Misericordias Domini.
The perpetuity of the church of Christ, in consequence of the promise of God: which, notwithstanding, God permits her to suffer sometimes most grievous afflictions.
88:1. Of understanding, for Ethan the Ezrahite.
88:2. The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever. I will shew forth thy truth with my mouth to generation and generation.
88:3. For thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up for ever in the heavens: thy truth shall be prepared in them.
88:4. I have made a covenant with my elect: I have sworn to David my servant:
88:5. Thy seed will I settle for ever. And I will build up thy throne unto generation and generation.
88:6. The heavens shall confess thy wonders, O Lord: and thy truth in the church of the saints.
88:7. For who in the clouds can be compared to the Lord: or who among the sons of God shall be like to God?
88:8. God, who is glorified in the assembly of the saints: great and terrible above all them that are about him.