254 104th J. Hart
“The fear of the Lord.” Ps. 111. 10; Prov. 10. 27
1
The fear of the Lord our days will prolong,
 
In trouble afford a confidence strong,
 
Will keep us from sinning, will prosper our ways,
 
And is the beginning of wisdom and grace.
2
The fear of the Lord preserves us from death,
 
Enforces his word, enlivens our faith,
 
It regulates passion, and helps us to quell
3
The fear of the Lord is soundness and health;
 
A treasure well stored with heavenly wealth;
 
A fence against evil, by which we resist
 
World, flesh, and the devil, and imitate Christ.
4
[The fear of the Lord is clean and approved;
 
Makes Satan abhorred and Jesus beloved;
 
It conquers in weakness; is proof against strife;
 
A cordial in sickness; a fountain of life.]
5
[The fear of the Lord is lowly and meek;
 
The happy reward of all that him seek;
 
They only that fear him the truth can discern,
 
For, living so near him, his secrets they learn.]
6
[The fear of the Lord his mercy makes dear,
 
His judgments adored, his righteousness clear,
 
Without its fresh flavour, in knowledge there’s fault;
 
In doctrines no savour; in duties no salt.]
7
[The fear of the Lord confirms a good hope;
 
By this are restored the senses that droop;
 
The deeper it reaches, the more the soul thrives;
 
It gives what it teaches, and guards what it gives.]
8
The fear of the Lord forbids us to yield;
 
It sharpens our sword and strengthens our shield.
 
Then cry we to heaven, with one loud accord,
 
That to us be given the fear of the Lord.