INTRODUCTION
HEREaresomeofthemostbeautifulsongsofpeace andjoythattheworldpossessesYettheirorigin,the dateoftheirwriting,andtheexactmeaningofmany oftheversesremainoneofthegreatliterarymysteries.
Theyhavecomedowntousinasingleandvery ancientdocumentinSyriaclanguage.Evidentlythat documentisatranslationfromtheoriginalGreek CriticaldebatehasragedaroundtheseOdes;oneof themostplausibleexplanationsisthattheyaresongs ofnewlybaptizedChristiansoftheFirstCentury.
Theyarestrangelylackinginhistoricalallusions. Theirradianceisnoreflectionofotherdays.Theydo notborrowfromeithertheOldTestamentorthe GospelsTheinspirationoftheseversesisfirst-hand TheyremindyouofAristides'remark,"Anewpeople withwhomsomethingDivineismingled"Hereis vigorandinsighttowhichwecanfindparallelsonly inthemostexaltedpartsoftheScriptures.
Forthesedazzlingmysteryodes,weoweour translationtoJ.RendelHarris,MA.,Hon.Fellowof ClareCollege,Cambridge.Hesaysaboutthem: "Theredoesnotseemtobeanythingaboutwhich everyoneseemagreedunlessitbethattheOdesareof singularbeautyandhighspiritualvalue."
ODE1
1TheLordisonmyheadlikeacrown,andIshallnot bewithoutHim
2Theywoveformeacrownoftruth,anditcaused thybranchestobudinme.
3Foritisnotlikeawitheredcrownwhichbuddeth not:butthoulivestuponmyhead,andthouhast blossomeduponmyhead.
4Thyfruitsarefull-grownandperfect,theyarefull ofthysalvation
ODE2
(NopartofthisOdehaseverbeenidentified)
ODE3
1...Iputon:
2Andhismembersarewithhim.AndonthemdoI stand,andHelovesme:
3ForIshouldnothaveknownhowtolovetheLord, ifHehadnotlovedme.
4Forwhoisabletodistinguishlove,excepttheone thatisloved?
5IlovetheBeloved,andmysoullovesHim:
6AndwhereHisrestis,therealsoamI;
7AndIshallbenostranger,forwiththeLordMost HighandMercifulthereisnogrudging.
8IhavebeenunitedtoI-run,fortheLoverhasfound theBeloved,
9AndbecauseIshallloveHimthat,istheSon,Ishall becomeason;
10ForhethatisjoinedtoHimthatisimmortal,will alsohimselfbecomeimmortal;
11AndhewhohaspleasureintheLivingOne,will becomeliving
12ThisistheSpiritoftheLord,whichdothnotlie, whichteacheththesonsofmentoknowHisways. 13Bewiseandunderstandingandvigilant.Hallelujah.
ODE4
1Noman,OmyGod,changeththyholyplace; 2Anditisnot(possible)thatheshouldchangeitand putitinanotherplace:becausehehathnopowerover it:
3Forthysanctuarythouhastdesignedbeforethou didstmake(other)places:
4Thatwhichistheoldershallnotbealteredbythose thatareyoungerthanitself
5Thouhasgiventhyheart,OLord,tothybelievers: neverwiltthoufail,norbewithoutfruits:
6ForonehourofthyFaithismorepreciousthanall daysandyears
7Forwhoistherethatshallputonthygrace,andbe hurt?
8Forthysealisknown:andthycreaturesknowit: andthy(heavenly)hostspossessit:andtheelect archangelsarecladwithit.
9Thouhastgivenusthyfellowship:itwasnotthat thouwastinneedofus:butthatweareinneedof thee:
10Distillthydewsuponusandopenthyrich fountainsthatpourforthtousmilkandhoney:
11Forthereisnorepentancewiththeethatthou shouldestrepentofanythingthatthouhastpromised: 12Andtheendwasrevealedbeforethee:forwhat thougavest,thougavestfreely:
13Sothatthoumayest,notdrawthembackandtake themagain:
14ForallwasrevealedbeforetheeasGod,and orderedfromthebeginningbeforethee:andthou,O God,hastmadeallthingsHallelujah
ODE5
1Iwillgivethanksuntothee,OLord,becauseIlove thee;
2OMostHigh,thouwiltnotforsakeme,forthouart myhope:
3FreelyIhavereceivedthygrace,Ishalllivethereby:
4Mypersecutorswillcomeandnotseeme:
5Acloudofdarknessshallfallontheireyes;andan airofthickgloomshalldarkenthem:
6Andtheyshallhavenolighttosee:theymaynot takeholduponme.
7Lettheircounselbecomethickdarkness,andwhatI havecunninglydevised,letitreturnupontheirown heads:
8Fortheyhavedevisedacounsel,anditdidnot succeed:
9FormyhopeisupontheLord,andIwillnotfear, andbecausetheLordismysalvation,Iwillnotfear:
10AndHeisasagarlandonmyheadandIshallnot bemoved;evenifeverythingshouldbeshaken,I standfirm;
11Andifallthingsvisibleshouldperish,Ishallnot die;becausetheLordiswithmeandIamwithHim Hallelujah.
ODE6
1Asthehandmovesovertheharp,andthestrings speak
2SospeaksinmymemberstheSpiritoftheLord,and IspeakbyHislove.
3Foritdestroyswhatisforeign,andeverythingthat isbitter:
4Forthusitwasfromthebeginningandwillbetothe end,thatnothingshouldbeHisadversary,and nothingshouldstandupagainstHim
5TheLordhasmultipliedtheknowledgeofHimself, andiszealousthatthesethingsshouldbeknown, whichbyHisgracehavebeengiventous.
6AndthepraiseofHisnameHegaveus:ourspirits praiseHisholySpirit
7Fortherewentforthastreamandbecameariver greatandbroad;
8Foritfloodedandbrokeupeverythingandit brought(water)totheTemple:
9Andtherestrainersofthechildrenofmenwerenot abletorestrainit,northeartsofthosewhosebusiness itistorestrainwaters;
10Foritspreadoverthefaceofthewholeearth,and filledeverything:andallthethirstyuponearthwere giventodrinkofit;
11Andthirstwasrelievedandquenched:forfromthe MostHighthedraughtwasgiven
12Blessedthenaretheministersofthatdraughtwho areentrustedwiththatwaterofHis:
13Theyhaveassuagedthedrylips,andthewillthat hadfaintedtheyhaveraisedup;
14Andsoulsthatwereneardepartingtheyhave caughtbackfromdeath:
15Andlimbsthathadfallentheystraightenedandset up:
16Theygavestrengthfortheirfeeblenessandlightto theireyes:
17ForeveryoneknewthemintheLord,andthey livedbythewateroflifeforeverHallelujah
ODE7
1Astheimpulseofangeragainstevil,soisthe impulseofjoyoverwhatislovely,andbringsinofits fruitswithoutrestraint:
2MyjoyistheLordandmyimpulseistowardHim: thispathofmineisexcellent:
3ForIhaveahelper,theLord
4HehathcausedmetoknowHimself,without grudging,byHissimplicity:Hiskindnesshas humbledHisgreatness
5Hebecamelikeme,inorderthatImightreceive Him:
6HewasreckonedlikemyselfinorderthatImight putHimon;
7AndItremblednotwhenIsawHim:becauseHe wasgracioustome:
8LikemynatureHebecamethatImightlearnHim andlikemyform,thatImightnotturnbackfrom Him:
9TheFatherofknowledgeisthewordofknowledge: 10HewhocreatedwisdomiswiserthanHisworks:
11AndHewhocreatedmewhenyetIwasnotknew whatIshoulddowhenIcameintobeing:
12WhereforeHepitiedmeinHisabundantgrace: andgrantedmetoaskfromHimandtoreceivefrom Hissacrifice:
13BecauseHeitisthatisincorrupt,thefulnessofthe agesandtheFatherofthem.
14HehathgivenHimtobeseenofthemthatareHis, inorderthattheymayrecognizeHimthatmadethem: andthattheymightnotsupposethattheycameof themselves:
15ForknowledgeHehathappointedasitsway,He hathwideneditandextendedit;andbroughttoall perfection;
16AndsetoveritthetracesofHislight,andIwalked thereinfromthebeginningeventotheend
17ForbyHimitwaswrought,andHewasrestingin theSon,andforitssalvationHewilltakeholdof everything;
18AndtheMostHighshallbeknowninHisSaints, toannouncetothosethathavesongsofthecomingof theLord;
19ThattheymaygoforthtomeetHim,andmaysing toHimwithjoyandwiththeharpofmanytones:
20TheseersshallcomebeforeHimandtheyshallbe seenbeforeHim,
21AndtheyshallpraisetheLordforHislove: becauseHeisnearandbeholdeth.
22Andhatredshallbetakenfromtheearth,andalong withjealousyitshallbedrowned:
23Forignorancehathbeendestroyed,becausethe knowledgeoftheLordhatharrived.
24Theywhomakesongsshallsingthegraceofthe LordMostHigh;
25Andtheyshallbringtheirsongs,andtheirheart shallbeliketheday:andliketheexcellentbeautyof theLordtheirpleasantsong:
26Andthereshallneitherbeanythingthatbreathes withoutknowledge,noranythatisdumb:
27ForHehathgivenamouthtoHiscreation,toopen thevoiceofthemouthtowardsHim,topraiseHim:
28ConfessyeHispower,andshowforthHisgrace Hallelujah.
ODE8
1Openye,openyeyourheartstotheexultationofthe Lord:
2Andletyourlovebemultipliedfromtheheartand eventothelips,
3TobringforthfruittotheLord[fruit],holy[fruit], andtotalkwithwatchfulnessinHislight
4Riseup,andstanderect,yewhosometimewere broughtlow:
5Tellforthyewhowereinsilence,thatyourmouth hathbeenopened.
6Ye,therefore,thatweredespised,behenceforth liftedup,becauseyourrighteousnesshathbeen exalted.
7FortherighthandoftheLordiswithyou:andHeis yourhelper:
8Andpeacewaspreparedforyou,beforeeveryour warwas.
9Hearthewordoftruth,andreceivetheknowledge oftheMostHigh
10YourfleshhasnotknownwhatIamsayingtoyou neitherhaveyourheartsknownwhatIamshowingto you
11Keepmysecret,yewhoarekeptbyit: 12Keepmyfaith,yewhoarekeptbyit.
13Andunderstandmyknowledge,yewhoknowme intruth
14Lovemewithaffection,yewholove:
15ForIdonotturnawaymyfacefromthemthatare mine;
16ForIknowthem,andbeforetheycameintobeing Itookknowledgeofthem,andontheirfacesIsetmy seal:
17Ifashionedtheirmembers:myownbreastsI preparedforthem,thattheymightdrinkmyholymilk andlivethereby
181tookpleasureinthemandamnotashamedof them:
19Formyworkmanshiparetheyandthestrengthof mythoughts:
20Whothenshallriseupagainstmyhandiwork,or whoistherethatisnotsubjecttothem?
21Iwilledandfashionedmindandheart:andtheyare mine,andbymyownrighthandIsetmyelectones:
22Andmyrighteousnessgoethbeforethemandthey shallnotbedeprivedofmyname,foritiswiththem.
23Ask,andaboundandabideintheloveoftheLord,
24AndyetbelovedonesintheBeloved:thosewho arekept,inHimthatliveth:
25AndtheythataresavedinHimthatwassaved;
26Andyeshallbefoundincorruptinallagestothe nameofyourFather.Hallelujah.
ODE9
1OpenyourearsandIwillspeaktoyou.Giveme yoursoulsthatImayalsogiveyoumysoul,
2ThewordoftheLordandHisgoodpleasures,the holythoughtwhichHehasdevisedconcerninghis Messiah.
3ForinthewilloftheLordisyoursalvation,andHis thoughtiseverlastinglife;andyourendis immortality.
qBeenrichedinGodtheFather,andreceivethe thoughtoftheMostHigh
5BestrongandberedeemedbyHisgrace.
6ForIannouncetoyoupeace,toyouHissaints;
7Thatnoneofthosewhohearmayfallinwar,and thatthoseagainwhohaveknownHimmaynotperish, andthatthosewhoreceivemaynotbeashamed.
8AneverlastingcrownforeverisTruthBlessedare theywhosetitontheirheads:
9Astoneofgreatpriceisit;andtherehavebeenwars onaccountofthecrown
10Andrighteousnesshathtakenitandhathgivenit toyou.
11PutonthecrowninthetruecovenantoftheLord.
12Andallthosewhohaveconqueredshallbewritten inHisbook
13Fortheirbookisvictorywhichisyours.Andshe (Victory)seesyoubeforeherandwillsthatyoushall besavedHallelujah
ODE10
1TheLordhathdirectedmymouthbyHisword:and HehathopenedmyheartbyHislight:andHehath causedtodwellinmeHisdeathlesslife;
2AndgavemethatImightspeakthefruitofHis peace:
3Toconvertthesoulsofthemwhoarewillingto cometoHim;andtoleadcaptiveagoodcaptivityfor freedom.
4Iwasstrengthenedandmademightyandtookthe worldcaptive;
5AnditbecametomeforthepraiseoftheMostHigh, andofGodmyFather.
6AndtheGentilesweregatheredtogetherwhowere scatteredabroad
7AndIwasunpollutedbymyloveforthem,because theyconfessedmeinhighplaces:andthetracesofthe lightweresetupontheirheart:
8Andtheywalkedinmylifeandweresavedand becamemypeopleforeverandever.Hallelujah.
ODE11
1Myheartwasclovenanditsflowerappeared;and gracesprangupinit:anditbroughtforthfruittothe Lord,
2FortheMostHighclavemyheartbyHisHoly SpiritandsearchedmyaffectiontowardsHim:and filledmewithHislove
3AndHisopeningofmebecamemysalvation;andI raninHiswayinHispeace,eveninthewayoftruth:
4FromthebeginningandeventotheendIacquired Hisknowledge:
5AndIwasestablishedupontherockoftruth,where Hehadsetmeup:
6Andspeakingwaterstouchedmylipsfromthe fountainoftheLordplenteously:
7AndIdrankandwasinebriatedwiththeliving waterthatdothnotdie;
8Andmyinebriationwasnotonewithoutknowledge, butIforsookvanityandturnedtotheMostHighmy God,
9AndIwasenrichedbyHisbounty,andIforsookthe follywhichisdiffusedovertheearth;andIstrippedit offandcastitfromme:
10AndtheLordrenewedmeinHisraiment,and possessedmebyHislight,andfromaboveHegave merestinincorruption;
11AndIbecamelikethelandwhichblossomsand rejoicesinitsfruits:
12AndtheLordwaslikethesunshiningontheface oftheland;
13Helightenedmyeyes,andmyfacereceivedthe dew;andmynostrilsenjoyedthepleasantodourof theLord;
14AndHecarriedmetoHisParadise;whereisthe abundanceofthepleasureoftheLord;
15AndIworshippedtheLordonaccountofHisglory; andIsaid,Blessed,OLord,aretheywhoareplanted inthyland!andthosewhohaveaplaceinthy Paradise;
16AndtheygrowbythefruitsofthetreesAndthey havechangedfromdarknesstolight
17Behold!allthyservantsarefair,whodogood works,andturnawayfromwickednesstothe pleasantnessthatisthine:
18Andtheyhaveturnedbackthebitternessofthe treesfromthem,whentheywereplantedinthy,land;
19Andeverythingbecamelikearelicofthyself,and memorialforeverofthyfaithfulworks.
20ForthereisabundantroominthyParadise,and nothingisuselesstherein;
21Buteverythingisfilledwithfruit;glorybetothee, OGod,thedelightofParadiseforever.Hallelujah.
ODE12
1Hehathfilledmewithwordsoftruth;thatImay speakthesame;
2Andliketheflowofwatersflowstruthfrommy mouth,andmylipsshowforthHisfruit.
3AndHehascausedHisknowledgetoaboundinme, becausethemouthoftheLordisthetrueWord,and thedoorofHislight;
4AndtheMostHighhathgivenittoHiswords, whicharetheinterpretersofHisownbeauty,andthe repeatersofHispraise,andtheconfessorsofHis counsel,andtheheraldsofHisthought,andthe chastenersofHisservants
5FortheswiftnessoftheWordisinexpressible,and likeitsexpressionisitsswiftnessandforce;
6Anditscourseknowsnolimit.Neverdothitfail, butitstandssure,anditknowsnotdescentnorthe wayofit.
7Forasitsworkis,soisitsend:foritislightandthe dawningofthought;
8Andbyittheworldstalkonetotheother;andinthe Wordtherewerethosethatweresilent;
9Andfromitcameloveandconcord;andtheyspake onetotheotherwhateverwastheirs;andtheywere penetratedbytheWord;
10AndtheyknewHimwhomadethem,becausethey wereinconcord;forthemouthoftheMostHigh spaketothem;andHisexplanationranbymeansofit:
11Forthedwelling-placeoftheWordisman:andits truthislove
12Blessedaretheywhobymeansthereofhave understoodeverything,andhaveknowntheLordin Histruth.Hallelujah.
ODE13
1Behold!theLordisourmirror:opentheeyesand seetheminHim:andlearnthemannerofyourface:
2AndtellforthpraisetoHisspirit:andwipeoffthe filthfromyourface:andloveHisholinessandclothe yourselvestherewith:
3AndbewithoutstainatalltimesbeforeHim. Hallelujah.
ODE14
1Astheeyesofasontohisfather,soaremyeyes,O Lord,atalltimestowardsthee
2Forwiththeearemyconsolationsandmydelight.
3Turnnotawaythymerciesfromme,OLord:and takenotthykindnessfromme
4Stretchouttome,OLord,atalltimesthyrighthand: andbemyguideevenuntotheend,accordingtothy goodpleasure
5Letmebewell-pleasingbeforethee,becauseofthy gloryandbecauseofthyname:
6Letmebepreservedfromevil,andletthymeekness, OLord,abidewithme,andthefruitsofthylove
7TeachmethePsalmsofthytruth,thatImaybring forthfruitinthee:
8AndopentometheharpofthyHolySpirit,that withallitsnotesImaypraisethee,OLord.
9Andaccordingtothemultitudeofthytender mercies,sothoushaltgivetome;andhastentogrant ourpetitions;andthouartableforallourneeds. Hallelujah.
ODE15
1Asthesunisthejoytothemthatseekforits daybreak,soismyjoytheLord;
2BecauseHeismySunandHisrayshaveliftedme up;andHislighthathdispelledalldarknessfrommy face
3InHimIhaveacquiredeyesandhaveseenHisholy day:
4EarshavebecomemineandIhaveheardHistruth
5Thethoughtofknowledgehathbeenmine,andI havebeendelightedthroughHim.
6ThewayoferrorIhaveleft,andhavewalked towardsHimandhavereceivedsalvationfromHim, withoutgrudging.
7AndaccordingtoHisbountyHehathgiventome, andaccordingtoHisexcellentbeautyHehathmade me.
8IhaveputonincorruptionthroughHisname:and haveputoftcorruptionbyHisgrace
9Deathhathbeendestroyedbeforemyface:and Sheolhathbeenabolishedbymyword:
10AndtherehathgoneupdeathlesslifeintheLord's land,
11AndithathbeenmadeknowntoHisfaithfulones, andhathbeengivenwithoutstinttoallthosethattrust inHimHallelujah
ODE16
1Astheworkofthehusbandmanistheploughshare: andtheworkofthesteersmanistheguidanceofthe ship:
2SoalsomyworkisthePsalmoftheLord:mycraft andmyoccupationareinHispraises:
3BecauseHislovebathnourishedmyheart,andeven tomylipsHisfruitsHepouredout
4FormyloveistheLord,andthereforeIwillsing untoHim:
5ForIammadestronginHispraise,andIhavefaith inHim
6IwillopenmymouthandHisspiritwillutterinme thegloryoftheLordandHisbeauty;theworkofHis handsandtheoperationofHisfingers:
7ThemultitudeofHismerciesandthestrengthofHis word.
8ForthewordoftheLordsearchesoutallthings, boththeinvisibleandthatwhichrevealsHisthought;
9FortheeyeseesHisworks,andtheearhearsHis thought;
10HespreadouttheearthandHesettledthewaters inthesea:
11Hemeasuredtheheavensandfixedthestars:and Heestablishedthecreationandsetitup:
12AndHerestedfromHisworks:
13Andcreatedthingsrunintheircourses,anddo theirworks:
14Andtheyknownothowtostandandbeidle;and HisheavenlyhostsaresubjecttoHisword.
15Thetreasure-chamberofthelightisthesun,and thetreasuryofthedarknessisthenight:
16AndHemadethesunforthedaythatitmaybe bright,butnightbringsdarknessoverthefaceofthe land;
17Andtheiralternationsonetotheotherspeakthe beautyofGod:
ISAndthereisnothingthatiswithouttheLord;for Hewasbeforeanythingcameintobeing:
19AndtheworldsweremadebyHisword,andby thethoughtofHisheartGloryandhonourtoHis nameHallelujah
ODE17
1IwascrownedbymyGod:mycrownisliving: 2AndIwasjustifiedinmyLord:myincorruptible salvationisHe
3Iwasloosedfromvanity,andIwasnotcondemned: 4Thechokingbondswerecutoffbyherhands:I receivedthefaceandthefashionofanewperson:and Iwalkedinitandwassaved;
5AndthethoughtoftruthledmeonAndIwalked afteritanddidnotwander:
6Andallthathaveseenmewereamazed:andIwas regardedbythemasastrangeperson:
7AndHewhoknewandbroughtmeupistheMost HighinallHisperfection.AndHeglorifiedmeby Hiskindness,andraisedmythoughtstotheheightof Histruth.
8AndfromthenceHegavemethewayofHis preceptsandIopenedthedoorsthatwereclosed, 9Andbrakeinpiecesthebarsofiron;butmyiron meltedanddissolvedbeforeme;
10Nothingappearedclosedtome:becauseIwasthe doorofeverything
11AndIwentoverallmybondmentoloosethem; thatImightnotleaveanymanboundorbinding:
12AndIimpartedmyknowledgewithoutgrudging: andmyprayerwasinmylove:
13AndIsowedmyfruitsinhearts,andtransformed themintomyself:andtheyreceivedmyblessingand lived;
14Andtheyweregatheredtomeandweresaved; becausetheyweretomeasmyownmembersandI wastheirheadGlorytotheeourhead,theLord MessiahHallelujah
ODE18
1MyheartwasliftedupintheloveoftheMostHigh andwasenlarged:thatImightpraiseHimforHis name'ssake.
2Mymemberswerestrengthenedthattheymightnot fallfromHisstrength
3Sicknessesremovedfrommybody,anditstoodto theLordbyHiswill.ForHiskingdomistrue.
4OLord,forthesakeofthemthataredeficientdo notremovethywordfromme!
5Neitherforthesakeoftheirworksdothourestrain frommethyperfection!
6Letnottheluminarybeconqueredbythedarkness; norlettruthfleeawayfromfalsehood.
7Thouwiltappointmetovictory;ourSalvationis thyrighthandAndthouwiltreceivemenfromall quarters
8Andthouwiltpreservewhosoeverisheldinevils:
9ThouartmyGodFalsehoodanddeatharenotin thymouth:
10Forthywillisperfection;andvanitythouknowest not,
11Nordoesitknowthee
12Anderrorthouknowestnot, 13Neitherdoesitknowthee.
14Andignoranceappearedlikeablindman;andlike thefoamofthesea,
15Andtheysupposedofthatvainthingthatitwas somethinggreat;
16Andtheytoocameinlikenessofitandbecame vain;andthosehaveunderstoodwhohaveknownand meditated;
17Andtheyhavenotbeencorruptintheir imagination;forsuchwereinthemindoftheLord;
18Andtheymockedatthemthatwerewalkingin error;
19Andtheyspaketruthfromtheinspirationwhich theMostHighbreathedintothem;Praiseandgreat comelinesstoHisnameHallelujah.
ODE19
1Acupofmilkwasofferedtome:andIdrankitin thesweetnessofthedelightoftheLord
2TheSonisthecup,andHewhowasmilkedisthe Father:
3AndtheHolySpiritmilkedHim:becauseHis breastswerefull,anditwasnecessaryforHimthat Hismilkshouldbesufficientlyreleased;
4AndtheHolySpiritopenedHisbosomandmingled themilkfromthetwobreastsoftheFather;andgave themixturetotheworldwithouttheirknowing:
5Andtheywhoreceiveinitsfulnessaretheoneson therighthand
6TheSpiritopenedthewomboftheVirginandshe receivedconceptionandbroughtforth;andtheVirgin becameaMotherwithmanymercies;
7AndshetravailedandbroughtforthaSon,without incurringpain;
8Andbecauseshewasnotsufficientlyprepared,and shehadnotsoughtamidwife(forHebroughtherto bear)shebroughtforth,asifshewereaman,ofher ownwill;
9AndshebroughtHimforthopenly,andacquired Himwithgreatdignity, 10AndlovedHiminHisswaddlingclothesand guardedHimkindly,andshowedHiminMajesty Hallelujah
ODE20
1IamapriestoftheLord,andtoHimIdopriestly service:andtoHimIofferthesacrificeofHisthought. 2ForHisthoughtisnotlikethethoughtoftheworld northethoughtoftheflesh,norlikethemthatserve carnally.
3ThesacrificeoftheLordisrighteousness,and purityofheartandlips
4PresentyourreinsbeforeHimblamelessly:andlet notthyheartdoviolencetoheart,northysoultosoul. 5Thoushaltnotacquireastrangerbythepriceofthy silver,neithershaltthouseektodevourthyneighbour, 6Neithershaltthoudeprivehimofthecoveringofhis nakedness
7ButputonthegraceoftheLordwithoutstint;and comeintoHisParadiseandmaketheeagarlandfrom itstree,
8Andputitonthyheadandbeglad;andreclineon Hisrest,andgloryshallgobeforethee,
9AndthoushaltreceiveofHiskindnessandofHis grace;andthoushaltbeflourishingintruthinthe praiseofHisholinessPraiseandhonourbetoHis name.Hallelujah.
ODE21
1MyarmsIlifteduptotheMostHigh,eventothe graceoftheLord:becauseHehadcastoffmybonds fromme:andmyHelperhadliftedmeuptoHisgrace andtoHissalvation:
2AndIputoffdarknessandclothedmyselfwithlight, 3Andmysoulacquiredabodyfreefromsorrowor afflictionorpains.
4Andincreasinglyhelpfultomewasthethoughtof theLord,andHisfellowshipinincorruption:
5AndIwasliftedupinHislight;andIservedbefore Him,
6AndIbecameneartoHim,praisingandconfessing Him;
7Myheartranoverandwasfoundinmymouth:and itaroseuponmylips;andtheexultationoftheLord increasedonmyface,andHispraiselikewise Hallelujah
ODE22
1Hewhobroughtmedownfromonhigh,also broughtmeupfromtheregionsbelow;
2AndHewhogatherstogetherthethingsthatare betwixtisHealsowhocastmedown:
3Hewhoscatteredmyenemieshadexistedfrom ancientandmyadversaries:
4HewhogavemeauthorityoverbondsthatImight loosethem;
5Hethatoverthrewbymyhandsthedragonwith sevenheads:andthouhastsetmeoverhisrootsthatI mightdestroyhisseed.
6Thouwastthereanddidsthelpme,andinevery placethynamewasarampartme
7Thyrighthanddestroyedhiswickedpoison;andthy handlevelledthewayforthosewhobelieveinthee
8Andthoudidstchoosethemfromthegravesand didstseparatethemfromthedead.
9Thoudidsttakedeadbonesanddidstcoverthem withbodies
10Theyweremotionless,andthoudidstgivethem energyforlife.
11Thywaywaswithoutcorruption,andthyface; thoudidstbringthyworldtocorruption:that everythingmightbedissolved,andthenrenewed, 12Andthatthefoundationforeverythingmightbe thyrock:andonitthoudidstbuildthykingdom;and itbecamethedwellingplaceofthesaints.Hallelujah.
ODE23
1Joyisofthesaints!andwhoshallputiton,butthey alone?
2Graceisoftheelect!andwhoshallreceiveitexcept thosewhotrustinitfromthebeginning?
3Loveisoftheelect?Andwhoshallputitonexcept thosewhohavepossesseditfromthebeginning?
4WalkyeintheknowledgeoftheMostHighwithout grudging:toHisexultationandtotheperfectionof Hisknowledge
5AndHisthoughtwaslikealetter;Hiswill descendedfromonhigh,anditwassentlikeanarrow whichisviolentlyshotfromthebow:
6Andmanyhandsrushedtothelettertoseizeitand totakeandreadit:
7Anditescapedtheirfingersandtheywere affrightedatitandatthesealthatwasuponit
8Becauseitwasnotpermittedtothemtolooseits seal:forthepowerthatwasoverthesealwasgreater thanthey
9Butthosewhosawitwentaftertheletterthatthey mightknowwhereitwouldalight,andwhoshould readitandwhoshouldhearit.
10Butawheelreceiveditandcameoverit:
11AndtherewaswithitasignoftheKingdomandof theGovernment:
12Andeverythingwhichtriedtomovethewheelit mowedandcutdown:
13Anditgatheredthemultitudeofadversaries,and bridgedtheriversandcrossedoverandrootedup manyforestsandmadeabroadpath.
14Theheadwentdowntothefeet,fordowntothe feetranthewheel,andthatwhichwasasignuponit 15Theletterwasoneofcommand,fortherewere includedinitalldistricts;
16Andtherewasseenatitshead,theheadwhichwas revealedeventheSonofTruthfromtheMostHigh Father,
17AndHeinheritedandtookpossessionof everythingAndthethoughtofmanywasbroughtto nought.
18Andalltheapostateshastedandfledaway.And thosewhopersecutedandwereenragedbecame extinct
19Andtheletterwasagreatvolume,whichwas whollywrittenbythefingerofGod:
20AndthenameoftheFatherwasonit,andofthe SonandoftheHolySpirit,toruleforeverandever. Hallelujah.
ODE24
1TheDoveflutteredovertheMessiah,becauseHe washerhead;andshesangoverHimandhervoice washeard:
2Andtheinhabitantswereafraidandthesojourners weremoved:
3Thebirdsdroppedtheirwingsandallcreeping thingsdiedintheirholes:andtheabysseswere openedwhichhadbeenhidden;andtheycriedtothe Lordlikewomenintravail:
4Andnofoodwasgiventothem,becauseitdidnot belongtothem;
5Andtheysealeduptheabysseswiththesealofthe Lord.Andtheyperished,inthethought,thosethat hadexistedfromancienttimes;
6Fortheywerecorruptfromthebeginning;andthe endoftheircorruptionwaslife:
7Andeveryoneofthemthatwasimperfectperished: foritwasnotpossibletogivethemawordthatthey mightremain:
8AndtheLorddestroyedtheimaginationsofallthem thathadnotthetruthwiththem
9Fortheywhointheirheartswereliftedupwere deficientinwisdom,andsotheywererejected, becausethetruthwasnotwiththem.
10FortheLorddisclosedHisway,andspreadabroad Hisgrace:andthosewhounderstoodit,knowHis holiness.Hallelujah.
ODE25
1Iwasrescuedfrommybondsanduntothee,my God,Ifled:
2ForthouarttherighthandofmySalvationandmy helper.
3Thouhastrestrainedthosethatriseupagainstme,
4AndIshallseehimnomore:becausethyfacewas withme,whichsavedmebythygrace.
5ButIwasdespisedandrejectedintheeyeofmany: andIwasintheireyeslikelead,
6Andstrengthwasminefromthyselfandhelp
7Thoudidstsetmealampatmyrighthandandat myleft:andinmethereshallbenothingthatisnot bright:
8AndIwasclothedwiththecoveringofthySpirit, andthoudidstremovefrommemyraimentofskin;
9Forthyrighthandliftedmeupandremoved sicknessfromme:
10AndIbecamemightyin:thetruth,andholybythy righteousness;andallmyadversarieswereafraidof me;
11AndIbecameadmirablebythenameoftheLord, andwasjustifiedbyHisgentleness,andHisrestisfor everandeverHallelujah
ODE26
1IpouredoutpraisetotheLord,forIamHis:
2AndIwillspeakHisholysong,formyheartiswith Him
3ForHisharpisinmyhands,andtheOdesofHis restshallnotbesilent.
4Iwillcryuntohimfrommywholeheart:Iwill praiseandexaltHimwithallmymembers
5ForfromtheeastandeventothewestisHispraise: 6Andfromthesouthandeventothenorthisthe confessionofHim:
7Andfromthetopofthehillstotheirutmostbound isHisperfection.
8WhocanwritethePsalmsoftheLord,orwhoread them?
9Orwhocantrainhissoulforlife,thathissoulmay besaved,
10OrwhocanrestontheMostHigh,sothatwithHis mouthhemayspeak?
11WhoisabletointerpretthewondersoftheLord?
12Forhewhocouldinterpretwouldbedissolvedand wouldbecomethatwhichisinterpreted
13Foritsufficestoknowandtorest:forinrestthe singersstand,
14Likeariverwhichhasanabundantfountain,and flowstothehelpofthemthatseekit.Hallelujah.
ODE27
1IstretchedoutmyhandsandsanctifiedmyLord:
2FortheextensionofmyhandsisHissign:
3Andmyexpansionistheuprighttree[orcross]
ODE28
1Asthewingsofdovesovertheirnestlings;andthe mouthoftheirnestlingstowardstheirmouths
2SoalsoarethewingsoftheSpiritovermyheart:
3Myheartisdelightedandexults:likethebabewho exultsinthewombofhismother:
4Ibelieved;thereforeIwasatrest;forfaithfulisHe inwhomIhavebelieved:
5HehasrichlyblessedmeandmyheadiswithHim: andtheswordshallnotdividemefromHim,northe scimitar;
6ForIamreadybeforedestructioncomes;andIhave beensetonHisimmortalpinions:
7AndHeshowedmeHissign:forthandgivenmeto drink,andfromthatlifeisthespiritwithinme,andit cannotdie,foritlives
8Theywhosawmemarvelledatme,becauseIwas persecuted,andtheysupposedthatIwasswallowed up:forIseemedtothemasoneofthelost;
9Andmyoppressionbecamemysalvation;andIwas theirreprobationbecausetherewasnozealinme;
10BecauseIdidgoodtoeverymanIwashated,
11Andtheycameroundmelikemaddogs,who ignorantlyattacktheirmasters,
12Fortheirthoughtiscorruptandtheirunderstanding perverted
13ButIwascarryingwaterinmyrighthand,and theirbitternessIenduredbymysweetness;
14AndIdidnotperish,forIwasnottheirbrothernor wasmybirthliketheirs
15Andtheysoughtformydeathanddidnotfindit: forIwasolderthanthememorialofthem;
16Andvainlydidtheymakeattackuponmeand thosewho,withoutreward,cameafterme:
17Theysoughttodestroythememorialofhimwho wasbeforethem.
18ForthethoughtoftheMostHighcannotbe anticipated;andHisheartissuperiortoallwisdom. Hallelujah.
ODE29
1TheLordismyhope:inHimIshallnotbe confounded
2ForaccordingtoHispraiseHemademe,and accordingtoHisgoodnessevensoHegaveuntome:
3AndaccordingtoHismerciesHeexaltedme:and accordingtoHisexcellentbeautyHesetmeonhigh:
4AndbroughtmeupoutofthedepthsofSheol:and fromthemouthofdeathHedrewme:
5Andthoudidstlaymyenemieslow,andHe justifiedmebyHisgrace.
6ForIbelievedintheLord'sMessiah:andit appearedtomethatHeistheLord;
7AndHeshowedhimHissign:andHeledmebyHis light,andgavemetherodofHispower;
8ThatImightsubduetheimaginationsofthepeoples; andthepowerofthemenofmighttobringthemlow:
9TomakewarbyHisword,andtotakevictoryby Hispower
10AndtheLordoverthrewmyenemybyHisword: andhebecamelikethestubblewhichthewindcarries away;
11AndIgavepraisetotheMostHighbecauseHe exaltedmeHisservantandthesonofHishandmaid.
Hallelujah
ODE30
1Fillyewatersforyourselvesfromtheliving fountainoftheLord,foritisopenedtoyou:
2Andcomeallyethirsty,andtakethedraught;and restbythefountainoftheLord
3Forfairitisandpureandgivesresttothesoul Muchmorepleasantareitswatersthanhoney;
4Andthehoneycombofbeesisnottobecompared withit
5ForitflowsforthfromthelipsoftheLordandfrom theheartoftheLordisitsname.
6Anditcameinfinitelyandinvisibly:anduntilitwas setinthemidsttheydidnotknowit:
7Blessedaretheywhohavedrunktherefromand havefoundresttherebyHallelujah
ODE31
1TheabyssesweredissolvedbeforetheLord:and darknesswasdestroyedbyHisappearance:
2ErrorwentastrayandperishedatHishand:and follyfoundnopathtowalkin,andwassubmergedby thetruthoftheLord
3HeopenedHismouthandspakegraceandjoy:and HespakeanewsongofpraisetoHisname: 4AndHeliftedupHisvoicetotheMostHigh,and offeredtoHimthesonsthatwerewithHim.
5AndHisfacewasjustified,forthusHisholyFather hadgiventoHim
6Comeforth,yethathavebeenafflictedandreceive joy,andpossessyoursoulsbyHisgrace;andtaketo youimmortallife
7AndtheymademeadebtorwhenIroseup,mewho hadbeenadebtor:andtheydividedmyspoil,though nothingwasduetothem
8ButIenduredandheldmypeaceandwassilent,as ifnot,movedbythem.
9ButIstoodunshakenlikeafirmrockwhichis beatenbythewavesandendures
10AndIboretheirbitternessforhumility'ssake:
11Inorder,thatImightredeemmypeople,and inherititandthatImightnotmakevoidmypromises tothefathers,towhomIpromisedthesalvationof theirseedHallelujah
ODE32
1Totheblessedthereisjoyfromtheirhearts,and lightfromHimthatdwellsinthem:
2AndwordsfromtheTruth,whowasself-originate: forHeisstrengthenedbytheholypoweroftheMost High:andHeisunperturbedforeverandever Hallelujah
ODE33
1AgainGraceranandforsookcorruption,andcame downinHimtobringittonought;
2AndHedestroyedperditionfrombeforeHim,and devastatedallitsorder;
3AndHestoodonaloftysummitandutteredHis voicefromoneendoftheearthtotheother:
4AnddrewtoHimallthosewhoobeyedHim;and theredidnotappearasitwereanevilperson.
5Buttherestoodaperfectvirginwhowas proclaimingandcallingandsaying,
6Oyesonsofmen,returnye,andyedaughtersof men,comeye:
7Andforsakethewaysofthatcorruptionanddraw nearuntome,andIwillenterintoyou,andwillbring youforthfromperdition,
8Andmakeyouwiseinthewaysoftruth:thatyoube notdestroyednorperish:
9Hearyemeandberedeemed.ForthegraceofGodI amtellingamongyou:andbymymeansyoushallbe redeemedandbecomeblessed
10Iamyourjudge;andtheywhohaveputmeon shallnotbeinjured:buttheyshallpossessthenew worldthatisincorrupt:
11Mychosenoneswalkinme,andmywaysIwill makeknowntothemthatseekme,andIwillmake themtrustinmyname.Hallelujah.
ODE34
1Nowayishardwherethereisasimpleheart
2Noristhereanywoundwherethethoughtsare upright:
3Noristhereanystorminthedepthofthe illuminatedthought:
4Whereoneissurroundedoneverysidebybeauty, thereisnothingthatisdivided
5Thelikenessofwhatisbelowisthatwhichisabove; foreverythingisabove:whatisbelowisnothingbut theimaginationofthosethatarewithoutknowledge.
6GracehasbeenrevealedforyoursalvationBelieve andliveandbesavedHallelujah
ODE35
1ThedewoftheLordinquietnessHedistilledupon me:
2AndthecloudofpeaceHecausedtoriseovermy head,whichguardedmecontinually;
3Itwastomeforsalvation:everythingwasshaken andtheywereaffrighted;
4Andtherecameforthfromthemasmokeanda judgment;andIwaskeepingquietintheorderofthe Lord:
5MorethanshelterwasHetome,andmorethan foundation.
6AndIwascarriedlikeachildbyhismother:andHe gavememilk,thedewoftheLord:
7AndIgrewgreatbyHisbounty,andrestedinHis perfection,
8AndIspreadoutmyhandsintheliftingupofmy soul:andIwasmaderightwiththeMostHigh,andI wasredeemedwithHimHallelujah
ODE36
1IrestedintheSpiritoftheLord:andtheSpirit raisedmeonhigh:
2Andmademestandonmyfeetintheheightofthe Lord,beforeHisperfectionandHisglory,whileIwas praisingHimbythecompositionofHissongs
3TheSpiritbroughtmeforthbeforethefaceofthe Lord:and,althoughasonofman,Iwasnamedthe Illuminate,theSonofGod:
4WhileIpraisedamongstthepraisingones,andgreat wasIamongstthemightyones.
5ForaccordingtothegreatnessoftheMostHigh,so Hemademe:andlikeHisownnewnessHerenewed me;andHeanointedmefromHisownperfection:
6AndIbecameoneofHisNeighbours;andmy mouthwasopened,likeacloudofdew,
7Andmyheartpouredoutasitwereagushing streamofrighteousness,
8AndmyaccesstoHimwasinpeace;andIwas establishedbytheSpiritofHisgovernment Hallelujah.
ODE37
1IstretchedoutmyhandstomyLord:andtothe MostIHighIraisedmyvoice:
2AndIspakewiththelipsofmyheart;andHeheard me,whenmyvoicereachedIHim:
3Hisanswercametome,andgavemethefruitsof mylabours;
4AnditgavemerestbythegraceoftheLord. Hallelujah.
ODE38
1Iwentuptothelightoftruthasifintoachariot:
2AndtheTruthtookmeandledme:andcarriedme acrosspitsandgulleys;andfromtherocksandthe wavesitpreservedme:
3AnditbecametomeahavenofSalvation:andset meonthearmsofimmortallife:
4Anditwentwithmeandmademerest,andsuffered menottowander,becauseitwastheTruth;
5AndIrannorisk,becauseIwalkedwithHim;
6AndIdidnotmakeanerrorinanythingbecauseI obeyedtheTruth
7ForErrorfleesawayfromit,andmeetsitnot:but theTruthproceedsintherightpath,and
8WhateverIdidnotknow,itmadecleartome,all thepoisonsoferror,andtheplaguesofdeathwhich theythinktobesweetness:
9AndIsawthedestroyerofdestruction,whenthe bridewhoiscorruptedisadorned:andthebridegroom whocorruptsandiscorrupted;
10AndIaskedtheTruth'Whoarethese?';andHe saidtome,'Thisisthedeceiverandtheerror:
11Andtheyarealikeinthebelovedandinhisbride: andtheyleadastrayandcorruptthewholeworld:
12Andtheyinvitemanytothebanquet,
13Andgivethemtodrinkofthewineoftheir intoxication,andremovetheirwisdomandknowledge, andsotheymakethemwithoutintelligence;
14Andthentheyleavethem;andthenthesegoabout likemadmencorrupting:seeingthat-theyarewithout heart,nordotheyseekforit!
15AndIwasmadewisesoasnottofallintothe handsofthedeceiver;andIcongratulatedmyself becausetheTruthwentwithme,
16AndIwasestablishedandlivedandwasredeemed,
17Andmyfoundationswerelaidonthehandofthe Lord:becauseHeestablishedme
18ForHesettherootandwatereditandfixeditand blessedit;anditsfruitsareforever.
19Itstruckdeepandsprungupandspreadout,and wasfullandenlarged;
20AndtheLordalonewasglorifiedinHisplanting andinHishusbandry:byHiscareandbytheblessing ofHislips,
21BythebeautifulplantingofHisrighthand:andby thediscoveryofHisplanting,andbythethoughtof HismindHallelujah
ODE39
1GreatriversarethepoweroftheLord:
2AndtheycarryheadlongthosewhodespiseHim: andentangletheirpaths:
3Andtheysweepawaytheirfords,andcatchtheir bodiesanddestroytheirlives.
4Fortheyaremoreswiftthanlightningandmore rapid,andthosewhocrosstheminfaitharenot moved;
5Andthosewhowalkonthemwithoutblemishshall notbeafraid
6ForthesigninthemistheLord;andthesignisthe wayofthosewhocrossinthenameoftheLord;
7Puton,therefore,thenameoftheMostHigh,and knowHim,andyoushallcrosswithoutdanger,forthe riverswillbesubjecttoyou.
8TheLordhasbridgedthembyHisword;andHe walkedandcrossedthemonfoot:
9AndHisfootstepsstandfirmonthewater,andare notinjured;theyareasfirmasatreethatistrulyset up
10Andthewaveswerelifteduponthissideandon that,butthefootstepsofourLordMessiahstandfirm andarenotobliteratedandarenotdefaced.
11Andawayhasbeenappointedforthosewhocross afterHimandforthosewhoadheretothecourseof faithinHimandworshipHisname.Hallelujah.
ODE40
1Asthehoneydistillsfromthecombofthebees, 2Andthemilkflowsfromthewomanthatlovesher children;
3SoalsoismyhopeonThee,myGod.
4Asthefountaingushesoutitswater,
5SomyheartgushesoutthepraiseoftheLordand mylipsutterpraisetoHim,andmytongueHis psalms
6AndmyfaceexultswithHisgladness,andmyspirit exultsinHislove,andmysoulshinesinHim:
7AndreverenceconfidesinHim;andredemptionin Himstandsassured:
8AndHisinheritanceisimmortallife,andthosewho participateinitareincorrupt.Hallelujah.
ODE41
1AlltheLord'schildrenwillpraiseHim,andwill collectthetruthofHisfaith
2AndHischildrenshallbeknowntoHim.Therefore wewillsinginHislove:
3WeliveintheLordbyHisgrace:andlifewe receiveinHisMessiah:
4Foragreatdayhasshineduponus:andmarvellous isHewhohasgivenusofHisglory
5Letus,therefore,allofusunitetogetherinthename oftheLord,andletushonourHiminHisgoodness,
6AndletourfacesshineinHislight:andletour heartsmeditateinHislovebynightandbyday
7LetusexultwiththejoyoftheLord.
8Allthosewillbeastonishedthatseeme.Forfrom anotherraceamI:
9FortheFatheroftruthrememberedme:Hewho possessedmefromthebeginning:
10ForHisbountybegatme,andthethoughtofHis heart:
11AndHisWordiswithusinallourway;
12TheSaviourwhomakesaliveanddoesnotreject oursouls-;
13Themanwhowashumbled,andexaltedbyHis ownrighteousness,
14TheSonoftheMostHighappearedinthe perfectionofHisFather;
15AndlightdawnedfromtheWordthatwas beforetimeinHim;
16TheMessiahistrulyone;andHewasknown beforethefoundationoftheworld,
17ThatHemightsavesoulsforeverbythetruthof Hisname:anewsongarisesfromthosewholove HimHallelujah
ODE42
1IstretchedoutmyhandsandapproachedmyLord: 2ForthestretchingofmyhandsisHissign: 3Myexpansionistheoutspreadtreewhichwasset uponthewayoftheRighteousOne
4AndIbecameofnoaccounttothosewhodidnot takeholdofme;andIshallbewiththosewholove me
5Allmypersecutorsaredead;andtheysoughtafter mewhohopedinme,becauseIwasalive:
6AndIroseupandamwiththem;andIwillspeakby theirmouths.
7Fortheyhavedespisedthosewhopersecutedthem; 8AndIliftedupoverthemtheyokeofmylove;
9Likethearmofthebridegroomoverthebride,
10Sowasmyyokeoverthosethatknowme:
11Andasthecouchthatisspreadinthehouseofthe bridegroomandbride,
12Soismyloveoverthosethatbelieveinme
13AndIwasnotrejectedthoughIwasreckonedto beso
14Ididnotperish,thoughtheydeviseditagainstme
15Sheolsawmeandwasmademiserable:
16Deathcastmeup,andmanyalongwithme.
17Ihadgallandbitterness,andIwentdownwith himtotheutmostofhisdepth:
18Andthefeetandtheheadheletgo,fortheywere notabletoenduremyface:
19AndImadeacongregationoflivingmenamongst hisdeadmen,andIspakewiththembylivinglips:
20Becausemywordshallnotbevoid:
21Andthosewhohaddiedrantowardsme:andthey criedandsaid,SonofGod,havepityonus,anddo withusaccordingtothykindness,
22Andbringusoutfromthebondsofdarkness:and opentousthedoorbywhichweshallcomeoutto thee.
23Forweseethatourdeathhasnottouchedthee
24Letusalsoberedeemedwiththee:forthouartour Redeemer.
25AndIheardtheirvoice;andmynameIsealed upontheirheads:
26Fortheyarefreemenandtheyaremine Hallelujah.