The Psalms of David ‎#XXXIV

XXXIV. Through all the Scenes of Life

1 Through all the Scenes of Life,
As well in Trouble as in Joy,
The Praises of my GOD shall still.
My Heart and Tongue employ.
His Goodness I'll declare,
'Till ass that are with Woes oppress'd,
From my Example Comfort take,
And charm their Griefs to rest.

2 O magnify the LORD!
And bless with me, his holy Name;
His faithful Word is ever sure,
His Truth is still the same:
For when to him I cry'd,
With heavy Woes encompass'd round,
He heard my Voice, and in his Love,
I soon a Refuge found.

3 Their dropping Hearts were eas'd;
We look'd to him alone for Aid,
Desir'd Success in ev'ry Face,
A chearful Air display'd.
"Behold, said they, and see
"The Man whom Providence reliev'd,
"So dang'rously beset with Woes,
"So wond'rously retriev'd!"

Part II

4 The Hosts of GOD encamp
Around the Dwellings of the Just;
Deliv'rance he affords to all
Who in his Succour trust.
O taste his wond'rous Love!
And soon Experience will decide,
How bless'd they are, and only they,
Who in his Truth confide.

5 Oh fear him all ye Saints!
And you'll have nothing else to fear;
Make you his Service your Delight,
He'll make your Wants his Care.
While Lions lack their Prey,
The bounteous LORD will Food provide,
For those as put their Trust in him,
And see their Wants supply'd.

6 Ye proudly dispos'd,
Approach, and my Instruction hear,
I'll teach you the true Discipline
Of his religious Fear:
Let him who Life desires,
And many prosp'rous Days would see;
From sland'rous Language keep his Tongue,
His Lips from Falshood free.

7 The crooked Paths of Vice
Decline, and Virtue's Ways pursue;
Establish Peace where 'tis begun,
And where 'tis lost, renew.
The LORD from Heav'n beholds,
The Just with favourable Eyes;
And, when distress'd, his gracious Ear,
Is open to their Cries.

Part IIi

8 GOD turns his wrathful Look
On those whom Mercy don't reclaim;
To cut them off, and from the Earth
Blot out their very Name.
When in Distress they cry,
In Mercy he will hear his Saints,
And with a providential Care,
Attend to their Complaints.

9 The LORD is always nigh,
With Balm, to heal the broken Heart;
And to the contrite Spirit still,
His Comfort to impart.
The Wicked often strive,
But vain is always their Desire;
When they against the Just and True,
Maliciously conspire.

10 For under all the Weight,
Of sore Afflictions they endure,
The LORD will still preserve his Saints,
And keep their Bones secure.
The Wicked from their Arts,
Their speedy Ruin shall derive;
While righteous Men, whom they detest,
Shall them and theirs survive.

11 For GOD the Souls shall keep,
Of those who on His Truth depend;
To them and their Posterity,
His Blessings shall descend.

Text Information

• First Line: Through all the Scenes of Life
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 34
• Topic: Description of: Fear and Service of the Lord; Prophecies: Predictions of God's Judgment upon the Ungodly and Wicked; Thanksgivings: For Deliverances and Wonders, particular

Tune Information

• Name: [Through all the scenes of life]
• Key: g minor