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For why? That God the good adore, Hath giv'n them peace and rest, But hath decreed that wicked men Shall ne'er be truly blest.

 

Divider from 'The Beauties of Burn's Poems' a chapbook printed in Falkirk in 1819

 

The First Six Verses

Of the Nintieth PSALM.

Thou, the first, the greatest Friendly Of all the human race! Whose strong right-hand has ever been Their stay and dwelling-place:

Before the mountains heav'd their heads Beneath thy forming hand, Before this pond'rous globe itself Arose at Thy command.

That Pow'r which rais d, and still upholds This universal frame, From countless unbeginning time, Was ever still the same.

Those mighty periods of years, Which seem to us so vast Appear no more before thy sight Than yesterday that's past.

Thou giv'st the word: Thy creature, man, Is to existence brought: Again, Thou say'st, 'Ye sons of men, 'Return ye into nought,'