Metrical 'New Version' (Tate/Brady)
English text
Whom should I fear, since God to me
Is saving health and light?
Since strongly he my life supports,
What can my soul affright?
With fierce intent my flesh to tear,
When foes beset me round,
They stumbled, and their lofty crests
Were made to strike the ground.
Through him my heart, undaunted, dares
With mighty hosts to cope;
Through him, in doubtful straits of war
For good success I hope.
Henceforth within his house to dwell
I earnestly desire,
His wondrous beauty there to view,
And of his will enquire.
For there may I with comfort rest,
In times of deep distress;
And safe, as on a rock, abide
In that secure recess;
Whilst God o'er all my haughty foes
My lofty head shall raise;
And I my joyful tribute bring,
With grateful songs of praise.
The Second Part
Continue, Lord, to hear my voice,
Whene'er to thee I cry;
In mercy my complaints receive,
Nor my request deny.
When us to seek thy glorious face
Thou kindly dost advise;
Thy glorious face I'll always seek,
My grateful heart replies.
Then hide not thou thy face, O Lord,
Nor me in wrath reject;
My God and Saviour, leave not him
Thou didst so oft protect.
Though all my friends and kindred too
Their helpless charge forsake,
Yet thou, whose love excels them all,
Wilt care and pity take.
Instruct me in thy paths, O Lord,
My ways directly guide;
Lest envious men, who watch my steps,
Should see me tread aside.
Lord, disappoint my cruel foes,
Defeat their ill desire,
Whose lying lips and bloody hands
Against my peace conspire.
I trusted that my future life
Should with thy love be crown'd,
Or else my fainting soul had sunk,
With sorrow compass'd round.
God's time with patient faith expect,
Who will inspire thy breast
With inward strength; do thou thy part,
And leave to him the rest.
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Metrical version by Isaac Watts - first part
English text
The Lord of glory is my light,
And my salvation too;
God is my strength, nor will I fear
What all my foes can do.
One privilege my heart desires;
O grant me an abode
Among the churches of thy saints,
The temples of my God!
There shall I offer my requests,
And see thy beauty still,
Shall hear thy messages of love,
And there inquire thy will.
When troubles rise, and storms appear,
There may his children hide:
God has a strong pavilion where
He makes my soul abide.
Now shall my head be lifted high
Above my foes around,
And songs of joy and victory
Within thy temple sound.
Metrical version by Isaac Watts - second part
English text
Soon as I heard my Father say,
"Ye children, seek my grace",
My heart replied without delay,
"I'll seek my Father's face".
Let not thy face be hid from me,
Nor frown my soul away;
God of my life, I fly to thee
In a distressing day.
Should friends and kindred near and dear
Leave me to want, or die;
My God would make my life his care,
And all my need supply.
My fainting flesh had died with grief,
Had not my soul believ'd
To see thy grace provide relief,
Nor was my hope deceiv'd.
Wait on the Lord, ye trembling saints,
And keep your courage up;
He'll raise your spirit when it faints,
And far exceed your hope.
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Metrical Paraphrase by William Kethe, 1561
English text
1. The Lord my light and health will be,
For what then should I be dismayed?
My strength and life also is He,
Of whom then should I be afraid?
2. When that my foes (men vile and vain)
Approached near my flesh to eat,
They stumbled in the self-same train
Which they laid for me by deceit.
3. Against me though there pitch an host,
Mine heart from fear yet far it is:
Though wars be raised with great boast,
Yet will I surely trust in this.
4. One thing I have the Lord besought,
That I may in His house still dwell:
To see his beauty passing thought,
His temple also doth excel.
5. For in the time of troubles great
His tabernacle shall me hide:
His secret tents shall be my seat,
And on a rock I shall abide.
6. And now mine head lift up will be,
Above my foes who work such fraud:
With sacrifice and offering free
Within his tents I will him laud.
7. My voice, O Lord, let it take place,
With mercy hear me when I cry:
When Thou did say, Seek ye My face.
With full consent lo here, quoth I.
8. Hide not therefore Thy face me from,
Nor in thy wrath thy servant spill:
Thou hast me helped, then leave not so,
O God of health, help Thou me still.
9. Although my parents me forsake.
The Lord yet will me raise and stay:
My foes set snares me in to take,
But, Lord, lead me in the right way.
10. Unto mine adversaries lust
Lord, give me not in any wise:
For witness false, with words unjust
They seek against me to devise.
11. I should wax faint, and sore dismayed.
But that I did believe to see
God’s goodness in that land displayed,
Whereas his faithful servants be.
12. Hope in the Lord, and be thou strong,
He comfort will thine heart indeed;
Trust in the Lord, and think not long,
For He will surely come with speed.
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