Psalm 19

Abraham Coles

In the bright east with gold enriched
He for the sun a tent has pitched,
5 That, like a bridegroom after rest,
Comes from his chamber richly drest.
An athlete strong and full of grace,
And glad to run the heavenly race, —
6 Completes his round with tireless feet,
And naught is hidden from his heat.

7 But, Nature's book sums not the whole:
God's perfect law converts the soul;
His sure unerring word supplies
The means to make the simple wise;
8 His precepts are divinely right,
An inspiration and delight;
His pure commandment makes all clear,
9 Clean and enduring is His fear.

The judgments of the Lord are true,
And righteous wholly through and through;
10 More to be coveted than gold,
Of higher worth a thousand fold;
More sweet than sweetest honey far,
Th'unfoldings of their sweetness are:
11 They warn Thy servant, and they guard;
In keeping them there's great reward.

12 Who can his errors understand?
My secret faults are as the sand:
From these me cleanse, make pure within,
13 And keep me from presumptuous sin;
Lest sin me rule and fetter fast,
And I unpardoned die at last.
14 My words and meditation be
O Lord, my Rock, approved of Thee.