PSALM LXXXIV. [Air. Handel's CIVth.] How honour'd, how dear, That sacred abode, Where Christians draw near Their Father and God! Mid worldly commotion, My wearied soul faints For the house of devotion, The home of thy saints. The birds have their home: They fix on their nest. Wherever they roam, They return to their rest. From them fondly learning, My soul would take wing; To Thee so returning, My God and my King! O happy the choirs Who praise Thee above! What joy tunes their lyres! Their worship is love. Yet, safe in thy keeping, And happy they be, In this world of weeping, Whose strength is in Thee. Though rugged their way, They drink, as they go, Of springs that convey New life as they flow. The God they rely on, Their strength shall renew, Till each brought to Zion His glory shall view. Thou Hearer of pray'r, Still grant me a place, Where Christians repair To the courts of thy grace! More blest beyond measure One day so employ'd, Than years of vain pleasure By worldlings enjoy'd. Me more would it please Keeping post at thy gate, Than lying at ease In chambers of state. The meanest condition Outshines, with thy smiles, The pomp of ambition, The world with its wiles. The Lord is a sun: The Lord is a shield. What Grace has begun, With Glory is seal'd. He hears the distressed: He succours the just: And they shall be blessed Who make Him their trust. PSALM XCVI. O SING unto Jehovah a new song: O sing unto Jehovah, all the earth. O sing unto Jehovah, and prolong From day to day His praise with holy mirth! His glory to the Pagan world proclaim. Let Asia hear, and from her idols turn; Let fetter'd Afric hail Jehovah's name; And the new world His ancient worship learn. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, The heavens, and bade the universe appear. Pow'r infinite and majesty sublime Precede his steps: He dwells in glorious light. Ascribe to Him, ye tribes of every clime, To Him alone, glory, and rule, and might! O give to God the praise which is His due ; With offerings meet do homage at His throne. O worship Him with hearts devout and true! Tremble, O earth! thy Maker's presence own. Proclaim to earth's remotest bounds, He reigneth, Lord God Omnipotent. Soon, soon shall cease The world's commotions, while alone remaineth That kingdom which is righteousness and peace. Be glad, O heavens, and let the earth rejoice; Break silence, and mute Nature find a voice; Green fields and woods rejoice: the Lord will come! |