Why art thou cast down, my soul? To the skies Turn thine eyes; Every tear on earth that flows, God the world's great Ruler knows. Why art thou cast down, my soul? Was thy head in sorrow bending 'Neath the dreaded reaper's blight, When thy loved ones were descending In the darkness of death's night? Have no fear! God is near! Be consoled, my soul, in God, Tears take flight, For in light Walk thy dead on Heaven's shore, Why art thou cast down, my soul? Ever shall thy dead be living From the darkness of the tomb God, thy Father, mercy-giving, Takes them to his heavenly home. God, the Just ? Soul, my soul, be strong in God. God's with thee Eternally! Then thy hopes shall be fulfilled And thy heart's pain shall be stilled. 264. PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise His holy Name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgiveth all thy sins, and healeth all thine infirmities; Who saveth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kind ness. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long suffering and of great goodness. O praise the Lord, ye angels of His, ye that excel in strength, ye that fulfil His commandments, and hearken unto the voice of His words. O praise the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye servants of His, that do His pleasure. O speak good of the Lord, all ye works of His, in all places of His dominion. Praise thou the Lord, O my soul. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from this time forth for evermore. The days of man are but as grass, for he flourisheth as a flower of the field. But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth forever and ever on them that fear Him. 265. SANTIFICATION. From myriad voices resoundeth the cry: "Holy! holy! holy is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.' The glory of God fills creation's great all, Yet silent that voice, held in nature's strong thrall. But Israel, chosen His truth to proclaim, Bore onward the banner inscribed with His name. Wherever they tarried, each land and each place Resounded with praise to God's glory and grace: "Praised be the glory of God in all places of His dominion." In days that were darkest and burdened with care, Thou gavest us courage to suffer and bear. Our trust for the future is steadfast and sure; Forever Thy love and Thy power shall endure! "The Lord shall reign forevermore, even thy God, O Zion, from generation to generation. Hallelujah!" |