OLD MARTYRS. C. M.

From the Scotch Psalter. 1611.

XX. (1. 6, 7. 9.)

N. V.

Our hopes are fix'd, that now the Lord
Our sov'reign will defend;
From heaven resistless aid afford,

And to his prayer attend.

Some trust in steeds for war design'd,
On chariots some rely;
Against them all we'll call to mind
The power of God most high.
Still save us, Lord, and still proceed

Our rightful cause to bless;
Hear, King of heaven, in times of need,
The prayers that we address.

MY God, my God, why leav'st Thou me

When I with anguish faint? O why so far from me removed,

And from my loud complaint?
All day, but all the day unheard,
To Thee do I complain;

With cries implore relief all night,
But cry all night in vain.

Thou, guardian-like, didst shield from
My helpless infant days; [wrongs
And since hast been my God and guide
Through life's bewilder'd ways.
Withdraw not then so far from me,
When trouble is so nigh;

O send me help! Thy help, on which
I only can rely.

In pastures fair, near pleasant streams, He setteth me to feed.

He shall convert and glad my soul,

And bring my mind in frame,
To walk in paths of righteousness,
For His most holy Name.

Yea, though I walk in vale of death,
Yet will I fear no ill:
Thy rod and staff do comfort
me,
And Thou art with me still.

Through all my life Thy favour is
So frankly show'd to me,
That in Thy house for evermore
My dwelling-place shall be,

THE

HE Lord Himself, the mighty Lord,
Vouchsafes to be my Guide;

The Shepherd, by whose constant care
My wants are all supplied.

In tender grass He makes me feed,
And gently there repose;

Then leads me to cool shades, and where
Refreshing water flows.

He does my wand'ring soul reclaim,
And, to His endless praise,
Instruct with humble zeal to walk
In His most righteous ways.
I pass the gloomy vale of death,

From fear and danger free ;
For there His aiding rod and staff

Defend and comfort me.

Since God does thus His wondrous love

Through all my life extend,

That life to Him I will devote,

And in His temple spend.