LYRICS
| Meter: | 8 8 8 8 (L.M.)
| | Writer(s): | Nicholas Brady & Nahum Tate
| | Transl/Adapt: |
| | Dates: | 1821
| | Bible Refs: | Ps 18:32-42
| A New Version of the Psalms of David
| 1821
| 18
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| 1. 'Tis God that girds my armor on,
and all my just designs fulfils;
Through him my feet can swiftly run,
and nimbly climb the steepest hills.
2. Lessons of war from him I take,
and manly weapons learn to wield;
Strong bows of steel with ease to break,
forced by my stronger arms to yield,
3. The buckler of his saving health
protects me from assaulting foes;
His hand sustains me still, my wealth
and greatness from his bounty flows.
4. My goings he enlarged abroad,
till then to narrow paths confined;
And, when in slipp'ry ways I trod,
the method of my steps designed.
5. Through him I num'rous hosts defeat,
and flying squadrons captive take;
Nor from my fierce pursuit retreat,
till I a final conquest make.
6. Covered with wounds, in vain they try
their vanquished heads again to rear;
Spite of their boasted strength they lie
beneath my feet, and grovel there.
7. God, when fresh armies take the field,
recruits my strength, my courage warms;
He makes my strong opposers yield,
subdued by my prevailing arms.
8. Through him the necks of prostrate foes
my conqu'ring feet in triumph press;
Aided by him, I root out those
who hate and envy my success.
9. With loud complaints all friends they tried,
but none was able to defend;
At length to God for help they cried,
but God would no assistance lend.
10. Like flying dust which winds pursue,
their broken troops I scattered round,
Their slaughtered bodies forth I threw,
like loathsome dirt that clogs the ground.
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