A Selection of Psalms with occasional hymns (Charleston hymnal) ‎#P.XL

P.XL. Thou Lord, by strictest search hast known

1 Thou, Lord, by strictest search hast known
My rising up and lying down;
My secret thoughts are known to thee,
Known long before conceiv'd by me.

2 Thine eye my bed and path surveys,
My public haunts and private ways;
Thou know's what 'tis my lips would vent,
My yet unutter'd words' intent.

3 Surrounded by thou pow'r I stand,
On ev'ry side I find thy hand,
O skill for human reach too high!
Too dazzling bright for mortal eye!

4 The veil of night is no disguise,
No screen from thy all-searching eyes;
Through midnight shades thou find'st thy way,
As in the blazing noon of day.

5 Search, search, O God, my thoughts and heart,
If mischief lurks in any part,
Correct me where I go astray,
And guide me in thy perfect way.

Part II.

6 Let me acknowledge, O my God,
That, since this mzae of life I trod,
Thy thoughts of love to me surmount
The pow'r of numbers to recount.

7 If up to heav'n I take my flight,
'Tis there thou dwell'st, enthron'd in light;
If down to hell's infernal plains,
'Tis there Almighty vengeance reigns.

8 If I the morning's wings could gain,
And fly beyond the western main,
Thy swifter hand would first arrive,
And there arrest thy fugitive.

9 Or, should I try to shun thy sight
Beneath the sable wings of night;
One glance from thee, one piercing ray,
Would kindle darkness into day.

Text Information

• First Line: Thou Lord, by strictest search hast known
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1792
• Scripture:
  Psalm 139:1-6
  ;
  Psalm 139:7-12
  ;
  Psalm 139:17
  ;
  Psalm 139:23-24

Tune Information

(No tune information)