Psalm 19
Words: Thomas
Sternhold, as in The Scottish Psalter of 1635
1 The heavens and the firmament
do wondrously declare
The glory of God omnipotent,
his works and what they are.
2 The wondrous works of God appear
by every day's success,
The nights likewise which their race run
the selfsame thing express.
3 There is no language, tongue, or speech,
where their sound is not heard,
4 In all the earth and coasts thereof
their knowledge is conferred.
In them the Lord made for the sun
a place of great renown;
5 Who like a bridegroom ready trimmed
doth from his chamber come.
And as a valiant Champion,
who for to get a prize,
With joy doth haste to take in hand
some noble enterprise.
6 And all the sky from end to end
he compaseth about
No man can hide it from his heat
but he will find it out.
7 How perfect is the law of God
how is his cov'nant sure;
Converting souls, and making wise
the simple and obscure.
8 Such are the Lord's commandments
and glad both heart and mind;
His precepts pure, and giveth light
to eyes that be full blind.
9 The fear of God is excellent,
and doth endure for ever;
The judgments of the Lord are sure,
most righteous altogether;
10 And more to be embraced always
than finest gold I say;
The honey and the honey-comb
are not so sweet as they.
11 By them thy servant is forewarned
to have God in regard;
And in performance of the same
there shall be great reward.
12 But, Lord, what earthly man doth know
the errors of his life?
Then cleanse my Soul from secret sins,
which are in me most rife:
13 And keep me, that presumptuous sins
prevail not over me;
And so shall I be innocent,
and great offences flee.
14 Accept my mouth and heart also,
my words and thoughts each one;
For my Redeemer and my strength,
O Lord, thou art alone.
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