LYRICS
| Meter: | 8 6 8 6 (C.M.)
| | Writer(s): | Nicholas Brady & Nahum Tate
| | Transl/Adapt: |
| | Dates: | 1696
| | Bible Refs: | Ps 30
| A New Version of the Psalms of David
| 1821
| 30
|
| 1. I'll celebrate thy praises, Lord,
who didst thy pow'r employ
To raise my drooping head, and check
my foes insulting joy.
2. In my distress, I cried to thee,
who kindly didst relieve,
And from the grave's expecting jaws
my hopeless life retrieve.
3. Thus to his courts, ye saints of his,
with songs of praise repair;
With me commemorate his truth,
and providential care.
4. His wrath has but a moment's reign,
his favor no decay;
Your night of grief is recompensed
with joy's returning day.
5. But I in prosp'rous days presumed;
no sudden change I feared,
Whilst in my sunshine of success
no low'ring cloud appeared.
6. But soon I found thy favor, Lord,
my empire's only trust;
For when thou hid'st thy face, I saw
my honor laid in dust.
7. Then, as I vainly had presumed,
my error I confessed;
And thus, with supplicating voice,
thy mercy's throne addressed:
8. "What profit is there in my blood,
congealed by death's cold night?
Can silent ashes speak thy praise,
thy wondrous truth recite?"
9. "Hear me, O Lord; in mercy, hear:
thy wonted aid extend;
Do thou send help, on whom alone
I can for help depend."
10. 'Tis done! Thou hast my mournful scene
to songs and dances turned;
Invested me with robes of state,
who late in sackcloth mourned.
11. Exalted thus, I'll gladly: sing
thy praise in grateful verse;
And, as thy favors endless are,
Thy endless praise rehearse.
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