HYMN OF GLORY
SWEET hymns and songs will I indite
To sing of Thee by day and night—
Of Thee, who art my soul’s delight.
How doth my soul within me yearn
Beneath Thy shadow to return,
Thy secret mysteries to learn!
And even while yet Thy glory fires
My words, and hymns of praise inspires,
Thy love it is my heart desires.
Thy glory shall my discourse be;
In images I picture Thee,
Although Thyself I cannot see.
O Thou whose word is truth alway,
Thy people seek Thy face this day;
O be Thou near them when they pray.
O may my words of blessing rise
To Thee, who, throned above the skies,
Art just and mighty, great and wise.
My meditation day and night,
May it be pleasant in Thy sight,
For Thou art all my soul’s delight.
JUDAH THE PIOUS, 12th cent.
(Trans. Alice Lucas.)
V
THE VOICE OF WISDOM
THUS saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord who exercise loving kindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.
JEREMIAH 9. 23–4.
HE that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see? He that instructeth the nations, shall not He correct, Even He that teacheth man knowledge?
PSALM 94. 9–10.