Part 37 (2/2)

1 Lord what a feeble piece Is this our mortal frame!

Our life how poor a trifle 'tis, That scarce deserves the name!

2 Alas the brittle clay That built our body first!

And every month, and every day 'Tis mouldering back to dust.

3 Our moments fly apace, Nor will our minutes stay; Just like a flood our hasty days Are sweeping us away.

4 Well if our days must fly, We'll keep their end in sight, We'll spend them all in wisdom's way, And let them speed their flight.

5 They'll waft us sooner o'er This life's tempestuous sea: Soon we shall reach the peaceful sh.o.r.e Of blest eternity.

Psalm 91:1. 1-7. First Part.

Safety in public diseases and dangers.

1 He that hath made his refuge G.o.d, Shall find a most secure abode, Shall walk all day beneath his shade, And there at night shall rest his head.

2 Then will I say, ”My G.o.d, thy power ”Shall be my fortress and my tower; ”I that am form'd of feeble dust ”Make thine almighty arm my trust.”

3 Thrice happy man! thy Maker's care Shall keep thee from the fowler's snare, Satan, the fowler, who betrays Unguarded souls a thousand ways.

4 Just as a hen protects her brood From birds of prey that seek their blood, Under her feathers, so the Lord Makes his own arm his people's guard.

5 If burning beams of noon conspire To dart a pestilential fire, G.o.d is their life; his wings are spread To s.h.i.+eld them with an healthful shade.

6 If vapours with malignant breath Rise thick and scatter midnight death, Israel is safe; the poison'd air Grows pure if Israel's G.o.d be there.

PAUSE.

7 What though a thousand at thy side, At thy right hand ten thousand dy'd, Thy G.o.d his chosen people saves Amongst the dead, amidst the graves.

8 So when he sent his angel down To make his wrath in Egypt known, And slew their sons, his careful eye Pa.s.s'd all the doors of Jacob by.

9 But if the fire, or plague, or sword, Receive commission from the Lord To strike his saints among the rest, Their very pains and deaths are blest.

10 The sword, the pestilence or fire Shall but fulfil their best desire, From sins and sorrows set them free, And bring thy children, Lord, to thee.

Psalm 91:2. 1-16. Second Part.

Protection from death, guard of angels, victory and deliverance.

1 Ye sons of men, a feeble race, Expos'd to every snare, Come make the Lord your dwelling-place, And try and trust his care.

2 No ill shall enter where you dwell; Or if the plague come nigh, And sweep the wicked down to h.e.l.l, 'Twill raise his saints on high.

3 He'll give his angels charge to keep Your feet in all their ways; To watch your pillow while you sleep, And guard your happy days.

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