CXXVII. Except the Lord the house doth make

1 Except the Lord the house doth make,
and thereunto doth set his hand,
What men do build, it cannot stand:
Likewise in vain men undertake
Cities and holds to watch and ward,
except the Lord be their safe-guard.

2 Tho' in the morn ye rise early,
and so at night go late to bed
Eating with carefulness your bread,
Your labor is but vanity:
But they whom God doth love and keep,
enjoy all things with quiet sleep.

3 Therefore mark well when ye do see,
that men have hearts t' enjoy their land
It is the gift of God's own hand:
For God doth multiply to thee
Of his great liberality,
the blessing of posterity.

4 And when the children come to age,
they grow in strength and activeness,
In person and in comeliness:
So that a shaft shot with courage
Of one that hath a most strong arm
flies not so swift, nor doth like harm.

5 Oh well is he that hath his quiver
furnish'd with such artillery:
For when in peril he shall be,
Such one shall never quake or shiver,
When he doth plead before the judge
against his foes that bear him grudge.

Text Information
First Line: Except the Lord the house doth make
Author: W. W.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1790
Scripture:
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