Religion

Psalm IV

by Sir John Davies 1569–1626

From Complete Poems, ed. Grosart (1876)

Religion

O GOD! whose righteousnes by grace is mine,
A gracious eare vnto my voyce encline:
Thou that hast set mee free when I was thrall,
Bee mercifull, and heare my prayer withall.
Vaine, worldly men, how long will yee dispise
God's honnour, and His truth, and trust in lies?
God for Himselfe, the good man doth select,
And when I crie Hee doth not mee reject.
Bee angrie, but be angrie without synne;
Try your owne hearts in silence, close within.
To God, of godly workes, an offeringe make,
Then trust in Him that will not His forsake.
For that which good is, many seeke and pray,
'And who shall shew the same to vs'? say they,
Lord! shew to vs thy countenance diuine,
And cause the BEAMES thereof on vs to shyne:
Soe shall my heart more joyfull bee and glad,
Then if encrease of corne and wine I had.
To peace therefore lye downe will I and sleepe
For God alone doth mee in safetie keepe.

MLA

Davies, John. “Psalm IV.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/davies/193/.

Chicago

Davies, John. “Psalm IV.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/davies/193/.

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