Sublime

20and hallow my sabbaths that they may be a sign between me and you, so that you may know that I the LORD am your God.

Bethesda on the evening of the Lord’s Day, and clouds receding over the roof: forty-seven members of the congregation on their feet with their souls in their mouths. The pews were hard and narrow, enclosed by high sides against which it was possible to lean when the sermon was long.

26 Thus David son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. 27The period that he reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 28He died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor; and his son Solomon succeeded him. 29Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are written in the

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people, and took food and wine from them,

18 Cry aloud[4] to the Lord! O wall of daughter Zion! Let tears stream down like a torrent day and night! Give yourself no rest, your eyes no respite! 19 Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for