James Oswald (arr.)
(1710 - 1769)

Three masonic songs
(A./T.T.B.Kbd.)
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Thus mighty eastern kings - Lord, judge my cause - Grant me, kind heaven, what I request

Published in Edinburgh, 1740, before Oswald's removal to London. The first and third items are Oswald's own settings; Lord, judge my cause is his arrangement of a piece of unknown provenance (perhaps Henry Lawes), at that time popularly attributed to Henry VII.
Lyrics: Anonymous

1. (Anon)
Thus mighty eastern kings, and some
Of Abram's race, and monarchs good
Of Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome
True architecture understood.
No wonder then if masons join,
To celebrate those mason kings
With solemn note and flowing wine,
Whilst ev'ry brother jointly sings.
Who can unfold the royal art,
Or sing us secrets in a song?
They're safely kept in mason's heart,
And to this ancient lodge belong.

2. (Psalm 26 v. 1)
Lord, judge my cause:
Thy piercing eye
Beholds my soul's integrity.
How can I fall, when I and all
My hopes on thee rely?

3. (Anon)
Grant me, kind Heaven, what we request,
In masonry let me be blest;
Direct me to that happy place
Where Friendship smiles in ev'ry face:
Where Freedom and sweet Innocence
Enlarge the mind and cheer the sense.