Before the pillars of the sky Were raised, before the mountains high Were wrought, ere hills and dales were known, Thou in Thy majesty alone Didst sit, O God! upon Thy throne! Hearts, seeking Thee, from search refrain, And weary tongues their praise restrain. Thyself unbound by time and place, Thou dost pervade, support, embrace The world and all created space. The sages’ minds bewildered grow, The lightning speed of thought is slow. “Awful in praises” art Thou named; Thou fillest, strong in strength proclaimed, This universe Thy hand has framed. Deep, deep beyond all fathoming, Far, far beyond all measuring, We can but seek Thy deeds alone; When bow Thy saints before Thy throne Then is Thy faithfulness made known. Thy righteousness we can discern, Thy holy law proclaim and learn. Is not Thy presence near alway To them who penitently pray, But far from those who sinning stray? Pure souls behold Thee, and no need Have they of light: they hear and heed Thee with the mind’s keen ear, although The ear of flesh be dull and slow. Their voices answer to and fro. Thy holiness forever they proclaim: The Lord of Hosts! thrice holy is His name! JEHUDA HALEVI. Servant Of God Oh! would that I might be A servant unto Thee, Thou God by all adored: Then, though by friends out-cast, Thy hand would hold me fast, And draw me near to Thee, my King and Lord! Spirit and flesh are Thine, O Heavenly Shepherd mine! My hopes, my thoughts, my fears, Thou seest all, Thou measurest my path, my steps dost know. When Thou upholdest, who can make me fall? When Thou restrainest, who can bid me go? Oh! would that I might be A servant unto Thee, Thou God, by all adored. Then, though by friends out-cast, Thy hand would hold me fast, And draw me near to Thee, my King and Lord! Fain would my heart come nigh To Thee, O God! on high, But evil thoughts have led me far astray From the pure path of righteous government. Guide Thou me back into Thy holy way, And count me not as one impenitent. Oh! would that I might be A servant unto Thee, Thou God, by all adored. Then, though by friends out-cast, Thy hand would hold me fast, And draw me near to Thee, my King and Lord! If in my youth I still Fail to perform Thy will, What can I hope when age shall chill my breast? Heal me, O Lord! with Thee is healing found— Cast me not off, by weight of years opprest, Forsake me not when age my strength has bound. Oh! would that I might be A servant unto Thee, Thou God, by all adored. Then, though by friends out-cast, Thy hand would hold me fast, And draw me near to Thee, my King and Lord!