METRICAL VERSION OF PSALM XXV.
By J. H. W.
1 To thee alone, O Lord, my soul would cling; 2 In thee alone I trust, O God, my King.
Let me not be ashamed while thee I praise;
Let not my foes a shout of triumph raise. 3 Yea, let not one that loves thy glorious name,
And waits before thy courts, be put to shame.
But let them be ashamed, who, without cause,
Trample upon thy good and righteous laws. 4 Show me thy ways, teach me thy paths, O Lord, 5 Lead in thy truth; teach me thy sacred word.
For thou the God of my salvation art,
On thee all day I fix my waiting heart. 6 Remember all thy mercies, kind and sure;
Thy loving-kindness ever shall endure. 7 Remember not the follies of my youth,
Nor my transgressions of thy law of truth.
But as thy mercy is, so let thy word
Be unto me, for thy name's sake, O Lord. 8 Upright and good is God, our heart shall say,
Therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 They that are meek he will in judgment guide,
The meek shall in the way of right abide. 10 His paths are truth and mercy, to reward
Such as his testimonies do regard. 11 Not for my sake, but for thy glorious name,
Pardon my sin, and keep my face from shame. 12 What man in fear to all thy words takes heed?
Him in the way of right the Lord shall lead. 13 His soul shall dwell in ease and quietness;
His children shall the promised land possess. 14 Even the hidden secret of the Lord
Shall be with them that tremble at his word.
And plainly to their sight shall he reveal
The covenant and counsel of his will. 15 Mine eyes with pleasure shall his glory greet;
From danger he shall pluck my wandering feet. 16 Unto me, in thy grace and mercy, turn.
Afflicted, desolate, my soul doth mourn. 17 The troubles of my heart are spread abroad,
Bring me from all my deep distress, O God. 18 Upon my pain and my affliction look,
Forgive my sins, and blot them from thy book. 19 Behold my foes, how many and how great,
Who do my soul pursue with cruel hate. 20 Oh! keep my soul secure, my gracious King;
From dangers near do thou deliverance bring,
Nor let me ever yield to sin and shame,
For all my trust is in thy holy name. 21 Let honesty and right in life and word,
Preserve me, for I wait upon thee, Lord. 22 Thou God of Israel, redeem thine own,
Thy chosen race, who worship at thy throne.