Psalms 127-129

Psalm 127

1 VAINLY through the night the ranger Keeps his watch lest foes alarm;

Still the city lies in danger But for God's protecting arm:

2 Vain were all our toil and labour Did not God that labour bless;

Vain without His grace and favour Every talent we possess:

3 Vainer still the hope of heaven That on human strength relies; But to him shall help be given Who in humble faith applies.

4 Seek we then the Lord's Anointed, He shall grant us peace and rest;

Ne'er was suppliant disappointed Who through Christ his prayer address'd.

Harriett Auber, 1829, a

Psalm 128

1 HOW blest the man who fears the Lord, Who walks by His unerring word; His labours find a full increase, His days are crown'd with health and peace.

2 Domestic comfort builds her nest, Beneath his roof, within his breast; And earth's best blessings hourly rise To cheer his pathway to the skies.

3 But earth's best gifts are poor to those The Spirit on his soul bestows; The earnest here of joys above, The foretaste of eternal love.

4 Onward he goes from strength to strength, Till heaven's bright morning breaks at length, And calls him to his full reward—

How blest the man who fears the Lord!

Henry Francis Lute, 1634.

Psalm 129

1 MANY times since days of youth, May Israel truly say, Foes devoid of love and truth Afflict me day by day;

Yet they never can prevail, God defends His people still;

Jesus' power can never fail To save from all that's ill.

2 God hath Zion set apart For His abiding place;

Sons of wrath and guileful art He'll banish from His face:

God for Israel doth fight;

Israel, on Thy God depend;

Christ shall keep thee day and night, Till all thy troubles end.

John Beaumont, 1834.