Day 29.
MORNING PRAYER.
PSALM 139.( T) Domine, probasti.
1. The omnipresence( 1) LORD, thou hast searched me out and known me thou knowest my down- sitting, and mine up- rising; thou understandest my thoughts long before( 2).
and of the Deity are sublimely manifested. 2. Before my deeds discovered them. 3." And art acquainted with."
2 Thou art about my path, and about my bed and spiest out( 3) all my ways.
3 For lo, there is not a word in my tongue: but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.
6. Even the night shall be light about me," for Thou art light!
THE PSALMS.
4 Thou hast fashioned me behind and before and laid thine hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me: I cannot attain unto it.
6 Whither shall I go then from thy spirit: or whither shall I go then from thy presence?
7 If I climb up into heaven, thou art 4. If I lie down in the there: if I go down to hell( 4), thou art there
grave.
also.
8 If I take the wings of the morning( 5): of the farthest East, and remain in the uttermost parts of the
5. Flee to the regions
sea;
or dwell in the remotest Western sea; the Mediterranean being west of Judea.
7. As is the darkness, so is the light; in the Hebrew.
9 Even there also shall thy hand lead me: and thy right hand shall hold me.
10 If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me: then shall my night be turned to day( 6);
11 Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to thee are both alike( 7).
12 For my reins are thine: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
T. Although this splendid Psalm is attributed to David, it is probable that it was written by some inspired person after the captivity, as there are many Chaldaisms in it: yet, for the purity and justness of religious sentiment, and for the force 446