Thrice blest the man, whom God forgives

Verse 1

Thrice blest the man, whom God forgives; Whose sin is covered with a smile:

Verse 2

To whom the Lord imputes no guilt; Whose heart is truly purged from guile.

Verse 3

While silent I concealed my crime, Through anguish of my troubled breast, My bones grew dry, and waxed old; I roared all day, and found no rest.

Verse 4

Thy hand did heavy on me fall, And day and night it's strokes repeat; My vital moisture dried up, As ground is parched with summer's heat.

Verse 5

I then resolved no more to hide, But own, my sin, before the Lord; Whose pardoning mercy soon stepped in, And comfort, to my soul restored.

Verse 6

For this each godly man will pray, In times wherein thou may'st be found; In mighty waters raging floods, His steadfast hopes shall ne'er be drowned.

Verse 7

Thou art my only hiding place, Where I from trouble, safe abide; With songs of thy deliverance, thou Shalt compass me on every side.

Verse 8

I'll wholesome counsel to thee give; And teach thee how thou may'st be wise. Aright to order all thy walk, I'll guide thee with my watchful eyes.

Verse 9

O be not like the horse, or mule, Which passions, and not reason, sway; Whose mouth, with bit, and reins, compelled, Our wills are forced to obey.

Verse 10

They that increase in wickedness, Their sorrows greatly shall abound; But him that on the Lord relies Unnumbered mercies shall surround.

Verse 11

Let them be glad, in God rejoice, Who, in his laws, their life employ; Let all, who are upright in heart, With sacred triumph shout for joy.