XLIV. Francis Davison

THEY that their faithe’s foundation lay

On God the Lord, vnmou’d shall stand,

Like Sion’s hill, which by Time’s hand

Can neuer be brought to decay.

As mountaines great on euery side

Engirdle faire Jerusalem,

So will the Lord be vnto them

That pure and vpright doe abide.

For though it sometimes pleaseth God

T’ afflict the righteous, he will not

Let it be evermore their lot

To be scourg’d with th’ vngodlie’s rod;

Lest they should to iniquitie

Their owne unguiltie hands extend.

Lord, vpon them thy blessings send

That loue truth in integritie:

But such as crooked bypaths tread,

Leauing the straight to goe astray,

With wicked men shall goe the way,

Whose tract shall to destruction lead.

But happie peace, joy-bringing peace

And plentie shall for euer dwell

With God’s owne chosen Israëll;

Whose joyes I pray may neuer cease.