I love the Lord, my strength, my tower,
The Lord my rock and fortress is,
My God my strength in whom I trust,
My buckler and my hope of bliss.
The Lord is worthy to be praised,
He saves me from my enemies;
Sorrow and death compass'd me round,
Death and the grave made me afraid.
I called upon the Lord and cried:—
My God, he heard my feeble voice,
Out of His temple. Lo! He came
And bade my broken heart rejoice.
The earth shall tremble at His word,
The hills shall fly at His command.
He bows the heavens as their Lord
And rides upon a Cherrub's wings.
He will deliver me from sin,
And set my soul at liberty,
He will reward my righteousness,
If from my God I do not stray.
To a Sister on her Birthday.
Your birthday my sweet sister,
What shall my off'ring be,
I've no rich gifts or treasures
I can present to thee.
But Oh! my sweetest sister,
I raise a fervent prayer,
For all thy future welfare
While thou may'st sojourn here.
May many happy birthdays
Roll o'er thy peaceful head,
In good old age may you lay down
Your life among the dead.
And may your soul ascend to God
And reign with Him on high,
And praise Him in that bright abode,
Where pleasures never die.