PSALM 63. (S. M.) Seeking God.
I
My God, permit my tongue
This joy, to call thee mine,
And let my early cries prevail
To taste thy love divine.
II
My thirsty fainting soul
Thy mercy doth implore;
Not travellers in desert lands
Can pant for water more.
III
Within thy churches, Lord,
I long to find my place,
Thy power and glory to behold,
And feel thy quickening grace.
IV
For life without thy love
No relish can afford;
No joy can be compar'd to this,
To serve and please the Lord.
V
To thee I'll lift mine hands,
And praise thee while I live;
Not the rich dainties of a feast
Such food or pleasure give.
VI
In wakeful hours at night
I call my God to mind;
I think how wise thy counsels are,
And all thy dealings kind.
VII
Since thou hast been my help,
To thee my spirit flies,
And on thy watchful providence
My cheerful hope relies.
VIII
The shadow of thy wings
My soul in safety keeps;
I follow where my father leads,
And he supports my steps.
After I had finished the Common Metre of this psalm, I observed
several pious turns of thought in Dr. Patrick's Version, which I have
copied in this Metre, though with some difficulty, because of the shorter lines.
