Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.
Psalm 144:15
Words: John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), Book 2, number 46. Gospel privileges.
Music: Ballerma François H. Barthélémon (1741–1808). Adapted by Robert Simpson in A Selection of Original Sacred Music, 1833 (🔊 pdf nwc).
O happy they who know the Lord,
With whom He deigns to dwell!
He feeds and cheers them by His Word,
His arm supports them well.
To them, in each distressing hour,
His throne of grace is near;
And when they plead His love and power,
He stands engaged to hear.
He helped His saints in ancient days
Who trusted in His name;
And we can witness, to His praise,
His love is still the same.
Wandering in sin, our souls He found,
And bid us seek His face;
Gave us to hear the Gospel sound,
And taste the Gospel grace.
Oft in His house His glory shines
Before our wondering eyes;
We wish not, then, for golden mines,
Or aught beneath the skies.
His presence sweetens all our cares,
And makes our burdens light;
A word from Him dispels our fears,
And gilds the gloom of night.
Lord, we expect to suffer here,
Nor would we dare repine;
But give us, still, to find Thee near;
And own us, still, for Thine.
Let us enjoy, and highly prize
These tokens of Thy love;
Till Thou shalt bid our spirits rise,
To worship Thee above.