■ FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Ditiiiorf ^Co Scctios T 5^ 2. NEW METRICAL TRANSLATION BOOK OF PSALMS. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/newmensOOIond NEW METRICAL TRANSLATION BOOK OF PSALMS. JLttttttaaM for Canting. AN ATTEMPT TO PRESERVE, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE LEADING CHARACTERISTICS OE THE ORIGINAL, IN THE LANGUAGE OP THE ENGLISH BIBLE. LONDON : SAMUEL BAGSTER AND SONS ; WAREHOUSE FOB BIBLES, NEW TESTAMENTS, PBAYEB BOOKS, CHTJBCH SERVICES, LEXICONS, GBAMMABS, CONCOBDANCES, AND PSALTEBS, IN ANCIENT AND MODEBN LANGUAGES J 15, PATERNOSTER ROW. TO HIS GEACE THE LOED AECHBISHOP OF YORK, AND PRIMATE OF ENGLAND, THIS METRICAL VERSION OF THE PSALMS, IS, WITH HIS GRACE'S KIND PERMISSION, DEDICATED BY HIS GRATEFUL AND OBEDIENT SERVANT, THE TRANSLATOR. December 15, 1857. vi PEE FACE. of your mind, that the metres should vary, and that the spirit of the Original should be maintained above every other con- sideration ; and when I say this, I mean as to the Theology of the Psalms, as well as their poetical feeling and power." On returning the MS., he thus expressed his opinion : " I am sure your goodness will excuse me in saying, that — although I like your plan much, and feel assured from what I have seen of the manner in which you have in great measure followed it out, — that you can make it a very valuable production, — yet that it is not now in a state fit for publication. What it wants is care and patience ; i.e. that you have still to carry it on so as to touch it up usque ad unguem. . . . The work is worth the life of any man. Every word, syllable, etc., and particularly the spirit of the Original, should be laboured ; not that it should seem laboured, but that it should run easy, natural, and full. You can do this, I feel assured, and therefore I press the consider- ation on you." The result of this advice has been, that by far the greater part of the original version has been re-cast ; for it was only in this way, in numerous instances, that the necessities of the case could be met. The aim from the first had been to produce as faithful a metrical version of these divinely-inspired compositions as the English language would admit of ; and this, for the most part, in the words and phrases of our English Bible Version, wherever it was practicable in metre. In this plan the trans- lator has steadily persevered, under a conviction that no other would answer as well. The opinion that Dean Swift pronounced on the Authorised Version of the Bible may be here appealed to : — "No translation will come up to that of the Old and New Testament ; and I am persuaded that the translators of the Bible were masters of an English style much fitter for that work than any we see in our present writings, the which is owing to the simplicity that runs through the whole." But while regarding the Authorised English Version with PEE FACE. vii great deference and respect, it has been felt that the final appeal on all occasions should be to the Hebrew text ; and, at the correct meaning of this, the translator has spared no pains to arrive, by availing himself of the labours and researches of eminent scholars who have made Hebrew literature the chief study of their lives. He has also felt with Bishop Lowth, that it is of great importance to distinguish the system of the verses. To discover what traces are left of the original versification has therefore been his constant endeavour ; and the result of his investigation has been, to learn, that while, in the Hebrew Psalter, couplets and triplets are often to be found, the quatrain, or stanza of four lines, greatly predominates. A few Psalms, however, there are, that seem to fall naturally into six-line stanzas, and in the Hundredth Psalm there is a perfect specimen of triplets. The present task was entered upon with the conviction that a metrical version of the Book of Psalms could have no claim to fidelity, in which a strenuous effort was not made to imitate the sententious and the figurative style of the Original, to be as sparing as possible of epithets, and to take advantage of every trace of the ancient metres afforded by the parallelisms ; these indeed are for the most part so obvious and intelligible, that no prose translators of the poetical parts of the Bible have failed to re-produce them ; while, in our metrical translations, — speaking generally, — their due effect has been entirely lost by indulging in amplification and paraphrase, a tendency which only line-for- line translation can keep properly in check. To this, therefore, the writer has generally adhered ; but he has adopted no such rigid rule with regard to words and phrases, for such minuteness would have entirely defeated his purpose. No poetry in the world, as far as the writer is aware, admits less of amplification and diffuseness in translation than the Lyric Poetry of the Hebrews. It is often a succession of corus- cations, flashes of light, peals of thunder. Except by means viii PEE FACE. of the parallelisms, there is no amplification whatever. The noun, and the verb or participle, are generally made to express the poet's idea ; and to lengthen out his sentences with expletives and epithets was altogether foreign to his purpose and to the cast of his mind. His feelings and convictions were far too deep and intense to admit of this. There was, on his part, no attempt to speak in the words which man's wisdom teacheth. To deal rashly or unscrupulously, therefore, with the writings of such men — men who could say, as did the sweet psalmist of Israel, " The Spirit of God spake by me, and His word was on my tongue,' ' would be an act like his who laid a thoughtless hand upon the Ark of God. This will explain, in a word, why so much minuteness has been employed in accounting for the Ijxtual variations adopted, while the English Authorised Trans- lation of the Bible has been the foundation on which the version has primarily rested. To those persons who would require a metrical translator of the Psalms to deviate from the Original, in order, as Dr. Watts has expressed it, to give " an evangelical turn to the Hebrew sense," the writer's reply is, that he cannot understand how that which no one thinks of demanding of prose translators of the Psalms, should be required or expected from metrical trans- lators. It is very doubtful indeed, whether any prose transla- tion of the Book of Psalms, on the principle advocated as above, would ever be endured in exchange for the faithful kind of translation that is furnished in the Authorised Version. It is open to any one to write Evangelical Hymns, taking the matter of the Psalms equally with that of any other portion of the Sacred Scriptures for his subject : but, to go beyond this, is extremely hazardous, to say the least. While venturing, how- ever, to make these remarks, with a view of conciliating many pious persons whose opinions on this head differ from his own, the translator is anxious not to be misunderstood. His con- viction is that the Psalms are full of allusions to Christ and His PREFACE. ' ix Church ; and if, in this metrical version, the references to these subjects should prove less obvious and apparent than in the authorised prose version, it will be to the writer a matter of deep regret. So far from having the slightest objection to an evangelical mode of interpreting the Psalms, the more he has studied them, the more has he become convinced that David wrote far less of himself than many divines suppose, and never with a double meaning, so that in any psalm he should be speaking of himself and Christ as type and anti-type. Let his own simple account of the matter, in the words already quoted, be duly weighed : — " The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, and His word was on my tongue." David must have known, on these occasions, that he was speaking of things future, and of an Illustrious One, who would appear in the fulness of time, to be a pattern to His people, and to save them from their sins. The words of the Apostle Peter are very remarkable : — " Of which salvation," he says, " the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you : searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by those who have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven ; which things the angels desire to look into." The sweet Psalmist of Israel, as the Sacred History informs us, had in no ordinary degree, trials, suf- ferings, dangers, deliverances, victories, and triumphs of his own; and it may have pleased "the Spirit of Christ" to make these events in the Psalmist's chequered life the occasion of peculiar revelations suited to the temper and frame of mind in which he was at particular periods, so that his thoughts might be diverted from his own immediate concerns to somewhat kindred subjects, but, in real importance, infinitely superior : he would thus have b x PKEFACE. his own sorrows alleviated and soothed in periods of adversity, and his mind elevated above all sublunary things in times of earthly prosperity. In compositions so varied as are the Psalms, and where, even in the same psalm, the transitions in numerous instances are so great and sudden, to judge rightly of the power and capacity of the metres has often been a matter of great anxiety, and their fitness only to be determined by actual working out and repeated experiments. A far more unrestricted use of metres than what has been customary in metrical versions of the Psalms has therefore ultimately been adopted ; but in no single instance has the selection been influenced by whim or caprice, but solely by a wish to do justice to the Original. Thus compelled to use a great variety of metres, and conscious that these metrical psalms are not "fitted to the tunes used in Churches," the translator has accentuated them for chanting, or, in other words, for recitative singing, employing the acute accent simply and solely for that purpose. By this means, the version becomes at once adapted to music suitable both for private and for public use. Dr. Isaac Watts, in the preface to the early editions of his Version of the Psalms, commented strongly on the defective state of Psalmody in his day. How far his censures are appli- cable to its present state, each one can judge for himself. "Though the Psalms of David," Dr. Watts observes, "are a work of admirable and divine composure, though they contain the noblest sentiments of piety, and breathe a most exalted spirit of devotion ; yet, when the best of Christians attempt to sing many of them in our common translations, that spirit of devotion vanishes and is lost, the psalm dies upon their lips, and they feel scarce anything of the holy pleasure." He refers to the subject again in the preface to the second edition of his Hymns, where he says : " While we sing the praises of God in His Church, we are employed in that part of our worship, which, PKEEACE. xi of all others, is the nearest akin to heaven ; and it is pity that this, of all others, should be performed the worst upon earth. . . . That excessive long tone of voice that stretches out every syllable in our public singing, allows us neither time nor spirits to sing above six or eight stanzas at once ; and sometimes we make use of but three or four. ... I have, therefore, reduced all the work into hymns of such a length as may suit the usual custom of churches, that they may not sing broken fragments of sense, as is too often done, and spoil the beauty of the wor- ship, etc. ... It were to be wished,' ' he further adds, " that we might not dwell so long upon every single note, and produce the syllables to such a tiresome extent, with a constant uni- formity of time ; which disgraces the music, and puts the con- gregation quite out of breath in singing five or six stanzas ; whereas, if the method of singing were but reformed to a greater speed of pronunciation, we might enjoy the pleasure of a longer psalm with less expense of time and breath ; and our psalmody would be more intelligible to others, and more delightful to ourselves. " That greater speed of pronunciation, which all who duly con- sider the subject must feel, with Dr. Watts, to be most desir- able, can be readily obtained by Chanting or Recitative Singing, and by that method only. But, unfortunately, chanting is practised to great disadvantage at present, because it is applied to unregulated prose, and not to metrical composition. Dr. Elvey, Organist of New and St. John's Colleges, Oxford, in his recent work, entitled, " The Psalter, or Canticles and Psalms of David, pointed for Chanting, upon a new principle," very candidly acknowledges that "to a thoughtful and reverential listener, some unpleasant sensations must have been frequently imparted by an appearance of carelessness and irreverence which seems to attach to the chanting of the Psalms." After admitting that some blame may at times attach to the choir who are " acting as the leaders in the hymns of praise that are rising to Almighty xii PEEFACE. God," he thus proceeds : " But still it may be considered whether what is too often unsatisfactory in their performances be not due to some deficiency in our system as now adminis- tered. Several persons have been driven to an exclusive sup- port of Gregorian tones, from their dislike of the want of reverence frequently shown in the use of English chants ; and the numerous faults which are to be met with, that either have or have not printed sanction, seem to force upon us the con- clusion that great improvement is desirable, whether the system be capable of it or not." Dr. Elvey then goes on to say : " The chief faults may be ranged under the two main divisions of each of the two parts into which a single chant admits of being divided. 1. Some important word is frequently ascribed to an unaccentuated note of the chant. It is clear that the meaning and the natural rhythm of the word must suffer much violence from this habit, which, though unavoidable in some instances, is far too common." He then proceeds to give various examples, and adds : " Should the inevitable inference to be drawn from reading these passages be thought too strong, let any one sing them over to himself, care- fully marking the accent, and it may safely be asserted that, in these instances at least, the musical rendering becomes a veil to the meaning, and affects most painfully the expression of the words. Unfortunately, experience shows that errors of this description are only too rife. 2. Carelessness in the recited part is even more to be deplored, perhaps, than the faults above mentioned. A practice prevailed almost invariably some years ago, and does occasionally now, for choirs to gabble over the earlier, and what are perhaps some of the most emphatic, parts of the verse, and then to make a long pause, where possibly no pause at all should be made, before drawling the remainder to the rest of the chant. In this way, too much importance is given to the tune, and too little to the words. ... In the hope of remedying these and similar evils, or at least of con- PEE FACE. xiii tributing something towards their cure, the following arrange- ment of the Psalms has been drawn up. But it has not been forgotten, that to point the Psalter for the purpose of chanting is an undertaking of extreme difficulty and delicacy/ ' Dr. Elvey concludes by hoping that a charitable construction will be put on any error that may occur in his publication : " For, in truth," he says, " very frequently the ultimate solu- tion has not appeared satisfactory ; the nature of the case pre- sented more a choice of evils than a balance of conflicting claims ; so that the inference seems to be forced upon us, that the only ivay to set the Psalms well for chanting would be to alter the translation with a special view to this subject. As, however, many considerations would appear to preclude the possibility of this, at any rate for the present, it is hoped that the expense of time and labour in the present case will not have been thrown away, but that either an arrangement will have been produced as good as the circumstances will permit, or, at any rate, that a step will have been made in advance towards some system iv here- by the noblest of our hymns of praise may be sung both intelligently and reverently, to the honour and glory of Almighty God." We have thus, on the one hand, the metrical psalms "fitted to the tunes used in Churches,' ' frequently so performed as to be open to such strictures as those of the late Dr. Watts ; and, on the other hand, we have the prose psalms, " pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches,' ' open to the equally strong censure of Dr. Elvey, who affirms that it is not too much to say, " that the defects that prevail in chanting, would not be toler- ated in any other branch of music." The question therefore arises, whether the application of the English responsive chant to metrical composition is not, after all, the system that is wanted ; and, without being so presumptuous as to conclude that the want (for a want there unquestionably is) is fully met by the present attempt, the trans- lator feels persuaded that it is only a metrical, line-for-line, xiv P KEF ACE. translation, on such principles as those which he has endea- voured to follow, that can ever set the question at rest. What is now hazardous for even a trained and educated choir, often becomes perfectly impracticable when attempted by a congre- gation ; but he is sanguine enough to think that the chant, used with discretion, and adapted to metrical composition, would soon be generally welcomed, and its advantages recognised. The Rev. W. V. Harcourt, Canon Residentiary of York Cathedral, in the preface to his work, entitled, " Symmetrical Psalmody," says : " The Psalms, in the opinion of Bishop Lowth, were originally composed in Metre, and in that case were doubtless sung at first, as at present, to measured music. But, when the Hebrew was become a dead language, the know- ledge of its metre lost, and its sacred Poetry translated unmetri- cally into other languages, the practice appears to have arisen of intoning it in a recitative not subject to any regular measure. At a later period the preference of musicians for measured time, and the desire of maintaining concord in the performance of many parts and voices, led to the introduction of the Modern Chant, which renders unmetrical composition in part amenable to musical measurement, by reserving a certain number of the con- cluding syllables of a sentence to be applied to fixed measures, the preceding words being given up to unmeasured monotone. . . . The attempt, however, under any modification, to combine prose composition, without selection, with musical notes, must always prove abortive ; and a system that rejects the expression of every feeling but that of solemnity, is especially unfit to represent the pathos and fervour which distinguish the Hebrew Psalms. ,, That the Jews " made ample use of Responsories and the Alternate Chant," the Rev. J. Antes Latrobe has shown, in his work, entitled, " The Music of the Church." Beginning with the time of Moses, and coming down to that of Nehemiah, we may cull from the Sacred Scriptures a number of passages that P KEF ACE. xv are conclusive on this point. But while the antiquity of the chant, as Mr. Latrobe remarks, is universally admitted, it is still more important to the subject we are now considering ; — viz., the propriety of adapting the responsive chant to Psalmody in the present day, and for Christian congregations, — to know that there is abundant evidence to show that it was in use among the early Christians. " Even before the legal establishment of Christianity/' he says, " we find from Philo, who lived in the first century, a distinct recognition of the alternate chant. . . . The author of the Apostolic Canons, speaking of the Christian service, admonishes, that after the lessons, another should sing the Psalms of David, and the people succinere, or answer. . . . At a still earlier period, Pliny the younger, in his well-known letter to Trajan concerning the Primitive Christians, used an ex- pression which has been considered demonstrative of the recita- tive and interchanging character of their method of singing, 1 carmen dicere secum invicem.' It is further probable, that the style thus traced to the first ages of the Church, was in effect but an adaptation of the mode of chanting the Hebrew ritual in the Temple service ; embracing such improvements as the pro- gress of knowledge and acquaintance with the music of Pagan countries might suggest. Thus Calvin admits his conviction, that, from the beginning, the Christians followed the Jewish use in singing of Psalms, and that, in his admonitions to the Ephesians and 'Colossians, the Apostle Paul evidently recom- mends this duty which was so much practised by the Jews." As a knowledge of the number and length of the syllables used in the ancient Hebrew versification is now unattainable, it is impossible that the Jews in their synagogues can now chant the Psalms as their forefathers did ; but this is certain, that they sang them as metrical and not as prose compositions, for in the Hebrew language, the word Mizmor (or Psalm), according to its etymology, is expressive of a composition cut or divided in a peculiar manner, into short and equal sentences ; as noticed xvi PEE FACE. by Bishop Lowth. " But," to use the words of Mr. Latrobe, " whatever the exact merit of the early chant, of which we pos- sess no specimens, we know that it subserved, and that in a high degree, spiritual edification. With it, as has been ob- served, our Lord probably solaced His soul before the scenes of His passion ; for we cannot suppose that He gave a new cha- racter to musical science, since every circumstance of His life evinces that He came, not unnecessarily to rebuke early predilec- tions and tastes, but to press them into the service of His king- dom. St. Augustine describes the rich consolation which it continued to dispense to the children of God. When, after his conversion, he entered the Church of Milan, where St. Ambrose had introduced the eastern manner of chanting, he says, ' the voices flowed in at my ears, truth was distilled in my heart, and the affection of piety overflowed in sweet tears of joy/ " After what has been stated, it can hardly be necessary to say that the chants, for which the present version is accentuated, are the single and double chants used in our Cathedral Churches and Collegiate Chapels ; the former consisting of two lines, the latter of four. In private, a single voice accompanied by a musical instrument, will suffice to give a pleasing effect to the chanting of the Psalms ; but, to perform them properly in public, the choir or congregation should be divided into two parts, and these parts respond to each other. When sung in this manner, even the single chant will be found to be greatly relieved of its monotony, and the enallage or change of tenses, which is frequent in the Hebrew Poetry, and striking specimens of which we have in the 104th and 145th Psalms, instead of appearing a defect, will be found to add life and energy to the performance. In the four-line stanzas, the best plan would be for each division of the choir to take two lines alternately. There are Psalms in which whole stanzas might be taken alter- nately ; but, in many instances, the changes of tenses occur at too short intervals to render this expedient. Generally speak- PEE FACE. xvii ing, the first plan will answer best. There are a few passages in which a solo voice might be heard with advantage, especially in our Cathedrals and Collegiate Chapels, where the singers can be depended upon. For the Psalms that are in six-line stanzas, it would be better to be content with using four-line chants — repeating the last half — than to attempt to introduce six-line chants ; for it is of the highest importance to maintain the simplicity of the music ; and a six-line chant would be cumber- some and unwieldy, and less easily retained in the memory. It has been well observed, that the chant may be denominated M the simplest form of musical expression,' ' and it is essential to keep it so. If the full choir took the fifth and sixth lines, the four-line chant would answer sufficiently, and the rhythm would be clear and satisfactory. The director of the music should be careful to select major or minor chants as the Psalms may require ; and where there is an organ, a preference should be given to the changeable chants, in order to meet the transitions which are apt to occur in the same composition. As to the manner in which the chant should be executed, it is sufficient to say, that the recitation-part of the chant " should be sung as nearly as may be at the same rate as the rest, and the words should be enunciated with an accent and emphasis corresponding to that which an intelligent reader would adopt in ordinary reading.' ' As it has been the translator's endeavour to follow the Hebrew text as closely as he could, he has used the word "Jehovah," i.e. The Self-Existent, more or less frequently in every Psalm in which it occurs in the Original. It is satis- factory to him to find, that, in so doing, he meets the wishes of so eminent a critic as the late S. T. Coleridge, who has thus expressed his opinion on the subject: — "It is very extraor- dinary that, in our translation of the Psalms, which professes to be from the Hebrew, the name Jehovah — c O *QN — the Being. or God — should be omitted, and instead of it, the Kuptos, or Lord of the Septuagint, be adopted. The Alexandrian Jews xviii PEEFACE. had a superstitious dread of writing the name of God, and put Kvpios, not as a translation, but as a mere mark or sign, — every one readily understanding for what it really stood. We, who have no such superstition, ought surely to restore the Jehovah, and thereby bring out in the true force the overwhelming testi- mony of the Psalms to the divinity of Christ, the Jehovah or manifested God." Coleridge adds, that the late Bishop Sand- ford was of the same opinion. • The translator takes this opportunity to express his grateful acknowledgments to the friends who have aided and encouraged him in his undertaking. To the Rev. Dr. M'Caul, Professor of Hebrew in King's College, London, his thanks are especially due for important suggestions with reference to certain difficult passages, and for his kindness and courtesy on all occasions. He is desirous to add, that to no publication has he been more indebted than to the very learned and judicious Commentary of the Rev. George Phillips on the Psalms, — a work from which he has, during many years, derived almost daily assistance. CONTENTS. Psalm All ye lands ! with one accord 6Q All ye people ! clap your hands 47 Aloud, to God our strength, for gladness sing ... 81 Be gracious, Lord ! for breathless they pursue ... 56 Be gracious, Lord ! in mercy hear my cry ... 51 Behold, how passing sweet (2) 133 Behold, what pleasure and delight (1) 133 Be joyful in Jehovah, all ye lands (1) 100 Be joyful in Jehovah, all ye lands (2) 100 Be thankful to Jehovah for His grace , . . . 118 Bless the Lord, O my soul ! All within me proclaim . 103 Bless ye the Lord, ye servants of the Lord . . . 134 Blest are the undenled in the way 119 By Babel's waters we sat down and wept . . . (1) 137 Come, and with united voice (2) 95 Deliver from the evil man, O Lord 140 Earth, in its fulness, to the Lord belongs ... (2) 24 Earth is the Lord's, its fulness His (1) 24 Established on the holy heights 87 CONTENTS. Eternal God! we give Thee thanks and praise Fret not thyself because of evil men Gazing on Babylon's towers, we sat weeping . Girt with omnipotence, enrobed in light Give ear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel! give ear Give thanks to God, and call upon His name Give to Jehovah, O ye Mighty ! give Give to Jehovah thanks, and bless His name God in His Courts of Equity presides God is great ! His glorious name God is our refuge in distress .... God, of His abounding love God of my praise ! no longer silence keep Happy the man that for the sufferer cares Hearken, all nations ! unto me .... Hear, O my people ! to my words attend Hear the right ; Jehovah! hear Help, Lord! for few sincere remain Help, Lord ! for of the godly few remain How blest is he, whose sins have pardoned been How goodly are Thy tents ! how fair How great his blessings, who the way How is the man that fears Jehovah blest . How long forgetful, Lord ! wilt Thou remain How our hearts within us burn I call from lowest depths and dark . I call, Jehovah ! hasten unto me I call, Jehovah! unto Thee .... I cry aloud to God in prayer I earnestly desired the Lord Most High I give Thee thanks, O Lord ! for health regained Incline Thine ear, O Lord ! and answer me In Judah, truly, God is known . In my distress to God I cry In stedfast hope I for Jehovah wait . Psalm 75 37 CONTENTS. In Thee, Jehovah! I my trust repose I said, I'll to my ways attend Is Justice really dumb, and cannot speak I to the Lord my cries address I will at all times bless the Lord I will extol Thee, O my God and King Jehovah ! all my powers I give to praise Jehovah's boundless love commemorate Jehovah's everlasting love I sing Jehovah, God my Hock, be praised Jehovah hear thee in the time of need Jehovah ! how my enemies increase Jehovah ! I direct my thoughts to Thee . Jehovah ! I in faith draw near Jehovah in majesty reigns Jehovah reigns ; let earth rejoice Jehovah reigns — the nations fear and quake Jehovah ! Thou hast cast us off . Jehovah ! Thou the searcher art Jehovah ! to deliver me be pleased Jehovah! to my earnest prayer attend Jehovah ! to my words incline thine ear Judge thou my cause. Jehovah ! sentence give Judge me, O Lord ! and undertake my cause Keep not silence, O our God Like as the hart desires the water-brooks Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord hearken to my prayers and cries hearken to the voice of my desire hear my prayer, consider my complaint hear my prayer, my supplication hear hear the right ; O hearken to my cry . of my innocence the Judge ! draw near save me for Thy own name' sake . Thou hast been our dwelling-place . to Thy land Thou didst propitious prove CONTENTS. My God ! my God ! behold and see My heart is bounding with, my theme My heart rejoices when my brethren say My heart with a rapturous theme overflows My Shepherd is the Lord of all My trust is in Jehovah's word Not for our sake, O Lord ! look down Not in Thine anger, Lord ! rebuke Not in Thine anger, O Lord God ! rebuke O bless the Lord, my soul ! His praise resound O come, and let us sing unto the Lord O God ! be gracious still to me O God ! be gracious unto me ... Of mercy and of judgment is my lay . O God ! my God Thou art ; I seek Thy face O God ! my heart is tuned to praise O God of vengeance ! God of vengeance ! hear O God ! our homage we renew O God ! preserve me, for I trust in Thee O God ! unto the King Thy judgments give O Lord my God ! I trust in Thee O Lord ! my heart is not aspiring O Lord ! how excellent Thy name O praise ye the Lord ! for it truly is meet . O praise ye the Lord in the great congregation O praise ye the Lord ! praise Jehovah the Lord O praise ye the Lord ! praise the Lord, O my Soul O sing to the Lord a new song Plead Thou my cause, O God of might Praise Jehovah, all ye lands Praise ye Jehovah ! bless Jehovah's name Praise ye the Lord ! give thanks to God the Lord Praise ye the Lord, ye servants of the Lord Rebuke me not, Jehovah ! in Thine ire Rejoice, ye righteous ! in the Lord COlSTTEiN'TS. Bemember David and his troubles, Lord Render to Jehovah praise Rock of Ages ! sure Defence Save me, my God ! from foes defend Save me, G-od ! for my foes are conspiring Save me, O God ! — the floods my life assail Sing aloud unto God ! in His temple sing praise Sing to the Lord an anthem new Sing to the Lord an anthem new The fool doth in his vain heart say , The fool doth in his vain heart say . The God of gods, Jehovah speaks The heathen enter in, O God The heav'ns God's handywork proclaim The King, Jehovah ! glories in Thy might The Lord hath arisen ! His foes are in flight The Lord is my salvation and my light The Lord Jehovah is my guide The Oracle supreme within Thus, to my Lord, Jehovah spake They sorely have oppressed me from my youth They that in God alone confide To give Thee thanks, 'tis meet and right To Israel, verily, the Lord is good To Thee, O Lord ! the God of my salvation To Thee, uplifted are mine eyes . Truly on God my soul in peace relies Unless the Lord for us had wrought Unless to build Jehovah deign . Unto the hills I lift mine eyes What endless blessings are for him prepared When Israel out of Egypt went . When Zion's captives home were brought Who in Thy tabernacle, Lord ! shall rest Whoso pursues the way of God's commands xxiv CONTENTS. Psalm Who the Most High for his protector takes ... 91 Why afar off, Jehovah ! dost Thou stand ... 10 Why boastest thou in mischief, mighty man ... 52 Why do the nations furious warfare wage ... 2 Why, O God ! are we rejected 74 With my whole heart I magnify the Lord ... Ill With my whole heart I sing of Thy renown . . . 138 With our ears we have heard, for our fathers have told . 44 THE BOOK OF PSALMS, MORNING PRAYER. Psalm I. First Version: 1 What endless blessings are for him prepared, Who never hath in evil counsels shared ; Who enters not the haunts where sinners meet, Nor sits, presumptuous, in the scorner's seat; 2 But in Jehovah's statutes takes delight, And meditates therein both day and night ! 3 He truly prospers as a tree that grows Beside the brooks where living water flows; A plant that brings forth fruit from year to year, And on whose boughs no withering leaves appear; That flourishes when even drought arrives, And that in every month and season thrives ! 4 Not so the wicked, but as chaff are they That the wind scatters, driving it away; 5 For in the judgment sinners shall not stand, Nor with the righteous meet at God's right hand : 6 The Lord the way of upright men commends ; The way of wicked men in ruin ends ! 2 Day 1. PS ALMS I. II. Psalm I. Second Version. 1 How great his blessings, who the way Of evil counsels hath not known ; Nor loved the paths where sinners stray, Nor made the scorner's seat his own ; 2 But in God's Law hath his delight, And finds his solace day and night ! 3 He prospers as a tree whose root Is water d by perennial streams ; A plant that brings forth timely fruit, And with unfading foliage teems; Nor droops when even drought arrives, — One that in every season thrives. 4 Not so the wicked ! — truly they Are like the chafF by whirlwinds fann'd ! 5 For sinners in the judgment-day Among the righteous shall not stand : 6 The Lord the just man's path commends; The sinner's path in ruin ends ! Psalm II. Why do the nations furious warfare wage? Why in attempts so impotent engage? The Kings and Eulers of the earth conspire, Against the Lord assemble in their ire, Against the Lord and His anointed King, — " Their bands asunder burst ! their fetters from us fling !" PSALM III. DayI. 4 He laughs, Who on His throne from old abides, He Who is seated in the heav'ns derides ; 5 Then in His wrath, His enemies astounds, Yea, in the fury of His wrath confounds : 6 "I, verily, Myself, my King appoint, " And on My holy hill of Zion I anoint ! " 7 This the decree : — Jehovah said to me, My Son Thou art ; this day begat I Thee : 8 Ask, and to Thee the Gentiles Y assign ; The earth's remotest regions shall be thine : 9 As with a rod of iron, with fearful crash, Thou shalt in pieces break, as potter's vessel dash ! 10 Then hearken, ye Princes ! and be wise ; No more, ye Rulers ! in rebellion rise : 11 Reverence Jehovah ! quake and tremble ye ! 12 Kiss ye the Son, lest wrath enkindled be ; Soon will it burn ! — then, lest ye perish, haste ! How greatly blest are all, whose trust in Him is placed ! Psalm III. 1 Jehoyah ! how my enemies increase ! What hosts are risen up to mar my peace ! 2 How many, while I mourn beneath Thy rod, Say of my soul : " Xo help for him in God !" 3 But Thou, Jehovah ! art my buckler strong, My glory, and wilt raise me up ere long : 4 To God my cries shall be directed still, For He will hear me from His holy hill. DayI. PSALM IV. 5 I lay me down and sleep, and calmly wake, For care of me the Lord vouchsafes to take : 6 I fear them not, though enemies abound, Though men by myriads compass me around ! 7 8 Arise, Lord ! my God, to help me haste ! For all my former foes Thou hast disgraced ; Crush'd are they all ! — my wrongs again redress ; Salvation, Lord ! is Thine ; Thy people bless ! Psalm IV. 1 Lord ! — of my innocence the Judge ! — draw near, And when I call for help vouchsafe to hear : Thou, who hast freed me oft from anxious care, Be gracious still, and hearken to my prayer ! 2 Ye sons of men ! how long will ye despise My dignity, and love deceit and lies ? 3 This know, the Lord hath chosen one sincere ; Jehovah, when I call on Him, will hear. 4 Tremble, and sin no more ! in silence dread, Hold converse with your heart upon your bed ! 5 See that the offerings you present be pure, And trust in Him whose promises are sure ! 6 While many after good run to and fro, On us, Jehovah ! Thy bright beams bestow : 7 Thou, Lord ! hast made me glad ; my heart hath found A joy unknown where corn and wine abound ! 8 I will lie down in peace, and fall asleep, For watch around me, Thou, Lord ! wilt keep : PSALM V. Day 1. Thou wilt permit no evil to molest, But make me in security to rest ! Psalm V. 1 Jehovah ! to my words incline thine ear, And to my deep-drawn sighs attention pay; 2 hearken to my loud complaint and hear, For unto Thee, my God and King, I pray ! 3 Early, Jehovah ! Thou shalt hear my voice ; For Thee I wait, and Thou wilt look on me ; 4 For Thou art not a God that doth rejoice In wickedness ; no evil dwells with Thee ! 5 The foolish shall not stand before Thine eyes ; Thou hatest all who trample on thy laws, 6 And wilt destroy the utterers of lies ; The man of craft and blood, the Lord abhors ! 7 But as for me, I to Thy House will go, In Thine abundant mercy drawing near ; Or tow'rds Thy holy Temple bending low, Approach Thee still with reverential fear ! 9 Lead, for Thy truth's sake, for my steps they note ; Direct me, for their lips would but betray : Their heart is all malignity ; their throat An open sepulchre ; smooth-tongued are they ! 10 No longer let their sentence hang in doubt ; By their own counsels let them be ensnared : For all their acts of treason cast them out, For, to rebel against Thee they have dared ! DayI. PSALM VI. 11 But let all those rejoice that trust in Thee ; A jubilee eternal let them hold ; For Thou, Jehovah ! their defence wilt be, Their helper, as in all the days of old ! Yea, let them triumph who Thy truth confess ; Be those that love Thy name with gladness crown' d : 12 For Thou Thy righteous servant, Lord ! wilt bless, And with Thy favour, as a shield, surround ! EVENING PRAYER. Psalm VI. First Version. 1 Not in thine anger, Lord ! rebuke, Nor in Thy fierce displeasure chide ; 2 In mercy on my weakness look, For I am faint, and sorely tried ! heal me, for my bones are vex'd, They tremble as with palsy strong ; 3 And greatly is my soul perplex'd : But Thou, Jehovah! — Lord, how long? 4 Return, Lord ! and rescue me ; In thine abundant mercy save ; 5 For who in death remembers Thee ? Who yields Thee homage in the grave ? 6 My daily groans bring no relief; All night I bathe my couch with tears : 7 Mine eye is dim because of grief, It waxeth old, through all my fears ! PSALM VI. Day 1. {Pause.) 8 Hence, evil-doers ! all, depart ! For to my wailing God attends ; 9 He hears the outpourings of my heart, The Lord a gracious answer sends ! 10 Confounded are my envious foes, In trouble and alarm are they ; All who to mar my peace arose, Eeturn at once, and in dismay ! Psalm VI. Second Version. 1 Not in Thine anger, Lord God ! rebuke, Nor in Thy sore displeasure vengeance take ; 2 But in Thy mercy on my weakness look, And heal me, for my bones with terror shake ! 3 4 And my soul trembles greatly ! — Lord ! how long? Eeturn, Jehovah ! and in mercy save ; 5 For who in death renews to Thee his song? Who celebrates Thy praises in the grave? 6 I weary am ; my groans bring no relief; All night with tears I make my bed to swim : 7 My beauty fades; mine eye is worn with grief; Through mine oppressors it is waxen dim ! (Pause.) 8 Ye workers of iniquity ! depart, For my loud weeping God vouchsafes to hear : 9 Jehovah heeds the outpourings of my heart, Jehovah, to my prayer, inclines His ear ! DayI. PSALM VII. 10 Now, even now, I see them put to shame, Confounded are my enemies with dread ; The rancorous foes, who to afflict me came, Eeturn at once confounded, — all are fled ! Psalm VII. * l 2 Lord my God ! I trust in thee, With Thee, Jehovah ! refuge take : From my pursuers rescue me, Deliver for Thy mercy' sake ! Save me from all who lie in wait, And him, arch-enemy, control, Who, lion-like, would lacerate, And, none to hinder, rend my soul ! 3 Lord ! if guilty in Thy sight, If, to do this, my hands have dared, 4 If I a friend could thus requite — I, who my cruel foe had spared : 5 Then let the foe, his vengeance rife, Pursue and take ; the doom were just ! Yea, let him trample out my life, And lay mine honour in the dust ! {Pause.) 6 Jehovah ! in Thy wrath arise ; For fiercely my oppressors rage : Exalted be before their eyes ; On my behalf, God ! engage ! PSALM VII. DayI. Tis Thy unchangeable decree, That justice rule in earth and sky ; 7 Then let the nations compass Thee, On their account return on high ! 8 Jehovah, from His lofty throne, Will judge the nations : Lord ! decide, For Thou my righteousness hast known, In Thee, I, innocent, confide ! 9 Defeat their impious enterprise, But strengthen and confirm the just ; For nought escapes Thy piercing eyes, righteous God, in Whom I trust ! {Pause.) 10 God holds a shield in my defence, And saves the upright in the way : 11 The righteous Judge will recompense, — God, Who is anger'd every day ! 12 He (if he turn not) whets His sword ; He bends His bow and taketh aim : 13 His armoury is amply stored, His arrows at His bidding flame ! {Pause.) 14 Behold, he travails with deceit ; He hath conceived and brought forth lies:. 15 He digs and hollows <5ut a pit, And falls therein, no more to rise ! DayL psalm viil 16 On his own head, to his amaze, — On his own crest, his curse comes down : 17 God, for His justice, I' will praise; To the Most High ascribe renown ! Psalm VIIL 1 Lord ! how excellent Thy name, Thy works in all the earth proclaim : Thou, Who Thy glory here hast shown, Above the heav'ns hast fix'd Thy throne ! 2 The mouths of babes and sucklings raise To Thee the tribute of their praise : Jehovah ! such Thy sovereign will, The avenger and the foe to still ! 3 When I Thy work, the heav'ns behold, — The moon and stars, ordain'd of old ; When to yon vast expanse I turn, And of Thy power such proofs discern : 4 Oh ! what is man, 'mid scenes so fair, In Thy solicitude to share ? This child of poverty and pain, That Thou to visit him should' st deign? 5 Thou mad'st him, for a little space, To rank below the angelic race ; But on his head hast placed a crown Of endless glory and renown ! 6 Dominion his ; supreme command O'er all the wonders of Thy hand ; PSALM IX. Day 2. They subject to his will were made, Thou all things at his feet hast laid ! 7 8 Innumerable flocks and herds, The cattle of the field, and birds ; And ocean's never-ending forms, Pervading that vast world of storms ! 9 Lord ! how excellent Thy name, Thy works in all the earth proclaim : Thou, Who Thy glory here hast shown, Above the heav'ns hast fix'd Thy throne ! MORNING PRAYER. Psalm IX. l Jehovah ! all my powers I give to praise ; With my whole heart Thy wonders I proclaim : % I will exult, and hymns of triumph raise ; Thou Most Highest ! T will sing Thy name ! 3 My foes turn back ; the breakers of Thy laws Stumble and perish at Thy presence bright : 4 For Thou, Jehovah ! hast maintained my cause ; Thou, on Thy throne exalted, judgest right ! 5 Thou hast rebuked the nations, 0' Lord God ! And utterly destroy'd the Impious-One ; Their name, who under foot the helpless trod, Is blotted out from underneath the sun ! Day 2. PSALM IX. 6 Thou of the enemy an end hast made, A desolation ; cities of renown, Uprooted, are in lasting ruins laid, And none survive to hand their memory down ! 7 Jehovah on His judgment-seat remains ; For equity establish'd He His throne : 3 To rule the world in righteousness He reigns, And by all people shall His truth be known. 9 A tower of refuge for the oppress'd is He, In seasons of distress a hiding-place : 10 Who know Thy name, Jehovah ! trust in Thee, For Thou forsakest none that seek Thy face ! 11 Sing to the Lord, Who dwells on Zion's Mount, Among the nations publish ye His deeds ; 12 For of His servants' blood He takes account, The cry of His oppress'd Jehovah heeds : — 13 " Have mercy, Lord ! on me compassion take ; " See what I suffer from my rancorous foes : " Lift thou me up, for Thy great mercy' sake, " Nor let the gates of Death upon me close : u " That I may celebrate, in Zion's gates, " Thy praise and wondrous works, my God and King ! " The day foretold, my soul anticipates, " And Thy salvation even now I sing. 15 " Sunk are the nations in the pit they made, " Their foot hath in the net they hid been caught : 16 " With his own hand the snare the impious laid ; " Known is Jehovah by the judgment wrought !" PSALM X. Day 2. 17 The wicked into Hades will descend, — The nations that of God unmindful live ; 18 For to the needy 's cry He will attend, And to the sufferer's prayer an answer give : — 19 " Arise, Jehovah ! let not man prevail ; " Arise, and judge the nations at Thy bar ! " Put them in fear, Jehovah ! make them quail, " That they may learn at length, how frail they are ! " Psalm X. 1 Why afar off, Jehovah ! dost Thou stand, And hide Thyself in seasons of dismay ? 2 The arrogant, who lords it o'er Thy land, Hotly pursues the feeble as his prey ! In their devices let them be ensnared, 3 For the ungodly boasts of unjust gains, And to congratulate his soul hath dared, While God — the God Jehovah — he disdains ! The impious vaunteth of his heart's desires, 4 And, as his pride of countenance beseems, The impious never after God inquires ; Of God, in all his plans, he never dreams ! 5 He with unfaltering step his course pursues, For no compunctious visitings he knows : Thy judgments far surpass his narrow views; Presumptuous grown, he puffs at all his foes ! Day 2. P S A L M X. 6 His language is : " I no reverses meet ; " Age after age immoveable am I:" 7 His mouth is full of cursing, fraud, deceit; Beneatli his tongue all craft and mischief lie ! 8 In ambush near the villages he sits, And, on the lowly and the innocent, In secret places murder he commits ; His eyes, though hidden, on the poor are bent ! 9 In secret places he in ambush lies As lion couch'd ere he from covert breaks; The poor he lurks in secret to surprise, And, drawing in his net, the poor he takes. 10 He crouches down, and acts the humblest part, Till fall the poor into his snare's embrace : 11 " God hath forgotten it," he tells his heart ; " Or, lest He chance to see, hath hid His face !" 12 Arise, Lord ! Lord, lift lip Thine hand ! Let not the poor and needy be forgot : 13 Why doth the scorner thus blaspheming stand, And say within his heart, " God careth not?" 14 Thou hast not seen ? — Thou ! who dost ever see Mischief and wrong, and grave it on thine hand ! The destitute commit their cause to Thee, To Thee appeal the needy in the land ! The Helper of the fatherless Thou art : 15 Then at the wicked and the impious strike ! Break thou his arm ! for his so vile a part, That Thou may'st search in vain to find the like ! PSALM XL Day 2. 16 Jehovah is the everlasting King, And from His land the Gentile hordes retire : 17 To Thee their cause the poor, Jehovah ! bring ; Thou, Lord ! hast heard, and granted their desire ! Thou wilt establish and confirm their heart; Thou, Who hast lent an ear to their request, 18 Wilt judge the poor, and take the orphan's part, That mortals frail may be no more oppress'd ! Psalm XL 1 My trust is in Jehovah's word : How say ye t6 my soul, " Away ! " Flee to the mountains as a bird; 2 " The bow is bent; they seek to slay? " A secret arrow is employed, " To shoot at him whose heart is true: 3 " When the foundations are destroyed, " What further can the righteous do?" 4 The Lord is in His Holy-place, Jehovah is enthroned on high ; And all the sons of A'dam's race, His eyes behold, His eyelids try. 5 The Lord His righteous servant tries ; He proves him in his low estate : But those who wickedness devise, And thirst for blood, His soul doth hate ! Day 2. PSALM XII. 6 He on the wicked snares will rain, A tempest that will burn them up : Like yours, proud Cities of the Plain ! Will be the portion of their cup. 7 Truly, the God Who reigns above, Is righteous, rich in truth and grace : On righteous deeds He looks with love; The upright shall behold His face ! EVENING PKAYER. Psalm XII. First Version. 1 Help, Lord, for few sincere remain, The faithful to their rest depart : 2 Men mutual intercourse maintain With flattering lip and treacherous heart ! 3 All flattering lips will God remove, And the tongue speaking proudly thus : 4 " Our lips and tongues successful prove; " Who shall be ruler over us?" 5 ' ' Moved by the sufferings and the cries " Of the afflicted and forlorn, " Now," saith the Lord, " will V arise, " And rescue those man treats with scorn !" 6 The words Jehovah speaks are pure ; They, in the crucible when tried, Will the refiner's fire endure As silver sev'n times purified ! PSALM XII. Day 2. Thou, Lord ! wilt still preserve Thy sheep, As Thou hast done in days of yore : Thou every one of them wilt keep From this time forth, for evermore ! (Pause.) The wicked, into darkness chased, On every side appear again, When in the seats of power are placed The vilest 6f the sons of men ! Psalm XII. Second Version. 1 Help, Lord ! for of the godly few remain, The faithful to their resting-place depart: 2 Men to each other make professions vain ; With flattering lips they speak and double heart ! 3 All flattering lips Jehovah will cut off, And the tongue speaking arrogantly thus : 4 " We by our tongues prevail ! " — that say in scoff, " Our lips are ours ! Who ruleth over us?" 5 " Because the poor with cruel wrongs have met, " And since to Me," saith God, u they sigh forlorn, " I will arise, and will in safety set " Those whom men treat with insult and with scorn ! " 6 The words Jehovah hath pron6unced are pure ; They are as ore, that, in the furnace tried, Will the refiner s glowing heat endure ; They are as silver seven-times purified ! Day 2. PSALMS XIII. XIV. 7 Thou, Lord ! wilt keep Thy people as of old ; Preserve Thy flock as age to age succeeds : 8 The wicked walk about with bearing bold, When infamy to exaltation leads ! Psalm XIII. 1 How long forgetful, Lord! wilt Thou remain? How long wilt Thou withhold from me relief? 2 How long shall I perplex myself in vain, And in my heart have such continual grief? How long shall enemies against me rise? Lord my God ! no longer silence keep : 3 Consider, and enlighten Thou mine eyes; Look down and answer, lest in death I sleep ! 4 Hear, lest my enemies with pride assert, " We have prevaifd, for helpless he has proved !' Lest those that trouble me and wish my hurt, Eejoice and triumph when they see me moved ! 5 Still on Thy mercy, Lord ! do I' depend ; My heart the joy of Thy salvation feels: 6 My song shall to Jehovah still ascend, Who with His servant bountifully deals ! Psalm XIV. 1 The fool doth in his vain heart say, " There is no God!" — Corrupt are they; Abominable deeds are done; There is, that doeth rightly, none ! PSALM XV. Day 3. 2 Jehovah, from His lofty throne, Upon the s6ns of men look'd down, To see if any <5f the race Would understand, and seek His face. 3 All have together turn'd aside, All are in infamy allied : There is that understandeth none; None doing rightly, no not one ! 4 " Have then the workers of deceit " No knowledge, who My people eat " As they eat bread, dev6uring all? " They on Jehovah cease to call ! 5 " In seasons past they shook with fear, " For, to the righteous, God is near : 6 " Ye at the needy's counsels mock, 11 Yet is Jehovah still their rock !" (Pause.) 7 Oh, that from Zion help would come ! When God shall call His ransom'd home, His people Jacob shall rejoice, And Israel raise in shouts his voice ! MORNING PRAYER. Psalm XV. 1 Who in Thy tabernacle, Lord! shall rest? Who in Thy holy Mount be owned and blest? 2 The blameless man, who acts an upright part, And speaks the truth sincerely — from the heart ! Day 3. PSALM XVI. 3 He that defames not, nor defrauds and cheats, Nor, when he slander hears, the tale repeats ; 4 He who himself abhors and w6rthless deems, But highly them that fear the Lord esteems ! Who, swearing to his hurt, doth not repent ; 5 Nor money upon usury hath lent ; Nor for a bribe the innocent betray'd : — He that lives thus, shall never be dismay'd ! Psalm XVI. 1-3 God ! preserve me, for' I trust in Thee ! — I to Jehovah say, "My bliss Thou art:" All else is nought to those beloved by me, — The holy on this earth, the pure in heart ! 4 They multiply their idols more and more, Who hasten elsewhere, their requests to make : Their strange libations I will not outpour, Nor on my lips their names consent to take ! 5 The Lord my portion is, my ciip, my all ; — And to maintain my lot Thou dost engage : 6 For me the lines in pleasant places fall ; I have in Thee a goodly heritage ! 1 I bless the Lord, Who counsel to me gives ; Through Him my reins instruct me in the night : 8 He ever present in my memory lives ; With Him at my right hand, no ills affright; 9 And therefore doth my heart in transport dwell, My mind exults, my flesh confides in Thee ; PSALM XVII. Day 3. 10 Assured thou wilt not leave my s6ul in hell, Nor let thine Holy- One corruption see ! 11 The path of life Thou makest me to know, That to thy blissful presence I may soar, Where pleasures as from living fountains flow At Thy right hand, Lord, for evermore ! Psalm XVII. First Version. 1 Lord ! hear the right ! — hearken to my cry, And to the prayer of lips unfeign'd reply : 2 Let sentence from Thy presence now proceed, For just thou art ! Thine eyes uprightness heed ! 3 4 To prove me Thou hast visited at night, And findest in me nought to grieve Thy sight : The works of men may cause me deep distress ; But, I resolve, my mouth shall not transgress. To keep from sin I make Thy W6rd my guide ; 5 Hold up my goings lest my steps should slide : 6 On Thee I call ! Lord, incline Thine ear, And hearken to the prayer of lips sincere ! 7 Make known abroad Thy tender love to me, Thou that savest those that trust in Thee, From all who in array against them stand, Redeeming with the strength of Thy right hand ! 8 Protect me as the apple 6f the eye ; Beneath Thy wings in safety let me lie 9 In presence of my false and deadly foes : On every side their victim they inclose ! Day 3. PSALM XVII. „ 10 Selfish they are, and in their wealth confide ; They speak in tones of arrogance and pride : 11 Now', even now, our footsteps they surround; Their eager eyes are bent upon the ground ! 12 The foe is like a lion that would tear, Like a young lion lurking in his lair : 13 Arise, confront, and cast him down, Lord ! Deliver from the man who is Thy sword ! 14 From mortals, who empower'd by Thee draw near — Men of the world, who have their portion here : They of thy bounties largely now receive, And children have, to whom their wealth they leave: 15 But soon on me will brighter scenes unfold, I shall Thy face in righteousness behold : When in Thy likeness I ere long awake, I shall of full felicity partake ! Psalm XVII. Second Version. 1 Hear the right, Jehovah ! hear; To my earnest cries attend, And to prayer from lips sincere, In Thy truth an answer send ! 2 Let Thy sentence, from Thy throne, Now in my behalf proceed ; Make my blameless conduct known, For Thine eyes uprightness heed. PSALM XVII. Day3. 3 4 Thou hast proved this heart of mine ; Thou hast visited at night, And hast found no ill design, Nothing, Lord ! to grieve Thy sight ! This the purpose I' pursue, This my aim in my distress, That, whatever man may do, Never shall my mouth transgress ! By Thy precepts I' abide, And from sinful paths refrain ; 5 That my goings may not slide, In Thy paths my steps maintain ! 6 I with earnest cries draw near, For an answer Thou wilt give ; This my prayer: Incline Thine ear, Hear my words that I may live ! 7 Make thy lovingkindness known, For Thy right hand saves all those Who rely on Thee alone, When in peril from their foes. 8 As the apple of the eye, Keep, keep me, King of Kings ! Shelter me, Lord Most High ! Under shadow of Thy wings. 9 For the fierce, who seek to slay, Hem me in on every side; 10 Pamper'd and full-fed are they, And they litter words of pride. Day 3. PSALM XVIII. 11 They on all our steps attend, Ever bowing down their eyes : — 12 Like a lion he would rend, Like a young one couch'd he lies ! 13 14 Disappoint him of his prey ; Eise, Lord ! and end the strife : With thy sword their ranks dismay ; From the wicked save my life ! They to worldly good aspire, And their portion here receive ; Sons they have at their desire, And to babes their substance leave : Thy hid treasure they possess ; 15 But I humbly wait for this : Meeting Thee in righteousness, Face to face, in endless bliss ! Then, and only then, the mind, Weary now, will be at rest, When it wakes, from sin refined, With thy likeness, Lord, impress'd ! EVENING PRAYER. Psalm XVIIL i 2 Rock of Ages ! sure Defence ! Thee I love with love intense ; Trust Thee as my Horn of Power, Buckler, Shield, Stronghold and Tower ! PSALM XVIII. Day 3. 3 Ever worthy to be praised, He to whom my voice is raised : When Jehovah's help I craved, From my enemies He saved ! 4 Death's dark waves had 6'er me spread, Belial's floods amazed with dread ; 5 Hades with his cdrds had bound, Death's strong net had fall'n around ! c In my agony, appall'd, For Jehovah's help I call'd; And the prayer my lips preferr'd, Reach'd His ears — in heav'n He heard ! 7 Shook and trembled then the earth; Mountains heaved, for He was wroth : They to their foundations shook, Mountains trembled at His look ! 8 From His nostrils went up smoke, From His mouth a furnace broke; Dread artillery of death — Coals were kindled by His breath ! 9 Heav'n — the heav'n of heav'ns, He bow'd ; Forth He came, enthroned in cloud : 10 Borne on cherubim He flew, Rushing winds to waft Him blew ! n Darkness was His deep recess ; Clouds of water numberless, Dark and dense, around Him cast, Form'd His tabernacle vast ! Day 3. PSALM XVIII. 12 From before His presence bright, Bursts at once a blaze of light ! Clouds and vapoury mists retire- Hail, and cataracts of fire ! 13 In the heav'ns His voice is heard, In the vast expanse His word : Yea, Jehovah, God Most High, Thunders through the vaulted sky ! Hail, and cataracts of fire ! — Uproar and confusion dire ! 14 From His lightnings, in dismay, From His shafts, they flee away ! 15 Waters from their depths withdrew, Earth's foundations rose to view: All at Thy rebuke aghast; Such the terror of Thy blast ! [Pause.) 16 Jehovah reach'd from high to rescue me, And drew me from the depths of misery : 17 He set me free from them that hate my soul, From foes for me too mighty to controul. 18 They in the day of my distress assail'd, But God was my support, and I prevailed : 19 He brought me forth ! the captive free He made, Because delight in him Jehovah had ! 20 He to my innocence hath shown regard, And doth the cleanness of my hands reward : PSALM XVIII. Day 3. 21 For I the way of His commands have trod, Nor wickedly departed from my God. 22 To all His judgments I have had respect, And none of His commandments I neglect : 23 Upright before His presence I' remain, And wholly from iniquity abstain. 24 Therefore the Lord my righteousness regards; Pure in His sight, my conduct He rewards : (For J the way of His commands have trod, Nor wickedly departed from my God.) 25 Benignant to the merciful Thou art, And perfect to the man of perfect heart ; 26 Thou, to the pure, Thyself as pure revealest ; But, with the froward, frowardly Thou dealest ! 27 The suffering people, truly, Thou wilt save, But humble those who haughtily behave : 28 And therefore is my lamp, through favour, bright; My God Jehovah makes my darkness light ! (Pause.) 29 Through their serried ranks I sweep, By my God o'er barriers leap : 30 True His word, His dealings just; All He shields, who in Him trust. 31 For what God beside Him reigns, Or what rock but ours sustains? 32 He it is that girds with might, He alone that leads aright ! Day3. PSALM XVIII. 33 He with speed of hind endows me, And to range aloft allows rne: 34 He hath taught my hands to war, Bows of steel my arms can draw. 35 Thou hast given me to wield Thy salvation as a shield: Thy right hand confirms my state, Thy regard hath made me great. 30 That my footsteps should not slide, Thou hast made my pathway wide : 37 I pursue and overtake, Conquering till an end I make. 38 Powerless, when I wound, are all; Prostrate at my feet they fall, 39 For with strength thou girdest me : Low they lie, subdued by Thee ! 40 Thou hast put my foes to flight, Those that hate me down I smite : 41 They aloud for helpers cry, Yea, to God; but no reply! 42 I their bones to powder grind — Dust they are before the wind : All who hated me I rout, And as refuse cast them out ! (Pause.) 43 Thou from the peoples' strivings dost redeem, And of the Gentiles make me head supreme : PSALM XIX. Day 4. A people that I knew not homage pay ; 44 They at the hearing of the ear obey ! The strangers feignedly submit to me; 45 The alien's sons gird up their loins to flee : From their strongholds they tremblingly steal forth As fugitives, to wander through the earth. 46 Jehovah liveth ! — to my Rock be praise ! Shouts to the God of my Salvation raise ! 47 He, to avenge me, faithful is tod true; And will the nations under me subdue ! 48 He from my enemies delivereth me : — Jehovah ! I exalted am by Thee, And from the Man of Violence redeem'd ; Saved from all those who to destroy me dream'd ! 49 Among the Gentiles, therefore, T proclaim Thy goodness, and sing praises to Thy name : — 50 On His Anointed King, He signal help bestows ; To David and his seed, He endless mercy shows ! MORNING PRAYER. Psalm XIX. 1 The heavns God's handy work proclaim ; They sing the glory of His name : 2 And circling hours and nights and days, In endless rounds repeat His praise ! Day 4. PSALM XIX. 3 4 No land there is, no realm nor clime, Where is unheard their voice sublime : Their tuneful chords' vibrations reach Wherever there are words or speech ! He in the heav'ns a tent hath made, 5 Whence, as a bridegroom rich array 'd, Comes forth with giant steps the sun, Rejoicing his career to run. 6 From the far ends of heav'n he speeds, And with unfaltering pace proceeds, Till the vast circuit is complete, And all things feel his vital heat ! {Pause.) 1 Emblem of God's all-perfect Law, That fills the awaken'd soul with awe ; Jehovah's testimony bides, Jehovah's word the simple guides ! 8 Jehovah's precepts joy impart, They, just and right, rejoice the heart: Jehovah's statutes, clear and bright, Give to the sightless eyeballs light ! 9 The fear of God, from error pure, Will everlastingly endure; Jehovah's judgments truth display, For righteous altogether they ! 10 More precious are the things reveal'd, Than all the gold that mines can yield , PSALM XX. Day 4. They with the honeycomb compete; The droppings from its cells, less sweet ! ii Moreover, Lord ! Thy servant, there, How warn'd and counsell'd to beware ! Thy precepts kept — the recompense Vouchsafed to keeping them, immense ! 12 Oh ! who, though meditating well, The wanderings of his heart can tell. Or know the guile that lurks within? — Lord ! cleanse thou me from secret sin ! 13 And from presumptuous sins restrain ! Let none dominion o'er me gain ; Then, only, I shall be sincere, And from the great transgression clear ! u To Thee may every word and thought Be into strict obedience brought ; For I my trust in Thee avow, — My Eock and my Kedeemer, Thou ! Psalm XX. Jehovah hear thee in the time of need ! The name of Jacob's God thy heart sustain ! Thy cause, Jehovah from His dwelling plead ! To prosper thee, the Lord in Zion deign ! In His remembrance may thy offerings live, And thy burnt sacrifice acceptance find ! Thy heart's desire may He vouchsafe to give, Fulfilling all the counsels of thy mind ! Day 4. PSALM XXI. 5 Assured of thy deliverance we rejoice, And in Jehovah's name our banners raise ; The God of Jacob hearkens to thy voice, And unto all thy prayers attention pays ! (Pause?) 6 " Now know I that the Lord my cause defends, " And will, Himself, by his anointed stand: " He from His Holy Hill to hear him bends, " And saves him with the strength of His right hand ! " (Pause.) 7 Of chariots and of horses some are vain, But on the Lord Jehovah we rely : 8 9 They yield and fall; we, ris'n, our ground maintain; " God save the King ! " — Jehovah hears our cry ! Psalm XXI. 1 The King, Jehovah ! glories in thy might ; In thy salvation great is his delight : 2 The prayer is heard, his heart and lips address'd ; Thou, Lord, hast not denied him his request ! 3 His wishes are with blessings more than met ; Thou on his head a crown of gold hast set : 4 He in his trouble asked life of Thee, And Thou hast granted immortality ! 5 Great is the glory Thou on him hast laid ; He is in power and majesty array'd: 6 Thy favour endless blessings on him heaps, The joy of heav'n he in thy presence reaps ! PSALM XXII. Day 4. 7 For in the Lord Most High the King confides, And through Jehovah he unmoved abides : 8 Thy hand will to the full thy foes repay, Thy right hand all thy enemies dismay ! 9 Thou, in the day of Thine avenging ire, Wilt make their land one furnace vast of fire : Jehovah, when He comes in wrath to doom, Will overwhelm them, and with fire consume ! 10 From off the earth Thou wilt destroy their fruit, From among men their latest seed uproot; 11 For they as angry floods Thy power assail, Mischief they mean, but they shall not prevail! 12 Make them Thou wilt, to turn their backs in flight, Against their faces will Thine arrows smite: 13 Arise, Jehovah ! as our Strength and Tower; So will we sing in hymns of praise Thy power ! EVENING PRAYER. Psalm XXII. My God ! my God ! behold and see ! Why hast Thou thus forsaken me? Far from my help when T am faint, Deaf to the words of my complaint ! By day, my God ! I call distrest, And in the night I take no rest; Yet holy Thou, Who reign'st supreme, Of Israel's praise the constant theme ! 4 Day 4. PSALM XXII. 4 Our fathers upon Thee relied, To Thee in confidence they cried; 5 They trusted, and deliverance came; Confiding, none were put to shame ! 6 But I a feeble worm am deemed, I as an outcast am esteemed; Accounted as a thing forlorn, Despised of men, the nation's scorn ! 7 All they that see me mockery make, The lip they pout, the head they shake : 8 " He leans upon the Lord; and He, u Because he loves, will set him free I" y Yes ! from the womb Thy arms embraced, On Thee my tenderest hopes were placed ; Thou, only, madest me to rest In safety on my mother's breast. 10 I from the womb on Thee was cast, My God Thou art from first to last : 11 Be present, for distress is near, And there is none to help or hear ! 12 Around me many bulls and strong, The mighty ones of Bashan throng : 13 My enemies their mouths distend, And roar as lions that would rend ! u My sweat pours down in streams profuse, And all my bones and joints are loose; My heart like melting wax becomes, All in the midst of me consumes ; . . PSALM XXII. Day 4. 15 Till as a potsherd parch'd am I : The fountains 6f my strength are dry, My tongue and palate fast adhere, I to the dust of death draw near ! 16 For dogs encompass me ; a band Of evil-doers circling stand ; And, their fell purpose to complete, Unpitying pierce my hands and feet ! 17 While all my bones may number' d be, They gaze, and feast their eyes on me; is My garments into parts divide, And on my robe by lots decide. 19 20 Be not, Jehovah ! far away ; My Strength ! make haste. The sword would slay, The dog devour ! but end the strife, — 21 Save from the lion's maw* my life ! [Pause.) Thou nearest me, beneath the horns Of the ferocious unicorns ! — •22 I to my brethren will proclaim, Where myriads congregate, Thy name ! 23 Praise Him, ye servants of the Lord! Jehovah's grace and truth record : All Jacob's seed ! with thanks draw near ; All Israel's seed ! with holy fear. 24 For He no look of scorn bestows On the Afflicted and his woes: Day 4. PSALM XXII. He hears him, nor His face conceals When for His succour he appeals ! 25 Of Thee, the Hope of I'srael ! In the great concourse I will tell; The vows my lips in trouble made, Before Thy people shall be paid ! 26 The poor shall at Thy banquet eat, And shall be satisfied with meat ; Who seek Jehovah shall adore, — " May your hearts live for evermore P 27 Earth's utmost ends the tidings learn, And, mindful, to Jehovah turn : The families of earth, to Thee — The Gentile world — shall bow the knee ! 28 For to Jehovah, God of might, The kingdom is alone of right ; He Who the heav'ns and earth sustains, As Kuler of the Gentiles reigns ! 29 All that are rich on earth, shall eat, And shall their King with homage greet ; They, too, that to the dust descend, And he that draweth near his end ! 30 A seed shall serve Him ; as His own, The generation shall be known; 31 His seed shall come, and to a new-born race, His righteousness declare, the wonders of His grace ! PSALM XXIII. Day 4. Psalm XXIII. First Version. 1 The Lord Jehovah is my guide, And will for all my wants provide : 2 In pastures green His own He feeds, And by the tranquil waters leads. 3 He, when I faint, revives my soul, Eenews my strength, and makes me whole: In paths of righteousness instructs, And for His goodness' sake conducts. 4 What though the vale of Death I tread, The vale with shadows overspread, I fear no evil, led by Thee ; Thy rod and staff — they comfort me ! 5 Though enemies beset me round, My table is w T ith plenty crown'd : The anointing oil Thy hand bestows, My cup with blessings overflows. 6 Goodness and Mercy — thanks to Thee ! — All my life long have folio w'd me; And in Jehovah's House of Praise, I shall for ever spend my days ! Psalm XXIII. Second and freer Version. 1 My Shepherd is the Lord of all; I nothing lack, no ills befall: 2 In pastures green He gives repose, And leads where many a fountain flows ! Day 5. PSALM XXIV. 3 If, weary of His mild control, I wander, He restores my soul ; True to His name, pursues distress, And leads in paths of righteousness ! 4 E'en when the gloomy vale I tread, And Death's dark shades around me spread, No evil, Lord! with Thee, I fear; Thy rod and staff are there to cheer ! 5 6 Though enemies beset me round, My table is with plenty crown'd; I by Thy bounty still am fed : With oil anointest Thou my head ! My cup runs over ! This I know, That Truth and Love, where'er I go, Attend me ; ordering all things well, Till in my Father's House I dwell ! MOENING PKAYEK. Psalm XXIV. First Version. (Paraphrased in parts.) Earth is the Lord's, its fulness His; The world, and they that dwell therein : For He hath fixt it on the seas ; The floods have its foundations been ! PSALM XXIV. Day 5. " Who shall ascend His Holy Hill, " And in Jehovah's Mount remain?" 4 He who delights to do His will, And shuns deceit and idols vain. 5 He from Jehovah will receive — From God his Saviour, pardoning grace : 6 The generation such, that cleave To Jacob's God ; — that seek Thy face ! (Pause.) 7 u Open, ye everlasting Gates! " Open, ye Heav'ns ! your living doors : " He comes, for Whom an entrance waits: — " The King of Glory upward soars ! " 8 " Who is the King of Glory?"—" He, " That wields at will resistless power ; " The Lord of Life and Victory,' " The only strong in battle-hour ! 9 " Open, ye everlasting Gates! " Open, ye Heav'ns ! your living doors ; " He comes, for Whom an entrance waits ;" — Onward that tide of splendour pours ! 10 All heav'n the scene with wonder view, While choir to choir responsive sings : " Who is the King of Glory, Who?" " The Lord of Hosts, the King of Kings ! " Day 5. PSALM XXIV. Psalm XXIV. (A Second and closer Version.) 1 Earth, in its fulness, to the Lord belongs; The world is His, with all its countless throngs : 2 For on the seas He founded it to stand; Fixt on the floods it rests at His command ! 3 " Who shall ascend into the Mount of God, " And dwell for ever in His high abode?" 4 " The uncorrupt, the pure in heart and mind; " He that hath ne'er to vanity inclined, " Nor sworn deceitfully, shall favour find: 5 u On him Jehovah blessings will bestow, " Mercy to him will God his Saviour show !" 6 The generation such, that seek Thy face, God of Jacob ! — that desire Thy grace ! (Pause.) 7 " Lift up your heads, lift up your heads, ye Gates ! " Be lifted up, ye everlasting Poors ! " The Lord of Glory comes — the King of Kings !" 8 " But who is He? the Lord of Glorv, Who?" " Jehovah, strong and mighty, is His name; " Mighty in battle, conquering to redeem: 9 u Lift up your heads, lift up your heads, ye Gates ! " Be lifted up, ye everlasting Doors ! " The Lord of Glory comes — the King of Kings !' PSALM XXV. Day 5. 10 " But who is He? the Lord of Glory, Who?" 44 The God of Hosts, Jehovah is His name; 44 He is the Lord of Glory — King of Kings !" Psalm XXV. 2 Jehovah ! I direct my thoughts to Thee, My God ! in Thee alone my trust is placed : Make not my foes to triumph over me ; Let me not be confounded and disgraced ! 3 Be none confounded, none be put to shame, That wait on Thee with earnest looks and long : Be those abasht, who, taught to fear Thy name, Transgress without a cause, perversely wrong ! 4 Show me Thy ways, Lord ! for help I need ; The knowledge of Thy righteous ways impart : 5 Teach me, Jehovah ! in Thy truth, and lead, For Thou the God of my Salvation art ! For Thee I wait, for I Thy absence mourn All the day long till T Thy face behold : o Thy mercies past be in remembrance borne ! Thy lovingkindness in the days of old ! 7 Remember not the errors of my youth, Nor my transgressions — how Thy laws I brake ! According to Thy mercy, God of Truth, Remember me for Thy great goodness' sake ! Day 5. PSALM XXV. 8 The Lord is good and upright ; sinful man He therefore will instruct, lest he should stray ; 9 Of judgment teaching His unerring plan, The meek conducting in His holy way. 10 To them His paths all truth and mercy prove, Who to His laws and covenant adhere ; 11 Jehovah ! my iniquity remove, For it is great ; I in Thy name draw near ! 12 What man is he, of godly fear possess'd? — Him in the perfect way the Lord will lead : 13 His soul shall in felicity find rest, And earth shall be the portion of his seed. 14 The Lord His counsel on the meek bestows, His covenant to teach in mind He bears; 15 With stedfastness mine eyes on Him repose, For He will extricate my feet from snares ! 16 Turn unto me, Lord ! and pity take, For desolate, forlorn and poor am I : 17 My heart distends with grief, as it would break ; bring me out of trouble, lest I die ! 18 On mine affliction look, and my distress ; The pardon of my sins I supplicate : 19 My foes increase till they are numberless, And with a hatred violent they hate ! 20 keep my soul ! — Jehovah ! for Thy name, And for Thy mercy' sake, deliver me ; Nor give me over to disgrace and shame, For I have put my confidence in Thee ! PSALM XXVI. Day 5. 21 Let innocence and truth, Thou Supreme ! Preserve me, for my hopes on Thee are placed : 22 Israel from all his troubles, Lord ! redeem ; Haste Thee to help ; Lord my God, make haste ! Psalm XXVI. 1 Judge Thou my cause, Jehovah] sentence give, For I in my integrity would live : I trust in Thee, and therefore shall not slide ; 2 Prove me, God ! — my heart and reins be tried ! 3 For daily is Thy love before mine eyes, And in Thy truth I walk, detesting lies : 4 I mix not with the frivolous and vain, And from dissemblers and their haunts refrain. 5 The company of wicked men I hate, And sit not where the impious congregate : 6 My hands from all pollution shall* be clear; Thus to Thine altar, Lord ! will I draw near. There shall my voice be heard in hymns of praise, For I will tell of all Thy wonderous ways : 8 I love the dwelling Thou inhabitest, The place in which Thy Glory deigns to rest ! 9 With sinners gather not my soul at last, Nor with the cruel let my lot be cast ; 10 With men whose hands in murderous arts are skilled, Whose right hand, covetous, with bribes is filled. Day 5. PSALM XXVII. 11 Still in a blameless course I persevere ; Redeem me, Lord, and keep me in Thy fear ! 12 If thus far I have kept His holy ways, To God, before His saints, be all the praise ! EVENING PRAYER. Psalm XXVII. i The Lord is my salvation and my light, — Whom shall I fear in terror's darkest day? The Lord is my protector and my might, — What enemy shall daunt me or dismay? 2 3 When evil-doers — men like wolves, drew near To eat my flesh, they stumbled and they fell: Should hosts encamp around, I will not fear; Though war should rise, with me it shall be well ! 4 One thing I ask, and with intense desire: — In the Lord's House may all my days be spent, That I may see His beauty, and admire, And morn by morn His mercy-seat frequent ! 5 For, in the time of trouble and alarm, Is His pavilion my secure retreat ; He hides me in His secret-place from harm, And on a rock, ere long, will set my feet ! 6 Ere long will He my head in triumph raise Above the foes that compass me around; Then shall I offer in His temple praise, And make His courts with jubilee resound! PSALM XXVIII. Day 5. (Pause.) 7 Jehovah ! hear my loud and earnest cries, And answer me in Thine abundant grace ; s " Seek ye my face," Thou say'st: my heart replies, " Jehovah ! truly I' will seek Thy face !" 9 Let not Thy countenance be turned away, Nor thrust Thy servant from Thee angrily ! Cast me not off, for Thou hast been my stay ; Do not, Lord my Strength ! abandon me ! 10 My father and my mother may forsake, But God will shelter me, the L6rd sustain : 11 Teach me to know the way that Y should take ; Because of those that watch me, make it plain ! 12 Give me not over to the men of strife, Nor let them have their vehement desire ; False witnesses are ris'n against my life, And one there is, who breathes out threatenings dire ! 13 Oh ! were it not, that I believe, ere long, Jehovah's favour to participate ! . . . . Trust in the Lord, and in His strength be strong; Be of good courage ; on Jehovah wait !. Psalm XXVIII. I CALL, Jehovah! unto Thee: My Rock ! attend, nor silent be, Lest, if Thou longer silence keep, The slumber of the dead I sleep ! Day 5. PSALM XX VIII. 2 The voice of my petition hear, When I with earnest cries draw near; For favour, at Thy mercy-seat, I with uplifted hands entreat ! ■■> With sinners draw me not away, With evil-doers, who betray; Men that converse as friend with friend, While all their thoughts to mischief tend. 4 The deeds in which they take delight — Their deeds iniquitous, requite; As they their hands to evil turn, Give them the recompence they earn ! 5 " As they Jehovah's deeds contemn, " And as His works are nought to them, " In vain they labour for renown; " He will not build, but pluck them down !" (Pause.) 6 Thanks be to God ! my voice He hears, My earnest cries have reached His ears ! 7 Jehovah is my strength and shield, In Him I trusted, and am heal'd ! My heart with gladness, therefore, bounds, And in my song His praise resounds : 8 He to His people favour shows, On His Anointed strength bestows ! PSALM XXIX. Day {Pause.) Save us in this our time of need ; Thy people save, and bless, and feed ; Thine own inheritance restore, And lift them lip for evermore ! Psalm XXIX. i Give to Jehovah, ye Mighty ! give Glory and strength, and to Jehovah live ; 2 Ascribe unto Jehovah's name renown; Before Jehovah reverently bow down ! i] Hark ! His dread voice above the torrents loud ! The God of Glory thunders, throned in cloud ! 4 Above the many waterfloods He dwells; His voice in might and majesty excels ! 5 Jehovah's voice ! — the cedar-trees it breaks ! Of Lebanon's, Jehovah havock makes : 6 They leap like calves ! e'en Lebanon renown'd, And Sirion leap ; like y6ung gazelles they bound ! 7 Jehovah's voice ! — with flames of fire it rives ! Through trees and rocks the burning darts it drives ! 8 Jehovah's voice appals the wilderness ! All Kadesh is amazed and in distress ! 9 Jehovah's voice ! — it agitates the oaks — They tremble at the fearful thunder-strokes ! It strips the forests, and where'er He dwells, Throughout His temple, 6f His glory tells ! Day 6. PSALM XXX. 10 High o'er the waterfloods Jehovah reigns, A King for ever ! Fixt His throne remains : His people He will prosper and increase ; The Lord will give His people strength and peace ! MOKNING PRAYER. Psalm XXX. 1 I give Thee thanks, Lord ! for health regained ; My enemies have not their wish obtained: 2 To Thee, my God Jehovah, I' appealed, On Thee I called, and by Thy power am healed : 3 I from the grave have been restored by Thee ; From the pit's mouth, Thou, Lord ! hast rescued me. 4 Ye servants of Jehovah ! sing His praise, And to His sanctity mem6rials raise : 5 His anger but a moment's space endures ; His favour, life and happiness procures : Though Sorrow spend the eventide in tears, Yet Gladness comes when morning re-appears ! 6 I never should be moved, I fondly dreamed; 7 So strong my mountain, through Thy favour, seemed : Thy countenance withdrawn, I sank dismay 'd ! 8 Then, to the Lord, I supplication made: 9 " What profit in my blood, if I' go down? " Will the dust praise Thee, or Thy truth make known ! PSALM XXXI. Day 6. 10 " Hear, and be gracious ! — Lord, my helper be ! " — 11 Then was my mourning turned to jubilee: The sackcloth Thou didst loose from off my neck, And with the robe of joy and gladness deck: 12 And therefore shall my glory anthems raise; I will be mute no more, but sing Thy praise ! Psalm XXXI. 2 Jehovah ! I in faith draw near ; Confounded never let me be ! In righteousness incline Thine ear; Deliver me, and speedily ! 3 Be Thou, Jehovah ! my strong-hold, My castle of defence abide ; For Thou hast been my rock of old : Lord ! for Thy name's sake, lead and guide ! 4 Take me, take me from the net, They in the darkness have concealed, — The snare they privily have set, For Thou art still my strength and shield ! 5 Jehovah ! Thou art God alone ; To Thee my spirit I commit: Thou hast redeemed it for Thine own ; God of Truth ! take charge of it ! 6 Thou hatest those who turn aside To lying vanities for aid ; But in Jehovah I' confide, My fervent hopes on Thee are stay'd ! 5 Day 6. PSALM XXXI. 7 I in thy mercy will be glad, For Thou, in seasons past of dole, Regard unto my griefs hast had — Known in adversity my soul ! 8 Thou didst not then surrender me Into the adversary's hand ; But set my feet from thraldom free, That I on vantage ground might stand. 9 Be gracious now, and send relief, For to distress I am a prey; Exhausted are mine eyes with grief, My soul and body pine away ! 10 Corroding care my life assails ; My years are spent in sighs and groans; My strength, through mine affliction, fails, Through misery, wasted are my bones ! n Because my enemies abound, My neighbours insolence display, And mine acquaintance, fear profound: They, when they see me, flee away ! 12 Forgotten as the dead am I, Of friendly sympathies bereft : I as a broken vessel lie, Discarded, to oblivion left ! 13 I hear from many slanders dire, Till all is terror and dismay : They sit in council and conspire ; To take my life, resolved are they ! PSALM XXXI. Day 6 14 But I to Thee my cause commend, " My God Thou art," is still my plea: 15 My destinies on Thee depend; From mine oppressors set me free ! 16 Thy favour to Thy servant show, And save me for Thy mercy' sake ; 17 Confusion never let me know, For unto Thee my prayer I make ! {Pause.) " The wicked, all, shall be ashamed; 18 "In Hades shall the lips be mute, " That, with presumptuous pride inflamed, " Unto the Righteous guilt impute !" {Pause.) 19 How plentiful Thy goodness, Lord ! Laid up for them that reverence Thee; Wrought out for all that trust thy word — Wrought before men, that they may see ! 20 Thy people, when the storm is fierce, Are in Thy presence made to rest; Pavilioned where no eye can pierce, No strife of angry tongues molest ! 21 Thanks be to God ! His aid I sought, And when their malice raged intense, For me He marvellously wrought, Himself my City of Defence ! Day 6. PSALM XXXII. 22 I said, when fast I fled through fear, I am cut off before Thine eyes : But my entreaties reach 'd Thine ear, Thou, Lord ! didst hearken to my cries. 23 All ye His people ! love the Lord, For He the true of heart will keep ; But plenteously the proud reward : They a full recom pence will reap ! 24 Be strong, for He will strength impart, — Courageous, for the Lord Most High Will comfort and sustain your heart, All ye who on the Lord rely ! EVENING PEAYEE. Psalm XXXII. 1 How blest is he, whose sins have pardoned been, And whose transgressions in the depths are drown'd ! . . . 2 The man, to whom the Lord imputes no sin, And in whose spirit no deceit is found ! 3 4 When I kept silence, I was sore distressed; My bones wax'd old, while day and night I mourned; For heavily Thy hand upon me pressed ; My moisture into summer's drought was turned ! 5 " Before Thee my transgressions I' will spread, " And cover my iniquity no more; " I to the Lord will own my guilt," I said, And Thou didst freely pardon and restore ! PSALM XXXIII. Day 6. 6 For this, while yet forgiveness may be found, Shall every pious man draw near in prayer ; And when destruction threatens all around, Him shall the floods of mighty waters spare ! 7 Thou, Lord ! my refuge art, my hiding-place ; In all my troubles Thou preservest me, And wilt at length, God of Truth and Grace ! Encompass me with songs of jubilee ! {Pause.) s "I will instruct thee, and in safety lead; * " Will counsel thee, and watch thee with mine eye: 9 " Be not perverse as horse and mule, that need " Bridle and bit, lest they to thee come nigh !" (Pause.) 10 Unnumber'd sorrows on the wicked wait, But Mercy, those who trust in Him will shield : 11 Jehovah's deeds, ye righteous ! celebrate ; All that are true of heart will homage yield ! Psalm XXXIIL Eejoice, ye righteous ! in the Lord, For praise becomes the upright well : With tuneful harp His deeds record, His praise with ten-string'd psaltery tell ! Day 6. PSALM XXXIII. s Sing to the Lord an anthem new ; Your skill exert, your voices raise : 4- Sing, for Jehovah's word is true, And He is just in all His ways ! 5 To righteousness His love He shows, His truth and equity abound; On all He mercy rich bestows, The earth is with His goodness crown'd ! 6 The heav'ns, by His omnific word, And all the host of them were made : 7 The seas His mighty mandate heard, The depths in storehouses He laid ! 8 Let the round world before him quake, And all its myriads awe-struck stand; 9 For 'twas created when He spake, It balanced hiing at His command ! 10 The counsels of the heathen fail, He thwarts their proud imaginings : n The counsels of the Lord prevail, All His designs to pass He brings ! 12 Happy are they, and they alone, Who, for their God, Jehovah take: The people that He deigns to own, And His inheritance to make ! 13 14 The Lord looks down; enthroned on high, All earth's inhabitants He views : 15 Their hearts He fashioned, and His eye Discerns the path that each pursues ! PSALM XXXIV. Day 6. 16 Xo King is saved by matchless force, No warrior by gigantic power; 17 Vain is the prowess of the horse, It rescues none in battle-hour ! 18 The Lord beholds with pitying eyes, All who His tender mercy seek; 19 In time of dearth their wants supplies, In famine keeps alive the meek. 20 21 On Him we wait, our Help and Shield ! And joyful in His name are we: — 22 Lord ! let Thy mercy be revealed, According as we hope in Thee ! Psalm XXXIV. 1 I will at all times bless the Lord, And with my mouth His praise record : 2 My soul her boast in God shall make. Till they that rnourn my joy partake ! 3 magnify the Lord with me, And to exalt His name agree : 4 I sought the Lord in time of need, And I from all my fears am freed ! 5 They, looking up to Him, are glad; Their faces beam, no longer sad: 6 " Jehovah's help the sufferer sought, " And his deliverance God hath wrought ! " Day 6. PSALM XXXIV. 7 The Hosts of God encamp about Jehovah's worshippers devout : 8 His goodness taste, and learn how blest Are they that on His promise rest ! 9 Fear Him, ye Saints! with one accord; No want they know, who fear the Lord : 10 Though the young lions pine for food, Who fear Him lack no one thing good ! 11 Come, children! my instruction hear; I of Jehovah teach the fear ! 12 Who, long and happy days desires? Who to felicity aspires? 13 No slander let thy tongue repeat, Nor practise with thy lips deceit : 14 Depart from sin, and justly do; Seek peace, and after it pursue ! 15 For on the righteous rest His eyes ; Jehovah hearkens to their cries, 16 But from the wicked turns His face, And roots from off the earth the race. 17 His worshippers Jehovah hears, And saves them out of all their fears : 18 He for the broken-hearted feels; The spirit that is crushed He heals ! 19 Though countless ills the Just befall, The Lord redeems Him from them all : 20 His bones He keeps, and therefore none Of them is broken — no, not one ! PSALM XXXV. Day 7. 21 Sin will destroy all them that err; Who hate the righteous guilt incur : 22 The Lord His servants will protect, And none that trust in Him reject ! MORNING PRAYER. Psalm XXXV. 1 Plead Thou my cause, God of Might ! With them that war against me fight : 2 Fast hold of shield and buckler take ; Arise and help ! no tarrying make ! 3 The spear and battle-axe oppose Against my persecuting foes; And to my trembling soul reply, " Thy help in every strait am I !" {Pause.) 4 They verily are put to shame, Who on their murderous errand came ; Turn'd back, and to confusion brought, Who to do evil to me sought ! 5 As chaff before the wind are they, The Avenger driving them away: 6 A dark and slipp'ry path they choose ; The Angel of the Lord pursues ! Day 7. PSALM XXXV. 7 As, unprovoked, they hid their net, As without cause their snares they set, 8 Destruction meets them unawares; They fall, entangled in their snares ! 9 My soul her boast in God shall make, And joyful into transport break : 10 My bones shall say exultingly, Jehovah ! who is like to Thee ? 'Tis Thine to shield the oppressed from wrong, From those that are for him too strong; Thine, by the helpless man to stand, And save him from the spoiler's hand ! 11 Men rise, who utter charges dire ; Of things I know not they inquire : 12 They recompense my love with hate; My soul is rendered desolate ! 13 Yet I regard to them had borne, And for their sickness sackcloth worn ; And fasted, till my prayer returned Into my bosom, as I mourned ! ll My whole demeanour marked my woe, I wept a kinsman's overthrow; As for a brother made lament, As for a mother sorrowing went ! 15 But they with joy my suffering hail, Assemble, and against me rail; Of things I know not they accuse, They taunt me, and their tongues abuse ! PSALM XXXV. Day 7. I 16 17 The mockery such — so fierce the throng, They gnash their teeth ! — Lord ! how long? Save from the lion's deadly strife, All that is left of me, — my life ! 18 Then, where the people congregate, Thy goodness T will celebrate ; And in the vast assembly raise, To Thee, Jehovah ! songs of praise ! 19 Let not my slanderous foes express Unwonted joy at my distress; Nor hail, with glist'ning eyes, the fate Of him whom wrongfully they hate ! 20 For, foes to peace, deceitful lies Against the peaceful they devise; 21 They open wide their mouths at me, And say, " Aha ! his end we see ! " 22 23 This Thou hast seen ! then, silence break ; Be not far off ; Lord ! awake ; To judgment, my God! make speed; Awake, arise, my cause to plead ! 24 Give sentence, and my wrongs redress, According to Thy righteousness : I from my foes appeal to Thee ; Let them not triumph over me ! 25 Let them not whisper in their hearts, " Aha ! our soul aimed well its darts;" Let them not arrogantly say, " We made an end — devoured the prey !" Day 7. PSALM XXXVI. (Pause.) 26 They verily abasht will be, Who my distress rejoice to see, Clothed in dishonour and contempt, Who to exalt themselves have dreamt ! 27 But all in transport shall unite, Who in my righteous cause delight ; They shall exclaim, on every side, " Jehovah's name be magnified ! " His servant He doth not forsake, " But pleasure in his welfare take !" — 28 My tongue of all Thy truth shall tell, And daily on Thy wonders dwell ! Psalm XXXVI. 1 The Oracle supreme within The wicked man, is that of Sin : 'Tis seated in his inmost reins, — No fear of God he entertains ! 2 It makes his every crime to wear, In his own eyes, an aspect fair; For were his conduct viewed aright, It would be hateful in his sight. 3 His words are vanity and lies; He ceases to be good and wise : 4 Of mischief on his bed he dreams, And with a zest pursues his schemes ! PSALM XXXVI. Day {Pause.) 5 Thy mercy, Lord ! as heav'n is high ; Thy truth transcends the lofty sky ; 6 Firm as the hills Thy righteousness; Deep are Thy judgments — fathomless ! 7 On man and beast, what care bestow'd ! How precious is Thy love, God ! The sons of men, King of Kings, Trust in the shadow of Thy wings ! 8 They in Thy temple richly fare, The river 6f Thy pleasures share : 9 The fount of life remains with Thee; Light in Thy light, Lord ! we see ! 10 Jehovah ! still Thy love impart, Thy grace, to every upright heart; 11 Let not the foot of pride assail, The hand of wickedness prevail ! 12 There are they fall'n ! Lo, there I see The workers of iniquity ! Thrust down are they before mine eyes, And are unable more to rise ! /. Day 7. PSALM XXXVII. EVENING PRAYER. Psalm XXXVII. 1 Fret not thyself because of evil men, Nor envy them when in the pride of power : 2 They have their day of sufferance, and are then Cut down as grass, or wither as a flower I 3 Trust in the Lord, and cleave to what is right; Then, in the land securely thou shalt live: 4 Account Jehovah thy supreme delight, And He whate'er thy heart desires will give ! 5 Look to Jehovah to direct thy way ; Trust in the Lord, and He will interfere, 6 Bring forth Thy truth into the light of day, And make thy conduct clear as noon appear. 7 Against Jehovah let no murmur rise, But wait in silence His appointed time : Fret not for him who mischief may devise, — Against the man, who wins his way by crime ! 8 Refrain from wrath, thine indignation stay, Lest thou to evil deeds put forth thy hand ; 9 For evil doers will be swept away, But those who wait on God possess the land. 10 The wicked man will soon be sought in vain, Though looked for, he no longer will be found : 11 A sure inheritance the meek obtain, And in prosperity and peace ab6und. PSALM XXXVII. Day 7. 2 The impious to destroy the just is bent; He gnashes with his teeth in rage and spleen : 8 Jehovah laughs at him and his intent, For that his day is coming, He hath seen ! 4 The wicked draw the sword, and bend the bow, The needy and the upright man to slay : 5 Through their own heart, the sword they thrust shall go, Their bow be broken, m the fearful day ! .6 A little that the righteous hath exceeds, All that the wicked by extortion gain : .7 The arm that executes unrighteous deeds, The Lord will break, but righteous men sustain ! L3 The days Jehovah prospers of the just; For ever will their heritage abide : L9 In evil times they know in whom they trust, And in the years of dearth are satisfied ! 20 Truly, to perish are the wicked doomed; His wrath, Jehovah's enemies provoke, And as the fat of lambs they are consumed ; The haters of the Lord become like smoke ! 21 The wicked borrow never to repay; The righteous are beneficent and give : 22 They whom God curseth, will be swept away, But whom he blesseth, <5n the earth shall live. 23 The Lord the efforts with success will crown, Of him that runs the wav of His commands ; 24 Stumble he may, but shall not be cast down, For God upholds him with His outstretcht hands ! Day 7. PSALM XXXVII. 25 I have myself been young, and now am old, And, to the past reverting, oft have said: Forsaken never did mine eyes behold The righteous, or his children begging bread ! 26 He ready to distribute is and lend, And in his seed the righteous man is blest : 27 Depart from evil, and thy lifetime spend In doing good, and thou in peace shalt rest. 28 The Lord loves truth, and by His saints will stand; They shall be kept, but sinners be destroyed : 29 His righteous servants shall possess the land ; By them it shall for ever be enjoyed. SO The righteous man instruction will impart; With judgment he the simple-folk will guide; 31 The statutes of his God are in his heart, And therefore shall his footsteps never slide. 32 The wicked would the righteous man devour, He seeks a time the innocent to slay : 33 Jehovah will not leave him in his power, Nor deem him guilty in the judgment-day ! 34 Wait on the Lord, and His commandments keep, And He will make thee to possess the land : When from the earth the wicked He shall sweep, Thou shalt behold it, and unshaken stand ! 35 Myself have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading like a tree in native ground: 36 He passed away in an unlooked-for hour; I searched, but he was no where to be found ! PSALM XXXVIII. Day8. 37 But mark the perfect man, of guile devoid, For to the man of peace a seed is left; 33 Transgressors shall together be destroy'd, The wicked of posterity bereft ! 39 The righteous, from Jehovah strength derive ; In time of trouble He will help the just: 40 Jehovah will deliver — save alive — Eedeem them, for in Him they put their trust ! MORXIXG PRAYER. Psalm XXXVIII. 1 Rebuke me not, Jehovah ! in Thine ire, Nor in Thy fierce displeasure chasten me : 2 Thine arrows, sinking deep, fast hold acquire; Thy hand upon me presseth heavily ! 3 Xo soundness therefore in my flesh remains; My bones are vext by reason of my sin : 4 A consciousness of guilt the mastery gains ; A load too vast for me, I feel within ! 5 My bruises are corrupt, my wounds offend, My folly is the cause of all my woe : 6 I writhe with pain, in agony I bend, And, all day long, as one that mourneth go. 7 My bones are with a feverish heat oppressed; All is corrupt — one putrefying sore : 8 I am enfeebled, broken-down, distressed, Till in the anguish of my heart I roar ! 6 Day 8. PSALM XXXVIII. 9 To Thee, Lord ! all my desires are known, My inmost sighs are not concealed from Thee : 10 My heart is fluttering, and my strength hath flown, And mine eyes fail ; the light is gone from me ! 11 Far from my sores, my friends and neighbours stand ; Nay, e'en my very kinsmen keep aloof: 12 My cruel foes lay snares on every hand ; They slander, and of fraud give daily proof! 18 But I am like a man that heareth not, One opening not his mouth, for he is dumb; 14 Yes, verily, as one that heareth not, And from whose mouth reproofs have ceased to come ! 15 For I have put my confidence in Thee ; Lord my God ! to answer Thou wilt deign : 16 Lest, I have said, they triumph over me; For when I stumbled, they grew proud and vain. 17 I truly am in danger imminent, While I continual sorrow feel within : 18 My trespasses I own, my guilt lament, 1 am in consternation for my sin ! 19 My enemies are active and are strong; They are increased, who hate without a cause: 20 They, in return for kindness, do me wrong, And persecute because I keep Thy laws. 21 But, Jehovah ! do not Thou forsake ; Be not, my God ! far off while thus they mock : 22 Haste Thee to help me, Lord ! no tarrying make, For thou, of my salvation, art the Eock ! PSALM XXXIX. Day 8. Psalm XXXIX. 1 I said, I'll to my ways attend, Lest with my tongue I should offend: In presence of an impious race, A check upon my lips I'll place ! 2 And I was dumb ; I held my peace, From words though good — resolved to cease ; But soon my grief intense became, 3 My heart grew hot, my thoughts breathed flame. Then from my tongue did utterance flow : — 4 Make me, Lord ! mine end to know ; To feel how short my time is here; How frail I am, my change how near ! 5 Behold ! my days are as a span, Mine age as nothing ! — ev'ry man, How prosperous soe'er he be, Is altogether vanity ! 6 They shadowy visions entertain, Vext and disquieted in vain : They treasure up ; but fail, alas ! To know for whom they wealth amass. 7 And now, Lord ! what is my request? Truly on Thee my hopes I rest ! 8 From all my trespasses redeem, And make me not the scoffer's theme ! Day 8. PSALM XL. 9 I wait in silence, nor repine ; For well I know the stroke is Thine : 10 No more Thy hand upon me lay; Beneath it V consume away ! 11 When Thou dost chasten man for sin, Diseases, moth-like, enter in ; For Thy rebuke cuts short his span : How frail a thing, at best, is man ! 12 Attend, Lord ! and hear my cry ! What but a sojourner am I, A stranger as my fathers all? In mercy answer when I call ! 13 Lord ! at my tears hold not Thy peace ; To look with anger on me cease ! spare me, and my strength restore, Ere I depart, and be no more ! Psalm XL. 1 In stedfast hope I for Jehovah wait Till He incline His ear unto my cry, 2 And from the pit of horrors extricate, Where, in the deep and miry clay, I lie ! Till on a rock the Lord have set my feet, And firmly have establisht all my ways, 3 And a new song have caused me to repeat, " Thanks to our God !" — a hymn of joy and praise ! PSALM XL. Day 8. The sight beholding, multitudes shall fear, And trust in Him who hears the mourner s cries : — 4 " Blest is the man, that to the L<5rd draws near, " And shuns the proud, and those who follow lies !" 5 Lord my God ! Thy works how manifold ! Thy thought to us-ward, and Thy wondrous deeds, I would recount, but they can ne'er be told; To speak of them, the loftiest powers exceeds ! 6 Nor sacrifice nor gift hast Thou desired, To purge the guilt of trespasses away ; Nor burnt nor trespass-offering required, — Incarnate Thou hast made me, to obey. 7 Therefore I said, I hasten to fulfil That which is written in the Book of me : 8 Tis my delight, my God ! to do Thy will, And treasured in my heart Thy Law shall be, 9 I to the great assembly tidings bear Of righteousness that will for sin atone : Lo ! with my lips the message I' declare ; That I withhold it not, to Thee is known. 10 Thy righteousness I hide not in my heart, But Thy salvation and Thy truth reveal: How rich in mercy and in truth Thou art, From the great concourse I' will not conceal. 11 Withhold not Thou Thy pity, Lord ! from me, But let Thy mercy shield, Thy truth preserve; 12 For countless evils threatening me I see, The dangers that encompass me unnerve ! Day 8. PSALM XLL My punishments have filled me with dismay ; Such hold they take, that at the thought I quail : More than the hairs upon my head are they; My spirits sink, my strength and courage fail ! 13 Jehovah ! to deliver me be pleased ; To help me and deliver me make haste : 14 Who seek my life, will then, with terror seized, Together be confounded and disgraced ! They will be driven back and put to shame, Who with delight behold my suffering state ; 15 This their sure recompence, who now exclaim, " Aha ! Aha ! " — they will be desolate ! 1G But full of joy and gladness will be they, Who seek Thee as Their comforter and guide ; All those who Thy salvation love will say, In ceaseless songs, " The Lord be magnified !" 17 Poor and forlorn am I; yet even now Jehovah thinks of me, and care will take : My Strength and my Redeemer, Lord, art Thou; No tarrying, my God, no tarrying make ! EVENING PRAYER. Psalm XLL 1 Happy the man that for the sufferer cares ! The Lord delivers him in adverse days ; 2 The Lord preserves him in the midst of snares : He shall be blessed while on earth he stays ! PSALM XLL Day8. Thy loving kindness Thou wilt not restrain, Nor leave him to the malice of his foes ; 3 But on his bed of languishing sustain, And make it in his sickness yield repose ! 4 Be gracious, Lord ! and heal my soul, I said, Though verily I bear before Thee blame : 5 My enemies have evil 6f me spread, — " When will he die? when perish will his name?" 6 And if they come to see me, 'tis in guile ; Their talk is vanity, their words deceit : The heart collects iniquity the while, And forth they go, fresh slanders to repeat. 7 Together whisper all who bear me hate ; On mischief bent, against me they devise : 8 " Some crime oppresses him with fearful weight; " He lieth down, and never more will rise!" 9 Yea more ! — the friend in whom I trusted, spurns ; His hatred he no longer can conceal : One eating of my bread against me turns ; He, even he, hath lifted up his heel ! 10 But raise me up, Jehovah; gracious be, And I their evil will repay w T ith good : 11 By this I am assured Thou favourest me, — He triumphs not, by whom I am pursued. 12 For me Thy servant, God of Truth and Grace ! Thou wilt in my integrity sustain; And wilt establish me before Thy face, For ever in Thy presence to remain ! Day 8. PSALMS XLII, XLIII. 13 Jehovah, God of I'srael, be blest ! His praise throughout eternity be sung ! In hallelujahs be your thanks express'd, And let ' Amen' resound from every tongue ! Psalms XLII, XLIII. 1 Like as the hart desires the water-brooks, So languishes my soul for Thee, God ! 2 My soul, athirst, the living God invokes: When shall I re-appear in His abode? 3 Tears are my meat — tears, day and night, my food, While daily, " Where thy God," my foes inquire; 4 And then on fond remembrances I brood, And by myself pour out my soul's desire. For I had mingled with the festal throng, And to the House of God had led the way ; With jubilee we went and voice of song, The multitudes all keeping holy-day ! 5 Why is my soul so full of heaviness ? Why so disquieted beneath the rod? Still hope and trust; for I will praise and bless, Now, even now, my Saviour and my God ! 6 My God ! my soul within me is cast down ; I therefore think of Thee — of bliss the fount ! From Jordan's land remember Thy renown, From Hermon's distant range, and Mitzar's Mount ! 7 Deep unto deep is calling, at the roar Of all Thy cataracts ! In torrents vast, PSALMS XLII, XLIII. Day 8. The fury of Thy wrath on me they pour; Thy waves and billows over me have past ! 8 Yet in the day-time doth the Eternal King Commandment to His loving-kindness give ; And in the night, a song of praise I sing, And make my prayer to Him in whom I live. 9 I plead with Him ; I say to God my Eock : " Why hast Thou so forgotten my distress? " Why go I mourning while blasphemers mock, " And unrelenting enemies oppress?" 10 As with a sword that pierces through my bones, My enemies torment me while they say: " Where is thy God?" — in answer to my groans, " Where is thy God?" repeating day by day! n Why is my soul so full of heaviness? Why so disquieted beneath the rod? Still hope and trust; for I will praise and bless, Now, even now, my Saviour and my God ! 1 Judge me, Lord ! and undertake my cause, Against a ruthless race, estranged from Thee : From one whom no tribunal overawes — The unjust and treacherous man, deliver me ! 2 God of my might ! my source of strength and power ! Why hast Thou cast me off and spurned me so ? Why go I mourning daily, hour by hour, Because of all the oppression of the foe ? Day 9. PSALM XLIV. 3 Send out Thy Light and Truth, to lead and bless; Let them before me go, my God and King ! And to the mountain of Thy holiness, And to Thy dwelling-place, the mourner bring ! 4 Then to the altar of my God I'll go ; To God, my bliss supreme, my highest joy; And from my harp the tide of song shall flow To God my God ; His praise my sweet employ ! 5 Why is my soul so full of heaviness ? Why so disquieted beneath the rod? Still hope and trust ; for I will praise and bless, Now, even now, my Saviour and my God ! MORNING PRAYER. Psalm XLIV. 1 With our ears we have heard, for our fathers have told, Of the deeds that Thou didst, Lord God ! in their Of Thy marvellous work in the ages of old, [days ; Beheld by all people and lands w T ith amaze ! 2 Thou didst drive out the nations, Thine own to plant in ; Destroy many nations, but Israel outspread : 3 Not with sword nor with arm of our own did we win ; The right hand and the arm of Omnipotence led ! On our banners the light of Thy countenance shone, For a favour Thou hadst to Thy people oppress'd : 4 Again as our King, Jeh6vah ! be known, And for Jacob's redemption send forth Thy behest ! PSALM XLIV. Day 9. 5 In the strength of our God, we shall thrust down the foe ; In Thy name, we shall trample an host in the dust; G For I will not, Jehovah ! confide in my bow, Nor in two-edged sword, for the victory trust ! 7 Thou wert wont from our cruel oppressors to save, And to put those who hated Thy people to shame ; 8 While we gloried in God, who deliverances gave, And were evermore praising Thy marvellous name ! 9 But we now are forsaken, a people cast off; Thou goest not forth with our hosts to the fight, 10 But hast made us to flee, while our enemies scoff, And our tents and our cities the spoiler invite. 11 Thou givest Thy people as sheep to be slain ; [around : Thou hast scattered their tribes through the nations 12 Thou hast sold them for nought ; not increasing Thy gain By the price that the meanest of slaves might have found ! 13 A reproach to our neighbours, in truth, we appear; Thou hast made us a mark for the finger of scorn, 14 To the Gentiles a proverb; in crowds they draw near, Ever shaking the head, as we wander forlorn ! 15 My dishonour attends me from morning to eve, I am cover'd with shame as they falsely accuse; 16 For the shouts of the impious blasphemer I grieve, For the foe, who as one taking vengeance pursues ! 17 All this hath befallen Thy people, God ! Yet Thy name we forget not, nor covenant break, 13 Nor in heart turn we back; but Thy paths we have trod, And in life and in death have refused to forsake. Day 9. PSALM X L V. (To the desolate places, forlorn we have rushed, But the sole of our foot hath no resting-place found :) 19 In the dwellings of dragons our bones thou hast crushed, And the shadows of Death at Thy bidding surround ! 20 If the name of our God we had ceased to retain, And had stretched out our hands to a Deity strange, 21 Would not God search it out? for all secrets are plain To Him whose eye sees to earth's uttermost range ! 22 But as Thine, are we massacred all the day long; As Thine, are we doomed to the slaughter like sheep : 23-25 Arise, Lord God ! — Thou whose right hand is strong ! Why, Jehovah ! art Thou like the idols that sleep ? Awake ! nor abandon us thus to our foes ! Art Thou hiding Thy face till we hopelessly grieve? Hast Thou merged in oblivion our wrongs and our woes ? To the dust we bow down ; to the ground, lo ! we cleave. 26 Arise ! as our mighty deliverer arise ! For the help that we look for, is only in Thee : For Thy mercy' sake hear, Jehovah ! our cries, And for Israel's redemption send forth the decree ! Psalm XLV. First Version. My heart is bounding with my theme; A matter deep and high be sung ! In honour of the King supreme, Flow on as matchless pen, my tongue ! PSALM XLV, Day 9. 2 Far above all of A' dam's line, Thou art of comeliness possess'd; And on thy lips is grace divine, For thee hath God for ever blest ! 3 ± Gird then thy sword upon thy side, And, in thy majesty array'd, 5 Bide forth, Thou Mightiest ! conquering ride ; The cause of Truth and Meekness aid ! Thy right hand shows thee dreadful deeds ; Sharp-pointed are Thine arrows all: Each to the heart resistless speeds ; Beneath Thy yoke the nations fall ! 6 Eternal is Thy throne, God ! The sceptre of Thy realm is straight : 7 To righteousness Thy love is shown, And Thou iniquity dost hate ! And therefore God, who loves thee well, Doth on his own elect confer 8 9 The oil of joy: thy garments smell Of aloes, cassia's sweets, and myrrh ! (Pause.) The ivory palaces their pride Outpouring, mid thy gems are seen Daughters of Kings; and, at thy side, In gold of O'phir, stands the Queen ! Day 9. PSALM XLV. 10 " Daughter ! lend a willing ear ; " Thy people and thy sires forget: 11 " Then to the King wilt thou be dear: " Thy Lord be with thy homage met ! 12 " See, Tyre with gifts thy smile would win, " The wealthiest of the nations Tyre !" — 13 The dazzling splendour draws her in, All a King's daughter can desire ! She enters gloriously arrayed, Her raiment mterwrought with gold; 14 And in her vesture rich displayed, The varying hues of every fold. Conducted to the King is she ; Her virgins after her they bring : 15 They come with strains of jubilee, Led to the palace of the King ! 16 " Instead of sires shall sons be thine, Made princes over all the earth : 17 " Thy name and praise shall ne'er decline; " All lands shall celebrate thy worth !" Psalm XLV. Second Version. l My heart with a rapturous theme overflows ; My song to the praise of the King I recite : May the words of my tongue be unerring as those From the pen of the scribe, who can faultlessly write ! PSALM XLV. Day 9. Far lovelier thou than of A'dam the race ; With thine can no beauty terrestrial contend : On thy lips is outpoured the abundance of grace ; Therefore God hath exalted thee, world without end ! Then gird, Most Mighty ! thy sword on thy side ; Appear in thine armour refulgent arrayed : Ride onward and prosper, in majesty ride; Truth, Meekness, and Righteousness, call thee to aid ! Thy right hand acquaints thee with terrible deeds; Thine arrows are pointed, and pierce the King's foes : Each one to the heart irresistibly speeds; The people fall under thee — all who oppose ! For ever and ever, God ! is thy throne ; The staff of thy kingdom, the sceptre of state, As the symbol of truth is eternally known ; Thou dost righteousness love, and iniquity hate. Therefore God hath anointed thee; God, thy own God, Hath exalted thee over thy brethren to reign : On thee was the oil of rejoicing bestowed; Myrrh and aloes the folds of thy garments contain ! (Pause,) Of the harp and the lyre are awakened the strings ; From the ivory palaces, minstrels behold ! And bearing thy treasures, the daughters of Kings: At thy right hand the Queen, clad in Ophir's fine gold ! Day 9. PSALM XLV. 10 " To hearken, Daughter! thine ear we invite; " Thy people — the House of thy Fathers, forget: 11 " For then will the King in thy beauty delight, " When he, as thy Lord, with thy homage is met ! 12 " See, the daughter of Tyre with an offering appear; " To propitiate thy favour her ardent desire: " To soften thy countenance, 16 ! she draws near; " For riches the chief of the nations is Tyre ! " 13 All glorious within, a King's daughter confessed, The Queen, in her beautiful garments behold ! In bridal apparel superb she is dressed, Her clothing throughout interwoven with gold ! 14 15 In raiment the needle hath artfully wrought, To the King she is led , while the lofty roofs ring : In her train, too, her virgin-companions are brought; They enter the palace and courts of the King ! 16 17 " Instead of thy fathers shall children be thine, " To whom thou a rank as of princes shalt give, " And, for heritage, earth and its kingdoms assign; " Thy name will I make in remembrance to live ! " Its fame shall be wafted from pole e'en to pole, " To men of all climes, every people and tongue; " As ages on ages successively roll, " For ever and ever, thy praise shall be sung !" PSALM XL VI. Day 9. Psalm XL VI. l God is our refuge in distress; A very present help is He : 2 3 Then — though earth reel, the mountains press Into the hollow of the sea, And its swoll'n floods their proud crests rear Till the hills rock — we will not fear ! 4 A river flows, whose tranquil streams Make glad the City of our God ; The holy-place where mercy beams, Of the Most High the fair abode : 5 God in the midst of her presides, And she in perfect peace abides ! He her defence will undertake, And help her at the dawn of day ; 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms quake ; He thunders, and they melt away: 7 The Lord of Hosts, Jeh6vah, reigns; A refuge Jacob's God remains ! 8 Come, and behold His works renowned; What desolations He hath made ! 9 He causes wars to cease around, And breaks the b6w, spear, battle-blade ; Knaps them asunder, in His ire, And burns the chariots in the fire ! 7 Day 9. PSALM XL VII. 10 " Be still, and know that I' am God ! " Among the Gentiles, far and wide, " Wherever human foot hath trod, " There shall My name be magnified !" 11 The Lord of Hosts, Jehovah, reigns; A refuge Jacob's God remains ! EVENING PRAYER. Psalm XL VII. 1 All ye people ! clap your hands ; Shout for gladness to Jehovah : 2 Great and fearful, He, all lands, Hath, as King, dominion over ! 3 He subdues for lis our foes, Under us the nations smiting : 4 Our inheritance He chose, Jacob's pride, in him delighting. 5 God is gone up, and with a shout, With the voice of trump, victorious; 6 Sing, ye worshippers devout ! Sing His deeds, for they are glorious ! 7 King of all the earth, He reigns; Be with joy His presence greeted, 8 Who, to rule the nations, deigns, On His thr6ne of glory seated ! PSALM XL VI II. Day 9. Lo ! to Abraham's God they throng; Princes come, of every nation; For to God earth's Shields belong : His, be highest adoration ! Psalm XLVIIL 1 God is great ! His glorious name In Jerusalem proclaim : Highly to be praised is He, In His Mount of Sanctity ! 3 Beautiful ! a chosen site ! Zion's Mount is earth's delight; On the north-side Salem stands, Glory of surrounding lands ! There the King Immortal dwells, Known in all her citadels As Jerusalem's high Tower, Sure defence in battle-hour ! 4 For behold the Kings drew nigh, Lo ! together they passed by; 5 Leaders, with their armies dread, Saw and marvelled, quailed and fled ! 6 Fear took hold upon them there, Woman's anguish and despair; 7 Such from Tarshish ships the shrieks, When Thy blast its fury wreaks ! Day 9. PSALM XLIX. 8 Like as we had heard of thee, City of our God ! we see ; For the Lord of Hosts, of old, Founded thee, and will uphold ! (Pause.) 9 In Thy temple, Lord, we wait, On Thy love to meditate; 10 For Thy name all praise exceeds, Done in truth are all Thy deeds ! 11 Let Mount Zion then rejoice; And Thy judgments, with glad voice, Judah's ransomed daughters sing; Let them praise the righteous King ! 12 Go ye round the sacred Mount, Taking of her towers account ; 13 Mark ye well her bulwarks bold ; Last, her palaces behold ! Then to children's children tell, How no injury befell: 14 On this God of ours rely ; He shall lead us till we die ! Psalm XLIX. i Hearken, all nations! unto me; Let earth's inhabitants draw near ! 2 Rich, poor, of high and low degree; All people ! ponder this and hear ! PSALM XLIX. Day 9. 3 My mouth shall utter truths divine, My heart of understanding muse, 4 Mine ear to parable incline; Mysterious strains my harp shall choose ! 5 Why should I yield me to dismay, And let iniquity astound? Why tremble in the evil day, When my supplanters hem me round? 6 Of those who make their wealth their theme, And in the pride of affluence live, 7 None can his fellow-man redeem, Nor unto God a ransom give ! 8 For the soul's ransom priceless is, And man the hope must quite forego, 9 That life may be for ever his, And he corruption never know. 10 For he beholds that wise men die ; The common ruin they partake ; They with the fool and brutish lie, And all their substance here forsake. 11 Yet, to the last, to earth he cleaves, Trusts that his line will long endure ; Calls by his name the lands he leaves, And thinks his tabernacle sure. 12 But man in honour, if unwise — Of understanding destitute, E'en as the beasts that perish dies ; Dies without h6pe, as doth the brute ! Day 9. PSALM XLIX. 13 Their self-delusion is complete, In folly they begin and end ; And the vain maxims they repeat, Those that come after them commend ! 14 They, all, are into Hades thrust As sheep, that Death on them may feed; And the dominion of the just Will, when the morning dawns, succeed. Their beauty moulders in the grave, In Hades they their dwelling make ; 15 But truly God my soul will save, And from the power of Hades take ! {Pause.) 16 Is one made rich? from fear refrain, Though his magnificence increase; 17 For nought will he in death retain, His glory, when he dies, will cease ! 18 Exult he may ; (and flatterers low, May deem thy self-indulgence right:) 19 But to his fathers he shall go, Who never will behold the light ! 20 Man, though in honour, if unwise — Of understanding destitute, E'en as the beasts that perish dies ; Dies without hope, as doth the brute ! P S A L M L. Day 10. MORNING PRAYER. Psalm L. The God of gods, Jehovah, speaks, And calls the earth around, From climes the sun's first radiance streaks, To his far western bound: From Zion, praise of all the earth, Its crown of beauty, God shines forth ! Jehovah comes, nor silence keeps, Our God appears in power; Around a mighty tempest sweeps, Before Him flames devour: Ere sentence on His people falls, To heav'n and earth from high He calls ! Gather to Me my saints, saith He — (The Lord in might arrayed !) Those who a covenant with Me, By sacrifice have made: — The heav'ns His righteousness declare, For God Himself as Judge is there ! Hear, My people ! when I speak ; To thee I testify : No other God, I'srael ! seek ; The Lord thy God am I : Not for Mine altars T rebuke ; On offerings there I daily look ! Day 10. PSALM L. 9 I take no bullock from thy stall, Nor he-goat from thy fold : 10 Mine on a thousand hills are all The flocks thine eyes behold: 11 I know each bird of hill and grove, And the wild-beasts where'er they rove ! 12 If hungry, would I sue for meat, When all the world is mine? 13 The flesh of bullocks do I eat, Or after goat's blood pine? 14 With offerings of praise draw nigh, And pay thy vows to God Most High ! (Present to Me a heart sincere, And keep My righteous ways:) 15 Then, at My mercy- seat appear In dark and troublous days, And thy deliverer I' will be, And glory thou shalt give to Me ! 16 But to the wicked thus God saith : Why dost thou name My laws, And plead with thy unhallowed breath, My covenant and My cause, 17 While at correction thou dost spurn, And from My words, contemptuous turn? 18 Whenever thou a thief hast seen, Thou to consent hast dared ; And where adulterers convene, In infamy hast shared : PSALM LI. Day 10. 19 Thy mouth to evil thou hast lent; To frame deceit thy tongue is bent. 20 Thou on thy brother heap'st abuse ; Yea, thine own mother's son — Him, thou in public canst traduce; 21 Thou, even this hast done ! And thinkest, if I silent be, That the Most High resembles thee ! But I will punish, and array Thy sins before thine eyes; 22 Consider this, while yet ye may, Ye thoughtless ! and be wise ; Lest He, whose warnings now you brave, Eend you, and there be none to save. 23 He honoureth Me, and he alone, Who sacrifices praise; To him My mercy shall be shown, Who ordereth well his ways : This be to men and angels told, — He My salvation shall behold ! Psalm LI. l Be gracious, Lord ! in mercy hear my cry; And for Thy loving-kindness' sake forgive : To Thee, as rich in mercy, V draw nigh; Blot out my sins, and let the suppliant live ! Day 10. PSALM LI. 2 Wash Thou me throughly; make me pure within; Kemove my guilt and all its fearful stains, 3 For I acknowledge and bewail my sin, Before me ever present it remains ! 4 Thee, and Thee only, have I sinned against, I truly have done evil in Thy sight ; And therefore Thou with justice art incensed, Thou, Lord! art clear; Thy judgments all are right. 5 Behold, I in iniquity was born; Yea, by my mother was conceived in sin; 6 Thou, Who dost love that truth the heart adorn, Its secret chambers pierce, and light pour in ! 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, Wash me till whiter T become than snow ; 8 Make me to hear of joy, and days serene, That through my bones, now broken, health may flow ! 9 Turn from the sins that have provoked thy rod ; May my transgressions all be blotted out : 10 Create in me an upright heart, God ! A steadfast spirit — constant and devout ! 11 Cast me not off, God ! nor from me take Thy Holy Spirit, grieved by me so long; 12 My soul with Thy salvation joyful make, And lead me, that I never more go wrong. Thy help renew, and as in former days, May Thy free Spirit cheer me and uphold; 13 Then will I teach transgressors, Lord ! Thy ways, And men shall be converted to Thy fold. PSALM LIL Day 10. 14 God, the God of my salvation ! hear, And from blood-guiltiness my soul redeem ! Then with the voice of praise will I' draw near, Thy everlasting righteousness my theme ! 15 Lord ! open thou my mouth ; my lips inspire ; May all my powers in praising Thee unite : 1G I sacrifice would give, didst Thou desire, But in burnt -offering's Thou hast no delight. 17 A broken spirit, bowed beneath His rod, Is to the Lord a grateful sacrifice : — A broken and a contrite heart, God ! Thou in thy clemency wilt not despise. (Pause.) 18 Do good to Zion, Lord! for her we plead; Of Thy good pleasure Salem's walls rebuild : Appear for her in this her time of need, And all Thy hallowed rites shall be fulfilled. 19 Then shalt Thou see with favour, at Thy shrine, Of righteousness the sacrifices paid ; Then offerings — whole burnt- offerings, shall be Thine, And bullocks on Thine altars shall be laid ! Psalm LIL 2 Why boastest thou in mischief, Mighty Man ? The mercy of the Lord with me abides : I fear thee not, though thou dost mischief plan, And though thy tongue, as razor keen, divides ! Day 10. PSALM LIIL 3 Instead of good, on evil thou art bent; Instead of righteousness, on speaking lies: 4 Thou lovest words of murderous intent, Tongue of deceit ! beneath that bland disguise. 5 But God will utterly thy pride abase ; Eemove thee, though with cunning fenced about: Pluck thee for ever from thy dwelling-place; From among men the Lord will root thee out ! 6 The righteous see with awe the vengeance just, And the presumptuous and his hopes deride : — 7 " Behold the man, that made not God his trust, " But on his riches and his craft relied !" 8 But as a verdant olive-tree am T, — One planted in the temple of my God : I on the mercy of the Lord rely ; He truly is the rock of my abode ! 9 I will for ever celebrate Thy fame, u This Thou hast done," declaring with delight: In confidence I wait upon Thy name, In presence of Thy saints, for it is right ! EVENING PEAYEE. Psalm LIIL 1 The fool doth in his vdin heart say, t; There is no God!" — Corrupt are they; Abominable deeds are done; None doeth rightly, no not one ! PSALM LIV. Day 10. 2 God, from the heav'ns, His lofty throne, Hath on the sons of men looked down, To see if any of the race The wisdom have to seek His face. 3 All have together turned aside, All in pollution are allied ; There is that understandeth none ; None doeth rightly, no not one ! 4 ' ; Have then the workers of deceit " No knowledge, who my people eat " As they eat bread? Kebellious all, " They on Jehovah cease to call ! 5 " Yet shall the fearless be dismayed; " Their bones, who siege to thee have laid, 1 ' God will disperse ; their end disgrace ; " For God contemns the impious race !" (Pause.) 6 Oh ! that from Zion help would come ! When captive I'srael God brings home, His people Jacob shall rejoice, And Israel shout with rapturous voice ! Psalm LIV. Lord ! save me for Thy own name' sake, And by Thy power my cause maintain ; Give ear unto the prayer I make; To hear the words I utter deign ! Day 10. P S A L M L V. o For strangers are with rne at strife ; Relentless men against me rise, Yea, tyrants seek to take my life; They set not God before their eyes ! (Pause.) 4 Behold ! my helper is the Lord ; He truly will my life protect, 5 And those that lie in wait reward : — Them, in thy truth, Thou wilt reject! 6 I freely sacrifice to Thee, And praise Thy name, for it is sweet :- 7 He from all trouble sets me free, Mine eyes have seen my foes retreat ! Psalm LV. 1 Lord ! hearken to my prayers and cries, And hide not from my supplication : 2 hear the outpouring of my sighs, — I wander in my meditation ! 3 I hear a voice in every blast, Their shouts my enemies renew : Iniquity on me they cast, And in malignant wrath pursue ! 4 My inmost heart is sorely pained, The shades of death around are falling ; 5 Trembling and fear such h61d have gained, My terrors have become appalling ! PSALM LV. Day 10. C Oil ! Lad I pinions, then I say — Wings as a dove, if I possessed, How would I haste to flee away, — To flee away, and be at rest ! 7 Far would I wander out of sight, And in the wilderness remain : 8 Outstrip the tempest in its flight, And freedom undisturbed regain ! [Pause.) 9 Their counsels mar, their tongues confound, For Strife, I see, and lawless Might, 10 Eanging the City : they go round The walls thereof, by day and night ! There Mischief stalks, and Vice unawed, 11 And hardened Profligacy reigns ; Nor leave her streets Deceit and Fraud, While victim to beguile remains. 12 It was no enemy maligned; From him I might have borne disgrace : Had my sworn foe his powers combined, I might have s6ught some hiding-place. 13 But it was thou, my friend and guide, Wont equal rank with me to share : 14 We took sweet counsel, side by side, And entered thus God's House of Prayer. Day 10. PSALM LV. (Pause.) 15 " Death comes, and takes them by surprise; " Quick into hell they fall and perish; " For, in their dwellings, they devise " Perfidious plans and mischief cherish !" (Pause.) 16 17 On God I call, for He will save; I, morning, noon, and night, draw near: With earnest cries His Help I crave, For He is wont my voice to hear ! 18 My soul to peace He hath restored, And many times my foes defeated : 19 God hears, and aid will still afford; He on His ancient throne is seated ! They by no warnings are dismayed, No fear of God is entertained : — 20 He on his friends his hands hath laid, And hath his covenant profaned ! 21 His winning accents most endeared, When in his bosom war concealing : Softer than oil his words appeared, While as drawn swords destruction dealing ! (Pause.) 22 " Thy burden on Jehovah cast, " For He sustains thee, and will cherish: " He will not let thy trial last, " Nor leave the righteous man to perish !" PSALM LVI. Day 11. [Pause.) 23 The men of cruel, treacherous ways, Into the pit, Thou, Lord ! wilt thrust : They will not live out half their days, But I in Thee, Jehovah ! trust. MORNING PRAYER. Psalm LVI. 1 Be gracious, Lord ! for breathless they pursue ; Men, daily warring, my distress renew : 2 They watch me daily, panting for their prey, And bear them proudly, for a host are they ! \ 4 But, when alarmed, I put my trust in Thee ; I glory in the promise made to me. I trust and fear not, for His word is true, — What can an arm of flesh against me do ? 5 Daily my enemies my words pervert ; All their devices are to do me hurt : 6 About my path, concealed, they congregate; They mark my steps, while for my soul they wait. 7 Shall they escape, who wickedly conspire? Thrust down, God ! the nations in Thine ire : 8 My flights are numbered, and the tears I weep; Thou, in Thy Book, account of them dost keep ! Day 11. PSALM LVIL 9 In vain my enemies expect my fall; They will turn backward in the day I call : This know I well, for God is 6n my side ; His word is pledged, and I' therein confide ! 10 I glory in His word, Who reigns supreme; The promise of Jehovah is my theme : 11 I trust and fear not, for His word is true, — What can the power of man against me do ? 12 is My vows, God ! I'll pay Thee while I've breath, And give thee thanks for past escapes from death : I shall again be rescued by Thy might, To walk before the Lord in life and light ! Psalm LVIL God ! be gracious still to me ; Be gracious, for I trust in Thee: Beneath the shadow of Thy wings 1 refuge take, King of Kings ! I hide me there, while perils last, — Till every storm be over-past ! On God Most High, Who perfects all I take in hand, — on Him I call; For He from heav'n will help bestow, And save me from the taunting foe, AVho would his fury on me spend; His truth and mercy God will send ! PSALM LVIL Day 11. 4 My soul is in the lions' den ; I sojourn here with ruthless men, Who follow me with threat'nings dire, — The sons of men, who breathe out fire: Their teeth as spears and arrows pierce ; As sharpened swords their tongues are fierce ! 5 Above the heav'ns exalt Thy throne, Thy praise throughout the world be known : 6 They for my steps a net prepare ; My soul is bowed down with care : A pit they dig, my feet to thrall, And in the midst of it they fall ! 7 My heart, God ! on Thee is stayed, My heart is fixt, and undismayed; No longer shall my lyre be mute ; 8 Awake, my glory ! harp and lute, Forth into strains of transport break ; I'll with the early dawn awake ! 9 Among all people, Lord ! I'll raise — Among all nations, shouts of praise ; 10 Thy mercy as the heav'ns is high, Thy truth transcends the lofty sky ; 11 Above the heav'ns exalt Thv throne ; Thy praise throughout the world be known ! Psalm LVIL Second Version. l " God ! be gracious unto me; " Be gracious, for I trust in Thee, Day 11. PSALM LVIL " To Thee my heart outpour: " Beneath the shadow of Thy wings, " I refuge take, King of Kings ! " Till these dark clouds pass o'er !" 2 Thus, unto God Most High, I cried; To God, who doth for me decide, None able to prevent; 3 And down from heav'n, to end the strife, And him rebuke, who sought my life, His Truth and Love He sent ! 4 My soul was in the lions' den; I sojourned among ruthless men, — With men who breathed out fire : As spears and arrows were their teeth, Their tongues as swords the fierce unsheathe, And sharpen in their ire ! 5 God ! be Thou exalted high Above the regions of the sky ; Thy glory fill the world ! 6 They for my steps a snare had laid ; A pit for me, bow'd down, they made, And to its depths are hurled ! 7 My heart is bent, my heart is bent, To praise Thy name, God! intent; I'll hymns of triumph take : 8 Awake, my Glory ! harp and lute, Awake, nor let your chords be mute; Eight early I'll awake ! PSALM LVIII. Day 11. 9 10 I'll give Thee thanks, my God and King ! To Thee among the nations sing, For great, as heav'n is great, Thy mercy and Thy truth remain ; ll Above the heav'ns exalted reign, And earth irradiate ! Psalm LVIII. 1 Is Justice really dumb, and cannot speak? Ye sons of men ! make ye to truth pretence? 2 Truly, to practise wickedness ye seek, And violence on earth your hands dispense ! 3 E'en from the womb the wicked go astray; They from the birth are prone to utter lies: 5 A race malignant, venomous are they; Their poison with a serpent's poison vies ! Like the deaf adder, that hath stopt its ear, (One that the charmer strives to soothe in vain, For though he wisely charm, it will not hear,) They to the last implacable remain. 6 Destroy their teeth within their mouths, Lord ! Break down their fangs, who would as lions rend : 7 Let them become as water when outpoured; Their shafts be blunted, when their bow they bend ! 8 As melting wax, so will the wicked melt; Like to the womb's untimely fruit are they : 9 Before your pots the crackling th6rns have felt, The green and dry will both be swept away ! Day 11. PSALM LIX. 10 The Eighteous Man with joy the vengeance sees; He bathes his feet, as victor, in their blood; 11 And men exclaim : " The just rewarded is ! " " To rule the earth, there is indeed a God!" EVENING PEAYER. Psalm LIX. i Save me, my God! from f<5es defend; Set me on high above the flood : 2 Thine arm to succour me extend; Deliver me from men of blood ! 3 For mark them, how they lie in wait; The mighty gather and combine : Not for my sins they congregate, Not for transgressions, Lord ! of mine. 4 Without offence or fault in me, They, with a fury uncontrolled, Eun and prepare, unawed by Thee : — Awake to meet me, and behold ! 5 Arise, Lord of Hosts! arise; Jehovah, I'srael's God ! awake ! The nations visit and chastise ; No pity on the scorners take ! 7 At eve return the impious rout ; As dogs disquieted they roar : The City they go round about; Hark ! from their mouths what threats outpour ! PSALM LIX. Day 11. Their lips a deadly warfare wage ; " Who hears/' say they, " the needy 's cries?" 8 But Thou contemnest, Lord ! their rage ; Thou all the nations dost despise. 9 Thee, my Strength ! I still adore ; For a high rock Thou art to me : 10 The God of mercy goes before, And leads me on to victory ! 11 Yet slay them not; for then, perverse, My people may forgetful grow; But through Thy mighty power disperse, — Lord our Shield ! bring down the foe. 12 In sin their mouths and lips have shared ; They in impenitence abide : Since they to curse and lie have dared, Let them be taken in their pride ! 13 Consume them till they waste away; Consume them, that all realms may know, That Jacob's God hath sovereign sway, Adjusting all things here below ! 14 At eve return the impious rout;, They roar like dogs, and prowl around: 15 In search of food they rove about, And rest not, if it be not found. 16 Still, every morning, I' Thy power And mercy joyfully confess: My Eock thou art, my lofty Tower, Throughout the day of my distress ! Day 11. PSALM LX. 17 Lord my Strength ! with heart elate, I sing my hymns of praise to Thee ! My lofty Tower I celebrate ; A God of mercy Thou to me ! Psalm LX. 1 Jehovah ! Thou hast cast us off; By Thee have we been broken down : ThoU with Thy people hast been wroth ; turn again, and cease to frown ! 2 Earth trembles, stricken by Thy hand: 'Tis broken, disunited all: Heal Thou the breaches of a land Convulsed, and tottering to its fall ! 3 Oppression, under which we sink, Thou, Lord ! hast made Thy people feel ; Shown us hard things, and made us drink The wine of trembling till we reel ! 4 Thou givest those who fear Thy name The banner of the Truth to rear : 5 Then rescue Thy Beloved from shame, Save me with Thy right hand, and hear ! (Pause.) 6 God's word is pledged, and I' confide, For never will His promise fail : I yet shall Sichem's land divide, And mete out Succoth's fertile vale. PSALM LXL Day 11. 7 Gilead is mine, Manasseh mine; Ephraim shall my defender be, Foremost himself in foremost line ; Judah shall legislate for me. 3 Moab my washpot I' have made ; To Edom T my sandal throw : Philistia ! thou shalt hear, dismayed, The blast my martial trumpets blow ! 9 Who, to the City 6f the Eock, Will bring me? who to Edom lead? 10 Hast thou not, Lord ! cast off Thy flock? Thou dost not with our hosts proceed ! 11 Help us, God ! in our distress, For vain the help that man bestows : 12 Through God, we shall achieve success, For He will trample down our foes ! Psalm LXL 1 Lord ! hear my prayer; consider my complaint; From the earth's ends, to Thee for help I cry : 2 Now that my heart is overwhelmed and faint, Lead to the Rock, that is for me too high ! 3 For Thou a refuge art where I' may hide ; A tower of strength in presence of my foes : 4 I will for ever in Thy tent abide, And in the covert of Thy wings repose. Day 12. PSALM LXII. 5 For Thou, God ! my prayers and vows hast heard ; (I to the world Thy faithfulness proclaim :) A heritage on me Thou hast conferred, The heritage of those that fear Thy name ! 6 To the King's days Thou countless days wilt add, His years as generations shall be known : 7 At the right hand of God, in glory clad, For ever shall he sit upon his throne ! Appoint that he a blessing may be made ; 8 In mercy and in truth may he abound: So shall my vows to Thee be daily paid, And to Thy name shall hymns of praise resound ! MORNING PRAYER. Psalm LXII. 1 Truly on God my soul in peace relies, For my salvation will from Him arise : 2 He truly is my Rock, my Strength, my Tower; Unmoved I stand, confiding in His power ! 3 How long such furious warfare will ye wage ? How long against a man direct your rage, As though he were indeed a bowing wall, A tottering fence, which, if ye thrust, will fall? 4 They counsel take, to cast him from his height, And in hypocrisy and lies delight : They, to accomplish their designs perverse, Bless with their mouth, while inwardly they curse ! PSALM LXIIL Day 12. 5 Truly on God, my soul in peace relies, For all the hopes I have, from Him arise : 6 He truly is my Eock, my Strength, my Tower; Unmoved I stand, confiding in His power ! 7 My safety is in God ! the praise be His, For my strong rock, my hiding-place He is : 8 To Him, ye people ! be your hearts outpoured; Trust at all times ; our refuge is the Lord ! 9 The sons of men, — of low degree and high — The sons of men, are vanity, a lie : A breath would in the balance all outweigh ; Lighter than vanity itself are they ! 10 Put not in wrong and robbery your trust, Nor vainly think to thrive by means unjust : Doth wealth accumulate? are riches yours? Set not your heart on what no grasp secures ! 11 Time after time hath God the truth made known, — Oft have I heard, that power is His alone; 12 And mercy, too, belongs to Thee, Lord ! According to men's deeds, Thou wilt reward ! Psalm LXIIL 1 God ! my God Thou art; I seek Thy face, And thirst and long for Thy refreshing grace ; My soul hath longed for Thee, my flesh hath pined, As in a weary land, where T no water find ! Day 12. PSALM LXIIL 2 To see thee in Thy temple, I' desire ; Thy power to see, Thy glory to admire : 3 Thy favour life and all its joys outweighs; And therefore with my lips, I celebrate Thy praise ! 4 Thus, while I live, Thy goodness Y proclaim, My hands uplifting daily in Thy name : 5 My wants are all abundantly supplied; As at the richest feast, my soul is satisfied ! With grateful lips my mouth shall sing of thee, With shouts of joy, with bursts of jubilee, 6 When I remember Thee upon my bed, Yea, think of Thee by night, when all is silence dread ! 7 Because Thou art my help, King of Kings ! I triumph in the shadow of Thy wings :