His saints with strength he will supply, And still my soul in every sta PART II. I'll cheerfully express; My soul in deep distress 2, 3 In my distress I cry'd to thee, 8 When Keilab's treach'rous race Who kindly didet relieve, Did all my strength enciose, And from the grave's expecting jaws Thou gavost my feet a larger space, My hopeless life retrieve. To shun my watchful foes. 4 Thus to his courts. ye saints of his, 9 Thy mercy, Lord, display, With songs of praise repair ; And hear my just complaint ; With me commemorate his truth, For both my soul and Alesh decay And providential care. With gries and hunger fainl. 5 His wmth has but a moment's reign, 10 Sad thoughts my life oppress; His favour no decay; My years are spent in groans ; Your night of grief is recompens'd My sins have made my strength decrease With joy's returning day And e'en consum'd my bones. 6 But I, in prosp'rous days presum'd; 11 My foes my suff'rings mock'd; No sudden change I fear'd; My neighbours did upbraid; Whilst in my sunshine of success, My friends, at sight of me, were shock'd No low'ring cloud appear'd. And fled, as men dismay'd. 7 But soon I Tound thy favour, Lord, 12 Forsook by all am I, My empire's only trust; As dead, and out of mind; For when thou hid'st thy face, I saw And like a shatter'd vessel lie, My honour laid in dust. Whose parts can ne'er be join'd. 8 Then, as I vainly had presum'd, 13 Yet sland'rous words they speak, My error I confess'd; And seem my power to dread; And thus with supplicating voice, Whilst they together counsel take, Thy mercy's throne address'd : My guiltless blood to shed. 9" What profit is there in my blood, 14 But still my steadfast trust “ Congeal'd by death's cold night? I on thy help repose : " Can silent ashes speak thy praise, That thou, my God, art good and just " Thy wondrous truth recite ? My soul with comfort knows. 10 “ Hear me, O Lord, in mercy hear; PART 1II. "Thy wonted aid extend; 15 Whate'er events betide, « Do thou send help, on whom alone Thy wisdom times them all ; "I can for help depend Then, Lord, thy servant safely hide 11 'Tis done! thou hast my mournful From those that seek his fall. To songs and dances turn'd; [scene 16 The brightness of thy face Invested me with robes of state, To me, O Lord, disclose ; Who late in sackcloth mourn'd. And, as thy mercies still increase, 12 Exalted thus, I'll gladly sing Preserve me from my foes Thy praise in grateful verse ; 17 Me from dishonour save, And, as thy favours endless are, Who still have call'd on thee; Let that, and silence in the grave, The sinner's portion be Whose breath in lies is spent ; Against the righteous vent, 2 Bow down thy gracious ear, 19 How great thy mercies are And speedy succour send; To such as fear thy name, Do thou my steadfast rock appear, Which thou for those that trust thy care, To shelter and defenti, Dost to the world proclaim ! 3 Since thou, when foes oppress, 20 Thou keep'st them in thy sight, My rock and fortress art, From proud oppressors free ; To guide me forth from this distress, From tongues that do in strife delight, Thy wonted help impart. They are preserv'd by thee. 4 Release me from the snare, 21 With glory and renown Which they have closely laid; God's name be ever bless'd; Since 1, O God, my strength, repair Whose love, in Keilah's well-fenr. town, To thee alone for aid. Was wondrously express'd! 5 To thee, the God of truth, 22 I said, in hasty fight, My life, and all that's mine, " I'm banish'd from thine eyes ;" (For thou preserv'dst me from my Yet still thou keep'st me in thy sight, I willingly resign. [youth,) And heard'st my earnest cries 6 All vain designs I hate 23 O! all ye saints, the Lord Of those that trust in lies; With eager love pursue ; Who to the just will help afford, 7 The swelling floods, together roll'd, And give the proud their due. He makes in heaps to lie; 24 Ye that on God rely, And lays, as in a store-house safe, Courageously proceed; The wat'ry treasures by. Before him trembling stand; For, when he spake the word, ' was made; T E'S blest whose sins have pardon "Twas fix'd at his command. 1 gain'd, 10 He, when the heathen closely plot, No more in judgment to appear ; Their counsels undermines; 2 Whose guilt remission has obtain'd, His wisdom ineffectual makes And whose repentance is sincere. The people's rash designs. 3 While I conceal'd the fretting sore, 11 Whale'or the mighty Lord decrees, My bones consum'd without relief; Shall stand for ever sure; All day did I with anguish roar, The settled purpose of his heart But no complaints assuag'd my grief. To ages shall endure. 4 Heavy on me thy hand remain'd, PART II. By day and night alike distress'd, 12 How happy then are they, to whom Till quite of vital moisture drain'd, The Lord for God is known! Like land with summer's drought op. Whom he, from all the world besides, press'd. Has chosen for his own. 5 No sooner I my wound disclos'd, 13, 14, 15 He all the nations of the earth, The guilt that tortur'd me within, From heaven, his throne, survey'd; But thy forgiveness interpos'd He saw their works, and view'd their And mercy's healing balm pour'd in. thoughts ; 6 True penitents shall thus succeed, By him their hearts were made. Who seek thee whilst thou may'st be 16, 17 No king is safe by num'rous found; hosts ; And, from the common deluge freed, Their strength the strong deceives : Shall see remorseless sinners drown'd. No manag'd horse, by force or speed, Thy favour, Lord, in all distress, His warlike rider saves. My tower of refuge I must own; 18, 19 "Tis God, who those that trust in Thou shalt my baughty foes suppress, Beholds with gracious eyes; [him And me with songs of triumph crown. He frees their soul from death; their 8 In my instruction then confide, In time of dearth supplies. (want, Ye that would truth's safe path des 20, 21 Our soul on God with patience Your progress I'll securely guide, (ery, Our help and shield is he: [waits; And keep you in my watchful eye. Then, Lord, let still our hearts rejoice, 9 Submit yourselves to wisdom's rule, Because we trust in thee. Like men that reason have attain'd; 22 The riches of thy mercy, Lord, Not like th' ungovern'd horse and mule, Do thou to us extend; Whose fury must be curb'd and Since we, for all we want or wish, rein'd. On thee alone depend. 10 Sorrows on sorrows multiply'd, PSALM XXXIV. THROUGH all the changing scenes The harden'd sinner shall confound; 1 But them who in his truth confide, in trouble and in joy, [of life, Blessings of mercy shall surround. The praises of my God shall still 11 His saints, that have perform'd his My heart and tongue employ. laws, 2 Of his deliv'rance I will boast, Their life in triumph shall employ; Till all that are distrest, From my example comfort take, And charm their griefs to rest. 3 O! magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt his name: He to my rescue came. Their drooping hearts were soon reTo sing glad songs of praise. Who look'd to him for aid; (freshid, 2, 3 Let harps, and psalleries, and lules, Desir'd success in every face In joyful concert meet; A cheerful air display'd. And new.made songs of loud applause 6 Behold," say they, behold the man, The harmony complete. "Whom providence reliev'd; 4, 5 For faithful is the word of God; "The man so dang 'rously beset, His works with truth abound; "So wondrously retriev'd!” He justice loves; and all the earth 7 The hosts of God encamp around Is with his goodness crown'd.. The dwellings of the just; 6 By his Almighty Word, at first, Deliv'rance he affords to all The heav'nly arch was rear'd; Who on his succour trust. And all the beauteous hosts of light 8 O! make but trial of his love, At his command appear'd. Experience will decide How blest they are, and only they, 6 And when, through dark and slipp'ry Who in his truth confide. They strive his rage to shun, (ways, 9 Fear him, ye saints; and you will then His vengeful ministers of wrath Have nothing else to fear: Shall goad them as they run. Make you his servire your delight, 7 Since, unprovok'd by any wrong, Your wants shall be his care. They hid their treach'rous snare; 10 While hungry lions lack their prey, And, for my harmless soul, a pit The Lord will food provide Did, without cause, prepare , By their own arts betray'd, Their feet shall fall into the net, 11 Approach, ye piously dispos'd, Which they for me bad laid : And any mstruction hear; 9 Whilst my glad soul shall God's great I'll teach you the true discipline For this deliv'rance bless, (name Of his religious fear. And, by his saving health secur'd, 12 Lei him who length of life desires, Its grateful joy express And prosp'rous days would see, 10 My very bones shall say, “ Lord, 13 From sland'ring language keep bis " Who can compare with thee! tongue, " Who selt'st the poor and helpless man His lips from falsehood free; " From strong oppressors free.' 14 The crooked paths of vice decline, PART II. 11 False witnesses, with torg'd com And where 'tis lost, renew. Against my truth combin'd; plaints, 15 The Lord from heaven beholds the And to my charge such things they laid, As I had ne'er design'd. With favourable eyes; 12 The good which I to them had done, And, when distress'd, his gracious ear With evil they epaid ; Is open to their cries; And did, by malice undeserv'd, 16 But turns his wrathful look on those My harmless life invade. Whom merey can't reclaim, 13 But as for me, wisen they were sick, To cut them off and from the earth I still in sackcloth mourn'd; Blot out their hated name 17 Deliv'rance to his saints he gives, I pray'd and fasted, and my prayer To my own breast return'd. When his relief they crave; 18 He's nigh to heal the broken heart, 14 Had they my friends or brethren been, And contrite spirit save. 19 The wicked oft, but still in vain, I could have done no more ; Nor with more decent signs of grief Against the just conspire ; 20 For under their afflictions weight A mother's loss deplore He keeps their bones entire 15 How diff'rent did their carriage prove 21 The wicked, from their wicked arts, In times of my distress! When they, in crowds, together met, Their ruin shall derive Whilst righteous men, whom taey detest, Did savage joy express The rabble too, in num'rous throngs, Shall them and theirs survive. 22 For God preserves the souls of those By their example came ; And ceas'd not, with reviling words, Who on his truth depend; To them, and their posterity, To wound my spotless fame. His blessings shall descend. 16 Scoffers, that noble tables haunt, PSALM XXXV. And earn their bread with lies, A GAINST all those that strive with Did gnash their teeth, and sland'ring A O Lord, assert my right; Maliciously devise [jests me, With such as war unjustly wage, 17 But, Lord, how long wilt thou look Do thou my battles fight. On my behalf appear; on? 2 Thy buckler take, and bind thy shield And save my guiltless soul, which they Upon thy warlike arm; Like rav'ning beasts, would tear. Stand up, O God, in my defence, PART III. And keep me safe from harm. 18 So I, before the list 'ning world, 3 Bring forth thy spear; and stop their Shall grateful thanks express; course, And where the great assembly meets, That haste my blood to spill; Thy name with praises bless Say to my soul, “ I am thy health, 19 Lord, suffer not my causeless foes, "And will preserve thee still." Who me unjustly hate, 4 Let them with shame be cover'd o'er, With open joy, or secret signs, Who my destruction sought; To mock my sad estate. And such as did my harm devise, 20 For they, with hearts averse to peace, Be to confusion brought. Industriously devise, 5 Then shall they fly, dispers'd like chaff Against the men of quiet minds Before the driving wind; "To forge malicious lies. God's vengeful minister of wrath 21 Nor with these private arts content Shall follow close behind. Aloud they vent their spite; (me 1 great, And say, "At last we found him out, 11 Whilst pride's insulting foot would • He did it in our sight " spurn, 22 But thou, who dost both them and And wicked hands my life surprise, With righteous eyes survey, 12 Their mischiefs on themselves return; Assert my innocence, (Lord, Down, down they're fall'n no more lo And keep not far away rise. 23 Sur up thyself in my behalf; PSALM XXXVII. To judgment, Lord, awake; THOUGH wicked men grow rich or Thy righteous servant's cause, O God, To thy decision take. Yet let not their successful state 24 Lord, as my heart has upright been, Thy anger or thy envy raise ; Let me thy justice find; 2 For they, cut down like tender grass, Nor let my cruel foes obtain Or like young flowers, away shall pass, The triumph they design'd. Whose blooming beauty soon decay. 25 O! let them not, amongst themselves, 3 Depend on God, and bim obey, In boasting language say. So thou within the land shall stay, " At length our wishes are complete ; Secure from danger and from want : "At last he's made our prey." 4 Make his commands thy chief delight; 26 Let such as in my harm rejoic'd, And he. thy duty to requite. For shame their faces hide ; Shall all thy earnest wishes grant. And foul dishonour wait on those 5 In all thy ways trust thou the Lord, That proudly me defy'd : And he will needful help afford, 27 Whilst they with cheerful voicesshout, To perfect every just design; Who my just cause befriend; 6 He'll make, like light, serene and clear And bless the Lord, who loves to make Thy clouded innocence appear. Success his saints attend. And as a mid-day sun to shine. 28 So shall my tongue thy judgments 7 With quiet mind on God depend, sing, And patiently for him attend; Inspir'd with grateful joy; Nor let thy anger fondly rise, And cheerful hymus, in praise of thee, Though wicked men with wealth abound, Shall all my days employ. And with success the plots are crown'd Which they maliciously devise. 8 From anger cease, and wrath forsake crime ; He ne'er sets God before his eyes. 9 For God shall sinful men destroy ; 2 He sooths himself, retir'd from sight; Whilst only they the land enjoy. Secure he thinks his treach'rous game; Who trust on him, and wait his time Till his dark plots, expos'd to light, 10 How soon shall wicked men decay! Their false contriver brand with shame, Their place shall vanish quite away, 3 In deeds he is my foe conless'd, Nor bv ne strictest search be found; Whilst with his tongue he speaks me 11 Whilst humble souls possess tha earth, True wisdom's banish'd from his breast, Rejoicin . still with godly mirth, And vice has sole dominion there. With peace and plenty always crown'd. 4 His wakeful malice spends the night PART 11 In forging his accurs d designs 12 While sinful crowds, with false de. His obstinate ungen'rous spite sign, No execrable means declines. Against the righteous few combine 5 But, Lord, thy mercy, my sure hope, And gnash their teeth and threat'ning Above the heavenly orb ascends; standi Thy sacred truth's unmeasur'd scope 13 God shall their empty plots deride, Beyond the spreading sky extends. And laugh at their defeated pride : 6 Thy justice like the hills remains ; He sees their ruin near at hand. Unfathom'd depths thy judgments are; 14 They draw the sword, and bend the Thy providence the world sustains ; The poor and needy to o'erthrow, [bow, Ibe whole creation is thy care. And men of upright lives to slay i 7 Since of thy goodness all partake, 15 But their strong bows shall soon bo With what assurance should the just broke, Thy shelt'ring wings their refuge make, Their sharpen'd weapon's mortal stroke And saints to thy protection trust! Through their own hearts shall force 8 Such guests shall to thy courts be led, its way. To banquet on thy love's repast; 16 A little, with God's favour bless'd, And drink, as from a fountain's head, That's by one righteous man possessid, or joys that shall for ever last The wealth of many bad excels; 9 with thee the springs of life remain ; 17 For God supports the just mau's Thy presence is eternal day : cause; 10 let thy saints thy favour gain; But as for those that break his laws, To upright hearts thy truth display. I Their unsuccessful power he quella 18 18 His constant care the upright guides, 37 Observe the perfect man with care. And over all their life presides; And mark all such as upright are ; Their portion shall for ever last : Their roughest days in peace shall end 19 They, when distress o'erwhelms the 38 While on the latter end of those earth, Who dare God's sacred will oppose, Shall be inmov d, and even in dearth A common ruin shall attend. The happy fruits of plenty taste. 39 God to the just will aid afford; 20 Not so the wicked man, and those Their only safeguard is the Lord; Who proudly dare God's will oppose; Their strength in time of need is het Destruction is their hapless share : 40 Because on him they still depend, Like fat of lambs, their hopes, and they, The Lord will timely succour send, Shall in an instant melt away, And from the wicked set them free. And vanish into smoke and air. PSALM XXXVIII. THY chast'ning wrath, O Lord, re. 21 While sinners, brought to sad decay, Though I deserve it all; strain, Still borrow on, and never pay, Nor let at once on me the storm Thy arrows deep remain ; Or him that moves by his command ; ! Thy wrath so fiercely glows: 24 Though he sometimes may be dis. Betwixt my punishment and guilt tress'd, My bones have no repose. Yet shall be ne'er be quite oppress'd; 4 My sins, which to a deluge swell, For God upholds him with his hand. My sinking head o'erflow, 25 From my first youth, till age pre. And, for my feeble strength to bear, vail'd, Too vast a burden grow. I never saw the righteous fail'd, 5 Stench and corruption fill my wounds, Or want o'ertake his numerous race; My folly's just return; 26 Because compassion fill'd his heart, 16 With trouble I am warp'd and bow'd, And he did cheerfully im part, And all day long I mourn. God made his offspring's wealth in-| 7 A loath'd disease afflicts my loins. crease. Infecting every part ; 27 With caution shum each wicked deed, 18 With sickness wom, I groan end roar In virtue's ways with zeal proceed, Through anguish of my heart. And so prolong your happy days; PART 11. 28 For God, who judgment loves, does | 9 But, Lord, before thy searching eyes Preserve his saints secure from ill, (still All my desires appear; AU While soon the wicked race decays. And sure my groans have been too loud, 29, 30, 31 The upright shall possess the Not to have reach'd thine ear. land; 10 My heart's oppress'd, my strength His portion shall for ages stand; My eyes depriv'd of light; decay d, His mouth with wisdom is supply'd; 1) Friends, lovers, kinsmen gaze aloof His tongue by rules of judgment moves; On such a dismal sight. His heart the law of God approves 12 Meanwhile, the foes that seek my life Therefore his footsteps never slide. Their snares to take me set; PART IV. Vent slanders, and contrive all day 32 In wait the watchful sinner lies, To forge some new deceit: In vain the righteous to surprise ; 13 But 1, as if both deal and dumb, In vain his ruin does decree : Nor heard, nor once reply'd; 33 God will not him desenceless leave, 14 Quile deaf and dumb, like one whose To his revenge expos'd, but save ; tongue And, when he's sentenc'd, set him With conscious guilt is tyd. free. 15 For, Lord, to thee I do appeal, 34 Wait still on God; keep his com. Mine innocence to clear; And thou, exalted in the land, (mand, Assur'd that thou, the righteous God, Thy bless'd possession ne'er shall quit: My injur'd cause wilt hear. The wicked soon destroy'd shall be, 16 "Hear me," said 1, "lest my proud And at his dismal tragedy "A spiteful joy display; [foes Thou shalt a safe spectator sit. "Insulting, if they see my fool 35 The wicked I in power have seen, 1 " But once to go astray." And, like a bay-tree, fresh and green, 17 And, with continual grief oppressid, That spreads its pleasant branches To sink I now begin; round: 18 To thee, O Lord, I will confess, 36 But he was gone as swift as thought; To thee bewail my sin And, though in every place I sought, 19 But whilst I languish, my proud foa No sign or track of him I found. Their strength and vigour boast; |