I
Thou dost not pa.s.s a lonesome way, O soul released from mortal coil,-- Thou leav"st behind the weight and toil, And thou art blessed of G.o.d to-day.
II
The path thou treadest He hath trod Whom heaven received from death"s abode,-- He knows each turning of the road That brings the unburdened soul to G.o.d.
III
It is not dark, it is not sad, It is not haunted now with fear,-- The saints have found it full of cheer, For with His comfort they were glad.
IV
Yea, with His presence thou art blest, And light upon the path is shed, For lo, He liveth Who was dead, And thou art journeying to thy rest.
V
"Tis we, not thou, who are distressed, For, blessed, blessed, is the way, O soul, thou journeyest to-day, That leads to everlasting rest.
Psalm I
I
The man who erring counsel shuns, Nor strays where sinners meet, But in the law of G.o.d delights In meditation sweet, Shall reap the happiness of those To whom the Lord His favour shews.
II
As tree beside the water brooks Whose leaf unfading lives, And when the time appointed comes, A bounteous fruitage gives;-- So shall he prosper all his days, Whose hope is in G.o.d"s law always.
III
Not so the wicked,--they are chaff Before the wind that flies, Nor could they stand His searching glance, Should G.o.d in judgment rise; For known to G.o.d are all the right, But wicked men shall perish quite.
Psalm II
Morning
I
Lord, a band of foes increasing Terror to my heart would bring; For they tell my soul unceasing, That no help from G.o.d can spring.
II
Yet Thou art my shield about me, Till the time of strife is past; And though cruel foes may flout me, Thou wilt hear my prayer at last.
III
On my couch when night was falling, Lay I down devoid of fear; And when morning light was calling, I awoke, for thou wert near.
IV
Tens of thousands round my dwelling Stand arrayed to do me harm; But my trust when foes are swelling, Rests in Thine almighty arm.
V
Rise, O Lord, for Thou, victorious, Hast the might of sin o"erthrown, And amid Thy triumph glorious, Bless the people Thou dost own.
Psalm XXVII
Verses 1-6
I
Light of my life, O Lord, Thou art, No fear afflicts my trusting heart When, all secure in Thee As in a fortress I repose, And evil men, my direst foes, Are baulked that trouble me,
II
Hosts may encamp on every side, And pallid fear the trust deride That saves me from affright; But in the Lord my hope shall last, Till noise of war and strife are past, And flee the powers of night.
III
To G.o.d I make this chief request, That I in His abode may rest Through all my earthly days, To mark its comeliness and grace, And see the beauty of His face, Whose love inspires my praise.
IV
There shall I dwell unseen by all, Secure when days of trouble call, And evil doers mock; And He shall hide me in His tent, Till all the wrath of man is spent As tempests on a rock.
V
Therefore to Thee my praise I"ll give, And joyful offerings while I live My grateful soul shall bring; For Thou my foes hast beaten down, With victory Thou my head dost crown, And tun"st my heart to sing.
Morning