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.