6 In nature's most delightful scene all other lands outvies. 7 Therefore my soul shall bless the Lord, whose precepts give me light; And private counsel still afford in sorrow's dismal night. 8 I strive each action to approve to his all-seeing eye; No danger shall my hopes remove, because he still is nigh. 9 Therefore my heart all grief defies, my glory does rejoice; My flesh shall rest, in hope to rise, waked by his powerful voice. 10 Thou, Lord, when I resign my breath, my soul from hell shalt free; Nor let thy Holy One in death the least corruption see 11 Thou shalt the paths of life display, which to thy presence lead; Where pleasures dwell without allay, and joys that never fade. то PSALM 17. 10 my just plea and sad complaint, attend, O righteous Lord; And to my prayer, as 'tis unfeign'd, a gracious ear afford. 2 As in thy sight I am approved, so let my sentence be; And with impartial eyes, O Lord, my upright dealing see. 3 For thou hast search'd my heart by and visited by night; And, on the strictest trial, found its secret motions right. [day, Nor shall thy justice, Lord, alone 4 I know what wicked men would do, 5 That I may still, in spite of wrongs, my innocence secure, O guide me in thy righteous ways, 6 Since, heretofore, I ne'er in vain 7 The wonders of thy truth and love Thou, whose right hand preserves thy saints from their oppressor's rage. 8,9 0! keep me in thy tenderest care; 10 O'ergrown with luxury, enclosed And, with a proud blaspheming mouth, both God and man defy. 11 Well may they boast, for they have my paths encompass'd round; (now Their eyes at watch, their bodies bow'd, and couching on the ground 12 In posture of a lion set, when greedy of his prey; Or a young lion, when he lurks within a covert way. 13 Arise, O Lord, defeat their plots, their swelling rage control; From wicked men, who are thy sword, deliver thou my soul: 14 From worldly men, thy sharpest PSALM 18. No change of time shall ever shock my firm affection, Lord, to thee; For thou hast always been my rock a fortress and defence to me. Thou my deliverer art, my God; my trust is in thy mighty power Thou art my shield from foes abroad, at home my safeguard and my tower 3 To thee I will address my prayer, to whom all praise we justly owe; So shall I, by thy watchful care, be guarded from my treacherous foe. 4,5 By floods of wicked men distress'd, with seas of sorrow compass'd round, With dire infernal pangs oppress'd, in death's unwieldly fetters bound; 6 To heaven I made my mournful prayer, to God address'd my humble moan: Who graciously inclined his ear, and heard me from his lofty throne. PART II. 7 When God arose my part to take, the conscious earth was struck with fear; The hills did at his presence shake, nor could his dreadful fury bear. 8 Thick clouds of smoke dispersed abroad, ensigns of wrath before him came; Devouring fire around him glow'd, that coals were kindled at its flame. 9 He left the beauteous realms of light, whilst heaven bow'd down its awful head; Beneath his feet substantial night was like a sable carpet spread. 10 The chariot of the King of kings, which active troops of angels drew On a strong tempest's rapid wings, with most amazing swiftness flew. 11, 12 Black watery mists and clouds conspired, with thickest shades his face to veil; But at his brightness soon retired, and fell in showers of fire and hail. 13 Through heaven's wide arch a thundering peal God's angry voice did loudly roar; While earth's snd face with heaps of hail and flakes of fire was cover'd o'er. 14 His sharpen'd arrows round he threw, which made his scatter'd foes retreat; Like darts his nimble lightnings flew, and quickly finish'd their defeat. 15 The deep its secret stores disclosed, the world's foundations naked lay; By his avenging wrath exposed, which fiercely raged that dreadful day. PART III. 16 The Lord did on my side engage; from heaven, his throne, my cause upheld: And snatch'd me from the furious rage of threatening waves, that proudly swell'd. 17 God his resistless power employ'd my strongest foes' attempts to break; Who else with ease had soon destroy'd the weak defence that I could make. 18 Their subtle rage had near prevail'd, when I distress'd and friendless lay; But still, when other succours fail'd, God was my firm support and stay. 19 From dangers that enclosed me round, he brought me forth and set me free; For some just cause his goodness found, that moved him to delight in me. 20 Because in me no guilt remains, God does his gracious help extend; My hands are free from bloody stains; therefore the Lord is still my friend. 21,22 For I his judgments keep in sight, in his just paths I always trod; I never did his statues slight, nor loosely wander'd from my God. 23, 24 But still my soul, sincere and pure, did even from darling sins refrain; Itis favours therefore vet endure, because my heart and hands are clean. PART IV. 23, 20 Thou suit'st, O Lord, thy righteous ways to various paths of human-kind; They who for mercy merit praise, with thee shall wondrous mercy find. Thou to the just shait justice show; the pure thy purity shall see; Such as perversely choose to go, shall meet with due returns from thee. 27, 28, That he the humble soul will save, and crush the haughty's boasted might, In ine the Lord an instance gave, whose darkness be has turn'd to light. 29 On his firm succour 1 rely'd, and did o'er numerous foes prevail; Nor fear'd, whilst he was on my side, the best defended walls to scale. 30 For God's design shall still succeed, his word will bear the utmost test; He's a strong shield to all that need, and on his sure protection rest. 31 Who then deserves to be adored, but God, on whom my hopes depend? Or who, except the mighty Lord, can with resistless power defend? 32, 53 'Tis God that girds my armour on, and manly weapons learn to wield, Strong bows of steel with ease I break, forced by my stronger arms to yield. 35 The buckler of his saving health protects me from assaulting foes; His hand sustains me still; my wealth and greatness from his bounty flows. 36 My goings he enlarged abroad, till then to narrow paths confined; And, when in slippery ways I trod, the method of my steps design'd. 37 Through him I numerous hosts defeat, and flying squadrons captive take; Nor from my fierce pursuit retreat, till I a final conquest make. 38 Cover'd with wounds, in vain they try their vanquish'd heads again to rear; Spite of their boasted strength, they lie beneath my feet, and grovel there. 39 God, when fresh armies take the field, recruits my strength, my courag warms; He makes my strong opposers yield, subdued by my prevailing arms. 40 Thro' him the necks of prostrate foes my conquering feet in triumph press; Aided by him, root out those who hate and envy my success. 41 With loud complaints all friends they try'd; but none was able to defend; At length to God for help they cry'd; but God would no assistance lend. 42 Like flying dust, which winds pursue, their broken troops I scatter'd round, Their slaughter'd bodies forth I threw, like loathsome dirt, that clogs the ground. PART VI. 43 Our factious tribes, at strife till now, by God's appointment me obey; The heathen to my sceptre bow, and foreign nations own my sway. 44 Remotest realms their hoinage send, when my successful name they hear; Strangers for my commands attend, charm'd with respect, or awed by fear. 45 All to my summons tamely yield, the rock on whose defence I rest! fierce nations to my yoke subdues. 48 My universal safeguard he! from whom my lasting honours flow; Twhich let alone can fill; The firmament and stars express Their great Creator's skill. 2 The dawn of each returning day fresh beams of knowledge brings; And from the dark returns of night divine instruction springs. 3 Their powerful language to no realm or region is confined; 'Tis nature's voice, and understood 4 Their doctrine does its sacred sense to run his glorious race. 6 From east to west, from west to east, More sweet thar. noney, or the drops that from the comb distil. 12 But what frail man observes how of O cleanse me from my secret faults, thou God that know'st them all!' 13 Let no presumptuous sin, O Lord, dominion have o'er me; That, by thy grace preserved, I may my strength and Saviour, rest. and hear thee in distress; The name of Jacob's God defend, 4 To compass thy own heart's desire, 5 To thy salvation, Lord, for aid With banners in thy name display'd;' 6 Our hopes are fix'd, that now the Loal, 7 Some trust in steeds for war design'd; Against them all we'll call to mind 8 But, from their steeds and chariots Behold them through the plain, Hear, King of heaven, in times of need, THE king, O Lord, with songs of praise But hast, with thy acceptance, blest 3 Thy goodness and thy tender care A crown of gold thou mad'st hira wear He pray'd for life; and thou, O Lord, They shoot the lip, they shake the head, didst to his prayer attend, And graciously to him afford a life that ne'er shall end. 5 Thy sure defence through nations round has spread his glorious name; And his successful actions crown'd with majesty and fame. Eternal blessings thou bestow'st, and mak'st his joys increase; Whilst thou to him unclouded show'st the brightness of thy face. PART II. 7 Because the king on God alone 8 But, righteous Lord, thy stubborn foes shall feel thy heavy hand; Thy vengeful arm shall find out those that hate thy mild command.. 9 When thou against them dost engage, thy just but dreadful doom Shall, like a glowing oven's rage, their hopes and them consume. 10 Nor shall thy furious anger cease, or with their ruin end; But root out all their guilty race, and to their seed extend. 11 For all their thoughts were set on ill, their hearts on malice bent; But thou with watchful care didst still the ill effects prevent. [make, 12 While they their swift retreat shall to 'scape thy dreadful might, Thy swifter arrows shall o'ertake, and gall them in their flight. 13 Thus, Lord, thy wondrous strength and thus exalt thy fame; [disclose, Whilst we glad songs of praise compose to thy Almighty name. PSALM 22. MY God, my God, why leav'st thou me when I with anguish faint? O! why so far from me removed, and from my loud complaint? 2 All day, but all the day unheard, to thee do I complain; With cries implore relief all night, but cry all night in vain. 3 Yet thou art still the righteous Judge of innocence oppress'd; And therefore Israel's praises are of right to thee address'd. 4, 5 On thee our ancestors rely'd, and thy deliverance found; With pious confidence they pray'd, and with success were crown'd. 6 But I am treated like a worm; like none of human birth; Not only by the great reviled, but made the rabble's mirth. 7 With laughter all the gazing crowd, my agonies survey; Da and thus deriding say: 8" In God he trusted, boasting oft "that he was heaven's delight; "Let God come down to save him now, "and own his favourite." PART II. 9 Thou mad'st my teeming mother's a living offspring bear; Twomb When but a suckling at the breast, I was thy early care. 10 Thou, guardian-like, didst shield from wrongs my helpless infant days; And since hast been my God, and guide, through life's bewilder'd ways. 11 Withdraw not then so far from me, O send me help! thy help, on which 12 High-pamper'd bulls, a frowning from Basan's forest met, [herd, With strength proportion' to their rage, have me around beset. 13 They gape on me, and every mouth a yawning grave appears The desert lion's savage rot less dreadful is than theirs. PART III. 14 My blood like water's spill'd, my joints are rack'd and out of frame; My heart dissolves within my breast, like wax before the flame. 15 My strength like potter's earth is parch'd; my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And to the silent shades of death my fainting soul withdraws. 16 Like blood-hounds to surround me, in pack'd assemblies meet; [they They pierced my inoffensive hands; they pierced my harmless feet. 17 My body's rack'd, till all my bones distinctly may be told; Yet such a spectacle of woe as pastime they behold. 18 As spoil, my garments they divide, lots for ny vesture cast; 19 Therefore approach, O Lord, my strength, and to my succour haste. 20 From their sharp swords protect thou of all but life bereft; Nor let my darling in the power 21 To save me from the lion's jaws, thou didst my life defend. 22 Then to my brethren I'll declare In 23 Ye worshippers of Jacob's Cod, "all you of Israel's line, "O praise the Lord, and to your praise "sincere obedience join. 24" He ne'er disdain'd on low distress "to cast a gracious eye; Nor turn'd from poverty his face, "but hears its humble cry." PART IV. 25 Thus, in thy sacred courts, will I my cheerful thanks express; In presence of thy saints perform the vows of my distress. 26 The meek companions of my grief shall find my table spread; And all that seek the Lord,shall be with joys immortal fed. 27 Then shall the glad converted world to God their homage pay; And scatter'd nations of the earth one sovereign Lord obey. 28 'Tis his supreme prerogative o'er subject kings to reign; 'Tis just that he should rule the world, who does the world sustain. 29 The rich, who are with plenty fed, That power, which first their beings To their admiring heirs his truth, and glorious acts, proclaim. PSALM 23. THE HE Lord himself, the mighty Lord, vouchsafes to be my guide; The Shepherd, by whose constant care my wants are all supply'd. 2 In tender grass he makes me feed, and gently there repose; Then leads me to cool shades, and where refreshing water flows. 3 He does my wandering soul reclaim, and, to his endless praise, Instruct with humble zeal to walk in his most righteous ways. 4 I pass the gloomy vale of death, from fear and danger free; For there his aiding rod and staff defend and comfort me. 5 In presence of my spiteful foes he does my table spread; He crowns my cup with cheerful wine, with oil anoints my head. 6 Since God doth thus his wondrous love through all my life extend, That life to him I will devote, and in his temple spend, PSALM 24. E spacious earth is all the Lord's, the Lord's her fulness is; The world. and they that dwell therein, by sovereign right are his. 2 He framed and fix'd it on the seas, 3 But for himself, this Lord of all O! who shall to that sacred hill deserved admittance find? 4 The man, whose hands and heart are pure, whose thoughts from pride are free Who honest poverty prefers to gainful perjury. 5 This, this is he, on whom the Lord shall shower his blessings down; Whom God, his Saviour, shall vouchsafe, with righteousness to crown. 6 Such is the race of saints, by whom 7 Erect your heads, eternal gates; The King of Glory: see! he comes with his celestial train. 8 Who is the King of Glory? who? the Lord, for strength renown'd; In battle mighty; o'er bis foes eternal victor crown'd. 9 Erect your heads, ye gates; unfold in state to entertain The King of Glory: see! he comes with all his shining train. 10 Who is the King of Glory? who? the Lord of hosts renown'd; Of Glory he alone is King, who is with glory crown'd. PSALM 25. TO God, in whom I trust, I lift my heart and voice, O! let me not be put to shame, nor let my foes rejoice. 3 Those who on thee rely, let no disgrace attend; Be that the shameful lot of such as wilfully offend. 4,5 To me thy truth impart, and lead me in thy way; For thou art he that brings me help: on thee I wait all day. 6 Thy mercies,and thy love, O Lord,recal to mind; And graciously continue still, as thou wert ever, kind. 7 Let all my youthful crimes be blotted out by thee; And, for thy wondrous goodness sake in mercy think on me. 8 His mercy, and his truth, the righteous Lord displays, In bringing wandering sinners home and teaching them his ways. 9 He those in justice guides, who his direction seek |