METRICAL VERSION OF PSALM XIX.
By R. F. C.
1. The heavens declare the glory of the Lord,
The firmament his handiworks record. 2. Day uttereth speech to day, and night to night,
Showing his knowledge and his glorious might. 3. No speech have they, nor language, not a word,
Yet without these their voices still are heard. 4. Their rule throughout the earth is seen and known,
Their words unto the end of it are gone.
There is a tabernacle for the sun, 5. Which like a bridegroom from his chambers come,
Rejoicing as the strong a race to run. 6. His going forth is from the end of heaven,
Throughout his circuit wide, his heart is given. 7. God's law is perfect; it the soul converts;
His testimony sure instructs our hearts, 8. Gladdening the heart, his statutes all are right;
Pure his commands; to eyes imparting light. 9. His fear is clean, enduring o'er the same,
His judgments true and righteous, all of them. 10. More than fine gold they are to be desired,
Than much fine gold, by men so much admired.
Sweeter than honey also to the taste,
Or honeycomb, to pilgrims on the waste. 11. Thy servant, warned by them, is on his guard,
In keeping of them there is great reward. 12. Who can his errors see in their true light?
Cleanse me from faults which still escape my sight. 13. Keep me from open sins, presumptuous, bold,
Let them not have dominion o'er my soul,
Then shall I, in thy judgment, be upright,
Free from the great transgression in thy sight. 14. Oh! let the words that from my mouth proceed,
And my heart's meditation be indeed
Accepted in thy sight, I pray, O Lord,
My Rock, Redeemer, and my great Reward.
R. F. C.