The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#R7

R7. How should the sons of Adam's race

1 How should the sons of Adam’s race
be pure before their God?
If he contends in righteousness,
we sink beneath his rod.
2 If he should mark my words and thoughts
with strict enquiring eyes,
could I for one of thousand faults
the least excuse devise?

3 Strong in his arm, his heart is wise;
who dares with him contend?
Or who, that tries th’ unequal strife,
shall prosper in the end?
4 He makes the mountains feel his wrath,
and their old seats forsake;
the trembling earth deserts her place,
and all her pillars shake.

5 He bids the sun forbear to rise;
th’ obedient sun forbears:
his hand with sackcloth spreads the skies,
and seals up all the stars.
6 He walks upon the raging sea;
flies on the stormy wind:
none can explore his wondrous way,
or his dark footsteps find.

Text Information

• First Line: How should the sons of Adam's race
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Scripture:
  Job 9:2-10

Tune Information

• Name: ST NICHOLAS
• Meter: CM
• Key: e minor
• Source: Holroyd's The Spiritual Man's Companion, 1753; Adapted in Scottish Psalmody, 1854