When the black clouds o'er them lighten, And the pealing thunders shock, They shall sit, and nought shall frighten, Like the dove hid in the rock; They'll remain eternally, And their memory shall be Upon every side extending, As their branches trees are sending. When misfortunes overtake them, Whereby sinners low are laid, Firm their courage, nought can shake them, And their hearts are undismay'd; Undismay'd, from care are free, Hearts that unreservedly To the Lord their God are given, Love Him when forsaken even. Who delight take in relieving Sad ones, to the Lord are dear; What the loving hands are giving, God will recompense e'en here. Who much giveth much will gain, He shall not desire in vain, What his heart desires and willeth, God in His good time fulfilleth. But the foes who triumph'd o'er them, They shall see depart beneath; Satan who such malice bore them, Evermore shall gnash his teeth: Sorely will it him displease When their blessedness he sees, Yet that he can rob them never, Only waste himself for ever. THE 121ST PSALM OF DAVID. Lord! to Thee alone I raise Evermore mine eager eyes, Upturn'd is my constant gaze To the hills that pierce the skies: To the hills whence flow to me Help and saving health from Thee! All my succour comes to me From my great Creator's hand, Who hath deck'd so beauteously Earth and sky, air, sea, and land, And with ev'ry good supplied, That our needs be satisfied. Lest thy feet, my soul! should stray From the narrow path of right, He is with thee in the way, And preserves thee day and night. Trust Him! and the hosts of hell Never more shall work thee ill. Sleepless vigils doth He keep When thou liest down to rest; When thou'rt sunk in slumbers deep, To thy side at His behest Angel hosts then wing their flight, Thee to guard through all the night. All thou hast and all thou art Is encircled by His love; Ev'ry grief that wrings thy heart Doth He graciously remove. Soul and body shieldeth He, When dark tempests threaten thee. When the noonday's burning sun All thy body's strength doth blight, When the midnight stars and moon Dazzle with their brilliant light, Then His hand of mighty pow'r, Shades thee in the trying hour. May He still protection yield, Faithful Shepherd be, and near Still remain thy rock and shield, When thy heart's oppress'd with fear. When of need thou feel'st the smart, May He press thee to His heart.