Poems and Translations | ||
107
Psalm the 46th Paraphras'd.
I
On God we build our sure Defence,In God our Hope repose;
His Hand protects us in the Fight,
And guards us from our Woes.
II
Then, be the Earth's unwieldy FrameFrom its Foundations hurl'd,
We may, unmov'd with Fear, enjoy
The Ruins of the World.
108
III
What tho' the solid Rocks be rent,In Tempests whirl'd away?
What tho' the Hills should burst their Roots,
And roll into the Sea?
IV
Thou Sea, with dreadful Tumults swell,And bid thy Waters rise
In furious Surges, till they dash
The Flood-gates of the Skies.
V
Our Minds shall be serene and calm,Like Siloah's peaceful Flood;
Whose soft and silver Streams refresh
The City of our God.
109
VI
Within the proud delighted Waves,The wanton Turrets play;
The Streams lead down their humid Train,
Reluctant to the Sea.
VII
Amid the Scene the Temple floats,With its reflected Tow'rs,
Gilds all the Surface of the Flood,
And dances to the Shores.
VIII
With wonder see what mighty Pow'rOur sacred Sion chears,
Lo! there amidst her stately Walls,
Her God, her God appears.
110
IX
Fixt on her Basis she shall stand,And innocently proud,
Smile on the Tumults of the World,
Beneath the Wings of God.
X
See! how their Weakness to proclaim,The Heathen Tribes engage?
See! how with fruitless Wrath they burn,
And Impotence of Rage!
XI
But God has spoke; and lo! the World,His Terrors to display,
With all the melting Globe of Earth
Drops silently away.
111
XII
Still to the mighty Lord of HostsSecurely we resort;
For Refuge fly to Jacob's God,
Our Succour and Support.
XIII
Hither ye numerous Nations croud,In silent Rapture stand,
And see o'er all the Earth display'd
The Wonders of his Hand.
XIV
He bids the Din of War be still,And all its Tumults cease;
He bids the guiltless Trumpet sound
The Harmony of Peace.
112
XV
He breaks the tough reluctant Bow,He bursts the brazen Spear,
And in the crackling Fire his Hand
Consumes the blazing Car.
XVI
Hear then his formidable Voice,“Be still, and know the Lord;
“By all the Heathen I'll be fear'd;
“By all the Earth ador'd.
XVII
Still to the mighty Lord of Hosts,Securely we resort;
For Refuge fly to Jacob's God;
Our Succour and Support.
Poems and Translations | ||