TEN COMMANDMENTS

from Deuteronomy
[Written at the request of a Salvation
Army Officer, set to music by him
and sung by the Army singers]

To Moses on the mountain
God said "I am the Lord.
Hear these, my ten commandments,
And to them give accord.
Unto no other God but me
Give worship, honour, praise.
Make no image, watch no idol
With revering gaze.
Use my name in love and blessing,
Not in careless curse.
Dedicate the Sabbath to me,
Weekday cares disperse.
Give your father and your mother
Honour, care and love.
Take no life, for life is sacred,
Sent from Heaven above.
Make no casual carnal venture:
Keep the marriage troth.
Do not steal nor rob nor pilfer:
Such incurs my wrath.
If you must make accusation,
Tell in it no lie.
For another's goods have never
Lust with greedy eye".

On the plain mid crashing thunder,
Lightening flash and trumpet chord,
The people wait in awestruck wonder:
Ten Commandments of the Lord.
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