Psalm 30 (Tate & Brady)

1 I'll celebrate thy praises, Lord,

who didst thy pow'r employ

To raise my drooping head, and check

my foes insulting joy.

2,3 In my distress, I cried to thee,

who kindly didst relieve,

And from the grave's expecting jaws

my hopeless life retrieve.

4 Thus to his courts, ye saints of his,

with songs of praise repair;

With me commemorate his truth,

and providential care.

5 His wrath has but a moment's reign,

his favor no decay;

Your night of grief is recompensed

with joy's returning day.

6 But I in prosp'rous days presumed;

no sudden change I feared,

Whilst in my sunshine of success

no low'ring cloud appeared.

7 But soon I found thy favor, Lord,

my empire's only trust;

For when thou hid'st thy face, I saw

my honor laid in dust.

8 Then, as I vainly had presumed,

my error I confessed;

And thus, with supplicating voice,

thy mercy's throne addressed:

9 "What profit is there in my blood,

congealed by death's cold night?

Can silent ashes speak thy praise,

thy wondrous truth recite?"

10 "Hear me, O Lord; in mercy, hear:

thy wonted aid extend;

Do thou send help, on whom alone

I can for help depend."

11 'Tis done! Thou hast my mournful scene

to songs and dances turned;

Invested me with robes of state,

who late in sackcloth mourned.

12 Exalted thus, I'll gladly: sing

thy praise in grateful verse;

And, as thy favors endless are,

Thy endless praise rehearse.