The Psalms: 1

Psalm One

Happy and free is the person that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of fellowship with “sinners,” and sits not in the seat of the scornful and the Accuser;

Yet, when compelled, they will walk a mile with those who ask; they will pray for their enemies; and they will agree while they are in the way with their adversaries.

Their delight is in the new law of the Lord; and in His way do they pray always, and immerse themselves in meditation day and night.

And they shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, whose fruit is desirable to make one happy. They shall bring forth their white and delicious fruit in season; their leaves also shall not wither; and all things they do shall prosper.

They are free forever, for they act and are not acted upon. The works of the Father are shown forth in their exceeding faith and good works. And they are called with a holy calling, and prepared with a preparatory redemption.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, and His sheep hear His voice, which has been poured out to all that they may be proven and show forth their works.

Let us not scorn or dismiss our brethren, be they righteous or ungodly. If we do so, our faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must have charity; for if he has not charity he is nothing.

And charity suffers long, and is kind, and envies not, and is not puffed up, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, and rejoices not in iniquity but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.