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3
PSALM IV.
PARAPHRAS'D.
I
O Thou, Almighty Righteousness!Who oft has sav'd me in Distress;
In Mercy bow thy sov'reign Ear,
Relieve my Woe, my Sorrows hear!
II
From Men, who slight thy sacred Ways,To thee my weary'd Eyes I raise,
That nothing here below can see
Worthy to be compar'd with thee!
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III
Yet Men, blind Men, their Dreams pursue,Vain shadowy Forms of Bliss untrue!
And empty Images prefer
To thee, the sole all-beauteous Fair!
IV
Thy piercing Eye, that marks the whole,Thro' all Disguise can view the Soul;
Can see conceal'd where Virtue lies,
And Innocence unheeded cries!
V
This keeps the pious Mind in awe,Observant of thy holy Law;
From every Dread that Heart is free,
That feels the conscious Fear of thee!
VI
Supremely merciful and just,In thee, thy faithful People trust;
To thee their daily Incense bring,
And smile beneath thy guardian Wing.
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VII
Let Earth-born Souls with groveling Sight,In Wealth or Power, or Pride delight;
More Transport gives a Ray of thine,
Than Britain's Crown, or India's Mine!
VIII
More from this Joy refin'd I taste,Than Misers from their Bags increas'd;
From thence more Gladness fills my Heart,
Than all the World can e'er impart.
IX
Fed by thy providential Care,I take content my little Share;
And humbly on thy Aid depend,
Eternal Father, God, and Friend!
X
When the provided Day is done,And Night with sable Train comes on;
In Peace my weary'd Limbs I lay,
He guards the Night, who gave the Day.
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XI
When breaks the Dawn of rosy Morn,To thee, the Lord of Life, I turn;
And my awaken'd Senses raise,
Attentive in their Maker's Praise.
XII
Thou great Omniscience! watch my Ways,Protect my Nights and guide my Days;
Give me thro' Life, obscure or known,
To love and fear but Thee alone!
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