Classic Poem

Part I.

G OD is my Saviour, my clear Light;
Who then can my repose affright?
Or what appear
Worth such a fear,
My life protected by His might?
Vain hatred, vain their pow'r,
That would my life devour.

These fell, when they against me fought.
The wicked suffer'd what they sought.
Though troops of foes
At once enclose,
Of fear I would not lodge a thought:
Should armies compass me,
So confident in Thee.

One thing I have, and shall request,
That I may in Thy mansion rest,
Till death surprise
My closing eyes;
That they may on Thy beauty feast:
That in Thy temple still
I may inquire Thy will.

When storms arise on ev'ry side,
He will in His pavilion hide:
How ever great,
In that retreat
I shall conceal'd and safe abide.
He, to resist their shock,
Hath fixt me on a rock.

Now is my head advanc'd, renown'd
Above my foes, who gird me round;
That in my tent
I may present
My sacrifice with trumpets' sound;
There I Thy praise will sing,
Set to a well-tun'd string.

Part II.

O hear Thou my afflicted cry;
Extend Thy pity, and reply.
When thus the Lord
In sweet accord;
Seek thou My Face with searching eye.
Directed by Thy grace,
Lord, I will seek Thy Face.

Thy Face O therefore never hide,
Nor in Thine anger turn aside
From him that hath
Serv'd Thee with faith.
Forsake me not, my ancient Guide;
So oft in dangers known,
O leave me not alone.

Although my parents should forsake,
Yet, Lord, Thou would'st to harbour take.
O, lest I stray,
Teach me the way,
And in Thy precepts perfect make;
Because my enemies
Watch like so many spies.

Expose me not to their desire,
For lying witnesses conspire,
Who in their breath
Bear wrath and death.
My soul had sunk beneath their ire,
But that I did rely
On Thy benignity;

In hope to see (within the land
Of those that live) Thy saving hand.
He shall impart
Strength to thy heart.
Wait on the Lord, undaunted stand;
His heav'nly will attend,
Who timely aid will send.