providence, 
 Teacheth man, his sins to slay, 
 
 Then his beauty his defense, 
 
 Is consumed and flies away. 
 
 Lord, give ear unto my cry, 
 
 I am but a wanderer here; 
 
 Strengthen me before I die; 
 
 Spare me, Lord, to me draw near. 
 
68 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 40 
 
 I waited patiently 
 For God on High, 
 
 And He inclined to me 
 And heard my cry: 
 
 He brought me from a helpless state; 
 
 On Him alone 1 now await. 
 
 He hath put a new song 
 Upon my tongue; 
 
 Praise to our God most strong 
 By me is sung: 
 
 The people shall it gladly hear, 
 
 And trust the Lord with trembling fear. 
 
 Blest is the man that makes 
 The Lord his trust; 
 
 The proud and vain forsakes; 
 
 And the unjust; 
 
 How many are Thy works, O Lord! 
 
 No pen of man can them record. 
 
 Vain sacrifice and gifts 
 Thou hast not craved; 
 
 Thy Holy Spirit lifts 
 My soul enslaved, 
 
 So that upon the sacred tree 
 
 A costly sacrifice 1 see. 
 
 Then said I, Lord I come, 
 
 As *tis revealed 
 
 Within the sacred tome, 
 
 Nor there concealed, 
 
 I long to do Thy holy will; 
 
 Thy law abides within me still. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 69 
 
 I righteousness have taught 
 To the great host; 
 
 Thy law to them I’ve brought— 
 Which they need most— 
 
 Thy faithfulness I have declared; 
 
 With them Thy lovingkindness shared. 
 
 Withhold not, Lord, from me 
 Thy tender love; 
 
 Thy truth and pardon free, 
 
 Send from above; 
 
 For mine iniquities me hold; 
 
 They number more than can be told. 
 
 Be pleased, O Lord, to save; 
 
 To help, make haste; 
 
 Let them confusion have 
 Who would me waste; 
 
 A lasting shame to all impart, 
 
 Who wish me evil in their heart. 
 
 Let them be desolate 
 And brought to shame, 
 
 Who do with scorn and hate 
 Deride my name; 
 
 But let Thine own in heart rejoice, 
 And praise Thee with exultant voice. 
 
 But I am poor and weak; 
 
 In need am I; 
 
 Yet doth the Lord me seek, 
 
 And draw me nigh: 
 
 Thou art my only hope and stay; 
 Lord, tarry not, but come, I pray. 
 
70 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 41 
 
 Blessed, yea, thrice blest is he 
 
 That doth have the poor in mind; 
 
 His support the Lord will be, 
 
 And in trouble comfort find; 
 
 Yea, the Lord will him preserve, 
 
 And will keep his soul alive; 
 
 Kept is he, that doth God serve, 
 
 Kept when foes against him strive. 
 
 God will strengthen him when on 
 Beds of languishing and pain; 
 
 There his pillow shall be down; 
 
 There he’ll strength and comfort gain. 
 Lord, be merciful to me, 
 
 Thus 1 cried, and heal my soul, 
 
 For I have transgressed ’gainst Thee; 
 
 Sins unnumbered o’er me roll. 
 
 Enemies of me speak ill; 
 
 When shall they depart and die? 
 When they come to see me still, 
 
 They in evil sayings vie. 
 
 All that hate me whisper there. 
 
 They against me vainly talk; 
 
 Thus they say—while yet they stare— 
 He no more will rise and walk. 
 
 Yea, mine own familiar friend, 
 
 He, in whom I trusted well, 
 
 He who did my feasts attend, 
 
 Doth of my affliction tell. 
 
 God, be merciful to me, 
 
 And in pity raise me up, 
 
 So that they confused may be,— 
 
 Take from me this bitter cup. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 71 
 
 Grant that I by this may know 
 That Thou dost me favor still; 
 
 Let Thy graces in me grow 
 Till they all my being fill. 
 
 Blessed be the Lord on high; 
 
 Jacob’s God be praised then; 
 
 Past and future make reply: 
 
 Praise the Lord! Amen, Amen. 
 
 PSALM 42 
 
 As pants the weary hart to find 
 The cool refreshing brook, 
 
 So pants my soul, while groping blind, 
 For Thee whom I forsook. 
 
 For Thee, the living God, I thirst, 
 
 O when shall I draw near? 
 
 Unless Thy grace shall draw me first, 
 How, Lord, shall I appear? 
 
 My tears have been my constant meat; 
 
 I mourn by day and night, 
 
 While foes about me still repeat: 
 Where now is God, thy light? 
 
 When I remember all these things, 
 
 My soul within me dies: 
 
 O had I now faith’s eager wings, 
 
 To Thee, my God, I’d rise. 
 
 Oft to Thy house in company 
 I went in former days, 
 
 And raised in tuneful melody 
 The song of joy and praise. 
 
72 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 O why art thou cast down, my souH 
 Why throb, unquiet breast? 
 
 Have hope in God, 1*11 yet extol 
 His grace that giveth rest. 
 
 Within me is my soul cast down. 
 
 But 1 remember still, 
 
 The floods did not Thy people drown, 
 Thou wast on Mizar*s hill. 
 
 Deep calleth unto deep with noise, 
 
 And threatn’ing waters roar; 
 
 The waves of sorrow drown my joys. 
 Cold billows sweep me o*er. 
 
 Yet will the Lord command His love 
 To shield me day by day; 
 
 And in the night His song shall prove 
 My comfort and my stay. 
 
 My soul doth say to God, my Rock, 
 
 O why dost Thou forget? 
 
 Why go I mourning, while, to mock, 
 My foes against me set? 
 
 As with a sword within my bones. 
 My foes apply the rod, 
 
 While daily they, amid my groans, 
 Ask: Where is now thy God? 
 
 Have hope in God, and I shall now 
 Praise Him with joyful voice; 
 
 To Him, with faith restored, 1*11 bow, 
 And in His name rejoice. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 73 
 
 PSALM 43 
 
 Judge me, O Lord, and plead my cause 
 Against a nation lost in sin; 
 
 From men unjust deliver me, 
 
 When they deceitful ways begin. 
 
 O God! Thou art my strength and hope! 
 
 Why, why dost Thou now cast me off? 
 
 Why go I mourning still because 
 
 My foes oppress me sore, and scoff? 
 
 Lord, send out now Thy light and truth, 
 
 To lead me safely through the land, 
 
 And bring me to Thy holy hill, 
 
 E’en where Thy tabernacles stand. 
 
 Then will I to Thine altar go, 
 
 O God, my one exceeding joy, 
 
 And there Thy praise—on harp well tuned— 
 Exultantly my time employ. 
 
 Why art thou, then, cast down, my soul? 
 
 And why disquieted, my mind? 
 
 Hope in the Lord; Him will 1 praise; 
 
 Rest, joy, and peace, in Him I’ll find. 
 
 PSALM 44 
 
 We have with our own ears, 
 
 Heard what our fathers told 
 Of Thee in former years; 
 
 Thy work in times of old: 
 
 How Thou deliv’rance to them brought, 
 And for us ’gainst the heathen fought. 
 
74 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 For they got not the land 
 
 By their own power and might; 
 *Twas conquered by Thy hand, 
 
 And Thine unerring sight: 
 
 Thou art our only King, O God, 
 Deliv’rance bring us by Thy rod. 
 
 Through Thee we shall push down 
 Our enemies and Thine; 
 
 Thou wilt our efforts crown, 
 
 And give us help divine: 
 
 for 1 will not trust in my bow, 
 
 Nor by my sword deliv’rance know. 
 
 Thou didst us save, O Lord, 
 
 From all that would us harm; 
 
 Didst shame to foes accord 
 By Thine almighty arm; 
 
 In Thee we boasted all day long, 
 
 And praised Thee with unending song. 
 
 But Thou hast cast us off, 
 
 And put us all to shame; 
 
 At which the heathen scoff, 
 
 And mock Thy holy name: 
 
 On foes we weakly turn our back, 
 
 When strength divine from Thee we lack. 
 
 Like sheep we driven are, 
 
 Before our foes and Thine; 
 
 We’ re sold to those afar 
 When ceases help divine: 
 
 A vile reproach we then are found, 
 
 A scorn to all our foes around. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 75 
 
 A byword Thou dost make 
 Of us to all our foes; 
 
 We with confusion quake, 
 
 And fall beneath their blows; 
 
 Our ears their blasphemy do hear, 
 
 Nor seems there hope or succor near. 
 
 All this is come to us, 
 
 Yet do we not forget 
 
 That Thou hast led us thus, 
 
 And wilt avenge us yet: 
 
 Our heart is not turned back today 
 
 From serving Thee in Thine own way. 
 
 Thou hast us brought to shame, 
 
 With Thy correcting rod, 
 
 When we forgot Thy name, 
 
 And sought another god: 
 
 Shall not God search this out? for He 
 
 The secrets of the heart doth see. 
 
 Yea, for Thy sake are we 
 Killed and consumed all day; 
 
 We would not from Thee flee, 
 
 But for the slaughter stay: 
 
 Awake! why sleepest Thou, O Lord? 
 
 Cast us not off; Thy help afford. 
 
 Why hidest Thou Thy face, 
 
 And all our woes forget? 
 
 We are in deep disgrace, 
 
 But Thou canst help us yet: 
 
 Arise! O Lord; for us awake; 
 
 Redeem us for Thy mercies’ sake. 
 
76 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 45 
 
 My heart within me speaks of truth 
 
 Concerning Christ, the heavenly King; 
 My tongue is as the pen of one 
 Who doth a ready answer bring. 
 
 Thou fairer art than men of earth; 
 
 Grace from Thy lips doth ever flow; 
 Therefore God hath Thee blest above 
 The richest blessings earth can know. 
 
 Gird now Thy sword upon Thy thigh, 
 And let Thy glory fill the land; 
 
 Ride forth in majesty and truth; 
 
 Teach righteousness by Thy right hand. 
 
 Thine arrows pierce the inmost heart 
 Of all Thine enemies, O Lord; 
 
 And people that against Thee rise, 
 
 Are felled beneath Thy flaming sword. 
 
 Thy throne forever shall abide; 
 
 Thy scepter is a scepter right; 
 
 Thou lovest righteousness and truth; 
 
 All sin is hateful in Thy sight. 
 
 Therefore hath God anointed Thee 
 With oil of gladness over all; 
 
 Thy garments smell of myrrh, and they 
 On Thee from kingly dwellings fall. 
 
 Kings’ daughters, too, were found among 
 The women that on Thee did wait; 
 There stood the queen, in Ophir’s gold, 
 To welcome Thee before the gate. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 77 
 
 O daughter, hearken! and incline 
 
 Thine ear to precious words of truth; 
 
 Forget also thy father’s house, 
 
 Where thou didst spend thy early youth. 
 
 So shall the King thy beauty see, 
 
 And He thine homage there shall own; 
 
 He is thy God; O worship Him, 
 
 Nor let another share His throne. 
 
 i 
 
 And Tyre’s daughter shall be there, 
 
 With costly gift she shall Thee greet; 
 
 1 he rich among the people shall 
 
 Thy favor and Thy grace entreat. 
 
 How glorious is Thy church within! 
 
 Her clothing is of fine wrought gold; 
 
 She shall be brought unto the King, 
 
 That He her beauty may behold. 
 
 With gladness and rejoicing shall 
 
 Thy ransomed ones to Thee be brought, 
 
 And enter through the palace gate, 
 
 Which they through tribulation sought. 
 
 The children take the fathers* place, 
 
 As generations pass away; 
 
 Of them Thou mayest princes make, 
 
 And each may serve Thee in his day. 
 
 Lord, I will make Thy name to be 
 Remembered by the nations then; 
 
 In all the generations shall 
 
 The people worship Thee. Amen. 
 
78 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 46 
 
 God is our refuge and our strength; 
 
 In trouble he is near, 
 
 And though the earth should be removed, 
 Our hearts shall know no fear. 
 
 Yea, though the mountains carried are 
 Into the troubled sea, 
 
 And shake amidst the surging waves, 
 
 Yet steadfast shall we be. 
 
 There is a river, full and wide, 
 
 The streams whereof rejoice 
 
 The city of the Lord Most High, 
 
 The city of His choice. 
 
 Our God is in the midst of her, 
 
 And she shall not be moved; 
 
 That God will help, and early too, 
 
 He countless times hath proved. 
 
 The heathen vainly raged and stormed 
 Against His kingdom fair; 
 
 He uttered low His voice, and soon 
 Their hosts defeated were. 
 
 The Lord of Hosts is with us still, 
 
 Our refuge is in God; 
 
 And though we desolations see, 
 
 We’ll trust His guiding rod. 
 
 He maketh wars to cease; the earth 
 With lasting peace He fills; 
 
 He breaks the bow and spear, and burns 
 The chariot when He wills. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 79 
 
 Be still, and know that I am God; 
 
 I will exalted be 
 
 Among the heathen, and will rule 
 The earth from sea to sea. 
 
 The Lord of Hosts is with us still; 
 
 God is our refuge now; 
 
 Before His face, in joy or grief, 
 With trusting hearts we bow. 
 
 PSALM 47 
 
 Praise the Lord with glad rejoicing; 
 
 All ye people sing His praise; 
 Shout aloud, His triumph voicing, 
 Joyful hallelujahs raise; 
 
 He is mighty, 
 
 Over all His scepter sways. 
 
 He’ll subdue the nations for us; 
 
 Put the tribes beneath our feet; 
 All the land He will restore us, 
 Pour on us His blessings sweet: 
 
 Praise Him! praise Him! 
 
 Let us now His praise repeat. 
 
 With a shout the Lord ascendeth, 
 And a victory doth bring: 
 With a song that never endeth, 
 We Jehovah’s praises sing; 
 Hallelujah! 
 
 Praise we give unto our King. 
 
80 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 God is King of ev’ry nation; 
 
 Sing His praise, His kingdom own; 
 He hath given us salvation, 
 
 He hath favor to us shown; 
 Praise eternal, 
 
 Doth become Him on His throne. 
 
 PSALM 48 
 
 Mighty is the Lord Jehovah; 
 
 He is greatly to be praised, 
 
 In the city where He dwelleth, 
 
 In the mountain He hath raised. 
 
 Beautiful for situation, 
 
 Joy of all the earth, we sing, 
 
 Is Mount Zion, well surrounded, 
 
 City of our God and King. 
 
 God is known in all her dwellings. 
 
 For a refuge sure and strong; 
 
 Hostile kings were there assembled, 
 And together passed along; 
 
 When they saw it, lo! they marveled, 
 And in trouble turned away, 
 
 For a fear took hold upon them, 
 
 As the sight before them lay. 
 
 As we’ve heard it, so we’ve seen it, 
 
 In the city of the Lord; 
 
 God established it forever, 
 
 E’en according to His word. 
 
 We have meditated often 
 
 Of Thy lovingkindness here; 
 
 And while seated in Thy temple, 
 
 We have praised with trembling fear. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 81 
 
 Lord, as is Thy name for greatness, 
 So Thy praise doth fill the earth; 
 Righteousness Thy being filleth; 
 
 Thou to righteous laws gave birth. 
 Let rejoicings fill Mount Zion, 
 
 And let Judah still rejoice; 
 
 Yea, because of righteous judgments, 
 Praise we with united voice. 
 
 Walk, ye saints, about on Zion, 
 
 And go round her walls with care; 
 Tell the number of her towers, 
 
 And the watchmen stationed there; 
 Mark ye well her mighty bulwarks, 
 Look on all her palaces, 
 
 That to others, coming after, 
 
 You may give account of these. 
 
 For this God, so great and holy, 
 
 Is our God for evermore; 
 
 We would seek His temple daily, 
 There to worship and adore; 
 
 He, through life’s uncertain journey, 
 Will at all times be our guide; 
 And at death He will receive us, 
 
 Ever with Him to abide. 
 
 PSALM 49 
 
 Hear this, ye people all; 
 
 Unto my words give ear; 
 
 Both rich and poor attend my words, 
 While I the truth make clear. 
 
82 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I shall of wisdom speak, 
 
 Of wisdom from on high; 
 
 The meditations of my heart 
 Unto the truth are nigh. 
 
 Unto a parable 
 
 I will mine ear incline; 
 
 My sayings dark I will declare 
 Upon the harp divine. 
 
 Oh! wherefore should I fear 
 When come the evil days? 
 
 E’en days when foes encompass me, 
 And trouble with me stays? 
 
 They that trust in their wealth, 
 
 And of their riches boast, 
 
 Are helpless when death beckons them 
 To join the silent host. 
 
 Not one his brother can, 
 
 From death eternal save; 
 
 Nor cause the lifeless body there, 
 
 To rise from out the grave. 
 
 A costly price was paid, 
 
 To save the precious soul, 
 
 That it might live for evermore, 
 
 While ceaseless ages roll. 
 
 The wise men daily die; 
 
 The foolish are laid low; 
 
 They leave their wealth to others, for 
 It cannot with them go. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 83 
 
 Their inward thought has been, 
 
 Our houses shall abide; 
 
 And generations following, 
 
 Shall still in them reside. 
 
 Yet man in honor here 
 Abideth not always; 
 
 He, like the beasts that perish, lives 
 But his allotted days. 
 
 They, all, like sheep, are laid 
 Within the grave at last; 
 
 Worms feed on them; their beauty dies; 
 Their power, too, is past. 
 
 But in the time to come, 
 
 God will my soul retrieve, 
 
 And lift it from the darksome tomb, 
 
 And me He will receive. 
 
 When one is here made rich, 
 
 Oh! be not thou afraid; 
 
 He leaveth all at death, and he 
 Within the grave is laid. 
 
 Though, while he lived he blessed 
 His soul, and took his ease— 
 
 For men will praise thee, when thy wealth 
 Consists of things like these. 
 
 Like his forefathers, he 
 
 Shall see no more the light; 
 
 A foolish man in honor dies; 
 
 As die the beasts at night. 
 
84 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 50 
 
 The mighty God, the Lord of hosts, 
 
 Hath spoken with a voice divine, 
 
 And called the earth from where the sun 
 Doth rise, to where its beams decline. 
 
 From Zion, the abode of God, 
 
 That temple built with matchless grace, 
 
 Perfect and strong in all its parts, 
 
 Is seen the shining of his face. 
 
 Our God will come in dread array; 
 
 Nature and man his voice shall hear; 
 
 Before him shall a fire rage 
 
 And burn the evil far and near. 
 
 Unto the heavenly hosts above, 
 
 And to the earth the Lord will call 
 
 His saints, though far and wide dispersed, 
 He’ll gather and reward them all. 
 
 The heavens, with united voice, 
 
 His truth and justice shall declare, 
 
 For God himself alone is judge, 
 
 And gives to each a righteous share. 
 
 Hear, O my flock! and I will speak; 
 
 O Jacob! I will testify 
 
 Against thee while thy sacrifice, 
 
 Still smoking, doth before me lie. 
 
 Seeing thou dost instruction hate, 
 
 And all my words behind thee cast; 
 
 With thieves and evil doers thou 
 Art found to be in friendship fast. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 85 
 
 Thy mouth is filled with evil, and 
 Thy tongue is framed to all deceit; 
 
 Thou slanderest thy mother’s son, 
 
 And would his lawful aims defeat. 
 
 These things, O sinful man, thou hast 
 In secrecy and darkness done, 
 
 Forgetting that mine eye doth see 
 The hidden deeds of ev’ry one. 
 
 I will reprove thee, and will set 
 
 Thine evil deeds before mine eyes; 
 
 O heed! lest thou shouldst fall away, 
 Where mercy ne’er shall hear thy cries. 
 
 Oh! ye that do your God forget, 
 Consider this and on him call, 
 
 Lest he, in justice, soon shall cause 
 Thy frame, dismembered, there to fall. 
 
 He glorifies my name who doth 
 An offering of praise bestow; 
 
 To him who speaks and lives aright, 
 
 I will salvation freely show. 
 
 PSALM 51 
 
 Have mercy on me, O my God! 
 
 Withhold, I pray, Thy chast’ning rod! 
 
 May I forgiveness with Thee find; 
 
 Blot my transgressions from Thy mind. 
 
 Wash me from mine iniquity; 
 
 Cleanse me, that I may guiltless be; 
 
 My sins of life before me rise,— 
 
 They come unbidden to mine eyes. 
 
86 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 ’Gainst Thee I’ve sinned in Heaven’s light, 
 And done this evil in Thy sight: 
 
 Thou, Thou art justified, O God, 
 
 To lay on me Thy chast’ning rod. 
 
 I in iniquity was born; 
 
 Sin conquered me in life’s first morn; 
 
 But truth Thou didst within me sow, 
 
 And wisdom give, that truth to know. 
 
 Purge me with hyssop as Thou wilt, 
 
 So that my soul be cleansed from guilt; 
 Thy sacrificial blood bestow, 
 
 And I shall whiter be than snow. 
 
 Let joy and gladness fill my heart; 
 
 Let chastisement new peace impart: 
 
 From all my sins, Lord, hide Thy face; 
 Leave not of their vile blot a trace. 
 
 Create in me a heart that’s clean; 
 
 From ev’ry sin my spirit wean: 
 
 Oh! cast me not away from Thee; 
 
 Take not Thy Spirit, Lord, from me. 
 
 The joy of Thy salvation, now 
 Restore, as I before Thee bow; 
 
 With Thy rich grace my soul uphold, 
 
 And in Thy service make me bold. 
 
 From sins of blood deliver me; 
 
 Grant unto me salvation free; 
 
 Then shall my tongue Thy praises sing; 
 
 My mouth shall testimony bring. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 87 
 
 Open my lips, that I may raise 
 A song that’s new unto Thy praise; 
 Unseal my mouth, that it may speak 
 A word of warning to the weak. 
 
 No sacrifice dost Thou desire; 
 
 No offering that’s burnt with fire; 
 Or still in these would I delight, 
 And bring of them before Thy sight. 
 
 What sacrifice, Lord, wouldst Thou see? 
 A broken spirit it should be, 
 
 A broken and a contrite heart,— 
 
 For these, O Lord, Thy grace impart. 
 
 Do good in Thy good pleasure, Lord, 
 To Zion; strength to her afford; 
 Jerusalem, build Thou her walls, 
 And heed when she upon Thee calls. 
 
 Then shall her offerings delight, 
 
 And pleasant be in Heaven’s sight; 
 Then bullocks, on Thine altar there 
 Shall offered be, and gifts most rare. 
 
 PSALM 52 
 
 Why now in wisdom boast, 
 
 O mighty man of clay? 
 
 God’s goodness evermore endures, 
 It passes not away: 
 
 Evil, alas! thy tongue employs, 
 
 It seeks the good and it destroys. 
 
88 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Thou lovest evil more 
 Than the enduring good; 
 
 And lying lips, instead of true, 
 
 Are to thee pleasant food: 
 
 Thy words destroy both old and young, 
 E’en thine, deceitful, wicked tongue. 
 
 God will thee soon destroy, 
 
 O bold, deceitful man! 
 
 He’ll pluck thee from thy dwelling place, 
 And spoil thine ev’ry plan: 
 
 The righteous, also, this shall see, 
 
 And fear on all around shall be. 
 
 They, wondering, shall say: 
 
 Lo! was not this the man 
 
 That made not God his strength, and thus 
 To his destruction ran? 
 
 They answer: It was he indeed, 
 
 Now others on his riches feed. 
 
 But I am like a tree, 
 
 An olive tree that’s green, 
 
 And daily in the house of God, 
 
 I, worshiping, am seen; 
 
 In God, the Lord, is all my trust; 
 
 For He alone is wise and just. 
 
 Thee will I praise always, 
 
 O Triune God in One! 
 
 Forever I will praise Thy work, 
 
 Because Thou hast it done; 
 
 Yea, I will wait upon Thy name, 
 
 And it to all the saints proclaim. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 89 
 
 PSALM 53 
 
 The fool hath proudly said 
 Within his darkened heart: 
 
 There is no God. Corrupt art they; 
 They do from good depart. 
 
 The Lord looked down from Heaven 
 Upon this sinful race, 
 
 To see if any understood, 
 
 And sought in truth His face. 
 
 He found them all gone back; 
 
 He found them all undone; 
 
 Not one among them doeth good, 
 Not one, alas! not one. 
 
 Have they no knowledge then, 
 
 Who trespass on my saints? 
 
 The Lord will soon His own avenge; 
 He heareth their complaints. 
 
 Though they at times had fear, 
 
 God did their foes disband, 
 
 And scattered such as did them ill, 
 
 By His almighty hand. 
 
 Oh! that salvation were 
 For Israel wrought out! 
 
 Then would the hosts of Zion join 
 In one exultant shout. 
 
 When God, the Lord, brings back 
 The people of His choice. 
 
 Then Israel shall give acclaim, 
 
 And Jacob shall rejoice. 
 
90 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 54 
 
 Save me by Thy name, O Lord; 
 
 Judge me by Thy strength divine; 
 Hear my prayer; Thy help afford; 
 
 Heed these contrite words of mine. 
 Strangers do against me rise, 
 
 And my soul oppressors seek; 
 
 God is not before their eyes; 
 
 They against me daily speak. 
 
 God alone my helper is; 
 
 ’Tis His Spirit me upholds; 
 
 He will fight for me in this, 
 
 For His promise me enfolds; 
 
 He my foes will soon destroy, 
 
 He will quickly cut them off; 
 Power divine He will employ 
 
 ’Gainst mine enemies that scoff. 
 
 I will sacrifice to Thee, 
 
 And will praise Thy name, O Lord, 
 For Thou hast delivered me; 
 
 Lo! Thou didst me help afford; 
 
 And mine eye hath seen Thy power 
 On mine enemies of old; 
 
 Thou hast brought me to this hour, 
 
 Thy salvation to behold. 
 
 PSALM 55 
 
 Give ear unto my prayer, 
 
 Thyself with it acquaint; 
 
 Attend unto me, Lord, and hear; 
 I mourn in my complaint. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 91 
 
 I mourn because the voice 
 Of foes against me speaks; 
 
 Because the wicked me oppress, 
 
 My heart Thine altar seeks. 
 
 They evil on me cast; 
 
 In wrath they do me hate; 
 
 My heart is pained within me, and 
 Death’s terrors I await. 
 
 A fearfulness untold, 
 
 And trembling, weigh me down; 
 A horror hath o’erwhelmed my soul; 
 I sink beneath Thy frown. 
 
 I said, O that I had 
 
 Wings, like a dove, to fly; 
 
 Then would I soar away and rest 
 ’Neath some serener sky. 
 
 Lo! then I’d wander far 
 From ills of ev'ry form; 
 
 With joy I’d hasten my escape 
 From tempest and from storm. 
 
 Destroy my foes, O Lord; 
 
 Their evil tongues divide; 
 
 Within the city I have seen 
 
 The strife they could not hide. 
 
 By day and night they walk 
 About upon the walls; 
 
 A sorrow doth their steps attend, 
 
 A blight around them falls. 
 
92 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 For in the midst thereof 
 Are evils and deceits; 
 
 Deceit and guile of darkest hue, 
 Depart not from her streets. 
 
 *Twas not a foe that did 
 
 Reproach me thus with scorn, 
 
 Nor was it one that hated me— 
 This could my soul have borne. 
 
 But it was thou, a man 
 Mine equal and my friend; 
 
 Together we sweet counsel took, 
 And did God’s house attend. 
 
 Let death upon them seize; 
 
 Let them go down to hell, 
 
 For wickedness among them is, 
 
 Sin doth among them dwell. 
 
 But as for me, I now 
 
 Will call upon the Lord; 
 
 From evil He will save His own, 
 According to His word. 
 
 At eve, and morn, and noon, 
 
 The Lord shall be my choice; 
 
 To Him I’ll pray and cry aloud, 
 And He will hear my voice. 
 
 He to my soul hath given 
 
 Sweet peace from conflicts hot; 
 
 From battles that against me were, 
 He hath deliv’rance wrought. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 93 
 
 The Lord shall them afflict 
 That in their sins abide; 
 
 Because they change not, they no more 
 Beneath His care reside. 
 
 The wicked reacheth out 
 
 ’Gainst such as are at peace; 
 
 His covenant he broken hath, 
 
 His evil deeds increase. 
 
 His words like butter were, 
 
 But war was in his heart; 
 
 His words appeared like oil, but they 
 Were swords to rend apart. 
 
 Thy burden cast on God, 
 
 And He shall thee sustain; 
 
 The righteous never shall be moved; 
 Secure they shall remain. 
 
 But Thou shalt soon destroy 
 Such as depart from Thee; 
 
 Short is their life; but in Thy word 
 My trust shall ever be. 
 
 PSALM 56 
 
 Be merciful to me, O God! 
 
 For man would me destroy; 
 
 He, fighting, doth oppress me sore; 
 
 My foes he doth employ. 
 
 Mine enemies would rise to bring 
 My swift destruction nigh; 
 
 For there are many that unite 
 Against me, O Most High. 
 
94 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 What time that I am sore afraid, 
 
 Then will I trust in Thee; 
 
 In times of peril, Thou, O Lord, 
 
 My ready help wilt be. 
 
 In God 1*11 praise His holy word, 
 
 In God I’ Ve put my trust; 
 
 I will not fear what man can do, 
 
 For God, the Lord, is just. 
 
 They ev’ry day do twist my words, 
 
 And do my hurt devise; 
 
 They hide themselves, they mark my steps, 
 And then against me rise. 
 
 Shall they in their iniquity 
 
 Escape Thine out-stretched rod? 
 
 In anger cast these people down! 
 
 Avenge me, O my God! 
 
 Thou tellest all my wanderings; 
 
 Thou dost upon me look; 
 
 Collect, O Lord, my falling tears! 
 
 Are they not in Thy book? 
 
 When I unto Thee cry for aid, 
 
 Then shall my foes turn back; 
 
 For God is for me, this I know; 
 
 His help I shall not lack. 
 
 My heart shall ever praise the Lord; 
 
 In Him is all my trust; 
 
 I will not fear what man can do, 
 
 For God, our God, is just. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 95 
 
 Thy holy vows are on me laid; 
 
 Thy name I’ll ever praise; 
 
 Yea, I will wait before Thee, Lord, 
 
 And serve Thee all my days. 
 
 For Thou hast saved my soul from death: 
 
 Guide Thou my steps aright, 
 
 That I in ways of holiness, 
 
 May give to others light. 
 
 PSALM 57 
 
 Be merciful to me, O God! 
 
 Be merciful, O Lord, to me; 
 
 My soul, when bowed beneath Thy rod, 
 Doth put her trust alone in Thee. 
 
 Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings, 
 
 I will myself for refuge cast; 
 
 Their shade a sanctuary brings 
 Till these calamities are past. 
 
 I’ll cry unto my God, Most High; 
 
 To God, who all things doth perform, 
 And He shall for my help draw nigh, 
 
 And rescue me from out the storm. 
 
 From Heaven He will send relief, 
 
 And save me from mine enemies; 
 
 Yea, in the time of strife and grief, 
 
 He will protect my life from these. 
 
 ’Mong lions, lo! my soul is found; 
 
 Fierce men of wrath I am among, 
 
 Whose teeth are spears and arrows ground, 
 And like a sharpened sword, their tongue. 
 
96 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Be Thou exalted, O my King! 
 
 Above the heavens place Thy throne, 
 
 And let Thy praises ever ring 
 
 Upon the earth from zone to zone. 
 
 They’ve for my steps a net prepared— 
 
 The thought doth fill my soul with pain— 
 
 They’ve digged a pit, but lo! ensnared, 
 They fall therein, and thus are slain. 
 
 My heart is fixed, O God; my heart 
 Is fixed! and I will give Thee praise; 
 
 Awake my tongue, and praise impart, 
 
 With harp well tuned an anthem raise. 
 
 Thee will 1 praise, O Lord, my King, 
 
 Among the people of my birth; 
 
 To Thee with joyfulness I’ll sing 
 Among the nations of the earth. 
 
 For lo! Thy mercy, Lord, doth reach 
 Unto the heavens far above; 
 
 Thy truth, high as the clouds, doth teach 
 How perfect is Thy changeless love. 
 
 Be Thou exalted! O my King; 
 
 Above the heavens place Thy throne; 
 
 And let Thy praises ever ring 
 
 Upon the earth from zone to zone. 
 
 PSALM 58 
 
 Speak ye in righteousness, 
 
 O congregation, then? 
 
 And do ye judge uprightly now, 
 
 Ye fallen sons of men? 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 97 
 
 Yea, in your hearts ye work 
 The works of wickedness; 
 
 Ye weigh the deeds of violence, 
 
 And bring on all distress. 
 
 The wicked are estranged 
 
 From all that’s pure and right; 
 
 As soon as they are born they stray; 
 
 In lies they take delight. 
 
 The poison of their tongue 
 Is like the serpent’s sting; 
 
 Like adders deaf, they stop the ear, 
 
 Nor heed when charmers sing. 
 
 Break Thou their teeth, O Lord! 
 
 The teeth of lions young, 
 
 The teeth of such as would destroy 
 The righteous with their tongue. 
 
 Let them fast melt away, 
 
 As waters disappear; 
 
 When he doth bend his bow to shoot, 
 Bring his destruction near. 
 
 As melts the snail that crawls, 
 
 So let them pass away; 
 
 As dies the unborn child, let them 
 Not see the light of day. 
 
 Before your pots can feel 
 The warmth above the fire, 
 
 God, as a whirlwind, shall destroy 
 The wicked in His ire. 
 
98 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The righteous shall rejoice, 
 
 When he God’s vengeance sees; 
 
 And while he views their flowing blood, 
 He’ll worship at his ease. 
 
 So that a man shall say, 
 
 A just reward awaits 
 The righteous while on earth, and when 
 They reach the heavenly gates. 
 
 PSALM 59 
 
 Defend me from mine enemies, 
 
 From such as do against me rise; 
 Deliver me from evil men, 
 
 Nor let them e’er Thy grace despise. 
 
 For lo! they lie in ambush still, 
 
 To catch my soul they lie in wait; 
 
 Not my transgressions, nor my sin, 
 Aroused in them this bitter hate. 
 
 They run, and do prepare themselves 
 Without my fault; and are most bold; 
 Awake to help me, O my God! 
 
 My anguish and distress behold. 
 
 Awake! awake! O Lord of Hosts; 
 
 O God of Israel, awake! 
 
 And visit Thou the heathen tribes, 
 
 Nor let Thy vengeance pity take. 
 
 When darkness comes, they do return, 
 
 And round the city seek for prey; 
 
 Sharp words, reviling, pass their lips; 
 
 For who, for who, shall hear? they say. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 99 
 
 But ah! the time will surely come, 
 
 When Thou wilt at them laugh, O Lord; 
 
 In Thy derision Thou wilt pierce 
 
 Their hearts with Thine avenging sword. 
 
 Because the Lord, my God, is strong, 
 
 My soul shall safely rest on Thee; 
 
 For God alone is my defence, 
 
 He my defence and strength shall be. 
 
 The God of grace shall me prevent; 
 
 My gracious God shall let me see; 
 
 Shall let me see my strong desire 
 Descend upon mine enemy. 
 
 Slay Thou them not; disperse afar, 
 
 Lest otherwise Thy saints forget; 
 
 Bring Thou them down, O Lord, our Shield; 
 Their pride in lonely places set. 
 
 The sinful words their lips did speak, 
 
 For such consume them in Thy wrath; 
 
 So let them know that God doth reign, 
 
 And on the earth a kingdom hath. 
 
 At evening time let them return, 
 
 And search for meat the city round; 
 
 A meat alas! which has no strength 
 To satisfy when it is found. 
 
 But I will of Thy power sing, 
 
 And of Thy mercy sing aloud; 
 
 Yea, in the morn, when dawns the light, 
 
 I'll sing with head before Thee bowed. 
 
100 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 For Thou hast been my sure defence, 
 
 My refuge in life's darksome day; 
 
 To Thee, my God, I’ll ever sing, 
 
 And worship Thee along the way. 
 
 PSALM 60 
 
 Lord, Thou hast cast us off, 
 
 And scattered us like rain; 
 
 With Thine Thou hast been sore displeased; 
 Turn, turn to us again. 
 
 Yea, Thou hast made the earth 
 To tremble and to shake; 
 
 Heal, Thou, the breaches all thereof, 
 
 For it in fear doth quake. 
 
 Thou hast the people shown, 
 
 Things hard to understand; 
 
 The wine of sorrow Thou hast bid 
 Us drink from Thine own hand. 
 
 A banner Thou hast given 
 To them that do Thee fear, 
 
 That it may be displayed, because 
 Thy truth to them is dear. 
 
 That Thy beloved may be 
 Delivered from all ill, 
 
 Save me, O Lord, with Thy right hand; 
 
 In mercy hear me still. 
 
 In holiness the Lord 
 
 To me hath given voice: 
 
 I will divide the land, and will 
 In all my works rejoice. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 101 
 
 Fair Gilead is mine; 
 
 I o’er Manasseh spread, 
 
 And Ephraim, also, is the strength 
 Of my long sufFring head. 
 
 Judah, a child beloved, 
 
 My lawgiver shall be; 
 
 Moab and Edom, and the rest, 
 Rejoice because of me! 
 
 Who, who will bring me up 
 Into the city strong? 
 
 Who will me into Edom lead 
 With a triumphant song? 
 
 Wilt Thou not, O my God, 
 
 Who hast us cast away? 
 
 Thou who didst not go out with us 
 To where our armies lay? 
 
 From trouble give us help; 
 
 Vain is the help of man; 
 
 Who will us aid in our distress? 
 Tis God alone who can. 
 
 Through God we shall do well, 
 
 If we His truth employ, 
 
 For He it is that will tread down 
 Our foes, and them destroy. 
 
 PSALM 61 
 
 Hear my cry, O Lord Jehovah, 
 And attend unto my prayer; 
 From the earth’s remotest border, 
 I will call and seek Thee there; 
 
102 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 When my heart is over burdened, 
 
 Then, O Lord, to Thee I’ll cry; 
 
 Lead me to the Rock Eternal, 
 
 Rock that higher is than I. 
 
 Thou hast been a shelter for me 
 In my times of deep distress; 
 
 And Thou art a tower of refuge 
 
 When fierce foes around me press. 
 
 I within Thy tabernacle 
 Shall for evermore abide; 
 
 I will trust, and in the covert 
 Of Thy wings will safely hide. 
 
 Lord, I’ve vowed, and Thou hast heard me, 
 And a heritage bestowed, 
 
 Joy and peace, and life eternal, 
 
 Till my cup has overflowed. 
 
 O prepare Thy truth and mercy! 
 
 They will save ’mid stress and storm: 
 
 Lord, I’ll praise Thy name forever, 
 
 And my sacred vows perform. 
 
 PSALM 62 
 
 My soul doth wait on God alone; 
 My life doth issue from His throne; 
 
 He, only, is my Rock; 
 
 He’s my salvation and defence, 
 
 I shall not be removed hence, 
 
 But dwell amidst the flock. 
 
 How long will ye imagine ill 
 Against a man? It is my will 
 That ye shall all be slain; 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 103 
 
 Ye shall, e’en as a bowing wall, 
 
 And as a tott’ring fence, soon fall, 
 
 Nor rise from earth again. 
 
 They only do consult to cast 
 Down to the earth the saints at last; 
 
 They all delight in lies; 
 
 With blessing they their mouth engage, 
 But inwardly they curse with rage, 
 
 And ev’ry ill devise. 
 
 On God alone, my soul, now wait; 
 
 My surest hope He doth create; 
 
 He is my only Rock; 
 
 He’s my salvation, my defence; 
 
 I shall not be removed hence, 
 
 However man may mock. 
 
 1 glory in His guiding rod; 
 
 My strength, my refuge, is in God; 
 
 Oh, trust Him all who fear! 
 
 Trust Him! trust Him! ye fearful saints; 
 Tell unto Him all your complaints; 
 
 He is our refuge near. 
 
 For surely men of low degree 
 Are found to be but vanity; 
 
 Deceitful are the high: 
 
 In wicked schemes put not your trust, 
 Nor let your heart on glitt’ring dust, 
 For happiness rely. 
 
 The Lord hath spoken once, yea, lo! 
 Twice have I heard that power below 
 Doth unto Him belong; 
 
104 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 And justice, too, for Thou dost give 
 
 To all according as they live, 
 
 In righteous deeds, or wrong. 
 
 PSALM 63 
 
 O God, Thou art my God; 
 
 Thee will I early seek; 
 
 My soul doth thirst for Thee, my flesh 
 Longs for Thee, and is weak. 
 
 Here in a thirsty land, 
 
 Where are no water springs, 
 
 To see Thy power and glory, I 
 Would rise on faith’s swift wings. 
 
 Thy loving kindness is 
 To me exceeding dear, 
 
 I’ll ever praise Thy holy name, 
 
 And worship Thee in fear. 
 
 Thus will I bless Thee, Lord, 
 
 While yet I have my breath; 
 
 I’ll lift my hands up in Thy name 
 Till they relax in death. 
 
 My soul shall surely now 
 With nourishment be fed, 
 
 When I, in meditations sweet, 
 
 Praise Thee upon my bed. 
 
 Because Thou, Lord, hast been 
 My help and heard my voice, 
 
 I, in the shadow of Thy wings, 
 
 Shall ever more rejoice. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 105 
 
 My soul shall follow hard, 
 
 To reach for Thee, my God; 
 
 Thy right hand, it upholdeth me; 
 
 I’m guided by Thy rod. 
 
 All those that seek my soul, 
 
 It to destroy and kill, 
 
 Shall by Thy sword be slain, and shall 
 Earth’s lowest portions fill. 
 
 But he, who rules as king, 
 
 Shall in the Lord rejoice; 
 
 Yea, ev’ry one that serves the Lord, 
 
 Shall praise him with the voice. 
 
 Not so the tongues of them 
 That love to frame deceit; 
 
 The mouth of such shall soon be stopped, 
 
 Nor lies can they repeat. 
 
 PSALM 64 
 
 Now while my voice ascends above, 
 
 Hear Thou my prayer, O God of love; 
 
 When I of secret foes have fear, 
 
 Then to preserve my life draw near. 
 
 From those who secret counsel take, 
 
 Hide me, and for my cause awake; 
 
 From insurrection set me free, 
 
 From those who work iniquity. 
 
 E’en those who whet their tongues to speak 
 in bitter words against the weak, 
 
 That they the righteous thus may harm, 
 
 And thrust at him without alarm. 
 
106 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 They would themselves encourage in 
 An evil matter, full of sin; 
 
 Yea, snares they lay quite privately, 
 And whisper low: Who shall them see? 
 
 Iniquities they would search out; 
 
 Yea, them to find, they search about; 
 The inward thought of all of them, 
 
 Is how they may the good o’erwhelm. 
 
 But God will soon an arrow cast, 
 
 And they shall wounded be at last; 
 Their weapons on themselves shall fall, 
 But none shall heed their anguished call. 
 
 And men, believing, then shall fear 
 To see this judgment swift appear; 
 They’ll there declare the work of God, 
 And own ’twas His avenging rod. 
 
 The righteous shall be glad in Him; 
 Naught can their trust hereafter dim; 
 All, all the upright shall rejoice, 
 
 And praise Him with united voice. 
 
 PSALM 65 
 
 Praise awaiteth now for Thee, 
 
 O my God, in Zion fair; 
 
 Now our vows performed shall be, 
 Vows that we unto Thee sware. 
 O Thou King in Heaven high, 
 
 Hear our prayers as they ascend; 
 Unto Thee shall we draw nigh; 
 Saving grace to us extend. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 107 
 
 Evils great ‘gainst me prevail; 
 
 Lord, they do upon me stay; 
 
 Yet, though sins do us assail, 
 
 Thou wilt wash them all away. 
 
 Blessed is the man whom Thou 
 Causest to approach to Thee, 
 
 That he in Thy courts may bow, 
 
 In Thy presence ever be. 
 
 Yea, we satisfied shall be 
 
 With the goodness that surrounds 
 
 Thy sweet habitation free, 
 
 Where all righteousness abounds; 
 
 E’en Thy holy temple fair, 
 
 Where assemble all Thy saints; 
 
 Yea, they meet to worship there, 
 Voicing praise and sad complaints. 
 
 There, in awful righteousness, 
 
 Thou wilt answer us, O God; 
 
 Thou, our hope in times of stress, 
 Lead us onward by Thy rod. 
 
 Thou, who by Thy strength alone, 
 Settest fast the mountains high; 
 
 Thou who stillest the dread moan 
 Of the waves as they come nigh. 
 
 They that dwell in parts afar, 
 
 Tremble at thine unknown voice; 
 
 Yet the morning, without mar, 
 
 And the evening time rejoice. 
 
 Thou dost visit all the earth, 
 
 And its waters cause to flow. 
 
 Thou to all things giveth birth, 
 
 And Thou causest them to grow. 
 
108 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Ridges Thou dost fill with rain, 
 
 And the furrows fruitful make, 
 
 So that man plants not in vain, 
 
 So that sleeping seeds awake. 
 
 Thou dost crown the passing year 
 With Thy goodness ev’ry day, 
 
 And Thy paths, afar and near, 
 Fatness drop along the way. 
 
 Drop upon the pastures green, 
 
 Where was once but desert wide; 
 
 And the little hills are seen 
 To rejoice on ev’ry side. 
 
 Fields with flocks are clothed about, 
 And the valleys wave with corn; 
 
 Yea, for very joy they shout, 
 
 Shout and sing at eve and morn. 
 
 PSALM 66 
 
 Come, make a joyful noise 
 Unto the Lord Most High! 
 
 Ye distant lands and near, 
 
 Unto the Lord draw nigh: 
 
 Sing forth the honor of His name; 
 Ye saints, His glory now proclaim. 
 
 How terrible art Thou 
 
 In mighty works, O God! 
 
 Thine enemies shall all 
 Submit unto Thy rod: 
 
 Yea, all the earth shall worship Thee; 
 A sacred choir it shall be. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 109 
 
 Come ye, and see the works 
 Of God throughout the land; 
 What wonders He hath wrought 
 By His almighty hand; 
 
 To solid earth He turned the sea; 
 At his command the waves did flee. 
 
 Our hearts were lifted up, 
 
 There did we all rejoice, 
 
 And gladly did obey 
 
 The Lord’s exalted voice: 
 
 With power He ruleth over all, 
 And nations great before Him fall. 
 
 Ye people, bless the Lord! 
 
 He hath His mercy proved; 
 
 He holds our souls in life, 
 
 Nor lets our feet be moved; 
 
 Lord, Thou hast proved us, nor denied 
 To try us e’en as gold is tried. 
 
 Thou didst entangle us 
 In nets laid for our feet; 
 
 Our hearts were filled with pain; 
 
 We did affliction meet; 
 
 Men came and conquered us anew, 
 Fire and water we passed through. 
 
 But Thou didst bring us out 
 Into a wealthy place. 
 
 I’ll seek Thy house and pay 
 My vows before Thy face; 
 
 The vows that I unto Thee made, 
 When trouble sore was on me laid. 
 
110 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 My offerings I'll bring, 
 
 And sacrifice to Thee 
 The choicest and the best, 
 
 That have belonged to me; 
 
 Upon Thine altar I will lay 
 My choicest gifts from day to day. 
 
 All ye that fear the Lord, 
 
 Draw near, and I’ll declare 
 That God gave unto me 
 
 Rich portions for my share: 
 
 My mouth extolled His holy name, 
 My tongue His praises did proclaim. 
 
 If I iniquity 
 
 Regard within my heart, 
 
 The Lord will not me hear, 
 
 He will from me depart: 
 
 O cleanse my heart of ev’ry sin, 
 Cleanse it for Thee to enter in. 
 
 But verily the Lord 
 
 Hath heard me worship there, 
 
 His ear hath caught my words, 
 
 And listened to my prayer: 
 
 Blest be the Lord who heard my plea, 
 Nor mercy did withhold from me. 
 
 PSALM 67 
 
 God be merciful to us, 
 
 Bless us with Thy grace divine, 
 And in tender mercy thus 
 
 Cause Thy face on us to shine. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 111 
 
 Lord, now let Thy way be known; 
 
 Unto Thee the whole earth call; 
 
 Let the living seed be sown, 
 
 Saving grace mong nations all. 
 
 Let the people praise Thee, Lord; 
 
 Yea, let all the people praise; 
 
 Let the tribes with one accord, 
 
 And the nations, anthems raise; 
 
 For Thou shalt most righteously 
 Judge the people of the land; 
 
 And the nations called by Thee, 
 
 Shall be governed by Thy hand. 
 
 Let the people praise Thee, God; 
 
 Let them laud Thy holy name; 
 Then the earth, with upturned sod, 
 Shall with increase spread Thy fame; 
 God will all our efforts bless, 
 
 And He will to us draw near; 
 
 He will rule in righteousness; 
 
 All the earth His name shall fear. 
 
 PSALM 68 
 
 Let God arise, and let His foes 
 Be scattered far and wide; 
 
 Let them that hate Him also flee, 
 
 And in confusion hide. 
 
 As smoke is blown before the wind, 
 So drive them with Thy rod; 
 
 As melts the wax, so may they fall 
 Before Thy face, O God. 
 
112 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 But let the righteous still be glad, 
 
 And in the Lord rejoice; 
 
 Yea, let them all, in thankfulness, 
 
 Sing with united voice. 
 
 Sing unto God! sing praises now 
 Unto the Lord Most High; 
 
 Sing unto Him who rides above 
 The overhanging sky. 
 
 A Father of the fatherless, 
 
 In pity such is His; 
 
 A Judge, to plead the widow’s cause, 
 
 The Lord Jehovah is. 
 
 The solitary He doth set 
 In families to dwell; 
 
 He bringeth out the captive soul, 
 
 The sin-sick soul makes well. 
 
 But the rebellious starve within 
 A dry and parched land; 
 
 No hidden manna gather they 
 From off the burning sand. 
 
 O God, when Thou didst go before 
 Thy people day and night; 
 
 When Thou didst through the wilderness, 
 Lead them by cloud and light. 
 
 Then shook the earth, the heavens dropped, 
 Before God’s awful face; 
 
 E’en Sinai, when the Lord appeared, 
 
 Did tremble to its base. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 113 
 
 Refreshing rains of grace didst Thou 
 Upon the weary pour; 
 
 And congregations thrived within 
 The sanctuary door. 
 
 Thou hast prepared, Jehovah God, 
 
 Thy blessing for the poor; 
 
 And unto all didst give Thy word, 
 
 Thy word, divine and pure. 
 
 The kings of armies fast did flee, 
 Unaided in their toil; 
 
 But she who tarried safe at home, 
 Divided there the spoil. 
 
 Though ye have toiled among the pots, 
 Unsullied in my sight 
 
 Ye shall appear, fair, like the dove, 
 
 With wings of silvered light. 
 
 When the Almighty scattered kings, 
 
 Ye were as white as snow; 
 
 Light streams about the published word, 
 Where’er its tidings go. 
 
 The hill of God is as the hill 
 Of Bashan, seen afar; 
 
 Yea, ’tis the hill where God doth dwell, 
 And where His treasures are. 
 
 Why leap for joy, ye lofty hills, 
 
 And God’s achievements tell? 
 
 This is the place of His desire, 
 
 Here will He ever dwell. 
 
THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 1 14 
 
 A thousand, thousand times are found 
 God’s chariots of grace; 
 
 The angels of the Lord which speed 
 From out the holy place. 
 
 Thou hast ascended up on high, 
 Captivity hath bound; 
 
 Thou hast accepted gifts from men, 
 
 A ransom from them found. 
 
 E’en the rebellious, He hath led 
 In ways of truth and peace; 
 
 Blest be the Lord, who daily brings 
 His blessings to increase. 
 
 The Lord of our salvation is 
 The God who gave us breath; 
 
 And unto Him, our God, belongs 
 The issues of our death. 
 
 But God shall wound the head of all 
 His enemies most dread; 
 
 And those who still go on in sin, 
 
 To sorrow shall be led. 
 
 The Lord said: I will bring again 
 From Bashan all mine own; 
 
 And from the waters I will bring 
 All who my name have known. 
 
 That yet thy foot may be dipped in 
 The blood of all thy foes; 
 
 Yea, even more, thy dogs may lap 
 The same wher’er it flows. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 115 
 
 Thy goings they have seen, O God, 
 
 Within Thy house, my King; 
 
 The people there on timbrels play, 
 
 And there before Thee sing. 
 
 Within the congregation bless 
 The Lord, and Him adore; 
 
 From Jacob’s fountain blessings do 
 Without cessation pour. 
 
 There Benjamin and Judah shall 
 Their peaceful council hold; 
 
 The house of Zebulun with love 
 Shall Naphtali enfold. 
 
 Thy strength thy God commanded hath; 
 
 O strengthen, then, we pray, 
 
 That which Thy grace hath wrought for us, 
 In Thine appointed way. 
 
 Because Thy temple, Lord, doth stand 
 Within Jerusalem, 
 
 Shall kings bring presents unto Thee 
 Of pearl and costly gem. 
 
 The company of spearmen, Lord, 
 
 Rebuke, and scatter far; 
 
 Yea, scatter Thou the people that 
 Delight in blood and war. 
 
 From Egypt, princes yet shall come, 
 
 And rule with iron rod; 
 
 And Ethiopia shall soon 
 
 Stretch out her hands to God. 
 
116 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Sing unto God! ye realms of earth; 
 
 Sing praises to the Lord; 
 
 To Him who rides above the clouds, 
 Sing ye with one accord. 
 
 Unto our God ascribe ye strength; 
 
 His power divine is thrown 
 O’er Jacob, and His strength is in 
 The clouds of darkness shown. 
 
 O God, how terrible art Thou, 
 Outside Thy holy place! 
 
 But close within Thy sacred house, 
 We view with joy Thy face. 
 
 The God of Israel is He 
 
 That giveth strength and power 
 Unto His people. Praise His name, 
 And laud Him ev’ry hour. 
 
 PSALM 69 
 
 Save me, O Thou great Jehovah! 
 
 For the waters reach my soul; 
 
 Lo! I sink in strange disaster, 
 
 While the floods about me roll. 
 
 Of my crying I am weary, 
 
 E’en my throat is parched and dry; 
 Fail mine eyes while I am waiting 
 For an answer from on high. 
 
 More are they that hate me wrongly 
 Than the hairs upon my head; 
 Those that would destroy unjustly 
 Mighty are; my constant dread. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 117 
 
 In pursuit of peace restored I 
 That which I took not away: 
 
 Lord, Thou knowest all my folly, 
 
 All I*ve done by night and day. 
 
 Let not them that on Thee waited, 
 
 For my sake be brought to shame; 
 
 Let not those in darkness wander, 
 
 Who have sought Thy gracious name. 
 
 For Thy sake IVe borne reproaches, 
 Shame hath covered all my face; 
 
 Lo! I have become a stranger 
 To my brethren and my race. 
 
 For Thy house 1 long was zealous, 
 
 For its honor long I wept; 
 
 Chastened I my soul with fasting, 
 Sackcloth for my garment kept; 
 
 I became a proverb to them; 
 
 They that sit within the gate 
 
 Speak against me in derision, 
 
 And my sins and falls relate. 
 
 Yet for me my prayer unto Thee 
 Is in an accepted time; 
 
 In Thy tender mercy hear me, 
 
 Save me by Thy grace sublime. 
 
 From all sin my soul deliver, 
 
 It from all pollution keep; 
 
 Free me, Lord, from them that hate me, 
 Lift me from these waters deep. 
 
 Lord, let not the waves o’er-flow me, 
 
 Nor engulf me let the sea; 
 
 Neither let the pit eternal 
 
 Close her hungry mouth on me. 
 
118 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Hear me, O Thou great Jehovah, 
 
 In Thy lovingkindness now; 
 
 Turn to me in tender mercy, 
 
 While I at Thine altar bow. 
 
 Hide not from Thy waiting servant 
 Thy dear face of peace and love, 
 
 For I now am in deep trouble; 
 
 Hear me in Thy courts above. 
 
 Draw unto my soul yet nearer, 
 
 And redeem it with Thy blood; 
 
 Help me, Lord, for foes deriding, 
 
 Now surround me as a flood. 
 
 My reproach and my dishonor, 
 
 Lord Jehovah, Thou hast known; 
 
 When I looked for some to pity, 
 
 I was left to weep alone; 
 
 When I, craving in my hunger, 
 
 Asked for meat, they gave me gall; 
 
 And with bitter drink they answered 
 My despairing, thirsting call. 
 
 Let their table now before them, 
 
 As a curse, become a snare; 
 
 Let their guilty eyes be darkened, 
 
 Let them not of harm beware; 
 
 On them pour Thine indignation, 
 
 Let Thine anger ’gainst them swell; 
 
 Empty be their habitation, 
 
 Nor in tents let any dwell. 
 
 Him whom Thou hast sorely smitten, 
 They revile and persecute; 
 
 And of those whom Thou hast wounded, 
 They are to their grief not mute. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 119 
 
 To their evil add yet evil, 
 
 Let them not behold Thy face; 
 
 From the annals of the living, 
 
 Blot this sin-accursed race. 
 
 I am poor; let Thy salvation 
 Set me up, O Lord, on high; 
 
 I will praise God’s name for ever, 
 Him with praise I’ll magnify. 
 
 This shall please the Lord Jehovah, 
 Better than a bullock slain: 
 
 Those that seek the Lord believing, 
 This shall see and live again. 
 
 For His poor He ever heareth, 
 
 Nor His lowly will despise; 
 
 Let the earth and heavens praise Him, 
 And all things beneath the skies. 
 For the Lord will rescue Zion; 
 
 There in safety all may dwell; 
 
 It His children shall inherit, 
 
 They who love and serve Him well. 
 
 PSALM 70 
 
 Haste O Lord, me to deliver; 
 
 Haste, my weary soul to save; 
 
 Thou of blessings art the giver, 
 
 Let not sin my soul enslave: 
 
 Help me! help me! 
 
 E’er I sink into the grave. 
 
 Let my foes be all ashamed, 
 
 That would seek my soul to stain; 
 Let them never more be named, 
 
 Let their efforts be in vain, 
 
 Nor to hurt me, 
 
 Let them now an entrance gain. 
 
120 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Backward let them all be turned 
 That cry out: Aha! aha! 
 
 ’Tis the just reward they earned, 
 
 When my misery they saw; 
 
 Let them perish 
 
 In the net their hands would draw. 
 
 But let all rejoice with singing, 
 
 And be always glad in Thee, 
 
 Who to others now are bringing 
 Thy salvation, full and free: 
 
 Hallelujah! 
 
 May we all this blessing see.. 
 
 But, O Lord, I’m poor and needy, 
 Hasten now to me I pray; 
 
 Let Thy help to me be speedy, 
 
 Be to me my strength and stay; 
 
 Save me! save me! 
 
 All my hope on Thee I lay. 
 
 PSALM 71 
 
 In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust, 
 
 Let not my hope be brought to shame; 
 Deliver me, Thou God most just, 
 
 O save me by Thy holy name. 
 
 Incline to me Thy gracious ear, 
 
 And save me by Thy mighty arm; 
 
 Be Thou my Rock when danger’s near, 
 Where I may hide from ev’ry harm. 
 
 From out the hand of wicked men, 
 Deliver me, o righteous God! 
 
 Thou art my help and fortress when 
 Mine enemies apply the rod. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 121 
 
 Yea, from my youth Thou art my trust; 
 
 My strength has been upheld by Thee; 
 
 My warmest praise forever must 
 Of Thy great lovingkindness be. 
 
 To many I’m a wonder great, 
 
 But Thou my refuge art and stay; 
 
 My tongue Thy praises shall relate, 
 
 And sing Thine honor all the day. 
 
 Cast me not off in my old age; 
 
 Forsake me not when strength grows weak, 
 For enemies against me rage, 
 
 Together they against me speak. 
 
 God hath forsaken him, they cry; 
 
 Him persecute and quickly take; 
 
 On none for help can he rely; 
 
 No friends to succor him await. 
 
 O God! be not Thou far from me; 
 
 Heed Thou my crying; help, make haste! 
 Let them confounded ever be 
 
 Who seek my soul to lay it waste. 
 
 But I in Thee will ever hope; 
 
 Thee will I praise yet more and more; 
 
 Yea, though with halting steps I grope, 
 
 My heart doth praise Thee and adore. 
 
 My mouth Thy righteousness shall tell, 
 
 And Thy salvation, all the day; 
 
 The number of Thy blessings swell 
 As I proceed along the way. 
 
122 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Now in the strength of God I’ll go; 
 
 Thy righteousness, Thine, only Thine, 
 
 I in my daily walk will know; 
 
 My lips shall tell Thy works divine. 
 
 And now, O Lord, when whitened hair 
 Adorns my brow, forsake me not, 
 
 Till I Thy power shall declare 
 
 To those who have not for Thee sought. 
 
 Thy righteousness is high, O Lord, 
 
 Thou who hast wondrous marvels done: 
 Who, who can now with Thee accord, 
 
 Thou Lord Jehovah, Three in One. 
 
 Thou, who hast troubles, great and sore, 
 Shown unto me in seasons past, 
 
 Will quicken me, and life restore, 
 
 And raise me from the earth at last. 
 
 My greatness Thou’lt increase yet more, 
 
 And comfort me on ev’ry side: 
 
 With harp, O Lord, I’ll Thee adore; 
 
 Thy truth my tongue shall publish wide. 
 
 My lips shall laud Thee and rejoice, 
 
 My soul shall bless Thee in her song; 
 
 Yea, of Thy righteousness my voice 
 Shall utter praises all day long. 
 
 For Thou my foes confounded have, 
 
 Thou hast them brought into deep shame, 
 E’en those who didst against me rave, 
 
 And didst blaspheme Thy holy name. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 123 
 
 PSALM 72 
 
 Give to the king Thy judgments, Lord, 
 Thy truth give to his son; 
 
 Thy people he shall rightly judge, 
 
 The rich and poor as one. 
 
 The mountains to the people shall 
 Bring truth, and joy, and peace; 
 
 The little hills, by righteousness, 
 
 Shall prosper and increase. 
 
 The poor of ev’ry age he’ll judge; 
 
 The needy We will save; 
 
 Yea, he will soon in pieces brake 
 The people who enslave. 
 
 Thee shall they fear as long as doth 
 The sun and moon endure; 
 
 Throughout all generations shall 
 Thy sov’reignty be sure. 
 
 Yea, he shall come like rain upon 
 The grass, and it revive; 
 
 As showers wet the parched earth, 
 
 So will he make alive. 
 
 The righteous in his days shall reign, 
 
 And flourish, and increase,— 
 
 Long as endures the moon, shall last 
 His plentitude of peace. 
 
 Dominion, also, he shall have 
 From sea to distant sea; 
 
 Yea, from the utmost ends of earth 
 Shall his dominion be. 
 
124 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 All they that in the wilderness 
 Do dwell, and humbly trust, 
 
 Bow down before him; while his foes, 
 Defeated, lick the dust. 
 
 The kings of all the distant isles, 
 Shall to him presents bring; 
 
 Yea, all shall serve him and fall down, 
 The people and their king. 
 
 For he’ll deliver by his grace 
 The needy when he cries; 
 
 The poor, and those who seek his aid, 
 His bounty ne’er denies. 
 
 The poor and needy he will spare, 
 Their dying souls he’ll save, 
 
 And precious in his sight shall be 
 Their dust within the grave. 
 
 And he shall live, and unto him 
 Shall Sheba’s gold be given; 
 
 Prayer also shall be made for him 
 Among the hosts of Heaven. 
 
 A handful shall there be of corn 
 The mountain’s top upon; 
 
 The fruit thereof, in after days, 
 
 Shall shake like Lebanon. 
 
 His name for ever shall endure, 
 
 Long as shall shine the sun; 
 
 All men shall favored be in him, 
 
 And all that he hath done. 
 
OF DAVID THE KING 
 
 125 
 
 Blest be the everlasting God, 
 
 The God of Israel, 
 
 Who only doeth wondrous things, 
 
 Who doeth all things well. 
 
 And blessed be His holy name 
 In all the earth, and then 
 
 Let earth and Heaven shout aloud 
 In one glad shout: Amen. 
 
 PSALM 73 
 
 The Lord is good to Israel, 
 
 To such as are of a clean heart; 
 
 But as for me, alas! my feet 
 
 Did almost from Thy ways depart. 
 
 For I was envious of the proud, 
 
 When I beheld their prosp’rous ways; 
 
 No bonds, I said, confine their death, 
 
 Their strength is firm through all their days. 
 
 They have not trouble for their guest, 
 
 Nor are they plagued as are the saints; 
 
 Pride, as a chain, encircles them, 
 
 No cause have they for sore complaints. 
 
 Their eyes with fatness standeth out, 
 
 They’ve more of earth than heart could crave; 
 
 Corrupt are they, and with their tongue 
 They do ’gainst earth and Heaven rave. 
 
 Therefore His people here return; 
 
 From cups o’er-flowing they shall drink: 
 
 The wicked say: How doth God know? 
 
 Does God upon His people think? 
 
126 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 These are the people whom we see 
 To prosper in the world today; 
 
 In worldly riches they increase, 
 
 But wealth, ill gotten, will not stay. 
 
 I’ve cleansed my heart’s iniquity, 
 
 And washed my hands, alas! in vain, 
 
 For all day long by sin I’m plagued— 
 
 How oft it doth within me reign! 
 
 If. in my weakness, I would say, 
 
 I will speak thus, and thus will do; 
 
 It would Thy children then offend, 
 
 Their welfare it would bar anew. 
 
 When this 1 learned, I musing, thought 
 It was too painful for my mind, 
 
 Until I did attend Thy courts, 
 
 And sought therein Thy truths to find. 
 
 In slipp’ry places Thou didst set 
 
 The wicked, and didst cast them down; 
 
 Yea, in a moment they are brought 
 To melt away beneath Thy frown. 
 
 As in a dream when one awakes, 
 
 So, Lord, when Thou awakest them, 
 
 Their boasted image Thou’lt despise, 
 
 And all their works of pride condemn. 
 
 Thus was my heart so sorely grieved, 
 
 Thus was I pricked within my reins; 
 
 I foolish was, and ignorant, 
 
 E’en like a beast that roams the plains. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 127 
 
 Yet, Lord, I ever am with Thee; 
 
 Thou hast me held by my right hand; 
 Thou shalt me with Thy counsel guide, 
 
 And lead me to the heavenly land. 
 
 Whom, whom have I in Heaven but Thee? 
 
 There’s none on earth I so desire; 
 
 My heart, enraptured with Thy love, 
 
 Would cast her idols in the fire. 
 
 My flesh and spirit sink and fall, 
 
 But God’s the strength of my weak heart; 
 For ever He my portion is, 
 
 Nor shall 1 from His love depart. 
 
 For lo! all they who wander far 
 
 From Thee shall perish by the way; 
 
 Yea, those who wandered from Thy love, 
 Thou didst in righteous anger slay. 
 
 But it is good for me to draw 
 
 Near to my God, His love to share; 
 
 In Him alone I’ve put my trust, 
 
 His wondrous works I will declare. 
 
 PSALM 74 
 
 Why hast Thou cast us off 
 Forever, O my God? 
 
 Why doth Thine anger burn? 
 
 Why chasten with Thy rod? 
 
 Remember now Thine own, 
 
 Purchased by Thee of old; 
 
 Thine own inheritance; 
 
 Oh! let it not be sold. 
 
128 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 This mount, where Thou hast dwelt, 
 Dwell, Lord, forever there; 
 
 Turn from it all who sin; 
 
 Make it Thy temple fair. 
 
 E’en in Thy holy place, 
 
 Thine enemies do roar; 
 
 They flaunt their colors high, 
 
 Aloft their ensigns soar. 
 
 Men were, in olden times, 
 
 Honored who worked for Thee; 
 Yea, honored were the men 
 That felled the mighty tree, 
 
 And fashioned it to put 
 Within Thy temple fair; 
 
 But now, with ruthless hate, 
 
 They lay that temple bare. 
 
 Therein they fire cast, 
 
 And they delight have found, 
 
 In bringing low Thy house, 
 
 Yea, even to the ground. 
 
 They said within their hearts: 
 
 Let us them all destroy. 
 
 Thy synagogues they’ve burned, 
 
 And found in that a joy. 
 
 We see not, Lord, our signs; 
 
 No prophet have we now, 
 
 Nor any one who knows 
 
 Where we may dwell, or how. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 129 
 
 How long, O Lord, how long, 
 Shall foes our land invade? 
 
 How long Thy name blaspheme? 
 How long Thy temple raid? 
 
 Oh! why withdraweth Thou 
 
 Thy saving, strong right hand? 
 
 Lord, bring it forth to help 
 Thy desolated land. 
 
 For Thou alone art King! 
 
 Thou ever wast of old; 
 
 The destinies of all, 
 
 Jehovah’s hand doth hold. 
 
 Thou didst divide the sea 
 
 By Thine own power divine; 
 
 The fountain and the flood 
 Obeyed each word of Thine. 
 
 Thine is the sun-lit day, 
 
 And Thine the moon- lit night; 
 
 Thou hast them both prepared, 
 
 To give us needed light. 
 
 Yea, all the earth is Thine, 
 
 And all that therein dwell; 
 
 The seasons Thou hast made, 
 
 And they, O Lord, are well. 
 
 Remember that Thy foes 
 
 Have Thee oft-times reproached; 
 
 They have blasphemed Thy name, 
 And on Thy land encroached. 
 
130 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Deliver not to them 
 
 Thy saints that trust in Thee; 
 
 Forget not, Lord, Thy poor, 
 
 But their swift helper be. 
 
 Thy promises of old, 
 
 Remember, Lord, I pray; 
 
 For places dark hold men 
 Who would the godly slay. 
 
 Oh! let not the oppressed, 
 
 Return to be ashamed, 
 
 But may Thy praises be 
 
 By needy ones proclaimed. 
 
 Arise! O Lord, and plead 
 
 Thine own and righteous cause, 
 
 Amid the voice of those 
 That daily break Thy laws. 
 
 Forget not Thou the voice 
 Of those who Thee despise; 
 
 Their wrath against Thee doth 
 Increasingly arise. 
 
 PSALM 75 
 
 To Thee, O Lord, do we give thanks, 
 For we Thy mercies share; 
 
 And that Thy holy name is great, 
 Thy wondrous works declare. 
 
 When I Thy people shall receive, 
 
 I will right judgment give; 
 
 The earth and all therein dissolve; 
 
 In Thee alone we live. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 131 
 
 I said unto the foolish ones: 
 
 Deal not thus foolishly; 
 
 And to the wicked: let not now 
 Your horn exalted be. 
 
 Oh! lift not up your horn on high, 
 Nor in rebellion speak, 
 
 For your promotion cometh not 
 From places that you seek. 
 
 God is the Judge of all the earth, 
 And one He putteth down; 
 
 Another one He setteth up 
 To wear the ruler’s crown. 
 
 There is a cup in God’s right hand; 
 
 The wine therein is red; 
 
 The dregs thereof the wicked drink, 
 Till they in sin are dead. 
 
 But I’ll declare for evermore 
 Jehovah’s wondrous name; 
 
 To Jacob’s God I will sing praise, 
 And all His works proclaim. 
 
 The power of the wicked, 1 
 Will hinder and cast down; 
 
 The righteous shall in power grow, 
 God will their efforts crown. 
 
 PSALM 76 
 
 In Judah God is known; 
 
 In Israel He reigns; 
 
 In Zion He doth have His throne; 
 
 In Salem, worship gains. 
 
132 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 There He the arrows brake, 
 
 The sword, the shield, the bow; 
 
 Thou art more glorious and make, 
 More praise than prey brought low. 
 
 There the most brave are slain; 
 
 There they in heaps do sleep; 
 
 None of the mighty there can rise 
 From out that slumber deep. 
 
 At Thy rebuke, O Lord, 
 
 Both horse and rider fall; 
 
 They there obey Thy mighty word, 
 And hear Thy final call. 
 
 Thou, Lord, art to be praised; 
 
 Who in Thy sight may stand, 
 
 When Thy avenging hand is raised, 
 To desolate the land? 
 
 From Heaven Thou didst cause 
 Right judgment to be heard; 
 
 Because that men defied Thy laws, 
 Nor did esteem Thy word. 
 
 The earth feared and was still, 
 
 When God in judgment rose, 
 
 To save the meek, and then fulfill 
 His threats against their foes. 
 
 Surely the wrath of man 
 Shall to Thee praises gain; 
 
 And the remainder Thou wilt span, 
 And there its strength restrain. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 133 
 
 Vow, ye, unto the Lord; 
 
 To God your tributes pay; 
 
 Let all bring gifts with one accord, 
 On that auspicious day. 
 
 God shall in wrath cut off 
 The princes of the earth; 
 
 He angry is at those who scoff, 
 And at His laws make mirth. 
 
 PSALM 77 
 
 Unto the Lord I cried 
 With trembling speech, 
 
 Nor was my prayer denied, 
 
 His ear to reach: 
 
 When I to grief was brought, 
 And there Jehovah sought, 
 
 The Lord forsook me not,— 
 Thus doth He teach. 
 
 My sore ran in the night, 
 And never ceased; 
 
 Grief did my comfort blight, 
 Sorrows increased; 
 
 Then thought I on the Lord, 
 I trembled at His word: 
 Relief He did afford, 
 
 And me released. 
 
 Wakeful are kept mine eyes, 
 Though sleep I seek; 
 Troubles so thickly rise 
 I cannot speak: 
 
134 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I have, amidst my tears, 
 
 Thought on departed years; 
 
 Yea, I recall my fears 
 When I was weak. 
 
 But I recalled to mind 
 Songs in the night, 
 
 When God, so wondrous kind, 
 Brought me delight; 
 
 And deep within my heart, 
 Thoughts—from the world apart— 
 Caused suddenly to start 
 Communings right. 
 
 Then did I reason thus: 
 
 Will God forsake? 
 
 Nor longer favor us 
 For His name’s sake? 
 
 Is His grace from us gone? 
 
 Will He leave us alone? 
 
 Nor for our sins atone? 
 
 Nor our guilt take? 
 
 *Twas mine infirmity 
 Thus to forget 
 What God hath done for me, 
 
 And doeth yet: 
 
 But now I will recall, 
 
 How God didst save us all, 
 
 When we did helpless fall,— 
 
 Thus I’ll reflect. 
 
 And I will think upon 
 God’s works so great; 
 
 And unto ev’ry one 
 I’ll them relate. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 135 
 
 Thy way, O God, is in 
 The house Thy blood didst win— 
 Cleansed there from doubt and sin. 
 Thee we await. 
 
 Thou doest wonders still, 
 
 Lord God of truth; 
 
 Thou doest all Thy will 
 To man and youth. 
 
 Thou hast with Thine own arm, 
 Saved Thine, when in alarm, 
 
 From all impending harm, 
 
 And killing drouth. 
 
 The waters saw Thee, Lord, 
 
 And were afraid; 
 
 The depths at Thy great word, 
 
 Hast Thee obeyed: 
 
 From clouds descended rain; 
 
 Trees, rocks, were rent in twain; 
 Trembled the earth again, 
 
 Nor would be stayed. 
 
 Thy way is in the sea; 
 
 It Thou dost own; 
 
 It may in secret be, 
 
 And all unknown. 
 
 Thou didst Thy people lead, 
 
 And them with manna feed,— 
 E’en as Thou hadst decreed 
 In ages flown. 
 
 PSALM 78 
 
 Give heed, O people, to my law; 
 
 Unto my voice your ears incline; 
 In parables I will discourse, 
 
 And utter sayings dark, divine. 
 
136 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 That which we long have heard and known, 
 That which our fathers have us told, 
 
 We will not from the children hide, 
 
 Nor from their knowledge it with-hold. 
 
 To generations yet unborn, 
 
 We will the praises of the Lord 
 
 Set forth; and all His wondrous works 
 To children’s children will record. 
 
 For lo! established Fie a law 
 In Jacob and in Israel, 
 
 That fathers to their children should 
 The statutes of Jehovah tell. 
 
 That they might set their hopes on God, 
 And ne’er forget His works of old; 
 
 All His commandments gladly keep, 
 
 And in their hearts His precepts hold. 
 
 Not as their fathers might they be— 
 
 A stubborn and rebellious race— 
 
 A race whose heart, set not aright, 
 
 Turned from the ways of truth and grace. 
 
 Yea, Ephraim’s children, armed with bows, 
 Turned back in battle from the foe; 
 
 They did not keep the law of God, 
 
 And in His way refused to go. 
 
 His works of love they soon forgot— 
 
 The wonders He had to them shown. 
 
 The marvelous deeds their fathers saw 
 In Egypt and the field of Zoan. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 137 
 
 The sea divided He for them, 
 
 And safely led them through the deep; 
 
 He caused the surging waters thus 
 To stand a high, unyielding heap. 
 
 By day He led them by a cloud, 
 
 And all the night with light of fire: 
 
 He clave the rock, and lo! there flowed 
 A stream to quench each deep desire. 
 
 And yet, forgetful of His love, 
 
 They sinned against the Lord Most High, 
 
 And in their hearts they tempted Him; 
 
 For fleshly lusts began to sigh. 
 
 Yea, they against the Lord did speak, 
 
 And in derision proudly said: 
 
 Can God a banquet furnish here? 
 
 And in the wilds a table spread ? 
 
 Behold He smote the rock afore, 
 
 And gushing streams o’er-flowed, they cried, 
 
 Can He give living bread as well, 
 
 And for His people flesh provide? 
 
 Jehovah heard those words of scorn, 
 
 And lo! His awful anger burned; 
 
 Because in Him they trusted not 
 Nor for salvation to Him turned. 
 
 Although the God, who rules o’er all, 
 
 The doors above had opened wide, 
 
 And manna gave for them to eat, 
 
 For them did angel’s food provide. 
 
138 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 He then an east wind caused to blow; 
 
 The south wind by His power fanned, 
 And feathered fowls around them fell, 
 Thick as the sea’s unnumbered sand. 
 
 And in their camp, to their delight, 
 
 Did flesh in an abundance fall; 
 
 He gave to them their own desire, 
 
 He gave according to their call. 
 
 But while the meat was in their mouths, 
 His wrath and curse upon them came; 
 
 Disease and death the strongest slew, 
 
 And Israel was brought to shame. 
 
 Yet for all this, they still did sin, 
 
 Nor in His wondrous works believed; 
 
 In vanity their days were spent; 
 
 They trouble all their days received. 
 
 But when He slew them, Him they sought, 
 And kissed His kind, reproving rod; 
 
 Yea, they returned, and humbled thus, 
 Inquired early after God. 
 
 They called to mind, with softened heart, 
 That God their Fortress was, and Rock; 
 
 But still, they flattered with their mouth, 
 And with their tongue His love did mock. 
 
 Alas! their hearts were wrong with God, 
 Nor were they steadfast in their love; 
 
 Yet, He, O wondrous grace divine! 
 Viewed them in pity from above. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 139 
 
 Yea, He His anger turned away, 
 
 Nor let His wrath against them rise, 
 
 For He remembered that they were 
 But flesh—a breath that quickly dies. 
 
 They in the desert grieved His love, 
 
 And into sore backsliding fell; 
 
 They tempted God, and limited 
 The Holy One of Israel. 
 
 His guiding hand they soon forgot; 
 
 Nor did they in remembrance hold, 
 
 The day when He delivered them 
 From out the clutch of captors bold. 
 
 The signs and wonders He had wrought 
 In Egypt by His servant’s hand; 
 
 Where rivers were turned into blood, 
 
 And deep distress was on the land. 
 
 The elements His voice obeyed, 
 
 And rained down thunderbolts and hail, 
 
 Till fear and trembling seized the land, 
 
 And hearts of men began to fail. 
 
 He sent His angel forth and smote 
 The first-born son of high and low: 
 
 From serf to king a cry went up, 
 
 United in its tone of woe. 
 
 But for His own, He made a way 
 By which they all could safely walk; 
 
 In all their ways He was their guide; 
 
 He led them forth a ransomed flock. 
 
140 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The waters parted He, and lo! 
 
 They crossed the sea on solid ground; 
 
 He spake; and the Egyptians were 
 Beneath the surging billows drowned. 
 
 A sanctuary He prepared; 
 
 A holy, consecrated place, 
 
 Where smoked the incense on the fire, 
 
 As emblems of His saving grace. 
 
 He cast the heathen out, and made 
 
 A wealthy place where they might dwell, 
 E'en His own flock, beloved and blest, 
 
 The chosen tribes of Israel. 
 
 Still, tempted they the Lord Most High, 
 
 And from His law and counsel strayed; 
 They, like their fathers, turned aside, 
 
 To worship what their hands had made. 
 
 When God saw this, His anger rose 
 Against this highly favored tribe; 
 
 Their tabernacle He forsook, 
 
 Nor longer would with them reside. 
 
 He gave His people to the sword; 
 
 Yea, with His own His wrath waxed hot; 
 Their young men in the fire were burned, 
 Their maids were not in marriage sought. 
 
 Their priests, alas! fell by the sword, 
 
 Their widows made no sore complaint. 
 Then rose the Lord, as out of sleep, 
 
 And spake with voice no longer faint. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 141 
 
 He smote the now retreating foes, 
 
 And put them to perpetual shame; 
 
 The tents of Joseph He refused, 
 
 Nor to the tents of Ephraim came. 
 
 But He the tribe of Judah chose; 
 
 The fair Mount Zion of His love 
 
 Established He, firm as the earth, 
 
 A house watched over from above. 
 
 His humble, faithful servant, God 
 
 Took from the sheep-folds in his youth, 
 
 And brought him forth, the tribes to feed, 
 And Israel lead in ways of truth. 
 
 So he them fed according to 
 
 The wisdom placed within his heart; 
 
 He guided them with skillful hands, 
 
 And did God’s law to them impart. 
 
 PSALM 79 
 
 Alas! are come the heathen 
 To Thine inheritance; 
 
 They have defiled Thy temple. 
 
 And on Thy saints advance. 
 
 Jerusalem, Thy city, 
 
 They’ve laid in broken heaps; 
 
 Thy dead saints lie unburied, 
 
 Nor one above them weeps. 
 
 We have to those around us, 
 
 Become a constant scorn; 
 
 Reproach, alas! attends us 
 At evening time and morn. 
 
142 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 How long, O Lord, in anger 
 Wilt Thou against us burn? 
 
 To us in our affliction, 
 
 Turn, Lord, in mercy turn. 
 
 Upon the heathen nations, 
 
 Pour out Thy wrath, O Lord; 
 
 On them that have not known Thee, 
 Draw Thine avenging sword, 
 
 For they’ve devoured Jacob, 
 
 Laid waste his dwelling place; 
 
 And all Thy people’s honor 
 Have brought into disgrace. 
 
 Remember not against us 
 Our past iniquity, 
 
 But let Thy tender mercy 
 Around us ever be. 
 
 O God of our salvation! 
 
 Help us, and glory take; 
 
 Us from all sin deliver, 
 
 E’en for Thine own name’s sake. 
 
 Why should the heathen, mocking, 
 Say: Where is now their God? 
 
 O Lord, make known Thy power 
 By Thine avenging rod. 
 
 Let now the weary sighing 
 Of those in bondage kept, 
 
 As prayers arise before Thee; 
 
 Keep, Thou, the tears they’ve wept. 
 
 Reproach the heathen nations, 
 
 As they’ve reproached Thee; 
 
 Into their bosom falling, 
 
 Let it as wormwood be: 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 143 
 
 So we, Thy chosen people, 
 
 E’en we, in joyful lays, 
 
 Will give Thee thanks for ever, 
 
 To all show forth Thy praise. 
 
 PSALM 80 
 
 Give ear, Jehovah Lord; 
 
 Thou that dost Joseph guide; 
 
 Shine forth, O Lord, who doth between 
 The cherubims abide. 
 
 Before Thy favored tribes, 
 
 Stir up Thy strength, O Lord; 
 
 Come Thou and help us in our need; 
 Thy saving grace afford. 
 
 Turn us again, O God, 
 
 And cause Thy face to shine; 
 
 Then shall we from our foes be saved, 
 Succored by help divine. 
 
 O Lord of Hosts, how long 
 Wilt Thou in anger be, 
 
 Against the prayer Thy people raise, 
 Jehovah God, to Thee? 
 
 Thou feedest them with bread 
 Moistened with bitter tears; 
 
 And tears are mingled with their drink 
 Throughout the passing years. 
 
 Thou makest us a strife 
 Unto our neighbors round; 
 
 Among our enemies, as well, 
 
 Derisive words resound. 
 
144 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Turn us again, O Lord, 
 
 And cause Thy face to shine; 
 
 Turn us and we shall then be saved, 
 Saved by Thy help divine. 
 
 Thou hast from Egypt brought 
 A vine of Thine own choice; 
 
 Thou hast prepared a place for it, 
 
 And caused it to rejoice. 
 
 Thou madest it to take 
 
 Deep root, and fill the land; 
 
 The hills are covered with its shade, 
 
 Its boughs did well expand. 
 
 Yea, it sent out its boughs 
 To the far distant sea; 
 
 Its branches to the river reached; 
 
 Its strength was like a tree. 
 
 t 
 
 Why hast Thou broken down 
 Its hedges, so that they 
 Do waste it and devour it, 
 
 That pass along its way? 
 
 Return, O Lord of Hosts! 
 
 Look down upon this vine; 
 
 Look down from Heaven, and behold; 
 Descend with help divine. 
 
 The vineyard which Thy hand 
 Hath planted, and the bough 
 That Thou heist for Thyself made strong, 
 Are desolated now. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 145 
 
 Lord, let Thy hand be on 
 
 The man of Thy right hand; 
 
 The man who by Thy grace is strong 
 To serve Thee in the land. 
 
 So will we not go back, 
 
 Jehovah God, from Thee: 
 
 O quicken us! and we henceforth 
 Thy followers will be. 
 
 Turn us again, O Lord, 
 
 And cause Thy face to shine! 
 
 Then shall we from our foes be saved, 
 Saved by Thy help divine. 
 
 PSALM 81 
 
 To God our strength now sing, 
 
 And make a joyful noise; 
 
 Your harp and timbrel bring, 
 
 Him laud with thankful voice: 
 
 A psalm in your devotions take, 
 
 And sacred melodies awake. 
 
 The trumpet, in His praise, 
 
 Blow ye in the new moon; 
 
 And on our great feast days 
 Your hearts and lips attune: 
 
 This was a law for Israel, 
 
 A law of Jacob’s God as well. 
 
 I heard in my distress, 
 
 With yearnings in its tone, 
 
 In Sinai’s wilderness, 
 
 A language yet unknown; 
 
 But I, with my sin-darkened thought, 
 
 Its pity comprehended not. 
 
146 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 His shoulder I removed 
 
 From burdens hard to bear; 
 
 His hands made free have proved 
 My ever watchful care: 
 
 Thus did the Lord, when by the hand, 
 
 He led His hosts from Egypt’s land. 
 
 Thou didst in trouble call, 
 
 And I delivered thee; 
 
 The waters caused to fall 
 In fountains full and free: 
 
 O doubt no more my constant love! 
 
 At Meribah I did it prove. 
 
 My people now give ear, 
 
 And I will testify 
 
 To thee, if thou wilt hear, 
 
 And unto me draw nigh: 
 
 There shall no strange gods dwell in thee, 
 
 Nor to them shalt thou bow the knee. 
 
 I am the Lord Thy God, 
 
 Which brought thee safely out 
 
 From Egypt with my rod, 
 
 And with a joyful shout: 
 
 Open thy mouth, it will I fill, 
 
 If thou wilt do my holy will. 
 
 My people would not hear 
 My voice, nor Israel heed; 
 
 They hastened without fear 
 On wordly husks to feed: 
 
 O that my people had believed 
 
 On me and all my laws received. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 147 
 
 Their enemies I would 
 
 Have soon subdued and slain; 
 Against their foes I would 
 Have turned my hand again; 
 
 All haters of the righteous God, 
 
 Would then have bowed before His rod. 
 
 His own He would have led 
 In paths secure and sweet; 
 
 And them He would have fed 
 With choicest of His wheat; 
 Yea, from the honey-yielding rock, 
 He would have satisfied His flock. 
 
 PSALM 82 
 
 Lo! within the congregation, 
 
 Stands the Lord, our God Most High: 
 He among the gods now judgeth; 
 
 None His wisdom can deny. 
 
 How long will ye judge injustly? 
 
 How long wicked men accept? 
 
 Now defend the poor and needy, 
 
 And the fatherless protect. 
 
 Yea, the needy now deliver, 
 
 Save them from the unjust hand, 
 For they know not of their danger, 
 Neither will they understand. 
 
 Out of course are the foundations 
 Of the earth, because of sin; 
 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 
 
 Now the reign of grace begin. 
 
148 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I have said that ye are children 
 
 Of the Lord, our God Most High; 
 
 But ye all, like men, shall perish, 
 
 And like princes fall and die. 
 
 God, arise! and judge the nations, 
 
 Claim the earth, and dwell therein; 
 
 Thou all nations shalt inherit, 
 
 And them cleanse of ev’ry sin. 
 
 PSALM 83 
 
 Keep not Thou silence, O my God! 
 
 Hold not Thy peace, spare not Thy rod, 
 And be no longer still, 
 
 For lo! Thine enemies arise; 
 
 They evil unto Thee devise, 
 
 And scorn to do Thy will. 
 
 Thy saints they long have sought to harm; 
 
 They long have lifted up the arm, 
 
 Thy chosen to annoy; 
 
 Yea, they have said: Come, let us all 
 
 Fulfill at once our cherished call, 
 
 This nation to destroy. 
 
 So that the name of Israel 
 
 No wayfarer may longer tell, 
 
 Nor traveler may know. 
 
 Together they, with one consent, 
 
 Were then on our destruction bent, 
 
 And our last overthrow. 
 
 Lo! Edom doth against us rise, 
 
 And Moab’s hosts confront our eyes, 
 
 And cast us in despair; 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 149 
 
 Yea, the Philistines join, and those 
 Who long have been our bitter foes, 
 Do meet us ev’rywhere. 
 
 Assur is also joined with them; 
 
 What power can their fury stem 
 But Thine, O Lord Most High*? 
 
 Rout them as Thou, in times of old, 
 
 Didst rout the heathen that made bold 
 Thy children to defy. 
 
 Lord, may Thy vengeance overtake 
 Those who would us their captives make, 
 And would Thy name blaspheme; 
 Who said: Come let us snatch away 
 The houses of the Lord for prey. 
 
 This wets their cherished dream. 
 
 Lord, make them fly, as flies the wind; 
 Let them no sure foundation find 
 On which to place their tents; 
 
 As flame the mountain sets on fire, 
 
 So, Lord, consume them in Thine ire, 
 As one who ne’er relents. 
 
 Let them be filled with contrite shame, 
 That they may also trust Thy name, 
 And for forgiveness call, 
 
 And men may know that Thou alone 
 Jehovah, art upon Thy throne, 
 
 And Sovereign over all. 
 
150 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 84 
 
 How amiable, O Lord, 
 
 Thy tabernacles are! 
 
 My soul doth long for them 
 When 1 am distant far: 
 
 My heart and flesh cry out in pain, 
 
 Till I an entrance there shall gain. 
 
 The sparrow there hath found 
 A house where she may rest; 
 
 The swallow there her young 
 Doth lay within her nest; 
 
 E’en on Thine altars, O my King, 
 
 They safely rest beneath her wing. 
 
 Thrice blest are they that dwell 
 Within Thy house, O Lord; 
 
 They’ll still be praising Thee 
 In songs of sweet accord: 
 
 Blest is the man whose strength is found 
 
 In Thee, and whom Thou hedgeth round. 
 
 Who passing through the vale 
 Of Baca, parched and dry, 
 
 Doth make of it a pool, 
 
 With showers from on high: 
 
 How cool and moist the once parched way! 
 
 Faint hearts, rejoicing, there would stay. 
 
 They go from strength to strength, 
 
 And all of them appear 
 
 Before the Lord their God, 
 
 Devoid of doubt and fear: 
 
 O Lord of Hosts, hear Thou my prayer! 
 
 Give ear, O God of Jacob, there. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 151 
 
 Behold! O God, our shield, 
 
 And Thine anointed stay; 
 
 For here, within Thy courts, 
 
 I’d rather spend one day, 
 
 Than thousands in the tents of sin, 
 Where wickedness doth dwell within. 
 
 The Lord’s a sun and shield; 
 
 The Lord gives grace untold; 
 
 To them that walk aright, 
 
 No good doth He withhold: 
 
 O Lord of Hosts, our portion be! 
 Blest is the man that trusts in Thee. 
 
 PSALM 85 
 
 Lord, Jehovah, Thou hast ever 
 Gracious been unto our land; 
 
 Egyptian bondage Thou didst sever 
 From Thy people by Thy hand; 
 
 Though they oft were prone to leave Thee, 
 Thou didst them their sins forgive; 
 
 Let them not henceforth deceive Thee, 
 Pardon them and let them live. 
 
 Turn us, God of our salvation! 
 
 Cause Thine anger now to cease! 
 Will Thy wrath in aggravation, 
 ’Gainst Thy people still increase? 
 Wilt Thou not again revive us, 
 
 That we may in Thee rejoice? 
 Let Thy rod in mercy drive us 
 Soon in Thee to find our choice. 
 
152 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I will hear what God is speaking; 
 
 He will speak unto His saints; 
 
 While His righteousness they’re seeking, 
 
 He will banish their complaints. 
 
 His salvation cometh surely 
 Unto such as fear His name, 
 
 They who for God’s glory purely, 
 
 Do His saving grace proclaim. 
 
 Truth and mercy now commingle, 
 Righteousness and peace unite; 
 
 They whose love for God is single, 
 
 Worship Him in pure delight. 
 
 Truth from out the earth ascendeth, 
 
 Righteousness from Heaven comes down; 
 Blessings for the land ne’er endeth, 
 
 God shall all her efforts crown. 
 
 Yea, the Lord, with hand unsparing, 
 
 Shall bestow that which is good, 
 
 And His own, Clod’s favor sharing, 
 
 Shall eat of the choicest food. 
 Righteousness shall go before him; 
 
 God will set him in the way, 
 
 And to perfect peace restore him, 
 
 In that glad, expectant day. 
 
 PSALM 86 
 
 O Lord, my God, bow down Thine ear; 
 
 Hear me, for I am poor; 
 
 Preserve my soul, dispel my fear; 
 
 My fainting heart restore. 
 
 Jehovah God, Thy servant save, 
 
 That puts his trust in Thee; 
 
 Be merciful to me; I crave 
 Salvation full and free. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 153 
 
 Thy servant’s soul make to rejoice, 
 For unto Thee I cry; 
 
 Hear Thou my weak and falt’ring voice, 
 And unto me draw nigh. 
 
 For Thou, O Lord, art ever good 
 And ready to forgive; 
 
 Thy mercy hath at all times stood— 
 
 'Tis by Thy grace we live. 
 
 Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer, 
 Unto my voice attend; 
 
 In troublous days I’ll seek Thee there; 
 Thou wilt deliv’rance send. 
 
 Among the gods, none doth compare 
 With Thee, O Lord, our God; 
 
 They all do earthly weakness share, 
 And fall beneath Thy rod. 
 
 All nations that Thou didst create, 
 Thy power shall proclaim; 
 
 They’ll worship Thee with hearts elate, 
 And glorify Thy name. 
 
 For Thou art great, Jehovah God, 
 
 And doest wondrous things; 
 
 Thine own Thou leadest by Thy rod, 
 And hideth ’neath Thy wings. 
 
 Teach me Thy way, and make it clear, 
 And I will walk therein; 
 
 Incline my heart Thy name to fear, 
 
 And keep my soul from sin. 
 
154 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Thee will I praise! and Thee adore, 
 Henceforth with all my heart; 
 Thy name I’ll praise for evermore, 
 And Thy great love impart. 
 
 For great Thy mercy is to me; 
 
 Thou hast my soul redeemed; 
 Thou hast from evil set me free, 
 When hell about me gleamed. 
 
 O Lord, the proud are risen now 
 Against me, to destroy; 
 
 They who would not before Thee bow, 
 Search for me to annoy. 
 
 But, Thou, O Lord, art full of grace, 
 Long suffering and kind 
 To those who humbly seek Thy face, 
 And search, Thy truth to find. 
 
 Turn unto me and mercy show; 
 
 Give to Thy servant strength; 
 Salvation, Lord, on me bestow, 
 And give me joy at length. 
 
 Show me a token now for good, 
 That all my foes may see; 
 
 Let it be clearly understood 
 That Thou didst comfort me. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 155 
 
 PSALM 87 
 
 Thy church, O God, rests on the holy mountain; 
 
 Secure it stands against besieging foes; 
 
 From out her springs an ever living fountain, 
 Which into streams of rich salvation flows. 
 
 Jehovah loveth well the gates of Zion; 
 
 Yea, more than all the dwellings of the tribes. 
 For out of them there comes a holy scion 
 
 More glorious than the tongue of man describes. 
 
 What peoples, cities, countries, I would mention, 
 Were by thee from their idol worship torn; 
 What multitudes to thee gave their attention, 
 And who into the kingdom there were born. 
 
 Of Zion, it shall there be said with gladness, 
 
 This man, and that, were born within her walls: 
 There they shall peaceful be, devoid of sadness, 
 Who thither go when God, the Highest, calls. 
 
 The Lord shall count, when He His people writeth, 
 That this and that redeemed one was born there; 
 And music that the list’ning ear delighteth, 
 
 Each one of them shall in that city share. 
 
 O stream of life! O river of salvation! 
 
 Let now mine eyes thy sacred waters see; 
 
 And let me drink thereof with soul elation— 
 Lord, may my springs be ever found in Thee. 
 
156 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 88 
 
 O Lord God of my salvation, 
 
 Day and night I’ve cried to Thee; 
 
 Turn from me Thine indignation; 
 
 Let my prayer accepted be, 
 
 For my soul is full of trouble, 
 
 And my life draw’s near the grave; 
 
 Give to me a portion double— 
 
 Me from sin and sorrow save. 
 
 As a lost one I am counted, 
 
 As a man that has no strength; 
 
 No memorial shall be mounted, 
 
 There to mark my grave at length. 
 
 Thou hast laid me in the lowest 
 Depths of grief that can assail, 
 
 For my soul Thine anger knoweth 
 As I enter grief’s dark vale. 
 
 Mine acquaintance—best beloved— 
 Thou hast put away from me; 
 
 Yea, Thou hast me far removed 
 From the friends I long to see. 
 
 Day and night my spirit mourneth, 
 
 And I stretch my hands to Thee; 
 
 Save me, Lord, from him that scorneth; 
 Unto me a ransom be. 
 
 Wilt Thou to the dead show wonders? 
 Shall the dead arise and praise? 
 
 Lo! the grave each earth-tie sunders, 
 With it ends our mortal days, 
 
 Shall, O Lord, Thy loving-kindness 
 Be declared within the grave? 
 
 Or relief from sin’s dark blindness, 
 
 Can we in destruction have? 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 157 
 
 Shall the wonders of Thy dealings 
 In the darksome tomb be known? 
 Shall Thy truth, on wings of healing, 
 
 In the realm of death be shown? 
 
 But to Thee have I, with weeping, 
 Daily prayed aloud, O Lord, 
 
 Prayed I still while night came creeping, 
 That Thou wouldst me help afford. 
 
 Lord, why hast Thou in Thine anger 
 Cast me far away from Thee? 
 
 Why dost Thou in times of danger 
 Hide Thy longed-for face from me? 
 From my youth I’ve been afflicted, 
 oft r ve ready been to die; 
 
 Failures have my hopes restricted; 
 Terrors dark around me lie. 
 
 Thy fierce wrath me goeth over, 
 
 And Thy terrors cut me off; 
 
 They, like water, do me cover, 
 
 While my foes against me scoff. 
 
 In my grief Thou hast bereft me 
 Of my dearest earthly friends; 
 They, ’mid darkness deep, have left me; 
 None to me a message sends. 
 
 PSALM 89 
 
 Of all Thy tender mercies, Lord, 
 
 I will forever sing; 
 
 The tidings of Thy faithfulness, 
 I will to others bring. 
 
158 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Thy mercy everlasting is; 
 
 Thy faithfulness shall stand, 
 
 Established in the heavens high, 
 
 By Thy almighty hand. 
 
 A covenant of grace I made 
 With all my chosen ones; 
 
 An everlasting throne I built 
 For David and his sons. 
 
 The heavens shall Thy wonders praise, 
 O Lord of hosts above, 
 
 And the assembly of the saints 
 Thy faithfulness shall prove. 
 
 For who in Heaven can be compared 
 Unto the Lord Most High? 
 
 Or who among the mighty can 
 With Him in glory vie? 
 
 Our Lord is greatly to be feared, 
 Where saints do congregate; 
 
 And to be held in reverence 
 By those that on Him wait. 
 
 In all the universe, O Lord, 
 
 Who is there strong like Thee? 
 
 Compared with all Thy faithfulness, 
 Who can as faithful be? 
 
 The raging of the ocean deep, 
 
 Thou rulest by Thy will; 
 
 The wildest waves are calm when’er 
 Thou biddest them be still. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 159 
 
 Thou hast proud Rahab taken thus, 
 
 E’en as a strong one slain; 
 
 Thine enemies, with Thy strong arm, 
 
 Thou hast dispersed again. 
 
 The heavens and earth are Thine, O Lord, 
 The world and all therein; 
 
 Thou didst them found, soon may they all 
 Their songs of praise begin. 
 
 The north and south Thou hast, O Lord, 
 Created by Thy voice; 
 
 Bald Tabor’s height, and Hermon’s mount, 
 Shall in Thy name rejoice. 
 
 Thou hast, O Lord, a mighty arm, 
 
 A strong and high right hand; 
 
 What king is there but Thee, who can 
 Redeem and save the land? 
 
 Justice and judgment dwell within 
 Thy throne of saving grace; 
 
 Mercy and truth shall go before 
 Thy gracious heavenly face. 
 
 How happy are all they who know 
 Salvation’s joyful sound! 
 
 They all shall walk within Thy light 
 Who in Thy ways are found. 
 
 Yea, in Thy name shall they rejoice 
 Increasingly each day, 
 
 And in Thy ways of righteousness, 
 
 Shall they delight to stay. 
 
160 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Thou art the glory of their strength, 
 
 O mighty God of praise! 
 
 And in Thy favor shall our horn 
 Exalted be always. 
 
 For God, the Lord, is our defence, 
 Of Him aloud we sing; 
 
 The holy One of Jacob is 
 Our everlasting king. 
 
 There, in a vision Thou didst speak: 
 Lo! I laid hold on one, 
 
 Exalted high and powerful, 
 
 Who hath my favor won. 
 
 My servant David 1 have found, 
 
 And oil on him have poured; 
 
 My hand shall ever be with him, 
 
 I shall him strength afford. 
 
 The enemy shall not exact 
 On him in any wise; 
 
 His foes I surely will beat down, 
 
 And plague before his eyes. 
 
 My faithfulness shall be with him, 
 My mercy he shall see, 
 
 And in my name exalted shall 
 His horn forever be. 
 
 In waters I will set his hand. 
 
 And he aloud shall cry: 
 
 The Rock of my salvation is 
 Jehovah, God on High. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 161 
 
 My son I will him make; his throne 
 Shall on the earth be sure; 
 
 My mercy will I keep for him, 
 
 My cov’nant shall endure. 
 
 His seed will I continue still; 
 
 Unmoved shall stand his throne. 
 
 But if his children break my laws, 
 
 My sov’reignty disown; 
 
 If they my holy statutes break, 
 
 Then I, their sov’reign God, 
 
 Will visit their transgressions with 
 My sharp correcting rod. 
 
 But I my lovingkindness will 
 Not utterly remove; 
 
 And ev’ry promise I have made, 
 
 A faithful one shall prove. 
 
 Each promise with him I will keep, 
 
 Nor change a single word; 
 
 I shall not ever falsely speak 
 To David, saith the Lord. 
 
 His seed forever shall endure; 
 
 His throne before me stands, 
 
 Bright as the sun and moon, whose beams 
 Light the most distant lands. 
 
 But, Lord, Thou hast cut off from Thee 
 Thine own anointed king; 
 
 Thy promise hast withheld, and Thou 
 Didst him to sorrow bring. 
 
162 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 His hedges Thou hast broken down, 
 
 His strongholds overthrown; 
 
 All spoil him that pass by the way; 
 As a reproach he’s known. 
 
 And of his foes, Thou hast, O Lord, 
 
 Set up their strong right hand; 
 
 Thy servant’s sword is turned, nor can 
 He in the battle stand. 
 
 His glory Thou hast made to cease, 
 
 His throne cast to the ground; 
 
 His youth is shortened, and Thou hast 
 With shame him wrapped around. 
 
 How long, O Lord! wilt Thou in wrath 
 Thyself forever hide'? 
 
 Remember, Lord, how short the time 
 That I may here abide. 
 
 Why hast Thou made all men in vain? 
 
 What man shall not see death? 
 
 Who from the grave may save his soul, 
 When gone life’s feeble breath? 
 
 Thy former loving kindnesses, 
 
 O where may they be found? 
 Remember the reproach, O Lord, 
 
 With which I now am bound. 
 
 Yea, the reproach Thy foes and mine 
 Have cast on me again— 
 
 Blest be the Lord for evermore; 
 
 Amen; and yet, Amen. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 163 
 
 PSALM 90 
 
 Thou hast been our place of dwelling, 
 Lord, in generations past, 
 
 E’er were formed the lofty mountains, 
 Or the ocean’s bounds made feist. 
 
 Thou art God from everlasting, 
 
 And forever Thou shalt be: 
 
 Man Thou turnest to destruction, 
 Seeking his return to Thee. 
 
 For a thousand years in passing, 
 
 As a day are in Thy sight; 
 
 Yea, to Thee they pass as quickly 
 As doth pass a watch at night; 
 
 As a rushing flood they vanish, 
 
 Or as time flies by in sleep; 
 
 Or like grass, which quickly groweth, 
 Dying while the mowers reap. 
 
 In the morning it doth florish, 
 
 Cov’ring all the place around, 
 
 But when come the shades of evening, 
 Lo! it withers on the ground. 
 
 Lord, we’re awed by Thy fierce anger, 
 By Thy wrath we troubled are; 
 
 Thou hast set our sins before Thee, 
 Thou hast cut us off afar. 
 
 For our days on earth pass swiftly— 
 Mortal man cannot them hold— 
 
 And the longest years slip from us 
 As a tale that’s quickly told. 
 
 All our days on earth when numbered, 
 Are but three score years and ten; 
 
 If by strength they should be four score, 
 Yet, they’re but a handbreadth then. 
 
164 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Of the power of Thine answer, 
 
 Who can know, O Lord, our God? 
 
 E’en according: to Thine anger, 
 
 So is found Thy chast’ning rod. 
 
 Teach us, Lord, our days to number, 
 That we may our hearts apply 
 
 Unto wisdom, Thy way seeking, 
 
 Now while Thou art passing by. 
 
 Lord, return and meet Thy servants; 
 Let us hear Thy pard’ning voice; 
 
 Satisfy us with Thy mercy, 
 
 That we may in Thee rejoice; 
 
 Make us glad, O Lord, according 
 To the days we suffered pain, 
 
 In the years, so full of evil, 
 
 When we seemed to work in vain. 
 
 Let Thy work unto Thy servants 
 Now, O Lord, our God appear; 
 
 And Thy glory to their children, 
 May it unto them draw near; 
 
 Let Thy glory be upon us, 
 
 And our work, establish Thou; 
 
 Yea, our work, O Lord, establish, 
 While we now before Thee bow. 
 
 PSALM 91 
 
 He that dwelleth in the place 
 Of the Lord, our God Most High, 
 
 Shall be conscious of His grace, 
 
 And shall feel His presence nigh. 
 
 I will say of God, the Lord, 
 
 He my refuge is and strength; 
 
 He will help to me afford, 
 
 And the victory give at length. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 165 
 
 Surely He’ll deliver thee 
 
 From the fowler’s hurtful snare; 
 
 And when plagues thine eye shalt see, 
 His protection thou shalt share; 
 
 ’Neath His feathers He will hide 
 Thee in a protection sure; 
 
 ’Neath His wings thou shalt abide, 
 
 Able all things to endure. 
 
 Thou shalt not in darkness fear, 
 
 Nor in terror be at night; 
 
 When the arrow passeth near, 
 
 It shall miss thee in its flight; 
 
 Of the pestilence shalt thou 
 
 Have no fear when dark the moon, 
 
 Nor before destruction bow, 
 
 When it would thee waste at noon. 
 
 Yea, a thousand at thy side, 
 
 Shall into destruction fall; 
 
 And ten thousand that deride 
 
 Thee, shall answer death’s swift call; 
 
 But thou shalt escape the sword 
 Only with thine eyes behold, 
 
 What shall be the just reward 
 Of vile men, defiant, bold. 
 
 Lo! because thy soul hath made 
 The Almighty thy defence, 
 
 There’ll no plague on thee be laid, 
 
 Evil shall be driven hence; 
 
 For He shall His angels charge, 
 
 Thee to keep in all thy ways; 
 
 They shall all thy path enlarge, 
 
 And protect thee all thy days. 
 
166 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Thou shalt on the lion tread; 
 
 On the adder place thy feet; 
 
 Yea, thy soul shall have no dread 
 When thou dost the dragon meet. 
 
 ’Tis because his soul is set 
 On me, that I him defend, 
 
 And will lift to honor yet, 
 
 And will keep unto the end. 
 
 When in prayer he calls on me, 
 
 1 will haste to answer him; 
 
 My salvation shall he see, 
 
 When his earthly hopes grow dim; 
 
 I his soul will satisfy 
 
 With long life, and to him show 
 
 My salvation; and mine eye 
 Shall attend him here below. 
 
 PSALM 92 
 
 My soul, ’tis good to give 
 
 Thanks to Thee, God of love; 
 
 And praises sing unto Thy name, 
 And all Thy goodness prove. 
 
 Thy lovingkindness show 
 In the bright morning light, 
 
 And all Thy faithfulness declare 
 When fall the shades of night. 
 
 Upon an instrument 
 
 Of strings may there be found 
 
 Sweet music, and upon the harp 
 With deep and solemn sound. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 167 
 
 For Thou, O Lord, hast made 
 Me glad to sing Thy praise: 
 
 1*11 triumph in Thy wondrous works 
 Through all my coming days. 
 
 O Lord, how great Thy works ! 
 
 How deep Thine ev’ry thought! 
 
 A foolish man can never know 
 What they have for us wrought. 
 
 When wicked men spring up— 
 
 As doth the early grass— 
 
 It is that they shall from their place 
 To swift destruction pass. 
 
 But Thou, Jehovah Lord, 
 
 Art high for evermore; 
 
 Thy foes shall all be scattered far 
 On death’s relentless shore. 
 
 Lord, Thou wilt lift my horn, 
 
 And it exalt on high; 
 
 My head with oil Thou wilt anoint, 
 While foes shall helpless lie. 
 
 The righteous, they shall grow, 
 
 As grows the tall palm tree; 
 
 As cedars grow in Lebanon, 
 
 So shall their branches be. 
 
 Those that are planted well 
 Within Thy house, O Lord, 
 
 Shall flourish in the courts of God, 
 According to His word. 
 
168 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 And they shall still bring forth 
 Ripe fruit in their last days; 
 
 They shall be ever flourishing 
 Along the heavenly ways. 
 
 They’ll show that God is true, 
 
 Upright, and wise, and just: 
 
 He is my Rock, my Strength, my Hope; 
 In Him I’ll ever trust. 
 
 PSALM 93 
 
 God, the Lord, forever reigneth; 
 
 He is clothed with majesty; 
 
 He is clothed with strength and honor; 
 
 He doth rule o’er land and sea. 
 
 He the world hath well established, 
 
 That it cannot be removed; 
 
 Lord, Thou art from everlasting— 
 
 This Thy wondrous works have proved. 
 
 Lo! the floods their voice have lifted, 
 And the waves a tumult make; 
 
 But the Lord on high is greater, 
 
 He control o’er them doth take. 
 
 Sure are all Thy testimonies, 
 
 They with righteousness accord; 
 Holiness Thy house becometh, 
 
 Now, and evermore, O Lord. 
 
 PSALM 94 
 
 O Lord Jehovah, unto whom 
 All vengeance doth belong, 
 
 Regard with pity our estate, 
 
 And show Thyself most strong. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 169 
 
 Lift up Thyself, Thou Judge of all; 
 
 The wayward, proud, remand; 
 
 How long shall wicked men, O Lord, 
 Triumph throughout the land? 
 
 How long shall they, with uttVance bold. 
 Speak hard and bitter things? 
 
 And they that work iniquity, 
 
 To boastful words give wings? 
 
 Thy flock they into pieces break, 
 
 And scourge Thine heritage; 
 
 The widow and the orphan slay 
 In their unholy rage. 
 
 And yet they say—mistaken hope— 
 Jehovah will not see; 
 
 The God of Jacob on His throne 
 Will not regardful be. 
 
 Ye fools! when will ye be more wise? 
 
 Lo! He that made the ear, 
 
 Shall He not mark your scornful words, 
 And your revilings hear? 
 
 And He that formed the eye, shall He 
 Not all thine evil know? 
 
 The Lord above in anger looks 
 On sinful deeds below. 
 
 O shall not He correct, who doth 
 The heathen tribes chastise? 
 
 And He that knowledge shows to man, 
 Shall He not well advise? 
 
170 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The Lord doth know the thoughts of all. 
 That they are vanity; 
 
 Blest is the man whom God rebukes, 
 
 And His law makes to see. 
 
 That Thou mayst give him rest from all 
 The days of sore dismay; 
 
 Until the pit be digged when Thou 
 The wicked soon will slay. 
 
 The Lord will not cast off His own, 
 Nor from His flock depart; 
 
 But righteous judgment shall return 
 To the upright in heart. 
 
 Against the evil doers, who 
 Will now for me arise? 
 
 Or who stand up for me against 
 The publisher of lies? 
 
 Unless the Lord had been my help, 
 
 Sore grief had been my cup; 
 
 When I in slipp’ry paths did walk, 
 
 Thy mercy held me up. 
 
 In all the multitude of thoughts 
 That o’er me surging roll, 
 
 Thy comforts, Lord, within me dwell, 
 
 And they delight my soul. 
 
 Shall they that work iniquity 
 Have fellowship with Thee? 
 
 ’Gainst righteous men they set themselves, 
 And would their judges be. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 171 
 
 But sure the Lord is my defence, 
 
 Jehovah is my Rock; 
 
 My place of refuge is my God, 
 
 While unbelievers mock. 
 
 The Lord shall surely bring on them 
 Their own iniquity; 
 
 In all their sins they’ll be cut off; 
 
 Death shall their portion be. 
 
 PSALM 95 
 
 Come ye saints, and lift your voices, 
 Sing aloud unto the Lord; 
 
 Come while ev’ry heart rejoices, 
 
 Sing His praise with one accord; 
 
 To the Rock of our salvation, 
 
 Let us make a joyful noise— 
 
 Look, my soul, with expectation, 
 
 And recount with praise thy joys. 
 
 Let us meet Him with thanksgiving; 
 Make a joyful noise with psalms; 
 
 Great is He among the living, 
 
 Spread His pathway now with palms. 
 
 Lo! the hills and the deep places 
 Of the earth are in His hand; 
 
 All the sea His knowledge traces, 
 
 It He made and the dry land. 
 
 Come, O come, and let us, kneeling, 
 Worship now our Lord and King; 
 
 Banish each unholy feeling; 
 
 Sacrifices to Him bring; 
 
 For He is the Lord and Savior 
 Of His chosen, cherished band; 
 
 We, the people of His favor, 
 
 Are the sheep of His right hand. 
 
172 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 If you hear an interceding 
 Voice today within your soul, 
 
 List, it is the Spirit, pleading, 
 
 Yearning now to make you whole; 
 Then, O stifle not the feeling— 
 
 As the tempted did of old— 
 
 But with hands outstretched for healing, 
 To His loving promise hold. 
 
 Forty years my heart was grieved 
 With this people, said the Lord: 
 
 They have not on me believed, 
 
 Nor have known my Sacred Word; 
 Unto whom I sware in anger 
 
 That they should not gain my rest: 
 Guide us safely through all danger; 
 Give to us Thy rich bequest. 
 
 PSALM 96 
 
 Come, let us sing unto the Lord; 
 Sing all the earth with one accord, 
 And Him obey; 
 
 Sing to the Lord and bless His name, 
 His free salvation now proclaim 
 From day to day. 
 
 To heathen tribes His name declare, 
 Let them His grace and glory share 
 And wonders see; 
 
 The Lord is great and to be praised, 
 Above all gods His power is raised, 
 Feared let Him be. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 173 
 
 The gods of all the heathen lands 
 Are idols, made by their own hands 
 From wood and stone; 
 
 The Lord the earth and heavens made, 
 Honor and majesty are laid 
 On Him alone. 
 
 Give unto Him exalted praise, 
 
 Unto Him strength and glory raise; 
 
 An off’ring bring 
 Into His courts; with fervent joy 
 His graces let your tongues employ, 
 
 His praise to sing. 
 
 Let all the people serve with fear, 
 
 And say to unbelievers near: 
 
 Our Lord doth reign. 
 
 Let all the fields be joyful too; 
 
 Let all the trees their praise renew, 
 
 And vigor gain. 
 
 He cometh, yea, He cometh now, 
 
 To judge the earth; before Him bow, 
 And Him believe; 
 
 He’ll judge the world with righteousness, 
 And He with truth His own will bless, 
 And them receive. 
 
 PSALM 97 
 
 The Lord Jehovah reigneth still; 
 
 Let all the earth rejoice, 
 
 And let the islands of the sea 
 Praise with united voice. 
 
174 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The clouds and darkness gather thick 
 About Him and His own, 
 
 But righteousness and judgment stand, 
 Secure upon His throne. 
 
 A fire doth before Him go, 
 
 And burneth up His foes; 
 
 His lightnings hath the world beheld, 
 And trembled at His blows. 
 
 The hills, like wax, have melted at 
 The presence of the Lord; 
 
 The heavens declare His righteousness; 
 His glory, saints record. 
 
 Confused be all of them that serve 
 Dumb images of stone; 
 
 That boast of idols; turn from them, 
 
 And serve the Lord alone. 
 
 Because of Thy right judgments, Lord, 
 Fair Zion then was glad; 
 
 And Judah’s daughters all rejoiced, 
 
 Who had afore been sad. 
 
 For high above the earth art Thou, 
 Jehovah, Triune God, 
 
 And all the sordid things of earth 
 Must bow before Thy rod. 
 
 Ye that do love the Lord aright, 
 
 All sin and evil hate; 
 
 The Lord preserves the souls of them 
 That do upon Him wait. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 175 
 
 A light is to the righteous given, 
 
 A light to show the way; 
 
 And gladness for the pure in heart, 
 Their portion is each day. 
 
 Ye righteous, now look up and sing, 
 And in the Lord rejoice; 
 
 Give thanks for all His holiness, 
 With glad united voice. 
 
 PSALM 98 
 
 Unto the Lord sing a new song; 
 
 High praises do to Him belong 
 For all that He hath done; 
 
 His mighty arm and His right hand 
 Hath vict’ry gained throughout the land, 
 And our redemption won. 
 
 The Lord hath made His power known, 
 His righteousness to all hath shown 
 By His unerring rod; 
 
 Yea, openly, before the sight 
 Of heathen tribes, by sacred right, 
 
 He proved that He was God. 
 
 His goodness He remembered well 
 Toward the house of Israel 
 When they oft went astray; 
 
 All earth hath seen His matchless grace 
 Toward His guilty, fallen race, 
 
 That He did not them slay. 
 
176 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 A joyful noise and sacred mirth 
 Make to the Lord of all the earth; 
 
 Rejoice! and sing His praise; 
 
 With instruments, and with the voice, 
 Before the Lord, our King, rejoice, 
 
 And hallelujahs raise. 
 
 Yea, let the sea in gladness roar; 
 
 The earth, let it the Lord adore, 
 
 And they that therein dwell; 
 
 Let all the waters clap their hands, 
 
 And let the hills in all the lands 
 The sacred anthem swell. 
 
 Let all rejoice before the Lord, 
 
 For He hath given His sacred word 
 That He their Judge will be; 
 
 With righteousness will judge the world— 
 The deeds of all shall be unfurled, 
 
 And judged with equity. 
 
 PSALM 99 
 
 The Lord doth reign supreme; 
 
 Let all the people fear; 
 
 Between the cherubims He sits, 
 
 Let all the earth draw near. 
 
 The Lord is great in Zion, 
 
 Above all people high; 
 
 O let them praise Thy holy name, 
 
 With reverence draw nigh. 
 
 The King's strength also loves 
 In judgment wise to bless; 
 
 He doth establish equity. 
 
 And truth, and righteousness. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 177 
 
 Exalt ye now the Lord, 
 
 And worship at His feet, 
 
 For He is holy, and His love 
 Is boundless and complete. 
 
 Moses and Aaron stood, 
 
 To call upon His name; 
 
 Jehovah heard, and answered them, 
 
 You will He hear the same. 
 
 From out the pillar He 
 
 Spoke to them on the way; 
 
 His testimonies they did keep; 
 
 His laws observed each day. 
 
 Yea, Thou didst answer them, 
 
 O Lord, our God, most true! 
 
 And pardoned them, but didst rebuke 
 All their inventions new. 
 
 Exalt the Lord our God! 
 
 Seek ye His sacred hill; 
 
 Worship and honor Him, ye saints, 
 Obey His holy will. 
 
 PSALM 100 
 
 Sing to the Lord with glad acclaim; 
 
 Ye lands, exalt His holy name; 
 
 Him serve with gladness, and rejoice 
 Before Him with united voice. 
 
 Know ye the Lord that He is God; 
 
 ’Tis He that made us; and His rod 
 Doth lead us where sweet pasture grows, 
 And doth protect us from our foes. 
 
178 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Enter His gates and courts with joy; 
 
 With sacred praise your tongues employ; 
 
 Give thanks and bless His name always; 
 
 With cheerful hearts your voices raise. 
 
 For know, the Lord our God is good; 
 
 His mercy hath forever stood; 
 
 His truth and holiness are sure, 
 
 And shall from age to age endure. 
 
 PSALM 101 
 
 Of mercy and of judgment I will sing 
 To Thee, O Lord, my everlasting King; 
 
 I wisely will conduct myself each day, 
 
 And strive to walk within a perfect way. 
 
 When wilt Thou come to me and grace impart ? 
 ’Tis then I’ll serve Thee with a perfect heart; 
 Nor evil shall I covet with mine eyes; 
 
 And evil that men do, I shall despise. 
 
 A froward heart shall quickly from me go; 
 
 A wicked person I’ll no longer know; 
 
 He that his friend doth slander in the dark, 
 Him I’ll cut off, and each high look I’ll mark. 
 
 Mine eyes shall see the faithful of the land, 
 That they may safely dwell at my right hand; 
 He that doth walk within a perfect way, 
 
 Shall serve me, and within my household stay. 
 
 But he that works deceit and telleth lies, 
 
 All favor unto such the king denies; 
 
 The king can not in any such delight; 
 
 They shall no longer tarry in his sight. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 179 
 
 The wicked of the land, I will destroy; 
 
 They shall no more be kept in my employ; 
 And thus I’ll rid the land of evil men, 
 
 And make once more God’s city pure. Amen. 
 
 PSALM 102 
 
 Hear my prayer, O Lord Jehovah, 
 
 Let my cry come unto Thee; 
 
 In the day when I’m in trouble, 
 
 Hide not then Thy face from me; 
 Lord, incline Thine ear unto me, 
 
 And my prayer to Thee inspire; 
 Answer, Lord, my soul’s entreaty, 
 
 For I burn amid the fire. 
 
 Lo! my heart is sore with anguish, 
 It is withered like the grass, 
 
 So that I forget my table, 
 
 And my blessings as they pass; 
 And by reason of my groaning, 
 All my bones cleave to my skin; 
 Like the birds that lonely wander, 
 Is my troubled soul within. 
 
 I am like the lonely sparrow 
 
 On the house-top watching there; 
 
 All day long my foes reproach me, 
 
 They in wrath upon me stare; 
 
 For like bread I’ve eaten ashes, 
 
 And ’mid tears have held my cup; 
 For Thy righteous wrath hath felled me, 
 Whom Thy love had lifted up. 
 
180 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Now my days are like a shadow 
 That seems changing into night; 
 
 Like the grass my hopes are withered; 
 Vanished is each fond delight. 
 
 But O Lord, 1 still remember, 
 
 Thou for ever shall endure, 
 
 And Thy tokens of remembrance, 
 Are to coming ages sure. 
 
 Lord, Thou wilt arise for Zion, 
 
 And Thy mercy on her pour; 
 
 For the time to show her favor, 
 
 Now is come as ne’er before; 
 
 For Thy servants all take pleasure 
 In her stones, to build her walls; 
 
 At Thy name the heathen tremble, 
 
 It the kings of earth appalls. 
 
 When the Lord shall build up Zion, 
 In His glory He’ll appear, 
 
 And the lowliest petition 
 Of the destitute will hear. 
 
 This, for coming generations, 
 
 Shall be written in His word, 
 
 That His own, not yet created, 
 
 In their time shall serve the Lord. 
 
 From the highest heights of Heaven, 
 Did the Lord the earth behold; 
 
 Heard the groaning of the captive, 
 Did the bands of death unfold; 
 
 Showed the name of God in Zion, 
 And in Zion showed His praise, 
 
 When His own of ev’ry kingdom 
 Shall Him serve in later days. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 181 
 
 In the way my strength He weakened, 
 Till I cried amid my tears: 
 
 Call me not away, nor shorten 
 Thus my few allotted years. 
 
 Thou of old laid the foundation 
 Of the earth, that it might stand; 
 
 And the countless stars of heaven, 
 Thou hast fashioned with Thy hand. 
 
 Thou’lt endure, but they shall perish; 
 All their course shall be deranged; 
 
 As a vesture Thou shalt change them, 
 And they surely shall be changed; 
 
 But Thou art the same forever, 
 
 And Thy years shall have no end: 
 
 All the coming generations 
 Shall before Thy scepter bend. 
 
 PSALM 103 
 
 O bless the Lord, my grateful soul; 
 
 And all within my frame— 
 
 My heart, my mind, my strength, my all— 
 Unite to bless His name. 
 
 O bless the Lord, my grateful soul! 
 
 His benefits recall, 
 
 For He forgiveth all thy sins, 
 
 Heals thy diseases all. 
 
 From death redeemeth thy frail life, 
 
 Yea, crowneth thee with love, 
 
 And lets His tender mercies fall 
 Upon thee from above. 
 
182 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 He, who thy mouth doth satisfy 
 With good and bounteous things, 
 
 So that thy vigor is renewed 
 To mount on eagle s wings. 
 
 He righteousness and judgment metes 
 To all that are oppressed; 
 
 To Moses He His ways made known, 
 His mighty acts confessed. 
 
 He merciful and gracious is; 
 
 To anger He is slow; 
 
 He will not always chide; but we 
 His pardoning grace shall know. 
 
 He hath not dealt with us as did 
 Our many sins deserve; 
 
 Nor for our gross iniquities 
 Full punishment reserve. 
 
 As far as does the heavenly world 
 Above the earthly rise, 
 
 So great His mercies are to His; 
 
 No blessing He denies. 
 
 As far as is the east removed 
 From the most distant west, 
 
 So far our wanderings doth He 
 Forgive at our request. 
 
 Like as a father pitieth 
 His children, ever dear, 
 
 So doth Jehovah pity them 
 That worship Him in fear. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 183 
 
 For He our frame doth fully know, 
 Remembereth we are dust; 
 
 Perfection’s not expected by 
 A God so wise and just. 
 
 The days of man are as the grass; 
 
 Or as the opening flower; 
 
 A little while he flourisheth, 
 
 Then fadeth in an hour. 
 
 For the kind mercy of the Lord, 
 From everlasting is; 
 
 To everlasting ’twill descend 
 On children that are His. 
 
 On such as keep His covenant, 
 
 And His commandments true, 
 
 The mercies of the Lord shall fall, 
 
 As falls the early dew. 
 
 In Heaven hath the Lord prepared 
 His everlasting throne; 
 
 His kingdom over all doth rule; 
 
 All nations are His own. 
 
 Ye angels that excel in strength, 
 
 That hearken to His word, 
 
 That joy to do His least commands, 
 Bless ye the gracious Lord. 
 
 O bless the Lord, ye heavenly hosts, 
 That do the saints attend, 
 
 And fly with blessings on your wings 
 To whom He doth thee send. 
 
184 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 All works of His in ev’ry place, 
 
 Bless ye the Lord always: 
 
 And bless the Lord, my grateful soul, 
 Through all thy coming days. 
 
 PSALM 104 
 
 My soul, bless thou the Lord! 
 
 Jehovah, Thou art great; 
 
 With honor Thou art clothed, 
 
 And rich is Thy estate. 
 
 Who coverest Thyself 
 
 With light, as with a robe; 
 
 Who stretchest out the heavens, 
 
 A vail across the globe. 
 
 Whose beams in waters deep, 
 
 A sure foundation find; 
 
 Who rides upon the clouds, 
 
 And walks upon the wind. 
 
 His angels spirits are 
 To do His holy will; 
 
 His ministers, a fire 
 
 His message to fulfill. 
 
 Lord, Thou didst form the earth, 
 
 That it should not be moved; 
 
 The wonders Thou hast done, 
 
 In countless ways are proved. 
 
 The earth Thou didst submerge 
 In rushing waters deep; 
 
 And silence reigned o’er all, 
 
 Like nature lost in sleep. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 185 
 
 The waters heard Thy voice; 
 
 At Thy rebuke they fled; 
 
 In rivers and in streams 
 
 They went where they were led. 
 
 Thou didst their channels form, 
 And set for them a bound; 
 
 So that the earth may not 
 Again by them be drowned. 
 
 Thou sendest forth the springs 
 Among the valleys green; 
 
 Their waters, flowing clear, 
 
 Among the hills are seen. 
 
 The beasts of ev’ry kind 
 
 Quench there their ardent thirst, 
 
 And quiet lie near where 
 The cooling waters burst. 
 
 Thou waterest the hills 
 
 From Thy abundant store; 
 
 The earth is satisfied, 
 
 Nor parched is as before. 
 
 That cattle may be fed, 
 
 God makes the grass to spring; 
 
 And herbs and roots for man, 
 
 He from the ground doth bring. 
 
 And olive oil that makes 
 The face of man to shine; 
 
 And bread to strengthen him,— 
 
 All these are gifts divine. 
 
186 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The trees are full of sap,— 
 
 Trees God hath planted there; 
 
 In them the birds make nests, 
 
 Their music fills the air. 
 
 The hills a refuge are 
 
 For all the goats untamed; 
 
 The conies, mong the rocks, 
 
 A resting place have claimed. 
 
 The seasons He hath set, 
 
 The moon doth wax and wane; 
 
 The sun goes down, but morn 
 Brings brilliance in its train. 
 
 When shades of night appear, 
 
 The beasts of prey come out, 
 
 And in their quest for food, 
 
 Prowl searchingly about. 
 
 But when the sun comes forth, 
 They hasten them away, 
 
 And in their hidden dens 
 
 Sleep through the brilliant day. 
 
 Man—in God’s image made— 
 Doth labor in the light; 
 
 He through the day doth work, 
 And seeks his rest at night. 
 
 O Lord, how manifold 
 
 Thy wondrous works appear! 
 
 In wisdom Thou hast made 
 These marvels far and near. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 187 
 
 The earth, O Lord, is full 
 Of all Thy riches rare; 
 
 The sea her treasures gives 
 In a collection fair. 
 
 And thither go the ships, 
 
 In waters rough or clear; 
 
 The great leviathan 
 
 Plays there without a fear. 
 
 These all do wait on Thee, 
 
 That Thou mayst give them meat; 
 
 Thou openest Thy hand,— 
 
 With gratitude they eat. 
 
 Thou hidest then Thy face. 
 
 And they in trouble lie, 
 
 Thou takest then their breath, 
 
 And they in silence die. 
 
 Thy spirit Thou dost send; 
 
 They’re recreated then: 
 
 The face of all the earth 
 Thou dost renew again. 
 
 The glory of the Lord 
 Forever shall endure; 
 
 The works that He hath made, 
 
 Are perfect works and pure. 
 
 He looked upon the earth, 
 
 It trembled when He spoke; 
 
 He touched the hills, and they 
 Emitted flame and smoke. 
 
188 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I'll sing unto the Lord 
 As long as I shall live; 
 
 And praises to my God, 
 
 While life remains, I’ll give. 
 
 My thoughts of Him shall be 
 Most grateful and most sweet; 
 
 In Him I shall be glad 
 And worship at His feet. 
 
 Let sinners be consumed; 
 
 Consumed be wicked men, 
 
 But Thou, my soul, bless God: 
 
 Praise ye the Lord. Amen. 
 
 PSALM 105 
 
 Give thanks unto the Lord, 
 
 And call upon His name; 
 
 Make known His mighty works, 
 
 And all His deeds proclaim; 
 
 Sing unto Him, in anthems sing, 
 
 Accounts of all His marvels bring. 
 
 In His great name give praise, 
 
 And let each heart rejoice; 
 
 All ye that seek the Lord, 
 
 Praise Him with thankful voice: 
 
 Seek ye the Lord, and Him adore; 
 
 Seek ye the Lord for evermore. 
 
 His wondrous works recall, 
 
 The marvels He hath done; 
 
 The judgments of His mouth, 
 
 Recount them one by one: 
 
 O seed of Abraham, make known 
 
 The strange right way He led His own. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 189 
 
 He is the Lord, our God; 
 
 His judgments wise prevail; 
 His covenant He keeps, 
 
 Naught can its truth assail; 
 The Lord shall it remember well, 
 Of it shall Jacob’s children tell. 
 
 The covenant He made 
 
 With our forefathers there, 
 
 Affirming that each one 
 
 Should have his rightful share, 
 
 And said: To thee I give this land, 
 
 As your inheritance ’twill stand. 
 
 They few in numbers were, 
 
 They strangers were, and weak; 
 
 They were compelled at times 
 A home elsewhere to seek; 
 
 Yea, in a nation far removed, 
 
 The faith of Jacob’s seed was proved. 
 
 God suffered then no man 
 To do His people harm; 
 
 Yea, kings the Lord rebuked, 
 
 And brake their lifted arm: 
 
 Touch not My children, said the Lord, 
 Nor ’gainst My prophets lift the sword. 
 
 God called a famine down 
 Upon the stricken land; 
 
 He brake the staff of life 
 By His reproving hand; 
 
 But one—a brother—went before, 
 
 And opened wide a garnered store. 
 
190 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 This brother had been sold 
 To Egypt as a slave, 
 
 And was in prison cast, 
 
 As in a living grave, 
 
 And languished there for months and years, 
 A victim held by doubts and fears. 
 
 At last, the full time came 
 That he should be set free; 
 
 And Egypt’s king gave word 
 That he would Joseph see: 
 
 He made him ruler of the land, 
 
 And gave the laws into his hand. 
 
 Then, Jacob, also, came 
 To Egypt and remained; 
 
 His people, God increased, 
 
 His favor, they retained: 
 
 He made them stronger than their foes, 
 
 Who, in their wrath, against them rose. 
 
 Jehovah Moses sent, 
 
 To be their help and guide; 
 
 At God’s command he came, 
 
 With Aaron, to reside: 
 
 They showed God’s signs to Pharaoh, 
 
 That he should let His people go. 
 
 He darkness sent and made 
 The land a midnight hue; 
 
 The waters turned to blood; 
 
 The fish in them He slew; 
 
 Frogs in abundance He did bring, 
 
 E’en to the chamber of the king. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 191 
 
 He spake, and there came flies; 
 
 Lice did the coasts invade; 
 
 He gave them hail for rain, 
 
 And flames of fire made; 
 
 He smote their fig trees and their vines, 
 And brake the trees, in these great signs. 
 
 He spake, and locusts came, 
 
 In numbers great were found; 
 
 They all the herbs and fruit 
 Devoured off the ground; 
 
 He also smote all the first-born, 
 
 And hearts with grief were crushed and torn. 
 
 His people He brought forth 
 With silver and with gold; 
 
 No one was feeble there, 
 
 None was there that seemed old: 
 
 Egypt them hasted on their way; 
 
 They feared to have them longer stay. 
 
 God o’er His people spread 
 A cloud throughout the day; 
 
 At night a flame of fire 
 
 Led them upon the way: 
 
 Dissatisfied, they asked for meat, 
 
 And quails, unblessed, they had to eat. 
 
 He gave them heavenly food, 
 
 Sweet manna from the ground; 
 
 He, from the solid rock, 
 
 Made waters flow around: 
 
 Their cravings all were satisfied, 
 
 No real good were they denied. 
 
192 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 For He remembered well 
 His promises of old, 
 
 How He His children would 
 In pastures rich enfold: 
 
 He brought His people forth with joy; 
 They did in praise glad songs employ. 
 
 He gave to them the lands 
 
 That heathen tribes had tilled; 
 
 With ripened fruit and grain, 
 
 Their barns and stores were filled, 
 So that they might with one accord 
 His statutes keep. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM 106 
 
 Praise ye the Lord Jehovah; 
 
 Give thanks unto His name, 
 For He is good, His mercy 
 Is evermore the same. 
 
 Who, who of men can utter 
 The mighty acts of God? 
 
 Or who show forth His praises, 
 And sing beneath His rod? 
 
 Thrice blessed are the righteous 
 That keep a judgment true, 
 And he that doeth justly, 
 
 And doth his pledge renew. 
 
 O Lord, with the rich favor 
 Thou to Thine own doth show, 
 I pray that on Thy servant 
 
 Thou wouldst a part bestow. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 193 
 
 That I among Thy chosen, 
 
 May see alone their good; 
 
 And praise Thy name with gladness, 
 And feast on angels* food. 
 
 Alas! like all our fathers, 
 
 We’ ve sinned in Thy pure sight, 
 
 And wandered from the pathway 
 ‘ Wherein alone is light. 
 
 They soon forgot the wonders 
 In Egypt for them wrought; 
 
 Thy multitude of mercies 
 
 Soon passed from out their thought: 
 
 But God in pity saved them, 
 
 E’en for His own name’s sake; 
 
 The waters deep He parted, 
 
 A way for them to make. 
 
 He saved them from the clutches 
 Of him who did them hate; 
 
 He from their foes redeemed them 
 Before it was too late: 
 
 The waves their foes did cover, 
 
 Not one of them was left; 
 
 And Egypt’s haughty nation 
 
 * Was of her hosts bereft. 
 
 Then did God’s children praise Him 
 With timbrel and with song; 
 
 And in His word rejoicing, 
 
 Were in His strength made strong. 
 
 Alas! as they went forward 
 They soon His words forgot; 
 
 They for the world’s good, lusted, 
 
 Nor for God’s counsel sought. 
 
194 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 He gave them their desire, but 
 Sent leanness to the soul; 
 
 Sin, like a sweetened morsel, 
 
 They ’neath their tongues did roll. 
 
 God’s saints they viewed with envy, 
 
 And would not them obey: 
 
 The earth was made to open 
 And all these rebels slay. 
 
 A fire, too, was kindled, 
 
 The wicked ones to burn— 
 
 O sinful men take warning, 
 
 And from your evil turn— 
 
 They made a golden image, 
 
 And worshipped it in praise, 
 
 Thus putting by God’s glory, 
 
 An idol dumb to raise. 
 
 The Lord, their God and Saviour, 
 
 They wickedly forgot; 
 
 He that for them in Egypt, 
 
 Such wondrous things had wrought; 
 
 He threatened to destroy them, 
 
 Because of this, their sin; 
 
 But Moses interceded, 
 
 God’s pity there to win. 
 
 Yet they despised God’s blessings, 
 
 And would not trust His word; 
 
 And in their tents they murmured, 
 
 Nor heeded they the Lord. 
 
 Jehovah then reproved them, 
 
 To bring them to repent: 
 
 They were among the nations 
 In scattered portions sent. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 195 
 
 They joined themselves to Baal, 
 
 And no more worshipped God; 
 
 The Lord in righteous anger, 
 
 Chastised them with the rod. 
 
 Then Phinehas, arising, 
 
 A righteous judgment made 
 
 Unto those great transgressors, 
 
 And thus the plague was stayed. 
 
 That, unto him, was counted 
 For righteousness by all, 
 
 To future generations, 
 
 That did these things recall. 
 
 They, at the dearth of waters, 
 
 God’s anger did provoke, 
 
 And it went ill with Moses, 
 
 When hastily he spoke. 
 
 The heathen nations near them 
 They did not there destroy, 
 
 Though ’gainst them God had told them 
 Their weapons to employ. 
 
 They mingled there among them, 
 
 And learned their evil ways; 
 
 They knew and served their idols, 
 
 And offered them their praise. 
 
 They brought their sons and daughters 
 To idols, to be slain; 
 
 And the fair land polluted 
 
 With blood, recoiled in pain. 
 
 Thus were they all defiled, 
 
 Who once were white and fair, 
 
 And God’s fierce wrath was kindled 
 Against His people there. 
 
196 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 He gave them to the heathen, 
 
 To rule them in the land; 
 
 Their enemies there brought them 
 Subdued beneath their hand. 
 
 Oft times did God deliver 
 
 His own, and freedom give, 
 
 But they would still forsake Him, 
 
 Nor in His service live. 
 
 But still the Lord had pity, 
 
 When they unto Him cried; 
 
 And he recalled His promise, 
 
 Nor were their prayers denied. 
 
 He made them to be pitied 
 
 By those that held them bound, 
 
 And these poor, erring captives, 
 
 A kindness in them found. 
 
 Save us, O Lord, our Saviour! 
 
 Thy banner o’er us raise, 
 
 That we return with shoutings, 
 
 And triumph in Thy praise. 
 
 Blest be the Lord Jehovah! 
 
 Enduring is His word: 
 
 Shout, all ye saints, repeating, 
 
 Amen. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM 107 
 
 O give thanks unto the Lord, 
 
 For His mercy hath no end; 
 
 Let the righteous this record, 
 
 That God will His own defend, 
 
 And hath gathered out of lands, 
 Scattered far from east to west; 
 
 Yea, from north and south His hands 
 Gathered saints at their request. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 197 
 
 Long they in the wilderness 
 Wandered in a lonely way; 
 
 Where they found in their distress 
 No safe place in which to stay: 
 
 Hungry, thirsty, on they plod, 
 
 Till their soul within them faints; 
 
 Then in prayer they cried to God, 
 
 And He answered their complaints. 
 
 Them He led in a right way, 
 
 To a habitation sure; 
 
 To a land where they might stay, 
 
 Him to serve with purpose pure: 
 
 Oh! that men would praise the Lord, 
 
 For His goodness and His grace; 
 
 And His wondrous works record, 
 
 Done to save His fallen race. 
 
 For the Lord doth satisfy 
 
 Ev’ry helpless, longing saint; 
 
 Grace He hath that will supply 
 Ev’ry need and each complaint. 
 
 Such as do in darkness sit, 
 
 With the shades of death around, 
 
 And in quietude submit 
 
 To the chains by which they’re bound. 
 
 Then they cried unto the Lord— 
 
 In their trouble Him they sought— 
 
 Help to them He did afford, 
 
 They to safety soon were brought. 
 
 Oh! that men would praise the Lord 
 For His goodness and His grace; 
 
 And His wondrous works record, 
 
 Done to save His fallen race. 
 
198 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Let them sacrifice with joy, 
 
 What unto the Lord belongs, 
 
 And in praise their tongues employ, 
 Showing forth His works in songs. 
 They that in the sea go down, 
 
 In great ships their vigils keep,— 
 These behold how God doth crown 
 The great wonders of the deep. 
 
 Yea, He doth command the wind, 
 And the storm lifts up the waves, 
 They ascend the clouds to find, 
 
 Then sink low in hollowed graves. 
 Men, afraid, reel to and fro; 
 
 Life for them seems at an end— 
 Then their trust on God they throw 
 And He doth deliverance send. 
 
 He doth bid the storm recede, 
 
 And the raging waves are still; 
 
 Them in safety He doth lead 
 To their haven by His will— 
 
 Oh! that men would praise the Lord 
 For His goodness and His grace, 
 
 And His wondrous works record, 
 
 Done to save His fallen race. 
 
 Him let them exalt and praise 
 In the congregation vast; 
 
 And His standards let them raise, 
 
 And their gifts before Him cast. 
 
 In the wilderness He turns 
 Living waters running clear, 
 
 Life revives where nature burns, 
 
 When these flowing springs appear. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 199 
 
 Then, again, the wilderness 
 He converts into a pool, 
 
 And the ground, parched with distress, 
 He with water-springs makes cool; 
 
 There He lets the hungry dwell, 
 
 And a habitation find, 
 
 Sow their seeds and vineyards tell, 
 
 And earth’s products safely bind. 
 
 God doth bless them in their ways, 
 And their numbers still increase; 
 
 He their herd from evil stays, 
 
 That their cattle may not cease. 
 
 Yet, again, they weakened are, 
 
 And through sorrow are brought low; 
 
 By oppression banished far, 
 
 They life’s dark afflictions know. 
 
 God on princes pours contempt 
 And doth let them go astray, 
 
 But the poor He doth exempt 
 From the evils of the way; 
 
 He doth give them riches true, 
 
 Families to bless his name,— 
 
 Heaven’s riches, like the dew, 
 
 God’s rich favors now proclaim. 
 
 This, believing saints shall see; 
 
 They shall see it and rejoice; 
 
 Then shall all iniquity 
 
 Silent be in act and voice: 
 
 He that can observe God’s hand 
 In these things and them record, 
 
 He it is shall understand 
 All the kindness of the Lord. 
 
200 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 108 
 
 O God, my heart is fixed in Thee; 
 
 To Thee I’ll sing, Thee will I praise; 
 With psaltery and harp shall I 
 
 At early morn sweet music raise. 
 
 Thee will I praise, Jehovah Lord, 
 
 Among the people gathered here; 
 
 To Thee I will Thy praises sing 
 Among the nations far and near. 
 
 Because, O Lord, Thy mercy is 
 
 So great; it doth to Heaven reach; 
 
 Thy truth extends unto the clouds, 
 
 And doth our darkened natures teach. 
 
 Be Thou exalted, Lord, beyond 
 The heavens; let Thy glory rise 
 O’er all the earth, that Thy beloved 
 May rescued be before Thine eyes. 
 
 Hear, Lord, and answer Thou my prayer, 
 And lift for me Thy strong right hand, 
 So shall my soul rejoice, and I 
 
 Shall, with Thy help, divide the land. 
 
 God hath in mercy answered me: 
 
 I, Shechem shall with joy divide; 
 
 I shall mete out, with help divine, 
 
 The vale of Succoth, fair and wide. 
 
 Manasseh, Gilead, Thou hast, 
 
 O Lord Jehovah, given me; 
 
 In Ephraim is found my strength; 
 
 My lawgiver shall Judah be. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 201 
 
 In Moab I my washpot find; 
 
 O’er Edom will I cast my shoe; 
 
 Philistia will I triumph o’er,— 
 
 All these shall be my subjects true. 
 
 Who’ll bring us to the city strong? 
 Who will me into Edom lead? 
 
 Lord, wilt not Thou go with our hosts, 
 And succor give in our great need? 
 
 O give us help from trouble, Lord, 
 
 For ev’ry help of man is vain: 
 
 Through God we shall do valiantly,— 
 He will for us the vict’ry gain. 
 
 PSALM 109 
 
 Hold not Thy peace, O God, 
 
 For wicked men assail; 
 
 And tongues deceitful do 
 In wrath against me rail; 
 
 They compassed me about 
 With words of bitter hate; 
 
 And they against me fought, 
 
 Nor cause could they relate. 
 
 They, for my love sincere, 
 
 My bitter foes became: 
 
 But I resort to prayer, 
 
 Their friendship to reclaim. 
 
 They have rewarded me 
 But ill for all my good; 
 
 And hatred for my love 
 Has long been understood. 
 
202 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Set, Lord, a wicked man, 
 
 Above him to command, 
 
 And there let Satan be 
 
 The guide at his right hand; 
 
 When he for judgment waits, 
 Condemned then let him be; 
 
 His prayer, let it be sin, 
 
 Nor favor let him see. 
 
 His days, let them be few; 
 
 His place, let others take; 
 
 His children, fatherless; 
 
 His wife, a widow make; 
 
 His children, let them beg, 
 And seek their daily bread; 
 
 In places desolate, 
 
 May they on crumbs be fed. 
 
 Let the extortioner 
 
 Catch everything he hath; 
 
 And let the strangers spoil 
 His labor in their wrath; 
 
 Let there be none to show 
 To him a mercy kind; 
 
 Nor any favor let 
 
 His orphaned children find. 
 
 Let his posterity 
 
 No more on earth remain; 
 
 And haste the time when shall 
 Be blotted out their name. 
 
 Remember, Lord, the sins 
 His father did of old; 
 
 Let not his mother’s sins 
 Cease ever to be told. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 203 
 
 Let them forever be 
 
 Before the Lord on high, 
 
 That He, for evils done, 
 
 Will make their mem’ry die; 
 
 For he remembered not 
 A mercy kind to show, 
 
 But persecuted still, 
 
 The needy and the low. 
 
 As he loved cursing, so 
 Let cursing be his lot; 
 
 He loved not blessing,—let 
 No good to him be brought. 
 
 Let this be the reward 
 
 That God o’er all shall roll, 
 
 Who evil speak against 
 
 My crushed and troubled soul. 
 
 But, Lord, do Thou for me, 
 
 E’en for Thine own name’s sake; 
 
 Thy pity, Lord, is kind, 
 
 Let it for me awake; 
 
 For I, O Lord, am poor, 
 
 And wounded is my heart; 
 
 I, like a shadow, fall 
 In broken lines apart. 
 
 Through fasting I am weak; 
 
 My flesh and strength have fled; 
 
 To men I’m a reproach, 
 
 They look, and shake the head. 
 
 Help me, O Lord, my God; 
 
 Me, in Thy mercy, save, 
 
 That they may know ’twas Thou 
 That plucked me from the grave. 
 
204 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Then let them curse that will; 
 But bless Thou me, O Lord; 
 
 Let them be brought to shame, 
 
 But joy to me accord; 
 
 Yea, let all these, my foes, 
 
 With shame be covered o’er; 
 
 In their confusion deep, 
 
 Let them be seen no more. 
 
 But I will greatly praise 
 
 The Lord with speech and song; 
 
 Yea, Him I’ll boldly praise 
 Among the surging throng; 
 
 For He will stand beside 
 The poor, and him befriend; 
 
 In ev’ry time of need 
 
 He will deliverance send. 
 
 PSALM 110 
 
 The Lord said to my Lord, 
 
 Sit Thou at my right hand, 
 
 Until I make Thine enemies 
 Subdued before Thee stand. 
 
 The Lord shall out of Zion 
 Send forth a rod of strength; 
 
 Rule, Thou, among Thine enemies 
 To earth's remotest length. 
 
 Thine own shall willing be 
 
 When dawns the day of power: 
 
 Lord, hasten that glad time, we pray, 
 Speed, speed the longed for hour. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 205 
 
 In holiness shall bloom 
 
 The morning of the Lord; 
 
 The dew of youth upon Thee rests, 
 And doth new life afford. 
 
 The Lord above hath sworn, 
 
 Nor will He yet repent— 
 Thou art a priest for evermore, 
 By holy orders sent. 
 
 The Lord at Thy right hand 
 
 The strongest kings shall spoil; 
 
 When He in wrath shall judge the earth, 
 The mighty shall recoil. 
 
 The heathen He shall judge, 
 And multiply their dead; 
 
 And over many countries He 
 Shall wound the ruling head. 
 
 The thirsty soul shall seek 
 The brook along the way; 
 
 To drink thereof and be revived, 
 His feet beside it stay. 
 
 PSALM 1 1 1 
 
 O praise the Lord, my waiting soul [ 
 
 Him will I praise with all my heart: 
 Where true believers congregate, 
 
 There will my soul in praise take part. 
 
206 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Great are the works of God, the Lord, 
 Sought out by all that love His praise; 
 
 His work on earth is glorious, 
 
 His righteousness endures always. 
 
 His works of wonder He hath made 
 To be remembered for all time; 
 
 The Lord is gracious, and is found 
 Filled with compassion all sublime. 
 
 He giveth meat to hungry souls; 
 
 He feedeth all that fear His name; 
 
 His covenant He ne’er forgets, 
 
 It holds for evermore the same. 
 
 The power of His mighty works, 
 
 He hath unto His people shown, 
 
 That He may give the heritage 
 Of heathen nations to His own. 
 
 His works are verity and truth, 
 
 And His commandments all are sure; 
 
 They stand forever fast, and will 
 Through all eternity endure. 
 
 In mercy, He redemption sent 
 Unto His people lost in sin,— 
 
 Adored forever be His name, 
 
 That He should our salvation win. 
 
 To fear the Lord, and follow Him, 
 
 Is the first step in wisdom’s ways; 
 
 O wise are they that keep His laws! 
 
 His praise, enduring, with them stays. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 207 
 
 PSALM 112 
 
 Praise, ye, the Lord Jehovah! 
 
 For sure that man is blest, 
 
 Who fears the Lord and serves Him, 
 And on His word doth rest: 
 
 His children shall grow mighty, 
 
 His children’s children thrive; 
 
 His house shall have true riches, 
 
 His faith be kept alive. 
 
 A light unto the upright 
 
 Doth ’mid the darkness rise,— 
 
 God, full of all compassion, 
 
 No righteous prayer denies. 
 
 A good man showeth favor, 
 
 And kindness that is wide; 
 
 He, with a wise discretion, 
 
 His own affairs doth guide. 
 
 He shall not be removed, 
 
 But shall securely stand; 
 
 The mem’ry of the righteous 
 Is fixed throughout the land. 
 
 Of any evil tidings, 
 
 He shall not be afraid, 
 
 Because his heart is trusting 
 The Lord, and on Him stayed. 
 
 His heart is well established 
 Nor shall he know a fear; 
 
 He to the poor hath given 
 His riches far and near: 
 
 His righteousness forever. 
 
 Shall surely, then, endure; 
 
 His horn shall be exalted, 
 
 With honor that is pure. 
 
208 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The wicked there shall see it, 
 
 And filled be with dismay; 
 
 He’ll gnash his teeth in anguish, 
 And fall, and melt away. 
 
 The longings of the wicked, 
 
 To do the righteous harm, 
 
 Shall soon be made to perish 
 By God’s almighty arm. 
 
 PSALM 113 
 
 Praise, praise the Lord, ye saints! 
 His name, ye people, praise! 
 
 Exalted be his holy name 
 
 Through all the coming days. 
 
 From when the sun doth rise, 
 
 Till when it sinks at night, 
 
 Let praises to Jehovah’s name 
 Each contrite soul delight. 
 
 The Lord is high above 
 All nations here below; 
 
 His glory is above the heavens. 
 And light o’er all doth throw. 
 
 Who, who is like the Lord 9 
 Who can with him compare, 
 
 Who humbled low himself, that he 
 Our earthly state might share? 
 
 He raiseth up the poor, 
 
 And lifteth the cast down; 
 
 E’en from the dust he raiseth him, 
 To place on him a crown. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 209 
 
 He makes the fruitless vine 
 Bear clusters to his name: 
 For all his goodness, O ye saints, 
 His glory now proclaim. 
 
 PSALM 114 
 
 When God’s people went from Egypt, 
 And the house of Jacob fled 
 From a nation of strange language, 
 They were by Jehovah led. 
 
 Judah was his sanctuary, 
 
 Israel his promised land; 
 
 They unto their rich possessions 
 
 Guided were by God’s own hand. 
 
 There the sea fled back before them; 
 
 Jordan, too, was driven back; 
 
 Cloud for shelter, light to guide them, 
 
 They God’s blessings did not lack. 
 
 There, like rams, skipped all the mountains, 
 And the little hills like lambs,— 
 
 Thus Jehovah, for His people, 
 
 Each foreboding quickly calms. 
 
 What ailed thee, O sea, that fledest? 
 
 Jordan, why didst thou not flow? 
 
 Why like rams skipped all the mountains? 
 
 And ye hills, why moved ye so? 
 
 O thou solid earth, now tremble 
 At the presence of the Lord! 
 
 He who turned the rock to water 
 By the power of His word. 
 
210 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 1 1 5 
 
 Not unto us, O Lord, 
 
 But to Thy holy name, 
 
 Give glory for Thy mercy’s sake; 
 
 Thy truth and grace proclaim. 
 
 Why should the heathen say: 
 
 O where is now their God? 
 
 Our God is in the heavens high, 
 
 And ruleth by His rod. 
 
 Their idols are but forms 
 Of silver and of gold; 
 
 The work of men’s own feeble hands, 
 
 No strength nor life they hold. 
 
 They’ve mouths, but cannot speak; 
 
 Eyes have they, but no sight; 
 
 And they have ears, but not a sound 
 Doth e’er those ears delight. 
 
 They’ve noses, but smell not; 
 
 Lifeless their hands do lie; 
 
 They’ve feet, but they walk not; no speech 
 Doth pass their throttles dry. 
 
 The men that made them are 
 Like unto them, but dead; 
 
 And so are all that in them trust 
 To guided be or fed. 
 
 O Israel of old! 
 
 Trust, trust thou in the Lord; 
 
 He is thy help and shield, and will 
 A help divine afford. 
 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 211 
 
 O house of Aaron, trust 
 In the Almighty King; 
 
 He is thy help, and He’s thy shield, 
 
 He will salvation bring. 
 
 All ye that fear the Lord, 
 
 In Him put all your trust; 
 
 He is a help and shield, and will 
 Deliver all the just. 
 
 The Lord hath ever been 
 Mindful of us and true; 
 
 He’ll bless the house of Israel, 
 
 He’ll Aaron bless anew. 
 
 He’ll bless all them that fear 
 
 The Lord—both great and small— 
 
 The Lord will bless you more and more, 
 You, and your children all. 
 
 Ye of the Lord art blest,— 
 
 Blest by Jehovah when 
 
 He had the heavens for His abode, 
 
 And made the earth for men. 
 
 The dead praise not the Lord; 
 
 Nor any that do sleep 
 
 In darkness down within the tomb, 
 Amid the silence deep. 
 
 But we will bless our God; 
 
 And praise to Him accord; 
 
 From this time forth and evermore, 
 Praise, praise, ye saints, the Lord. 
 
212 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 116 
 
 I love the Lord because 
 
 He hath my pleadings heard: 
 
 Because oftimes they have 
 His heart of pity stirred; 
 
 Because He hath inclined 
 His list’ning ear to me, 
 
 His loving suppliant 
 I ever more shall be. 
 
 Death’s sorrows round me pressed; 
 The pains of hell I felt. 
 
 Then cried I to the Lord, 
 
 As I before Him knelt: 
 
 O Lord, I Thee beseech, 
 
 These terrors from me roll; 
 
 Let Thine own comfort reach 
 My tossed and troubled soul. 
 
 How gracious is the Lord! 
 
 How merciful our God! 
 
 He chastens for our good, 
 
 Then stays His lifted rod. 
 
 He hath me always helped 
 
 When I have been brought low, 
 
 And I, through all His acts, 
 
 His loving-kindness know. 
 
 Return unto thy rest, 
 
 My soul, from sin set free, 
 
 The Lord hath ever dealt 
 
 Most graciously with thee. 
 
 Thou hast delivered, Lord, 
 
 My soul from death, mine eyes 
 
 From tears are free, my feet 
 Halt not when snares arise. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 213 
 
 1*11 walk before the Lord 
 
 Where all the world may see; 
 
 Yea, I throughout the land 
 His witness true shall be. 
 
 I was afflicted sore, 
 
 And in my haste made speech: 
 
 "All men are prone to lie, 
 
 When they their ends would reach.** 
 
 What shall I render now 
 Unto the Lord above, 
 
 For all His gifts bestowed, 
 
 And His undying love? 
 
 My hand will take the cup 
 Of His salvation free; 
 
 I’ll call upon His name, 
 
 I’ll His disciple be. 
 
 I now will pay my vows 
 Unto the Lord Most High; 
 
 Before the people all 
 
 I will to Him draw nigh. 
 
 How precious in God’s sight, 
 
 The death of ev’ry saint! 
 
 Their welcome to His home, 
 
 No fancy e’er can paint. 
 
 O Lord, I truly am 
 
 Thy servant and Thy child; 
 
 Thou hast loosed all my bonds, 
 
 And cleansed a soul defiled. 
 
 To Thee I’ll gladly give 
 A sacrifice of praise; 
 
 I’ll call upon Thy name, 
 
 And worship Thee always. 
 
214 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I’ll pay my vows unto 
 The Lord Jehovah now; 
 Before His people I 
 
 In prayer and praise will bow; 
 Yea, in His courts 1 will 
 His majesty record; 
 
 In thee, Jerusalem, 
 
 I’ll bow. Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM 11 7 
 
 Ye nations, praise the Lord; 
 
 Ye people, praise His name; 
 
 His benefits to all recall, 
 
 His praise to all proclaim. 
 
 For oh! His kindness is 
 So great toward us all; 
 
 All we that serve Him and are His, 
 
 In praise before Him fall. 
 
 His truth shall ever stand, 
 
 And shall us help afford; 
 
 Shout! shout! ye saints, throughout the land, 
 And praise! praise ye the Lord. 
 
 PSALM 118 
 
 Oh! render thanks unto the Lord, 
 For He is good, true is His word; 
 
 His mercy lasts for aye; 
 
 Let Israel the same repeat; 
 
 And still before God’s mercy seat, 
 The same let Aaron say. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 215 
 
 Let them that fear the Lord proclaim, 
 His mercy always is the same, 
 Enduring, changeless, free. 
 
 I sought the Lord in my distress, 
 
 My plea I did upon Him press, 
 
 And He hath answered me. 
 
 Because the Lord is on my side, 
 
 I will not fear what may betide, 
 
 Or what frail man can do; 
 
 The Lord doth take my part and He 
 My friend and Helper sure will be, 
 And my desire renew. 
 
 It better is to trust the Lord, 
 
 Than trust in man, help to afford, 
 
 In times of sore dismay, 
 
 *Tis better in the Lord to trust, 
 
 Than in frail man, however just, 
 
 To look for help that day. 
 
 All nations compassed me about 
 But with God’s help I will them rout, 
 And will them all destroy, 
 
 They compassed me about, but I 
 Will look for help to God on high, 
 
 His aid will I employ. 
 
 They compassed me about like bees, 
 But scattered as by fire were these— 
 Defeat they all did share: 
 They struck at me, that I might fall, 
 But God hath heard my earnest call, 
 And He hath helped me there. 
 
216 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Jehovah is my strength and song; 
 The Lord is my salvation strong, 
 Therefore I shall rejoice; 
 
 Yea, in the tabernacle I 
 Will to the Lord of hosts draw nigh 
 With glad exultant voice. 
 
 All valiantly doth God’s right hand 
 His marvels do throughout the land; 
 
 It is exalted there: 
 
 And now shall I not die, but live, 
 
 And all my strength and powers give, 
 
 His glory to declare. 
 
 The Lord hath chastened me full sore, 
 
 And brought me near unto death’s door, 
 But did me there reprieve: 
 
 The gates of righteousness undo, 
 
 And let my waiting soul pass through, 
 Salvation to receive. 
 
 I’ll enter them with joy and praise— 
 These gates that lead to heavenly ways— 
 Thronged with the pure in heart: 
 Thee will I praise; Thou didst me hear, 
 And brought Thy great salvation near— 
 Thou my Salvation art. 
 
 The stone the builders long denied, 
 
 Is now the head-stone, sanctified, 
 
 Its finished mission done: 
 
 All glorious it doth arise, 
 
 And marvelous before our eyes, 
 
 God’s own beloved son. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 217 
 
 This is the day the Lord hath made, 
 
 And our redemption fully paid; 
 
 In it we shall rejoice: 
 
 Save now, O Lord, I Thee beseech, 
 
 To all let Thy salvation reach, 
 
 Who hear Thy loving voice. 
 
 Thrice blessed He that cometh now; 
 
 Ye waiting hosts before Him bow, 
 
 And shout aloud His name: 
 
 God is the Lord who showed us light, 
 We’ll sacrifice before His sight, 
 
 And His redemption claim. 
 
 Thou art my God; Thee will I praise; 
 Thou art my God through endless days, 
 Thee I’ll exalt on high: 
 
 Give thanks unto the Lord our God, 
 
 For He is good; kind is His rod; 
 
 To help us He is nigh. 
 
 PSALM 119 
 
 n ALEPH 
 
 How blessed are the undefiled, 
 
 In life’s uncertain way, 
 
 Who walk within God’s holy law, 
 
 Nor from His precepts stray. 
 
 Thrice blest are they that always keep 
 His testimonies true; 
 
 That follow Him with all the heart, 
 
 And His commandments do. 
 
 They also no iniquity 
 Do practice, but they try 
 To walk in God’s most righteous ways, 
 And serve with single eye. 
 
218 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Thou hast commanded us, O Lord, 
 
 Thy precepts all to keep— 
 
 O that my ways directed were 
 To know Thy statutes deep. 
 
 Then shall I never be ashamed, 
 
 When I have due respect 
 
 Unto Thy just commandments, Lord, 
 Nor do Thy laws neglect. 
 
 Thee will 1 praise with upright heart, 
 When I Thy truth have learned— 
 
 To understand Thy judgments, Lord, 
 My soul hath often yearned. 
 
 Thy holy statutes I will keep; 
 
 Forsake me not, 1 pray; 
 
 Be Thou my guard and my defence 
 Through life’s uneven way. 
 
 3 BETH 
 
 How shall a young man cleanse his way 
 And shun the paths of sin? 
 
 By taking heed unto Thy word, 
 
 And truths inscribed therein. 
 
 Thee have I sought with all my heart; 
 Lord, let me never stray; 
 
 From Thy commandments let me not 
 Depart by night or day. 
 
 Thy Word Fve hidden in my breast, 
 
 So that I might not fall: 
 
 How blessed art Thou to incline 
 My heart to hear Thy call. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 219 
 
 I with my lips have long declared 
 The judgments of Thy Word; 
 
 And F ve rejoiced along the way, 
 
 As 1 Thy truths have heard. 
 
 I in Thy holy precepts will 
 Now meditate and pray; 
 
 I’ll have respect unto Thy laws, 
 
 And follow in Thy way. 
 
 In all Thy righteous statutes, I 
 Will now my pleasure take; 
 
 Thy Word I never will forget, 
 
 Nor Thy commands forsake. 
 
 3 GIMEL 
 
 Deal freely with Thy servant, Lord, 
 That I aright may live; 
 
 Incline mine eyes, that I may see 
 The precepts Thou dost give. 
 
 Lo! I'm a stranger in the earth, 
 
 Hide not Thy law from me; 
 
 My soul doth break with longing that 
 It may Thy judgments see. 
 
 Thou hast rebuked the proud that do 
 From Thy commandments stray: 
 
 O Lord, remove from me reproach; 
 Thy law hath been my stay. 
 
 For princes, also, sat and spake 
 Against me in the gate; 
 
 Thy servant in Thy statutes then 
 Did stop and meditate. 
 
220 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Thy testimonies truly are 
 My constant, sure delight; 
 
 They also are my counsellors 
 To guide my steps aright. 
 
 u DALETH 
 
 My soul doth cleave unto the dust; 
 
 Me quicken and revive; 
 
 According to Thy holy Word, 
 
 Make now my faith alive. 
 
 My ways I have declared, O Lord, 
 And Thou hast heard my prayer; 
 Teach me Thy statutes, so that 1 
 Thy blessed truths may share. 
 
 Make me to understand the way 
 Of all Thy precepts, Lord, 
 
 So shall I then, with thankful heart, 
 Thy wondrous works record. 
 
 My soul doth melt in heaviness; 
 
 O strengthen me, I pray; 
 
 According to Thy holy Word, 
 Uphold me in the way. 
 
 Remove afar from me false tongues; 
 
 Thy law grant unto me: 
 
 The way of truth I’ve chosen now, 
 Thy judgments I would see. 
 
 Unto Thy law my soul hath held, 
 
 O put me not to shame; 
 
 All Thy commandments I will keep, 
 And magnify Thy name. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 221 
 
 n HE 
 
 Teach me, O righteous Lord, the way 
 Of all Thy statutes true, 
 
 And I will keep it to the end, 
 
 And Thy commandments do. 
 
 Give understanding unto me, 
 
 And I will keep Thy law; 
 
 It I’ll observe with all my heart 
 And comfort from it draw. 
 
 Make me to walk within the path 
 Of Thy commandments right— 
 
 My soul, O Lord, would seek the truth, 
 Therein is my delight. 
 
 Unto Thy testimonies true, 
 
 My heart, O Lord, incline; 
 
 Remove me far from selfishness, 
 
 From love of what is mine. 
 
 Turn Thou mine eyes from vanity; 
 
 Me quicken in the way; 
 
 Thy Word establish in my heart, 
 
 Be it my guide and stay. 
 
 Turn from me that reproach, which I 
 Now tremble at and fear— 
 
 But, Lord, Thy judgments all are good, 
 If they but bring Thee near. 
 
 Behold, O Lord, how I have longed 
 Thy precepts here to find: 
 
 O quicken me in righteousness, 
 
 Thy law about me bind. 
 
222 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 i VAU 
 
 Thy tender mercies, let them come 
 Unto me now, O Lord; 
 
 And Thy salvation may I have, 
 
 According to Thy Word. 
 
 So shall I have wherewith to speak 
 To him who is unjust; 
 
 To him who still reproacheth me, 
 
 For in Thy Word I trust. 
 
 Take not Thy Word of truth away, 
 
 But let me it declare; 
 
 So shall I keep Thy holy law 
 And Thy rich blessings share. 
 
 And I will walk at liberty, 
 
 For I Thy precepts seek; 
 
 I of Thy testimonies shall 
 Before high rulers speak. 
 
 In Thy commandments, Lord, always 
 I will myself delight; 
 
 Yea, Thy commandments, that Tve loved, 
 I will with joy recite. 
 
 My hands also I will lift up 
 Unto Thy holy law; 
 
 My soul from Thy pure statutes shall 
 Sweet meditations draw. 
 
 t ZAIN 
 
 Remember, Lord, Thy former word 
 Unto Thy servant now; 
 
 That which hath caused my soul to hope, 
 As I before Thee bow. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 223 
 
 In my affliction this doth bring 
 Me comfort and support; 
 
 Thy Word hath quickened me, O Lord; 
 My waywardness cut short. 
 
 The proud have long derided me— 
 
 I their derision saw — 
 
 Yet have I not declined to keep 
 Thy just and holy law. 
 
 Thy judgments I’ve remembered well, 
 Thy judgments of the past, 
 
 And I have comforted myself, 
 
 And unto Thee held fast. 
 
 Great grief hath taken hold of me, 
 Because of those that stray; 
 
 Of those that do forsake Thy law 
 And wander from the way. 
 
 Thy statutes, Lord, have been my song 
 In this my pilgrimage; 
 
 Thy law I’ve kept, as ’tis inscribed 
 Upon the sacred page. 
 
 Thee I’ve remembered in the night, 
 And then securely slept— 
 
 This blessing, Lord, I had because 
 Thy precepts I had kept. 
 
 n HETH 
 
 Thou art my portion, O my God, 
 
 And I have truly said 
 
 That I would keep Thy holy words, 
 And by Thy law be led. 
 
224 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 With my whole heart Thy favor I 
 Entreated have with tears; 
 
 Be merciful to me, O Lord, 
 
 And banish all my fears. 
 
 I thought upon my ways and turned 
 My feet unto Thy law; 
 
 All Thy commandments holy are— 
 They did Thy servant draw. 
 
 The wicked have me robbed ofttimes, 
 But I Thy law possess; 
 
 At midnight I will rise, and will 
 With thanks Thy throne address. 
 
 All my companions are of them 
 That fear Thy holy name; 
 
 Of them that keep Thy precepts, and 
 Thy sacred truth proclaim. 
 
 The earth, O Lord, is full of all 
 Thy mercies ever kind; 
 
 Teach me Thy statutes; and Thy law 
 Around Thy servant bind. 
 
 a TETH 
 
 Thou hast in kindness dealt with me; 
 Thou hast Thy servant led; 
 
 According to Thy word, Thou hast 
 His soul with manna fed. 
 
 Endow me with good judgment, Lord, 
 And knowledge teach to me; 
 
 For Thy commandments Tve believed; 
 I will Thy servant be. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 225 
 
 Before I was afflicted I 
 Oftimes went far astray, 
 
 But since I now have kept Thy Word, 
 Tve followed in Thy way. 
 
 Lord, Thou art good and doest good, 
 Teach me Thy statutes true; 
 
 Help me to understand Thy Word; 
 
 My faith and hope renew. 
 
 The proud have lied against me, and 
 Against me taken part; 
 
 But I will keep Thy precepts with 
 An undivided heart. 
 
 Their mind with worldliness is fat: 
 
 I in Thy law delight; 
 
 ’Tis good that I’ve afflicted been, 
 
 That I might walk aright. 
 
 Thy law, it better is for me 
 To understand and hold, 
 
 Than wealth, by thousands multiplied, 
 Of silver and of gold. 
 
 ♦ JOD 
 
 Thy hands have made and fashioned me 
 As Thou wouldst have me be; 
 
 Give to me understanding, Lord, 
 
 That I Thy truth may see. 
 
 All they that fear Thee will be glad 
 When they my faith perceive, 
 
 Because I’ve trusted in the Lord, 
 
 And do His Word believe. 
 
t 
 
 226 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I know, O Lord, Thy judgments are 
 All righteousness and truth, 
 
 And that in faithfulness I was 
 Afflicted in my youth. 
 
 \ 
 
 Let now Thy loving kindness be 
 My comfort and delight, 
 
 And let Thy tender mercies come 
 To cheer me in the night. 
 
 Let all the proud be well ashamed, 
 
 That hurt me without cause; 
 
 But I will meditate upon 
 Thy just and holy laws. 
 
 Let those that fear Thee turn to me, 
 
 Those that Thy laws have known; 
 
 And let my heart be always sound 
 In statutes Thou hast shown. 
 
 3 CAPH 
 
 For Thy salvation, Lord, my soul 
 Doth faint and fall away, 
 
 But in Thy Word I still have hope; 
 
 It is my trust and stay . 
 
 Mine eyes fail for Thy Word, O Lord; 
 When wilt Thou comfort me? 
 
 My faith is dim, because of doubt, 
 
 Yet I Thy statutes see. 
 
 How many are the days, O Lord, 
 
 That I shall thus be tried? 
 
 When wilt Thou judgment place on them 
 That do my name deride? 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 227 
 
 The proud have digged their pits for me, 
 Against Thy holy law; 
 
 They persecute me wrongfully, 
 
 And would me from Thee draw. 
 
 Help me, O Lord, and be my strength; 
 
 To help me, now awake! 
 
 They had me sorely tried, but I 
 Did not Thy law forsake. 
 
 In tender mercy quicken me, 
 And raise me up again; 
 
 So shall I keep Thy holy law, 
 And worship Thee. Amen. 
 
 b LAMED 
 
 Thy Word doth stand forever, Lord; 
 
 ’Tis fixed, nor can it move; 
 
 Thy faithfulness is unto all— 
 
 Thy works this truth doth prove. 
 
 All things continue day by day, 
 According to Thy Word, 
 
 For they Thy willing servants are, 
 And Thy commands have heard. 
 
 Unless Thy holy Word had been 
 My comfort and delight, 
 
 I should in my affliction then 
 Have perished in my blight. 
 
 Thy precepts I shall ne’er forget; 
 
 To Thee they have me brought; 
 Save me, O Lord, for I am Thine; 
 Thy precepts I have sought. 
 
228 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The wicked—long in wait for me— 
 
 Have sought me to destroy, 
 
 But I Thy testimonies shall 
 For their defeat employ. 
 
 Mine eyes have seen an end of all 
 That perfect is, and good— 
 
 May Thy commandments, righteous God, 
 Be fully understood. 
 
 e> MEM 
 
 Oh, how I love Thy holy law! 
 
 It is my constant stay; 
 
 It is my meditation sweet 
 
 Through each succeeding day. 
 
 By Thy commandments Thou hast made 
 Me wiser than my foes; 
 
 Through them I have more knowledge than 
 My wisest teacher knows. 
 
 Because Thy testimonies are 
 My meditations deep, 
 
 I understand them, for I do 
 Thy holy precepts keep. 
 
 My feet I have refrained from ways 
 That evil are and wrong; 
 
 I’ve not departed from Thy path, 
 
 For Thou hast made me strong. 
 
 How sweet Thy words are to my taste! 
 Yea, sweeter far are they 
 
 Than honey is unto my mouth,— 
 
 They are my joy and stay. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 229 
 
 ’Tis through Thy precepts that I get 
 An understanding mind; 
 
 Therefore I hate each false, dark step, 
 Where Thee I cannot find. 
 
 a NUN 
 
 Thy Word is as a lamp unto 
 My halting, stumbling feet; 
 
 A lamp it is unto my path, 
 
 Whose rays my footsteps meet. 
 
 I have declared, e’en with an oath, 
 
 That I Thy laws would keep; 
 
 I am in trouble, quicken me 
 In my affliction deep. 
 
 Accept, O Lord, I Thee beseech, 
 
 The offerings I bring; 
 
 Teach me Thy judgments, Lord, and let 
 Me of Thy mercies sing. 
 
 My soul is in my hand, yet I 
 Do not Thy law forget: 
 
 My foes have laid a snare for me, 
 
 But I’ve escaped their net. 
 
 Thy testimonies, Lord, have been 
 A heritage most sweet; 
 
 For the rejoicing of my heart, 
 
 They have been found complete. 
 
 I have inclined my heart always 
 Thy statutes to perform; 
 
 Yea, I will keep them to the end, 
 
 Through sunshine and through storm. 
 
230 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 □ SAMECH 
 
 I hate vain thoughts that in me rise, 
 
 But I Thy law do love; 
 
 Thou art my hiding place and shield, 
 Thy Word my hope doth prove. 
 
 Depart from me thou evil ones! 
 
 For I will keep God’s law; 
 
 According to Thy word, O Lord, 
 
 My soul unto Thee draw. 
 
 O let me never be ashamed 
 Of this, my hope and trust; 
 
 Hold thou me up, and I’ll be safe, 
 
 For Thou, O Lord, art just. 
 
 Lord, Thou hast trodden down all those 
 That from Thy statutes erred; 
 
 For their deceit is falsehood, and 
 Their end is not deferred. 
 
 Thou puttest far away from Thee 
 The wicked and profane; 
 
 Therefore Thy holy truths 1 love, 
 
 Nor shall my hope be vain. 
 
 My flesh doth tremble sore in fear 
 Of Thee whene’er I sin; 
 
 1 of Thy judgments am afraid— 
 
 Me from all evil win. 
 
 V AIN 
 
 I’ve judgment done, O Lord, and have 
 In justice dealt with all; 
 
 To mine oppressors leave me not, 
 
 Lest in their trap I fall. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 231 
 
 Be surety for me, O Lord, 
 
 As I Thy throne address; 
 
 Let not the proud and prosperous 
 Thy servant now oppress. 
 
 Deal with Thy servant graciously, 
 
 In mercy and in love; 
 
 Teach me Thy statutes and Thy truth 
 With wisdom from above. 
 
 I am Thy servant; give to me 
 An understanding heart, 
 
 That I Thy testimonies may 
 To darkened souls impart. 
 
 ’Tis time for Thee to work, O Lord, 
 
 For they’ve made void Thy law; 
 
 In error they are gone astray, 
 
 And others with them draw. 
 
 Therefore, I Thy commandments love 
 Above the finest gold; 
 
 Yea, far above all earthly wealth 
 I do Thy statutes hold. 
 
 And I esteem Thy precepts, Lord, 
 Concerning all things right, 
 
 While ev’ry way that’s false and dark 
 Is hateful in my sight. 
 
 D PE 
 
 Thy sacred testimonies, Lord , 
 
 Are wonderful to me; 
 
 Therefore, my soul doth keep them, and 
 Doth beauty in them see. 
 
232 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 The entrance of Thy holy word 
 Doth unto me give light; 
 
 Unto the simple it doth give 
 An understanding right. 
 
 I opened wide my mouth in thirst, 
 
 And panted for Thy Word; 
 
 I longed for Thy commandments which 
 My willing ears had heard. 
 
 Look Thou on me, O Lord, and be 
 Most merciful to Thine; 
 
 As Thou hast looked on those that loved 
 Thy holy name divine. 
 
 My steps now order in Thy word; 
 
 Let not iniquity 
 
 Rule over me, nor draw my soul 
 From searching after Thee. 
 
 From the oppression of vain man, 
 Deliver me, O Lord, 
 
 So will I keep Thy precepts true, 
 
 So will I keep Thy Word. 
 
 Make, Lord, Thy face to shine upon 
 Thy servant here below; 
 
 Teach me Thy statutes, give me grace 
 Their wondrous truths to know. 
 
 Mine eyes with tears exhaust themselves, 
 Because of wickedness; 
 
 Because men do not keep Thy law, 
 
 But do in sin transgress. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 233 
 
 2 TZADDI 
 
 Thou, only Thou, art holy, Lord; 
 
 Thy judgments are upright; 
 
 Thy testimonies righteous are, 
 
 And faithful to give light. 
 
 My zeal for Thee and for Thy cause, 
 Hath me consumed, O Lord, 
 
 Because my foes forgotten have, 
 Thine everlasting Word. 
 
 Thy Word is very pure: it doth 
 A sacred love beget; 
 
 Therefore Thy servant loveth it, 
 
 And cleaveth to it yet. 
 
 I’m small and I’m despised, but I 
 Unto Thy precepts hold; 
 
 Thy righteousness undying is, 
 
 Thy truth is never old. 
 
 Trouble and anguish, Lord, have laid 
 Their hold upon me now, 
 
 Yet I, in glad submission, do 
 To Thy commandments bow. 
 
 The righteousness of all Thy laws 
 Has ever been the same; 
 
 Give understanding unto me, 
 
 To live and it proclaim. 
 
 p KOPH 
 
 With my whole heart I cried to Thee: 
 Hear me, O Lord, I pray, 
 
 And I will keep Thy statutes true, 
 And serve Thee on the way. 
 
234 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 I cried to Thee in my distress: 
 
 Save me, and I shall keep 
 
 Thy holy testimonies, Lord, 
 
 And Thy commandments deep. 
 
 The hours of night were lengthened, and 
 The morning light was stayed, 
 
 While I unto Thee cried aloud, 
 
 And supplication made. 
 
 The watches of the night passed by, 
 
 And 1 observed them not, 
 
 That I might meditate upon 
 
 The truths Thy Word hath brought. 
 
 Hear Thou my voice, according to 
 Thy loving-kindness, Lord; 
 
 To quicken me, according to 
 Thy judgment, help afford. 
 
 All they that follow mischief are 
 Not far from me removed, 
 
 But Thou, O Lord, art near, and all 
 Thy statutes have been proved. 
 
 And of Thy testimonies, Lord, 
 
 1 have them known of old, 
 
 That Thou hast brought them forth, and dost 
 Their deep foundations hold. 
 
 1 RESH 
 
 O Lord, on my affliction look! 
 
 Deliver me, I pray; 
 
 For I Thy law do not forget, 
 
 It is my guide and stay. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 235 
 
 Plead Thou my cause; deliver me; 
 
 Help me, for I am weak: 
 
 The wicked are afar from Thee, 
 
 Nor do Thy statutes seek. 
 
 Great are Thy tender mercies, Lord; 
 
 Me quicken and reclaim; 
 
 Mine enemies are many, yet 
 1 still hold to Thy name. 
 
 My heart was grieved when I beheld 
 The path the wicked trod, 
 
 Because they did not keep the truth, 
 Nor follow after God. 
 
 Consider how I love Thy law! 
 
 Me quicken by Thy Word; 
 According to Thy tender love, 
 
 Help unto me afford. 
 
 From the beginning, Lord, Thy Word 
 Was ever true and pure, 
 
 And all Thy judgments shall 
 For evermore endure. 
 
 v SCHIN 
 
 Princes have persecuted me, 
 
 O Lord, without a cause; 
 
 But yet my heart doth stand in awe 
 And reverence of Thy laws. 
 
 As one that findeth richest spoil, 
 
 I at Thy word rejoice; 
 
 All falsehood doth my soul abhor— 
 Thy precepts are my choice. 
 
236 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Yea, seven times a day my soul 
 Doth rise to Thee in praise, 
 
 Because Thy righteous judgments do 
 Attend my steps always. 
 
 Great peace have they who love Thy law; 
 
 Naught shall their trust offend: 
 
 I’ve hoped for Thy salvation, Lord— 
 
 My will to Thine 1 bend. 
 
 My soul, by help divine, hath kept 
 Thy testimonies true; 
 
 I love them all exceedingly; 
 
 They do my strength renew. 
 
 Thy testimonies I have kept; 
 
 Thy precepts guide my heart, 
 
 For all my ways before Thee are; 
 
 1 ne’er from Thee shall part. 
 
 n TAU 
 
 Let now my cry come near to Thee, 
 
 O Lord, I humbly pray; 
 
 Give me an understanding mind 
 To know what Thou dost say. 
 
 Let now my supplication come 
 Before Thee, O my Lord; 
 
 Deliver me according to 
 
 Thine own most gracious word. 
 
 My lips shall utter praise when Thou 
 Hast me Thy statutes taught; 
 
 My tongue shall praise Thee for the truth 
 Thou hast unto me brought. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 237 
 
 Help me, for I have chosen now 
 Thy precepts pure and right; 
 
 Tve longed for Thy salvation, Lord; 
 Thy law is my delight. 
 
 Let now my soul awake to Thee, 
 
 And it shall give Thee praise; 
 
 And let Thy judgments give me help 
 Through all the coming days. 
 
 Like a lost sheep I’ve gone astray; 
 
 Thy servant seek and find, 
 
 For I do not forget Thy laws 
 
 And Thy commandments kind. 
 
 PSALM 120 
 
 While plunged in deep distress, 
 
 1 cried unto the Lord; 
 
 He heard me, and a quick relief 
 Did graciously afford. 
 
 O Lord, from lying lips, 
 
 Deliver now my soul; 
 
 Free me from the deceitful tongue, 
 
 Let it not me despoil. 
 
 What shall be given thee? 
 
 Or what to thee be done, 
 
 Thou tongue? so false, and prone to hurt 
 The unsuspecting one? 
 
 Woe! woe be unto me, 
 
 That I do now sojourn 
 In Mesech! that I dwell, alas! 
 
 In Kedar’s tents, I mourn. 
 
238 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 My soul hath dwelt full long 
 With him that hateth peace; 
 
 I am for peace; but when I speak, 
 Their threats of war increase. 
 
 PSALM 121 
 
 While on faith’s wing my prayers arise, 
 I’ll lift unto the hills mine eyes, 
 
 From whence my help doth come; 
 My help comes from the Lord on high, 
 Who made the earth and starry sky— 
 Yon vast, effulgent dome. 
 
 He will not let thy foot be moved; 
 Lo! He that keepeth thee hath proved 
 He will thee safely keep: 
 
 Yea, He that keepeth Israel, 
 
 And who thine ev’ry want can tell, 
 Shall slumber not, nor sleep. 
 
 The Lord doth ever by thee stand, 
 
 He is thy shade on thy right hand, 
 
 And thy protector near; 
 
 The sun shall not thee smite by day, 
 Nor shall the moon by night thee slay, 
 Nor cast on thee a fear. 
 
 The Lord shall thee preserve from ill, 
 And all thy life with blessings fill; 
 
 Thy sin-sick soul restore; 
 
 Thy going out and coming in, 
 
 He shall preserve from harm and sin, 
 Now, and for evermore. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 239 
 
 PSALM 122 
 
 My heart rejoiced when they 
 Devoutly said to me: 
 
 Let us unto God’s house 
 Go up and nourished be: 
 
 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, 
 
 O temple fair! where praise awaits. 
 
 Jerusalem is built 
 As is a city strong, 
 
 Whither the tribes go up 
 With glad, exultant song, 
 
 To testify by act and word, 
 
 And render thanks unto the Lord. 
 
 i 
 
 For there are set the thrones 
 Of judgment, just and sure; 
 
 The thrones of David’s house, 
 
 Erected to endure: 
 
 Jerusalem! pray for her peace, 
 
 Who loves her shall yet more increase. 
 
 Peace be within thy walls, 
 
 O city of our King! 
 
 There let prosperity 
 
 Her willing off’rings bring; 
 
 E’en in thy palaces so fair, 
 
 Let blessings rich attend thee there. 
 
 For my companion’s sakes 
 I humbly now would say, 
 
 Let peace within thee dwell, 
 
 And holiness alway; 
 
 I of God’s house will gladly speak, 
 
 Her happiness my heart will seek. 
 
240 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 123 
 
 Lord, unto Thee I lift mine eyes; 
 
 To Thee, who dwellest above; 
 
 E’en as the eyes of servants look 
 To masters whom they love. 
 
 And as the eyes of maids, who turn, 
 
 To learn their mistress’ will, 
 
 So do our eyes wait on the Lord; 
 
 His mercy we trust still. 
 
 Have mercy on us, O our God, 
 
 Have mercy on us now, 
 
 For we are filled with all contempt 
 As we before Thee bow. 
 
 Our souls are filled with heaviness, 
 Because of those that scorn; 
 
 Because of those that sit at ease, 
 
 Our hearts with grief are torn. 
 
 Yea, the contempt of all the proud, 
 Doth cause us daily grief: 
 
 Turn unto us, O Lord, and send 
 Unto Thine own relief. 
 
 PSALM 124 
 
 If it had not been Jehovah, 
 
 Who was on our side and fought, 
 
 Now might Israel say, with trembling, 
 Swift defeat had been our lot. 
 
 If it had not been Jehovah, 
 
 Who remained our strong defence, 
 
 Foes would soon have us defeated, 
 And in wrath dispersed us hence. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 241 
 
 Then they had consumed us quickly, 
 When their wrath against us rose; 
 
 Then the waters had o’er-whelmed us 
 In the presence of our foes; 
 
 Then the waters, proud and raging, 
 Had engulfed us by the way: 
 
 Blessed be the Lord who hath not 
 Given us to them a prey. 
 
 As a bird escapes the fowlers, 
 
 Who have set for it a snare, 
 
 So the snare they set is broken, 
 
 And we have escaped them there. 
 
 All our help is in Jehovah, 
 
 In His name is all our trust; 
 
 He who framed the earth and heaven, 
 Is our helper, strong and just. 
 
 PSALM 125 
 
 All they that trust in God for aid, 
 
 Shall be, like Zion’s mount, secure; 
 
 Whose deep foundations, firmly laid, 
 Abideth always strong and sure. 
 
 Like as the mountains, tow’ring high, 
 
 Are round about Jerusalem, 
 
 So is the Lord at all times nigh 
 His own, and watches over them. 
 
 For sure the rod of the unjust 
 Shall not upon the righteous be, 
 
 Lest e’en God’s own should put their trust 
 In that which works iniquity. 
 
242 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Do good, O Lord, to those that are 
 Upright and good within their hearts; 
 
 But as for such as wander far, 
 
 God’s watchful care o’er them departs. 
 
 Yea, all that turn to crooked ways, 
 
 Their right to God’s protection sell, 
 
 And they shall wander all their days,— 
 But peace shall be on Israel. 
 
 PSALM 126 
 
 How did our hearts rejoice, 
 
 When God in mercy turned, 
 
 Our bondage into freedom, and 
 Gave that for which we yearned. 
 
 r v 
 
 We were like them that dream; 
 
 Nor could we understand 
 
 That God had granted our desire 
 To reach our native land. 
 
 Then laughter filled our mouth; 
 
 Our tongue to songs gave vent, 
 
 Because the Lord had unto us 
 This crowning blessing sent. 
 
 Among the heathen, too, 
 
 *Twas said: The Lord hath done 
 
 Great things for them, and surely hath 
 Their freedom for them won. 
 
 The Lord hath done great things 
 For us, and we are glad; 
 
 Sing, sing our hearts in thankfulness, 
 
 Nor let them more be sad. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 243 
 
 Turn our captivity 
 
 Unto Thy praise, O Lord; 
 
 As streams reviving in the south, 
 Revive us by Thy word. 
 
 All they that sow in tears, 
 
 Shall later reap in joy; 
 
 Yea, all shall gather rich reward 
 That do God’s word employ. 
 
 He that in toil and pain 
 
 The precious message leaves, 
 
 Shall doubtless come again in joy, 
 Bringing his garnered sheaves. 
 
 PSALM 127 
 
 Except the Lord doth build 
 The house, and it maintain, 
 
 They that erect its walls, 
 
 Do labor but in vain: 
 
 Except the Lord the city guard, 
 
 The watchman cannot ill retard. 
 
 Tis vain for you to rise 
 
 With morning’s dawning light; 
 
 To sit up late, to eat 
 
 Thy bread far in the night, 
 
 For e’en with sorrows surging deep, 
 
 He giveth His beloved sleep. 
 
 Lo! children are always 
 A gift from God above; 
 
 They’re His reward, and show 
 His kind and thoughtful love: 
 
 As arrows in the soldier’s hand, 
 
 So are they in the family band. 
 
244 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Happy the man that hath 
 His quiver full of them; 
 
 He shall not be afraid 
 
 That foes shall him o’erwhelm: 
 They shall not be ashamed, but wait 
 To meet the foe within the gate. 
 
 PSALM 128 
 
 Behold! thrice blest is ev’ry one 
 That fears the Lord always; 
 
 God’s richest blessing he enjoys, 
 And peace through all his days. 
 
 Yea, more, the labor of thy hands 
 Shall fruit to thee return, 
 
 And thou shalt in prosperity 
 A peaceful plenty earn. 
 
 Thy wife shall, as a fruitful vine, 
 Thy home adorn and cheer; 
 
 Like olive plants thy children shall 
 Around thy board appear. 
 
 Behold, that even thus the man 
 Is blest that fears the Lord; 
 
 Prosperity within the church 
 Shall joy to him afford. 
 
 For out of Zion shall the Lord 
 His blessing to thee send; 
 
 And thou shalt see the churches good 
 Increase unto the end. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 245 
 
 Yet further will the Lord bestow 
 His gifts with lavish hand,— 
 
 Thy children’s children thou shalt see, 
 And peace throughout the land. 
 
 PSALM 129 
 
 Many a time have they 
 Afflicted me full sore: 
 
 Yea, this may Israel say: 
 
 They plowed me o’er and o’er— 
 They from my youth afflicted me, 
 Yet they could not my captors be. 
 
 The plowers plowed me through; 
 
 They made their furrows long, 
 And sought with efforts new, 
 
 To do me fatal wrong— 
 
 The righteous Lord true help affords, 
 Asunder He hath cut their cords. 
 
 Let them confounded be, 
 
 And backward turned to shame, 
 Who would delight to see 
 
 Despoiled fair Zion’s name— 
 
 Let them be as the withered grass 
 That gleaners wise unnoticed pass. 
 
 Neither is heard the prayer 
 
 From those who pass that way: 
 God’s blessing, rich and fair, 
 
 Be on you this glad day— 
 
 Nor do they in their joy exclaim: 
 
 We bless you in God’s holy name. 
 
 . 
 
246 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 130 
 
 Out of the depths of sore distress, 
 
 To Thee, O Lord, I cried; 
 
 When with my voice I Thee address, 
 Turn not from me aside. 
 
 If Thou shouldst mark iniquity, 
 
 Who, unconsumed, could stand? 
 
 But pardon may be sought of Thee, 
 
 And favor from Thy hand. 
 
 In patience wait I for the Lord; 
 
 For Him my soul doth wait; 
 
 My hope and trust are in His word, 
 E’en when He tarries late. 
 
 My soul, with longing, looks to see 
 The coming of my King; 
 
 For Him I watch more eagerly 
 Than aught this world can bring. 
 
 More than the weary watcher’s eye 
 Looks for the light of morn, 
 
 Watches and waits, for God Most High, 
 My spirit tossed and torn. 
 
 In God, the Lord, let Israel 
 Hope evermore and trust; 
 
 The Lord is merciful, and well 
 Rewards the good and just. 
 
 In Him is full redemption found 
 For all who to Him flee; 
 
 Each captive soul, by Satan bound, 
 
 God’s power divine sets free. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 247 
 
 PSALM 131 
 
 Lord, my heart is not found haughty, 
 Nor are lofty found mine eyes, 
 
 Neither do I in great matters, 
 
 For vain glory, exercise. 
 
 Surely I have lived and acted 
 As a weaned child should do; 
 
 Giving up what is forbidden, 
 
 Striving for the good and true. 
 
 Now let Israel in Jehovah, 
 
 Hope and trust for evermore; 
 
 God will strengthen all her borders, 
 
 And enrich her farthest shore; 
 
 Sure the church in Him shall triumph, 
 She shall with His help be great; 
 
 Humbly let us seek His favor, 
 
 And before His presence wait. 
 
 PSALM 132 
 
 Remember, Lord, Thy servant now; 
 
 All his afflictions call to mind, 
 
 How he did vow to Jacob’s God, 
 
 And with an oath this promise bind. 
 
 I will not come into my house, 
 
 Nor to mine eyes give needed sleep, 
 
 Until I find a place for Thee, 
 
 Where I Thy sacred ark can keep. 
 
 We heard of it at Ephratah, 
 
 We found it in a distant place; 
 
 We’ll enter now His house with praise, 
 We’ll worship there before His face. 
 
248 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Arise! O Lord, into Thy rest, 
 
 Thou and the ark Thou dwellest in; 
 
 There let Thy priests with righteousness 
 Be clothed, nor tainted be with sin. 
 
 And let Thy children shout for joy, 
 
 On this, Thy great, triumphant day; 
 
 The face of Thine anointed, Lord, 
 
 For David’s sake, turn not away. 
 
 The Lord hath unto David sworn, 
 
 Nor will He e’er His vow forget: 
 
 The children that descend from thee, 
 Shall rule within thy kingdom yet. 
 
 And if they keep My holy law, 
 
 The laws that I shall to them show, 
 
 I on thy children’s children shall 
 Thy throne for evermore bestow. 
 
 The Lord hath chosen Zion fair, 
 
 To be His earthly resting place; 
 
 There may He now be sought of them, 
 Who seek to find His saving grace. 
 
 This is my rest, here will I dwell, 
 
 And gifts divine will freely shed, 
 
 And food will give abundantly, 
 
 To satisfy her poor with bread. 
 
 Her priests I will in honor clothe, 
 
 With garments of salvation strong; 
 
 Her saints shall shout aloud for joy, 
 And all the hosts take up the song. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 249 
 
 To bud I will make David’s horn; 
 
 For him I have through grace ordained 
 A lamp to guide his steps aright, 
 
 The light thereof shall be sustained. 
 
 His foes I now will clothe with shame; 
 
 Upon their efforts I will frown; 
 
 But David’s triumphs shall increase, 
 
 And glorious shall be his crown. 
 
 PSALM 133 
 
 Behold! how good it is, 
 
 And how becoming well, 
 For brethren of the church 
 In unity to dwell. 
 
 ’Tis like the precious oil, 
 
 Poured on the prophet’s head, 
 That doth on all around 
 A sacred fragrance shed. 
 
 Or as the dew that fell 
 
 On Hermon’s parched crown. 
 And as the dew that on 
 
 Fair Zion’s mount came down. 
 
 For there Jehovah caused 
 His blessing to descend, 
 E’en life for evermore, 
 
 And joys that never end. 
 
250 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 134 
 
 Ye saints, bless ye our Sov’reign Lord; 
 Attend unto His gracious word: 
 
 Ye servants, bless His name. 
 
 All ye who stand throughout the night, 
 To get from Him a clearer light, 
 
 His glory there proclaim. 
 
 Lift up your hands in earnest prayer 
 Within His sanctuary there, 
 
 And praise the Lord always; 
 
 The Lord that made the heavens high, 
 The earth and all beneath the sky, 
 
 Bless thee through all thy days. 
 
 PSALM 135 
 
 Praise the Lord, ye people all; 
 
 Praise His name, upon Him call; 
 
 All ye servants of the Lord, 
 
 Praise His name with one accord. 
 
 Ye that stand within the gates— 
 Where His spirit ever waits— 
 
 Praise the Lord, for He is good, 
 Giving to us precious food. 
 
 For the Lord hath Jacob brought 
 To Himself, and Israel sought; 
 
 All must know the Lord is great, 
 Marvelous is His estate. 
 
 In the heavens, earth, and seas, 
 
 He His pleasure did in these; 
 
 In all places, hidden deep, 
 
 There He did His marvels keep. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 251 
 
 He the vapor makes ascend 
 From the earth’s remotest end; 
 
 He for rain the lightning brings, 
 
 Gives the raging tempest wings. 
 
 There in Egypt, by His hand, 
 
 Died the first-born of the land; 
 
 Tokens, wonderful and great, 
 
 There did Pharaoh await. 
 
 Nations great He cut in two; 
 
 Yea, and mighty monarchs slew; 
 Sihon He compelled to yield; 
 
 Og of Bashan fled the field. 
 
 All the kingdoms captured were 
 In that land of promise fair, 
 
 And to Israel their land 
 Given was by God’s own hand. 
 
 Lord, Thy name, from shore to shore, 
 Shall endure for evermore; 
 
 Thy memorial shall stand 
 Changeless in that favored land. 
 
 For the Lord His people will 
 Judge, and guard, and nourish, still; 
 He will not His own forsake, 
 
 But will to their help awake. 
 
 Idols that the heathen hold, 
 
 Are of silver and of gold; 
 
 Mouths have they, but they speak not, 
 Vain are prayers unto them brought. 
 
252 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Eyes have they, but void of sight— 
 
 One to them, are dark and light; 
 
 They have ears, but do not hear, 
 
 Nor doth breath their mouths come near. 
 
 They that make them are the same, 
 
 Having but a lifeless name; 
 
 As are they who trust in them; 
 
 All their works do them condemn. 
 
 Bless the Lord, O Israel! 
 
 Of His loving kindness tell; 
 
 House of Aaron! bless the Lord, 
 
 Spread abroad His living word. 
 
 House of Levi! service bring 
 To the high exalted King; 
 
 Ye that fear Jehovah, praise; 
 
 Saints of God! your anthems raise. 
 
 Out of Zion blessed be 
 God, who brought us liberty: 
 
 Praise His name! His name adore! 
 
 Praise the Lord for evermore. 
 
 PSALM 136 
 
 Give thanks unto the Lord, 
 
 For He alone is good; 
 
 His tender mercy ever hath 
 Through all the ages stood. 
 
 Give thanks unto the God 
 Who ruleth over all; 
 
 His tender mercies never cease 
 Unto the great and small. 
 
OF DAVID THE KING 
 
 253 
 
 Give thanks unto the Lord, 
 
 The Lord of lords on high; 
 
 His tender mercy is to those 
 Who unto Him draw nigh. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who doth 
 Great wonders here below; 
 
 His tender mercies, lavishly, 
 
 He doth on all bestow. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who by 
 His wisdom all things made; 
 
 His tender mercies ever are 
 Upon His children laid. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who formed 
 The earth o’er waters vast; 
 
 His tender mercy over all 
 He hath around us cast. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who made 
 Great lights above to shine; 
 
 His tender mercy ever is, 
 
 Like boundless space, divine. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who placed 
 The sun to rule by day; 
 
 God’s mercy, never failing, shall 
 Light the believer’s way. v 
 
 Give thanks to Him who formed 
 The moon and stars for night; 
 
 His mercy still endures to guide 
 Our dim and searching sight. 
 
254 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Give thanks to Him that smote 
 Egypt in her first-born; 
 
 His mercy thus was reaching far, 
 To lift for us an horn. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who brought 
 His people safely out; 
 
 His mercy still to His is found 
 A bulwark round about. 
 
 Give thanks for His strong hand, 
 And for His stretched out arm; 
 
 His grace and mercy reaches all, 
 To rescue them from harm. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who did 
 The sea in parts divide; 
 
 For still His mercy shall with them 
 That trust in Him, abide. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who brought 
 His people safely through, 
 
 For thus His mercy, ever kind, 
 
 He daily will renew. 
 
 * 
 
 The proud Egyptian hosts 
 Were in the sea o’erthrown, 
 
 But God’s unfailing mercy did 
 Guide and protect His own. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who led, 
 Through the vast wilderness, 
 
 His people; for His mercy doth 
 Guide them in times of stress. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 255 
 
 Give thanks to Him who smote 
 
 Great kings, and strong kings slew; 
 
 His mercy everlasting is, 
 
 And giveth courage new. 
 
 Give thanks that Sihon fell, 
 
 And Og, of Bashan, died; 
 
 For thus God’s mercy there made strong 
 Those that on Him relied. 
 
 He, for an heritage, 
 
 Gave unto them their land; 
 
 For He His mercy measures out 
 With an unfailing hand. 
 
 Yea, for an heritage 
 Gave it to Israel; 
 
 For thus God’s mercy, kind and great, 
 
 In showers on them fell. 
 
 He us remembered still, 
 
 While in our low estate, 
 
 For oh! His mercy still is shown, 
 
 His kindness still is great. 
 
 From all our enemies, 
 
 The Lord hath us redeemed; 
 
 His mercy, all far-reaching, hath 
 Been greater than it seemed. 
 
 Give thanks to Him who hath 
 Provided food for all; 
 
 His mercy never faileth when 
 His children on Him call. 
 
256 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Give thanks, give thanks unto 
 The God of Heaven above, 
 For now His mercy is the same, 
 And changeless is His love. 
 
 PSALM 137 
 
 By the rivers, smoothly flowing, 
 
 In far distant Babylon, 
 
 There we wept, when we remembered 
 Zion and her pleasures gone: 
 
 Yea, we there upon the willows 
 Hung our silent harps and wept, 
 For from city and from country. 
 
 We as captives had been swept. 
 
 And our captors had demanded 
 Of us now a native song; 
 
 Songs that we had sung in Zion, 
 Songs that to our land belong. 
 How shall we, while still in bondage, 
 Sing God’s song in a strange land? 
 How shall we, while tears are falling, 
 Now comply with their demand? 
 
 O Jerusalem! if ever 
 
 I forget thee and thy joy, 
 
 Let my right hand then her cunning 
 Never more her skill employ; 
 
 If I do not thee remember, 
 
 Silent then remain my tongue, 
 
 If Jerusalem I do not 
 
 Now prefer all joys among. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 257 
 
 Lord, recall the sons of Edom, 
 
 In our day of tears and groans; 
 
 They who cried with shouts to raze it, 
 
 E’en to its foundation stones. 
 
 O thou child of Babylonia, 
 
 Who art soon to be destroyed, 
 
 Happy they, who in that mission 
 Worthy are to be employed. 
 
 PSALM 138 
 
 With my whole heart Thee will I praise, 
 
 And psalms of joy will gladly sing; 
 
 Within Thy temple I will raise 
 
 My songs on faith’s triumphant wing. 
 
 For all Thy truth unto me shown, 
 
 Thy lovingkindness to me given, 
 
 For these, I bow before Thy throne 
 
 And worship Thee, Thou God of Heaven. 
 
 Lo! in the day of sore distress, 
 
 When I besought Thy help with tears, 
 
 Thou didst me hear, and didst me bless, 
 
 And strengthened me to meet my fears. 
 
 O Lord, the kings of all the earth, 
 
 Shall bless Thee when they hear Thy words; 
 
 Yea, in Thy ways, with holy mirth, 
 
 They’ll sing for what Thy grace affords. 
 
 Though God, the Lord, is high, yet He 
 Unto the lowly hath respect; 
 
 But they who proud and scornful be, 
 
 The great Jehovah will reject. 
 
258 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Though I must walk through troubles sore, 
 Thy grace shall still my faith revive; 
 
 Thy mighty hand, stretched out before, 
 
 Shall strength from vengeful foes deprive. 
 
 That which concerneth me, God will 
 Make perfect in His own right way: 
 Thy mercy, Lord, endureth still; 
 Forsake me not, 1 humbly pray. 
 
 PSALM 139 
 
 O Lord, Thou hast me searched 
 With Thine unsleeping eyes; 
 Thou knowest when I rest, 
 
 And when to work I rise: 
 
 Thou understandeth all my thought, 
 ’Tis instantly unto Thee brought. 
 
 Thou dost surround my path, 
 
 And all I do therein; 
 
 My ways are known to Thee, 
 
 My righteousness and sin; 
 
 Upon my tongue there’s not a word, 
 
 But what Thine ear, O Lord, hath heard. 
 
 Thou hast surrounded me, 
 
 And laid on me Thy hand; 
 
 Thou leadest me in ways 
 I cannot understand: 
 
 Such knowledge is too great for me, 
 Tis high, its end I cannot see. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 259 
 
 O whither shall I go, 
 
 Where Thou canst not me see? 
 
 Or from Thy presence where 
 Shall I for safety flee? 
 
 Nowhere in all Thy kingdom wide, 
 
 Can I, Jehovah, from Thee hide. 
 
 If I to heaven ascend, 
 
 Thou dost its glory share; 
 
 If I lie down in hell, 
 
 Thou art, O Lord, e’en there: 
 
 There is no place where Thou art not,— 
 Impress on me this solemn thought. 
 
 If I take wings and fly 
 To the most distant sea, 
 
 *Tis there Thy hand doth lead, 
 
 Thy right hand holdeth me; 
 
 Or if I say: “Night shall me hide.” 
 
 E’en in the dark, Thou dost abide. 
 
 The deepest darkness doth 
 Hide nothing from Thy sight, 
 
 For all about Thee shines 
 Pure and celestial light; 
 
 Unto Thy holy eyes divine, 
 
 The night as brightest day doth shine 
 
 Thou hast possessed my life, 
 
 And all my members laid,— 
 
 Thee will I praise, for I 
 Am wonderfully made. 
 
 Of all Thy works, no tongue can tell, 
 And what Thou doest, Lord, is well. 
 
260 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Before my frame was formed, 
 
 Thine eyes did me behold; 
 
 My members in Thy book, 
 
 Were written there of old; 
 
 While yet they were unformed, Thy mind 
 Did hope and pleasure in them find. 
 
 How precious also are 
 
 Thy thoughts unto me, Lord; 
 
 In number they are more 
 Than pen can e’er record: 
 
 In sleep I can Thy presence see; 
 
 When I awake I’m still with Thee. 
 
 Thou, Lord, wilt surely slay 
 All the unrighteous, then; 
 
 Depart from me, therefore, 
 
 Ye bloody-minded men,— 
 
 For they against Thee evil speak; 
 
 To harm Thee, Lord, Thy foes do seek. 
 
 Do not I hate all those 
 
 That do Thy name despise? 
 
 Am not I grieved with them 
 That do against Thee rise? 
 
 I hate with perfect hatred these, 
 
 I count them all mine enemies. 
 
 Search me, O Lord, I pray; 
 
 Search me, and know my heart; 
 
 Try me and know my thoughts, 
 
 And grace to me impart; 
 
 If evil tempts me to transgress, 
 
 Lead me in ways of righteousness. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 261 
 
 PSALM 140 
 
 Lord, Jehovah, me deliver 
 From the evil man’s design; 
 
 From the man of blood preserve me; 
 
 Save me by Thy strength divine. 
 
 They which in their hearts imagine 
 Only mischief to my harm, 
 
 These, when they for war are gathered, 
 Overthrow, and then disarm. 
 
 They with hate their tongues have sharpened, 
 Adder’s poisons from them flow; 
 
 Lord, preserve me from the wicked, 
 
 Who my plans would overthrow. 
 
 Snares the proud have hidden for me, 
 
 Cords along my path I meet; 
 
 Nets and gins along the wayside, 
 
 There retard my hasting feet. 
 
 Then I said: O Lord, Jehovah! 
 
 Thou alone art still my God; 
 
 Listen to my supplications, 
 
 Lift for me Thy sacred rod. 
 
 Thou, the strength of my salvation, 
 
 Hast been unto me a shield; 
 
 Thou hast in the day of battle. 
 
 Caused mine enemies to yield. 
 
 The endeavors of the wicked, 
 
 Grant not, Lord, I humbly pray; 
 
 Hinder all their false devices, 
 
 Lest they triumph in the way. 
 
 As for those that me encompass, 
 
 Let their own sins cover them; 
 
 Let the fires for their destruction, 
 
 All their wicked plots o’erwhelm. 
 
262 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Let not now an evil speaker 
 Be established in the earth; 
 
 Evil shall the man of mischief 
 
 Follow, e’er his words have birth, 
 
 Yea, ’twill seek to overthrow him, 
 
 All his schemes shall come to naught; 
 
 All his malice and his hatred, 
 
 Shall against himself be brought. 
 
 Now 1 know that God, Jehovah, 
 
 The afflicted will maintain, 
 
 And their cause will be supported, 
 For the Lord of truth doth reign; 
 
 Surely then, O Lord, the righteous 
 Shall unto Thy name give praise, 
 
 And shall in Thy holy presence 
 Dwell in safety all their days. 
 
 PSALM 141 
 
 Lord, to Thee my soul doth look; 
 Hasten, and to me draw near; 
 
 When I cry to Thee in prayer, 
 
 To my voice, O Lord, give ear; 
 
 Let my prayer ascend to Thee; 
 
 As an incense let it rise, 
 
 And the lifting of my hands, 
 
 As the evening sacrifice. 
 
 Set a watch before my mouth; 
 
 Of my lips, keep Thou the door; 
 
 Let not now my heart incline 
 Unto evil any more, 
 
 Nor to practice wicked works 
 
 In their place where sinners meet; 
 
 At their table let me not 
 Of their dainties ever eat. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 263 
 
 Let the righteous smite me, Lord, 
 
 It shall be a kindness true, 
 
 And let him reprove my sin, 
 
 It shall me a service do; 
 
 It, when ministered in love, 
 
 Shall an oil of healing be, 
 
 And my prayer for them shall rise 
 In each dark calamity. 
 
 When their judges are o’erthrown, 
 
 When they stony places meet, 
 
 They shall hear but words of peace, 
 When I them in pity greet. 
 
 Lo! our bones are scattered far, 
 
 At the grave’s mouth left to dry; 
 
 E’en as lies the sundered wood, 
 
 Do our lifeless members lie. 
 
 But mine eyes are unto Thee, 
 
 O Lord God of Israel; 
 
 What may yet against me rise, 
 
 It shall, with Thy help, be well. 
 
 Lord in Thee is all my trust, 
 
 All my cares on Thee I roll; 
 
 Lord Jehovah, heed my prayer! 
 
 Leave not destitute my soul. 
 
 Keep me from the hurtful snares, 
 
 Snares that foes have laid for me, 
 
 And the covered plots of all 
 Workers of iniquity; 
 
 Let the wicked fall into 
 
 Their own nets that they have made, 
 
 Whilst that I in peace escape 
 
 Hidden traps that they have laid. 
 
264 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 142 
 
 I cried unto the Lord, 
 
 To Him I made my plea; 
 
 Yea, I my supplications made 
 To Him on bended knee. 
 
 I poured out my complaint, 
 
 My griefs were all made known; 
 
 My troubles and perplexities 
 Were there unto Him shown. 
 
 Lord, when my spirit was 
 Cast down and sore afraid, 
 
 Thou knewest all my path, and how 
 My foes their snares had laid. 
 
 My foes in secret laid 
 
 A snare to catch my feet; 
 
 I looked around, if happily, 
 
 A friend I there should meet. 
 
 But lo! there was no friend, 
 
 Who would me know or aid; 
 
 All refuge failed me, no one cared 
 What snares for me were laid. 
 
 Then cried I unto Thee, 
 
 I said: O Lord, Thou art 
 
 My refuge and my portion here, 
 
 Thy strength to me impart. 
 
 For 1 am now brought low; 
 
 Attend unto my cry; 
 
 From all my foes deliver me, 
 
 They stronger are than I. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 265 
 
 Deliver now my soul; 
 
 It out of prison bring, 
 
 That I may praise Thy holy name, 
 
 And of Thy mercies sing. 
 
 The righteous, yet, in time, 
 
 Shall compass me about; 
 
 For Thou shalt kindly deal with me, 
 Dispelling ev’ry doubt. 
 
 PSALM 143 
 
 Hear Thou my prayer, Almighty God, 
 Give ear to my entreating cries; 
 
 Give answer in Thy faithfulness— 
 
 Thy righteous love no plea denies. 
 
 Lord, enter not in judgment with 
 Thy servant in his low estate, 
 
 For in Thy sight no living man 
 Exempt from sin can ever wait. 
 
 Alas! the enemy most dread 
 Hath persecuted sore my soul; 
 
 He hath me smitten to the ground, 
 
 And made thick darkness o’er me roll. 
 
 Therefore my spirit is o’er-whelmed; 
 
 My heart within me mourns alone, 
 While I recall the days of old, 
 
 And muse on all that Thou hast done. 
 
 1 stretch my pleading hands to Thee; 
 
 My waiting soul for Thee dost thirst; 
 Hear me, O Lord, hide not Thy face, 
 
 Lest I be like the souls accurst. 
 
266 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 When morning breaks, cause me to hear 
 Thy gentle voice of peace and love— 
 In Thee I trust; show me the way; 
 
 I lift my soul to Thee above. 
 
 Deliver me from ev’ry foe; 
 
 In Thee my troubled soul would hide: 
 Teach me to do Thy holy will; 
 
 Let me in righteousness abide. 
 
 O quicken me for Thy name’s sake! 
 
 My soul from trouble deign to bring; 
 Cut off my foes; destroy them all; 
 
 Then songs of praises I shall sing. 
 
 PSALM 144 
 
 Blest be the Lord, my strength, 
 
 Who teacheth me to war; 
 
 My everlasting Rock, 
 
 My tower, seen from far: 
 
 He is my Shield in whom I trust; 
 
 He giveth me dominion just. 
 
 Lord, what is man that Thou 
 Dost knowledge of him take? 
 
 Or what his offspring, Lord, 
 
 That dost Thy love awake? 
 
 Man is like vanity; his day 
 Doth, like a shadow, pass away. 
 
 Bow down the heavens, Lord, 
 
 And in Thy power come down; 
 
 The mountains touch, and smoke 
 Shall burst from out their crown; 
 
 Cast lightnings forth; them scatter all, 
 And on them let Thine arrows fall. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 267 
 
 Thy hand send from above; 
 
 Free, and deliver me 
 From the great waters wild; 
 
 From strangers set me free, 
 
 Whose mouth but vanity doth speak; 
 
 Whose false right hand doth mischief seek. 
 
 A song of praise to Thee, 
 
 A new song, I will sing, 
 
 And instruments of praise, 
 
 To worship Thee, I’ll bring: 
 
 *Tis God who doth salvation give; 
 
 *Tis He who bids His servants live. 
 
 Deliver me, O Lord, 
 
 From the false stranger’s hand, 
 
 Whose mouth spreads vanity 
 
 And falsehood through the land; 
 
 He whose right hand doth falsehood spread, 
 And brings distress upon our head. 
 
 So that our sons may be 
 
 As plants grown in their youth; 
 
 Our daughters, pure and firm, 
 
 Like corner stones of truth; 
 
 Our garners full of ev’ry store, 
 
 Our sheep increased yet more and more. 
 
 And that our oxen may 
 For labor be made strong; 
 
 And no invaders come, 
 
 Nor foes to us belong, 
 
 That there be no complaining word 
 Within our streets henceforward heard. 
 
268 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 How blest that people is, 
 
 Who live in such a case! 
 
 Thrice happy are all they, 
 
 Who know Jehovah’s face, 
 
 And who can say with one accord: 
 We are His people; He, our Lord. 
 
 PSALM 145 
 
 Thee I’ll extol, Jehovah God, my King; 
 
 Thy name I’ll bless and Thy great acts proclaim; 
 I daily will unto Thee tribute bring, 
 
 And daily I’ll exalt Thy holy name. 
 
 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; 
 
 Thy greatness is unsearchable and rare; 
 
 One generation’s voice for Thee is raised, 
 
 The coming ones Thy greatness still declare. 
 
 Of all Thy glorious majesty I’ll tell, 
 
 And of Thy wondrous works my tongue shall speak; 
 Men shall recount Thy deeds for Israel, 
 
 And Thy great acts shall tell unto the weak. 
 
 The mem’ry of Thy goodness they’ll recall, 
 
 And their rich gifts of homage to Thee bring; 
 In reverence they will before Thee fall, 
 
 And songs of praise in adoration sing. 
 
 The Lord is good, compassionate and kind; 
 
 He slow to anger is, and has a pity great; 
 The Lord is good to all; in Him we find 
 His tender mercies will upon us wait. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 269 
 
 All, all Thy works shall praise Thee, mighty God; 
 
 Thy saints shall praise, and of Thy glory speak; 
 They’ll talk of Thy correcting, guiding rod; 
 
 The glory of Thy kingdom they will seek. 
 
 Thy mighty acts they would to all make known, 
 The glory of Thy kingdom they would tell; 
 
 Thy kingdom everlasting is, Thy throne 
 
 Shall stand secure wherever Thou dost dwell. 
 
 The Lord upholdeth His when they would fall; 
 
 He raiseth up all those that are cast down; 
 
 The eyes of all look unto Thee; their call 
 
 Thou wilt attend, and their petitions crown. 
 
 Thou openest Thy hand, and ev’ry need 
 Of creatures here below is satisfied; 
 
 The Lord is righteous, He His own will feed; 
 
 He faithful is, no good will be denied. 
 
 To all that call upon Him he is nigh; 
 
 The Lord is near to all that in Him trust; 
 
 When they are troubled He will hear their cry, 
 And He will save them, for the Lord is just. 
 
 The Lord preserveth them that do him love; 
 
 The angels in their welfare He’ll employ, 
 
 And send as messengers from courts above— 
 
 But all the wicked He will soon destroy. 
 
 My mouth shall speak the praises of the Lord, 
 And tell of all His glory o’er and o’er; 
 
 Let the whole earth arise with one accord, 
 
 And praise His holy name for evermore. 
 
270 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 PSALM 146 
 
 Praise ye the Lord our God! 
 
 My soul with rapture praise! 
 
 Long as 1 live I’ll praise the Lord, 
 
 And sacred anthems raise. 
 
 Put not your trust in men, 
 
 Nor e’en in princes trust; 
 
 They helpless are when trials come, 
 Though with intentions just. 
 
 His breath departs, and he 
 Lies down inanimate; 
 
 His thoughts, they perish with him, and 
 No more upon him wait. 
 
 Happy is he that hath 
 The God of Jacob near, 
 
 To give him help in times of stress, 
 
 And his petitions hear. 
 
 He who the heavens made, 
 
 The earth, and all therein; 
 
 The God who righteous is and true, 
 
 And conquereth all sin. 
 
 Who judgment doth mete out, 
 
 When He injustice sees; 
 
 Who giveth to the hungry food, 
 
 And the imprisoned frees. 
 
 Who openeth the eyes 
 Of the bewildered blind; 
 
 Who raiseth them that are cast down; 
 Who to the good is kind. 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 271 
 
 The Lord preserveth e’en 
 The strangers that are His; 
 
 He to the fatherless and lone 
 A true protector is. 
 
 But wickedness He hates; 
 
 On evil He doth frown; 
 
 The plans of wicked men He sees, 
 
 And turns their projects down. 
 
 The Lord, our God, shall reign, 
 
 O Zion! evermore; 
 
 Praise ye the Lord! exalt His name! 
 
 Praise Him, and Him adore. 
 
 PSALM 147 
 
 O praise ye Jehovah! ’tis seemly to praise; 
 
 In songs of devotion our thoughts to Him raise; 
 
 It surely is pleasant and comely for all 
 In sweet adoration before Him to fall. 
 
 Our Zion doth God in His wisdom build up; 
 
 The outcasts of Jacob shall there with Him sup; 
 
 In pity He healeth the broken in heart, 
 
 He bindeth their wounds and a balm doth impart. 
 
 He telleth the number of stars, and by Him 
 They are called, and are led through passages dim; 
 
 O great is the Lord! and of infinite power; 
 
 His knowledge is wonderful! high it doth tower. 
 
 The meek, with God’s help, in high places are found, 
 The wicked He casteth in scorn to the ground; 
 
 O praise ye the Lord with thanksgiving, and sing, 
 Sing praise on the harp; to our God music bring. 
 
272 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 He formeth the clouds in the heavens for rain; 
 
 He starteth the grass on mountain and plain; 
 
 His hand doth bestow on the beast needed food; 
 
 The cry of young birds is by Him understood. 
 
 The strength of the horse is not His delight, 
 
 Nor taketh He pleasure in man’s rapid flight; 
 
 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that Him fear; 
 
 To those that have hope in His mercy, He’s near. 
 
 Jerusalem! praise ye the Lord; Him proclaim; 
 
 O Zion! sing praises to God’s holy name, 
 
 For He hath well strengthened the bars of thy gates; 
 His children within thee His blessing awaits. 
 
 He maketh sweet peace in thy borders to dwell; 
 
 With finest of wheat He heapeth thee well; 
 
 He sendeth His precepts abroad on the earth, 
 
 His word runneth swiftly, the world to engirth. 
 
 Like wool is the snow that He maketh to fall; 
 
 The hoarfrost, like ashes, He spreads over all; 
 
 He casteth forth ice, frozen hard, from the sky; 
 
 Who, who can endure the fierce cold and not die! 
 
 He breathes on the ice, and it melteth away; 
 
 No longer imprisoned the waters will stay. 
 
 To Jacob, His servant, He showeth His word, 
 
 His statutes and judgments His chosen have heard. 
 
 He hath not to others such mercy e’er shown; 
 
 And as for His judgments, they have not them known. 
 O praise ye Jehovah! and worship accord; 
 
 Ye saints of Jerusalem, praise ye the Lord! 
 
OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 273 
 
 PSALM 148 
 
 Praise ye the Lord for His great love; 
 
 Praise ye the Lord, ye heavens above; 
 
 Praise Him, all ye, His angels fair; 
 
 Praise Him ye hosts that worship there. 
 
 Praise Him, thou sun, with warmth and light; 
 Praise Him, thou moon throughout the night; 
 Praise Him, ye stars that greet our eyes; 
 Praise Him, ye heavens above the skies. 
 
 Let them all praise God’s holy name: 
 
 He spake; they into being came; 
 
 Them He established in a class; 
 
 Gave them a law which shall not pass. 
 
 Praise ye the Lord, ye teeming earth; 
 
 Ye deeps, break into holy mirth; 
 
 Ye vapors, fire, and hail, and snow, 
 
 And stormy wind, His power show. 
 
 Mountains and hills, and fruitful trees, 
 
 And cedars, praise with all of these; 
 
 All beasts and cattle, creeping things, 
 
 And fowl that swiftly fly on wings. 
 
 Kings of the earth with lordly realm, 
 
 And subjects that bow down to them; 
 
 Princes and judges, join the throng, 
 
 And praise the Lord with endless song. 
 
 Young men and maidens, praise the Lord; 
 Old men and children, praise accord; 
 
 Let them all praise God’s holy name, 
 
 Let them His majesty proclaim. 
 
274 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 His name alone is excellent. 
 
 Who hath us ev’ry blessing sent; 
 
 His glory reaches far above 
 
 The earth and heaven of His love. 
 
 He also hath exalted well 
 The oft down-trodden Israel; 
 Therefore, ye saints of His, rejoice; 
 Praise ye the Lord with thankful voice. 
 
 PSALM 149 
 
 Praise ye the Lord Jehovah! 
 
 To Him sing a new song; 
 
 Sing in the congregation, 
 
 Praise doth to Him belong. 
 
 Let Israel, rejoicing 
 In their Creator, sing; 
 
 And let the hosts of Zion 
 Be joyful in their King. 
 
 Let them in sacred dances 
 Bring praise unto His name; 
 
 Upon the harp and timbrel, 
 
 Let saints His praise proclaim; 
 
 For God, the Lord, takes pleasure, 
 His people thus to see; 
 
 With grace He will adorn them, 
 And with salvation free. 
 
 Let all the saints be joyful, 
 
 Let glory on them shine; 
 
 Let them in the night watches 
 Sing songs of praise divine; 
 
- -• 
 
 OF DAVID, THE KING 
 
 Yea, let glad songs of praises 
 Flow forth with ev’ry word, 
 While their right hand is holding 
 A sharp two-edged sword. 
 
 To execute quick vengeance 
 Upon the foes of God, 
 
 And punishments on people 
 Who will defy His rod; 
 
 To hold their chiefs in fetters, 
 
 And bind their kings with chains, 
 Till Christ, with power unquestioned, 
 O’er all His kingdom reigns. 
 
 This honor and this glory 
 Has the most humble saint, 
 
 Who fights against all evil, 
 
 Nor lets his heart grow faint; 
 Who, when dark dangers threaten, 
 Grows most courageous then; 
 
 This honor, saints, awaits you; 
 
 Praise ye the Lord. Amen. 
 
 PSALM 150 
 
 Praise ye the Lord! exalt His name! 
 
 Within the sanctuary praise; 
 
 Praise Him within the firmament 
 Of His unchanging power always. 
 
 Praise Him for all His mighty acts; 
 
 For all His greatness, praise accord; 
 Praise Him with trumpet and with harp; 
 With psaltery, praise ye the Lord. 
 
 275 
 
276 
 
 THE PEERLESS POEMS 
 
 Praise Him with timbrel tuned anew; 
 
 Praise Him on instruments of strings; 
 Let organs sound aloud His praise, 
 
 And cymbals lend to praise swift wings. 
 
 Let ev’ry thing that breathes draw near 
 In joyful adoration then, 
 
 And in one mighty concourse shout: 
 Praise ye the Lord! Amen, Amen.