THE

RISING VILLAGE,

WITH

OTHER POEMS.

By Oliver Goldsmith

© St. John, N.B.: John McMillan, 1834


 

THE TWENTY-FOURTH PSALM.



The spacious world to God belongs,
    Man, beast, and fish, and bird;
He formed the compass of the earth
    By his almighty word.

He framed and fixed it on the seas,

5

    By his Almighty hand,
Prepared and stablished on the floods
    Its great foundations stand.

Who shall ascend and see the Lord,
    Who shall behold his face;

10

What mortal reach his holy hill,
    Or view his holy place? [Page 121]

That man who hath an upright heart,
    Whose hand from guilt is free;
Whose mind is led from vain pursuits

15

    And deeds of injury.

He shall receive, oh! joyful sound,
    The blessing of the Lord,
And righteousness his life shall crown,
    Through God his Saviour’s word.

20


These are the people of the Lord,
    The chosen of his race;
These are the sons, oh! Jacob’s God,
    Of them that seek thy face.

Erect your heads, ye gates unfold,

25

    And spread your golden wings;
Lift up your everlasting doors,
    Behold the King of Kings! [Page 122]

Who is the King of glory? who?
    The Lord for might renowned,

30

Who guides the battle by his power,
    And conquers all around.

Lift up, ye gates! erect your heads,
    In shining state displayed,
The King of glory, lo! he comes,

35

    In majesty arrayed.

Who is the King of glory? who?
    The God who mercy brings;
The Lord of Angels and of Hosts,
    And ever King of Kings! [Page 123]

40