Part 47 (1/2)

Psalm 112:2. L. M.

The blessings of the pious and charitable.

1 Thrice happy man who fears the Lord, Loves his commands, and trusts his word; Honour and peace his days attend, And blessings to his seed descend.

2 Compa.s.sion dwells upon his mind, To works of mercy still inclin'd: He lends the poor some present aid, Or gives them, not to be repaid.

3 When times grow dark, and tidings spread That fill his neighbours round with dread, His heart is arm'd against the fear, For G.o.d with all his power is there.

4 His soul, well fix'd upon the Lord, Draws heavenly courage from his word; Amidst the darkness light shall rise, To cheer his heart, and bless his eyes.

5 He hath dispers'd his alms abroad, His works are still before his G.o.d; His name on earth shall long remain, While envious sinners fret in vain.

Psalm 112:3. C. M, Liberality rewarded.

1 Happy is he that fears the Lord, And follows his commands, Who lends the poor without reward, Or gives with liberal hands.

2 As pity dwells within his breast To all the sons of need; So G.o.d shall answer his request With blessings on his seed,

3 No evil tidings shall surprise His well-establish'd mind; His soul to G.o.d his refuge flies, And leaves his fears behind.

4 In times of general distress, Some beams of light shall s.h.i.+ne To shew the world his righteousness, And give him peace divine.

5 His works of piety and love Remain before the Lord; Honour on earth and joys above Shall be his sure reward.

Psalm 113:1. Proper Time.

The majesty and condescension of G.o.d.

1 Ye that delight to serve the Lord, The honours of his Name record, His sacred Name for ever bless: Where'er the circling sun displays His rising beams, or setting rays, Let lands and seas his power confess.

2 Not time, nor nature's narrow rounds, Can give his vast dominion bounds, The heavens are far below his height: Let no created greatness dare With our eternal G.o.d compare, Arm'd with his uncreated might.

3 He bows his glorious head to view What the bright hosts of angels do, And bends his care to mortal things; His sovereign hand exalts the poor, He takes the needy from the door, And makes them company for kings.

4 When childless families despair, He sends the blessings of an heir To rescue their expiring name: The mother with a thankful voice Proclaims his praises and her joys: Let every age advance his fame.

Psalm 113:2. L. M.

G.o.d sovereign and gracious.

1 Ye servants of th' Almighty King, In every age his praises sing; Where'er the sun shall rise or set, The nations shall his praise repeat.

2 Above the earth, beyond the sky, Stands his high throne of majesty: Nor time, nor place, his power restrain, Nor bound his universal reign.

3 Which of the sons of Adam dare, Or angels, with their G.o.d compare?

His glories how divinely bright, Who dwells in uncreated light!

4 Behold his love: he stoops to view What saints above and angels do; And condescends yet more to know The mean affairs of men below.