Classic Poem

For God I patiently did look;
He to my cries inclin'd His ear:
And when environed with fear,
From that abyss of horror took,
Drew from the mud, and on a rock
Establish'd, to endure the shock.

Then did into my mouth convey
Songs of His praise, unsung before.
Many shall see, with fear adore;
And, trusting in th' Almighty, say,
Who on the Lord depend are blest;
Who liars and the proud detest.

Many, and full of wonder, are
The works, O Lord, which Thou hast wrought;
What Thou to raise our joys hast thought,
O who in order can declare?
'Twere lost endeavour to express
Their number that are numberless.

Thou gifts nor off'rings dost desire;
But pierced hast Thy servant's ear:
To Thee oblations are not dear,
Nor sacrifice consum'd with fire.
Then said I, Lo, I come; thus it
Is of me in Thy volume writ.

Thy laws are written in my heart,
My joy Thy pleasure to fulfill;
I in the great assembly still
Thy righteousness to all impart.
My lips are unrestrain'd by me,
Which, Lord, is only known to Thee.

Thy justice I have not conceal'd
Within the closure of my breast;
But Thy fidelity profest,
And saving health at large reveal'd;
Amidst the congregation
Thy constant truth and mercy shown.

Withdraw not, Lord, Thy long'd for aid,
With truth and mercy still inclose;
For O! innumerable woes
On ev'ry side my soul invade;
So changed with iniquities,
That they ev'n blind my fearful eyes.

In number they my hairs exceed,
My fainting heart pants in my breast,
Be pleas'd to succour the distrest,
And, Lord, deliver me with speed.
Let shame at once confound them all,
That seek my soul, and plot my fall.

Be they repuls'd with infamy,
Who persecute with deadly hate;
Deservedly left desolate,
Who, Ha! ha! in derision cry.
Let all who seek Thy help, rejoice
And praise Thee with a cheerful voice.

Let them, who Thy salvation love,
Still say, The Lord be magnified!
Though I be poor, and cast aside,
Yet He regards me from above.
My Safety, my Deliverer,
No longer Thy relief defer.