O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.
Psalm 84:12
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795). Published posthumously in Hymns Adapted to Public Worship (London: Burton & Briggs, 1818), number 738. In Time of Sickness.
Music: Missionary Chant Heinrich C. Zeuner, 1832 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Beddome or Zeuner (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Bless’d is the man whose confidence
Is fixed on God, his strong defense;
Midst dangers he shall dwell secure,
And view eternal blessings sure.
Though pestilential vapors spread
Their baleful influence o’er his head,
Though noxious fumes infect the air,
Fearless he breathes, and safely there.
Though thick the arrows round him fly,
And thousands sicken, thousands die;
Unawed he hears expiring groans,
And God’s preserving goodness owns.
Or if commissioned, the disease,
Among the rest, the Christian seize;
E’en then his trembling lips rejoice,
And death but elevates his voice.