That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.
Psalm 144:12
Words: From The Psalter (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: United Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1912), number 393, alt.
Music: Shortle Charles G. Goodrich, 1904 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Goodrich (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), would you ?
O people blest, whose sons in youth,
In sturdy strength and noble truth,
Like plants in vigor spring;
Whose daughters fair, a queenly race,
Are like the cornerstones that grace
The palace of a king,
The palace of a king.
O people blest, when flock and field
Their rich, abundant increase yield,
And blessings multiply;
When plenty all thy children share,
And no invading foe is there,
And no distressful cry,
And no distressful cry.
O happy people, favored land,
To whom the Lord with liberal hand
Has thus His goodness shown;
Yea, surely is that people blest
By whom Jehovah is confessed
To be their God alone,
To be their God alone.