FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
 REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 
 
 BEQUEATHED   BY  HIM   TO 
 
 THE   LIBRARY  OF 
 
 PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 
 
 scB 
 
/6 
 
 a/ljd^t. 
 
^TrFPf^ 
 
 . 
 
 2€j  ;938 
 
 OR, 
 
 A   METRICAL  TRANSLATION 
 
 OF    THE    WHOLE 
 
 BOOK  OF  PSALMS, 
 
 SELECTED  FROM  OUR  PUBLISHED  VERSIONS, 
 WITH  ALTERATIONS: 
 
 BEING    AN   ESSAY   TOWARDS   THE    COMPILATION    OF 
 A    NATIONAL    PSALM    BOOK. 
 
 BY  PRESBYTER  CICESTRENSIS. 
 
 "  Mea  fuit  semper  haec  in  hac  re  voluntas  et  sententia :  quemvis  ut 
 hoc  mallem  de  iis  qui  essent  idonei  suscipere  quam  me  ;  me  ut  mallem, 
 quam  neminem." — Cic.  Divinatio  in  Verrem,  iv. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 FRANCIS  &  JOHN  RIVINGTON, 
 st.  Paul's  church  yard,  and  Waterloo  place. 
 
 1846. 
 
LONDON : 
 
 (jllbert  &  rivjngton,  printers, 
 st.  John's  square. 
 
MOST  REVEREND  AND  RIGHT  REVEREND 
 
 THE  ARCHBISHOPS  AND  BISHOPS 
 
 OF  THE  UNITED  CHURCH  OF  ENGLAND  AND  IRELAND, 
 
 &f)t0  Selection 
 
 IS   RESPECTFULLY    SUBMITTED, 
 
 IN    THE    BELIEF    THAT    IT   WILL    AFFORD    PROOF    OF    THE 
 
 EXISTENCE  OF  MATERIALS  FOR  THE  COMPILATION, 
 
 BY    MORE    ABLE    HANDS, 
 
 OF    SUCH    AN    ENTIRE    VERSION    OF    THE    PSALMS   AS, 
 
 IF    SENT   FORTH    UNDER    EPISCOPAL    SANCTION    AND    AUTHORITY, 
 
 MIGHT    BE   GENERALLY    ACCEPTABLE    TO   THE 
 
 MEMBERS   OF    OUR   CHURCH, 
 
 AND  NOT  UNWORTHY  OF  BEING  DEDICATED  TO  THE  WORSHIP 
 
 OF    THE    ALMIGHTY. 
 
Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
 in  2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/anthdiOOIath 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 More  than  ten  years  ago,  a  general  wish  appeared 
 to  be  prevailing  in  our  Church,  to  possess  a  good 
 metrical  version  of  the  Psalter.  There  had  long 
 existed  a  strong  feeling,  that  the  two  which  we 
 call  "  authorized  translations,"  were  unfit  for  the 
 public  worship  of  Almighty  God,  as  the  pure  taste, 
 and  sound  religious  temper  of  the  present  age,  require 
 it  to  be  conducted.  And  the  frequent  discussion  of 
 the  subject,  about  the  period  above  mentioned,  in 
 various  theological  publications,  was  both  occasioned 
 by,  and  increased  the  prevalence  of  this  conviction. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 An  old  opinion  was  at  that  time  revived,  that, 
 although  we  have  no  English  version,  among  the 
 many  extant,  possessing  all  the  varied  excellence 
 to  entitle  it  to  the  adoption  of  the  Church,  such  an 
 one  might  possibly  be  compiled  from  our  published 
 translations;  and,  if  issued  with  the  "Imprimatur" 
 of  Episcopal  approbation,  might  be  allowed  in  the 
 Establishment.  There  seemed  indeed  good  reason 
 to  hope,  that  a  fit  person  might  be  induced  to  under- 
 take the  work.  Other  matters,  however,  of  mo- 
 mentous interest  occurred  to  occupy  the  mind  of 
 every  Churchman.  For  in  1833  the  great  move- 
 ment took  its  rise  in  the  English  Church,  which  has 
 ever  since  absorbed  the  public  attention,  almost  to 
 the  exclusion  of  every  other  subject.  And  so,  like 
 many  good  impressions,  which  are  at  the  moment 
 acquiesced  in,  and  are  then  forgotten,  the  strong 
 conviction  of  the  necessity  of  an  improvement  of 
 our  metrical  Psalmody,  (though  for  a  time  revived, 
 and  zealously  reiterated,)  in  the  lapse  of  ten  years 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 more,  has  not  yet  obtained  the  deliberate  attention 
 which  it  claims,  and  which  is  justly  due  to  it. 
 
 It  was  from  a  feeling  of  the  importance  of  the 
 above  suggestion,  often  made,  but  never  (as  he  con- 
 ceives) yet  fairly  acted  on,  and  from  some  curiosity 
 to  try  the  possibility  of  its  ever  being  carried  out 
 successfully,  that  the  compiler  of  this  volume  was 
 led  to  make  the  experiment,  how  far  he  might  be 
 able  to  complete,  from  the  resources  within  his 
 reach,  a  good  selected  version  of  the  Book  of 
 Psalms  ;  or  what  might  be  at  least  considered  a 
 fair  contribution  towards  such  a  version.  It  may 
 surprise  those,  whose  attention  never  has  been  given 
 to  the  subject,  to  learn  how  many  published  metrical 
 translations  of  the  Psalms  are  extant  in  the  English 
 language.  From  the  aera  of  the  Reformation,  when 
 the  novel  use  of  congregational  Psalmody  first,  and  at 
 once,  made  them  popular,  down  to  the  present  time, 
 there  have  appeared  no  fewer  than  sixty-five  ver- 
 sions of  the  whole  Psalter;  and  of  translations  of 
 b  2 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 selected  parts  of  it,  from  a  single  Psalm,  to  a  very 
 considerable  portion  of  the  entire  Book,  it  is  hardly 
 possible  to  ascertain  the  number.  A  list  which  might 
 probably  be  enlarged  in  both  its  parts,  is  subjoined  to 
 these  remarks.  And  when  this  fact  is  known,  the 
 difficulty  of  selecting  one  hundred  and  fifty  good 
 and  perfect  specimens  of  translation  from  amongst  so 
 many,  may  not  at  first  sight  be  intelligible.  But 
 from  this  aggregate  there  is  a  very  large  amount  to 
 be  at  once  deducted,  as  entirely  valueless  for  the 
 object  which  we  have  in  view  ;  the  furnishing  a  full 
 and  faithful,  and  at  the  same  time  poetical  version, 
 fitted,  with  the  exception  of  some  few  Psalms,  which, 
 from  their  subject  matter,  obviously  are  not  adapted 
 to  the  joint  worship  of  a  congregation,  for  parochial 
 use.  For,  in  the  first  place,  the  earliest  translations 
 are  all  but  useless  for  the  purpose  ;  being  rendered, 
 not  only  in  a  diction  which  is  become  uncouth  and 
 often  obsolete,  but  in  a  rugged  and  discordant  flow 
 of  metre.     Such,   with    but  few  exceptions,  is  the 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 character  of  our  "  Old  Version :"  for  which  the 
 fullest  measure  of  praise  that  has  been  justly  claimed, 
 is  that  it  is  equal  to  the  best  poems  of  those  times. 
 The  joint  version  of  Sir  Philip  Sidney,  and  his  sister 
 Lady  Pembroke,  was  the  first  that  went  beyond  this 
 humble  standard.  Again,  the  versions  are  almost 
 as  useless,  which  have  an  opposite  and  worse  defect, 
 of  being  executed  in  the  diffuse,  and  cumbrously 
 ornamented  style,  which  perhaps  the  least  of  all 
 resembles  the  Divine  original.  Brady  and  Tate's 
 translation  is  overloaded  writh  this  wretched  finery, 
 so  offensive  to  our  more  chastened  taste,  and  is 
 always  cited  as  its  great  example.  Take  from 
 amongst  a  thousand  other  instances,  their  rendering 
 of  that  fine  passage  in  the  18th  Psalm,  v.  9.  "  He 
 bowed  the  heavens  also,  and  came  down,  and  dark- 
 ness was  under  his  feet." 
 
 "  He  left  the  beauteous  realms  of  light, 
 
 While  heaven  bowed  down  its  awful  head  ; 
 Beneath  his  feet  substantial  night 
 Was,  like  a  sable  carpet,  spread." 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 "  D  omens  !  qui  nimbos,  et  non  imitabile  fulmen 
 JEve,  et  cornipedum  pulsu  simularet  equorum." 
 
 And  yet,  unaccountably,  there  are  parts  of  Psalms, 
 and  even  whole  Psalms  in  their  translation,  (such  as 
 the  57th,  the  93rd,  and  the  130th)  the  occasional 
 excellence  of  which  makes  the  surrounding  medio- 
 crity more  visible.  It  might  almost  seem,  that  the 
 same  hand,  which  improved  the  poverty  of  the 
 second  part  of  Absalom  and  Achitophel,  supplied  by 
 Tate  when  the  great  Poet  found  it  inconvenient 
 immediately  to  respond  to  the  public  call  upon  him, 
 had  in  return  sometimes  been  Tate's  powerful  auxi- 
 liary in  the  execution  of  his  Psalms.  There  are 
 again  some  versions  which  have  been  composed 
 upon  the  principle  of  being  as  scrupulously  verbal, 
 as  the  necessities  of  rhyme  and  metre  will  allow  :  a 
 method  of  translation,  which  (although  we  know 
 that  the  mere  words  of  the  authorized  version,  or 
 the  older  one  of  the  Prayer  Book,  are  always  rhyth- 
 mical, and  often  poetry  itself)  is  so  very  difficult  to 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 manage  with  success,  that  even  the  power  of  Milton 
 cannot  always  make  it  tolerable.  Nor  can  we 
 call  it  an  improvement  on  this  plan,  to  make 
 each  stanza  correspond  with  a  verse  of  the  ori- 
 ginal :  and,  if  the  words  cannot  be  expanded  to 
 four  lines,  then  to  eke  out  the  rest  with  extraneous 
 matter,  perhaps  accommodated  to  the  preceding 
 rhymes  :  as  the  enlargement  of  "  Blessed  is  every 
 one  that  feareth  the  Lord,  and  walketh  in  his 
 ways  V  into — 
 
 "  Blest  is  the  man  who  fears  the  Lord, 
 Who  walks  in  all  his  ways  ; 
 Who  daily  reads  his  Holy  Word, 
 And  to  his  Father  prays." 
 
 Sometimes,  again,  translators  have,  as  they  term  it, 
 spiritualized  the  Psalms  ;  that  is,  adapted  them  to 
 the  Christian  state  and  worship ;  and  for  this  end, 
 
 1  Psalm  cxxviii.  1. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 have  altered  at  their  pleasure  the  plain  meaning  of 
 the  original  text,  by  either  adding  to  it,  or  omitting 
 from  it.  Christopher  Smart  begins  his  1st  Psalm, 
 thus  : — 
 
 i(  The  man  is  blest  of  God  through  Christ, 
 Who  is  not  by  the  world  enticed, 
 
 Where  broader  ruin  lies  ; 
 Nor  has  descended  to  a  seat, 
 Where  scoffers  at  the  Gospel  meet 
 
 Their  Saviour  to  despise." 
 
 Dr.  Watts's  Version  is  of  this  kind,  and  of  very  high 
 poetical  merit.  There  are  also  many  so-called  ver- 
 sions, which  are  unavailable,  because,  whatever 
 poetical  excellence  they  possess,  they  are  in  truth 
 only  paraphrases,  like  Addison's  beautiful  imitations 
 of  the  19th,  and  23rd.  There  are  translations  too 
 in  what  are  called  Pindaric  metres,  as  Cowley's 
 114th,  and  Woodfall's  entire  version.  Some  are  in 
 Heroic  measure,  as  Wheatland  and  Sylvester's ; 
 others  in  blank  verse,  and  executed  with  consider- 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 able  power.  All  which  must  be  equally  excluded. 
 For,  if  a  translation  is  to  be  adapted  to  congrega- 
 tional singing,  nothing  can  be  more  incompatible 
 with  that  object,  than  such  kinds  of  verse :  while 
 the  chief  poetical  characteristic  of  the  Psalms,  their 
 parallelism,  seems  to  require  that  they  should  not 
 be  rendered  in  the  very  measures  in  which  this 
 peculiarity  can  be  least  preserved.  There  are  also 
 several  compressed  translations ;  being  selections  of 
 no  more  than  such  parts  of  every  Psalm,  as  seemed 
 to  the  translators  best  fitted  for  the  public  worship 
 of  the  Church.  The  Rev.  Basil  Woodd's,  the  Rev. 
 Mr.  Lyte's.  and  Mr.  Judkin's  translations,  and  Arch- 
 deacon Hare's  excellent  "  Portions  of  the  Psalms  in 
 English  verse,"  (principally  reconstructed  from  the 
 old  version  used  by  the  Scottish  kirk,)  are  of  this 
 class.  And  to  all  these  may  be  added,  not  only 
 many  versions  of  all  dates  which  never  rise  above  a 
 feeble  mediocrity,  but  many  positively  bad  ;  whose 
 poetical  demerits  are  so  very  glaring,  that  after  read- 
 
10  PREFACE. 
 
 ing  them  we  hardly  can  allow  the  possibility  of  any 
 pretender  to  the  art  of  poetry  being  included  in  the 
 class  of  those,  "  who  rhyme  below  e'en  David's 
 Psalms  translated." 
 
 "  By  proud  Babylon's  waters  we  sat  down  and  wept, 
 When  we  remembered,  0  Sion,  thy  glory  : 
 As  our  harps  hanging  up  on  the  trees  there  we  kept, 
 They  asked  us  a  song  'mid  our  heart-rending  story. 
 They  captive  that  led  us  a  melody  wanted  : 
 Come,  sing  us  a  song  which  in  Sion  ye  chanted." 
 
 All  these  various  exclusions  materially  contract 
 the  resources  which  seem  open  to  us  in  the  nume- 
 rous published  versions.  But  much  of  sterling  value 
 is  still  left,  and  much  more  perhaps  might  be  col- 
 lected from  translations  which  have  not  been  seen 
 by  the  Editor  of  this  volume.  There  are  three  of 
 these,  which  he  especially  regrets  that  he  has  not 
 been  able  to  consult ;  Goodridge's,  and  Sir  John 
 Denham's  versions,  and  the  entire  "  New  England 
 Psalm  Book."  But  besides  these,  so  far  as  a  right 
 judgment  may  be  formed  merely  from  the  specimens 
 
PREFACE.  11 
 
 exhibited  by  Mr.  Holland  in  his  valuable  and  highly 
 interesting  volumes 2,  he  is  inclined  to  think,  that 
 but  few  of  the  translations,  to  which  he  has  not  had 
 access,  would  have  furnished  such  materials  as  he 
 desired. 
 
 In  the  arrangement  of  the  present  compilation, 
 the  following  have  been  assumed  to  be  essential 
 characteristics  of  a  good  translation  of  the  Psalms. 
 It  is,  above  all,  demanded  by  the  very  term,  as  a 
 condition  of  all  true  translation,  that  no  fewer  and 
 no  more  ideas  be  exhibited  by  it,  than  are  contained 
 in  the  translated  text.  It  ought  not  to  omit  a  single 
 image,    scarcely   that    conveyed   by   an  expressive 
 
 2  "  The  Psalmists  of  Great  Britain,"  published  in  1843. 
 The  main  object  of  this  work  is  to  present  biographical  and 
 literary  notices  of  the  authors  of  our  metrical  versions  of  the 
 Psalms,  with  a  single  specimen  of  the  author's  work  annexed 
 to  the  memorial  of  each,  in  illustration  of  the  progress  of  this 
 species  of  our  sacred  Poetry.  The  list  of  partial  versions 
 subjoined  to  these  prefatory  remarks  has  been  enlarged  and 
 made  more  perfect  than  it  would  otherwise  have  been,  by 
 collating  it  with  Mr.  Holland's  book. 
 
12  PREFACE. 
 
 metaphor :  and  it  should  not  admit  any  new  image, 
 but  such  (if  it  be  then  rightly  called  so),  as  is  simply 
 an  expansion,  and  a  necessary  explanation  of  the 
 sense.  It  should  be  what  the  well  drawn  portrait 
 is  to  its  living  subject ;  where  all  arbitrary  exagge- 
 rations or  omissions  tend  alike  to  prevent  our  recog- 
 nizing what  it  professes  to  represent,  and  cause  a 
 stranger  to  the  original  to  form  the  most  unjust 
 notions  of  it.  But  if  this  rule  be  so  essential,  that 
 without  it  no  version  whatsoever  can  express  a  faith- 
 ful copy,  it  surely  must  be  altogether  indispensable, 
 where  we  are  professing  to  translate  the  words  of 
 inspiration ;  in  order  that  we  may  not  add  to,  nor 
 subtract  aught  from  the  pure  oracles  of  God.  And 
 next,  but  still  subordinate,  to  this  faithfulness,  is 
 required  poetical  expression,  which  will  assume  a 
 variety  of  language,  or  of  metre,  as  its  vehicle, 
 according  to  the  diversity  of  the  subject  matter; 
 whether  (for  instance)  it  be  jubilant,  or  plaintive, 
 narrative,  didactic,  or  pathetic.     It  is  a  nice  quality, 
 
PREFACE.  13 
 
 which  at  once  is  felt  and  recognized,  but  cannot  be 
 described ;  of  which  we  can  pronounce  in  any  in- 
 stance with  unerring  certainty,  that  it  is,  or  is  not 
 here,  but  which  we  find  it  very  difficult  indeed  to 
 analyze.  Nor  is  a  perspicuous  uninvolved  sim- 
 plicity of  expression,  a  neglect  of  which  has  been 
 the  great  offence  of  some  of  the  most  highly-gifted 
 poets  of  our  own  age,  less  essential.  The  caution 
 given  us  by  a  great  master  of  the  art,  the  admirable 
 Cowper,  is,  "  Remember,  that  in  writing,  perspicuity 
 is  always  more  than  half  the  battle.  The  want  of  it 
 is  the  ruin  of  more  than  half  the  poetry  that  is 
 published.  A  meaning  that  does  not  stare  you  in 
 the  face,  is  as  bad  as  no  meaning,  because  nobody 
 will  take  the  pains  to  poke  for  it."  It  may  be 
 added,  that  we  ought  not  to  lose  sight  of  what,  in 
 our  ignorance  of  the  vowel  sounds,  and  consequently 
 of  the  quantity  or  true  modulation  of  the  Hebrew 
 language,  is  become  to  us  almost  the  only  charac- 
 teristic   of   its    poetry ;    namely,    the    parallelism, 
 
14  PREFACE. 
 
 pointed  out  by  Bishop  Lowth,  and  more  par- 
 ticularly examined  and  elucidated  by  the  late 
 Bishop  Jebb3;  in  other  words,  the  nearly  uni- 
 form responsion  of  member  to  member,  and  of 
 clause  to  clause,  by  the  repetition,  or  the  con- 
 trast of  the  words  or  sentiment ;  a  peculiarity, 
 which  is  capable  of  being  transferred  to  an  Eng- 
 lish version. 
 
 But,  whatever  be  the  necessary  canons  of  correct 
 translation,  it  is  most  certain,  that  no  entire  version 
 has  hitherto  appeared  of  that  surpassing  undisputed 
 excellence,  which  could  at  once  challenge  its  accept- 
 ance and  acknowledgment,  as  the  great  desideratum 
 of  the  Church.  The  prize,  as  yet,  has  been  ad- 
 judged to  no  competitor,  though  some  of  the  most 
 powerful  have  put  forth  their  strength.  There  was 
 one  likely  to  have  been  successful  where  all  the  rest 
 had  failed,  the  accomplished  Bishop  Heber.     Unfor- 
 
 3  "  Sacred  Literature,"  1820. 
 
PREFACE.  15 
 
 tunately,  he  has  not  left  a  single  published  specimen 
 of  such  a  work.  But  in  his  version  of  some  Odes 
 of  Pindar  (first  published  in  the  "  Quarterly  Re- 
 view" for  181 14),  he  has  given  us  a  model  of 
 translation,  so  perfect  both  in  its  poetical  spirit,  and 
 in  strict  fidelity  to  the  original,  that  we  may  believe 
 a  metrical  Psalter  from  his  pen  would  have  been  an 
 invaluable  inheritance  to  our  Church.  We  know 
 that  he  was  employed  in  the  arrangement  of  a 
 collection  of  Hymns  for  its  adoption ;  and,  had  his 
 valuable  life  been  spared,  perhaps  some  interval  of 
 leisure  from  the  duties  of  his  arduous  station  might 
 have  been  given  by  him  to  this  congenial  labour. 
 Of  all  translations  extant  of  the  entire  Psalter,  for 
 fidelity,  and  harmony,  and  simplicity  of  expression, 
 the  palm  seems  due  to  that  of  Wither.  It  is  very 
 far  from  being  free  from  all  the  harshness  of  its 
 age ;  but,  on  the  whole,  it  is  so  excellent,  that  if  it 
 
 4  Vol.  v.  p.  437.     The  odes  of  Pindar,  translated  by  the 
 Rev.  Francis  Lee,  and  by  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Girdlestone. 
 
16  PREFACE. 
 
 were  judiciously  revised,  it  might  perhaps,  in 
 every  quality  of  a  good  translation,  be  made  more 
 perfect  than  the  best  that  has  hitherto  been  offered 
 to  the  Church.  The  extracts  given  in  the  present 
 Volume  will,  it  is  conceived,  fully  justify  the  ex- 
 pression of  this  opinion.  Reference  may  be  made 
 especially  to  the  24th,  93rd,  150th,  and  the  un- 
 equalled 137th.  The  translation  of  Wither  seems 
 never  to  have  been  properly  appreciated.  "  But," 
 says  he  in  his  Preface,  "  if  I  have  so  endeavoured, 
 that  it  manifestly  appeareth  to  be  better  than  what 
 the  partiality  of  this  age  will  accept,  then  this  work 
 shall  become  the  judge  of  those  partial  judges,  and 
 to  their  disgrace,  gain  esteem  hereafter  in  despight 
 of  their  envy5." 
 
 5  Bishop  Percy,  in  the  Notice  of  Wither  prefixed  to  his 
 
 beautiful  song,  "  Shall  I  wasting  in  despair,  dye  because  a 
 
 woman's  fair,"  in  the  "  Reliques  of  Ancient  English  Poetry," 
 
 says,  "  Dry  den  and  Wither  are  coupled  by  Swift,  (Battle  of 
 
 I     the   Books,  p.    231.  242.  edit.    1711.)   like  the   Bavius  and 
 
 |     Meevius  of  Virgil :  Dryden  however  has  had  justice  done  him 
 
PREFACE.  17 
 
 It  was  the  original  intention  of  the  Compiler 
 simply  to  have  brought  together,  without  any  altera- 
 tion, what  he  judged  to  be  the  best  extant  specimens 
 of  our  metrical  translations.  But,  after  a  short 
 experiment,  the  execution  of  the  work,  strictly  upon 
 this  plan,  was  found  impracticable.  It  was  soon 
 found  that  the  responsibility  of  making,  or  he  would 
 rather  say,  suggesting,  alterations  must  be  incurred. 
 And  the  reasons  for  assuming  such  a  licence  (though 
 it  may  have  been  exercised  sometimes  perhaps  in 
 error,  or  with  too  much  fastidiousness),  will,  it  is 
 hoped,  be  generally  obvious.  He  meant  to  mark 
 the  places,  where,  in  his  judgment,  the  change  of  a 
 few  words  might  make  compositions  already  excel- 
 lent more  perfect ;  where,  for  example,  in  the  older 
 versions,  words  or  expressions,  which  by  mere  lapse 
 of  time  have  changed  their  meaning,  or  their  accen- 
 
 by  posterity."  Percy  states,  that  Wither  was  one  of  the 
 twelve  <c  Major  Generals,"  appointed  under  the  Common- 
 wealth.    Reliques,  vol.  iii.  241,  5th  edit. 
 
18  PREFACE. 
 
 tuation,  or  have  become  quaint  or  obsolete,  or  even 
 ludicrous,  might  be  easily  replaced  by  others  at 
 present  more  in  honour  ;  or  where  on  the  contrary 
 the  translator,  with  whatever  felicity  of  expression, 
 appears  to  have  departed  from  his  lawful  province, 
 and  introduced  a  new  idea  not  warranted  by  the 
 original.  But  in  every  instance,  where  a  Psalm  is 
 headed  simply  with  the  name,  and  printed  as  the 
 composition  of  a  particular  author,  the  rejected  text 
 is  also  given  in  the  Appendix ;  the  remonstrance  of 
 good  John  Wesley  being  borne  in  mind,  addressed  to 
 those,  who,  he  said,  had  done  his  brother  and  him 
 the  honour  to  reprint  many  of  their  Hymns ;  "I 
 must  beg  of  them  one  of  these  two  favours,  either 
 to  let  them  stand  just  as  they  are,  to  take  them  for 
 better,  for  worse ;  or  to  add  the  true  reading  in  the 
 margin,  or  at  the  bottom  of  the  page,  that  we  may 
 no  longer  be  accountable  either  for  the  nonsense,  or 
 for  the  doggrel  of  other  men6."      If,  indeed,  the 
 
 5  Preface  to  the  Methodist  Hymn  Book,  1779. 
 
PREFACE.  19 
 
 alterations  of  some  Psalms  in  this  Volume  (such,  for 
 instance,  as  those  of  Bishop  Mant,  or  J.  Mont- 
 gomery,) were  suggested  with  the  object  of  im- 
 proving them  as  literary  compositions,  the  presump- 
 tion would  be  no  less  bold,  than  that  of  an  attempt 
 to  improve  Charles  Wesley's  Hymns,  which  rank 
 amongst  the  finest  specimens  of  religious  poetry  in 
 our  language.  They  are  not,  however,  offered  as 
 actual  improvements  of  the  poetry,  but  merely  to 
 point  out  what  seem,  with  reference  to  an  assumed 
 canon  of  correct  translation,  to  be  weak  places,  and 
 what  kind  and  degree  of  alteration  seems  necessary 
 to  adapt  them  to  it.  Sometimes,  however,  after 
 having  chosen  the  best  extant  form  in  which  a  par- 
 ticular psalm  appeared  to  have  been  cast,  the  com- 
 piler has  allowed  himself  so  large  an  exercise  of 
 this  liberty,  that  the  alterations  amount  almost  to  a 
 re-construction ;  and  in  these  cases,  the  words  dis- 
 placed from  the  original  version  have  not  been 
 given.  It  seemed  enough  to  state  distinctly,  that 
 c  2 
 
20  PREFACE. 
 
 the  psalm  is  not  inserted  as  the  work  of  its  original 
 translator,  but  as  an  alteration  from  it. 
 
 In  a  very  few  instances,  where  the  excellence  of 
 two  versions  appeared  so  nearly  balanced,  that  it 
 was  difficult  to  adjudge  the  preference  to  either, 
 duplicates  have  been  given  of  the  same  psalm. 
 The  second  versions  of  the  23rd,  39th,  97th,  103rd, 
 and  146th,  are  hitherto  unpublished.  But  they 
 were  deemed  admissible,  as  proceeding  from  the  pen 
 of  one,  whose  published  psalms  have  furnished  some 
 of  the  specimens  selected  for  this  work.  The 
 Editor  is  permitted  to  make  use  of  them  ;  and  he 
 more  gladly  does  so,  in  the  confidence,  that  being 
 thus  once  given  to  the  public,  they  must  hereafter 
 form  a  part  of  any  future  selection  of  the  best 
 poetical  translations  of  the  Psalms. 
 
 What  opinion  may  be  formed  by  others  of  the 
 merits  of  the  present  volume,  the  writer  can  hardly 
 presume  to  judge;  yet  one  object,  the  delight  anti- 
 cipated to  himself  from  following  up  the  experiment, 
 
PREFACE.  21 
 
 he  feels  that  he  has  abundantly  realized.  For,  in 
 the  progress  of  it,  he  has  not  failed  continually  to 
 experience  the  truth  of  what  has  been  so  generally, 
 and  often  beautifully 7  expressed  by  those,  who  have 
 engaged  in  any  similar  task,  involving  a  more  inti- 
 mate study  of  the  Book  of  God ;  that  in  the  very 
 execution  of  it  there  is  great  reward.  He  must, 
 however,  with  regret  confess  the  disadvantage  under 
 which  he  labours,  in  the  want  of  a  familiar  know- 
 ledge of  the  Hebrew  language.  And  without  a 
 thorough  acquaintance  with  the  original,  it  is  cer- 
 
 6  We  may  refer  to  Bishop  Home's  well  known  description 
 of  his  happiness,  and  entire  detachment  from  the  cares  of 
 life,  while  he  was  engaged  in  the  composition  of  his  Commen- 
 tary ;  to  Henry  Martyn's  words,  expressing  the  delight  he 
 took  in  prosecuting  his  labour  of  love,  the  translation  of  the 
 Scriptures  into  Hindostanee ;  or  to  Claudius  Buchanan's 
 interesting  detail  of  the  extraordinary  task  which  he  imposed 
 upon  Himself  in  the  revision  of  the  Syriac  Testament,  and 
 the  fresh  light,  and  joy,  and  comfort  which  he  drew  from 
 each  perusal. — Home's  Preface,  lxv.  5th  edit.  1794.  Sar- 
 gent's Life  of  Martyn,  pp.  256,  257,  6th  edit.  1821.  Pear- 
 son's Life  of  Buchanan,  pp.  363,  364,  3rd  edit.  1819. 
 
22  PREFACE. 
 
 tain  that,  in  ordinary  cases,  no  true  judgment  can  be 
 exercised  on  the  relative  merit  of  translations :  but 
 yet  he  ventured  to  believe,  that  he  was  not  hereby 
 precluded  from  engaging  in  the  present  Work ;  con- 
 sidering this  to  be  a  case  excepted  from  the 
 general  rule.  Because  the  most  accomplished  He- 
 braist would  surely  say,  that  no  metrical  transla- 
 tion of  the  Psalms  can  widely  err,  which  will  bear 
 the  test  of  a  comparison  with  our  English  authorized 
 version,  and  it  is  only  where  real  difficulties  occur, 
 that  the  liberty  of  departing  from  that  authority 
 has  been  assumed.  In  which  cases,  the  received 
 translation  has  been  occasionally  modified,  by  select- 
 ing what  appeared  to  be  the  most  probable  interpre- 
 tation of  the  best  commentators  ;  recourse  being  had 
 especially  to  the  new  translation  of  the  Psalms, 
 made  in  1830,  by  Dr.  Trench  and  Mr.  Skinner. 
 Thus  much,  upon  the  whole,  the  writer  thinks  he 
 boldly  may  assert;  that  he  has  at  least  brought 
 together  many  sterling  specimens,  and   ascertained 
 
PREFACE.  23 
 
 the  probability,  that  if  this  endeavour  were  but 
 followed  up  by  others,  we  might  eventually  possess, 
 what  we  have  so  long  required,  a  good  metrical  ver- 
 sion of  the  entire  Book  of  Psalms.  If  such  a  Psalter 
 ever  were  set  forth  by  competent  authority,  it  is 
 likely  that  the  clergy  generally  would  avail  them- 
 selves of  it,  as  a  means  whereby  the  union  and 
 communion  of  Churchmen  might  be  drawn  more 
 close  ;  and  that  unauthorized  collections  of  all  sorts, 
 as  they  have  often  been  introduced  reluctantly, 
 would  be  gladly  discontinued.  That  psalmody 
 might  become  once  more  the  powerful  accessory, 
 which  it  was  designed  to  be,  of  our  joint  devotions, 
 has  been  the  wish  and  prayer  of  many  a  faithful 
 member  of  our  Church ;  and  that,  knit  together  as 
 we  are,  into  one  body  by  faith  in  one  Lord,  and  by 
 the  baptism  of  one  Spirit,  when  we  come  into  the 
 presence  of  the  God  and  Father  of  us  all,  it  might 
 be  to  join  together,  not  only  in  the  same  confession 
 of  sin,  and  the  same  prayers  for  grace  and  mercy, 
 
24  PREFACE. 
 
 but  also  in  the  intelligent  expression  of  a  glad  and 
 grateful  heart,  by  singing  the  same  Psalms  of 
 Praise. 
 
 In  1837,  when  the  arrangement  of  this  Collection 
 was  in  progress,  appeared  "  The  Harp  of  Judah,  or 
 Songs  of  Sion,  by  the  late  Nathan  Drake,  M.D.,  being 
 a  metrical  translation  of  the  Psalms,  constructed  from 
 the  most  beautiful  parts  of  the  best  English  versions." 
 The  work  is  a  valuable  contribution  towards  the  same 
 object  which  the  present  has  in  view  ;  but  its  plan 
 has  not  been  so  wrought  out,  as  to  supersede  a 
 similar  attempt.  More  than  half  the  selection,  for 
 example,  is  from  Merrick  and  from  Cottle8;  who, 
 with  whatever  occasional  powers  of  versification,  are 
 in  general  very  far  from  exhibiting  the  charac- 
 teristics, which  we  have  assumed  to  be  essential  to  a 
 true    translation.      Some   good   versions    also   have 
 
 7  Merrick  41.     Cottle  44. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 25 
 
 been  published  since  the  compilation  of  Dr.  Drake's 
 work  ;  and  there  are  several  of  our  very  best,  of 
 which  he  has  not  availed  himself;  for  instance,  there 
 is  but  one  specimen  from  Wither,  and  one  only  from 
 George  Sandys.  -* 
 
A  LIST  OF  METRICAL  VERSIONS 
 
 OF    THE 
 
 ENTIRE  BOOK  OF  PSALMS. 
 
 1549.  Robert  Crowley,  Vicar  of  St.  Giles',  Cripplegate. 
 
 1561.  Matthew  Parker,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury. 
 
 1562.  a  Thomas  Sternehold,  John  Hopkins,  and  others. 
 
 a  Then  first  printed  collectively  at  the  end  of  the  Book  of 
 Common  Prayer.  The  contributors,  as  originally  indicated 
 by  their  initials  prefixed  to  the  several  Psalms,  were  nine  in 
 number  ;  but  two  Psalms,  the  148th  and  149th,  versified  by 
 John  Pullain,  Archdeacon  of  Colchester,  are  to  be  found  only 
 in  the  earliest  editions  ;  and  the  131st  and  132nd,  at  first 
 attributed  to  John  Mardly,  were  afterwards  ascribed  to  Nor- 
 ton. The  Psalms  are  thus  distributed  amongst  the  seven 
 remaining  authors,  viz.  :  to 
 
 T.  S.  Thomas  Sternehold,  Groom  of  the  Chamber 
 
 to  Henry  VIII 40 
 
 J.  H.  John  Hopkins,  a  Clergyman  of  Suffolk  ...     68 
 N.  Thomas  Norton,  Barrister 26 
 
 134 
 
28  METRICAL  VERSIONS 
 
 1575.  Anonymous,  Edinburgh.  (Robert  Pont,  son-in-law  of 
 
 John  Knox.) 
 (1586.)  bSir  Philip  Sidney,  and  Mary  Countess  of  Pembroke, 
 
 his  sister. 
 1612.  Henry  Ainsworth,  Minister  of  the  English  Presbyterian 
 
 congregation  at  Antwerp. 
 1620.  Henry  Dod. 
 
 1631.  King  James  I.    "  The  Psalms  of  King  David,  trans- 
 
 lated by  King  James.'5 
 
 1632.  George  Wither. 
 1634.  Richard  Goodridge. 
 
 1686.  George  Sandys,  the  Eastern  traveller,  son  of  Edwin 
 Sandys,  Archbishop  of  York  from  1560  to  1588. 
 
 1638.  R.  B.  (Burnaby.) 
 
 1640.  Anonymous,  in  the  Bodleian  Library.  A  specimen  is 
 in  Cotton's  Appendix,  p.  148. 
 
 134 
 W.  W.  William  Whytingham,  Dean  of  Durham  .     .     15 
 
 W.  K.  William  Keith 5 
 
 R.  W.  Robert  Wisdom,  Archdeacon  of  Ely.  ...       1 
 T.  C.  Thomas  Churchyard 1 
 
 156 
 Duplicates 6 
 
 150 
 
 b  The  year  of  Sir  P.  Sidney's  death  at  Zutphen.  The 
 translation  was  first  printed  in  1823.  The  first  forty-three 
 Psalms  are  supposed  to  be  by  Sir  P.  S. 
 
OF  THE  ENTIRE  BOOK  OF  PSALMS.  29 
 
 1640.  New  England  Psalm  Book.  The  first  book  printed 
 in  America,  at  Cambridge  in  N.  E.  Revised  in 
 1755. 
 
 1643.  Anonymous.  (Francis   Rouse,  Provost  of  Eton  under 
 
 the  Commonwealth.) 
 
 1644.  William  Barton,  Minister  of  St.  Martin's  in  Leicester. 
 (1646.)  Zachary  Boyde,  Minister  of  the  Scottish  kirk. 
 
 1648.  Rev.  Francis  Roberts,  Pastor  of  St.  Augustine's,  Lon- 
 don, (in  his  "  Clavis  Bibliorum,"  8vo.) 
 
 1650.  Allowed  by  the  kirk  of  Scotland,  (formed  upon  Rouse's 
 
 version.) 
 
 1651.  H.  K.  B.  C.  (Henry  King,  Bishop  of  Chichester.) 
 1655.  Rev.  John  White,  (of  Dorchester.) 
 
 1667.  Rev.   Samuel   Woodford,  D.  D.  Prebendary  of  Win- 
 
 chester. 
 
 1668.  Miles  Smyth. 
 
 1688.  Rev.  Simon  Ford,  D.D.  Rector  of  Old  Swinford,  Wor- 
 cestershire. 
 
 1692.  Rev.  Richard  Baxter. 
 
 1696.  Rev.  Nicholas  Brady,  D.D.  Vicar  of  Stratford  on  Avon, 
 and  Nahum  Tate,  Poet  Laureat. 
 
 1698.  Rev.  Luke  Milbourne,  Rector  of  St.  Ethelburga,  Shore- 
 ditch. 
 
 1715.  Rev.  John  Patrick,  Preacher  of  the  Charter  House: 
 brother  to  Bishop  Patrick. 
 
 1715.  Sir  John  Denham,  K.B. 
 
 1718.  (Cotton  Mather.)    Psalterium  Americanum,  blank  verse, 
 
 1719.  Isaac  Watts,  D.D. 
 
 1721.  Sir  Richard  Blackmore,  Kt. 
 
 1751.  Henry  Pike,  lyric  measure  without  rhyme. 
 
30  A  LIST  OF  METRICAL  VERSIONS 
 
 1754.  Rev.  J.  Cradock,  Rector  of  St.  Thomas's,  Baltimore, 
 Maryland,  from  Buchanan's  Latin  version. 
 
 1754.  Stephen  Wheatland,  and  Tipping  Sylvester,  heroic 
 verse. 
 
 1765.  Rev.  James  Merrick,  M.A.  Fellow  of  Trinity  College, 
 Oxford. 
 
 1765.  Christopher  Smart,  M.A.  Fellow  of  Pembroke  Hall, 
 Cambridge. 
 
 1773.  James  Maxwell,  S.D.P.  (Glasgow.) 
 
 1776.  John  Barclay,  M.A.  Presbyterian  Minister0,  "para- 
 phrazed,  according  to  the  New  Testament  interpre- 
 tation." 
 
 1784.  "British   Psalmist,"   (Robert  Boswell,)  the  Scottish 
 
 version  altered. 
 
 1785.  Joel  Barlow,  of  Hartford,  Connecticut.  (Watts's  version 
 
 revised.) 
 
 1800.  Timothy  Dwight,  President  of  Yale  College,  Connec- 
 ticut. (Watts's  version  revised  and  completed.) 
 
 1805.  Joseph  Cottle,  of  Bristol. 
 
 1808.  Rev.  Thomas  Dennis,  Curate  of  Haslemere,  Surrey, 
 blank  verse. 
 
 1811.  William  Samuel  Towers,  Esq. 
 
 1811.  Rev.  William  Goode,  M.A.  Rector  of  St.  Ann's, 
 Blackfriars. 
 
 1824.  Richard  Mant,  D.D.  Bishop  of  Down  and  Connor. 
 
 1824.  Rev.  Baptist  Noel  Turner,  M.A.  Rector  of  Denton, 
 Lincolnshire  d. 
 
 c  Founder  of  the  sect  of  Bereans,  or  Barclayans. 
 d  a  The  long  Psalms  being  compressed." 
 
OF  THE  ENTIRE  BOOK  OF  PSALMS.  31 
 
 1 825.  Matthew  Sankey,  Esq. 
 
 1826.  "  Senex,  a  Clergyman." 
 
 1828.  Margaret  Patullo. 
 
 1829.  William  Wrangham,  of  Louth,  Lincolnshire. 
 1832.  Henry  Gahagan,  M.A.  Barrister  at  Law. 
 
 1832.  Rev.  Edward  Garrard  Marsh,  M.A.  Minister  of  Hamp- 
 
 stead  chapel. 
 
 1833.  Rev.  George   Musgrave,   M.A.   of  B.  N.   C.  Oxford, 
 
 blank  verse. 
 1833.  P.  J.  Ducarel,  blank  verse. 
 1833.  Joseph  P.  Bartrum. 
 1836.  E.  Farr. 
 
 1838.  C.  F.  and  E.  C.  (Catherine  Foster,  and  Elizabeth  Col- 
 
 ling.) 
 
 1839.  "  A  member  of  the  University  of  Oxford."  (Rev.  John 
 
 Keble.) 
 1839.  Rev.  George  Burgess,  of  Hartford,  Connecticut. 
 
 1842.  Rev.  John  Eden,  B.D.  Vicar  of  St.  Nicholas  and  St. 
 
 Leonard's,  Bristol. 
 
 1843.  Rev.  Francis  Skurray,  B.D.  Rector  of  Winterbourne, 
 
 Stapleton,  Dorset. 
 
 1844.  Anonymous.     "A  Cambridge  Master  of  Arts;  for  the 
 
 inmates  of  the  cottage." 
 1846.  Anonymous.     "A   metrical    version    of   the   Hebrew 
 Psalter." 
 
32 
 
 PARTIAL  VERSIONS. 
 
 (1547.)  Earl  of  Surrey  ;  the  55th,  73rd,  and  88th. 
 
 1549.  Sir  Thomas  Wyatt;  the  seven  penitential,  6.  32.  38.  51. 
 
 102.  130.  143. 
 (1549)  Miles  Coverdale,  Bishop  of  Exeter  ;  thirteen  Psalms. 
 
 1550.  William  Hunnis ;  "  Certayne  Psalms,"  and  1585,  the 
 
 seven  penitential  Psalms,  "  Seven  sighs  of  a  sorrow- 
 ful soul  for  sin." 
 
 1553.  Francis  Seagar  ;  nineteen  "certayne  Psalms  select  out 
 of  the  Psalter  of  David." 
 
 1563.  Thomas  Becon,  Prebendary  of  Canterbury  ;  103rd  and 
 112th,  annexed  to  his  "Comfortable  Epistle  to  the 
 afflicted  People  of  God." 
 
 (  )  Queen  Elizabeth ;  the  14th  at  the  end  of  "  A  godly 
 
 Meditation  of  the  Christian  soul,  compiled  in  French 
 by  Lady  Margaret,  Queen  of  Navarre." 
 
 1565.  John  Hall,  M.D.  of  Maidstone  ;  twelve,  in  "  The  Court 
 of  Virtue." 
 
 1574.  Lady  Elizabeth  Tyrwhitt;  "Psalms,  Hymns,  &c." 
 
 1575.  George  Gascoigne;  the  130th. 
 
 1582.  Richard  Stany hurst  ;  the  first  four,  at  the  end  of  his 
 
 Virgil. 
 1590.  Anonymous,  twelve  ;  in  "  Gude  and  Godly  Ballates." 
 1581.  Abraham  Fraunce,  eight ;  English  Hexameters. 
 1597.  H.  Lok  ;  "  Sundry  Psalms  in  metre." 
 1601.  R.  V.   (Richard  Verstegan)  ;    the    seven  penitential 
 
 Psalms. 
 
PARTIAL  VERSIONS.  33 
 
 1605.  Anonymous,   (Alexander   Montgomery,)    fourteen  ;  in 
 
 "  Mind's  Melody." 
 1615.  Anonymous,    (Sir    Edwin    Sandys e,)  fifty;    "Sacred 
 
 Hymns,  consisting  of  fifti  select  Psalms  of  David." 
 
 1624.  Joseph  Hall,  Bishop  of  Norwich,  the  first  ten,  "  Some 
 
 few  of  David's  Psalms  metaphrazed  in  metre." 
 
 1625.  Francis  Bacon,  Lord  Verulam,  1st,  12th,  90th,  104th, 
 
 126th,  137th,  149th. 
 1631.  John  Vicars,  nineteen  ;  in  "England's  Hallelujah." 
 (1632.)  Rev.   George  Herbert,  Rector  of  Bemerton,  Wilts, 
 
 seven  ;  in  "  Playford's  Music-book." 
 1633.  Rev.   John   Donne,   D.D.,  Dean   of    St.   Paul's,   the 
 
 137th. 
 1633.  Phineas  Fletcher,  1st,  42nd,  63rd,  127th,  130th,  137th, 
 
 in  poetical  Miscellanies,  appended  to  the  "Purple 
 
 Island." 
 1643.  W.  S.  (William  Slatyer,  D.D.,  Fellow  of  Brazenose 
 
 Coll.,  Oxford),  the  first  twenty-two  ;   in  four  lan- 
 guages, Hebrew,  Greek,  Latin,  and  English. 
 1646.  Richard  Crashaw,  23rd  and  137th  ;  in  "  Steps  to  the 
 
 Temple." 
 1651.  Sir  Henry  Wotton,  the  104th ;  "  Relliquiae  Wottonianse.) 
 1655.  (Henry  Lawes)  20th,  104th,  137th,  part  of  66th,  and 
 
 111th  ;  in  "  Select  Psalms  of  a  new  Translation." 
 1661.  Samuel  Leigh,  "  Essay  towards  a  Metrical  Version  of 
 
 the  Psalms," 
 
 e  Brother  of  George  Sandys,  the  author  of  an  entire  version 
 published  in  1636. 
 
34  PARTIAL  VERSIONS. 
 
 1667.  Mary  Beale,  four  (13th,  52nd,  70th,  and  130th)  ;  in 
 
 Woodford's  Translation. 
 1669.  Abraham  Cowley,  the  114th  ;  in  the   1st  Book  of  the 
 
 Davideis. 
 1673.  John  Milton,  nineteen  ;  1st  to  8th,  composed  in  1653  ; 
 
 80th  to  89th,  composed  in  1648  ;  114th  and  136th, 
 
 composed  in  1 623. 
 
 1680.  John  Chamberlayne,  eighteen,  annexed  to  "  A  Sacred 
 
 poem  on  the  Birth,  &c.  of  Jesus." 
 
 1681.  Henry  Hare,  Lord  Coleraine,  "La  scala  santa;"  the 
 
 fifteen  Psalms  of  Degrees,  120th  to  135th. 
 
 1689.  Charles  Cotton f,  the  8th. 
 
 1691 .  Benjamin  Keach,  Baptist  Minister,  seventeen  ;  in  "  Spi- 
 ritual Melody." 
 
 1691.  Robert  Fleming,  Jun.,  V.D.M.,  ten  ;  in  "  The  Mirrour 
 of  Divine  Love." 
 
 1694.  Daniel  Warner,  a  Selection  altered  from  Sternehold. 
 
 (1694.)  Rev.  John  Mason,  in  his  "  Spiritual  Songs." 
 
 1698.  John  Phillips,  twenty-three  ;  "  Daveidos ;  or,  a  Spe- 
 
 cimen of  some  of  David's  Psalms  in  metre." 
 
 1699.  Rev.  John  Norris,  four  ;  in  his  "  Miscellanies." 
 
 1700.  Joseph  Stennett,  the  45th,  annexed  to  his  *c  Version  of 
 
 Solomon's  Song." 
 1700.  Rev.   Samuel  Wesley  g,  six  (113th  to  118th);  in  the 
 a  Pious  Communicant ;"  and  the  135th,  and  parts 
 of  the  24th  and  91st  ;  in  his  "  Life  of  Christ." 
 
 f  The  friend   of  Isaac   Walton,  and    continuator  of    the 
 "  Complete  Angler." 
 
 s  Father  of  John  Wesley. 
 
PARTIAL  VERSIONS.  35 
 
 1701.  Rev.  James  Gibbs ;  "  The  first  fifteen  Psalms  of  David." 
 
 1706.  Basil  Kennett,  Fellow  of  C.  C.  Oxford,  twenty-eight  ; 
 
 "  Essay  towards  a  Paraphraze." 
 
 1707.  Samuel  Cobb,  M.  A.,  Master  of  Christ's  Hospital,  103rd, 
 
 130th,  and  148th  ;  in  "  Poems  on  several  occa- 
 sions." 
 
 1712.  Joseph  Addison,  19th  and  23rd  ;  in  "The  Spectator." 
 
 1714.  Rev.  Daniel  Burgess,  several;  in  "Psalms,  and 
 Hymns,  and  Spiritual  Songs." 
 
 1720.  Simon  Brown,  Dissenting  Minister,  twenty  ;  in  a  Hymns 
 and  Spiritual  Songs." 
 
 1722.  Rev.  Thomas  Coney,  D.D.,  Prebendary  of  Wells,  eigh- 
 teen ;  in  "  The  Devout  Soul." 
 
 1722.  Rev.  Richard  Daniel,  D.D.,  Dean  of  Armagh,  twenty- 
 two  ;  in  "A  Paraphraze  on  some  select  Psalms,-" 
 and  1 727,  *  The  seven  Penitential  Psalms." 
 
 1727.  Rev.  Walter  Harte,  Canon  of  Windsor,  104th  and 
 107th  ;  in  his  "  Poems." 
 
 1730.  George  Atwood,  B.D.,  "Psalm  119,  paraphrased  in 
 verse." 
 
 1738.  Anonymous,  in  the  Moravian  Collection,  nineteen. 
 
 1738.  William  Tansur,  1st  and  22nd  ;  in  "  Heaven  on  Earth ; 
 
 or,  the  Beauty  of  Holiness." 
 
 1739.  Elizabeth Rowe,  several  in  her  "Miscellaneous  Works." 
 (1740.)  Samuel  Boyse,  4th  and  42nd. 
 
 1745.  Samuel  Saye,  97th  ;  in  "  Poems." 
 1748.  William  Hamilton,  of  Bangour,  the  65th. 
 (1748.)  Christopher  Pitt. 
 
 1751.  Philip  Doddridge,  some  paraphrases  amongst  his 
 Hymns. 
 
 D  2 
 
36  PARTIAL  VERSIONS. 
 
 1755.  Rev.  Charles  Wesley,  great  part  of  the  Psalter  in  Dell's 
 "  Select  Collection,"  also  several  Psalms  and  parts 
 of  Psalms  in  the  "  Collection  of  Hymns  for  the  use 
 of  the  people  called  Methodists,"  and  in  the  Metho- 
 dists' Magazine. 
 
 1755.  Elizabeth  Toilet,  the  96th  ;  in  "  Poems  on  several 
 occasions." 
 
 1758.  Mary  Masters,  several  ;  in  *  Letters  and  Poems." 
 
 1761.  Rev.  John  Robson,  first  forty— "  The  1st  Book  of 
 David's  Psalms,  in  heroic  verse." 
 
 1763.  C.  Bradbury;  "Psalms  and  Hymns  in  Metreh." 
 
 (1765.)  Anonymous  (Anne  Steele),  forty-seven  ;  in  "  Poems 
 by  Theodosia." 
 
 177L  John  Ogilvie,  the  148th;  in  Bishop  Home's  Com- 
 mentary. 
 
 1775.  William  Julius  Mickle,  the  68th. 
 
 1780.  Rev.  Moses  Browne,  130th  and  139th  ;  in  "  Sunday 
 Thoughts." 
 
 1782.  William  Cowper,  the  137th. 
 
 1787.  George  Gregory,  29th,  42nd,  133rd,  and  139th  (and 
 
 parts  of  96th  and  98th) ;  in  his  Translation  of  Bishop 
 Lowth's  "  Prselectiones  Hebraicse." 
 1787-  George  Colman,  39th  ;  in  "  Prose  on  several  occasions, 
 with  some  pieces  in  verse." 
 
 1788.  Nathaniel  Cotton,  M.D.,  13th  and  42nd  ;  in  "  Various 
 
 Pieces  in  Prose  and  Verse." 
 (1796.)  Robert  Burns,  the  1st  and  part  of  the  90th. 
 1790.  Thomas  May,  33rd,  39th,  and  97th. 
 
 h  On  the  authority  of  Cotton's  List. 
 
PARTIAL  VERSIONS.  37 
 
 (1797-)  Rev.  William  Mason,  twenty-five  Psalms,  revised  and 
 altered  from  the  old  version  ;  and  a  metrical  version 
 of  fifteen,  first  published  in  1811. 
 
 1801.  Richard  Cumberland,  fifty;  "A  Poetical  Version  of 
 certain  Psalms." 
 
 1806.  Erasmus  Middleton,  A.B.  ;  "  Versions  and  Imitations 
 of  the  Psalms." 
 
 1811.  Robert  Wolseley,  twenty-seven;  "A  poetical  para- 
 phrase of  a  select  portion  of  the  book  of  Psalms." 
 
 1815.  Robert  Donald,  "The  Psalms  of  David  on  Christian 
 Experience." 
 
 1818.  John  Bowdler,  Esq.,  Barrister  at  law,  the  24th,  42nd, 
 
 121st,  and  123rd  ;  in  "  Select  pieces  in  prose  and 
 verse." 
 
 1819.  Edward  H.  Thurlow  (Lord  Thurlow),  the  148th. 
 
 1 820.  Henry  Lowe,  twenty  ;  "  Psalms  and  Hymns." 
 
 1821.  Rev.  Basil  Woodd,  M.A.,  Rector  of  Drayton  Beau- 
 
 champ,  Bucks1. 
 
 1821.  Rev.  Thomas  Dale,  M.A.  of  C.  C.  Cambridge  ;  "  Speci- 
 mens of  a  new  translation  of  the  Psalms." 
 
 1821.  William  Coldwell,  Dissenting  Minister,  Psalms  1  to  41 ; 
 in  blank  verse. 
 
 1822  and  1841.  James  Montgomery,  fifty-nine  ;  in  "  Songs  of 
 Zion." 
 
 1827.  James  Usher,  the  first  thirty  ;  "a  new  version  of  the 
 Psalms  of  David."     Part  I. 
 
 1  This  volume,  which  is  entitled  "  A  Metrical  translation  of 
 the  Book  of  Psalms,"  comprises  in  fact  only  selected  portions 
 of  each  Psalm. 
 
38  PARTIAL  VERSIONS. 
 
 i    1828.  Anonymous,  43rd,  70th,  100th,  121st ;  in  "a  Collection 
 of  Prayers  for  household  use." 
 1829.  Rev.  C.  H.  Terrot,  114th  ;  in  "the  Casket." 
 
 1831.  Rev.  W.  L.  Bathurst,  "Psalms  and  Hymns  for  public 
 
 and  private  use." 
 
 1832.  &c.  British  Magazine,  ten  ;  1st,  2nd,  4th,  43rd,  47th, 
 
 51st,  103rd,  130th,  and  two  versions  of  137th. 
 
 1833.  Anonymous,  Saturday  Magazine,  Vol.  ii.  p.  71.    Psalm 
 
 80th. 
 
 1834.  John    Beaumont ;    "  Original    Psalms ;    or,    Sacred 
 
 Songs." 
 1834.  Rev.  H.  F.  Lyte,  M.A.,  Minister  of  Lower  Brixham, 
 
 Devon  ;  "  The  Spirit  of  the  Psalms." 
 1834.  Thomas    Dickson,    fourteen ;    in    "  Paraphrases    and 
 
 hymns." 
 
 1834.  Rev.  Thomas  James  Judkin,  M.A.,  Minister  of  Somers- 
 
 town  Chapel  ;  "  New  version  of  the  more  devotional 
 parts  of  the  Psalms." 
 
 1835.  Elizabeth  Blackall,  twelve;  in  "Psalms,  and  Hymns, 
 
 and  Spiritual  Songs." 
 
 1836.  Anonymous,  80th,  96th,  and  139th  ;  in  "Poems  origi- 
 
 nal and  translated." 
 
 1837.  Josiah  Conder,  sixty  ;  in  "the  Choir  and  Oratory." 
 
 1 837.  Rev.  Robert  Bouce  Boswell,  fifty  ;  in  "  Psalms  and 
 Hymns." 
 
 1839.  Sir  Robert  Grant,  seven  ;  in  "  Sacred  Poems." 
 
 1839.  Anonymous,  137th  ;  in  "the  Cottager's  Monthly  Visi- 
 tor." 
 
 1839.  Ven.  Julius  Charles  Hare,  M.A.,  Archdeacon  of  Lewes ; 
 "  Portions  of  the  Psalms  in  English  verse." 
 
PARTIAL  VERSIONS. 
 
 1839.  Rev.  Robert  Allan  Scott,  M.A.,  Curate  of  Sheriff-hales 
 and  Woodcote,  Salop  ;  "  Metrical  paraphrases  of 
 select  portions  of  the  Psalms.'' 
 
 1844.  M.  Montagu;  "The  seven  Penitential  Psalms,  being 
 specimens  of  a  new  version." 
 
Deliciis  Florum  collatis  undique,  coepi 
 
 Sedulus  indocta  nectere  serta  manu. 
 Parva  mere,  sed  hsec  mea  quantulacunque  volebam 
 
 Non  dedignanti  parva  sacrare  Deo. 
 At  mihi,  quod  dulci  studio  proreptus  amavi, 
 
 Tenue  recensenti  singula  sordet  opus. 
 Nondum  partis  adest  cuj usque  ea  culta  venustas, 
 
 Qualem  votivi  rnuneris  esse  decet ; 
 Et,  si  dulce  aliquid,  si  quid  specjosius  insit, 
 
 Huic,  quam  qusesivi,  Gratia  summa  deest. 
 Manca  ego  non  ausim  Templo  dare  dona  ; — sed  olim 
 
 Et  suus  hsec  etiam  serta  sequetur  honos. 
 Nam  que,  pari  captus  studio,  meliore  retexet 
 
 Si  quis  idem  posthac  arte  Magister  opus  ; 
 Quos  miscere  suse  non  respuet  ille  corollse 
 
 Forte  vel  ex  his  Flos  unus  et  alter  erit, 
 Quique  (Bonus  cum  rore  suo  si  Spiritus  adsit) 
 
 In  nostri  poterunt  sede  virere  Dei. 
 
PSALM  I. 
 
 GEORGE   WITHER,  1632. 
 
 Supposed  to  have  been  prefixed  by  Ezra  to  the  Book  of 
 Psalms,  when  he  collected  the  Hebrew  Scriptures,  after  the 
 Captivity.  It  contrasts  the  Blessedness  of  the  observer  of 
 God's  law,  with  the  Misery  of  the  ungodly. 
 
 Blest  is  he,  who  never  strays, 
 
 Where  the  godless  man  misguideth ; 
 
 Neither  stands  in  sinners'  ways, 
 
 Nor  in  scomer's  chair  abideth  : 
 
 But  in  God's  pure  law  delights, 
 Thereon  musing  days  and  nights. 
 
 Like  a  tree  set  near  the  springs, 
 1  a  Which  its  vigour  freshly  cherish, 
 Still  his  fruit  he  timely  brings, 
 And  his  leaf  shall  never  perish  : 
 
 1  See  the  Appendix. 
 
42  PSALM  I. 
 
 Every  thing  shall  prosper  too, 
 Which  he  undertakes  to  do. 
 
 Thus  the  wicked  shall  not  fare ; 
 But  be  like  such  b  empty  matter, 
 As  the  whirlwind  here  and  there 
 On  the  spacious  earth  doth  scatter ; 
 
 Nor  shall  they  withstand  their  dooms, 
 When  the  Day  of  Judgment  comes. 
 
 Neither  have  they  place  or  stay 
 In  the  righteous  congregation ; 
 For  God c  marks  the  just  man's  way, 
 With  a  gracious  approbation ; 
 
 But  those  paths  which  sinners  tread, 
 
 To  assured  ruin  lead. 
 
! 
 
 43 
 PSALM  II. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 Upon  David's  first  establishment  on  the  throne  of  Israel ;  and 
 prophetic  of  the  Messiah's  kingdom. 
 
 Such  uproars  mad  why  do  the  Gentiles  make  ? 
 
 What  follies  do  the  people  doat  upon  ? 
 Earth's  kings  conspire,  and  rulers  counsel  take 
 
 Against  the  Lord  and  His  Anointed  One. 
 O  !  come,  and  let  us  break  their  bonds,  they  say : 
 Come  !  let  us  cast  from  us  their  cords  away. 
 
 But  God  in  Heaven,  deriding  their  design, 
 
 a  Shall  vex  them,  and  His  will  in  wrath  declare ; 
 
 Yet,  saith  Jehovah,  yet  this  King  of  mine 
 
 On  Sion  sits ;   'twas  I,  that  placed  Him  there. 
 
 And  what  the  Lord  Himself  to  me  hath  told 
 
 Concerning  Him,  b  that  law  I  will  unfold. 
 
 •Thou  art  my  Son,  CI  have  begotten  Thee 
 To-day ; — demand  of  Me  and  I  will  give 
 
 The  Gentiles  Thine  inheritance  to  be  ; 
 
 The  rule  of  all  the  world  Thou  shalt  receive. 
 
44  PSALM  III. 
 
 An  iron  d  rod  Thou  shalt  upon  them  lay, 
 And  break  them,  like  a  sherd  of  potter's  clay. 
 
 Therefore,  ye  kings  and  rulers,  be  more  wise : 
 
 Come,  serve  the  Lord  your  God,  with  e  reverend 
 
 j°y: 
 
 And  kiss  the  Son  ;  lest,  if  His  wrath  arise, 
 
 You  be  destroyed,  and  perish  from  the  way. 
 For  when  inflamed,  His  burning  anger  glows, 
 Right  blest  are  they,  who  trust  on  Him  repose. 
 
 PSALM  III. 
 
 2  ALTERED  FROM  RICHARD  GOODRIDGE,  1685. 
 
 Entitled,  "  A  Psalm  of  David,  when  he  fled  from  Absalom  his 
 son."     2  Sam.  xv.  13. 
 
 How,  O  my  God,  do  they  increase, 
 Who  seek  to  rob  me  of  my  peace ! 
 And  of  my  soul  how  many  say, 
 "  Of  God  he  hath  been  cast  away." 
 
 2  See  Preface  pp.  19  and  20. 
 
PSALM  IV.  45 
 
 But,  Lord,  Thou  art  my  shield,  my  praise ; 
 Thou  my  dejected  head  dost  raise. 
 Unto  the  Lord  I  cried,  and  still 
 He  heard  me  from  His  holy  hill. 
 
 I  laid  me  down  to  sleep  ;  again 
 
 I  rose,  for  God  did  me  sustain ; 
 
 Thus  guarded,  though  ten  thousand  were 
 
 About  me  set,  I  will  not  fear. 
 
 Rise,  Lord,  and  shield  me  from  their  power ; 
 Thou  break'st  the  jaws  that  would  devour. 
 Salvation  is  of  God  alone  : 
 Thy  blessing  rests  upon  Thine  own. 
 
 PSALM  IV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  H.  F.  LYTE.  1834. 
 
 Probably  of  the  same  date  with  the  preceding  Psalm. 
 God  of  all  my  righteousness  ! 
 Guide  through  every  past  distress  ; 
 Show  Thy  mercy,  hear  my  prayer ! — 
 Worldlings,  how  long  will  ye  dare 
 
46  PSALM  IV. 
 
 Vanity  and  lies  to  choose, 
 And  my  glory  to  abuse  ? 
 Godly  men  to  God  are  dear ; 
 When  I  call,  the  Lord  will  hear. 
 
 Stand  in  awe,  nor  dare  to  sin, 
 Commune  with  yourself  within  ; 
 Search  and  try  your  heart  and  will 
 In  your  chamber,  and  be  still. 
 Righteousness  unto  Him  bring 
 For  the  choicest  offering, 
 And  your  full  assurance  place 
 Only  in  Jehovah's  grace. 
 
 Many  cry,  in  faithless  mood, 
 
 Who  will  show  us  any  good  ? 
 
 Lord,  Thy  face  lift  up  on  me ; 
 
 For  I  have  more  joy  in  Thee, 
 
 3  Than  their  gladdened  heart  hath  found 
 
 When  their  corn  and  wine  aboimd. 
 
 3  "  Thou  hast  put  into  my  heart  greater  gladness  than 
 theirs,  at  the  time  when  their  corn  and  wine  abound." 
 French  and  Skinner's  version. 
 
PSALM  V.  47 
 
 I  will  sink  in  peace  to  sleep, 
 Lord,  with  Thee  my  soul  to  keep. 
 
 PSALM  V. 
 
 SCOTTISH  VERSION,  1650. 
 
 When  David  was  under  the  persecution  of  Saul  or  Absalom. 
 
 Give  ear  unto  my  words,  O  Lord, 
 
 My  meditation  weigh ; 
 Hear  my  loud  cry,  my  King,  my  God, 
 
 For  I  to  Thee  will  pray. 
 Lord,  Thou  shalt  early  hear  my  voice  ; 
 
 I  early  will  direct 
 My  prayer  to  Thee,  and  looking  up, 
 
 An  answer  will  expect. 
 
 For  Thou  art  not  a  God,  that  doth 
 
 In  wickedness  delight ; 
 a  No  evil  thing  shall  dwell  with  Thee, 
 
 Nor  fools  stand  in  Thy  sight. 
 
48  PSALM  V. 
 
 b  For  all  ill-doers  Thou  dost  hate, 
 
 The  liars  feel  Thy  rod ; 
 The  righteous  Lord  abhors  the  man 
 
 Of  treachery  and  blood. 
 
 But  I  into  Thy  house  will  come 
 
 In  Thine  abundant  grace  ; 
 And  I  will  worship  in  Thy  fear 
 
 Towards  Thy  holy  place. 
 c  Lord,  lead  me  in  Thy  righteousness  : 
 
 And,  to  confound  my  foes, 
 Do  Thou  the  way  that  I  should  walk 
 
 Before  my  face  disclose. 
 
 For  in  their  mouth  there  is  no  truth,, 
 
 d  Their  heart  is  set  on  wrong ; 
 Their  throat's  an  open  sepulchre, 
 
 e  They  flatter  with  their  tongue. 
 O  God  destroy  them  ;  let  them  be 
 
 By  their  own  counsel  quelled  ; 
 Them  for  their  many  sins  cast  out, 
 
 For  they  'gainst  Thee  rebelled. 
 
PSALM  VI.  49 
 
 But  let  all  them  that  trust  in  Thee, 
 
 Exulting  raise  their  voice ; 
 For  them  Thou  sav'st ;  let  all  that  love 
 
 Thy  name  in  Thee  rejoice. 
 For,  Lord,  unto  the  righteous  man 
 
 Thou  wilt  Thy  blessing  yield ; 
 With  favour  Thou  wilt  compass  him 
 
 About,  as  with  a  shield. 
 
 PSALM  VI. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 The  first  of  the  seven  4  Penitential  Psalms,  under  bodily  and 
 mental  suffering. 
 
 Lord,  in  Thy  rage  correct  me  not ; 
 
 a  O  !  do  not  to  me  roughly  speak ; 
 Nor  chide  me,  when  Thy  wrath  is  hot, 
 
 But  pity  me,  for  I  am  weak. 
 
 4  The  6th,  32nd,  38th,  51st,  102nd,  130th,  and  143rd. 
 
 E 
 
50  PSALM  VI. 
 
 O  Lord,  vouchsafe  to  cure  my  pains, 
 For  through  my  bones  the  torments  go ; 
 
 My  heart  is  vext,  and  much  complains : 
 b  Great  God,  how  long  shall  this  be  so  ? 
 
 Return  and  help  my  soul,  O  Lord ; 
 
 Me  let  Thy  mere  compassion  save ; 
 For  who  in  death  shall  Thee  record, 
 
 Or  give  Thee  praises  in  the  grave  ? 
 
 With  groans  I  tire  ;  and  in  the  night 
 My  bed  in  streaming  tears  doth  swim  ; 
 
 c  Through  griefs,  and  through  my  foes'  despite, 
 Mine  eyes  decay,  my  sight  grows  dim. 
 
 d  Workers  of  ill,  depart  from  me  ; 
 
 God  hears  my  suit,  my  plaint,  my  cry : 
 e  This  let  my  foes  ashamed  see, 
 
 And  vext,  and  grieved  my  presence  fly. 
 
51 
 
 PSALM  VII. 
 
 ALTERED  FR0MJ0SEPH  HALL,  BISHOP  OF  NORWICH,  1624. 
 
 Entitled,  "  Concerning  the  words  of  Cush  5  the  Benjamite." 
 
 My  trust,  the  only  hope  I  have, 
 On  Thee,  O  Lord  my  God,  relies ; 
 
 Me  let  Thy  loving  mercy  save 
 From  all  my  raging  enemies  ; 
 
 Lest  they,  like  greedy  lions,  rend 
 
 My  soul,  while  none  shall  it  defend. 
 
 O  Lord,  if  I  this  thing  have  wrought ; 
 
 If  in  my  hands  be  found  such  ill ; 
 If  I  with  mischief  ever  sought 
 
 To  pay  good  deeds,  or  did  not  still 
 
 3  Not  mentioned  in  Scripture.  The  Psalm  was  probably 
 written  at  a  time  when  David  had  been  maliciously  calum- 
 niated. 
 
 E  2 
 
52  PSALM  VII. 
 
 Do  good  unto  my  causeless  foe, 
 That  thirsted  for  my  overthrow  ; 
 
 Then  let  my  foe,  in  eager  chase, 
 
 O'ertake  my  soul,  and  trampling  thrust 
 
 My  life  to  earth  with  foul  disgrace, 
 And  lay  mine  honour  in  the  dust : 
 
 Rise  up,  O  Lord,  in  anger  rise, 
 
 Against  my  wrathful  enemies  ! 
 
 And  wake  for  me,  till  Thou  make  known 
 My  promised  right ;  and  so  shall  throngs 
 
 Of  people  flock  unto  Thy  throne  : 
 
 For  their  sake,  then,  avenge  my  wrongs ; 
 
 Thy  judgment-seat  on  high  resume, 
 
 O  Lord,  and  give  the  world  their  doom ! 
 
 As  truth  and  honest  innocence 
 
 In  me  Thou  find'st,  Lord,  judge  Thou  me. 
 Be  Thou  the  just  man's  sure  defence ; 
 
 But  let  the  sinner's  malice  be 
 Brought  to  an  end  ;  for  Thy  just  eye 
 The  very  heart  and  reins  doth  try. 
 
PSALM  VII.  53 
 
 My  safety  stands  in  God,  who  shields 
 
 The  sound  in  heart,  whose  doom  each  day 
 
 To  just  men,  and  contemners  yields 
 
 Their  due  :  except  they  change  their  way , 
 
 He  whets  His  sword,  nor  will  relent ; 
 
 The  avenging  bow  is  ready  bent. 
 
 His  deadly  weapons  God  hath  brought, 
 And  arrows  keen  to  pierce  the  foe. 
 
 They  teem  with  sin  in  every  thought ; 
 And,  after  travailing  in  woe, 
 
 Bring  forth  a  lie : — their  own  hand  delves 
 
 The  pit,  in  which  they  fall  themselves. 
 
 Back  to  his  own  head  shall  rebound 
 His  plotted  mischief,  and  his  wrongs 
 
 Himself  shall  crush.     But  I  will  sound 
 Jehovah's  praise,  with  thankful  songs, 
 
 And  will  His  glorious  name  express, 
 
 And  tell  of  all  His  righteousness. 
 
54 
 
 PSALM  VIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  CHARLES  COTTON,  1689. 
 
 The  glory  of  God  in  His  works,  and  in  His  love  to  man. 
 
 O  Lord  our  Governor,  whose  sway 
 All  powers  in  heaven  and  earth  obey, 
 Throughout  the  earth's  extended  frame, 
 How  great  is  Thy  adored  Name ! 
 
 Thy  glory  Thou  hast  set  on  high, 
 
 Above  the  empyrean  sky. 
 
 From  infant  mouths,  and  babes  that  rest, 
 Still  sucklings,  on  the  mother's  breast, 
 Thou  hast  ordained  truth  to  rise, 
 To  baffle  all  Thine  enemies  ; 
 
 That  Thou  the  rage  might'st  calm  again 
 
 Of  vengeful  and  rebellious  men. 
 
 When  on  Thy  heavens  I  reflect, 
 
 Thy  work,  Almighty  Architect ; 
 
 The  moon  and  stars  that  Thou  hast  made, 
 
 And  in  their  order  hast  arrayed ; 
 
PSALM  VIII.  55 
 
 Lord,  what  is  man,  that  Heaven's  high  King 
 Should  mind  so  poor,  so  vain  a  thing  ? 
 
 What  is  the  son  of  man,  that  God 
 
 Should  stoop  to  visit  his  abode  ? 
 
 For  Thou  didst  make  him  a  degree 
 
 Beneath  the  heavenly  hierarchy 
 Of  blessed  angels,  and  didst  crown 
 Frail  dust  with  glory  and  renown. 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  didst  make  him  to  command 
 The  works  of  Thine  Almighty  hand, 
 And  every  creature  Thou  hast  made 
 Beneath  his  feet  hast  subject  laid  ; 
 All  sheep  and  oxen,  and  the  kind 
 That  range  the  field  their  prey  to  find ; 
 
 The  air's  inhabitants,  the  brood 
 
 That  live  beneath  the  ocean  flood, 
 
 And  whatsoever  else  may  keep 
 
 The  paths  of  the  unfathomed  deep. 
 
 Lord,  through  the  earth's  extended  frame, 
 How  great  is  Thy  adored  Name  ! 
 
56 
 
 PSALM  IX. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 A  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving  for  God's  judgments  on  the  enemies 
 of  David. 
 
 My  heart,  Great  God,  shall  raise 
 To  Thee  the  Hymn  of  Praise, 
 
 My  a  tongue  shall  all  Thy  wond'rous  works  pro- 
 claim ; 
 Thou  all  my  joy  shalt  be, 
 I  will  exult  in  Thee, 
 
 And,  O  Most  Highest,  chaunt  Thy  sov'reign  Name. 
 For  lo  !  my  foes,  compell'd  to  flight, 
 Before  Thy  face  are  fallen,  and  perish  from  Thy  sight. 
 
 To  Thee  my  cause  was  known, 
 By  Thee  my  right  was  shown ; 
 
 Thy  throne  supreme,  Thy  judgment,  Lord,   was 
 just: 
 Thy  stern  rebuking  word 
 Abash'd  the  heathen  heard  ; 
 
 Thy  force  the  impious  felt,  and  sank  in  dust ; 
 
PSALM  IX.  57 
 
 b  For  evermore  to  be  forgot, 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  their  very  name  away  from  earth  didst 
 blot. 
 
 6  Destruction,  sent  from  Thee 
 To  work  Thy  high  decree, 
 
 Pour'd  on  the  foe  its  desolating  flood ; 
 c  And  with  resistless  sway 
 Their  cities  swept  away  ; 
 
 No  memory  tells  the  place  where  once  they  stood. 
 But  with  Jehovah  age  is  none, 
 
 His  judgment-seat  is  set,  and  who  shall  shake  His 
 throne  ? 
 
 Their  sentence  all  mankind 
 Shall  hear  by  Him  assign'd, 
 
 The  world  shall  bow  and  own  his  judgment  right ; 
 And  still,  in  misery's  hour, 
 Is  He  the  poor  man's  tower, 
 
 The  outcast's  refuge  in  affliction's  night. 
 
 6  The  beginning  of  the  6th  verse  rendered  in  the  authorized 
 translation,  "  0  thou  enemy,  destructions  are  come  to  a  per- 
 petual end,"  is  rendered  by  Bishop  Lowth  u  Desolations  have 
 consumed  the  enemy  for  ever." 
 
58  PSALM  IX. 
 
 Who  know  Thy  name,  to  Thee  will  cleave, 
 For  them  who  seek  the  Lord,  the  Lord  will  never 
 leave. 
 
 Sing  praises,  praises  sing 
 To  Heaven's  Eternal  King, 
 
 Who  deigns  his  seat  to  fix  on  Zion's  hill : 
 To  all  the  nations  round 
 His  righteous  acts  resound  ; 
 
 He  marks  the  harmless  blood  which  tyrants  spill ; 
 In  mind  He  bears  the  sufferer's  cry, 
 Nor  on  His  servants'  woes  looks  with  unpitying  eye. 
 
 On  me  Thy  mercy  show, 
 Regard,  O  Lord,  my  woe, 
 
 View  me  the  object  of  relentless  hate  ; 
 Hard  by  the  gates  of  death 
 I  lie  ;  do  Thou  my  breath 
 
 Revive,  that  I  may  stand  in  Zion's  gate, 
 And  Zion's  daughter  hear  my  voice  ; 
 While  I  Thy  praises  chaunt,  and  in  Thy  strength 
 rejoice. 
 
PSALM  IX.  59 
 
 And  see  !  the  toils  they  wound 
 The  heathens'  feet  surround  ; 
 
 The  pit  they  digg'd,  behold,  their  feet  hath  caught. 
 By  acts  of  justice  done 
 Jehovah's  arm  is  shown  ; 
 
 Snared  is  the  wicked  by  the  work  he  wrought. 
 To  Hell's  sepulchral  gloom  they  go, 
 Rebels,  who  God  despise,  nor  choose  His  will  to 
 know. 
 
 For  misery's  meek  lament 
 Shall  not  in  vain  be  spent, 
 
 Nor  patience  still  in  fruitless  hope  consume. 
 Rise,  Lord ;  thy  power  display ; 
 On  man's  presumption  lay 
 
 Thy  hand  :  pronounce  aloud  the  heathen's  doom. 
 Plant  in  them  dread  of  Thee,  and  then 
 They  shall  their  weakness  feel,  and  know  themselves 
 but  men. 
 
60 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 PSALM  X. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 A  prayer  and  profession  of  confidence  in  God's  protection, 
 against  the  outrages  of  the  wicked. 
 
 Lord,  why  standest  Thou  so  far  ? 
 
 Why  at  need  am  I  forsaken  ? 
 Poor  men  wronged  by  tyrants  are  ; 
 
 Let  them  in  those  guiles  be  taken, 
 Which  by  them  contrived  were. 
 
 For  in  boast  the  sinner  says, 
 
 That  his  longings  he  posse sseth  ; 
 
 He  the  covetous  doth  praise, 
 And  their  practices  he  blesseth ; 
 
 Though  the  Lord  abhors  their  ways. 
 
 Proud  and  lofty  looks  hath  he, 
 
 God  not  seeking  nor  believing ; 
 All  his  courses  grievous  be ; 
 
 And  Thy  Judgments,  past  conceiving, 
 Are  too  high  for  him  to  see. 
 
PSALM  X.  61 
 
 With  contempt  he  slights  his  foes, 
 a  Boldly  daring  all  reverses  ; 
 
 From  his  mouth  injustice  flows, 
 Foul  deceit,  and  bitter  curses  : 
 
 'Neath  his  tongue  all  mischief  grows. 
 
 b  In  bye  paths  he  lurks  and  pries, 
 Harmless  men  to  spoil  and  murther  ; 
 
 c  Privily  the  poor  he  eyes, 
 
 And  imseen,  his  d  wiles  to  further, 
 
 Like  the  e  ambush'd  lion  lies. 
 
 He  doth  watch,  the  poor  to  spoil, 
 Whom  he  snares  and  overthroweth ; 
 
 And,  to  take  him  in  his  toil, 
 
 He  with  humble  crouching  boweth, 
 
 Seizing  him  by  force  the  while. 
 
 Then  in  heart  thus  museth  he  : — 
 God  shall  slightly  pass  it  over, 
 
 Hide  His  face,  and  never  see  ; — 
 Rise,  O  God,  Thy  strength  discover, 
 
 That  the  meek  avenged  may  be  ! 
 
62  PSALM  X. 
 
 Let  not  sinners  mock  Thee  so, 
 
 As  if  Thou  didst  nought  regard  it : 
 
 f  For  the  godless  wrong  they  do 
 
 Thou  hast  seen ;  and  wilt  reward  it. 
 
 Thou  shalt  set  thine  hand  thereto. 
 
 8  Thou,  that  art  the  poor  man's  stay, 
 Orphan's  helper  in  oppression, 
 
 Break  the  sinner's  h might,  I  pray, 
 Search  Thou  after  his  transgression, 
 
 And  then  purge  it  all  away. 
 
 God,  who  reigns  for  evermore, 
 
 From  his  land  the  1  heathen  driveth  ; 
 
 Hears,  and  cheers,  and  helps  the  poor, 
 And  the  orphan  so  reviveth, 
 
 That  he  fears  not  as  before 7. 
 
 7  "  Never  again  shall  man  drive  them  in  terror  from  the 
 land." — French  and  Skinner. 
 
63 
 
 PSALM  XI. 
 
 WILLIAM  BARTON,  1644. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  when  advised  to  flee  from  the 
 
 persecu- 
 
 tion  of  his  enemies. 
 
 I  make  the  Lord  my  trust  and  stay ; 
 
 Why  therefore  urge  ye  still 
 My  harmless  soul  to  flee  away, 
 
 As  birds  unto  the  hill  ? 
 For  lo,  the  wicked  bend  their  bows, 
 
 Their  arrows  they  prepare, 
 That  closely  they  may  shoot  at  those, 
 
 That  upright-hearted  are. 
 
 If  the  foundations  of  our  faith 
 
 a  Shall  once  be  ta'en  away, 
 No  comfort  then  the  righteous  hath, 
 
 Nor  strength  whereon  to  stay. 
 But  God  doth  in  His  temple  reign, 
 
 His  Throne's  in  Heaven  b  above, 
 His  eyes  behold  the  sons  of  men, 
 
 c  Their  ways  His  Eye-lids  prove. 
 
64  PSALM  XII. 
 
 He  tries  the  just  man's  patience, 
 
 As  unto  Him  seems  best ; 
 But  d  him  that  loveth  violence 
 
 His  Spirit  doth  detest. 
 c  His  tempest,  brimstone,  fire,  and  snares, 
 
 On  sinners  He  shall  rain ;    • 
 This  portion  He  for  them  prepares, 
 
 This  draught  for  them  to  drain 
 
 f  For  thus  doth  still  in  righteousness 
 
 The  righteous  Lord  delight ; 
 And,  with  His  countenance  to  bless, 
 
 Beholdeth  the  upright. 
 
 PSALM  XII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JOSEPH  COTTLE,  1805. 
 
 Reliance  on  God's  promises  under  the  wrongs  of  men. 
 
 Help,  Lord,  or  else  my  foes  prevail ; 
 
 There  is  not  left  one  man  of  worth  ; 
 For  lo,  the  just  and  faithful  fail 
 
 Among  the  children  of  the  earth. 
 
PSALM  XII.  65 
 
 With  bad  dissembling  tongue,  a  lie 
 Each  to  his  neighbour  doth  impart ; 
 
 They  every  one  speak  vanity, 
 
 With  flattering  lips  and  double  heart. 
 
 All  smooth,  false  lips  that  flattery  seek, 
 The  tongues  that  with  disdain  abound, 
 
 And  those  that  proud  things  proudly  speak, 
 The  Lord  in  judgment  shall  confound. 
 
 Thus  in  their  madness  they  have  said, 
 
 "  The  might  we  trust  in  is  our  tongue  ; 
 Who  is  the  Lord,  that  we  should  dread  ? 
 To  us  alone  our  lips  belong." 
 
 Now,  for  th'  accusing  sufferer's  sighs, 
 The  trouble  of  the  poor  opprest, 
 
 Now,  will  I  wake,  Jehovah  cries, 
 
 And  from  his  proud  foe  give  him  rest. 
 
 God's  word  is  pure  ;  it  goeth  forth 
 Like  silver  by  the  furnace  tried, 
 
 Which  from  the  mingling  dross  of  earth 
 Is  purged,  and  seven  times  purified. 
 
 F 
 
66  PSALM  XIII. 
 
 Lord,  Thou  shalt  keep  them,  and  their  race 
 Henceforth  Thou  shalt  for  ever  bless  : 
 
 When  vile  men  sit  in  honour's  place, 
 The  world  is  filled  with  wickedness. 
 
 PSALM  XIII. 
 
 JOSIAH  CONDER,  1837- 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  when  the  enemy  had  prevailed  against 
 him. 
 
 How  long  wilt  Thou  forget  me, 
 
 O  Lord  ?  for  evermore  ? 
 For  ever  wilt  Thou  let  me 
 
 Thine  absent  face  deplore  ? 
 How  long  in  fruitless  wailing 
 
 Shall  I  consume  the  day  ? 
 a  And  thus  how  long  prevailing, 
 
 My  vaunting  foe  bear  sway  ? 
 
 O  !  do  not  Thou  forsake  me  ! 
 
 b  Enlighten  thou  my  gloom ; 
 Lest  fatal  sleep  o'ertake  me, 
 
 The  death-sleep  of  the  tomb  : 
 
PSALM  xiii.  m 
 
 Lest  then  my  foe  insulting 
 Should  boast  of  his  success, 
 
 And  impious  men  exulting 
 Triumph  in  my  distress. 
 
 Lord,  in  my  tribulation, 
 
 I  trust  Thy  mercy  still, 
 And  surely  Thy  salvation 
 
 My  heart  with  joy  shall  fill. 
 Thine  aid  Thou  didst  afford  me, 
 
 Thy  praises  I  will  sing ; 
 And  for  His  mercies  toward  me 
 
 Will  bless  my  God  and  King. 
 
 F  2 
 
68 
 
 PSALM  XIV.8 
 
 C.  F.  AND  E.  C,  1838. 
 
 Probably  on  the  revolt  of  the  people  from  their  allegiance  in 
 the  rebellion  of  Absalom. 
 
 "  There  is  no  God,"  the  fool  hath  said 
 
 In  his  corrupted  heart ; 
 Vile  are  their  doings,  and  their  paths 
 
 From  a  wisdom's  far  apart. 
 The  Lord  look'd  down  from  Heaven  on  high, 
 
 From  His  own  bright  abode, 
 To  mark,  if  'mong  the  sons  of  men 
 
 But  one  would  seek  his  God. 
 But  all  had  wandered  from  the  way ; 
 All,  all  from  goodness  gone  astray. 
 
 8  The  Hebrew  Text  of  this  Psalm  is  almost  identical 
 with  that  of  the  53rd,  but  in  the  Septuagint  Greek  version 
 there  are  some  additional  verses,  (the  5th,  6th,  and  7th,) 
 which  are  cited  by  St.  Paul  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  iii. 
 13,  &c,  and  are  retained  in  our  Prayer  Book  translation  of 
 the  Psalms,  taken  from  the  Great  Bible  of  King  Henry  VIII. 
 They  are  here  marked  with  inverted  commas." 
 
PSALM  XIV.  69 
 
 "  An  open  sepulchre  their  throat ; 
 
 "  Their  tongues  but  frame  deceit ; 
 "  The  poison  of  the  baleful  asp 
 
 "  Hath  on  their  lips  its  seat ; 
 "  Cursing,  and  bitterness,  and  guile, 
 
 "  In  their  false  words  are  found  • 
 "  Their  feet  move  swiftly  blood  to  shed, 
 
 "  And  scatter  death  around  ; 
 "  Woe  and  destruction  track  their  way, 
 "  No  fear  of  God  their  lives  display." 
 
 Have  they  no  knowledge,  that  they  thus 
 
 Are  vile  in  deed  and  word : 
 My  flock  devouring,  as  'twere  bread, 
 
 Nor  calling  on  the  Lord  ? 
 Yet  were  they  brought  to  abject  fear, 
 
 Where  cause  for  fear  was  not ; 
 For  God  is  on  the  good  man's  side, 
 
 His  cause  is  ne'er  forgot. 
 But  you  have  dared  to  mock  the  just, 
 Because  in  b  God  he  puts  his  trust. 
 
PSALM  XV. 
 
 O  !  who  to  Israel's  failing  heart, 
 
 From  Zion's  holy  hill, 
 Shall  bring  salvation  ?     Even  He, 
 
 Who  guides  and  guards  her  still. 
 O  !  when  the  Lord  shall  turn  again 
 
 The  bondage  of  our  land, 
 And  bid  His  people  rise  once  more 
 
 Strong  in  His  strength  to  stand ; 
 Then  Jacob  shall  exalt  his  voice, 
 And  Israel  in  her  God  rejoice. 
 
 PSALM  XV. 
 
 BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 The  character  of  him,  who  may  be  admitted  into  the  house 
 and  family  of  God. 
 
 Lord,  who's  the  happy  man,  that  may 
 
 To  Thy  blest  courts  repair ; 
 a  Or  rest  upon  Thy  holy  hill, 
 
 And  still  inhabit  there  ? 
 
PSALM  XV.  71 
 
 Tis  he,  b  who  worketh  righteousness, 
 
 The  ways  of  virtue  loves  ; 
 Whose  faithful  c  tongue  disdains  to  speak 
 
 The  thing  his  heart  disproves  ; 
 
 Who  never  did  a  slander  forge, 
 His  neighbour's  fame  to  wound ; 
 
 Nor  hearken  to  the  false  report 
 By  malice  whispered  round ; 
 
 d  He,  whose  impartial  eyes  regard 
 
 The  vile  with  just  neglect ; 
 I^ut  all,  who  fear  and  love  the  Lord, 
 
 Religiously  respect ; 
 
 Who  to  his  plighted  vows  and  trust 
 
 Has  ever  firmly  stood ; 
 And  though  he  promise  to  his  loss, 
 
 Still  makes  his  promise  good ; 
 
 Whose  soul  in  usury  disdains 
 
 His  e  substance  to  employ  ; 
 Whom  no  rewards  can  ever  bribe 
 
 The  guiltless  to  destroy. 
 
72  PSALM  XVI. 
 
 The  man,  who  by  this  steady  course 
 
 Has  happiness  ensured, 
 Unmoved  for  evermore  shall  stand, 
 
 By  Providence  secured. 
 
 PSALM  XVI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  E.  FARR,  1836. 
 
 An  expression  of  the  Psalmist's  confidence  in  God.  Pro- 
 phetical of  our  Lord's  Resurrection.  See  Acts  ii.  25,  &c.  ; 
 and  xiii.  35. 
 
 O  Lord,  in  all  my  woes, 
 
 Preserve  my  soul  from  harm ; 
 
 For  I  my  hope  repose 
 
 On  Thine  Almighty  arm. 
 
 My  trustful  soul  hath  said  to  Thee, 
 That  Thou  alone  her  God  shall  be. 
 
 Though  all  the  good  I  do 
 To  Thee  can  ne'er  extend. 
 Still,  Lord,  Thy  saints  below 
 May  deeds  of  love  befriend  ; 
 
PSALM  XVI.  73 
 
 The  saints,  who  here  on  earth  excel, 
 With  whom  'tis  my  delight  to  dwell. 
 
 Their  woes  shall  be  increased, 
 
 Who  seek  another  God ; 
 
 I  shun  their  idol-feast, 
 
 And  offerings  of  blood  : 
 
 Their  names,  while  life  shall  yet  remain, 
 Their  names  my  lips  shall  ne'er  profane. 
 
 The  Lord  my  only  hope, 
 My  heritage  remains ; 
 The  portion  of  my  cup  : 
 His  arm  my  lot  sustains. 
 
 Fair  is  my  lot ;  a  pleasant  line, 
 
 And  goodly  heritage  is  mine. 
 
 And  I  will  bless  the  Lord, 
 Whose  counsels  guide  me  right, 
 And,  deep  within  me  stored 9, 
 Instruct  me  in  the  night : 
 
 9  "My  reins  also  instruct  me."  The  "reins"  here  and 
 elsewhere  in  the  Psalms,  are  usually  interpreted  to  mean  the 
 most  secret  recesses  of  the  heart. 
 
74  PSALM  XVI. 
 
 Because  I  set  the  Lord  of  all 
 
 On  my  right  hand,  I  shall  not  fall. 
 
 1  The  joy  that  fills  my  breast, 
 
 My  cheerful  tongue  doth  own  ; 
 
 In  hope  my  flesh  shall  rest : 
 
 For  of  Thine  Holy  One 
 
 Thou  wilt  not  leave  the  soul  in  hell, 
 Nor  let  Him  with  corruption  dwell. 
 
 But  Thou  wilt  to  my  sight 
 
 The  path  of  life  reveal ; 
 
 And  fulness  of  delight 
 
 I  shall  before  Thee  feel ; 
 
 Because  at  Thy  right  hand  attend 
 The  pleasures  that  shall  never  end. 
 
 1  The  last  verses  of  this  version  are  rendered  in  a  different 
 metre  from  the  rest. 
 
75 
 
 PSALM  XVII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 "  A  prayer  of  David,"  for  deliverance  from  the  power  and 
 malice  of  his  enemies. 
 
 Lord,  hear  a  the  right ;  my  prayers  and  cries, 
 Which  from  unfeigned  lips  do  flow ; 
 
 b  Turn  to  my  righteous  cause  Thine  eyes, 
 And  from  Thyself  let  sentence  go. 
 
 My  secret  thoughts  are  in  Thy  sight, 
 
 Thou  view'st  them  in  the  darkest  night. 
 
 Thou  triedst  my  fault,  and  found'st  it  none, 
 For  from  offence  I  kept  my  tongue  ; 
 
 And,  c  for  the  works  by  others  done, 
 d  Thy  word  preserved  me  from  wrong. 
 
 O  !  be  Thou  pleased  my  course  to  guide, 
 
 And  stay  my  feet,  lest  else  they  slide  ! 
 
 On  Thee  I  call,  for  Thou  wilt  hear ; 
 
 e  O  Lord,  to  my  complaint  attend  ! 
 Let  Thy  great  love  to  me  appear, 
 
 And  Thy  right  hand  my  life  defend ; 
 
76  PSALM  XVII. 
 
 E'en  that  right  hand,  that  from  their  foes 
 Guards  them,  who  trust  on  Thee  repose. 
 
 From  tyrants  me  besieging  round, 
 From  sinners,  who  my  harm  assay, 
 
 Lord,  as  Thine  eye-ball  keep  me  sound, 
 And  over  me  Thy  wings  display : 
 
 For  they  with  fat f  around  are  clad, 
 
 And  haughty  s  boasts  their  mouths  have  made. 
 
 Me  in  my  ways  they  have  withstood, 
 And  sought  about  with  downcast  eyes, 
 
 Like  lions,  when  they  hunt  for  food, 
 Or  lion's  whelp,  which  lurking  lies. 
 
 But  rise,  resist,  and  foil  them,  Lord ! 
 
 From  sinners  guard  me  2  by  Thy  sword. 
 
 h  Thy  servant  from  those  worldlings  save, 
 Who  in  this  life  their  lot  receive, 
 
 1  Who  store  of  wealth,  and  children  have, 
 And  for  their  babes  large  portions  leave. 
 
 2  Marginal  translation. 
 
PSALM  XVIII.  77 
 
 j  Be  mine,  in  Thine  own  Image,  free 
 From  sin,  to  wake  and  look  on  Thee. 
 
 PSALM  XVIII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,  who  spake  unto  the  Lord  the  words  of 
 this  song  in  the  day  that  the  Lord  delivered  him  from  the 
 hand  of  all  his  enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  Saul."  See 
 2  Sam.  xxii.  2,  &c. 
 
 I  love  the  Lord !  for  my  support, 
 
 My  horn  of  health  is  He, 
 My  Rock,  my  Trust,  my  Shield,  my  Fort, 
 
 And  oft  hath  helped  me. 
 He  merits  praise  ;  for,  when  I  cry, 
 
 Me  from  my  foes  He  saves, 
 Though  wrapt  in  pangs  of  death  I  lie, 
 
 aAnd  sin's  o'erflowing  waves. 
 
 Yea,  when  by  death  and  hell  ensnared, 
 
 I  sought  the  Lord  in  fear, 
 My  God  within  His  temple  heard, 
 
 b  My  crying  pierced  His  ear, 
 
78  PSALM  XVIII. 
 
 Earth's  ground- work  shook  to  feel  his  ire, 
 
 The  trembling  hills  did  quake  ; 
 c  His  nostrils  breathed  devouring  fire, 
 
 Which  burning  coals  did  make. 
 
 d  The  Lord  came  down  ;  the  heavens  He  bow'd, 
 
 His  feet  thick  darkness  hid  ; 
 A  flying  cherub  He  bestrode, 
 
 The  winged  winds  he  rid ; 
 A  dusky  fog  his  covering  was, 
 
 Dark  waters  were  His  tent ; 
 Before  the  brightness  of  His  face 
 
 Clouds,  fire,  and  hail  He  sent. 
 
 The  Lord  from  Heaven  did  also  make 
 
 His  thunder  to  be  heard, 
 eAnd  when  the  Great  Almighty  spake, 
 
 Hailstones  and  fire  appear'd. 
 Where'er  His  burning  darts  He  threw, 
 
 His  foes  dispersed  fled  ; 
 And,  as  His  flashing  lightnings  flew, 
 
 They  were  discomfited. 
 
PSALM  XVIII.  79 
 
 He  frown'd ;  and,  at  the  angry  blast, 
 
 From  His  dread  nostrils  blown, 
 The  sea's  low  depths  were  upward  cast, 
 
 And  earth's  foundations  shown. 
 He  sent  from  Heaven  ;  and  from  among 
 
 Great  floods  advanced  me, 
 And  from  the  foes  that  were  too  strong 
 
 f  In  mercy  set  me  free. 
 
 g  Their  strength  my  feeble  powers  outwent, 
 
 But  God  was  still  my  hope ; 
 He,  for  His  love's  sake,  succour  sent, 
 
 And  gave  me  larger  scope. 
 h  On  me,  as  I  had  righteous  been, 
 
 His  favour  he  bestowed  ; 
 1  And,  as  from  sin  my  hands  were  clean, 
 
 So  He  His  mercy  showed. 
 
 J  For  I  have  kept  in  God's  true  way, 
 
 From  Him  I  have  not  past; 
 His  judgments,  that  before  me  lay, 
 
 I  did  not  from  me  cast. 
 
80  PSALM  XVIII. 
 
 k  With  Him  I  justified  became, 
 
 For  I  did  leave  my  sin ; 
 And,  as  I  just  and  righteous  am, 
 
 Rewarded  I  have  been. 
 
 As  He  my  hands  did  guiltless  find, 
 
 He  so  did  me  requite : 
 1  Thou  wilt  unto  the  meek  be  kind, 
 
 To  righteous  men  upright. 
 Among  the  pure  m  Thou  wilt  be  pure, 
 
 And  on  the  fro  ward  frown  ; 
 The  poor  man  m  Thou  wilt  make  secure, 
 
 And  pluck  the  proud  man  down. 
 
 My  darkness  n  Thou  shalt  brightness  make, 
 
 n  And  shalt  enlight  my  lamp  ; 
 By  Thee  I  through  an  army  brake, 
 
 °And  scaled  the  walled  camp. 
 God's  way  is  right,  and  pure  His  word ; 
 
 He  saves,  if  sought  He  be  ; 
 For  who  is  God,  except  the  Lord, 
 
 Or  who  can  save  but  He  ? 
 
PSALM  XVIII.  81 
 
 About  my  loins  He  strength  did  bind, 
 
 He  set  my  pathway  straight, 
 He  made  my  feet  outrun  the  hind, 
 
 And  raised  me  to  this  height. 
 My  hands  to  fight,  my  arms  to  bend 
 
 A  bow  of  steel  He  taught : 
 p  a  Thy  buckler  Thou  to  me  didst  lend, 
 
 And  saving  health  it  brought. 
 
 p  Thy  right  hand  hath  supported  me, 
 
 p  Thy  love  hath  made  me  great, 
 4  My  steps  have  been  enlarged  by  Thee, 
 
 And  safe  my  feet  are  set. 
 I  did  pursue,  and  took  my  foes, 
 
 Nor  turn'd  till  all  were  slain ; 
 They  fell  down  wounded  by  my  blows, 
 
 And  could  not  rise  again. 
 
 For  r  Thou,  to  gird  me  for  the  war 
 With  power  didst  me  endow  ; 
 
 And  those,  who  my  opposers  are, 
 Beneath  my  feet  s  didst  bow. 
 
82  PSALM  XVIII. 
 
 1  Thou  gav'st  me  strength  to  turn  aside 
 
 The  haters  of  my  name  ; 
 They  cried,  and  though  to  God  they  cried, 
 
 u  Nor  help  nor  answer  came. 
 
 Small  as  the  dust,  which  whirlwinds  toss, 
 
 v  Their  vaunted  might  I  beat, 
 And  swept  them  forth,  as  mire  and  dross 
 
 Is  cast  into  the  street. 
 Thus  from  the  people's  uproars  freed, 
 
 I,  through  w  Thy  grace,  became  ; 
 And  now  to  be  the  Gentiles'  head 
 
 By  w  Thee  advanced  am. 
 
 A  nation  shall  my  servants  be, 
 
 x  \\rmch  J  have  never  known  ; 
 And,  soon  as  they  have  heard  of  me, 
 
 y  Shall  my  dominion  own. 
 The  strangers  shall  stand  out  no  more, 
 
 But  in  their  bulwarks  z  cower, 
 O  !  praise  the  living  Lord  therefore  ; 
 
 a  Blest  be  my  Rock  and  Tower  ! 
 
PSALM  XVIII.  83 
 
 Let  God,  my  saving  health,  be  praised, 
 
 By  whom  to  pass  it  came, 
 That  I  above  the  people  raised, 
 
 And  thus  avenged  am. 
 Above  all  them  that  me  oppose, 
 
 He  doth  exalt  my  throne, 
 And  saveth  me  from  all  my  foes, 
 
 And  from  the  cruel  one. 
 
 b  Therefore,  among  the  heathen  throng. 
 
 Thy  praise  I  will  express  ; 
 And  to  Thy  name  will  raise  my  song, 
 
 In  strains  of  thankfulness. 
 His  King  and  His  Anointed  one 
 
 He  gloriously  hath  freed, 
 And  everlasting  mercy  shown 
 
 To  David  and  his  seed. 
 
 G  2 
 
84 
 
 PSALM  XIX. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 A  celebration  of  God's  glory,  manifested  in  His  works,  and 
 in  the  revelation  of  His  Word. 
 
 The  heavens  the  power  of  God  display, 
 His  glory  by  th'  expanse  is  shown  ; 
 
 Day  utters  ceaseless  speech  to  day, 
 
 And  night  to  night  makes  wisdom  known. 
 
 No  human  words,  no  living  speech, 
 
 No  voice  articulate  they  send : 
 Yet  through  the  world  their  lessons  reach, 
 
 Their  signs  to  earth's  remotest  end. 
 
 In  them  He  pitch'd,  apart  from  earth, 
 
 A  bright  pavilion  for  the  sun, 
 Who  goes  in  bridegroom  splendour  forth, 
 
 And  joys  his  giant  course  to  run. 
 
PSALM  XIX.  85 
 
 Forth  issuing  He  from  heaven's  wide  bound, 
 To  heaven's  wide  bound  revolving  speeds, 
 
 And  still,  throughout  the  ample  round, 
 On  all  His  genial  radiance  sheds. 
 
 Jehovah's  law  is  perfect,  pure, 
 
 And  bids  the  sickly  frame  be  whole  ; 
 
 Jehovah's  covenant  is  sure, 
 
 And  renders  wise  the  simple  soul. 
 
 Jehovah's  statutes  are  all  right, 
 
 And  gladness  to  the  heart  supply ; 
 Jehovah's  ordinance  is  bright, 
 
 And  lightens  the  dim-sighted  eye. 
 
 Unsullied  is  Jehovah's  fear, 
 
 And  doth  from  age  to  age  remain ; 
 Jehovah's  judgments  are  sincere, 
 
 On  justice  framed,  and  free  from  stain. 
 
 More  precious  they  than  golden  ore, 
 
 Or  gold  from  the  refiner's  flame  ; 
 And  sweeter  than  the  honied  store, 
 
 Or  from  the  comb  '  the  honied  stream. 
 
 1  "  The  dropping  of  honey-combs." — Marginal  translation. 
 
86  PSALM  XX. 
 
 By  them  Thy  servant,  Lord,  is  taught ; 
 
 How  great  the  bliss  to  walk  therein  ! 
 But  who  can  tell  each  a  wandering  thought  ? 
 
 O  cleanse  Thou  me  from  secret  sin  ! 
 
 And  from  presumption  keep  me  clear, 
 That  fain  would  sway  my  better  sense  ; 
 
 So  may  I  uncorrupt  appear, 
 
 And  guiltless  of  the  great  offence. 
 
 O  may  each  word  my  lips  recite, 
 
 Each  thought  within  my  bosom  stored, 
 
 Still  find  acceptance  in  Thy  sight, 
 
 My  Rock,  my  Saviour,  and  my  Lord  ! 
 
 PSALM  XX. 
 
 JOSIAH  CONDER,  1837. 
 
 A  prayer  of  the  people  for  God's  protection  of  His  anointed. 
 
 In  the  day  of  Thy  distress, 
 
 May  Jehovah  hear  thee  ! 
 In  the  hour  when  dangers  press, 
 
 Jacob's  God  be  near  thee ! 
 
PSALM  XX.  87 
 
 Send  thee  from  His  holy  place 
 Timely  aid,  a  and  strengthening  grace  ! 
 
 May  thy  prayers  and  offerings  rise, 
 
 By  thy  God  recorded ! 
 b  And  be  thy  burnt  sacrifice 
 
 Graciously  rewarded ! 
 Granted  be  thy  heart's  request, 
 All  thy  purposes  be  blest ! 
 
 Thy  success  our  hearts  shall  cheer  ; 
 
 We,  with  glad  acclaim, 
 c  Will  on  high  our  banners  rear 
 
 In  Jehovah's  name. 
 Go  beneath  his  guardian  care  ; 
 And  the  Lord  fulfil  thy  prayer ! 
 
 d  God,  I  know,  will  from  on  high 
 
 His  anointed  shield ; 
 Strength  with  His  right  hand  supply, 
 
 Guard  him  in  the  field. 
 Let  them  trust  their  vaunted  force, 
 e  Chariot,  and  marshall'd  horse. 
 
88  PSALM  XXI. 
 
 Be  our  trust  His  fHoly  Name, 
 God,  the  Lord  of  might : 
 
 Their's  shall  be  defeat  and  shame  ; 
 §  We  shall  stand  upright. 
 
 Save  the  king,  O  God  Most  High ! 
 
 h  Hear  us,  when  to  Thee  we  cry ! 
 
 PSALM  XXI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 A   Thanksgiving  for   success,   the   sequel   of  the  preceding 
 Psalm. 
 
 The  King,  0  Lord,  with  songs  of  praise, 
 
 Shall  in  Thy  strength  rejoice  ; 
 With  Thy  salvation  crown'd,  shall  raise 
 
 To  Heaven  his  cheerful  voice. 
 
 For  Thou  hast  with  acceptance  blest 
 
 The  wishes  of  his  heart; 
 Nor  hast  to  him  his  lips'  request 
 
 Refused  to  impart. 
 
 i 
 
PSALM  XXI.  80 
 
 Thy  goodness  and  Thy  tender  care 
 Have  all  his  hopes  outgone ; 
 
 A  crown  of  gold  Thou  mad'st  him  wear, 
 And  set'st  it  firmly  on. 
 
 He  pray'd  for  life  ;  and  Thou,  O  Lord, 
 Didst  his  short  span  extend, 
 
 And  graciously  to  him  afford 
 A  life  that  ne'er  shall  end. 
 
 Great  is  his  fame,  his  glory  great 
 
 In  this  Thy  saving  aid  : 
 And  majesty  and  royal  state 
 
 Thou  hast  upon  him  laid. 
 
 Eternal  blessings  Thou  bestow'st ; 
 
 And  mak'st  his  joys  increase, 
 Whilst  Thou  to  him  unclouded  shew'st 
 
 The  brightness  of  Thy  Face. 
 
 His  trust  to  be  in  God  alone, 
 Because  the  king  hath  proved, 
 
 Upheld  by  the  Most  High,  His  throne 
 Shall  never  be  removed. 
 
<)0  PSALM  XXL 
 
 But,  righteous  Lord,  Thy  stubborn  foes 
 Shall  feel  Thy  heavy  Hand ; 
 
 Thy  vengeful  arm  shall  find  out  those, 
 That  hate  Thy  mild  command. 
 
 The  fierceness  of  Thy  kindled  ire, 
 
 In  its  avenging  hour, 
 Shall  like  a  glowing  oven's  fire 
 
 O'ertake  them,  and  devour. 
 
 Nor  yet  shall  Thy  fierce  anger  cease  ; 
 
 Thou  shalt  destroy  their  fruit ; 
 And  from  the  sons  of  men  their  race 
 
 Shalt  utterly  uproot. 
 
 With  evil  thoughts  against  Thee  bent, 
 They  darkly  laid  their  plot ; 
 
 But,  powerless  in  the  bad  intent, 
 Its  end  they  compass'd  not. 
 
 So  shall  they,  by  Thy  vengeance  scared, 
 
 Turn  back  and  flee  apace, 
 When  on  the  string  Thou  hast  prepared 
 
 Thy  shafts  against  their  face. 
 
PSALM  XXII.  91 
 
 Thus  be  Thou  still  exalted,  Lord, 
 In  thine  own  matchless  might! 
 
 So  shall  our  songs  Thy  power  record, 
 Thy  praise  be  our  delight. 
 
 PSALM  XXII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  CHRISTOPHER  SMART,  1765. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  under  a  description  of  his  own  sorrows, 
 and  his  deliverance  from  them,  prophetical  of  our  Lord's 
 Passion,  and  exaltation,  and  of  the  extension  of  His  king- 
 dom. 
 
 O  my  God,  my  God  receive  me  ! 
 
 Why  am  I  no  more  Thy  care  ? 
 Why  dost  Thou  forsaken  leave  me, 
 
 Heedless  of  my  anxious  prayer  ? 
 
 Lord,  Thou  hearest  not  my  crying, 
 
 All  day  long  to  Thee  addrest, 
 And  when  in  the  night-watch,  lying 
 
 On  my  bed,  I  find  no  rest. 
 
92  PSALM  XXII. 
 
 But  there  is  no  diminution 
 
 Of  Thy  Holiness  and  Grace  : 
 3  Of  Thy  Throne  no  revolution, 
 
 O  Thou  praise  of  Israel's  race  ! 
 
 Faithful  were  our  sires,  and  steady 
 
 To  the  hope  they  built  in  Thee  ; 
 And  Thy  gracious  hand  was  ready 
 
 To  support  and  set  them  free. 
 
 By  Thy  strength  their  hand  was  aided, 
 When  they  call'd  upon  Thy  name ; 
 
 And  of  Thy  good  truth  persuaded, 
 They  were  never  put  to  shame. 
 
 But  Thy  servant  is  neglected, 
 
 Like  a  worm  upon  the  ground ; 
 Scarce  a  man ;  and  disrespected 
 
 By  the  rabble  throng  around. 
 
 3  "  Thou  sittest  enthroned,  Thou  praise  of  Israel."— French 
 and  Skinner. 
 
PSALM  XXII.  93 
 
 All,  the  wretch  with  mockery  eyeing, 
 When  they  see  me  so  bestead, 
 
 Thus,  in  their  derision  crying, 
 
 Shoot  their  lips  and  shake  their  head : 
 
 "  On  the  Lord  for  help  he  waited ; 
 Let  the  help  attend  his  call, 
 If  to  God  a  wretch  so  hated 
 Be  of  any  price  at  all." 
 
 But  Thy  love,  which  first  embraced  me 
 Soon  as  from  the  womb  I  sprung, 
 
 In  Thine  own  protection  placed  me 
 When  upon  the  breasts  I  hung. 
 
 I  have  walked  by  Thy  direction 
 
 Ever  since  my  natal  hour ; 
 Thou  my  God,  and  my  protection, 
 
 From  my  mother's  womb,  Thy  power. 
 
 Keep  not,  therefore,  at  a  distance, 
 Now  when  trouble  presses  hard ; 
 
 For  I  fail  of  all  assistance, 
 If  Thy  love  will  not  regard. 
 
1)4  PSALM  XXII. 
 
 Near  and  nearer,  to  confound  me, 
 
 Press  the  brutish  multitude  ; 
 See,  the  raging  bulls  surround  me, 
 
 Mighty  bulls  of  Bashan's  brood. 
 
 There,  in  crowds  about  me  standing, 
 Open-mouth'd,  behold,  they  throng  ; 
 
 As,  its  roaring  jaws  expanding, 
 Ramps  the  lion  fierce  and  strong. 
 
 Weak,  and,  as  to  water  turning, 
 
 All  disjointed  is  my  frame ; 
 And  my  heart  within  me  burning, 
 
 Melts  like  wax  before  the  flame. 
 
 Like  the  shard  the  potter  leaveth, 
 All  my  strength  is  shrunk  and  dry  ; 
 
 To  my  mouth  my  parch'd  tongue  cleaveth  ; 
 In  the  dust  I  soon  shall  lie. 
 
 See,  for  my  destruction  eager, 
 Troops  of  dogs  against  me  press  ; 
 
 Men  unholy  me  beleaguer, 
 Banded  in  their  wickedness. 
 
PSALM  XXII.  95 
 
 I  can  on  my  body,  smarting 
 
 As  my  hands  and  feet  they  tear, 
 
 Count  where  every  bone  is  starting ; 
 Round  they  watch,  and  on  me  stare. 
 
 As  a  spoil  my  garments  taken, 
 Into  shares  their  bands  divide  ; 
 
 For  my  vesture  lots  are  shaken, 
 Their  contention  to  decide. 
 
 But,  O  Lord  God,  be  not  distant ; 
 
 Leave  me  not  with  woe  to  waste  ; 
 Lord,  Thou  art  my  strong  assistant, 
 
 Swift  to  my  deliv'rance  haste ! 
 
 From  the  deadly  sword  protected, 
 Let  me  know  Thy  saving  power ; 
 
 Save,  O  Lord,  thine  own  elected 
 From  the  dogs,  that  would  devour. 
 
 From  the  lion's  mouth  defend  me, 
 
 E'er  I  am  in  sunder  torn, 
 Thou,  that  didst  Thy  succour  send  me, 
 
 'Gainst  the  horned  unicorn. 
 
96  PSALM  XXII. 
 
 With  my  brethren  still  my  story 
 Of  Thy  name  shall  be  the  praise  ; 
 
 I  my  voice  will  to  Thy  glory 
 'Midst  the  congregation  raise. 
 
 Praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  that  fear  Him  ; 
 
 Him  exalt,  His  might  record  ; 
 You  of  Jacob's  seed  revere  Him  ; 
 
 Sons  of  Israel,  fear  the  Lord  ! 
 
 Help  to  them  of  lowly  station, 
 
 He  disdains  not  to  supply^ 
 But  regards  their  desolation, 
 
 And  attends  unto  their  cry. 
 
 When  the  holy  throng  assembling, 
 
 Crowd  Thy  house,  my  praise  is  Thine  ; 
 
 There  my  vows,  in  fear  and  trembling, 
 Lord,  with  theirs  I  will  combine. 
 
 Food  unto  the  humble-hearted 
 
 God  abundantly  will  give  ; 
 Him  they  seek  ;  His  joy  imparted 
 
 Bids  their  hearts  for  ever  live. 
 
PSALM  XXII.  97 
 
 All  shall  turn,  and  shall  adore  Him, 
 From  the  earth's  extremest  end ; 
 
 Every  heathen  race,  before  Him 
 Prostrate,  shall  His  will  attend. 
 
 For  Jehovah  is  enthroned 
 
 King  of  kings  ;   His  rightful  sway 
 By  all  tongues  and  climes  is  own'd ; 
 
 All  the  Sov'reign  Lord  obey. 
 
 Such  as  in  the  world  have  flourish'd, 
 Fat  with  every  worldly  good, 
 
 By  His  gracious  bounty  nourish'd, 
 Bless  the  hand  that  gives  them  food. 
 
 They,  that  to  the  dust  are  stricken, 
 Turn  to  Thee,  Thy  help  to  crave ; 
 
 For  none  else  their  soul  can  quicken  ; 
 Man  is  impotent  to  save. 
 
 By  my  seed  through  time  descending 
 Ever  shall  Thy  will  be  done ; 
 
 They  shall  be  the  Lord's  ;  depending 
 On  His  love,  and  call'd  His  own. 
 
98  PSALM  XXIII. 
 
 These  shall  come,  and  shall  His  glory 
 
 Teach  unto  a  future  race, 
 Telling  the  stupendous  story 
 
 Of  the  triumph  of  His  Grace. 
 
 PSALM  XXIII. 
 
 THOMAS  STERNEHOLD,  1562. 
 
 An  acknowledgment  of  God's  protecting  care. 
 
 My  Shepherd  is  the  living  Lord, 
 
 No  thing  therefore  I  need ; 
 In  pastures  fair,  near  pleasant  streams, 
 
 He  setteth  me  to  feed. 
 
 He  shall  convert,  and  glad  my  soul, 
 
 And  bring  my  mind  in  frame, 
 To  walk  in  paths  of  righteousness, 
 
 For  His  most  Holy  Name. 
 
 Yea,  a  though  I  tread  the  vale  of  death, 
 
 Yet  will  I  fear  no  ill ; 
 Thy  rod  and  staff  do  comfort  me, 
 
 And  Thou  art  with  me  still. 
 
PSALM  XXIII.  99 
 
 And,  in  the  presence  of  my  foes, 
 My  table  Thou  shalt  spread ; 
 
 Thou  wilt  fill  full  my  cup,  and  Thou 
 Anointed  hast  my  head. 
 
 Through  all  my  life  Thy  favour  is 
 
 So  frankly  shown  to  me, 
 That  in  Thy  house  for  evermore 
 
 My  dwelling-place  shall  be. 
 
 PSALM  XXIII. 
 
 2nd  version,  anonymous.     See  Preface,  p.  20. 
 
 God,  my  Shepherd  and  my  Guide, 
 Will  for  all  my  wants  provide  ; 
 He  in  pastures  green  will  feed  me, 
 And  beside  still  waters  lead  me : 
 He  my  ransom'd  soul  will  bless, 
 Turning  it  to  righteousness  ; 
 And  the  path  I  ought  to  take 
 Teach  me,  for  His  dear  Name's  sake. 
 h  2 
 
100  PSALM  XXIII. 
 
 Yea,  when  earth  itself  at  last 
 From  my  sight  is  fading  fast ; 
 When,  with  shadows  dark  o'erspread, 
 Death's  lone  valley  I  shall  tread ; 
 Yet  no  evil  will  I  fear, 
 For  Thou,  Lord,  wilt  still  be  near ; 
 With  Thy  rod  and  staff,  wilt  be 
 Present  then  to  comfort  me. 
 
 Thou,  while  foe-men  closed  me  round, 
 Mad'st  my  table  to  abound ; 
 Oil  upon  my  head  didst  pour, 
 And  didst  make  my  cup  run  o'er ; 
 Me,  Thy  goodness  ever  new, 
 And  fresh  mercies  still  pursue  ; 
 Therefore  will  I,  all  my  days, 
 Seek  Thy  house,  and  sing  Thy  praise. 
 
101 
 
 PSALM  XXIV. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 Supposed  to  have  been  written  upon  the  removal  of  the  ark  to 
 Mount  Sion  :  2  Sam.  vi.  II.  1  Chron.  xv.  25.  It  is  pro- 
 phetical of  our  Lord's  Ascension.  See  Psalms  xlvii.  and 
 lxviii. 
 
 The  earth's  the  Lord's,  with  her  increase, 
 
 The  world  and  all  her  goods ; 
 He  founded  it  upon  the  seas, 
 
 And  laid  it  on  the  floods. 
 
 What  man  is  he,  that  shall  have  grace 
 
 To  climb  the  hill  of  God  ? 
 Or,  who  shall  in  His  holy  place, 
 
 Obtain  their  free  abode  ? 
 
 Sure,  they  whose  hands  are  innocent, 
 
 a  Whose  hearts  no  stains  defile, 
 Whose  minds  to  folly  are  not  bent, 
 
 b  Whose  oath  is  free  from  guile. 
 
102  PSALM  XXIV. 
 
 Such  gain  from  God  a  blessed  meed, 
 c  From  God  their  Saviour  grace ; 
 
 And  such,  O  Jacob,  are  their  seed, 
 Who  truly  seek  Thy  face. 
 
 Ye  gates,  lift  up  your  heads  on  high, 
 Ye  doors  which  last  for  aye, 
 
 The  King  of  Glory  passeth  by ; 
 Unclose,  and  give  Him  way ! 
 
 Who  is  the  King  of  Glory?  tell, 
 O  tell,  who  might  He  be  ? 
 
 The  Lord  who  doth  in  strength  excel, 
 That  glorious  King  is  He  ! 
 
 Ye  gates  aloft  your  arches  heave ; 
 
 Ye  doors  that  have  no  end, 
 Unto  the  King  of  Glory  give 
 
 Free  passage  to  ascend. 
 
 Who  is  the  King  of  Glory  ?  say, 
 O  say,  who  might  He  be  ? 
 
 The  Lord  of  armies  in  array  ; 
 That  glorious  King  is  He  ! 
 
103 
 PSALM  XXV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  SIR  PHILIP  SYDNEY,  1586. 
 
 A  Prayer  to  God  for  help  in  some  affliction.     The  first  of  the 
 seven  Alphabetical  Psalms  4. 
 
 To  Thee,  O  Lord  most  just, 
 
 My  inward  soul  I  raise  ; 
 My  God,  in  Thee  I  trust, 
 
 Let  me  not  know  disgrace. 
 Let  not  the  foes,  that  me  annoy, 
 On  my  distress  build  up  their  joy. 
 
 On  those,  who  hope  in  Thee, 
 
 No  shame  shall  e'er  attend ; 
 Let  them  confounded  be, 
 
 That  without  cause  offend. 
 
 *  Nanely,  the  25th,  34th,  37th,  111th,  112th,  119th,  and 
 145th  ;  in  which  the  initial  letter  of  each  of  the  twenty -two 
 stanzas,  or  periods,  or  lines  (as  it  may  be),  is  a  letter  of  the 
 Hebrew  dphabet,  taken  in  its  order  from  Aleph  to  Tau.  The 
 object  pr>bably  was  to  assist  the  memory ;  these  Psalms  in 
 general  consisting  rather  of  a  number  of  unconnected  devo- 
 tional sentments,  than  of  a  continuous  subject. 
 
104  PSALM  XXV. 
 
 To  me  vouchsafe  Thy  ways  to  show, 
 Teach  me,  O  Lord,  what  path  to  go ! 
 
 O  be  Thy  truth  my  guide ; 
 
 For  of  my  health  Thou  art 
 The  God  ;  and  none  beside 
 
 Salvation  can  impart. 
 Lord,  I  have  trusted  all  the  day 
 In  Thee,  who  art  my  only  stay. 
 
 O  still,  Eternal  King  ! 
 
 Thy  mercies  call  to  mind ; 
 To  Thy  remembrance  bring 
 
 Thy  love,  so  good  and  kind ; 
 Those  mercies,  which  have  been  of  yore, 
 That  love,  which  lasts  for  evermore. 
 
 But  of  my  early  age 
 
 The  sins  remember  not ; 
 O  !  from  Thy  memory's  page 
 
 Its  foul  offences  blot ; 
 
PSALM  XXV.  105 
 
 And  still  Thy  grace  to  me  afford, 
 E'en  for  Thy  mercies'  sake,  O  Lord ! 
 
 The  Lord  such  plenty  hath 
 Of  grace  and  righteousness, 
 
 That  He  with  light  the  path 
 Of  sinning  men  doth  bless  ; 
 
 The  meek  He  doth  in  judgment  lead, 
 
 And  teach  the  humble  how  to  tread. 
 
 And  what  must  ever  be 
 
 The  ways  of  this  Great  God  ? 
 
 E'en  spotless  verity, 
 
 And  mercy,  spread  abroad, 
 
 To  such  as  keep  His  covenant, 
 
 And  on  His  word  their  surety  plant. 
 
 O  then,  for  Thy  Name's  sake, 
 
 On  my  iniquity, 
 Lord,  do  Thou  pity  take  ; 
 
 For  it  is  great  in  me  ! 
 
106  PSALM  XXV. 
 
 The  man,  that  with  Thy  fear  is  fraught, 
 Shall  be  by  the  best  Teacher  taught. 
 
 His  soul  at  ease  shall  live, 
 With  peace  and  safety  blest ; 
 
 God  to  His  seed  will  give 
 The  earth  to  be  possest ; 
 
 For  such  He  makes  His  secret  know, 
 
 To  such  He  doth  His  cov'nant  show. 
 
 Mine  eyes  shall  ever  be 
 
 Upon  Jehovah  set ; 
 For  He  my  feet  shall  free 
 
 From  the  entangling  net. 
 Turn,  then,  to  me  ;  in  mercy  turn ; 
 For  I  am  helpless  and  forlorn. 
 
 My  woes  are  still  increast ; 
 
 Shield  me  from  their  assaults ; 
 Look  on  me  thus  opprest, 
 
 And  pardon  all  my  faults. 
 Behold  my  foes,  the  throng  how  great, 
 Who  hate  me  with  a  cruel  hate  ! 
 
PSALM  XXVI.  107 
 
 My  soul,  which  Thou  did'st  make, 
 Do  Thou,  O  Lord,  maintain, 
 
 And  from  this  trouble  take ; 
 Lest  it  rebuke  sustain. 
 
 O  let  me  not  confounded  be, 
 
 For  I  have  put  my  trust  in  Thee ! 
 
 O  !  that  mine  innocence 
 
 And  truth  had  power  to  save ! 
 
 But  Thou  art-my  defence, 
 The  only  hope  I  have ; 
 
 And  do  Thou  all  the  griefs  dispel, 
 
 Lord,  of  Thy  chosen  Israel ! 
 
 PSALM  XXVI. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 u  David  resorteth  unto  God,  in  confidence  of  his  integrity." 
 
 Judge  me,  O  Lord ;  for  I  the  way 
 
 Of  innocence  have  trod ; 
 My  footsteps  falter  not,  nor  stray, 
 
 Because  I  trust  in  God. 
 
108  PSALM  XXVI. 
 
 Try  me,  O  Lord ;  my  bosom  prove, 
 a  Search  out  my  reins  and  heart ; 
 
 Before  mine  eyes  I  set  Thy  love, 
 Nor  from  Thy  truth  depart. 
 
 With  falsehood's  sons  I  have  not  sat, 
 
 b  Nor  with  dissemblers  vain ; 
 The  assembly  of  the  proud  I  hate, 
 
 Nor  herd  with  godless  men. 
 
 c  I'll  wash  my  hands  in  innocence, 
 
 And  round  Thy  Altar  go, 
 Pour  the  glad  hymn  of  triumph  thence  ; 
 
 And  thence  Thy  wonders  show. 
 
 Thy  house  is  ever  my  delight, 
 
 Thy  dwelling,  O  my  God, 
 The  place,  where  shrined  in  radiance  bright, 
 
 Thy  glory  makes  abode. 
 
 d  With  sinners  ne'er  confound  my  soul, 
 
 Still  thirsting  blood  to  spill, 
 Whose  hands  with  dark  designs  are  foul, 
 
 And  bribes  their  right  hands  fill. 
 
PSALM  XXVII.  109 
 
 I  walk  in  purity  and  truth ; 
 
 Save,  Lord,  and  pity  me  ! 
 My  foot  securely  stands,  my  mouth 
 
 Shall  sing  aloud  of  Thee. 
 
 PSALM  XXVII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  C.  F.  AND  E.  C,  1838. 
 
 An  expression  of  the  Psalmist's  confidence  in  God.    Supposed 
 to  have  been  written  in  his  old  age. 
 
 Jehovah  my  light  and  salvation  is  near ; 
 The  Lord  is  my  refuge ;  whom  then  shall  I  fear  ? 
 His  strength  is  my  life,  and  His  glory  my  might, 
 Then  who  shall  assail  me,  or  what  shall  affright  ? 
 
 An  host  rose  against  me,  but  could  not  dismay ; 
 And  fierce  foes  beset  me,  but  fallen  are  they ; 
 Though  war  should  encompass,  and  battle  assail, 
 I  will  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  my  heart  shall  not  fail. 
 
 One  thing  of  the  Lord  I  have  made  my  request, 
 All  the  days  of  my  life  in  his  temple  to  rest, 
 
110  PSALM  XXVII. 
 
 And  enraptured  before  Him,  within  His  abode 
 To  contemplate  the  glorious  beauty  of  God. 
 
 The  Lord  in  His  dwelling  shall  hide  me  from  harm, 
 As  a  rock  shall  He  shield  me,  when  dangers  alarm ; 
 All  my  foes  round  about  me  shall  tremble  and  flee, 
 And  my  head  high  above  them  exalted  shall  be. 
 
 'Tis  for  this  I  will  praise  Thee,  for  this  I  will  sing, 
 And  the  incense  of  joy  to  Jehovah  will  bring ; 
 In  the  courts  of  Thy  house  will  I  gratefully  raise 
 My  hymns  of  thanksgiving,  of  triumph,  and  praise. 
 
 Then  hear  me,  O  Lord !  and  in  mercy  reply, 
 When  Thy  servant  shall  call,  to  his  sorrowful  cry ! 
 Thou  said'st,  Seek  My  face ;  and  my  heart  to  Thy 
 
 word 
 Said,  Thy  face  will  I  seek,  O  my  God  and  my  Lord. 
 
 O  God  of  Salvation,  then  turn  not  aside  ; 
 From  Thy  servant  in  anger  Thy  face  do  not  hide  ; 
 When  my  father  and  mother  as  strangers  shall  prove, 
 God  will  guard  His  adopted,  the  child  of  His  love. 
 
PSALM  XXVIII.  Ill 
 
 Then  lead  me,  O  Lord,  from  Thy  path  lest  I  stray  ; 
 Because  of  mine  enemies,  teach  me  Thy  way. 
 
 0  give  me  not  up  to  their  cruel  desire, 
 
 For  false  witnesses  daily  against  me  conspire. 
 
 Dark,  dark  are  the  paths  of  my  pilgrimage  here  ; 
 
 1  had  fallen  and  sunk,  I  had  fainted  for  fear ; 
 But  I  trusted  to  see,  while  all  wearied  I  trod, 
 In  the  land  of  the  living,  the  goodness  of  God. 
 
 O  wait  on  the  Lord ;  in  Jehovah  confide  ; 
 In  patience  the  hour  of  His  mercy  abide  ; 
 And  the  Lord  in  due  season  shall  comfort  impart, 
 Uphold  thy  sad  spirit,  and  strengthen  thy  heart. 
 
 PSALM  XXVIII. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 A  Prayer  for  deliverance  from  the  wicked. 
 
 My  God,  my  Rock,  regard  my  cry ! 
 Lest  I  unheard,  like  those  that  die, 
 In  shades  of  dark  oblivion  lie. 
 
112  PSALM  XXVIII. 
 
 To  my  ascending  grief  give  ear, 
 When  I  my  hands  devoutly  rear 
 Before  Thy  Mercy-seat  with  fear. 
 
 With  wicked  men  mix  not  my  fate, 
 Nor  5  drag  me  with  the  reprobate, 
 Who  speak  of  peace,  but  foster  hate. 
 
 Such  as  their  work,  their  dire  intent, 
 
 And  practices  to  circumvent, 
 
 a  Such  be  their  dreadful  punishment ! 
 
 b  Since  they  will  not  His  works  adore, 
 Them  shall  their  God  with  Judgment  sore 
 Pull  down,  and  build  them  up  no  more. 
 
 He  hears  !  His  Name  be  magnified ! 
 
 c  My  Shield  and  Strength,  who  help  supplied, 
 
 Because  my  hope  on  Him  relied. 
 
 d  He  hears  ;  to  Him  the  song  I'll  raise, 
 And  Him  my  God,  in  holy  lays, 
 The  strength  of  His  anointed,  praise. 
 
 5  As  it  were  in  the  same  net. — French  and  Skinner. 
 
PSALM  XXIX.  113 
 
 O  Thou,  my  strong  deliverance  ! 
 
 Thy  people,  Thine  inheritance, 
 
 Bless,  feed,  preserve,  and  still  advance  ! 
 
 PSALM  XXIX. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1  632. 
 
 Supposed  to  have  been  written  after  some  extraordinary 
 storm  of  thunder,  called  the  *  Voice  of  God."  See  Jer. 
 x.  13. 
 
 Your  worship,  O  ye  mighty  pay ; 
 
 Jehovah's  strength  proclaim  ; 
 Adore  ye,  6in  the  bright  array 
 
 Of  holiness,  His  Name. 
 
 The  Lord  commandeth  with  His  voice 
 
 The  seas  and  bc  water-flood  ; 
 And,  when  the  thunder  makes  a  noise, 
 
 It  is  the  voice  of  God. 
 
 6  "  In  holy  ornaments."— French  and  Skinner,  see  Psalm 
 ex.  3. 
 
114  PSALM  XXIX. 
 
 With  power  the  God  of  Glory  speaks, 
 
 And  awful  are  His  words ; 
 His  voice  the  strongest  cedars  breaks, 
 
 That  Libanus  affords. 
 
 c  E'en  Libanus  and  Sirion,  torn 
 And  startled  with  the  sound, 
 
 Like  the  young  calf  or  unicorn, 
 He  makes  in  fear  to  bound. 
 
 God's  voice  between  the  flames  doth  fly, 
 God's  voice  the  desert  shakes, 
 
 God's  voice  doth  Kadesh  terrify, 
 The  hind  it  calfless  makes  : 
 
 Yea,  with  His  voice  the  thickest  grove 
 
 To  plainest  view  He  lays  ; 
 And  in  His  temple  these  things  move 
 
 All  tongues  to  sing  His  praise. 
 
 d  The  Lord  doth  likewise  o'er  the  flood 
 
 An  endless  rule  possess, 
 And  blesseth  all  the  folk  of  God 
 
 With  fortitude  and  peace. 
 
115 
 
 PSALM  XXX. 
 
 HENRY  KING,  BISHOP  OF  CHICHESTER,   1651. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  or  Song  at  the  dedication  of  the  house  of  David." 
 See  Deut.  xx.  5. 
 
 O  Lord,  I  Thee  will  magnify, 
 For  Thou  hast  lifted  me  on  high, 
 a  And  hast  not  suffer 'd  my  foe 
 To  triumph  in  my  overthrow. 
 
 O  Lord  my  God,  I  cried  to  Thee, 
 
 Who  hast  in  mercy  healed  me  ; 
 
 My  soul  Thou  broughtest  from  the  grave, 
 
 And  from  the  pit  of  hell  didst  save. 
 
 O  all  ye  saints,  your  voices  raise 
 
 To  sing  your  Maker's  endless  praise ; 
 
 Remember  still  with  thanks  to  bless, 
 
 And  magnify  His  holiness  : 
 
 b  His  wrath  lasts  but  a  moment's  space, 
 But  life  is  in  His  quickening  Grace  ; 
 Our  weeping  may  endure  a  night, 
 But  joy  comes  with  the  morning  light, 
 i  2 
 
116  PSALM  XXX. 
 
 In  my  prosperity  I  said, 
 c  So  firm  is  my  foundation  laid, 
 I  shall  not  from  my  place  remove, 
 But  stand,  supported  by  Thy  love. 
 No  change  of  times,  or  fortune's  hate, 
 Can  overthrow  my  happy  state, 
 d  For  Thou  hast  made  my  hill  so  strong, 
 I  shall  on  earth  continue  long. 
 
 Yet,  whilst  exalted  in  my  thought, 
 I  was  to  sudden  ruin  brought : 
 And  soon  as  Thou  didst  hide  Thy  face, 
 e  Joy  fled,  and  trouble  came  apace. 
 Then  unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  did  I 
 With  humble  supplication  cry  ; 
 I  did  to  God  my  plaint  address, 
 Thus  pouring  forth  my  heaviness : 
 
 O  Thou  Most  Glorious,  Most  Good ! 
 What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood  ? 
 What  triumph  canst  Thou  gain  by  it, 
 When  I  go  down  into  the  pit  ? 
 
PSALM  XXX.  117 
 
 Shall  silent  dust,  or  darkness  have 
 A  tongue  to  praise  Thee  in  the  grave  ? 
 f  Or  those  Thy  faithfulness  declare 
 Who  in  the  earth  enclosed  are  ? 
 
 O  Lord,  Thine  ear  of  mercy  lend, 
 And  from  Thy  dwelling  succour  send ! 
 For  Thou  the  cause,  for  which  I  mourn 'd, 
 Hast  into  songs  and  dances  turn'd ; 
 g  Hast  cast  my  weeds  of  sackcloth  by, 
 And  clothed  me  with  robes  of  joy ; 
 That  I  Thy  praises  might  renew, 
 To  whom  b  unceasing  thanks  are  due. 
 
118 
 
 PSALM  XXXI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 Supposed  to  have  been  written,  when  Saul  pursued  David, 
 after  his  escape  from  Keilah,  1  Sam.  xxiii.  13.  It  consists 
 alternately  of  Prayer  under  distress,  and  of  Thanksgiving 
 for  deliverance. 
 
 Defend  me,  Lord,  from  shame, 
 
 For  still  I  trust  in  Thee ; 
 As  just  and  righteous  is  Thy  Name, 
 
 From  danger  set  me  free  ! 
 
 O  Lord,  bow  down  Thine  ear, 
 
 And  speedy  succour  send ; 
 Do  Thou  my  stedfast  Rock  appear, 
 
 To  shelter  and  defend. 
 
 For  when  my  foes  oppress, 
 
 Thou  art  my  Rock  and  Tower ; 
 Then  lead  me  forth  from  this  distress, 
 
 And  guide  me  by  Thy  power. 
 
PSALM  XXXT.  119 
 
 O  pluck  me  from  the  snare, 
 Which  they  have  closely  laid ; 
 
 Since  I,  O  God  my  strength,  repair 
 To  Thee  alone  for  aid. 
 
 O  righteous  Lord,  to  Thee 
 
 My  spirit  I  commit, 
 Thou  God  of  truth ;  for  Thou  art  He 
 
 That  has  redeemed  it. 
 
 The  worshippers  I  hate 
 
 Of  lying  vanities ; 
 My  confidence  in  every  state 
 
 On  God  alone  relies. 
 
 Those  mercies  Thou  hast  shown, 
 
 With  joy  I  will  express  ; 
 For  Thou  hast  seen  my  straits,  and  known 
 
 My  soul  in  its  distress. 
 
 And  when  the  treacherous  race 
 
 Enclosed  me  in  their  hand, 
 Thou  gav'st  my  feet  a  larger  space, 
 
 And  bad'st  me  fearless  stand. 
 
120  PSALM  XXXI. 
 
 Thy  mercy,  Lord,  display, 
 And  hear  my  just  complaint ; 
 
 My  failing  eyes  with  grief  decay, 
 Yea,  soul  and  flesh  are  faint. 
 
 Sad  thoughts  my  life  oppress, 
 My  years  are  spent  in  groans, 
 
 My  sin  hath  made  my  strength  decrease, 
 And  e'en  consumed  my  bones. 
 
 My  foes  my  sufferings  mock'd, 
 My  neighbours  did  upbraid ; 
 
 My  friends  at  sight  of  me  were  shock'd, 
 And  fled  away  dismay'd. 
 
 Forgotten,  as  one  dead, 
 
 And  out  of  mind  am  I ; 
 And,  like  the  potter's  worthless  shred, 
 
 Cast  forth  and  crush'd  I  lie. 
 
 For  sland'rous  words  they  spoke  ; 
 
 And  all  around  was  dread, 
 While  they  together  counsel  took 
 
 My  guiltless  blood  to  shed. 
 
PSALM  XXXI.  121 
 
 But  still  my  stedfast  trust 
 
 On  Thee,  O  Lord,  abode : 
 I  knew  that  Thou  wast  good  and  just, 
 
 I  said,  Thou  art  my  God. 
 
 Whatever  me  betide, 
 
 Thy  wisdom  times  it  all ; 
 Then,  from  my  foes  Thy  servant  hide, 
 
 From  those  that  seek  his  fall ! 
 
 Lord,  let  Thy  cheering  face 
 
 In  light  upon  me  break ; 
 And  save  Thy  servant  with  Thy  grace, 
 
 For  Thy  great  mercy's  sake. 
 
 Me  from  dishonour  save, 
 For  I  have  call'd  on  Thee ; 
 
 But  shamed  and  silenced  in  the  grave 
 Let  all  the  wicked  be. 
 
 Do  Thou,  O  Lord,  restrain 
 The  false,  injurious  tongue, 
 
 Which,  with  despite  and  proud  disdain, 
 The  righteous  man  doth  wrong. 
 
122  PSALM  XXXI. 
 
 How  great  Thy  mercies  are 
 
 To  such  as  fear  Thy  might ! 
 What  love  for  them  dost  Thou  prepare 
 
 Here  in  our  mortal  sight ! 
 
 Thy  presence  shall  prevent 
 
 The  bold  oppressor's  pride  ; 
 Securely  them  Thy  sheltering  tent 
 
 From  striving  tongues  shall  hide. 
 
 With  glory  and  renown, 
 
 God's  name  be  ever  blest, 
 Whose  love,  within  that  well-fenced  town, 
 
 Was  wond'rously  exprest ! 
 
 For  when  I  said,  in  haste, 
 
 "  I'm  banish'd  from  Thine  eyes," 
 
 My  prayer  away  Thou  didst  not  cast, 
 But  heardst  my  earnest  cries. 
 
 O  all  ye  saints,  the  Lord 
 
 With  eager  love  regard, 
 Who  doth  the  just  man  help  afford, 
 
 The  proud  man  his  reward. 
 
PSALM  XXXII.  123 
 
 Ye  that  on  God  rely, 
 
 Courageously  proceed ! 
 For  He  will  still  your  hearts  supply 
 
 With  strength  in  time  of  need. 
 
 PSALM  XXXII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JOSEPH  COTTLE,  1805. 
 
 The  second  of  the  seven  Penitential  Psalms  ;  under  contrition 
 for  sin,  and  a  sense  of  God's  pardoning  grace. 
 
 How  blest,  whose  sin  hath  been  forgiven ! 
 How  blest,  to  whom  the  Lord  of  Heaven 
 Imputeth  not  iniquity ; 
 The  soul,  that  from  all  guile  is  free ! 
 
 For  while  my  tongue  in  silence  lay, 
 My  fretting  bones  consumed  away  ; 
 And  the  accusing  voice  within 
 Moan'd  all  day  long  with  conscious  sin. 
 
124  PSALM  XXXII. 
 
 The  pressure  of  Thy  heavy  hand, 
 Like  summer's  drought  upon  the  land, 
 Upon  me  day  and  night  remain'd, 
 And  all  my  vital  moisture  drain'd. 
 
 My  guilt,  O  Lord,  I  own'd  to  Thee, 
 Nor  hid  my  deep  iniquity  ; 
 I  said,  I  will  my  sin  confess, 
 And  Thou  forgav'st  its  wickedness. 
 
 For  this  each  godly  man  shall  pour 
 His  prayer,  in  Thine  accepted  hour : 
 When  the  great  water-floods  roll  high, 
 They  may  not  unto  him  come  nigh. 
 
 Thou  art  alone  my  hiding-place  ; 
 Thou  shalt  preserve  me  by  Thy  grace, 
 And  compass  me,  from  trouble  free, 
 About  with  songs  of  liberty. 
 
 I  will  My  faithful  servant  show 
 The  way  in  which  his  feet  should  go ; 
 
PSALM  XXXII.  125 
 
 Teach  thee  the  better  path  to  try, 
 And  guide  thee  in  it  with  Mine  eye. 
 
 Be  ye  not  like  the  horse  or  mule, 
 Which  understand  not  reason's  rule, 
 And  need  the  curbing  bit  and  rein, 
 Their  rebel  fury  to  restrain. 
 
 The  sinner's  sorrow  hath  no  cure ; 
 Full  many  cares  shall  he  endure ; 
 But  he  whose  trust  to  God  is  bound, 
 Mercy  shall  compass  him  around. 
 
 Ye  righteous,  raise  on  high  your  voice, 
 
 And  gladly  in  the  Lord  rejoice  ; 
 
 Ye  upright,  to  Jehovah  raise 
 
 The  exultant  song,  the  shout  of  praise. 
 
126 
 
 PSALM  XXXIII. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 The  praise  of  God,  for  His  goodness  in  the  creation  of  the 
 world,  and  the  various  dispensations  of  His  Providence. 
 
 Chaunt,  ye  just,  the  Great  Creator; 
 
 Praises  well  the  upright  suit, 
 Joyful  hymn  the  God  of  Nature, 
 
 Strike  the  harp,  and  ten-string'd  lute. 
 Sing  new  songs  His  praise  revealing, 
 
 Loud  and  well  the  a  tabret  smite  ; 
 b  Faithful  is  Jehovah's  dealing, 
 
 All  Jehovah's  words  are  right. 
 
 See  Him,  firm  in  justice  seated, 
 
 Through  the  earth  His  love  display ; 
 
 By  His  word  was  Heaven  created, 
 By  His  Spirit  Heaven's  array. 
 
PSALM  XXXIII.  127 
 
 He,  the  swelling  billows  ruling, 
 Piles  aloft  the  wat'ry  heap  ; 
 
 And  within  His  stores  controlling 
 Treasures  up  the  ocean-deep. 
 
 Be  His  fear  by  earth  attested  ! 
 
 All  its  tribes  revere  their  God ! 
 For  He  spake,  and  it  existed, 
 
 He  commanded,  and  it  stood. 
 God  the  heathen's  counsel  blasteth, 
 
 Makes  the  thoughts  of  nations  vain : 
 God's  decree  for  ever  lasteth, 
 
 Evermore  His  thoughts  remain. 
 
 Blest  Jehovah's  chosen  nation  ! 
 
 Blest  the  people  of  His  grace  ! 
 From  His  holy  habitation 
 
 All  He  marks  of  human  race. 
 He  from  Heaven,  in  glory  seated, 
 
 All  the  tribes  of  earth  surveys  ; 
 He,  who  all  their  hearts  created, 
 
 He  of  all  discerns  the  ways. 
 
128  PSALM  XXXIII. 
 
 c  Not  the  king  his  hosts'  defiance, 
 
 Not  his  strength  secures  the  brave ; 
 d  Put  not  in  the  horse  reliance  ; 
 
 Weak  his  force  his  lord  to  save. 
 Lo,  Jehovah's  voice  is  over 
 
 Those  who  fear  Him,  those  who  trust ; 
 Them  in  time  of  dearth  to  cover, 
 
 Heal,  and  raise  them  from  the  dust. 
 
 e  Thus  we  wait  in  expectation, 
 
 Till  the  Lord  His  help  dispense ; 
 He,  the  strength  of  our  salvation, 
 
 He,  our  buckler  and  defence. 
 On  His  Name  our  hopes  are  planted, 
 
 Glad  in  Him  our  hearts  shall  be : 
 Be  to  us  Thy  mercy  granted, 
 
 As  we  trust,  O  Lord,  in  Thee ! 
 
I 
 
 129 
 
 PSALM  XXXIV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  GEORGE  SANDYS,  1676. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,  when  he  changed  his  behaviour  (feigned 
 himself  mad)  before  Abimelech  (or  Achish  king  of  Gath)  ; 
 who  drove  him  away,  and  he  departed."  See  1  Sam.  xxi. 
 10,  &c.     The  2nd  of  the  seven  Alphabetical  Psalms. 
 
 The  Lord  I  will  for  ever  bless, 
 My  tongue  His  praises  shall  confess, 
 
 In  Him  my  soul  shall  boast ; 
 The  meek  shall  hear  thereof,  and  joy ; 
 His  Name  with  me  O  magnify, 
 
 Extol  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 
 
 My  prayers  ascending  reach'd  His  ear, 
 Who  rescued  me  from  all  my  fear ; 
 
 And  they  who  God  respect, 
 Who  look  to  Him,  and  on  Him  call, 
 No  darkness  shall  upon  them  fall, 
 
 No  shame  shall  them  infect. 
 
130  PSALM  XXXIV. 
 
 This  wretch,  in  his  adversity 
 When  he  unto  his  God  did  cry, 
 
 Protecting  mercy  found : 
 The  angels  of  Jehovah  those 
 Who  fear  Him  with  their  tents  inclose, 
 
 By  strength  encompass'd  round. 
 
 Our  God  is  good ;  O  taste,  and  prove 
 How  blest  is  he  who  trusts  His  love ! 
 
 Ye  saints  revere  Him  still ; 
 For  they  that  fear  Him  have  no  lack  ; 
 Though  hunger  the  young  lions  rack, 
 
 His  goodness  them  shall  fill. 
 
 Come  children,  with  attention  hear ! 
 I  will  instruct  you  in  His  fear ; 
 
 What  man  delights  in  life  ? 
 Seeks  to  live  happily  and  long  ? 
 From  evil  guard  Thy  wary  tongue, 
 
 Thy  lips  from  fraud  and  strife. 
 
 Do  good,  and  wicked  deeds  eschew, 
 Seek  sacred  peace,  her  steps  pursue ; 
 God's  eyes  the  just  survey. 
 
PSALM  XXXIV.  131 
 
 Their  cries  His  open  ear  attends ; 
 But  on  the  bad  His  wrath  descends, 
 And  roots  their  name  away. 
 
 He  hears  the  righteous  when  they  cry, 
 And  saves  them  in  adversity  : 
 
 Is  nigh  the  broken  heart, 
 And  contrite  souls  which  in  Him  trust. 
 Though  many  woes  afflict  the  just, 
 
 In  all  God  takes  his  part. 
 
 He  keepeth  all  his  bones  entire  ; 
 But  slays  the  wicked,  in  His  ire, 
 
 Who  still  the  righteous  hate. 
 God's  servants  shall  redemption  find ; 
 And  none,  whose  trust  on  Him  reclined, 
 
 Shall  e'er  be  desolate. 
 
 TC    2 
 
132 
 
 PSALM  XXXV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JOHN  HOPKINS,  1562. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  asking  for  God's  assistance  against  the 
 persecution  of  his  enemies.  It  is  prophetical  of  Christ's 
 passion. 
 
 Lord,  plead  my  cause  against  my  foes, 
 Confound  their  force  and  might ; 
 
 And  take  my  part  against  all  those 
 That  seek  with  me  to  fight. 
 
 Lay  hold  upon  the  spear  and  shield, 
 
 Thyself  in  armour  dress  ; 
 Stand  up  with  me  to  fight  the  field, 
 
 And  help  me  from  distress. 
 
 Gird  on  Thy  sword,  and  stop  the  way, 
 
 My  enemies  withstand ; 
 And  to  my  failing  spirit  say, 
 
 I  am  thy  help  at  hand. 
 
PSALM  XXXV.  133 
 
 Confound  them  with  rebuke  and  blame, 
 
 That  seek  my  soul  to  kill ; 
 Let  them  turn  back,  and  flee  with  shame, 
 
 That  think  to  work  me  ill. 
 
 And,  as  the  chaff  dispersed  abroad 
 
 Before  the  wind  is  driven, 
 Them  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
 
 Chase  with  the  blasts  of  Heaven. 
 
 So,  in  their  ways  devoid  of  light 
 
 And  slippery,  let  them  fall ; 
 So  let  Thy  angel,  with  Thy  might, 
 
 Rout  and  disperse  them  all. 
 
 For  why  ?  without  a  cause  have  they, 
 
 In  secret  spread  their  net, 
 And  a  deep  pit  in  my  path-way, 
 
 To  take  my  soul,  have  set. 
 
 Let  sudden  ruin  unawares, 
 
 O  Lord,  destroy  them  all ; 
 O  let  them,  caught  in  their  own  snares, 
 
 By  their  own  mischief  fall ! 
 
134  PSALM  XXXV. 
 
 Then  in  the  Lord  my  ransom'd  soul 
 
 Its  gladness  shall  proclaim, 
 And  made  by  His  salvation  whole, 
 
 With  joy  exalt  His  Name. 
 
 Then  all  my  bones  shall  speak,  and  cry 
 
 Within  me, — Who  is  He, 
 Thou  God  of  gods,  that  is  so  high 
 
 As  Thou,  or  like  to  Thee  ? 
 
 For  Thou  defendest  the  opprest 
 From  those  that  are  too  strong  ; 
 
 And  ridd'st  the  poor  and  the  distrest, 
 From  such  as  do  them  wrong. 
 
 My  cruel  foes  against  me  rise 
 
 To  witness  things  untrue  ; 
 And,  to  accuse  me,  they  devise 
 
 The  things  I  never  knew. 
 
 Where  I  to  them  did  show  good- will, 
 They  quit  me  with  disdain ; 
 
 That  they  repay  my  good  with  ill, 
 My  spirit  doth  complain. 
 
PSALM  XXXV.  135 
 
 And  yet,  when  sickness  them  opprest, 
 In  sackcloth  clad  I  mourn'd ; 
 
 I  fasted  ;  and  to  mine  own  breast 
 My  prayer  hath  back  return'd. 
 
 I  grieved  for  them,  as  men  bemoan 
 
 A  brother  or  a  friend ; 
 With  heaviness  I  bow'd,  as  one 
 
 That  mourns  his  mother's  end. 
 
 But  when  misfortunes  me  beset, 
 They  join'd  against  my  peace  ; 
 
 Yea,  e'en  the  very  abjects  met, 
 To  mock,  and  did  not  cease. 
 
 And,  in  their  feasts,  the  flattering  train, 
 That  all  good  things  deride, 
 
 At  me  still  point  their  jests  profane, 
 Still  gnash  their  teeth  with  pride. 
 
 Lord,  when  wilt  Thou  for  me  appear  ? 
 
 How  long,  Lord,  dost  thou  pause  ? 
 O  rid  my  soul !  my  treasure  dear, 
 
 Save  from  the  lion's  jaws ! 
 
136  PSALM  XXXV. 
 
 Where  crowds  unto  Thy  temple  throng, 
 
 My  grateful  voice  I'll  raise ; 
 And  still  Thy  peopled  tribes  among 
 
 Be  showing  forth  Thy  praise. 
 
 O  let  not  then  mine  enemies 
 
 Thus  wrongfully  exult, 
 Nor  o'er  me,  winking  with  their  eyes, 
 
 With  causeless  hate  insult ! 
 
 Their  talk  is  not  of  peace  ;  they  lay 
 Their  snares  ;  with  words  untrue 
 
 They  take  their  counsel  to  betray 
 All  those  that  peace  pursue. 
 
 There,  gaping  in  their  scorn  at  me, 
 With  open  mouth  they  stand ; 
 
 Ha !  say  they,  Ha !  our  eye  doth  see 
 The  thing  that  we  demand. 
 
 But,  Lord,  Thou  seest  the  ways  they  take, 
 
 And  what  they  do  intend  ; 
 Be  not  far  off,  nor  me  forsake ! 
 
 Thine  help  unto  me  send ! 
 
PSALM  XXXV.  137 
 
 Awake,  arise,  and  stir  abroad, 
 
 Defend  me  in  my  right ! 
 Avenge  my  cause,  0  Lord  my  God, 
 
 And  aid  me  with  Thy  might ! 
 
 According  to  Thy  righteousness, 
 
 O  Lord  God,  set  me  free, 
 And  let  them  not  their  pride  express, 
 
 Nor  triumph  over  me ! 
 
 Let  not  their  hearts  rejoice,  and  say, 
 
 Ah  !  we  would  have  it  so  ; 
 Nor  cry, — we  have  secured  our  prey, 
 
 And  swallowed  up  the  foe. 
 
 Let  them  be  shamed,  who  are  glad 
 When  they  my  trouble  see ; 
 
 And  let  them  with  rebuke  be  clad, 
 That  boast  with  scorn  at  me. 
 
 But  let  them  heartily  rejoice, 
 That  love  my  upright  way ; 
 
 Yea,  let  them  all,  with  heart  and  voice 
 Still  praise  the  Lord,  and  say : 
 
138  PSALM  XXXVI. 
 
 Great  is  the  Lord,  and  doth  excel ; 
 
 And  He  doth  much  delight 
 To  see  His  servants  prosper  well ; 
 
 Tis  pleasant  in  His  sight. 
 
 Wherefore  I  will  apply  my  tongue 
 Thy  righteousness  to  praise, 
 
 And  unto  Thee  will  all  day  long 
 My  song  of  triumph  raise. 
 
 PSALM  XXXVI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  SIR  PHILIP  SYDNEY  (1586). 
 
 The  impiety  and  corruption  of  the  wicked,  and  the  infinite 
 mercy  of  God. 
 
 Methinks  within  my  heart  I  hear, 
 What  guilty  wickedness  doth  say ; 
 
 That  in  his  eyes  there  is  no  fear 
 Of  God  :  thus  doth  he  go  astray  ; 
 
 And  his  own  eyes  his  flatterers  are, 
 Till  his  dark  sin  itself  display. 
 
PSALM  XXXVI.  130 
 
 He  talks  but  of  iniquity, 
 
 And  guile  ;  and  wisdom  doth  forget ; 
 The  way  of  mercy  doth  he  flee  ; 
 
 No  evil  is  with  loathing  met ; 
 A -bed  on  mischief  museth  he, 
 
 Abroad  his  steps  on  wrong  are  set. 
 
 Lord,  how  the  heavens  Thy  mercy  fills ! 
 
 Thy  truth  doth  reach  above  the  sky ; 
 Thy  righteousness  o'ertops  the  hills ; 
 
 Like  the  great  deep  Thy  judgments  lie  : 
 And  man  and  beast  alike  from  ills 
 
 Are  safe  beneath  Thy  guardian  eye. 
 
 O  Lord,  how  excellent  a  thing 
 
 Thy  mercy  is,  which  makes  mankind 
 
 Trust  in  the  shadow  of  Thy  wing  : 
 They  in  Thy  house  shall  fatness  find, 
 
 And  drink  from  out  Thy  blissful  spring, 
 Of  pleasures  past  the  reach  of  mind. 
 
 For  why  ?— The  Well  of  Life  Thou  art, 
 And  in  Thy  light  we  shall  see  light ; 
 
140  PSALM  XXXVII. 
 
 O  then  extend  Thy  loving  heart 
 
 To  them  that  know  Thee,  and  Thy  might ; 
 O  then  Thy  righteousness  impart 
 
 To  them  that  are  in  soul  upright ! 
 
 Let  not  the  feet  of  pride  enthrall, 
 
 Let  not  ill  hands  discomfit  me ! 
 For,  even  now,  behold  they  fall ; 
 
 The  evil-doers  there  I  see 
 Cast  down  to  earth  ;  and  never  shall 
 
 Their  strength  again  uplifted  be. 
 
 PSALM  XXXVII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 The  different  state  of  the  godly  and  of  the  wicked  variously 
 
 described.     The  third  of  the  seven  Alphabetical  Psalms. 
 
 Why  should'st  thou  vex  thy  soul,  and  fret 
 
 To  see  th'  ungodly  rise ; 
 
 Or  envy  sinners  waxing  great 
 
 In  their  iniquities  ? 
 
 i 
 
PSALM  XXXVII.  141 
 
 As  the  green  herb  is  early  mown  ; 
 
 As  withereth  the  grass  ; 
 So  soon  the  wicked  are  cut  down, 
 
 So  doth  their  glory  pass. 
 
 Then  make  the  Lord  thy  God  thy  trust, 
 
 And  practise  all  that's  good ; 
 So  shalt  thou  dwell  among  the  just, 
 
 And  He'll  provide  thee  food. 
 
 Unto  the  Lord  thy  ways  commit, 
 
 And  cheerful  wait  His  will ; 
 His  hand  will  guide  thy  doubtful  feet, 
 
 And  thy  desire  fulfil. 
 
 Thine  innocence  He  shall  display, 
 
 And  make  Thy  judgment  known, 
 Fair  as  the  light  of  dawning  day, 
 
 And  glorious  as  the  noon. 
 
 Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  His  will ; 
 
 Nor  let  your  anger  rise, 
 Though  wicked  men,  succeeding  still, 
 
 Work  out  their  dark  device. 
 
142  PSALM  XXXVII. 
 
 Cease,  cease  from  wrath,  and  mark  their  fate  ; 
 
 Destruction  will  be  theirs, 
 While  those  that  on  Jehovah  wait, 
 
 Of  earth  shall  be  the  heirs. 
 
 For  yet  a  little  while,  and  lo ! 
 
 The  wicked  shall  not  be  : 
 When  thou  unto  his  place  shalt  go 
 
 To  seek  him  ;  where  is  he  ? 
 
 The  lowly  shall  the  earth  possess, 
 
 And  be  the  heirs  of  heaven  ; 
 The  solace  of  abundant  peace 
 
 To  humble  souls  be  given. 
 
 Though  sinners  join,  and  gnash  their  teeth 
 
 The  righteous  to  defy  ; 
 The  Lord  derides  them,  for  He  seeth 
 
 Their  day  of  vengeance  nigh. 
 
 They  have  drawn  out  the  threatening  sword, 
 Have  bent  the  murd'rous  bow, 
 
 To  slay  the  poor  that  fear  the  Lord, 
 And  bring  the  righteous  low. 
 
PSALM  XXXVII.  143 
 
 But,  broken  by  Jehovah's  hand, 
 
 Their  bows  asunder  start ; 
 Their  swords,  turn'd  back  by  His  command, 
 
 Pierce  through  their  own  proud  heart. 
 
 The  meanest  portion  of  the  just 
 
 Exceeds  the  sinner's  gold  : 
 God,  who  casts  down  the  sinner's  boast, 
 
 The  righteous  doth  uphold. 
 
 He  knows  and  counts  their  length  of  days  ; 
 
 By  Him  in  time  of  ill 
 Maintain'd,  they  shall  not  know  disgrace, 
 
 In  dearth  shall  have  their  fill. 
 
 The  wicked  shall  away  consume  ; 
 
 And  they  that  God  provoke, 
 Shall  as  the  fat  of  lambs  become, 
 
 And  be  dissolved  in  smoke. 
 
 The  wicked  borrows  of  his  friends, 
 
 But  ne'er  designs  to  pay  ; 
 The  saint  is  merciful  and  lends, 
 
 Nor  turns  the  poor  away. 
 
144  PSALM  XXXVII. 
 
 They,  whom  the  Lord  our  God  hath  blest, 
 
 Of  earth  shall  be  the  heirs  ; 
 But  all,  on  whom  His  curse  doth  rest, 
 
 Destruction  shall  be  theirs. 
 
 My  God,  the  steps  of  pious  men 
 
 Are  order'd  by  Thy  will ; 
 Though  they  should  fall,  they  rise  again ; 
 
 Thy  hand  supports  them  still. 
 
 Young  I  have  been,  and  old  am  grown, 
 
 Yet  ne'er  abandoned 
 Saw  I  the  righteous,  or  have  known 
 
 His  seed  to  beg  their  bread. 
 
 His  alms  with  liberal  heart  he  gives 
 
 Among  the  sons  of  need  ; 
 His  memory  to  long  ages  lives, 
 
 And  blessed  is  his  seed. 
 
 Depart  from  evil,  and  do  right ; 
 
 Long  life  shall  be  thy  lot : 
 For  He,  whom  judgment  doth  delight, 
 
 His  saints  forsaketh  not. 
 
PSALM  XXXVII.  145 
 
 The  seed  of  sinners,  by  His  hand 
 
 Uprooted,  shall  not  thrive  ; 
 The  righteous  shall  possess  the  land, 
 
 And  there  for  ever  live. 
 
 How  good  the  words  of  wisdom  are, 
 
 Their  mouth  shall  tell  abroad ; 
 Their  ready  tongue  to  men  declare 
 
 The  judgments  of  their  God. 
 
 The  statutes  of  the  Living  Lord 
 
 Deep  in  their  heart  abide  ; 
 Led  by  that  Everlasting  Word, 
 
 Their  feet  shall  never  slide. 
 
 Although  the  wicked  take  their  stand, 
 
 The  righteous  man  to  slay  ; 
 God  will  not  leave  him  in  their  hand, 
 
 Nor  cast  his  cause  away. 
 
 Wait  on  the  Lord,  His  precepts  keep, 
 
 And  thine  the  land  shall  be ; 
 When  ruin  over  them  shall  sweep, 
 
 Thine  eyes  their  end  shall  see. 
 
 L 
 
146  PSALM  XXXVII. 
 
 The  haughty  sinner  I  have  seen, 
 Who,  in  his  power  and  pride, 
 
 Like  a  tall  bay-tree  fair  and  green, 
 Was  spreading  far  and  wide. 
 
 And  yet  at  once  away  he  past, 
 For  lo  !  when  there  around, 
 
 Again  my  searching  eyes  I  cast, 
 He  was  not  to  be  found. 
 
 But  mark  the  man  of  righteousness, 
 His  blameless  steps  attend ; 
 
 Prosperity  his  life  shall  bless, 
 And  peaceful  be  his  end. 
 
 Away  together  shall  be  cast 
 The  whole  rebellious  band ; 
 
 The  godless  shall  be  all  at  last 
 Uprooted  from  the  land  : 
 
 But  the  salvation  of  the  just, 
 Their  help  'gainst  every  snare, 
 
 Is  of  the  Lord ;  in  Him  they  trust, 
 Their  weal  will  be  His  care. 
 
147 
 
 PSALM  XXXVIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  E.  FARR,  1836. 
 
 The  third  of  the   seven  Penitential  Psalms  ;  under  mental 
 anguish  and  bodily  disease. 
 
 Lord,  in  Thy  wrath  reprove  me  not, 
 
 Thy  fiercest  ire  control ; 
 While  Thy  displeasure  still  is  hot, 
 
 Chide  not  my  sinful  soul ! 
 
 Thine  arrows  in  me  yet  remain, 
 
 Fixt  deep  in  every  part  ; 
 Thy  heavy  hand  weighs  down  with  pain 
 
 My  over-burden'd  heart. 
 
 Bruised  by  the  wrath  I  feel  within, 
 My  flesh  is  all  unsound ; 
 
 Because  of  my  condemning  sin, 
 No  rest  my  bones  have  found. 
 l  2 
 
148  PSALM  XXXVIII. 
 
 For  mine  offences  o'er  me  roll, 
 
 And  sink  me  to  despair ; 
 They  are  a  burden  to  my  soul, 
 
 Too  heavy,  Lord,  to  bear. 
 
 My  wounds,  of  mine  own  sin  the  end, 
 
 Corrupt  and  noisome  grow  ; 
 Beneath  my  load  of  grief  I  bend, 
 
 And  all  day  mourning  go. 
 
 Spread  through  my  loins,  the  loathsome  sore 
 
 Extends  to  every  part ; 
 For  very  agony  I  roar, 
 
 Disquieted  in  heart. 
 
 But,  Lord,  Thine  ever- watchful  eye 
 
 All  my  desire  doth  see ; 
 And  not  a  groan,  and  not  a  sigh, 
 
 Is  ever  hid  from  Thee. 
 
 My  panting  heart  with  anguish  heaves, 
 
 My  wonted  powers  decay  ; 
 My  darken'd  eyes  their  lustre  leaves, 
 
 And  failing  fades  away. 
 
PSALM  XXXVIII.  149 
 
 Aloof  each  lover  and  each  friend, 
 
 My  rankling  sore  surveys  ; 
 No  kinsmen  on  my  grief  attend  ; 
 
 They  stand  afar,  and  gaze. 
 
 They,  that  would  make  my  life  their  prey, 
 
 Still  to  ensnare  me  seek  ; 
 And  bent  on  mischief  all  the  day, 
 
 Against  me  falsely  speak. 
 
 But,  as  one  deaf,  I  turn'd  no  ear ; 
 
 I  answer'd  not  their  scorn, 
 Still  mute,  as  he  that  cannot  hear, 
 
 And  was  to  silence  born. 
 
 For,  Lord,  on  Thee  my  hopes  remain 
 
 Amid  this  misery ; 
 And  Thou  wilt  hear,  when  I  complain, 
 
 And  Thou  wilt  answer  me. 
 
 Hear  me,  I  said ;  lest  in  their  pride 
 
 They  o'er  me  should  rejoice, 
 For  when  they  see  my  footsteps  slide, 
 
 They  lift  th'  exulting  voice. 
 
150  PSALM  XXXVIII. 
 
 I  faint,  the  woes  that  bow  me  down 
 Before  mine  eyes  I  see ; 
 
 For  I  will  ever  sorrowing  own 
 My  great  iniquity. 
 
 But  still  mine  enemies  survive, 
 O  Lord,  and  they  are  strong ; 
 
 And  still  they  multiply  and  thrive, 
 Whose  hatred  does  me  wrong. 
 
 They  render  evil  for  my  good, 
 And  thus  my  love  requite ; 
 
 Because  I  tread  the  ways  of  God, 
 And  follow  what  is  right. 
 
 Forsake  me  not,  my  God,  my  Lord ; 
 
 Nor  stand  so  far  apart ; 
 Haste,  and  Thy  timely  aid  afford, 
 
 For  Thou  my  Saviour  art ! 
 
151 
 
 PSALM  XXXIX. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  C.  F.  AND  E.  C,  1838. 
 
 The  Psalmist,  in  his  affliction,  strives  to  forbear  the  expres- 
 sion of  impatience  in  the  presence  of  the  wicked.  He  con- 
 soles himself  by  considering  the  vanity  of  worldly  things. 
 
 I  will  of  my  ways  be  heedful, 
 
 That  I  sin  not  with  my  tongue  ; 
 For  my  mouth  a  curb  is  needful, 
 
 While  the  wicked  round  me  throng. 
 
 Thus  I  said ;  and  dumb  remained, 
 From  my  lips  no  sound  was  heard ; 
 
 From  good  words  I  e'en  refrained, 
 But  my  inmost  soul  was  stirr'd. 
 
 Long  my  heart  was  in  me  burning, 
 E'er  the  smother 'd  flame  out-brake, 
 
 And,  th'  enkindled  words  returning, 
 Thus  impatiently  I  spake : 
 
152  PSALM  XXXIX. 
 
 Teach  me,  Lord,  the  number  meting 
 Of  my  days,  how  brief  it  is  ; 
 
 Make  me  see  and  know  how  fleeting, 
 Vain  and  sad  a  life  is  this. 
 
 Life  a  span  is  at  the  longest ; 
 
 Mine  is  nothing,  Lord,  to  Thee ; 
 In  his  best  estate  and  strongest, 
 
 Man  is  only  vanity. 
 
 Yea,  he  fleeting  past  us  goeth, 
 In  a  shadow  brief  and  vain, 
 
 Heaping  riches  ;  but  none  knoweth, 
 Who  shall  gather  them  again. 
 
 And  where,  Lord,  is  my  reliance  ? 
 
 All  my  hope  is  fixt  on  Thee. 
 From  my  sin,  and  the  defiance 
 
 Of  the  foolish  save  Thou  me  ! 
 
 I,  because  it  was  Thy  pleasure, 
 Murmur'd  not,  nor  silence  broke  : 
 
 Yet  remove  Thy  plague  !  o'er  measure 
 Grievous  is  Thy  heavy  stroke. 
 
PSALM  XXXIX.  153 
 
 Soon  as  man's  neglected  duty 
 
 Thou  to  punish  dost  decree, 
 But  a  moth-worn  robe  his  beauty, 
 
 And  but  vanity  is  he. 
 
 See  my  tears,  regard  my  danger ; 
 
 Be  not  deaf  unto  my  prayer ; 
 For  a  sojourner  and  stranger 
 
 Am  I,  as  my  fathers  were. 
 
 Spare  me,  yet  a  little  spare  me, 
 
 To  recover  strength,  before 
 Thy  dread  summons  hence  shall  bear  me, 
 
 To  be  seen  on  earth  no  more  ! 
 
 PSALM  XXXIX. 
 
 2nd  VERSION,  !  ANONYMOUS,  1846. 
 
 From  all  offence,  I  said,  and  wrong 
 I  will  take  heed  to  guard  my  tongue, 
 A  bridle  on  my  mouth  I'll  lay 
 While  in  my  sight  th'  ungodly  stay. 
 1  See  Preface,  p.  20. 
 
154  PSALM  XXXIX. 
 
 With  such  resolve  my  peace  I  held, 
 My  lips  to  silence  I  compell'd ; 
 Yea,  though  it  cost  me  grief  and  pain, 
 E'en  from  good  words  I  did  refrain. 
 
 While  thus  I  mused,  the  fire,  supprest 
 Long  time  within  my  labouring  breast, 
 Kindling  at  last  resistless  broke, 
 And,  as  the  spirit  moved,  I  spoke. 
 
 Lord,  let  me  know  mine  end,  I  said ; 
 And,  since  my  days  are  numbered, 
 Tell  me  their  sum,  and  make  me  sure, 
 How  long  my  life  may  yet  endure. 
 
 Behold,  my  days  are  but  a  span ; 
 And  verily  the  age  of  man, 
 Is  nothing  in  respect  of  Thee, 
 But  altogether  vanity. 
 
 Man  walketh  in  a  shadow  vain, 
 Vexing  himself  with  fruitless  pain  : 
 He  heaps  up  riches,  nor  the  while, 
 Knows  who  shall  use  the  hoarded  pile. 
 
PSALM  XXXIX.  155 
 
 And  now  my  hope,  what  is  it,  Lord  ? 
 On  Thee  it  rests,  and  Thy  sure  word ; 
 Keep  me  from  all  transgressions  free  ; 
 The  scoff  of  fools  I  would  not  be. 
 
 In  mute  submission, — for  'tis  Thou 
 Who  chastenest  me, — I  humbly  bow  ; 
 Yet  O,  if  such  Thy  will,  my  God, 
 Take  from  me  Thy  consuming  rod ! 
 
 When  with  rebukes,  Thou  dost  chastise 
 Proud  man,  for  his  iniquities  ; 
 Thou  mak'st  his  beauty  to  decay, 
 Like  garment  to  the  moth  a  prey. 
 
 Thus  every  man,  whate'er  his  state, 
 Or  rich  or  poor,  or  mean  or  great, 
 Yea,  every  man,  whoe'er  he  be, 
 Is  altogether  vanity. 
 
 Hear,  Lord,  my  prayer  ;  in  pity  hear  ; 
 And  to  my  cry  bow  down  Thine  ear ; 
 O  keep  not  silence  when  I  call, 
 Nor  let  my  tears  unheeded  fall ! 
 
156  PSALM  XL. 
 
 Some  space  to  serve  Thee  here  accord ; 
 I  am  a  stranger  with  Thee,  Lord, 
 A  sojourner  on  life's  brief  scene, 
 As  all  my  sires  before  have  been. 
 
 Then  spare  me,  for  a  little  spare ; 
 That  my  lost  strength  I  may  repair, 
 To  walk  with  Thee  e'er  hence  I  go, 
 And  be  no  longer  seen  below. 
 
 PSALM  XL. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JAMES  MERRICK,  1765. 
 
 An  acknowledgment  of  God's  deliverance,  and  Prayer  for 
 future  blessings,  prophetical  of  our  Lord's  obedience. 
 Heb.  x.  5. 
 
 With  patience  I  myself  resign'd 
 To  God,  and  He  His  ear  inclin'd, 
 
 And  heard  me  when  I  cried  ; 
 He  from  the  dark  and  miry  pit, 
 High  on  a  rock  has  raised  my  feet, 
 
 Nor  fear  my  steps  to  slide. 
 
PSALM  XL.  157 
 
 His  praise  inspires  my  grateful  tongue, 
 And  dictates  to  my  lips  a  song, 
 
 In  strains  unheard  before. 
 Admiring  crowds  His  work  shall  see, 
 Their  strength  on  Him  repose  with  me, 
 
 With  me  His  Name  adore. 
 
 Blest,  who  in  Thee,  Great  God,  confide ; 
 Nor  madly  trust  the  arm  of  pride, 
 
 And  words  that  but  betray ! 
 Thy  mercies,  Lord,  my  praise  surmount, 
 No  numbers  can  their  sum  recount, 
 
 No  tongue  their  worth  display. 
 
 Thou  didst  not  sacrifice  desire, 
 Nor  offerings  consumed  with  fire 
 
 To  Thee,  O  Lord,  were  dear ; 
 But  Thy  mysterious  decree, 
 1  A  body  hath  prepared  for  me, 
 
 And  ope'd  my  willing  ear. 
 
 1  See  the  Septuagint  translation,  and  Heb.  x.  5. 
 
158  PSALM  XL. 
 
 With  Thee  the  blood  of  victims  slain, 
 And  hallowed  gifts  are  all  in  vain ; 
 
 But  in  the  Book  of  Doom 
 'Twas  writ,  that  I  should  do  Thy  will : 
 Thy  bidding  therefore  to  fulfil, 
 
 I  come,  my  God,  I  come. 
 
 Thy  law  lies  deep  within  my  heart ; 
 I  will  to  multitudes  impart 
 
 That  Will,  whereon  I  rest ; 
 My  lips,  Thou  know'st,  1  have  not  seal'd ; 
 Nor  have  Thy  righteousness  conceal'd, 
 
 Retired  within  my  breast. 
 
 The  truth,  the  love,  that  I  have  known, 
 To  all  the  full  assembly  shown, 
 
 I  have  at  large  display'd. 
 Still  let  that  truth  dispel  my  woe ; 
 That  love,  O  Lord,  around  me  throw 
 
 Its  all-protecting  shade ! 
 
 For  griefs  on  griefs  enclose  me  round ; 
 With  looks  bent  down  unto  the  ground, 
 
PSALM  XL.  159 
 
 Beneath  the  weight  I  quail 
 Of  sins  on  sins,  unnumbered 
 As  are  the  hairs  upon  my  head : 
 
 For  this  my  heart  doth  fail. 
 
 2  Haste  to  Thy  servant's  rescue,  haste ! 
 My  soul  is  to  destruction  chased, 
 
 But  Thou  wilt  help  me  still. 
 In  wild  confusion  backward  borne, 
 Their  wish  defeated  let  them  mourn, 
 
 Who  seek  to  work  me  ill. 
 
 Be  shame  their  just  reward  assign'd, 
 Who  round  me,  with  relentless  mind, 
 
 Aha !  in  scorn  have  cried. 
 Thy  bliss  let  all  who  seek  Thee  share, 
 And  thus  Thy  love  aloud  declare  ; 
 
 "  The  Lord  be  magnified  ! " 
 
 Though  I  am  poor,  and  lowly  laid, 
 He  still  vouchsafes  to  be  my  aid ; 
 
 2  From  hence  to  the  conclusion,  this  Psalm  is  identical  with 
 the  seventieth. 
 
160  PSALM  XLI. 
 
 I  am  not  yet  forgot. 
 My  Helper  and  Deliverer,  speed 
 To  save  me  at  my  utmost  need ! 
 
 Jehovah,  tarry  not ! 
 
 PSALM  XLI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  CHRISTOPHER  SMART,  1765. 
 
 An  expression  of  confidence  in  God,  under  persecution  ;  pro- 
 phetical of  our  Lord.     St.  John  xiii.  18. 
 
 The  bounteous  man  is  blest, 
 
 Who  feels  for  want  and  woe ; 
 The  Lord  shall  on  him  when  distrest 
 
 His  timely  aid  bestow. 
 
 By  God  preserved  from  ill, 
 
 Long  blessed  shall  he  live  ; 
 For  to  his  adversary's  will 
 
 His  life  Thou  wilt  not  give. 
 
PSALM  XLI.  161 
 
 And  him  the  Lord  will  sooth, 
 When  pain  his  patience  tries ; 
 
 Thou  wilt  his  bed  of  sickness  smooth, 
 As  languishing  he  lies. 
 
 In  mercy  with  me  deal, 
 
 Thou  Gracious  God !  I  said  ; 
 
 Again  my  wounded  spirit  heal, 
 For  I  from  Thee  have  stray'd. 
 
 Mine  enemies  belie 
 
 With  evil  words  my  fame ; 
 "  When,"  say  they  fiercely,  "  will  he  die, 
 
 With  his  despised  name  ?  " 
 
 If  they  to  me  repair, 
 
 Their  words  are  guile  ;  they  load 
 Their  heart  with  wickedness,  and  bear 
 
 The  falsehood  forth  abroad. 
 
 My  foes  together  swarm, 
 
 And  whispering  at  me  rail ; 
 And  thus  their  evil  wish  they  form, 
 
 Thus  forge  their  slanderous  tale : 
 
162  PSALM  XLI. 
 
 "  The  doom  of  guilty  pain 
 Cleaves  to  him  as  he  lies ; 
 
 And,  now  cast  down,  to  life  again 
 He  shall  no  more  arise." 
 
 Yea,  he  who  shar'd  my  meal, 
 On  whom  my  soul  relied, 
 
 My  nearest  friend  has  raised  his  heel, 
 To  spurn  me  in  his  pride. 
 
 But  let  their  rage  excite 
 
 Thy  mercy,  Lord,  the  more  ; 
 
 And,  that  I  may  their  hate  requite, 
 My  strength  in  love  restore ! 
 
 By  this  I  rest  assured, 
 
 Thy  favour  I  have  got, 
 That  o'er  me,  from  his  wiles  secured, 
 
 My  foe  rejoiceth  not. 
 
 For  me  ;  that  I  am  whole, 
 Is  of  Thy  bounteous  grace  ; 
 
 And  Thou  at  last  wilt  take  my  soul 
 To  dwell  before  Thy  face. 
 
PSALM  XLII. 
 
 163 
 
 Be  this, — that  Israel's  Lord, 
 
 From  everlasting  blest, 
 
 To  everlasting  is  adored, — 
 
 With  loud  Aniens  confest. 
 
 PSALM  XLII. 
 
 JOSIAH 
 
 CONDER,  1837- 
 
 When   the  Psalmist  was  in  exile  (probably  ( 
 bellion   of  Absalom)   and   prevented  from 
 public  worship  of  the  house  of  God. 
 
 luring  the  re- 
 attending   the 
 
 a  As  pants  the  thirsting  hart  to 
 
 reach 
 
 the 
 
 distant 
 
 water-brook, 
 
 So  longs  my  weary  soul,  0  God, 
 
 upon 
 
 Thy 
 
 face  to 
 
 look; 
 
 For  God  I  thirst,  I  thirst  for  Him 
 
 the  source 
 
 )  of  life 
 
 and  joy; 
 
 0  when  among  bHis  saints  again  shall  praise  my 
 
 tongue  employ  ? 
 
 But  here  c  my  gushing  tears  have  been 
 
 my  food  by 
 
 night  and  day, 
 
 M  2 
 
164  PSALM  XLTI. 
 
 While    "Where   is   now    Thy   God?"    I   hear   the 
 
 taunting  heathen  say. 
 dI  think  upon  the  days,  and  mourn  the  holy  seasons 
 
 fled, 
 When  to  the  House  of  God  with  songs  the  joyous 
 
 train  I  led. 
 Yet  why  dejected,  O  my  soul  ?  why  faint  beneath 
 
 the  rod? 
 Hope  on ;  for  I  shall  praise  Him  still,  my  Helper 
 
 and  my  God. 
 But,  O  my  God,  the  thought  of  Thee  with  grief  my 
 
 bosom  fills ; 
 e  Hear,  when  I  call  from  Jordan's  land,  and  Her- 
 
 mon's  pleasant  hills ! 
 Around  the  f  bursting  waters   roar,   and   sdeep    to 
 
 deep  replies, 
 But  h  darker  waters  whelm  my  soul,  and  floods  of 
 
 trouble  rise. 
 1  Yet  in  Thy  loving-kindness  blest,  my  days  shall 
 
 pass  along ; 
 At  night  my  prayers  shall  rise  to  Thee,  Thy  praise 
 
 shall  be  my  song  ; 
 And  I  will  say,  O  God  my  Rock,  why  hast  Thou 
 
 cast  me  off, 
 
PSALM  XLIII.  ]65 
 
 kTo  groan  beneath  th'  oppressor's  hand,  and  bear 
 the  tyrant's  scoff? 
 
 Keen  as  a  sword  the  cruel  taunt,  repeated  day  by 
 day, 
 
 "  Where  is  the  God  he  trusted  in  ? "  my  foes  insult- 
 ing say. 
 
 Yet  why  art  Thou  cast  down,  my  soul  ?  why  faint 
 beneath  the  rod ! 
 
 Hope  on ;  for  I  shall  praise  Him  still,  my  Helper 
 and  my  God. 
 
 PSALM  XLIII. 
 
 JOSIAH  CONDER,  1837- 
 
 A  continuation  of  the  preceding  Psalm. 
 
 a  Judge  Thou,  and  plead  my  cause,  O  God,  against 
 
 a  godless  race ; 
 O  save   me    from  a  treacherous   foe,    unprincipled 
 
 and  base ! 
 
166  PSALM  XLIII. 
 
 For  Thou  my  strength  and  fortress  art ;  why  hast 
 
 Thou  cast  me  off, 
 bTo  groan  beneath  the  oppressor's  hand,  and  bear 
 
 the  tyrant's  scoff? 
 Send  forth  Thy  light  and  truth,  O  Lord ;  to  point 
 
 and  guide  my  road, 
 To  lead  me  to  Thy  holy  mount,  e'en  to  Thy  blest 
 
 abode. 
 Then  at  Thy  altar,  O  my  God,  my  harp  and  voice 
 
 shall  raise 
 To  Thee,  the  Author  of  my  joy,  triumphant  hymns 
 
 of  praise. 
 Then  why  art  thou  cast  down,  my  soul ;  why  faint 
 
 beneath  the  rod  ? 
 Hope  on ;  for  I  shall  praise  Him  still,  my  Saviour 
 
 and  my  God. 
 
167 
 
 PSALM  XLIV. 
 
 COUNTESS  OF  PEMBROKE,  1586. 
 
 Probably  written  at  the  time  of  some  great  national  affliction. 
 
 Lord,  our  Father's  true  relation, 
 a  Often  told,  hath  made  us  know 
 How  Thy  power,  on  each  occasion, 
 
 Thou  of  old  for  them  didst  show  ; 
 
 How  Thy  hand,  the  Pagan  foe 
 Rooting  hence,  Thy  folk  implanting, 
 
 Leafless  made  that  branch  to  grow, 
 This  to  spring,  no  verdure  wanting3. 
 
 Never  could  their  sword  procure  them 
 
 Conquest  of  the  promised  land  ; 
 Never  could  their  force  assure  them, 
 
 When  they  did  in  danger  stand ; 
 
 3  "Thou  didst  destroy  the  heathen,  but  them  Thou 
 causedst  to  spread  abroad." — French  and  Skinner's  transla- 
 tion. 
 
168  PSALM  XLIV. 
 
 No  ;  it  was  Thine  arm,  Thine  hand  ; 
 No  ;  it  was  Thy  favour's  treasure 
 
 Spent  upon  Thy  loved  band  ; 
 Loved  why  ? — for  Thy  wise  pleasure. 
 
 Unto  Thee  I  stand  subjected, 
 
 I  that  did  of  Jacob  spring  ; 
 Bid  then,  that  I  be  protected, 
 
 Thou  that  art  my  God,  my  King  ! 
 b  By  the  succour  Thou  wilt  bring, 
 We  our  foemen  us  assailing 
 
 Down  shall  tread,  and  back  shall  fling, 
 In  Thy  Name  confus'd  and  quailing. 
 
 But  my  trust  c  has  not  abided 
 
 On  my  own  though  strongest  bow ; 
 d  Hath  not  in  my  sword  confided, 
 Nor  from  it  shall  safety  flow  : 
 Thou,  O  God,  from  every  foe 
 
 Didst  us  shield,  our  haters  shaming : 
 Thence  Thy  daily  praise  we  show, 
 
 Still  Thy  Name  with  honour  naming. 
 
PSALM  XLIV.  169 
 
 But  aloof  Thou  now  dost  hover, 
 Grieving  us  with  all  disgrace, 
 
 Hast  resign'd  and  given  over 
 e  In  our  host  the  captain's  place  ; 
 Back  we  turn  that  turned  face, 
 
 Flying  them  that  erst  we  foiled ; 
 See  our  goods,  O  changed  case ! 
 
 Spoil'd  by  them  that  late  we  spoiled. 
 
 f  Here,  as  sheep  to  be  devoured, 
 
 Helpless  we  are  left  alone, 
 Midst  the  heathen  lands  outpoured, 
 
 Sold  to  dwell  with  lords  unknown ; 
 
 Told  for  us  is  silver  none, 
 Us  Thine  own ;  by  Thee  so  prized, 
 
 As  for  nought  to  be  foregone  ; 
 Graceless,  worthless,  vile,  despised. 
 
 s  Thou  to  them  that  dwell  about  us 
 Makest  us  the  mark  of  scorn  ; 
 All  our  neighbours  mock  and  flout  us, 
 Left  by  Thee  in  shame  forlorn ; 
 
170  PSALM  XLIV. 
 
 Proverb-like,  our  names  are  worn, 
 By  the  heathen  them  degrading  ; — 
 
 O  !  what  bye- words  are  forborne, 
 Shaken  heads,  and  dumb  upbraiding  ? 
 
 So  rebuke  before  me  goeth, 
 h  Wheresoe'er  I  daily  go  ; 
 So  confusion  on  me  groweth, 
 That  my  face  I  blush  to  show  ; 
 By  reviling,  sland'rous  foe, 
 Inly  wounded  thus  I  languish, 
 1  While  the  proud  avenger  so 
 Anguish  adds  to  inward  anguish. 
 
 All,  this  all  on  us  hath  lighted, 
 
 Yet  to  Thee  our  love  doth  last ; 
 As  we  were,  we  are  delighted 
 
 Still  to  hold  Thy  cov'nant  fast ; 
 
 Unto  none  our  hearts  have  past, 
 Unto  none  J  our  footstep  slide th, 
 
 Though  to  noisome  dragons  cast, 
 Us  the  deadly  shadow  hideth. 
 
PSALM  XLIV.  171 
 
 If  our  God  we  had  forsaken, 
 
 Or  forgot  what  He  assign'd  ; 
 If  ourselves  we  had  betaken 
 
 Gods  to  serve  of  other  kind  ; 
 
 Should  not  He  our  doubling  find, 
 Though  conceal'd,  and  closely  lurking  ? 
 
 Since  His  eye  of  deepest  mind 
 k  Searcheth  out  the  deepest  working. 
 
 Surely,  Lord,  this  daily  murther, 
 For  Thy  sake  we  thus  sustain ; 
 For  Thy  sake  esteem'd  no  further, 
 Than  as  sheep  that  must  be  slain. 
 Up,  O  Lord,  up  once  again ! 
 1  God  of  might,  awake  from  sleeping  ! 
 Why  dost  Thou  forget  our  pain  ? 
 m  Why  thus  hide  Thee  from  our  weeping  ? 
 
 n  Bow'd  with  shame  our  spirit  grieveth, 
 Prostrate  it  on  dust  doth  lie  ; 
 
 0  To  the  earth  our  body  cleaveth, 
 Nothing  can  the  clasp  untie. 
 
172  PSALM  XLV. 
 
 Rise,  O  God,  and  help  supply! 
 O  in  mercy  so  esteem  us, 
 
 That  we  may  Thy  mercy  try ; 
 Mercy  may  from  thrall  redeem  us. 
 
 PSALM  XLV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  WILLIAM  BARTON,  1644. 
 
 "  A  Song  of  Loves,"  probably  a  nuptial  hymn,  on  the  mar- 
 riage of  Solomon ;  typifying  the  divine  union  betwixt 
 Christ  and  His  Church. — Rev.  xix.  7- 
 
 Good  words  my  heart  would  bring 
 To  praise  th'  Anointed  King ; 
 
 That  praise  to  men  my  tongue,  than  pen 
 Of  scribe  more  prompt,  would  sing. 
 
 Fairer  than  men  below  ! 
 
 Grace  from  Thy  lips  doth  flow ; 
 
 On  thee  therefore  God  evermore 
 His  blessing  doth  bestow. 
 
PSALM  XLV.  173 
 
 Thy  sword  gird  on  Thy  thigh, 
 And  in  Thy  Majesty 
 
 Ride  on,  O  King,  all  conquering, 
 Still  ride  on  prosperously. 
 
 For  meekness  onward  press, 
 And  truth  and  righteousness  ; 
 
 And  Thy  right  hand  shall  still  command 
 A  terrible  success. 
 
 The  arrows  of  Thy  might 
 Thy  foes,  O  King,  shall  smite ; 
 
 They  feel  the  smart  within  their  heart, 
 And  crouching  own  Thy  right. 
 
 Thy  throne,  O  God  Most  High, 
 Abides  perpetually ; 
 
 Thy  sceptre's  sway  maintains  the  way 
 Of  truth  and  equity. 
 
 Since  thou  hast  sin  abhorr'd, 
 And  loved  truth,  thy  Lord 
 
 The  oil  of  love,  and  joy  above 
 Thy  fellows  on  thee  pour'd. 
 
174  PSALM  XLV. 
 
 Forth  from  the  ivory  domes 
 That  glad  thee,  odour  comes  ; 
 
 And  cassia,  myrrh,  and  aloes  are 
 Thy  garments'  rich  perfumes. 
 
 Among  Thy  train  enroll'd, 
 Kings'  daughters  we  behold ; 
 
 At  Thy  right  hand  the  queen  did  stand, 
 All  deck'd  in  Ophir's  gold. 
 
 Daughter  attend  ;  give  o'er 
 Cares  cherish'd  heretofore ; 
 
 Forget  thine  own  ;  and  think  upon 
 Thy  father's  house  no  more. 
 
 So  shall  Thy  charms  inspire 
 The  king  with  strong  desire  ; 
 
 And  none  but  He,  thy  Lord  may  be, 
 Thy  worship  to  require. 
 
 And  Tyre's  fair  daughter  there, 
 To  Thee  a  gift  shall  bear ; 
 
 The  Gentiles,  which  are  great  and  rich, 
 Shall  crave  Thy  grace  to  share. 
 
PSALM  XLV.  175 
 
 Behold  the  royal  maid, 
 In  fined  gold  array'd  ; 
 
 Her  inward  dress  is  holiness, 
 And  glory  undisplay'd. 
 
 She,  robed  in  broidery, 
 Led  to  her  King  shall  be  ; 
 
 Her  virgin  mates,  within  thy  gates, 
 Shall  bear  her  company. 
 
 With  joy  shall  they  be  brought, 
 And,  in  triumphant  sort, 
 
 The  nuptial  throng  shall  move  along, 
 And  fill  the  royal  court. 
 
 Then,  in  thy  father's  stead, 
 Thou  shalt  have  children  bred, 
 
 As  princes  high  in  dignity, 
 The  earth  to  overspread. 
 
 I'll  make  Thy  Name,  O  Lord, 
 In  every  age  adored ; 
 
 Thy  praises  all  the  people  shall, 
 For  evermore  record. 
 
176 
 
 PSALM  XLVI. 
 
 ANONYMOUS,  OXFORD,  1839. 
 
 An  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving  for  God's  protection. 
 
 God,  our  hope  and  strength  abiding, 
 Soothes  our  dread,  exceeding  nigh  ; 
 
 Fear  we  not  the  a  earth  subsiding, 
 Roots  of  mountains  heaving  high  ; 
 Darkly  heaving, 
 
 Where  in  Ocean's  heart  they  lie. 
 
 Let  them  roar,  His  awful  surges ; 
 
 Let  them  boil — each  dark-brow'd  hill 
 Tremble,  where  the  proud  wave  urges  : 
 
 Here  is  yet  one  quiet  rill ; 
 
 Her  calm  waters, 
 
 Sion's  joy,  flow  clear  and  still : 
 
 Joy  of  God's  abode,  the  station 
 
 Where  th'  Eternal  fixt  His  tent : — 
 
 God  is  there,  a  strong  salvation ; 
 On  her  place  she  towers  unbent. 
 
PSALM  XLVI.  177 
 
 God  will  aid  her, 
 E'er  the  b  early  dawn  be  spent. 
 
 Heathens  rage,  dominions  tremble  ; 
 
 God  spake  out,  earth  melts  away; 
 God  is  where  our  hosts  assemble, 
 
 Jacob's  God,  our  rock  and  stay. 
 Come,  behold  Him 
 O'er  the  wide  earth  wars  allay. 
 
 Come,  behold  God's  work  of  wonder, 
 
 Scaring,  wasting  earth  below ; 
 How  He  knapt  the  spear  in  sunder, 
 
 How  He  brake  the  warrior's  bow. 
 Wild  war-chariots 
 c  In  the  flames  consuming  glow. 
 
 "  Silence — for  th'  Almighty  know  me  ; 
 
 O'er  the  heathen  throned  am  I  ; 
 Throned,    where    earth    must    crouch    before 
 
 me :" — 
 
 Lord  of  Hosts  !  we  know  Thee  nigh  ; 
 God  of  Jacob ! 
 Thou  art  still  our  Rock  on  high. 
 
178 
 
 PSALM  XLVI. 
 
 2nd  VERSION,  MILES  SMYTH,  1668. 
 
 God  is  our  refuge,  our  strong  fort, 
 At  hand  in  trouble  a  support ; 
 
 No  fear  shall  put  our  hearts  to  pain. 
 Though  earth  be  from  her  basis  borne, 
 And  hills,  from  their  foundation  torn, 
 
 Be  hurl'd  into  the  foaming  main. 
 
 Although  the  breaking  billows  roar, 
 And  troubled  roll  from  shore  to  shore, 
 
 That  mountains  at  their  swelling  shake  ; 
 Yet  river-streams  with  joy  shall  fill 
 God's  city,  on  whose  holy  hill 
 
 The  Highest  doth  His  dwelling  make. 
 
 God  is  within  her  walls ;  no  powers 
 Shall  overturn  her  lofty  towers, 
 
PSALM  XLVI.  179 
 
 His  early  help  shall  be  her  stay ; 
 The  heathen  raged,  a  the  kingdoms  shook, 
 Jehovah  spake  ;  as  thunder- strook, 
 
 The  earth  in  fear  dissolved  away. 
 
 The  God  of  Hosts  doth  for  us  fight, 
 The  God  of  Jacob,  strong  in  might, 
 
 Our  refuge  is,  and  present  aid  : 
 Come,  see  the  wonders  He  hath  wrought, 
 What  desolations,  past  all  thought, 
 
 He  on  the  trembling  earth  hath  made. 
 
 He,  throughout  the  world,  says  "  Peace  ;" 
 b  His  bidding  maketh  war  to  cease, 
 
 And  from  the  wasted  earth  retire  ; 
 He  breaks  the  mighty  warrior's  bow, 
 Shivers  the  horseman's  lance  in  two, 
 
 And  burns  the  chariot  in  the  fire. 
 
 "  Be  still,  and  know,  your  God  am  I ; 
 I  o'er  the  heathen  will  be  high, 
 n  2 
 
130  PSALM  XLVII. 
 
 In  earth  Supreme  and  Sovereign  made. 
 The  Lord  of  Hosts  doth  for  us  fight, 
 The  God  of  Jacob,  strong  in  might, 
 
 Our  refuge  is,  and  present  aid. 
 
 PSALM  XLVII. 
 
 BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 Probably  on  the  occasion  of  bringing  the  ark  into  Mount 
 Zion  :  (see  the  24th  and  68th  Psalms,)  and  prophetical  of 
 Christ's  Ascension. 
 
 O  all  ye  people,  clap  your  hands, 
 And  with  triumphant  voices  sing ; 
 
 No  force  the  mighty  power  withstands 
 Of  God,  the  Universal  King. 
 
 He  shall  opposing  nations  quell, 
 And  with  success  our  battles  fight ; 
 
 Shall  fix  the  place  where  we  must  dwell, 
 The  pride  of  Jacob,  His  delight. 
 
PSALM  XLVII.  181 
 
 God  is  gone  up,  our  Lord  and  King, 
 
 With  shouts  of  joy,  and  trumpets'  sound  ; 
 To  Him  repeated  praises  bring, 
 And  let  the  cheerful  a  hymn  go  round. 
 
 Your  b  goodliest  skill  in  praise  be  shown 
 To  Him  who  all  the  earth  commands ; 
 
 Who  sits  upon  His  righteous  throne, 
 
 And  spreads  His  sway  o'er  heathen  lands. 
 
 b  Nations  and  princes  far  from  hence, 
 Shall  unto  Abram's  God  draw  nigh  ; 
 
 And  find  in  Him  their  sure  defence, 
 Who  shields  His  people  from  on  high. 
 
182 
 
 PSALM  XL VIII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 Upon  some  providential  deliverance  of  Jerusalem. 
 
 a  Great  is  the  Lord  ;  His  glory  great 
 
 Upon  His  holy  mount  should  be ; 
 For  Sion  is  a  goodly  b  seat, 
 
 The  praise  of  all  the  earth  is  she. 
 She  northward  stands,  and  she  c  is  hight 
 The  city  of  the  Lord  of  might. 
 
 The  Lord  is  known  to  be  her  guard ; 
 
 For  when  great  kings  against  her  came, 
 They  much  admired  ;  admiring  fear'd ; 
 
 And  fearing  fled  away  with  shame  : 
 E'en  with  such  pangs,  and  such  like  fear, 
 As  women  that  in  travail  are. 
 
 For  Thou  didst  raise  an  eastern  wind, 
 Which  all  the  ships  of  d  Tarshish  brake  ; 
 
 And,  Lord  of  Hosts,  now  true  we  find, 
 What  others  of  Thy  city  spake  ; 
 
PSALM  XLVIII.  183 
 
 Yea,  we  have  heard,  and  now  we  see, 
 That  God  will  still  her  keeper  be. 
 
 Within  Thy  temple  we,  O  God, 
 
 Upon  Thy  loving-kindness  thought ; 
 
 Thy  Name  is  published  abroad, 
 
 With  justice  Thy  right  hand  is  fraught. 
 
 *  Thy  truth,  with  joy,  let  Sion's  mount, 
 
 Let  Judah's  daughters  all  recount. 
 
 Through  Sion  go  ;  about  her  walk, 
 
 f  And  mark  her  towers  and  bulwarks  well ; 
 
 That  of  her  beauties  you  may  talk, 
 g  Her  glories  to  your  children  tell. 
 
 For  God  h  for  aye  will  be  our  guide, 
 
 1  And  until  death  our  God  abide. 
 
184 
 
 PSALM  XLIX. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  GEORGE  WITHER,'  1632. 
 
 The  vanity  of  worldly  wealth  and  prosperity. 
 
 Ye  dwellers  all  on  earth,  give  ear, 
 
 Both  rich  and  poor,  and  high  and  low ! 
 For  musings  deep  I  will  declare, 
 
 And  wisdom  from  my  tongue  shall  flow. 
 Mine  ear  inclines  to  mystic  lays  ; 
 
 Dark  sayings  doth  my  harp  expound. 
 4  Why  should  I  fear  in  evil  days, 
 
 When  sinners  hem  me  in  around  ? 
 
 Mark  those,  who  on  their  wealth  rely, 
 And  glory  in  their  store's  increase  ; 
 
 Not  one  a  brother's  life  can  buy, 
 
 Nor  from  his  God  procure  him  peace. 
 
 4  Wherefore  should  I  fear  in  the  days  of  calamity,  when 
 the  wickedness  of  my  supplanters  hemmeth  me  in  ? — French 
 and  Skinner. 
 
PSALM  XLIX.  185 
 
 The  soul's  redemption  is  so  dear, 
 That  no  man  can  sufficient  have 
 
 To  purchase  life  for  ever  here, 
 Or  scape  corruption  in  the  grave. 
 
 Men  see  the  fool  and  wise  man  fall, 
 
 And  all  their  hoards  to  others  past ; 
 Yet  by  their  names  their  lands  they  call, 
 
 And  think  their  house  will  ever  last. 
 But  man's  vain  honour  soon  decays, 
 
 E'en  as  the  brutish  herd  they  die  ; 
 And  though  their  seed  their  sayings  praise, 
 
 Their  way  is  only  vanity. 
 
 Like  sheep,  they  in  the  grave  are  laid, 
 
 Where  hungry  death  shall  on  them  prey ; 
 Their  glories  in  the  dust  shall  fade, 
 
 And  just  men  rise  more  blest  than  they. 
 But  God  my  soul  from  hell  will  free, 
 
 And  home  receive  me  to  Himself: — 
 Then  fear  Thou  not,  if  one  thou  see, 
 
 Surpassing  thee  in  place  or  pelf; 
 
186  PSALM  L. 
 
 For  though  his  life  more  blest  he  thought, 
 
 And  others  did  his  path  commend, 
 He  to  his  grave  shall  carry  nought, 
 
 Nor  shall  his  pomp  to  him  descend. 
 No  ;  to  his  fathers  he  must  pass, 
 
 And  lie  in  darkness  quite  forgot. — 
 Man,  foolish  man,  in  honour'd  place, 
 
 Is  like  the  beast,  which  dies  to  rot. 
 
 PSALM  L. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1834. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  Asaph 5."  The  Almighty  is  represented  as 
 calling  all  mankind  to  judgment  on  Mount  Zion,  and  re- 
 proving those,  who  valued  themselves  on  their  legal  ob- 
 servances to  the  neglect  of  the  religion  of  the  heart. 
 
 Jehovah,  Mighty  God, 
 Hath  sent  His  voice  abroad, 
 
 And,  from  the  rising  to  the  setting  sun, 
 
 5  See  1  Chron.  xvi.  4  and  5. 
 
PSALM  L.  187 
 
 Made  through  the  world  be  heard 
 His  everlasting  Word : — 
 
 From  beauteous  Sion  forth  His  presence  shone. 
 Our  God  shall  come,  nor  silence  keep, 
 Before  Him  fire  shall  burn,  and  whirlwinds  round 
 Him  sweep. 
 
 To  earth,  and  highest  Heaven, 
 His  summons  shall  be  given, 
 
 The  solemn  Judgment  of  His  Saints  to  hear ; 
 "  Gather  my  people  round, 
 a  By  holy  cov'nant  bound, 
 
 And  solemn  sacrifice  my  name  to  fear." 
 The  heavens  His  justice  shall  record  ; 
 The  Lord  is  Judge  Himself,    and  righteous  is  the 
 Lord. 
 
 "  Hear,  O  my  people,  hear ! 
 O  Israel  lend  thine  ear, 
 
 While  I  the  measure  of  thy  guilt  proclaim. 
 b  Jehovah  the  Most  High, 
 Thy  God  and  King  am  I : 
 
 Not  thy  neglect  of  stated  gifts  I  blame  : 
 
188                                    PSALM  L. 
 
 Duly  the  hallowed  victim  dies, 
 
 And  on  my  altar  smokes  the  appointed  sacrifice. 
 
 c  I  ask  no  stalled  ox, 
 
 Nor  he-goats  from  thy  flocks  ; 
 
 For  the  wild  forest-broods  are  all  mine 
 
 own, 
 
 And  Mine  the  herd  that  fills 
 
 Earth  and  her  thousand  hills  ; 
 
 Each    mountain    fowl,     deach    beast 
 
 to    me    is 
 
 known. 
 
 To  thee  Mine  hunger  should  I  tell  ? — 
 
 The   ample   earth   is    Mine,   and  all  on 
 
 earth  that 
 
 dwell. 
 
 Think'st  thou  that  I  will  feast 
 
 On  flesh  of  fatten'd  beast, 
 
 e  Or  that  I  thirst  to  drink  the  he-goat's 
 
 blood? 
 
 No  ;  on  My  altar  raise 
 
 The  sacrifice  of  praise, 
 
 f  Go,  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  Most  Hig 
 
 hGod; 
 
 And  seek  My  succour  in  distress, 
 
 And  I  will  be  thy  shield,  and  thou  My 
 
 name  shalt 
 
 bless. 
 
PSALM  L.  189 
 
 g  But  why,  vain  man,  wilt  thou 
 My  covenant  avow  ? " 
 
 (Thus  on  the  impious  lights  the  stern  reproof,) 
 "  Say,  why,  with  babbling  vain, 
 Wilt  thou  My  laws  profane  ? 
 
 Thy  hatred  virtue  is,  My  law  thy  scoff. 
 The  thief  thou  join'st  with  ready  aid, 
 And  with  the  adulterous  herd  thy  portion  thou  hast 
 made. 
 
 h  Thou,  with  thy  slanderous  tongue, 
 Didst,  in  deceit  and  wrong, 
 
 Thy    brother,     thine     own    mother's    son    blas- 
 pheme ; 
 I  mark'd  each  guilty  deed, 
 But  mark'd  with  silent  heed, 
 
 Till  thou  thy  Maker  like  thyself  didst  deem  : 
 But  I  will  strip  thy  vileness  bare, 
 And  to  thy  conscious  face  thy  guiltiness  declare. 
 
 This  in  your  bosoms  set, 
 O  ye  who  God  forget, 
 
190  PSALM  LI. 
 
 1  Lest  vengeful  wrath  (and  none  to  help)  ensue ; 
 Who  to  Jehovah  raise 
 The  sacrifice  of  praise, 
 
 They  on  His  altar  wait  with  honour  due  : 
 And  who  the  path  of  right  hath  trod, 
 On  him  My  blessing  rests,  salvation  from  his  God. 
 
 PSALM  LI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 u  A  Psalm  of  David,  when  Nathan  the  prophet  came  unto 
 him,  after  he  had  gone  in  to  Bathsheba."  2  Sam.  xii.  1. 
 The  fourth  of  the  seven  Penitential  Psalms  ;  in  sorrow  and 
 anguish  of  spirit  for  notorious  and  aggravated  sin. 
 
 Show  pity,  Lord  ;  O  Lord  forgive  ; 
 Let  a  repenting  sinner  live ! 
 O  let  Thy  mercy,  large  and  free, 
 Blot  out  my  foul  offence  from  me ! 
 
 O  wash  me  throughly  from  my  sin, 
 And  cleanse  me  from  this  stain  within : 
 
PSALM  LI.  191 
 
 For  on  my  heart  the  burden  lies ; 
 My  sin  is  still  before  mine  eyes. 
 
 Wrought  in  Thy  sight,  'gainst  Thee  alone, 
 
 0  Lord,  with  shame  my  guilt  I  own ; 
 And,  though  Thy  judgment  be  severe, 
 
 1  am  condemn'd,  but  Thou  art  clear. 
 
 Lo !  I  am  vile,  conceiv'd  in  sin, 
 And  born  unholy  and  unclean  ; 
 But  Thou  desir'st  a  perfect  heart, 
 And  wisdom  in  our  inward  part. 
 
 With  cleansing  hyssop  purge  me  quite ; 
 Wash  me  than  falling  snow  more  white ; 
 And  let  me  hear  Thy  gladdening  voice, 
 To  make  my  broken  bones  rejoice ! 
 
 Though  all  my  crimes  before  Thee  lie, 
 O  from  them  turn  away  Thine  eye ; 
 Behold  them  not  with  angry  look, 
 But  blot  the  record  from  Thy  book. 
 
192  PSALM  LI. 
 
 Reform  my  nature  ;  and  within 
 Plant  a  new  soul  averse  from  sin : 
 Let  Thy  Good  Spirit  ne'er  depart, 
 Nor  hide  Thy  presence  from  my  heart. 
 
 Give  back,  my  weakness  to  sustain, 
 The  comfort  of  Thy  help  again  ; 
 And  with  Thy  Spirit  strong  and  free, 
 O  Lord,  my  Saviour,  stablish  me ! 
 
 Then  will  I  teach  the  world  Thy  ways ; 
 Sinners  shall  learn  Thy  sov'reign  grace ; 
 Then,  purged  from  the  foul  guilt  of  blood, 
 My  tongue  shall  sing  a  pardoning  God. 
 
 Thou  shalt  unclose  my  lips,  O  Lord, 
 And  I  shall  tell  Thy  praise  abroad : — 
 Burnt-offerings  are  not  Thy  desire, 
 Else  should  they  feed  Thine  altar-fire. 
 
 A  broken  heart,  my  God,  my  King, 
 Is  all  the  sacrifice  I  bring ; 
 The  God  of  grace  will  ne'er  despise 
 A  broken  heart  for  sacrifice. 
 
PSALM  LII.  193 
 
 O  !  in  Thy  gracious  mercy,  still 
 Do  good  to  Sion's  favour'd  hill ; 
 Built  up  by  Thine  own  hand,  O  Lord, 
 Be  Salem's  walls  again  restor'd ! 
 
 So  shalt  Thou  still,  well-pleased,  bless 
 The  sacrifice  of  righteousness  ! 
 Nor  yet  our  choicest  gifts  disdain, 
 Young  bullocks  on  Thine  altar  slain. 
 
 PSALM  LII. 
 
 SCOTTISH  VERSION,  1650. 
 
 "  When  Doeg  the  Edomite  came  and  told  Saul,  and  said 
 unto  him,  David  is  come  to  the  house  of  Ahimelech." — 
 1  Sam.  xxii.  9. 
 
 Why  dost  thou  boast,  O  mighty  man, 
 
 Of  mischief  and  of  ill  ? 
 The  goodness  of  Almighty  God 
 
 Endureth  ever  still. 
 
194  PSALM  LII. 
 
 Thy  tongue  mischievous  calumny 
 
 a  Doth  subtilely  devise  ; 
 Like  to  a  razor,  sharp  to  cut, 
 
 b  It  ever  forgeth  lies. 
 
 Ill  more  than  good,  and  more  than  truth, 
 
 Thou  lovest  to  speak  wrong ; 
 Thou  lovest  all  devouring  words, 
 
 O  thou  deceitful  tongue  ! 
 c  And  therefore  God  shall  thee  destroy, 
 
 Remove,  and  pluck  away 
 From  out  thine  house,  from  out  the  land 
 
 Of  living  men  for  aye. 
 
 The  righteous  shall  behold  and  fear ; 
 
 d  And  shall  deride  his  fall ; 
 "  Lo  !  here  the  man,  that  did  not  rest 
 
 In  God  his  strength  at  all : 
 But  he  in  his  abundant  wealth 
 
 His  confidence  did  place  ; 
 And  he  took  strength  unto  himself, 
 
 From  his  own  wickedness." 
 
PSALM  LIII.  195 
 
 But  I  am  in  the  House  of  God, 
 
 Like  to  an  olive  green ; 
 My  confidence  for  ever  hath 
 
 Upon  God's  mercy  been. 
 c  And  I,  for  this  that  Thou  hast  done, 
 
 For  aye  Thy  praise  will  tell ; 
 I  on  Thy  Name  will  wait,  because 
 
 Thy  saints  approve  it  well. 
 
 PSALM  LIII6. 
 
 C.  F.  AND  E.  C,  1838. 
 
 "  There  is  no  God,"  the  fool  hath  said, 
 
 In  his  corrupted  heart. 
 Vile  are  their  doings,  and  their  paths 
 
 From  virtue's  far  apart. 
 The  Lord  look'd  down  from  Heaven  on  high, 
 
 From  His  own  bright  abode, 
 To  mark  if  'mong  the  sons  of  men, 
 
 But  one  would  seek  his  God  : 
 
 6  See  note  on  the  14th  Psalm,  with  which  this  is  almost 
 identical. 
 
 o  2 
 
196  PSALM  LIII. 
 
 But  all  had  wander'd  from  the  way, 
 All,  all  from  goodness  gone  astray. 
 
 Have  they  no  knowledge,  that  they  thus 
 
 Are  vile  in  deed  and  word ; 
 My  flock  devouring,  as  'twere  bread, 
 
 Nor  calling  on  the  Lord ! 
 Yet  were  they  brought  in  abject  fear 
 
 Where  cause  for  fear  was  not ; 
 For  God  is  on  the  good  man's  side, 
 
 His  cause  is  ne'er  forgot. 
 But  you  have  dared  to  mock  the  just, 
 Because  in  God  he  puts  his  trust. 
 
 O  who  to  Israel's  failing  heart, 
 
 From  Zion's  holy  hill 
 Shall  bring  salvation  ?     Even  He, 
 
 Who  guards,  and  guides  her  still. 
 O  !  when  the  Lord  shall  turn  again 
 
 The  bondage  of  our  land, 
 And  bid  His  people  rise  once  more, 
 
 Strong  in  His  strength  to  stand ; 
 
PSALM  LIV.  197 
 
 Then  Jacob  shall  exalt  his  voice, 
 And  Israel  in  her  God  rejoice. 
 
 PSALM  LIV. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 "  When  the  Ziphims  came  and  said  to  Saul,  Doth  not  David 
 hide  himself  with  us  !"     1  Sam.  xxiii.  19. 
 
 Be  Thy  Name,  O  God,  my  tower ; 
 Be  my  guide,  O  Lord,  thy  power ; 
 
 Hear  my  prayer,  attend  my  cries ! 
 Strangers  strive  to  work  me  ill, 
 Tyrants  seek  my  blood  to  spill ; 
 
 God  is  not  before  their  eyes. 
 Lo  !  the  Lord  His  arm  extends, 
 Those,  who  help  me,  God  befriends. 
 
 a  Vengeance  He  upon  the  head 
 Of  mine  enemies  shall  shed  ; 
 
 Them  from  earth  Thy  truth  shall  raze. 
 Freely,  I  mine  offerings  bring, 
 
198  PSALM  LV. 
 
 Freely,  Lord,  Thy  praises  sing ; 
 Goodly  is  the  voice  of  praise. 
 Firm  in  His  support,  mine  eye 
 Dares  my  circling  foes  defy. 
 
 PSALM  LV. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 Probably  composed  when  David  was  driven  from  Jerusalem 
 by  his  son  Absalom. — 2  Sam.  xv.  13. 
 
 O  God,  h  unto  my  prayer  give  ear, 
 
 Nor  pass  Thy  suppliant  by  ; 
 b  Take  heed  unto  me,  Lord,  and  hear, 
 
 For  c  vext,  and  faint  am  I : 
 d  Aloud  I  mourn  my  misery, 
 
 And  my  lament  prolong, 
 For  the  triumphant  slanderer's  cry, 
 
 The  vile  oppressor's  wrong. 
 
PSALM  LV.  199 
 
 O'erwhelming  crimes  my  foes  conspire 
 
 Upon  my  soul  to  lay  ; 
 The  rancour  of  relentless  ire 
 
 Against  me  they  display  : 
 My  heart  with  anguish  faints  away, 
 
 Death's  terrors  o'er  me  roll, 
 Fear  shakes  my  limbs,  and  dark  dismay, 
 
 And  horror  whelms  my  soul. 
 
 And  O,  I  said,  O  would  that  I 
 
 The  dove's  fleet  wings  possest ; 
 c  Then  would  I  far  from  trouble  fly, 
 
 And  refuge  seek,  and  rest ; 
 f  Far  in  some  desert's  lonely  breast 
 
 A  sheltering  h  home  would  find ; 
 Swift  from  the  rushing  whirlwind  haste, 
 
 And  leave  the  storm  behind. 
 
 Confound,  O  Lord,  divide  their  tongue ; 
 
 For,  ceaseless  g  in  my  sight, 
 Stalk  through  the  city  factious  Wrong, 
 
 Debate,  and  lawless  Might : 
 
200  PSALM  LV. 
 
 h  They  gird  her  walls  by  day,  by  night ; 
 
 *  Woe  walks  in  every  street ; 
 With  Rapine,  and  Disdain  of  right, 
 
 And  Treachery,  and  Deceit. 
 
 j  No  outrage  from  an  open  foe 
 
 The  words,  that  wound  me,  are ; 
 The  pain  of  that  expected  blow 
 
 My  soul  had  learn'd  to  bear. 
 It  was  not  hate,  untaught  to  spare, 
 
 Against  me  rear'd  its  head ; 
 For  then  my  soul,  with  watchful  care, 
 
 To  safety  would  have  fled  : 
 
 But  Thou,  the  chosen  of  my  heart, 
 
 k  On  whom  my  soul  relied, 
 As  of  her  very  self  a  part, 
 
 Her  counsellor  and  guide  ; 
 Together  for  one  end  allied, 
 
 In  concert  sweet  we  trod ; 
 And  still  together,  side  by  side, 
 
 We  sought  the  House  of  God. 
 
PSALM  LV.  201 
 
 1  Let  death  surprise  them  ;  quick  to  hell's 
 
 Abode  may  they  descend ; 
 For  sin  within  their  mansion  dwells, 
 
 Their  own  familiar  friend. 
 But  I  to  God  my  voice  will  send : 
 
 To  Him  at  closing  day, 
 m  And  earliest  morn,  and  noon  I'll  bend, 
 
 To  Him  devoutly  pray. 
 
 And  He  shall  hear  me,  He  shall  shield ; 
 
 n  My  soul  His  peace  hath  known  ; 
 He  saved  me  in  the  battle-field, 
 
 An  host  Himself  alone. 
 Lord  of  the  everlasting  throne, 
 
 He  marks  with  vengeance  due 
 Those,  who  refuse  His  fear  to  own, 
 
 And  sin  unchanged  pursue. 
 
 For  see  the  wretch,  whose  °  faithless  hand 
 
 Prepares  the  deadly  blow, 
 P  In  breach  of  friendship's  holy  band, 
 
 Nor  heeds  his  plighted  vow ; 
 
202  PSALM  LV. 
 
 War  in  his  heart ;  <*  yet,  in  their  show, 
 As  butter  smooth  his  words  : 
 
 More  soft  than  oil  his  accents  flow, 
 But  pierce  like  naked  swords. 
 
 Cast  on  the  Lord  Thy  constant  care ; 
 
 He'll  well  thy  trust  repay, 
 Thee  in  His  arms  of  mercy  bear, 
 
 Nor  cast  the  just  away. 
 Who  plot  deceit,  who  thirst  to  slay, 
 
 E'er  half  their  days  they  see, 
 Thou  in  corruption's  pit  wilt  lay : 
 
 But  s  I  will  trust  in  Thee. 
 
203 
 
 PSALM  LVI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 A  Psalm  of  David,  "  when  the  Philistines  took  him  in  Gath  ;" 
 before  he  escaped  to  the  cave  Adullam. — 1  Sam.  xxii.  1. 
 
 Have  mercy  Lord,  O  Thou  most  high : 
 
 For  man,  with  wakeful  spite, 
 Doth  daily  to  devour  me  try, 
 
 Against  me  daily  fight. 
 
 Each  day  my  countless  enemies 
 Would  make  my  life  their  prey  ; 
 
 But,  Lord,  on  Thee  my  soul  relies, 
 When  terrors  most  dismay. 
 
 In  God,  because  His  word  is  true, 
 
 I  have  reposed  my  trust ; 
 Nor  will  I  fear  what  man  can  do, 
 
 The  offspring  of  the  dust. 
 
204  PSALM  LVI. 
 
 They  wrest  my  words  ;  and  day  by  day, 
 
 Their  mischief  they  devise  ; 
 Unseen  they  meet,  to  mark  my  way, 
 
 And  would  my  soul  surprise. 
 
 Shall  they  escape  without  Thy  frown  ? 
 
 Must  their  devices  stand  ? 
 O  !  cast  the  haughty  sinners  down, 
 
 And  let  them  know  Thy  hand. 
 
 Thou  tell'st  the  wanderings  of  Thy  saints, 
 
 And  numberest  their  fears  ; 
 Thou  hast  a  book  for  my  complaints, 
 
 A  vial  for  my  tears. 
 
 When  to  Thy  throne  I  raise  my  cry, 
 
 My  foes  shall  fear  and  flee  ; 
 For  this  I  know, — my  God  is  nigh, 
 
 And  taketh  part  with  me. 
 
 In  God,  because  His  Word  is  true, 
 
 I  have  reposed  my  trust ; 
 Nor  will  I  fear  what  man  can  do, 
 
 The  offspring  of  the  dust. 
 
PSALM  LVII.  205 
 
 Thy  vows  are  on  me  ;  and  aloud 
 
 I  therefore  will  upraise 
 To  Thee,  O  God,  as  I  have  vow'd, 
 
 My  grateful  hymns  of  praise. 
 
 My  soul  Thou  savedst  from  the  dead ; 
 
 0  !  set  my  footsteps  free, 
 That,  while  by  life  enlightened, 
 
 1  still  may  walk  with  Thee ! 
 
 PSALM  LVII. 
 
 BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 "  When  David  fled  from  Saul  in  the  cave,"  at  Engedi. — 
 1  Sam.  xxiv.  1.     See  Ps.  cxlii. 
 
 Thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  me  extend  ; 
 On  Thy  protection  I  depend, 
 And  to  Thy  wings  for  shelter  haste, 
 a  Until  this  storm  be  overpast. 
 
 b  To  Him  I  will  in  trouble  cry, 
 
 The  sov'reign  Judge,  and  God  Most  High, 
 
206  PSALM  LVIT. 
 
 Who  wonders  hath  for  me  begun, 
 And  will  not  leave  His  work  undone. 
 
 c  For  He,  from  Heaven,  shall  quell  the  power 
 Of  him,  who  would  my  life  devour  ; 
 Forth  shall  his  truth  and  mercy  send, 
 And  my  distracted  soul  defend. 
 
 For  I  with  d  cruel  men  converse, 
 
 Like  hungry  lions  wild  and  fierce  ; 
 
 With  men,  whose  teeth  are  spears,  their  words 
 
 Envenom'd  darts,  and  two-edged  swords. 
 
 Be  Thou,  O  God,  exalted  high ; 
 And,  as  Thy  glory  fills  the  sky, 
 e  So  be  it  o'er  the  earth  display'd, 
 And  Thou,  as  there,  be  here  obey'd ! 
 
 To  take  me  they  their  net  prepared ; 
 f  My  sinking  soul  almost  despair'd ; 
 But  they  are  fall'n,  by  Thy  decree, 
 Into  the  pit  they  dug  for  me. 
 
PSALM  LVII.  207 
 
 7  O  God  my  heart  is  fixt,  'tis  bent 
 Its  thankful  tribute  to  present ; 
 And  with  my  heart  my  voice  I'll  raise 
 To  Thee,  my  God,  in  songs  of  praise. 
 
 Awake,  my  glory  ;  harp  and  lute, 
 No  longer  let  your  strings  be  mute  ; 
 And  I,  my  tuneful  part  to  take, 
 Will  with  the  early  dawn  awake. 
 
 Thy  praises,  Lord,  I  will  resound 
 To  all  the  listening  nations  round ; 
 Thy  mercy  highest  heaven  transcends, 
 Thy  truth  beyond  the  clouds  extends. 
 
 Be  Thou,  O  God,  exalted  high ! 
 And,  as  Thy  glory  fills  the  sky, 
 So  be  it  o'er  the  earth  display'd, 
 And  Thou,  as  there,  be  here  obey'd. 
 
 7  The  verses  from  hence  to  the  end  of  the  Psalm  occur 
 again  in  Psalm  cviii.  1  to  6. 
 
208 
 
 PSALM  LVIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  THE  COUNTESS  OF  PEMBROKE  (1586). 
 
 A  reproof  of  unrighteous  judges. 
 
 And  call  ye  this,  to  utter  what  is  just, 
 
 You  that  of  justice  hold  the  so v 'reign  throne  ? 
 
 And  call  ye  this  to  yield,  ye  sons  of  dust, 
 To  wronged  brethren  every  one  his  own  ? 
 
 O  no ;  it  is,  that,  while  malicious  will 
 
 Works  in  your  inmost  heart,  your  practised  hand 
 With  rapine  doth  th'  unequal  balance  fill, 
 
 And  its  oppression  mete  throughout  the  land. 
 
 But  what  could  they,  who  e'en  in  birth  declined 
 From  truth  and  right  to  lies  and  injuries? 
 
 To  show  the  venom  of  their  canker'd  mind, 
 The  serpent's  image  scarcely  can  suffice. 
 
PSALM  LVIII.  209 
 
 Nay,  scarce  the  adder  may  with  them  contend, 
 On  whom  the  charmer  all  in  vain  applies 
 
 His  wisest  spells,  aye  missing  of  his  end, 
 While  she  self-deaf,  and  unaffected  lies. 
 
 Lord,  break  their  teeth  ;  Lord  crush  the  lions'  jaws  : 
 So  let  them  sink,  as  water  in  the  sand ; 
 
 And,  when  the  deadly  bow  their  fury  draws, 
 Shiver  the  shaft,  e'er  past  the  shooter's  hand. 
 
 So  make  them  melt,  as  the  dissolving  snail ! 
 
 As  the  untimely  birth  consumes  away, 
 Nor  knows  the  light  of  life,  so  make  them  fail 
 
 To  look  upon  the  sun,  or  see  the  day  ! 
 
 O  let  them  perish,  as  the  blazing  briar 
 
 Is  swept  and  scattered  by  the  whirlwind's  blast 8, 
 
 Or  e'er  the  heated  cauldron  feels  the  fire  ! 
 Let  green  and  dry  at  once  away  be  cast ! 
 
 8  "  Before  your  pots  feel  the  fire,  may  a  tempest  scatter 
 the  thorns,  the  green  and  the  dry."  French  and  Skinner's 
 translation. 
 
210  PSALM  LIX. 
 
 The  good  with  gladness  this  revenge  shall  hail, 
 And  trample  in  their  blood ;  while  all  confess, 
 
 "  The  just  man's  recompense  shall  never  fail ; 
 There  is  a  God  that  rules  in  righteousness." 
 
 PSALM  LIX. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 A  Psalm  of  David,  "  when  Saul  sent,  and  they  watched  the 
 house  to  kill  him."     1  Sam.  xix.  11  to  18. 
 
 Lord,  save  me  from  my  enemies ; 
 From  those  who  thus  against  me  rise, 
 
 Like  an  incensed  flood ; 
 From  those,  who  in  impiety 
 Place  their  delight,  and  long  to  dye 
 
 Their  hands  in  guiltless  blood ! 
 
 Lo,  for  my  soul  they  lie  in  wait ; 
 The  mighty  join  their  power  and  hate, 
 Without  my  blame  or  crime  ; 
 
PSALM  LIX.  211 
 
 Without  my  crime,  they  weapons  take, 
 And  persecute  my  soul : — awake  ! 
 My  God  ;  assist  in  time. 
 
 Great  God  of  Hosts,  of  Israel, 
 These  all-oppressing  tyrants  quell, 
 
 Nor  be  to  mercy  won ! 
 At  night  their  mischief  they  begin  ; 
 Incensed,  like  snarling  dogs  they  grin, 
 
 And  through  the  city  run. 
 
 Behold,  they  vomit  bitter  words, 
 Between  their  lips  a  are  very  swords, 
 
 Yet  say  they,  "  Who  hath  known?" 
 But,  Lord,  Thou  shalt  their  threats  deride, 
 b  Shalt  scorn  the  heathen's  empty  pride, 
 
 And  malice  vainly  shown. 
 
 c  My  strength  is  Thy  sustaining  power, 
 On  Thee  I  wait,  my  shield  and  tower ; 
 
 Thy  mercy,  Lord,  how  great ! 
 My  foes,  subjected  to  my  will, 
 Subdue  and  scatter ;  but  not  kill, 
 
 Lest  we  Thy  truth  forget. 
 
212  PSALM  LIX. 
 
 O  be  they  in  their  pride  surpris'd ! 
 E'en  for  the  guile  they  have  devis'd, 
 
 Their  curses,  and  d  false  arts, 
 Consume  them  ;  from  the  land  expel ; 
 To  show,  God  reigns  in  Israel, 
 
 To  earth's  remotest  parts. 
 
 Hopeless  let  them  return  at  night, 
 e  As  restless  dogs  that  shun  the  light, 
 
 About  the  city  roam  ; 
 Pale,  meagre,  and  half-famished, 
 f  Howl  they,  like  vagabonds,  for  bread, 
 
 Without  or  food,  or  home  ! 
 
 But  I,  before  the  day-star  spring, 
 Will  of  Thy  power  and  mercy  sing, 
 
 My  safety  in  distress  ; 
 Thou  art  my  rock,  my  strong  defence ; 
 My  a  daily  song  Thy  excellence 
 
 And  bounty  shall  express. 
 
213 
 
 PSALM  LX. 
 
 MILES  SMYTH,  1668. 
 
 "  When  David  strove  with  Aram-naharaim,  and  with 
 Aram-zobah,"  ("  the  Syrians  of  the  two  rivers,''  and  "  the 
 Syrians  of  Zobah,")  "when  Joab  returned  and  smote  of 
 Edom  in  the  valley  of  Salt  twelve  thousand." — 2  Sam.  viii. 
 3.  13. 
 
 O  Lord,  Thou  hast  abandoned, 
 
 And  scattered  us  abroad ; 
 Thou  hast  been  angry ;  turn  again, 
 
 And  be  our  helping  God  ! 
 
 At  Thy  displeasure  the  sick  earth 
 
 As  with  an  ague  quakes, 
 Torn  by  thy  blasts  ;  the  breaches  close  ! 
 
 For  her  foundation  shakes. 
 
 Thou  hast,  with  hard-afflicting  strokes, 
 
 Thy  suffering  people  spent ; 
 And  made  us  drink  the  deadly  wine 
 
 Of  dull  astonishment. 
 
214  PSALM  LX. 
 
 But  now,  for  them  that  fear  Thee,  Thou 
 
 aA  banner  hast  display'd ; 
 b  The  signal  of  Thy  plighted  truth, 
 
 And  of  Thy  promis'd  aid. 
 
 c  9And,  that  Thy  well-belov'd  may  be 
 
 From  threaten'd  ruin  clear ; 
 Let  Thy  right  hand  salvation  bring, 
 
 And  me  with  favour  hear. 
 
 God  in  His  holiness  hath  spoke, 
 
 d  (With  joy  the  voice  I  hail,) 
 "  I  Sichem  will  divide  by  line, 
 
 eAnd  mete  out  Succoth's  vale. 
 
 Gilead  is  Mine,  Manasseh  Mine, 
 
 Ephraim  supports  My  head ; 
 Judah  gives  law  to  all,  where'er 
 
 f  My  wide  dominions  spread. 
 
 0  The  remainder  of  this  Psalm  is  identical  with  Ps.  cviii. 
 from  ver.  6.  to  the  end. 
 
PSALM  LX.  215 
 
 Moab  my  wash-pot  is  ;  My  shoe 
 
 To  Edom  I'll  hold  out, 
 And  o'er  s  the  subject  Philistine 
 
 Ring  forth  the  conqueror's  shout." 
 
 h  To  the  fenced  city  who  will  lead, 
 Which  Israel's  might  disdains  ; 
 
 And  who  will  our  victorious  march 
 Conduct  through  Edom's  plains  ? 
 
 Lord,  wilt  not  Thou,  who  hadst  so  late 
 
 1  Thy  people  cast  away ; 
 And  would'st  not  with  our  armies  go, 
 
 i  Upon  the  battle-day  ? 
 
 Help  us  in  trouble,  O  our  God ! 
 
 And  let  Thy  arm  sustain  ; 
 For  all  the  help  of  wretched  man 
 
 Is,  like  himself,  but  vain. 
 
 Through  God  we  shall  do  k  valiantly ; 
 
 He  shall  their  hosts  confound ; 
 'Tis  He,  who  our  proud  enemies 
 
 Shall  trample  to  the  ground. 
 
216 
 
 PSALM  LXL 
 
 WILLIAM  BARTON,  1644. 
 
 "  David  fleeth  to  God  upon  his  former  experience." 
 
 Lord,  hear  my  cry  ;  my  prayers  attend ! 
 For  from  the  very  utmost  end 
 
 Of  all  the  earth  to  Thee  I  cry ; 
 a  When  my  heart  faints  with  sorrow's  weight, 
 
 0  to  that  refuge  lead  me  straight, 
 The  rock  that  higher  is  than  I ! 
 
 For  Thou  a  shelter  wast  to  me, 
 And  a  strong  tower  I  have  in  Thee 
 Against  the  adversary's  face  : 
 
 1  will  abide  within  Thy  tent, 
 And  evermore  be  confident 
 
 b  Beneath  Thy  wings,  my  hiding-place. 
 
PSALM  LXI.  217 
 
 For  Thou,  O  God,  hast  heard  my  vows ; 
 And  Thy  free-grace  to  me  allows 
 
 Among  Thy  saints  an  heritage  : 
 Thou  wilt  prolong  upon  the  Throne 
 The  life  of  Thine  Anointed  One 
 
 c  To  years  like  age  succeeding  age. 
 
 He  shall  abide  before  Thy  face 
 For  ever  ;   O  prepare  Thy  grace 
 
 And  truth,  which  may  preserve  him  still ! 
 d  And  I  of  Thy  great  Name,  O  Lord, 
 Will  evermore  the  praise  record, 
 
 And  daily  all  my  vows  fulfil, 
 
218 
 
 PSALM  LXII. 
 
 JOSIAH  CONDER,  1837- 
 
 A  declaration  of  the  Psalmist's  continued  confidence  in  God's 
 protection,  and  his  assurance  of  the  vanity  of  all  human 
 power. 
 
 Yes,  on  God  I  still  depend, 
 
 Timely  aid  from  Him  attend ; 
 
 His  protection  is  my  tower, 
 
 My  retreat  in  danger's  hour ; 
 
 a  While  this  rock  I  rest  upon, 
 
 I  shall  not  be  overthrown. 
 
 O  how  long,  with  base  intent 
 
 Aim'd  against  the  innocent, 
 
 Will  ye  schemes  of  mischief  cherish  ? — 
 
 Tremble  ;  for  ye  all  shall  perish  ; 
 
 Like  a  weak  and  bowing  wall, 
 
 b  And  a  tottering  fence,  shall  fall. 
 
 For  the  wicked  but  concert 
 
 How  the  righteous  to  subvert ; 
 
PSALM  LXII.  219 
 
 c  While  their  false  mouths  blessings  breathe, 
 Lies  and  curses  lurk  beneath. 
 
 Wait,  my  soul,  on  God  alone ; 
 
 d  All  my  hopes  are  built  upon 
 
 Him,  my  only  rock  and  tower ; 
 
 All  my  safety  on  His  power : 
 
 With  His  guardian  might  surrounded, 
 
 I  shall  never  be  confounded. 
 
 e  God  is  all  my  health  and  might, 
 
 My  true  glory  and  delight ; 
 
 Safe  beneath  His  arm  I  dwell, 
 
 My  f  strong  rock  and  citadel. 
 
 Trust  in  Him  for  evermore, 
 
 Ye  His  people  ;  ever  pour 
 
 In  His  ear  your  sad  complaints : — 
 
 Sure  the  refuge  of  His  saints. 
 
 Vain  the  help  of  man  to  court, 
 Vain  the  fickle  crowd's  support ; 
 Vain  on  nobles  to  rely, 
 Falsehood  all,  and  treachery  ; 
 
220  PSALM  LXIII. 
 
 g  High  and  low  together  weigh, 
 
 Light  as  vanity  are  they. 
 
 Trust  not  the  strong  arm  of  pride  ; 
 
 Or  if  wealth  be  multiplied, 
 
 Got  by  rapine  or  by  stealth, 
 
 Set  not  your  fond  heart  on  wealth. 
 
 More  than  once  hath  God  made  known, 
 
 Power  belongs  to  Him  alone. 
 
 h  Mercy  too  is  Thine,  O  Lord, 
 
 Who  dost  each  man's  work  reward. 
 
 PSALM  LXIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  CHRISTOPHER  SMART,  1765. 
 
 a  A  Psalm  of  David  when  he  was  in  the  wilderness  of  Judah." 
 1  Sam.  xxii.  5.  ;  or,  2  Sam.  xvii.  29. 
 
 God,  my  God ;  my  sure  dependance 
 Is  on  Thee,  Thou  Most  Benign ! 
 
 Early  would  I  pay  attendance 
 Lord,  before  Thy  holy  shrine. 
 
PSALM  LXIII.  221 
 
 Here  I  languish  for  Thy  blessing, 
 And  my  soul  is  wearied  out ; 
 
 Thirst  and  heat  my  flesh  oppressing, 
 In  a  land  of  dearth  and  drought. 
 
 Vainly  have  mine  eyes  expected, 
 
 As  of  old  in  happier  hour, 
 Once  again  to  be  directed, 
 
 Where  Thy  glory  comes  in  power. 
 
 For  upon  Thy  love,  excelling 
 Far  the  life  that  is  Thy  loan, 
 
 Lord,  my  lips  shall  still  be  dwelling, 
 And  Thy  tender  mercies  own. 
 
 Long  as  I  that  life  inherit, 
 
 I  will  bless  the  Lord  ;  to  Thee 
 
 Daily,  with  a  willing  spirit, 
 Shall  my  hands  uplifted  be. 
 
 Fatness,  as  from  some  oblation 
 
 Choice  and  rich,  my  soul  shall  fill ; 
 
 While  my  lips,  in  exultation, 
 
 Sing  Thy  praise,  and  bless  Thee  still. 
 
222  PSALM  LXIII. 
 
 To  my  rest  myself  betaking, 
 
 Lord,  thy  converse  I  have  sought ; 
 
 i 
 
 In  the  night  from  sleep  awaking, 
 I  have  still  upon  Thee  thought : 
 
 For,  secure  of  Thy  protection, 
 To  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings, 
 
 With  delight  and  with  affection, 
 My  confiding  spirit  clings. 
 
 Me  Thou  dost  uphold  and  quicken  ; 
 
 Those  that  seek  my  soul  to  slay, 
 To  the  pit  the  sword  hath  stricken, 
 
 Left  to  be  the  foxes'  prey. 
 
 So  the  king  in  God  rejoices ; 
 
 All,  that  swear  by  His  great  name, 
 Glory  still ;  but  lying  voices 
 
 Shall  be  put  to  silent  shame. 
 
223 
 
 PSALM  LXIV. 
 
 E.  FARR,  1836. 
 
 A  Psalm  of  David,  praying  for  God's  defence  against  the 
 calumnies  and  persecution  of  his  enemies. 
 
 When  in  prayer  to  Thee  I  bend, 
 To  my  voice,  O  Lord,  attend ; 
 When  my  a  ruthless  foes  appear, 
 O  preserve  my  life  from  fear ! 
 
 b  When  in  council  sinners  meet, 
 Be  Thou,  Lord,  my  safe  retreat ; 
 Where  secure,  I  may  defy, 
 Those  that  work  iniquity. 
 
 Like  a  sword  they  whet  their  tongue, 
 Keen  with  meditated  wrong  ; 
 c  Like  the  arrows  from  the  string, 
 Bitter  words  around  they  fling. 
 
 Close  conceal'd,  behold,  they  aim 
 At  the  man  of  blameless  name  ; 
 
224  PSALM  LXIV. 
 
 Fear  estranged  from  their  hearts, 
 Suddenly  they  shoot  their  darts. 
 
 d  Leagued  in  mischief,  they  combine 
 To  complete  their  ill  design ; 
 Privily  their  snares  they  lay, 
 Asking,  who  shall  them  survey  ? 
 
 e  They  iniquities  devise, 
 Searching  sin  with  curious  eyes : 
 All  their  secret  counsel  keep, 
 For  the  heart  of  them  is  deep. 
 
 f  But  they  fall,  each  wicked  foe — 
 Swift  from  His  unerring  bow, 
 God  His  arrows  pours  around, 
 And  the  sinner  feels  the  wound. 
 
 s  So  the  curse  of  their  own  tongue 
 Falls  upon  the  guilty  throng ; 
 All  that  see  their  swift  decay, 
 Struck  with  awe  shall  flee  away. 
 
PSALM  LXV.  225 
 
 All  shall  fear  ;  and  all  shall  own, 
 God  the  mighty  work  hath  done ; 
 Wisely  they  His  hand  shall  trace 
 b  Laid  on  that  rebellious  race. 
 
 But  in  God  with  joy  the  just 
 Shall  be  glad,  and  Him  shall  trust ; 
 All  the  upright  shall  rejoice, 
 Lifting  high  their  grateful  voice. 
 
 PSALM  LXV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  WILLIAM  BARTON,  1644. 
 
 An  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving  for  God's  universal  Providence, 
 and  especially  for  His  mercy  in  giving  its  fertility  to  the 
 earth. 
 
 In  Sion,  Lord,  praise  waits  for  Thee, 
 To  Thee  the  vow  perform 'd  shall  be ; 
 O  Thou,  the  God  that  hearest  prayer, 
 To  Thee  shall  all  mankind  repair. 
 
 Transgressions  hard  against  us  weigh, 
 But  Thou  shalt  purge  them  clean  away ; 
 
 Q 
 
226  PSALM  LXV. 
 
 O  blessed  in  Thy  choice  is  he, 
 
 Whom,  Lord,  Thou  bringest  near  to  Thee  ! 
 
 For  he  within  Thy  courts  shall  dwell, 
 And  shall  be  satisfied  full  well ; 
 Thy  goodly  dwelling  he  shall  bless, 
 And  feel  Thy  temple's  holiness. 
 
 1  O  God  of  our  salvation,  thus, 
 Not  with  Thy  terrors,  answer  us ; 
 Thou,  that  dost  all  the  earth  sustain, 
 And  dwellers  on  the  distant  main. 
 
 God,  by  His  strength,  sets  fast  the  hills, 
 And,  girt  with  power,  the  ocean  stills, 
 The  noise  of  waves,  and  tumults  rude, 
 Of  all  the  maddening  multitude. 
 
 Them  too,  that  dwell  on  utmost  coasts 
 Thy  signs  affright,  O  Lord  of  Hosts ; 
 Thou  mak'st  the  morning's  early  voice, 
 Thou  mak'st  the  evening's  to  rejoice. 
 
 1  "  Wonderfully,  in  mercy,  dost  Thou  answer  us." — French 
 and  Skinner. 
 
PSALM  LXV.  227 
 
 Thou  visitest  the  spacious  earth, 
 And  waterest  it  with  rain  pour'd  forth  ; 
 And  dost  enrich  each  soften'd  clod, 
 With  the  full-water'd  river  of  God. 
 
 For  man,  with  providential  care, 
 Thou  dost  the  rising  corn  prepare  ; 
 Thou  waterest  abundantly, 
 The  ridges  which  were  parch 'd  and  dry ; 
 
 Thou  smooth'st  the  furrows  by  Thy  power, 
 Thou  mak'st  it  soft  with  many  a  shower 
 The  springing  of  it  Thou  dost  bless, 
 Thou  crown'st  the  year  with  happiness. 
 
 Thy  paths  reviving  fatness  drop 
 Upon  the  wilderness's  top  ; 
 The  little  hills  and  deserts  wide, 
 Exult  with  joy  on  every  side. 
 
 The  white  flocks  clothe  the  pasture  ground, 
 The  waving  vales  with  corn  abound  ; 
 And,  gladden'd  with  the  wealth  they  bring, 
 They  shout  for  joy,  for  joy  they  sing. 
 Q  2 
 
228 
 
 PSALM  LXVI. 
 
 NEW  ENGLAND  VERSION  REVISED,  1755. 
 
 A  Thanksgiving  for  God's  past  deliverance  of  His  people,  and 
 His  mercies  vouchsafed  more  particularly  to  the  Psalmist. 
 
 O  all  ye  lands,  with  shouts  of  joy, 
 
 To  God  your  voices  raise ; 
 Sing  forth  the  honour  of  His  Name,         .   , 
 
 And  glorious  make  His  praise. 
 Say  ye  to  God  ;  in  Thy  great  works 
 
 How  terrible  art  Thou ; 
 Through  Thy  Almighty  Power,  Thy  foes 
 
 To  Thee  are  made  to  bow. 
 
 Yea,  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
 
 Shall  bow  and  sing  to  Thee ; 
 To  Thine  exalted  Name  shall  sing, 
 
 With  joy  and  melody. 
 
PSALM  LXVI.  229 
 
 Come,  and  the  mighty  works  of  God 
 
 With  admiration  see  ; 
 In  doings  to  the  sons  of  men, 
 
 How  terrible  is  He  ! 
 
 He  turn'd  the  channels  of  the  a  deep 
 
 To  dry  and  solid  ways ; 
 Our  fathers  pass'd  the  flood  on  foot, 
 
 And  there  we  sang  His  praise. 
 He  by  His  power  for  ever  rules, 
 
 His  eyes  the  nations  spy  ; 
 Let  none  who  are  rebellious  dare 
 
 To  lift  themselves  on  high. 
 
 O  all  ye  nations  bless  our  God, 
 
 And  sound  aloud  His  praise  ; 
 b  Who  still  preserves  our  souls  in  life, 
 
 Our  feet  from  sliding  stays. 
 For  Thou,  O  God,  hast  proved  us, 
 
 And  tried,  as  silver  tried ; 
 c  Hast  wound  us  in  the  net,  and  grief 
 
 Upon  our  loins  hast  tied. 
 
230  PSALM  LXVI. 
 
 Men  o'er  our  head  Thou  mad'st  to  ride, 
 
 Through  fire  and  floods  we  past ; 
 Yet  Thou  into  a  happy  place 
 
 d  Hast  brought  us  out  at  last. 
 I'll  go  with  offerings  to  Thy  house, 
 
 And  I  will  pay  to  Thee 
 The  vows  I  utter'd  with  my  mouth, 
 
 When  trouble  was  on  me. 
 
 Burnt-offerings  I  will  offer  Thee, 
 
 That  full  of  fatness  are  ; 
 The  best  of  all  my  flocks  and  herds 
 
 With  incense  I'll  prepare. 
 e  O  !  come,  and  hearken,  ye  that  fear 
 
 The  Great  Jehovah's  Name, 
 And  what  He  for  my  soul  hath  done, 
 
 f  I'll  gratefully  proclaim. 
 
 My  mouth  to  Him  in  my  distress 
 
 Sent  forth  an  earnest  cry  : 
 He  heard  me,  and  my  joyful  tongue 
 
 Extoll'd  the  Lord  on  high. 
 
PSALM   LXVI.  231 
 
 If  in  my  heart  I  sin  allow'd, 
 The  Lord  would  not  give  ear ; 
 
 But  surely  God  gave  ear  to  me, 
 And  kindly  heard  my  prayer. 
 
 O  !  let  this  kind  and  mighty  God 
 
 For  ever  blessed  be  ; 
 Who  turned  not  my  prayer  from  Him, 
 
 Nor  mercy  held  from  me  ! 
 
 PSALM  LXVI. 
 
 2nd  VERSION,  GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 a  All  ye  lands,  your  voices  raise; 
 Glorious  make  Jehovah's  praise  ! 
 Say,  b  how  terrible  Thy  deeds  ! 
 Lord,  Thy  power  all  power  exceeds ! 
 c  Trembling  foes  its  greatness  own, 
 And  shall  bow  before  Thy  throne ; 
 Praise  to  our  Eternal  King, 
 All  th'  adoring  earth  shall  sing. 
 
232  PSALM  LXVI. 
 
 Come  and  see  what  God  hath  wrought, 
 Terrible  to  human  thought ; 
 He  the  billows  did  divide ; 
 Wall'd  with  waves  on  either  side, 
 While  we  passed  safe  and  dry ; 
 Then  our  souls  were  wrapt  with  joy. 
 Endless  His  dominion, 
 All  beholding  from  His  throne. 
 Let  not  those  who  hate  us  most, 
 Let  not  the  rebellious  boast. 
 
 Bless  the  Lord ;  His  praise  be  sung, 
 While  an  ear  can  hear  a  tongue, 
 He  our  soul  redeems  from  death, 
 He  our  feet  establisheth. 
 Lord,  as  silver  purified, 
 Thou  hast  with  affliction  tried, 
 *  Thou  hast  d  driven  us  to  the  net, 
 Burdens  on  our  shoulders  set ; 
 Trod  on  by  their  horses'  hooves, 
 Theirs',  whom  pity  never  moves, 
 We  through  fire,  with  flames  embrac'd, 
 We  through  raging  floods  have  pass'd; 
 
PSALM  LXVI.  233 
 
 Yet  by  Thy  conducting  hand, 
 Brought  into  a  wealthy  land. 
 
 I  will  to  Thy  house  repair, 
 Worship,  and  Thy  power  declare ; 
 Offerings  on  Thy  Altar  lay ; 
 All  my  vows  devoutly  pay, 
 Utter'd  with  my  heart  and  tongue, 
 When  opprest  with  powerful  wrong. 
 Fatlings  I  will  sacrifice  ; 
 e  Incense-like,  their  smoke  shall  rise  : 
 Rams,  for  a  burnt-offering, 
 Goats  and  bullocks  I  will  bring. 
 
 You,  who  Great  Jehovah  fear, 
 Come,  O  come,  you  blest,  and  hear 
 What  for  me  the  Lord  hath  wrought ; 
 Then,  when  near  to  ruin  brought, 
 Fervently  to  Him  I  cried, 
 I  His  goodness  magnified. 
 If  I  vices  should  affect, 
 Would  He  not  my  prayers  reject  ? 
 
234  PSALM  LXVII. 
 
 But  the  Lord  my  prayer  hath  heard, 
 Which  my  tongue  with  tears  preferr'd. 
 Source  of  mercy  !  be  Thou  blest, 
 That  hast  granted  my  request. 
 
 PSALM  LXVII. 
 
 BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 A  Prayer  for  the  Universal  extension  of  God's  kingdom. 
 
 To  bless  Thy  chosen  race 
 
 In  mercy,  Lord,  incline  ; 
 And  cause  the  brightness  of  Thy  face 
 
 On  all  Thy  saints  to  shine  : 
 
 That  so  Thy  wond'rous  ways 
 
 May  through  the  world  be  known ; 
 
 a  And  every  land  the  healthful  grace 
 Of  Thy  salvation  own. 
 
PSALM  LXVII.  235 
 
 b  Let  distant  Nations  join, 
 
 To  celebrate  Thy  fame  ; 
 Let  all  the  world,  O  Lord,  combine 
 
 To  praise  Thy  glorious  Name. 
 
 O  let  them  shout  and  sing, 
 
 c  Elate  with  holy  mirth  ; 
 For  Thou,  the  righteous  Judge  and  King, 
 
 Shalt  govern  all  the  earth. 
 
 Let  d  distant  nations  join 
 
 To  celebrate  Thy  fame  ; 
 Let  all  the  world,  O  Lord,  combine, 
 
 To  praise  Thy  glorious  Name. 
 
 Then  shall  the  teeming  ground, 
 
 A  large  increase  disclose  ; 
 And  we  with  f  blessings  shall  be  crown'd, 
 
 Which  God,  our  God  bestows. 
 
 Then  God  upon  our  land, 
 
 Shall  constant  blessings  shower  ; 
 
 And  all  the  world  in  awe  shall  stand, 
 Of  His  resistless  power. 
 
236 
 
 PSALM  LXVIII. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 On  the  removal  of  the  ark  to  Mount  Zion,  from  the  house  of 
 Obed-edom.  1  Chron.  xv.  16.  See  Psalms  xxiv.  and  xlvii. 
 It  is  prophetical  of  our  Lord's  Ascension  and  the  giving  of 
 the  Holy  Spirit. — Ephes.  iv.  8,  &c. 
 
 1  Let  God,  the  God  of  battle,  rise, 
 
 And  scatter  His  proud  enemies ! 
 
 O  let  them  flee  before  His  face, 
 
 Like  smoke,  which  driving  tempests  chase ; 
 
 a  As  wax  dissolveth  at  the  fire, 
 
 So  perish  in  His  burning  ire. 
 
 But  let  the  just  with  joy  abound ; 
 
 In  joyful  songs  His  praise  resound, 
 
 Who,  riding  on  the  rolling  spheres, 
 
 The  Name  of  Great  Jehovah  bears. 
 
 Before  His  face  your  joys  express  ; 
 
 A  Father  to  the  fatherless. 
 
 1  Numbers  x.  35. 
 
PSALM  LXVIII.  237 
 
 He  wipes  the  tears  from  widows'  eyes, 
 The  b  lonely  plants  in  families  ; 
 Enlarging  those  who  late  were  bound, 
 While  rebels  starve  on  thirsty  ground. 
 
 When  God  our  numerous  army  led, 
 And  march'd  through  deserts,  full  of  dread, 
 Heaven  melted,  and  earth's  centre  shook, 
 With  His  majestic  presence  strook. 
 When  Israel's  God  in  clouds  came  down, 
 High  Sinai  bow'd  his  trembling  crown. 
 He,  in  the  approach  of  meagre  dearth, 
 With  showers  refresh'd  the  fainting  earth, 
 Where  His  own  flock  in  safety  fed ; 
 The  needy  unto  plenty  led. 
 c  God  gives  the  word  ;  2  the  virgin  train 
 Breathe  forth  their  glad  triumphant  strain ; 
 He  kings,  with  their  vast  armies,  foils, 
 While  women  share  their  wealthy  spoils. 
 
 2  The  exact  translation  of  ver.  1 1 .  is,  "  great  was  the  com- 
 pany of  those  (women)  that  published  it ;"  the  word  being 
 feminine.     It  is  not  fully  expressed  in  our  authorised  version. 
 
238  PSALM  LXVIII. 
 
 You,  who  among  the  pots  have  lain, 
 d  Bowed  down  to  dust,  shall  rise  again, 
 Bright  as  the  silver-feather'd  dove, 
 Whose  wings  in  golden  splendour  move. 
 When  He  the  kings  had  overthrown, 
 Our  land  like  snowy  Salmon  shone. 
 God's  mountain  Bashan's  mount  transcends, 
 Though  he  e  his  towering  heads  extends. 
 Why  boast  you  so,  ye  meaner  hills  ? 
 God  with  His  glory  Sion  fills, 
 This,  His  beloved  residence  ; 
 Nor  ever  will  depart  from  hence. 
 
 God's  chariots  twenty  thousand  f  are, 
 
 Which  myriads  of  angels  bear ; 
 
 He  in  the  midst,  as  when  He  crown'd 
 
 High  Sinai's  sanctified  ground. 
 
 Lord,  Thou  Thyself  hast  raised  on  high, 
 
 8  And  captive  led  captivity. 
 
 Thou  from  the  richest  stores  of  Heaven 
 
 The  gifts  received  to  men  hast  given, 
 
 E'en  unto  those  that  did  rebel ; 
 
 That  their  Lord  God  with  them  might  dwell. 
 
PSALM  LXVIII.  239 
 
 0  praised  be  the  God  of  gods, 
 Who  h  us  with  daily  blessings  loads ; 
 On  whom  our  hopes  depend  alone, 
 The  God  of  our  salvation. 
 
 1  The  issue  both  of  life  and  death 
 Is  arbitrated  by  His  breath  ; 
 
 He  on  their  heads  His  foes  shall  wound, 
 Their  hairy  scalps,  whose  sins  abound, 
 And  in  their  trespasses  proceed. 
 Thus  spake  Jehovah  :  "  Jacob's  seed 
 I  will  from  Bashan  bring  again, 
 And  through  the  bottom  of  the  main  ; 
 j  Their  dogs  shall  lap  the  foeman's  blood, 
 And  they  wade  through  the  crimson  flood." 
 
 We  in  Thy  sanctuary  late, 
 My  God,  my  King,  beheld  Thy  state : 
 The  sacred  virgins  march'd  before ; 
 Who  instruments  of  music  bore, 
 In  order  follow'd  ;   every  maid 
 Upon  her  pleasant  timbrel  play'd. 
 His  praise  in  your  assemblies  sing, 
 Ye  who  from  Israel's  fountain  spring, 
 
240  PSALM  LXVII1. 
 
 Nor  little  Benjamin  alone  ; 
 
 b  But  princes  of  proud  Judah's  throne, 
 
 Of  Naphthali  and  Zebulon, 
 
 Are  there ;  for  thee  thy  God  has  fought ; 
 
 Lord,  strengthen  what  Thy  hand  hath  wrought ! 
 
 E'en  he  that  wears  a  diadem 
 
 To  thee,  divine  Jerusalem, 
 
 Shall  in  devotion  treasure  bring, 
 
 To  build  the  temple  of  his  King. 
 
 Break  through  their  l  spears,  the  multitude 
 Of  bulls,  with  savage  strength  endued ! 
 Till  they  with  gifts  sweet  peace  invite  ; 
 But  scatter  those  whom  wars  delight. 
 m  From  Egypt,  and  the  Ethiop  shore 
 Shall  princes  come,  and  here  adore. 
 Ye  kingdoms  through  the  world  renown'd, 
 Sing  to  the  Lord ;  His  praise  resound  ; 
 n  Who  doth  the  firmament  bestride, 
 And  on  the  ancient  Heavens  doth  ride ; 
 Whose  voice  the  clouds  asunder  rends, 
 In  thunder  n  mightily  descends. 
 
PSALM  LXIX.  241 
 
 O  !  praise  His  strength,  whose  majesty 
 
 In  Israel  shines  ;  His  power  on  high  ! 
 
 He  from  His  sanctuary  throws 
 
 A  trembling  horror  on  His  foes, 
 
 While  us  His  power  and  strength  invest ; — 
 
 O  Israel,  praise  the  Ever-Blest. 
 
 PSALM  LXIX. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 David  complains  of  his  affliction,  and  prays  for  deliverance 
 from  his  enemies.  Prophetical  of  our  Lord's  passion. — St. 
 John  xix.  29. 
 
 Save  me,  O  God ;  the  waters  roll, 
 And  swell,  and  a  reach  unto  my  soul. 
 Immers'd  in  miry  whirlpools  deep, 
 In  vain  I  strive  my  stand  to  keep : 
 Plung'd  in  the  billows  tossing  wide, 
 I  sink  beneath  the  whelming  tide  ; 
 And  while  for  Thee  b  I  wait,  I  cry, 
 My  sight  decays,  my  throat  is  dry. 
 
242  PSALM  LXIX. 
 
 ! 
 
 Thick,  as  the  hairs  that  clothe  my  head, 
 Are  they  whose  causeless  hate  I  dread  ; 
 c  And  mighty  are  the  enemies, 
 Who  unprovoked  against  me  rise. 
 For  rapine,  which  my  hand  ne'er  knew, 
 Content  I  paid  the  atonement  due. 
 Thine  eyes,  O  God,  my  folly  see, 
 Nor  lurks  a  fault  unmark'd  by  Thee. 
 
 O  let  not  those,  who  love  Thy  Name, 
 Lord  God  of  hosts,  partake  my  shame  ; 
 Nor  on  their  heads  my  ruin  fall, 
 O  Israel's  God,  on  Thee  who  call ! 
 'Tis  for  Thy  sake  I  bear  disgrace, 
 For  Thee  confusion  veils  my  face, 
 d  An  alien  to  my  brethren  grown, 
 By  mine  own  mother's  sons  unknown , 
 
 While  for  Thine  house  I  burn  with  zeal, 
 e  Their  scorn  of  Thee,  my  God,  I  feel ; 
 In  tears  and  fasting  if  I  mourn, 
 E'en  this  to  my  reproach  they  turn. 
 
PSALM  LXIX.  243 
 
 Does  sackcloth  sad  my  limbs  invest  ? 
 My  grief  becomes  the  public  jest, 
 The  bye-word  of  the  passing  throng, 
 The  rulers'  scoff,  the  drunkard's  song. 
 
 But  I — to  Thee  my  vows  I  pour, 
 O  God,  in  Thine  accepted  hour ; 
 In  Thine  abundant  mercy  hear, 
 And  bid  Thy  saving  truth  appear ; 
 From  the  deep  mire,  and  whirling  wave, 
 And  whelming  f  tide,  Thy  suppliant  save  ; 
 g  Save,  e'er  the  water-flood  o'erflows, 
 And  the  pit's  jaws  around  me  close  ! 
 
 h  But,  Lord,  of  Thine  abundant  grace, 
 To  Thy  poor  servant  turn  Thy  face ; 
 Draw  nigh,  and  hear,  and  bring  relief, 
 For  heavy  weighs  my  load  of  *  grief, 
 J  From  the  foes'  grasp  my  soul  reclaim  ! 
 Thou  my  reproach,  my  wrongs,  my  shame 
 Hast  known  ;  the  persecuting  band 
 Unveil'd  before  Thy  presence  stand. 
 r  2 
 
244  PSALM  LXIX. 
 
 Reproach  my  very  heart  hath  torn, 
 And  deep  distress  my  spirit  worn ; 
 I  gazed  to  see  some  pitying  eye  ; 
 In  vain — no  comforter  was  nigh  : 
 To  hear  some  cheering  accents  fall 
 I  watch'd  ;  in  vain — k  they  gave  me  gall 
 To  eat ;  when  faint  I  sank  with  drought, 
 For  drink,  sharp  vinegar  they  brought. 
 
 !Them  their  own  board  shall  snare,  and  woe 
 From  their  perverted  blessings  flow, 
 mDo  Thou  their  eyes  in  darkness  seal, 
 mDo  Thou  their  loins  with  trembling  fill ; 
 n  On  them  Thy  wrathful  anger  pour, 
 Thy  burning  indignation  shower, 
 Consign  to  solitude  their  state, 
 And  leave  their  dwelling  desolate. 
 
 Because  they  vex  with  sland'rous  tongue, 
 Him,  whom  Thy  chastening  hand  has  wrung, 
 Sin  to  their  sin  Thy  just  decree 
 0  Shall  add ;  Thy  peace  they  shall  not  see  ; 
 
PSALM  LXTX.  245 
 
 Nor — from  the  Book  of  Life  erased — 
 p  Shall  with  the  just  their  name  be  placed  ; 
 But  me,  though  crush'd  with  grief  I  lie, 
 Thy  hand,  O  God,  shall  lift  on  high. 
 
 And  I  the  Name  of  God  will  praise, 
 And  I  the  grateful  hymn  will  raise ; 
 An  offering  to  the  Lord  more  dear, 
 Than  ox,  or  hoof 'd  and  horned  steer. 
 Behold,  ye  meek ;  with  rapture  see  ; 
 Seek  God,  and  live  from  torment  free. 
 God  hears  the  humble,  nor  disdains 
 Those,  whom  His  chastening  hand  restrains. 
 
 Praise  Him,  thou  earth  ;  ye  heavens  above, 
 
 Seas,  and  all  ye  in  seas  that  move  ; 
 
 Q  For  God  will  Zion  still  sustain, 
 
 And  Judah's  cities  build  again. 
 
 There  they  who  love  His  Name  shall  rest, 
 
 Of  their  allotted  seats  possest ; 
 
 And  there  His  faithful  servants'  seed 
 
 Still  to  their  heritage  succeed. 
 
246 
 
 PSALM  LXX. 
 
 WILLIAM  BARTON,  1644. 
 
 3  A  Psalm  of  David,  imploring  the  succour  of  God  against  his 
 enemies. 
 
 Make  haste,  O  God,  and  help  afford ; 
 Make  haste  to  help  me,  O  my  Lord ; 
 Their  practices  with  shame  confound, 
 Who  seek  my  harmless  soul  to  wound ! 
 
 ab  Stung  with  disgrace,  let  them  retire, 
 
 Whoever  do  my  hurt  desire  ; 
 
 b  Let  them  be  turned  back  with  shame, 
 
 Who  cry,  "  There,  there,"  to  blight  my  name. 
 
 Full  glad  and  joyful  let  them  be, 
 c  That  humbly  do  seek  after  Thee  ; 
 And  those,  that  Thy  salvation  love, 
 Say  ever,  "  Blest  be  God  above  ! " 
 
 3  This  Psalm  consists  of  the  five  concluding  verses  of  the 
 40th. 
 
PSALM  LXXT.  247 
 
 But  I  am  poor  d  and  full  of  need  ; 
 Haste,  Lord,  deliver  me  with  speed ! 
 Thou  art  my  Hope,  my  Help,  and  Stay, 
 Come,  Lord,  and  make  no  more  delay ! 
 
 PSALM  LXXI. 
 
 COUNTESS  OF  PEMBROKE  (1586). 
 
 Probably  written  during  the  rebellion  of  Absalom. 
 
 Lord,  on  Thee  my  trust  is  grounded, 
 Leave  me  not  with  shame  confounded, 
 
 But  in  justice  bring  me  aid ; 
 Let  thine  ear  to  me  be  bended, 
 Let  my  life,  from  death  defended, 
 
 Be  by  Thee  in  safety  staid ! 
 
 Be  my  Rock,  my  Refuge-tower, 
 Show  Thy  unresisted  power, 
 Working  now  Thy  wonted  will ; 
 
248  PSALM  LXXI. 
 
 Thou,  I  say,  that  never  feignest 
 In  Thy  biddings,  but  remainest 
 Still  my  Rock,  my  Refuge  still. 
 
 0  my  God,  a  of  help  the  Giver, 
 From  the  wicked  me  deliver, 
 
 From  the  wrongful,  spiteful  man ; 
 In  Thee  trusting,  on  Thee  standing, 
 With  my  childish  understanding, 
 
 Nay  with  life  my  hopes  began. 
 
 b  From  the  prison  of  my  mother 
 Since  Thou  freed'st  me,  I  none  other 
 Held  my  stay,  or  made  my  song ; 
 Yea,  when  all  me  so  misdeemed, 
 
 1  to  most  a  monster  seemed, 
 
 Yet  in  Thee  my  hope  was  strong. 
 
 Yet  of  Thee  the  constant  story 
 FilPd  my  mouth  ;  Thy  gracious  glory 
 c  Was  my  theme  the  live-long  day  ; 
 
PSALM  LXXI.  249 
 
 Do  not  then,  now  age  assaileth, 
 
 d  Now  my  waning  vigour  faileth, 
 
 Do  not  leave  me  cast  away  ! 
 
 They  by  whom  my  life  is  hated, 
 With  their  spies  have  now  debated  ;- 
 
 e  Of  their  counsel,  lo  !  the  sum  : 
 God,  they  say,  hath  him  forsaken, 
 Now  pursue,  he  must  be  taken  ; 
 
 None  will  to  his  rescue  come. 
 
 O  my  God,  be  not  absented ; 
 O  my  God,  now,  now  presented 
 
 Let  in  haste  Thy  succour  be  ; 
 Let  them  fall  disgraced,  and  shamed, 
 All  f  confounded,  all  difFamed, 
 
 Who  this  ill  intend  for  me  ! 
 
 As  for  me  g  :  on  Thy  salvation 
 Waiting,  without  variation, 
 
 I  will  heap  Thy  praise  with  praise : 
 
250  PSALM  LXXI. 
 
 h  With  my  mouth  Thy  works  recounting, 
 Mercies  every  sum  surmounting 
 Unto  which  our  thoughts  we  raise. 
 
 Nay,  my  God,  by  Thee  secured, 
 Where  will  I  not  march  assured  ? 
 
 1  Who  shall  be  my  song  but  thou  ? 
 1  by  Thee,  from  infant  training, 
 Still  with  years  fresh  wisdom  gaining, 
 
 Have  Thy  wonders  spread  till  now. 
 
 J  Now  that  I  to  age  have  reached, 
 Age's  snow  my  head  hath  k  bleached, 
 
 Leave  me  not,  my  God,  forlorn  ! 
 Let  me  make  Thy  might's  relation 
 To  the  coming  generation, 
 
 To  the  age  as  yet  unborn. 
 
 God, — Thy  justice  highest  raised, 
 Thy  great  works  as  highly  praised, — 
 Who  Thy  peer,  O  God,  doth  reign  ? 
 
PSALM  LXXI.  251 
 
 Thou  into  these  woes  1  didst  drive  me ; 
 Thou  again  shalt  thence  revive  me, 
 Lift  me  from  m  the  deep  again. 
 
 Thou  shalt  make  my  greatness  greater, 
 Make  my  good  with  comfort  better  ; 
 
 Thee  my  lute,  my  harp  shall  sing ; 
 Thee,  my  God,  that  never  slidest 
 From  Thy  word,  but  constant  bidest, 
 
 n  Israel's  Holy,  Heavenly  King. 
 
 So  my  lips,  all  joy  declaring, 
 So  my  soul,  no  honour  sparing, 
 
 Shall  Thee  sing,  by  Thee  secure ; 
 So  my  tongue,  all  times,  all  places, 
 Tell  Thy  °  truth,  and  their  disgraces, 
 
 Who  this  ill  to  me  procure. 
 
252 
 
 PSALM  LXXII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JOSEPH  COTTLE,  1805. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  for  Solomon  ;"  recommending  him  to  the  Divine 
 blessing,  and  foretelling  the  prosperity  and  happiness  of 
 his  future  reign.  It  is  typically  descriptive  of  the  Messiah's 
 kingdom. 
 
 Thy  judgments  on  the  king  bestow, 
 
 O  God ;  Thy  grace  impart 
 To  the  king's  son,  and  let  him  know, 
 
 How  good  and  great  Thou  art. 
 
 In  truth  the  people  of  thy  land 
 Shall  he  delight  to  guide ; 
 
 In  judgment  his  impartial  hand 
 Will  for  the  poor  provide. 
 
PSALM  LXXII.  253 
 
 4  And  then  shall  every  mountain's  voice 
 
 With  peace  his  people  bless ; 
 And  all  the  little  hills  rejoice, 
 
 Proclaiming  righteousness. 
 
 He  of  the  sons  of  need  around 
 
 Shall  judge  the  injur 'd  right ; 
 Th'  oppressors  of  the  land  confound, 
 
 And  break  their  vaunted  might. 
 
 Throughout  all  generations  they 
 
 Shall  hold  Thy  statutes  fast ; 
 Thee  shall  they  fear,  and  Thee  obey, 
 
 While  sun  and  moon  shall  last. 
 
 Soft  as  the  showers  shall  He  come  down, 
 
 That  bless  the  parched  fields  ; 
 Like  rain  upon  the  grass  new  mown, 
 
 When  earth  her  increase  yields. 
 
 4  *  The  mountains  shall  announce  prosperity  unto  the 
 people,  and  the  hills  prosperity  and  righteousness." — French 
 and  Skinner's  translation.  The  allusion  seems  to  be  to  the 
 custom  of  placing  persons  upon  eminences  to  proclaim  intelli- 
 gence.— See  Isaiah  xl.  9  ;  and  Hi.  7« 
 
254  PSALM  LXXII. 
 
 The  just  shall  flourish  in  his  day ; 
 
 Nor  clouds  the  peace  o'ercast, 
 Which  here  shall  hold  her  gentle  sway, 
 
 Long  as  the  moon  shall  last. 
 
 From  sea  to  sea  His  wide  domain 
 
 Unbroken  shall  extend ; 
 And  from  the  river  He  shall  reign, 
 
 To  where  earth's  limits  end. 
 
 Who  dwell  amid  the  wilderness, 
 Shall  bow  with  homage  just ; 
 
 His  enemies  shall  Him  confess, 
 And  crouching  lick  the  dust : 
 
 And  Tarshish,  and  the  island  kings 
 With  gifts  His  sway  shall  own ; 
 
 Sheba,  and  Seba,  offerings 
 Shall  lay  before  His  throne. 
 
 Yea,  all  earth's  monarchs,  far  away, 
 Before  His  face  shall  fall ; 
 
 All  nations  shall  their  service  pay, 
 And  Him  their  Lord  shall  call. 
 
PSALM  LXXII.  255 
 
 The  needy  for  His  aid  shall  cry ; 
 
 The  poor  man  in  his  grief, 
 And  all  who  have  no  help,  shall  fly 
 
 To  Him,  and  find  relief. 
 
 The  poor  and  needy  He  shall  spare, 
 And  raise,  and  make  them  whole ; 
 
 The  needy  are  His  constant  care, 
 He  saves  their  sinking  soul. 
 
 He  shall  their  soul  from  fraud  set  free, 
 
 From  violence  restore; 
 And  precious  in  His  sight  shall  be 
 
 Their  blood  for  evermore. 
 
 Through  everlasting  He  shall  live  ; 
 
 They  Sheba's  gold  shall  bear 
 To  Him,  and  daily  praises  give, 
 
 And  make  continual  prayer. 
 
 A  scattered  handful,  thinly  sown 
 Upon  the  mountain's  head, 
 
 Shall  wave  like  leafy  Lebanon ; — 
 As  grass  the  throngs  shall  spread. 
 
256  PSALM  LXXII. 
 
 His  fame  throughout  all  lands  shall  run, 
 
 His  blessing  on  them  rest, 
 As  everlasting  as  the  sun  ; 
 
 And  all  shall  call  Him  blest. 
 
 And  blessed  be  the  King  of  kings, 
 
 The  God  of  Israel ; 
 Who  only  worketh  wond'rous  things, 
 
 Whose  wisdom  doth  excel. 
 
 And  blessed  be  His  glorious  Name, 
 
 Throughout  eternity : 
 His  glory  fills  this  earthly  frame — 
 
 Amen.     So  may  it  be. 
 
257 
 
 PSALM  LXXIIL 
 
 JAMES  MONTGOMERY,  1822. 
 
 5  The  good  man's  confidence  in  God's  providence  is  not  to  be 
 discouraged  by  contemplating  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 
 
 Truly  the  Lord  is  good  to  those, 
 
 The  pure  in  heart,  who  love  His  Name  ; 
 
 But  as  for  me,  temptation  rose, 
 
 And  well  nigh  cast  me  down  to  shame. 
 
 For  I  was  envious  at  their  state, 
 
 When  I  beheld  the  wicked  rise, 
 And  flourish  in  their  pride  elate ; 
 
 No  fear  of  death  before  their  eyes. 
 
 5  This  and  the  ten  following  Psalms  (to  the  83rd  inclusive) 
 are,  as  well  as  the  50th,  inscribed  with  the  name  of  Asaph 
 the  Levite  ;  but  two  of  them,  the  74th,  and  79th,  as  it  would 
 seem  erroneously. 
 
258  PSALM  LXXIII. 
 
 Not  troubled  they,  as  others  are, 
 
 Nor  plagued,  with  all  their  vain  pretence, 
 
 Pride  like  a  chain  of  gold  they  wear, 
 And  clothe  themselves  with  violence. 
 
 Swoll'n  are  their  eyes  with  wine  and  lust, 
 a  They  more  than  heart  can  wish  possess ; 
 
 In  fraud  and  tyranny  they  trust, 
 b  And  glory  in  their  wickedness. 
 
 Their  mouth  assails  the  heavens  ;  their  tongue 
 Walks  arrogantly  through  the  earth ; 
 
 c  To  us  th'  o'erflowing  cup  is  wrung 
 Of  sorrow  at  their  impious  mirth. 
 
 d  "  And  how,"  the  daring  mockers  cry, 
 "  Doth  God  our  dark  devices  know ; 
 i        Or  how  should  He,  who  dwells  so  high, 
 Regard  the  works  of  men  below  ?" 
 
 These  are  the  ungodly ;  these  are  they 
 Who  thrive  secure  in  worldly  peace ; 
 
 These  are  the  men,  who  day  by  day, 
 Behold  their  swollen  stores  increase. 
 
PSALM  LXXIII.  259 
 
 Then  have  I  cleansed  my  heart  in  vain, 
 
 e  In  vain  my  hands  from  guilt  have  purged ; 
 
 All  day  afflicted  I  complain, 
 
 f  And  every  morning  I  am  scourged. 
 
 6  And  yet  away  with  words  like  these ; 
 
 Lest  rashly,  in  presumptuous  pride, 
 Thy  humbler  children  I  displease, 
 
 And  they  the  impious  murmur  chide. 
 
 Too  painful  this  for  me  to  view, 
 Till  to  Thy  temple,  Lord,  I  went ; 
 
 And  then  their  fearful  end  I  knew ; 
 How  suddenly  their  light  is  spent. 
 
 g  Set  on  a  high  and  slippery  steep, 
 Down  to  perdition  these  are  hurl'd ; 
 
 h  By  Thee  swept  headlong  to  the  deep, 
 A  spectacle  to  all  the  world. 
 
 6  Ver.  15,  not  translated  by  Montgomery, 
 s  2 
 
260  PSALM  LXXIII. 
 
 1  As  men,  when  they  awake  at  morn, 
 The  visions  of  the  night  despise  ; 
 
 Thus,  Lord,  their  image  shalt  Thou  scorn, 
 When  Thou  to  vengeance  shalt  arise. 
 
 Abash'd,  my  folly  then  I  saw, 
 
 I  seem'd  before  Thee  like  a  brute  ; 
 
 Smit  to  the  heart,  o'erwhelm'd  with  awe, 
 I  bow'd,  I  worshipp'd,  and  was  mute. 
 
 Yet  Thou  art  ever  at  my  side, 
 
 J  And  dost  uphold  me  and  defend ; 
 
 Me  by  Thy  counsel  Thou  shalt  guide, 
 And  bring  to  glory  in  the  end. 
 
 Whom  have  I,  Lord,  in  Heaven  but  Thee  ? 
 
 In  earth  shall  none  divide  my  heart ; 
 Then  fail  my  flesh — my  spirit  flee — 
 
 Thou  mine  eternal  portion  art. 
 
PSALM  LXXIV.  261 
 
 7  Their  doom  shall  quick  destruction  be, 
 Who  wantonly  Thy  love  forego  : 
 
 For  me  'tis  good  to  cleave  to  Thee, 
 And  Thy  great  works  abroad  to  show. 
 
 PSALM  LXXIV. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 A  Lamentation  for  the  ruin  of  the  temple,  and  an  appeal  to 
 the  power  and  goodness  of  God,  which  had  formerly 
 wrought  such  wonders  for  the  deliverance  of  His  people. 
 Ascribed  to  Asaph,  but  written  during  the  captivity. 
 
 Lord,  why  aare  we  abandoned, 
 O  why  for  ever  ? — Shall  Thine  ire 
 Consume,  like  a  devouring  fire, 
 
 The  sheep  which  in  Thy  pasture  fed  ? 
 
 O  think  of  those,  who  were  Thine  own ; 
 By  Thee  of  old  from  bondage  brought, 
 Th'  inheritance  which  Thou  hast  bought, 
 
 And  Zion,  Thine  b  accustomed  throne  ! 
 
 7  Ver.  27  and  28,  left  untranslated  by  Montgomery. 
 
262  PSALM  LXXIV. 
 
 Come,  O  come  quickly ;  and  survey 
 What  spoil  the  barbarous  foe  has  made ; 
 Lo  !  all  in  heaps  of  ruin  laid 
 
 Thy  temple,  their  c  unhallow'd  prey, 
 
 d  There,  with  wild  shouts,  the  hostile  band 
 Roar  midst  Thy  courts  ;  and,  as  'twere  given 
 A  token  and  a  sign  from  Heaven, 
 
 Point  where  their  conquering  ensigns  stand. 
 
 In  the  thick  woods,  with  what  renown 
 
 Plied  they  the  axe,  these  shrines  to  build  ! 
 Now  they  the  axe  and  hammer  wield, 
 
 To  hew  the  carved  fabric  down. 
 
 Behold,  the  all-infolding  flame, 
 
 The  beauty  of  the  earth  c  o'erthrow, 
 And  humbly  on  the  ground  lay  low 
 
 That  temple,  sacred  to  Thy  Name. 
 
 fNow  make  we,  cried  the  ruthless  band, 
 Now  make  we  havoc  of  them  all ! 
 By  fire  the  holy  structures  fall, 
 
 Through  this  depopulated  land. 
 
PSALM  LXXIV.  263 
 
 No  miracles  amaze  our  foes ; 
 g  There  is  no  prophet  to  divine, 
 Or  cheer  us  with  the  wonted  sign ; 
 
 None  know  the  period  of  our  woes. 
 
 Ah !  how  long  shall  our  enemies 
 
 Exult  and  glory  in  our  shame  ? 
 
 How  long  shall  they  blaspheme  Thy  Name, 
 Great  God,  and  Thy  slow  wrath  despise  ? 
 
 h  Thy  right  hand  from  Thy  bosom  draw, 
 Nor  longer  Thy  revenge  withhold  ! 
 My  God,  Thou  wast  our  King  ;  *  of  old 
 
 Th'  amazed  world  Thy  wonders  saw. 
 
 k  Thou  by  Thy  strength  didst  cleave  the  wave, 
 When  seas  from  seas  in  tumult  fled, 
 1  Didst  wound  the  river-dragon's  head, 
 
 And  mad'st  the  deep  abyss  his  grave. 
 
 Thou  slew'st  the  monster  of  the  flood, 
 Leviathan,  whose  carcass  vast 
 Thou  to  the  noisome  beasts  did  cast, 
 
 The  people  of  the  wild,  for  food. 
 
264  PSALM  LXXIV. 
 
 From  the  hard  rock,  at  Thy  command, 
 The  flood  and  gushing  fountain  brake  ; 
 Thou  mad'st  the  m  mighty  streams  forsake 
 
 Their  channels  and  become  dry  n  land. 
 
 The  cheerful  day,  night  clothed  in  shade, 
 0  The  light,  and  radiant  sun  are  Thine  ; 
 Thy  bounds  p  the  far-spread  earth  confine, 
 
 Summer  and  winter  q  Thou  hast  made. 
 
 Great  God  of  gods,  forget  not  those, 
 Who  Thee  reproachfully  despise  ; 
 Remember,  Lord,  the  blasphemies 
 
 Cast  on  Thee  by  our  frantic  foes  ! 
 
 O,  to  the  wicked  multitude, 
 
 Surrender  not  Thy  turtle-dove  ; 
 Nor  from  Thy  tender  care  remove 
 
 The  poor  by  powerful  wrong  pursued. 
 
 r  Thy  plighted  covenant  maintain ; 
 For  darkness  overspreads  the  face 
 Of  all  the  land  ;  in  every  place 
 
 Destruction,  s  wrong,  and  rapine  reign. 
 
PSALM  LXXV.  265 
 
 Let  not  th'  opprest  t  turn  back  with  shame  : 
 u  The  poor  and  meek  thine  honour  prize  ; 
 Plead  Thou  Thine  own  just  cause  ;  arise  ! 
 
 Rebuke  the  fools  who  scorn  Thy  Name. 
 
 Lord,  let  not  still  Thy  foes  in  peace 
 Blaspheme  Thee  with  their  calumnies ! 
 The  tumults  of  their  pride,  who  rise 
 
 Against  Thee,  every  day  increase. 
 
 PSALM  LXXV. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  Asaph."  Under  the  figure  of  some  king  about 
 to  enter  on  the  government  of  his  people,  it  seems  to  be 
 prophetical  of  God's  Judgment  of  the  world. 
 
 Thee,  Lord,  we  praise  and  magnify ; 
 
 To  Thee  we  thankful  are ; 
 For,  that  Thy  Name  a  is  ever  nigh, 
 
 Thy  wond'rous  works  declare. 
 
266  PSALM  LXXV. 
 
 b  When  I  assume  my  peopled  sway, 
 
 I  justice  will  maintain. 
 c  Earth  and  earth's  dwellers  melt  away ; 
 
 Her  pillars  I  sustain. 
 
 To  fools  I  said,  "  more  prudent  grow ;" 
 
 To  sinners  thus  I  spake ; 
 "  Your  horn,  your  horn  exalt  not  so, 
 
 Nor  such  proud  boastings  make." 
 Nor  east,  nor  west  advancements  come, 
 
 Nor  from  the  d  desert8  flow, 
 But  God  Himself  preferreth  some, 
 
 And  some  doth  overthrow. 
 
 e  He,  from  the  full  cup  in  His  hand, 
 
 The  mixt  red  wine  doth  pour  ; 
 f  And  it  th'  ungodly  of  the  land 
 
 Shall  to  the  dregs  devour. 
 But  I  of  Jacob's  God  will  speak, 
 
 And  alway  sing  His  praise ; 
 The  horns  of  sinners  I  will  break, 
 
 But  high  the  righteous  raise. 
 
 8  Marginal  translation. 
 
267 
 
 PSALM  LXXVI. 
 
 "  A  MEMBER  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OXFORD,"  1839. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  Asaph."     A  Hymn  of  triumph  for  some  signal 
 deliverance  of  Jerusalem  from  the  enemy. 
 
 In  Judah  God  is  known  ;  His  Name 
 
 In  Israel  great  and  glorious  ; 
 His  tent  in  Salem  He  would  frame, 
 
 On  Sion  dwell  victorious  : 
 There  burning  shafts  from  many  a  bow 
 He  shivered ;  targe  and  spear  lay  low, 
 
 The  shield,  the  sword,  and  battle. 
 
 More  glorious  than  the  hills  of  prey, 
 
 Thine  awful  light  is  shining ; 
 The  proud  had  cast  their  spoils  away, 
 
 In  deadly  sleep  reclining. 
 Then  warriors  miss'd  their  arm  of  might : — 
 God  of  our  fathers  !  Thou  didst  smite  ; 
 
 Fell  car  and  horse  a  astounded. 
 
268  PSALM  LXXVI. 
 
 Thou  awful  God !  to  whom  is  given 
 
 In  wrath  to  stand  before  Thee  ? 
 Thou  mad'st  Thy  judgment  heard  from  Heaven  ; 
 
 The  deeps  of  earth  adore  Thee. 
 They  heard,  they  sank  ;  for  God  arose 
 Out  of  His  place  to  judge  His  foes, 
 
 The  meek  ones  here  upholding. 
 
 Man's  wrath  must  praise  Thee,  Lord ;  till  Thou 
 
 b  Have  his  fierce  wrath  abated  ; 
 Vow  ye  to  God,  and  pay  c  your  vow, 
 
 Who  still  on  Him  have  waited. 
 Gifts  to  the  Dreadful  One  be  brought, 
 Tamer  of  monarchs'  haughty  thought, 
 
 To  kings  of  earth  appalling  ! 
 
269 
 
 PSALM  LXXVII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1  632. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  Asaph."  The  consolation  under  present  dis- 
 tress to  be  derived  from  a  consideration  of  God's  former 
 mercies. 
 
 To  God,  e'en  to  the  Lord,  I  pray'd, 
 
 And  He  did  hear  my  a  cry ; 
 Both  day  and  night  I  sought  His  aid, 
 
 b  And  spread  my  hands  on  high 9. 
 
 My  heart  no  comforts  entertain'd, 
 
 c  I  fix'd  on  God  my  thought  ; 
 And  so  I  griev'd,  and  so  complain'd, 
 
 That  low  my  soul  was  brought. 
 
 9  The  authorised  version  is,  "  my  sore  ran,  and  ceased 
 not ;"  but  the  preferable  translation  seems  to  be,  "  my  hand 
 was  spread  forth  and  relaxed  not."  The  difficulty  has  arisen 
 from  the  Hebrew  word  signifying  "  a  hand  "  being  sometimes 
 used  for  the  blow  inflicted  by  it. 
 
270  PSALM  LXXVII. 
 
 Mine  eyes  from  sleep  He  did  withhold, 
 d  And  grief  enchain'd  my  tongue  ; 
 
 I  mus'd  on  days  and  years  of  old, 
 And  what  was  once  my  song. 
 
 Yea,  all  alone  at  night  I  lay, 
 
 Thus  musing  in  my  mind ; 
 Lord,  wilt  Thou  cast  me  quite  away, 
 
 And  never  more  be  kind  ? 
 
 Is  Thy  compassion  lost  outright  ? 
 
 Shall  Thy  firm  promise  fail  ? 
 Hast  Thou  forgot  Thy  mercy  quite  ? 
 
 O'er  love  shall  e  wrath  prevail  ? 
 
 f  No,  this  is  mine  infirmity  ; 
 
 The  mercies,  year  on  year 
 Wrought  by  the  hand  of  the  Most  High, 
 
 s  I  still  in  mind  will  bear. 
 
 Thy  works  and  wonders  past,  O  Lord, 
 
 I'll  s  surely  muse  upon  ; 
 Thy  former  acts  I  will  record, 
 
 And  show  what  Thou  hast  done. 
 
PSALM  LXXVII.  271 
 
 h  Thy  way  is  in  the  holy  place  ; 
 
 What  God  is  like  our  own  ? 
 Great  God  of  wonders  !  wide  we  trace 
 
 Thy  strength  to  men  made  known. 
 
 For  Jacob's  and  for  Joseph's  race, 
 
 Thine  arm  did  purchase  aid  ; 
 1  The  waters,  when  they  saw  Thy  face, 
 
 Were  troubled  and  afraid. 
 
 The  clouds  did  melt,  the  J  welkin  crash'd, 
 
 Thine  arrows  k  went  abroad ; 
 Thy  thunders  roar'd,  the  lightnings  flash'd, 
 
 1  Earth  trembled  at  her  God. 
 
 ra  Thou  walk'st  the  sea  with  steps  uneyed, 
 
 n  Thy  path  is  in  the  deep ; 
 And  Moses  did  with  Aaron  guide, 
 
 Thy  people  there,  like  sheep. 
 
272 
 
 PSALM  LXXVIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  C.  F.  AND  E.  C.,  1838. 
 
 The  praise  of  God  for  his  wondrous  works  in  behalf  of  his 
 people,  from  their  Egyptian  captivity  to  the  choosing  of 
 David  for  their  king.  The  first  of  the  historical  Psalms1. 
 A  Fsalm  of  Asaph. 
 
 A  parable  is  on  my  tongue ; 
 
 High  truths  I  will  unfold ; 
 Give  ear,  my  people,  to  the  word 
 
 Of  wisdom,  from  of  old. 
 Dark  sentences  of  ancient  lore, 
 
 Which  we  have  heard  and  known ; 
 Which,  still  unchang'd,  from  age  to  age, 
 
 Our  sires  have  handed  down. 
 
 We  will  not  from  their  children  hide 
 
 Those  holy  truths  they  taught, 
 The  mighty  and  the  wond'rous  works, 
 
 The  Lord  our  God  hath  wrought ; 
 
 1  The  73th,  105th,  and  106th. 
 
PSALM  LXXVIII.  273 
 
 His  Word  to  Jacob  He  reveal'd, 
 
 A  law  in  Israel  made  ; 
 And  bade  it  be  from  sire  to  son, 
 
 From  race  to  race  convey'd  : 
 
 That  they  might  put  their  trust  in  God, 
 
 And  set  their  heart  aright ; 
 Nor  do,  as  their  forefathers  did, 
 
 Perversely  in  His  sight. 
 But  Ephraim's  sons,  though  arm'd  with  bows, 
 
 Back  from  the  battle  turn'd  ; 
 And  these,  unstedfast  with  their  God, 
 
 His  plighted  covenant  spurn'd. 
 
 A  faithless  and  a  stubborn  race, 
 
 With  Him  they  walked  not ; 
 But  all  His  works,  the  mighty  signs 
 
 That  He  had  done,  forgot. 
 Great  things  and  marvellous  the  Lord 
 
 Before  our  fathers  wrought, 
 In  Zoan's  field,  in  Egypt's  land, 
 
 When  Israel  home  He  brought. 
 
 T 
 
274  PSALM  LXXVIII. 
 
 He  led  them  dry-shod  through  the  flood, 
 
 He  bade  the  sea  divide ; 
 And  made  the  wall  of  waters  stand 
 
 An  heap  on  either  side. 
 Veil'd  in  a  cloud,  along  the  wild, 
 
 He  led  their  steps  by  day ; 
 And  with  a  light  of  fire  all  night, 
 
 Still  marshall'd  them  the  way. 
 
 He  clave  the  rock ;  and  o'er  the  waste 
 
 The  living  waters  burst ; 
 As  the  great  depths  had  sent  their  stores 
 
 To  quench  the  people's  thirst. 
 The  stony  rock  gush'd  forth  in  floods 
 
 Beneath  th'  Almighty  hand ; 
 Like  rivers,  the  o'erflowing  streams, 
 
 Ran  down  thethirsty  land. 
 
 Yet  Israel  sinned  but  the  more, 
 Provoking  the  Most  High  ; 
 
 And  still  did  their  rebellious  heart 
 Jehovah  dare  to  try. 
 
PSALM  LXXVIII.  275 
 
 Thus  spake  they,  craving  in  their  lust ; 
 
 "  Can  Great  Jehovah  spread 
 A  table  in  the  wilderness, 
 
 And  give  His  people  bread?" 
 
 "  He  smote  the  stony  rock  indeed, 
 
 And  water  gush'd  amain  ; 
 But  can  He  flesh  and  food  bestow 
 
 Here  in  the  desert  plain  ? " 
 At  Jacob  then  and  Israel 
 
 Was  wrath  enkindled  hot ; 
 When  faithless  they  disown'd  their  God, 
 
 His  mercy  trusted  not, 
 
 2  Then  did  He  give  the  clouds  command, 
 
 Heaven's  doors  He  open'd  wide  ; 
 He  sent  the  people  their  desire, 
 
 And  every  want  supplied. 
 He  rain'd  down  manna  from  above  ; 
 
 And  round  about  them  strew'd, 
 The  bread  of  Heaven  was  reap'd  on  earth  ; 
 
 And  man  ate  angels'  food. 
 
 2  Old  traslation. 
 T  2 
 
276  PSALM  LXXVIII. 
 
 From  south  and  east  the  freighted  winds 
 
 Did  scatter  wide  their  store ; 
 Flesh,  as  the  dust ;  and  feather'd  fowl, 
 
 As  sand  upon  the  shore. 
 It  fell  around  their  pitched  tents, 
 
 And,  even  as  they  will'd, 
 God  gave  them  what  they  had  desir'd ; 
 
 They  ate,  and  they  were  fill'd. 
 
 Yet,  while  the  meat  was  in  their  mouth, 
 
 They  tempted  God  anew  ; 
 So  wrath  came  on  them  from  above, 
 
 And  all  their  chiefest  slew. 
 But  still  they  heeded  not  His  works, 
 
 Nor  gave  to  God  the  praise ; 
 Therefore  in  vanity  and  woe, 
 
 Did  He  consume  their  days. 
 
 Whene'er  He  slew  them  in  His  wrath, 
 
 They  to  His  mercy  fled ; 
 And  their  Redeemer,  the  Most  High, 
 
 Again  remembered. 
 
PSALM  LXXVIII.  277 
 
 But  they  dissembled  with  their  lips, 
 
 And  lied  unto  the  Lord ; 
 Because  their  heart  was  still  afar, 
 
 Nor  stedfast  kept  His  Word. 
 
 Yet  had  He  mercy,  and  forgave, 
 
 Nor  would  His  people  slay  ; 
 He  let  not  all  His  anger  rise, 
 
 But  turn'd  His  wrath  away. 
 For  He  remember'd  they  were  flesh, 
 
 As  fleeting  and  as  vain 
 As  is  the  wind  that  passeth  by, 
 
 And  cometh  not  again. 
 
 Now  oft  provoked  they  the  Lord ! 
 
 And  mid  the  desert  land, 
 The  Holy  One  of  Israel  grieved, 
 
 And  limited  His  hand ; 
 Nor  thought  how  long  its  deeds  of  might, 
 
 Had  safely  led  them  on ; 
 Nor  of  that  day,  when  from  the  foe 
 
 He  had  their  rescue  won  : 
 
278  PSALM  LXXVIII. 
 
 In  Egypt  and  in  Zoan's  field, 
 
 What  wond'rous  signs  He  gave  ; 
 And  turn'd  their  rivers  into  blood  : — 
 
 Men  loath'd  the  tainted  wave. 
 Devouring  flies,  and  noisome  frogs, 
 
 He  bade  corrupt  their  soil ; 
 He  gave  the  locust  and  the  worm 
 
 The  produce  of  their  toil. 
 
 He  bade  the  all-destroying  hail 
 
 Upon  their  vines  to  pour  ; 
 And  with  His  parching  frost  cut  down 
 
 The  fruitful 3  sycomore. 
 He  on  their  herds  of  cattle  rain'd 
 
 Sharp  hailstones  in  His  ire  ; 
 And  cast  upon  the  scatter'd  flocks 
 
 Hot  thunderbolts  of  fire. 
 
 Forth  did  the  fierceness  of  His  wrath 
 
 And  indignation  flame  ; 
 And  at  His  bidding  trouble  sore, 
 
 Yea,  evil  angels  came. 
 
 3  Not  the  sycamore,  but  a  tree  partaking  of  the  nature  of 
 the  fig  and  mulberry.     See  Bishop  Mant's  Note. 
 
PSALM  LXXVIII.  279 
 
 All  Egypt's  eldest-born  to  smite, 
 
 He  made  His  anger  way ; 
 The  mightiest  in  the  tents  of  Ham, 
 
 He  bade  the  slayer  slay. 
 
 But,  for  the  people  of  His  choice, 
 
 He  led  them  forth  like  sheep ; 
 Their  Guide  in  the  vast  wilderness, 
 
 His  wandering  flock  to  keep. 
 While  seas  their  enemies  o'erwhelm'd, 
 
 He  brought  them  safely  on, 
 E'en  to  this  mountain  of  defence, 
 
 Which  His  right-hand  had  won. 
 
 He  drove  the  heathen  nations  forth, 
 
 That  Israel's  weary  band 
 Might  dwell  within  the  stranger's  tent, 
 
 And  share  his  goodly  land. 
 Yet,  as  their  fathers  had  rebell'd, 
 
 They  left  their  Heavenly  Guide  ; 
 And,  faithless  as  a  broken  bow, 
 
 They  started  still  aside. 
 
280  PSALM  LXXVIII. 
 
 When  He  beheld  their  graven  gods, 
 
 Their  altars  raised  on  high, 
 God  loath'd  His  chosen  Israel, 
 
 Incensed  to  jealousy. 
 He  left  His  dwelling  among  men, 
 
 Yea,  Shiloh  He  abhorr'd  ; 
 4  His  glory  to  the  captor  gave, 
 
 His  people  to  the  sword. 
 
 Their  youth  into  consuming  fire 
 
 By  His  fierce  wrath  were  driven ; 
 And  to  the  joyous  marriage-bond 
 
 Their  maidens  were  not  given ; 
 And,  when  upon  their  holy  priests 
 
 The  slaughtering  sword  He  sent, 
 No  widow  o'er  her  murder'd  lord, 
 
 Surviv'd  to  make  lament. 
 
 Like  to  a  mighty  man  refresh'd, 
 
 Or  giant  strong  with  wine, 
 The  Lord  awaken'd  as  from  sleep, 
 
 And  bade  His  terrors  shine. 
 
 4  A  term  descriptive  of  the  ark  of  God. — See  1  Sam.  iv. 
 20,  &c. 
 
PSALM  LXXVIII.  281 
 
 To  indignation  newly  rous'd, 
 
 The  Lord  Jehovah  came  ; 
 And  smote  His  enemies  behind, 
 
 With  a  perpetual  shame. 
 
 He  from  the  tents  of  Joseph  turn'd, 
 
 Nor  would  to  Ephraim  come, 
 But  chose  Him  Sion  for  His  seat, 
 
 And  Judah  for  His  home : 
 There,  even  on  the  mount  He  loved, 
 
 On  high  His  temple  made  ; 
 And  strong,  as  when  He  fram'd  the  earth, 
 
 Its  deep  foundations  laid. 
 
 He  from  the  milch-ewes,  and  the  folds 
 
 His  servant  David  took ; 
 And  gave  him  Judah  for  a  charge, 
 
 And  Israel  for  his  flock. 
 So  David,  with  a  stedfast  heart, 
 
 His  heritage  has  fed ; 
 And  wisely,  with  unerring  hand, 
 
 His  people  governed. 
 
282 
 
 PSALM  LXXIX. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  CHRISTOPHER  SMART,  1765. 
 
 This  Psalm  (ascribed  to  Asaph)  was,  like  the  74th,  written 
 during  the  captivity.  It  laments  the  ruin  of  the  temple, 
 and  of  Jerusalem  ;  and  appeals  to  God  for  the  deliverance 
 of  His  people.  The  6th  and  7th  verses  occur  in  Jeremiah 
 x.  25. 
 
 Lord,  o'er  Thine  own  chosen  nation 
 Heathen  hordes  have  dared  to  sweep ; 
 
 Made  Thy  courts  a  desolation, 
 And  Jerusalem  an  heap. 
 
 They  the  greedy  fowls  of  heaven 
 
 With  our  mangled  Bodies  feast ; 
 And  thy  Saints  a  prey  have  given 
 
 Unto  every  savage  beast. 
 
 Human  blood,  like  wasted  water, 
 
 Round  about  the  wall  is  shed  : 
 And  the  universal  slaughter 
 
 Leaves  no  burial  for  the  dead. 
 
PSALM  LXXIX.  283 
 
 Scorn'd  are  we  ;  the  nations  lying 
 Round  our  now  devoted  land, 
 
 Israel  openly  defying, 
 
 With  their  scoffs  her  people  brand. 
 
 Lord,  how  long  shall  Thy  displeasure 
 Punish  our  perverted  ways  ? 
 
 Fed  and  fann'd  beyond  all  measure, 
 Shall  thy  jealous  fury  blaze  ? 
 
 Let  the  bolts  of  Thy  correction 
 
 Those  who  know  Thee  not  chastise, 
 
 Realms  and  kings  in  disaffection, 
 Who  Thy  glorious  Name  despise  : 
 
 For  revengeful  and  voracious 
 
 They  have  prey'd  on  Jacob's  race, 
 
 And  have  laid  their  hands  rapacious 
 On  his  goodly  dwelling-place. 
 
 O  !  remember  not,  how  grievous 
 Were  Thy  servants'  sins  of  old ; 
 
 But  in  mercy  soon  relieve  us 
 To  the  fell  destroyers  sold. 
 
284  PSALM  LXXIX. 
 
 Help,  O  God  of  our  salvation, 
 For  the  glory  of  Thy  Name  ! 
 
 Save  us  in  our  desolation, 
 
 Purge  away  our  sin  and  shame. 
 
 Wherefore  should  the  strange  blasphemer 
 Say,  with  supercilious  brow, 
 "  Where  is  now  their  strong  Redeemer  ? 
 Where  is  God  their  helper,  now  ?" 
 
 O  Let  vengeance  now  be  sated, 
 Let  our  God  to  them  be  known ; 
 
 Those,  who  have  Thy  servants  hated, 
 In  our  sight  be  overthrown ! 
 
 From  their  dungeon  deep  resounding 
 Hear  the  prisoners,  as  they  sigh ; 
 
 Let  Thy  mighty  power  abounding 
 Save  the  poor  condemn'd  to  die ! 
 
 In  Thy  righteous  balance  weighing 
 Of  Thy  Name  their  bold  despite, 
 
 And  sevenfold  our  foes  repaying, 
 Lord,  their  blasphemies  requite  ! 
 
PSALM  LXXX.  285 
 
 So  shall  we,  whom  Thou  didst  sever 
 To  Thyself,  a  chosen  stock, 
 
 Yield  Thee  thanks;  and  praise  for  ever, 
 Blessed  Pastor  of  our  flock. 
 
 PSALM  LXXX. 
 
 ANONYMOUS — "  POEMS  ORIGINAL  AND  TRANSLATED,"  1836. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  Asaph,"  describing,  under  the  figure  of  a  vine, 
 the  former  exaltation,  and  present  affliction  of  God's  church 
 and  people.     The  occasion  of  it  is  uncertain. 
 
 Shepherd  Divine  of  Israel, 
 
 Who  Joseph  as  a  sheep  dost  lead  ; 
 Who  'twixt  the  cherubim  dost  dwell, 
 
 a  Shine  forth,  and  help  us  in  our  need ! 
 
 Before  Manasseh,  as  of  old, 
 
 Go  forth  in  all  Thy  b  might  arrayed ; 
 
 Let  Benjamin  his  God  behold, 
 
 c  Stir  up  Thy  strength  for  Ephraim's  aid. 
 
286  PSALM  LXXX. 
 
 Turn  us  again,  O  Lord,  we  pray ; 
 
 And  on  our  sad  and  sorrowing  soul 
 Let  Thy  face  shed  one  cheering  ray, 
 
 That  we  may  see  it,  and  be  whole. 
 
 But  wilt  Thou  still  with  anger  glow ; 
 
 Against  our  prayer  still  close  Thine  ears  ? 
 d  Thou  mak'st  our  cup  with  tears  o'erflow, 
 
 Thou  feed'st  us  with  the  bread  of  tears  : 
 
 e  And  still  our  foes  in  malice  vie, 
 Who  most  can  spoil  us  and  oppress ; 
 
 Who  most  can  mock  our  misery, 
 And  laugh  to  scorn  our  helplessness. 
 
 Turn  us  again,  O  Lord,  we  pray  ; 
 
 And  on  our  sad  and  sorrowing  soul 
 Let  Thy  face  shed  one  cheering  ray, 
 
 That  we  may  see  it,  and  be  whole. 
 
 Of  old,  from  Egypt's  distant  shore, 
 Thou,  Lord,  a  chosen  vine  didst  bear, 
 
 And  where  the  heathen  stood  before, 
 Didst  plant,  and  bid  it  flourish  fair. 
 
PSALM  LXXX.  287 
 
 f  Where  first  Thou  gavest  it  room  to  stand, 
 Deep  in  the  earth  its  roots  it  wound, 
 
 g  And  widening  thence  they  fill'd  the  land ; — 
 Its  shadow  veil'd  the  hills  around. 
 
 Like  goodly  cedar-tree,  her  head 
 
 She  lifted  high  above  the  plain, 
 Her  branches  h  to  the  river  spread, 
 
 Her  boughs  unto  the  farthest  main. 
 
 Why  hast  Thou  then  her  hedge  o'erthrown, 
 And  left  her  fenceless  and  forlorn ; 
 
 That  all  who  pass,  with  bitter  tone, 
 
 Taunt  her,  and  pluck  her  grapes  in  scorn  ? 
 
 The  wild  boar,  issuing  from  the  wood, 
 
 1  The  unprotected  tree  uproots ; 
 And  browsing  herds  in  search  of  food, 
 
 Strip  from  her  boughs  the  wasted  fruits. 
 
 T urn  then  in  pity  and  in  love, 
 
 Lord  God  of  Hosts  ;  with  eye  benign 
 
 Look  down,  and  from  Thy  throne  above 
 Behold,  and  visit  this  Thy  vine ! 
 
288  PSALM  LXXX. 
 
 Behold  the  place  where  late  it  grew, 
 Rear'd  by  Thine  own  Almighty  hand ; 
 
 The  branch,  Thou  didst  with  strength  endue, 
 To  show  Thy  power  through  all  the  land. 
 
 But  Thou  didst  frown,  and  by  that  look 
 To  swift  destruction  it  was  doom'd ; 
 
 It  perish'd  at  Thy  stern  rebuke, 
 
 By  sword  destroy'd,  by  fire  consumed. 
 
 J  O  !  then  to  him  fresh  vigour  give, 
 
 Whom  for  Thyself  Thine  hand  did  raise  ; 
 
 So  will  we  not  go  back,  but  live, 
 
 And  bless  Thy  Name  with  endless  praise. 
 
 Turn  us  again,  O  Lord,  we  pray  ; 
 
 And  on  our  sad  and  sorrowing  soul 
 Let  Thy  face  shed  one  cheering  ray, 
 
 That  we  may  see  it,  and  be  whole ! 
 
PSALM  LXXXI. 
 
 JOHN  MILTON,  1648  4. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  Asaph/'  supposed  to  have  been  sung  in  the 
 temple  at  the  great  feast  of  trumpets  (Num.  xxix.  1.)  in 
 the  seventh  month  ;  when  the  deliverance  out  of  Egypt 
 was  commemorated. 
 
 To  God,  our  strength,  sing  loud  and  clear, 
 
 Sing  loud  to  God  our  King ; 
 To  Jacob's  God,  that  all  may  hear, 
 
 Loud  acclamations  ring. 
 
 4  There  are  some  expressions,  and  some  lines,  in  this,  and 
 the  88th  Psalm,  which  we  may  believe  the  great  translator, 
 if  he  had  lived  in  this  age  of  attention  to  the  niceties  of  lan- 
 guage, would  have  strengthened,  and  made  more  accordant 
 with  the  general  vigour  of  the  rest.  But  it  is  not  for  any 
 ordinary  person  to  suggest  those  alterations.  Under  a  bad 
 portrait  of  himself  (furnished  to  the  publisher  of  the  first 
 Edition  of  his  minor  poems),  the  poet  wrote,  "  yeXdrt  (pavkov 
 
290  PSALM  LXXXI. 
 
 Prepare  a  hymn,  prepare  a  song, 
 
 The  timbrel  hither  bring  ; 
 The  cheerful  psaltery  bring  along, 
 
 And  harp  with  pleasant  string. 
 
 Blow,  as  is  wont,  in  the  new  moon 
 
 With  trumpets'  lofty  sound, 
 The  appointed  time,  the  day  whereon 
 
 Our  solemn  feast  comes  round. 
 
 This  was  a  statute  given  of  old 
 
 For  Israel  to  observe  ; 
 A  law  of  Jacob's  God,  to  hold, 
 
 From  whence  they  might  not  swerve. 
 
 This  He  a  testimony  ordain'd 
 
 In  Joseph,  not  to  change, 
 When  as  He  pass'd  through  Egypt  land  ; — 
 
 The  tongue  I  heard  was  strange : 
 
 Svafiifjtrjjjia  %u)y pa<pov"  condemning  the  gross  dissimilitude  of 
 the  picture,  and  holding  up  to  ridicule  the  unskilful  imitator 
 even  of  his  outward  person. 
 
PSALM  LXXXI.  291 
 
 5  From  burden  and  from  slavish  toil 
 
 I  set  his  shoulder  free ; 
 His  hands  from  pots  and  miry  soil 
 
 Delivered  were  by  Me. 
 
 When  trouble  did  thee  sore  assail, 
 
 On  Me  then  didst  thou  call ; 
 And  I  to  free  thee  did  not  fail, 
 
 And  led  thee  out  of  thrall. 
 
 I  answer'd  thee  in  thunder  deep, 
 With  clouds  encompass'd  round ; 
 
 I  tried  thee  at  the  water  steep 
 Of  Mariba  renown'd. 
 
 Hear,  O  my  people  ;  hearken  well ; 
 
 I  testify  to  thee, 
 Thou  ancient  stock  of  Israel, 
 
 If  thou  wilt  list  to  me  : 
 
 5  From  henee  to  the  end  of  the  Psalm,  are  the  words  of  the 
 Almighty. 
 
 u  2 
 
292  PSALM  LXXXI. 
 
 Throughout  the  land  of  thy  abode 
 
 No  alien  God  shall  be ; 
 Nor  shalt  thou  to  a  foreign  god 
 
 In  honour  bend  thy  knee. 
 
 I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought 
 
 Thee  out  of  Egypt  land  ; 
 Ask  large  enough,  and  I  besought 
 
 Will  grant  thy  full  demand. 
 
 And  yet  My  people  would  not  hear, 
 
 Nor  hearken  to  My  voice ; 
 And  Israel,  whom  I  loved  so  dear, 
 
 Misliked  Me  for  his  choice. 
 
 Then  did  I  leave  them  to  their  will, 
 And  to  their  wandering  mind ; 
 
 Their  own  conceits  they  follow'd  still, 
 Their  own  devices  blind. 
 
 O  !  that  My  people  would  be  wise, 
 To  serve  Me  all  their  days ! 
 
 And,  O  that  Israel  would  advise, 
 To  walk  My  righteous  ways ! 
 
PSALM  LXXXI.  293 
 
 Then  wonld  I  soon  bring  down  their  foes, 
 
 That  now  so  proudly  rise  ; 
 And  turn  My  hand  against  all  those, 
 
 That  are  their  enemies. 
 
 Who  hate  the  Lord,  should  then  be  fain 
 
 To  bow  to  Him  and  bend  ; 
 But  they,  His  people,  should  remain ; 
 
 Their  time  should  have  no  end. 
 
 And  He  would  feed  them  from  the  shock 
 
 With  flour  of  finest  wheat ; 
 And  satisfy  them  from  the  rock 
 
 With  honey  for  their  meat. 
 
294 
 
 PSALM  LXXXII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 u  A  Psalm  of  Asaph."     The  duty  and  responsibility  of  earthly 
 Judges. 
 
 Among  th'  assemblies  of  the  great, 
 A  greater  Ruler  takes  his  seat ; 
 The  God  of  Heaven,  as  Judge,  surveys 
 Those  gods  on  earth,  and  all  their  ways. 
 
 How  long  will  ye  pervert  the  laws, 
 How  long  support  th'  unrighteous  cause  ? 
 O  save  the  fatherless  and  poor, 
 And  rid  them  from  the  evil-doer ! 
 
 They  know  not,  Lord  ;  nor  will  they  know  ; 
 Dark  are  the  ways  in  which  they  go : 
 The  very  earth's  foundations  deep 
 Their  settled  course  no  longer  keep. 
 
PSALM  LXXXIII.  295 
 
 And  these,  I  said,  are  gods  ;  a  Son 
 Of  the  Most  High  is  every  one ! 
 Their  name  of  earthly  gods  is  vain, 
 For  they  shall  fall  and  die  like  men. 
 
 Arise,  O  God  ;  to  judgment  call 
 The  earth !  for  Thou  art  Lord  of  all  : 
 The  nations  all  belong  to  Thee, 
 And  Thine  their  heritage  shall  be. 
 
 PSALM  LXXXIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  THE  COUNTESS  OF  PEMBROKE  (1586). 
 
 "  A   Psalm  of   Asaph."     Appealing  to  God    against    some 
 powerful  combination  of  the  enemies  of  His  people. 
 
 Be  not,  O  be  not  silent  still ; 
 
 No  longer  rest,  O  God,  unmoved  ; 
 For,  lo  !  Thine  enemies, 
 With  threat'ning  tumult  rise  ; 
 Together  they  are  leagued  for  ill, 
 Against  the  people  Thou  hast  loved. 
 
296  PSALM  LXXXIII. 
 
 Come,  let  us  of  them  nothing  make ; 
 Let  them  no  more  a  people  be ; 
 Raze  we  the  very  name 
 Of  Israel !  (they  exclaim)  s — 
 Such  are  the  counsels  these  men  take, 
 Thus,  Lord,  confederate  against  Thee. 
 
 First,  Edom's  sons,  then  Ismael, 
 With  Moab,  Hagar,  Gebal's  line  ; 
 With  these  the  Ammonites, 
 The  fierce  Amalekites, 
 And  they  who  in  Philistia  dwell, 
 With  Tyre's  inhabitants  combine. 
 
 And  6  Assur  too,  their  far  ally, 
 
 Is  leagued  with  Lot's  incestuous  brood ; 
 But,  Lord,  as  Jabin  Thou 
 And  Sisera  didst  bow, 
 As  Midian  did  fall  and  die, 
 
 At  Endor's  walls  and  Kison's  flood  ; 
 
 6  The  Assyrian. 
 
PSALM  LXXXIII.  297 
 
 As  Oreb,  Zeb,  and  Zeba  strong, 
 As  Salmana  who  led  Thy  foes, 
 (Who  meant,  nay  said,  no  less, 
 Than  that  they  would  possess 
 God's  heritage,)  became  as  dung ; 
 So,  Lord,  O  !  so  of  these  dispose  ! 
 
 And,  as  the  chaff  is  whirl'd  around, 
 Or  stubble  scatter'd  on  the  blast, 
 As  sinks  the  mighty  wood, 
 That  on  some  mountain  stood ; 
 When  driven  along  the  parched  ground, 
 The  flame  before  the  wind  has  past ; 
 
 So  with  Thy  tempest  them  pursue, 
 So  with  Thy  wThirlwind  them  affright ; 
 So  let  their  daunted  face 
 Be  cover'd  with  disgrace, 
 That  they  at  length  to  Thee  may  sue, 
 And  give  Thy  glorious  Name  its  right. 
 
 Add  fear  to  shame,  and  shame  to  fear, 
 Confound  them  quite,  and  quite  deface  ; 
 
298 
 
 PSALM  LXXXIV. 
 
 And  make  them  know,  that  none 
 
 But  Thou,  and  Thou  alone, 
 
 Dost  that  high  name  "  Jehovah"  bear, 
 
 High  raised  above  all  earthly  place. 
 
 PSALM  LXXXIV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS 
 
 ,  1719. 
 
 The 
 
 subject  resembles  that  of  the  42nd  and  43rd,  when  the 
 
 Psalmist,  driven  from    Jerusalem,   was   deprived 
 
 of   all 
 
 access  to  the  service  of  the  temple. 
 
 Lord  of  the  Hosts  above, 
 
 How  pleasant  and  how  fair, 
 
 The  dwellings  of  Thy  love, 
 
 Thy  tabernacles  are  ! 
 
 To  Thine  abode, 
 
 My  heart  aspires ; 
 
 My  flesh  desires 
 
 The  Living  God. 
 
PSALM  LXXXIV.  299 
 
 The  sparrow  for  her  young, 
 
 With  pleasure  seeks  a  nest ; 
 And  wandering  swallows  long 
 
 To  find  their  wonted  rest : 
 My  God  and  King, 
 
 7  Even  yearning  so, 
 My  soul  doth  to 
 Thine  altars  cling. 
 
 O  happy  they  that  dwell 
 
 Within  Thy  blest  abode  ; 
 And  there  unceasing  tell 
 
 The  praises  of  their  God  ! 
 Their  strength  is  Thine : 
 
 8  And  happy  they, 
 That  love  the  way 
 Towards  Thy  shrine  ! 
 
 1  The  authorized  translation  is,  "  The  sparrow  hath  found 
 an  house  (even)  thine  altars  :"  but  the  ellipsis  may  he  sup- 
 plied, "The  sparrow  has  found  an  house,  (I  have  found)  thine 
 altars.     Bishop  Mant  adopts  the  latter  interpretation. 
 
 8  "  Who  love  the  paths  which  lead  thither." — French  and 
 Skinner. 
 
300  PSALM  LXXXIV. 
 
 For  them  the  well-springs  flow, 
 
 E'en  through  this  vale  of  tears  ; 
 From  strength  to  strength  they  go, 
 Till  each  with  God  appears. 
 Lord,  hear  my  prayer  ! 
 O  let  Thine  Own 
 Anointed  One 
 Thy  favour  share  ! 
 
 For,  but  one  day  to  dwell, 
 
 Where'er  my  God  abides, 
 In  blessing  doth  excel 
 A  thousand  days  besides  ; 
 O  happier  lot, 
 To  keep  Thy  gate, 
 Than  share  their  state, 
 Where  Thou  art  not ! 
 
 God  is  our  sun  and  shield ; 
 
 He  will  all  good  impart, 
 And  grace  and  glory  yield, 
 
 To  them  of  upright  heart, 
 
PSALM  LXXXV.  301 
 
 Thrice  happy  he, 
 O  God  of  Hosts, 
 Whose  spirit  trusts, 
 Alone  in  Thee ! 
 
 PSALM  LXXXV. 
 
 ANONYMOUS,  "  A  MEMBER  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OXFORD,"  1839. 
 
 Probably  written  by  Ezra.  The  happiness  of  God's  people 
 on  their  deliverance  from  captivity.  Prophetical  of  the 
 blessings  of  the  Gospel. 
 
 Lord,  Thine  heart  in  love  hath  yearn'd 
 
 On  Thy  lost  and  fallen  land  ; 
 Israel's  face  is  homeward  turn'd, 
 
 Thou  hast  freed  Thy  captive  band. 
 Thou  hast  borne  Thy  people's  sin, 
 
 Cbver'd  all  their  deeds  of  ill  ; 
 All  Thy  wrath  is  gather 'd  in, 
 
 And  Thy  burning  anger  still. 
 
302  PSALM  LXXXV. 
 
 Turn  us,  stay  us  now  once  more, 
 
 God  of  all  our  health  and  peace  ; 
 Let a  the  cloud  of  wrath  fleet  o'er, 
 
 b  Let  Thine  anger  towards  us  cease. 
 Wilt  Thou  ne'er  for  us  assuage, 
 
 Lord,  its  still  consuming  fire  ? 
 Unappeased,  from  age  to  age, 
 
 Wilt  Thou  yet  prolong  Thine  ire  ? 
 
 Art  Thou  not  a  God  to  turn  ? 
 
 Turn,  and  be  our  life  again ; 
 That  Thy  people's  heart  may  burn 
 
 With  the  gladness  of  Thy  reign. 
 Show  us  now  Thy  tender  love ; 
 
 Thy  salvation,  Lord,  impart. — 
 I,  the  voice  Divine  would  prove, 
 
 Listening  in  my  silent  heart ; 
 
 Listening  what  the  Lord  will  say  : 
 "  Peace"  to  all  that  own  His  will ; 
 
 To  His  saints  that  love  His  way, 
 "  Peace,"  and  "  turn  no  more  to  ill." 
 
PSALM  LXXXVI.  303 
 
 Ye  that  fear  Him,  nigh  at  hand 
 
 Now  His  saving  grace  ye  find ; 
 c  So  that  glory  in  our  land 
 
 May  for  ever  dwell  enshrined. 
 
 Truth  and  Mercy  meet  again ; 
 
 Righteousness  to  Peace  hath  given 
 The  kiss  of  love  ;  Truth  dwells  with  men, 
 
 And  Righteousness  looks  down  from  Heaven. 
 Nor  will  God  His  goodness  stay, 
 
 Nor  our  land  her  bounteous  store ; 
 Marking  out  her  Maker's  way, 
 
 Righteousness  shall  go  before. 
 
 PSALM  LXXXVI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  E.  FARR,  1836. 
 
 "A  Prayer  of  David  n  in  distress  and  persecution. 
 
 Bow  down  a  listening  ear, 
 
 And  hear,  O  Lord,  my  prayer ; 
 
 For  poor  and  needy  I  draw  near, 
 And  supplicate  Thy  care. 
 
304  PSALM  LXXXVT. 
 
 Preserve  my  sinking  soul ; 
 
 Preserve,  O  Lord,  the  just, 
 Who  upon  Thee  has  placed  his  whole, 
 
 His  undivided  trust. 
 
 For  mercy,  day  by  day, 
 
 I  lift  my  voice  on  high  ; 
 That  mercy  to  my  soul  display ; 
 
 And  answer  to  my  cry ! 
 
 Bid  Thou  my  soul  rejoice ; 
 
 On  Thee  my  hopes  depend ; 
 To  Thee  my  supplicating  voice, 
 
 My  spirit  doth  ascend. 
 
 For  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  good, 
 And  ever  prompt  to  spare ; 
 
 Thy  mercy  is  on  all  bestow'd, 
 Who  call  on  Thee  in  prayer. 
 
 Give  ear,  O  God  of  love, 
 To  my  complaint  give  ear ! 
 
 I  lift  my  voice  to  Thee  above  ; 
 My  voice  in  mercy  hear ! 
 
PSALM  LXXXVI.  305 
 
 What  time  my  troubles  rise, 
 
 Thy  succour  I'll  implore  ; 
 For  Thou  wilt  answer  to  my  cries, 
 
 And  save  me  by  Thy  power. 
 
 Among  the  gods  around, 
 
 None  may  with  Thee  compare  ; 
 
 Like  Thine  none  other  works  are  found, 
 Or  may  their  glories  share. 
 
 All  nations  whom  Thine  hand, 
 
 Almighty  Lord,  did  frame, 
 Shall  come,  and  in  Thy  courts  shall  stand, 
 
 And  glorify  Thy  Name. 
 
 Great  art  Thou,  Lord ;  and  great 
 
 The  wonders  Thou  hast  done  ; 
 Upon  no  other  Lord  we  wait ; 
 
 Thou,  Thou  art  God  alone. 
 
 Teach  me  Thy  way  divine ! 
 
 I  in  Thy  truth  will  tread ; 
 O  to  Thyself  my  spirit  join, 
 
 That  I  Thy  Name  may  dread ! 
 
306  PSALM  LXXXVI. 
 
 My  heart,  O  Lord  my  God, 
 
 Shall  sing  Thy  boundless  praise  ; 
 
 And  I  Thy  glorious  Name  abroad 
 Will  bear,  to  endless  days. 
 
 Thy  love  towards  me  shown 
 To  all  the  world  I'll  tell ; 
 
 For  Thou  hast  sent  deliv'rance  down, 
 And  saved  my  soul  from  hell. 
 
 Against  my  hated  life, 
 
 O  God,  the  proud  arise, 
 In  league  with  violence  and  strife, 
 
 And  turn  from  Thee  their  eyes. 
 
 But  Thou  the  God  wilt  prove 
 
 Of  pity  and  of  grace, 
 And  slow  to  wrath ;  all  truth  and  love 
 
 To  Thee,  their  source,  we  trace. 
 
 Turn,  Lord ;  Thy  mercy  show  ! 
 
 Thy  waiting  servant  own  ; 
 Thy  saving  strength,  O  Lord,  bestow 
 
 Upon  Thine  handmaid's  son  ! 
 
PSALM  LXXXVII.  307 
 
 Some  token  to  me  give  ! 
 
 That  my  shamed  foes  may  see 
 How  Thou  my  sorrows  dost  relieve, 
 
 How  Thou  dost  comfort  me. 
 
 PSALM  LXXXVII. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 Declaring  the  present  Glory  of  Zion,  and  prophetically  the 
 incorporation  of  all  nations  into  that  city  of  their  God,  and 
 destined  place  of  the  Saviour's  nativity. 
 
 Fixt  firmly,  His  foundations  keep 
 Their  station  on  the  holy  steep. 
 O  !  lovely  in  Jehovah's  eyes 
 The  portals  of  fair  Zion  rise  ; 
 
 a  With  Him  they  all  the  seats  excel, 
 The  goodly  b  seats  of  Israel ; 
 c  And  glorious  things  are  told  abroad 
 Of  Thee,  Thou  city  of  our  God. 
 x  2 
 
308  PSALM  LXXXVIL 
 
 In  times  to  come,  d  among  mine  own, 
 I  will  remember  Babylon  ; 
 And  e  Rahab  rank  with  those  who  bring 
 Due  homage  to  their  Sovereign  King. 
 
 With  them  shall  Ethiopia  join, 
 f  Tyre,  and  the  haughty  Philistine  ; 
 While  all,  with  one  accord,  declare 
 "  Behold,  His  going-forth  was  there!" 
 
 And  each  and  all  shall  lift  on  high 
 Their  voice,  and  thus  of  Zion  cry ; 
 "  Behold,  His  going-forth  was  there," 
 And  "  God  Most  High  shall  stablish  her." 
 
 g  Yea,  when  on  His  eternal  scroll 
 God  His  own  people  doth  enrol, 
 Himself  shall  to  the  world  declare, 
 "  Behold,  His  going-forth  was  there !" 
 
 With  joy  shall  sing  the  choral  train, 
 
 The  minstrels  breathe  the  answering  strain  : 
 
 O  Zion,  Zion  fair,  I  see 
 
 The  fountains  of  my  bliss  in  Thee  ! 
 
309 
 
 PSALM  LXXXVIII. 
 
 JOHN  MILTON,  1648. 
 
 ;  A  Prayer  containing  a  grievous  complaint."  Prophetical  of 
 our  Lord's  sorrows.  u  Maschil"  (probably  an  instructive 
 song)  "  of  Heman  the  Ezrahite." 
 
 Lord  God,  that  dost  me  save  and  keep, 
 
 All  day  to  Thee  I  cry ; 
 And  all  night  long  before  Thee  weep, 
 
 Before  Thee  prostrate  lie. 
 
 Into  Thy  presence  let  my  prayer 
 
 With  sighs  devout  ascend  ; 
 And  to  my  cries,  that  ceaseless  are, 
 
 Thine  ear  with  favour  bend. 
 
 For  cloy'd  with  woes  and  trouble  sore, 
 
 Surcharg'd  my  soul  doth  lie, 
 My  life,  at  death's  uncheerful  door, 
 
 Unto  the  grave  draws  nigh. 
 
310  PSALM  LXXXVIII. 
 
 Reckon'd  I  am  with  those  that  pass 
 
 Down  to  the  dismal  pit ; 
 I  am  a  man,  but  weak,  alas ! 
 
 And  for  that  name  unfit. 
 
 From  life  discharg'd,  and  parted  quite, 
 
 Among  the  dead  to  sleep, 
 And  like  the  slain  in  bloody  fight, 
 
 That  in  the  grave  lie  deep  ; 
 
 Whom  Thou  rememberest  no  more, 
 
 Dost  never  more  regard  ; 
 Them  from  Thy  hand  deliver'd  o'er, 
 
 Death's  hideous  house  hath  barr'd. 
 
 Thou  in  the  lowest  pit  profound 
 
 Hast  set  me,  all  forlorn, 
 Where  thickest  darkness  hovers  round, 
 
 In  horrid  depths  to  mourn. 
 
 Thy  wrath  from  which  no  shelter  saves, 
 Full  sore  doth  press  on  me, 
 
 9  a  Thou  break'st  upon  me  all  Thy  waves, 
 9  a  And  all  Thy  waves  break  me. 
 9  "  The  Hebrew  bears  both."— Milton's  note. 
 
PSALM  LXXXVIII.  311 
 
 Thou  dost  my  friends  from  me  estrange, 
 
 And  makest  me  odious  ; 
 Me  to  them  odious,  for  they  change, 
 
 And  I  here  pent  up  thus ! 
 
 Through  sorrow  and  affliction  great, 
 
 Mine  eye  grows  dim  and  dead  ; 
 Lord,  all  the  day  I  Thee  intreat, 
 
 My  hands  to  Thee  I  spread. 
 
 Wilt  Thou  do  wonders  on  the  dead  ? 
 
 Shall  the  deceased  arise, 
 And  praise  Thee  from  their  loathsome  bed, 
 
 With  pale  and  hollow  eyes  ? 
 
 Shall  they  Thy  loving-kindness  tell, 
 
 On  whom  the  grave  hath  hold  ? 
 Or  they,  who  in  perdition  dwell, 
 
 Thy  faithfulness  unfold  ? 
 
 In  darkness  can  Thy  mighty  hand, 
 
 Or  wond'rous  acts  be  known  ? 
 Thy  justice,  in  the  gloomy  land 
 
 Of  dark  oblivion  ? 
 
312  PSALM  LXXXVIII. 
 
 But  I  to  Thee,  0  Lord,  do  cry, 
 
 E'er  yet  my  life  be  spent ; 
 And  up  to  Thee  my  prayer  doth  hie, 
 
 Each  morn,  and  Thee  prevent. 
 
 Why  wilt  Thou,  Lord,  my  soul  forsake  ; 
 
 And  hide  Thy  face  from  me, 
 That  am  already  bruised,  and  shake 
 
 With  terror  sent  from  Thee  ? 
 
 Bruised,  and  afflicted,  and  so  low 
 
 As  ready  to  expire  ; 
 While  I  Thy  terrors  undergo, 
 
 Astonish'd  with  Thine  ire. 
 
 Thy  fierce  wrath  over  me  doth  flow, 
 Thy  threatenings  cut  me  through ; 
 
 All  day  they  round  about  me  go, 
 Like  waves  they  me  pursue. 
 
 Lover  and  friend  Thou  hast  removed, 
 
 And  sever 'd  from  me  far  ; 
 They  fly  me  now,  whom  I  have  loved, 
 
 And  as  in  darkness  are. 
 
313 
 
 PSALM  LXXXIX. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 All  expression  of  confidence  in  the  power  of  God,  and  in  the 
 accomplishment  of  His  covenanted  promises  to  David. 
 Written  during  the  captivity,  and  at  a  period  of  some  great 
 national  distress.  It  is  appointed  to  be  read  on  Christmas 
 Day,  as  being  typically  applicable  to  the  Messiah.  "  Mas- 
 chil J  of  Ethan  the  Ezrahite." 
 
 Now,  in  a  song  of  endless  praise, 
 Thy  mercies  will  I  sing,  O  Lord  ; 
 
 And  unto  all  succeeding  days 
 Thy  faithfulness  I  will  record. 
 
 For  I  have  said,  that  Thy  great  love 
 And  mercy  shall  be  raised  high  ; 
 
 And  in  the  very  heavens  above 
 
 That  Thou  Thy  faith  shalt  magnify. 
 
 1  See  the  preceding  Psalm. 
 
314  PSALM  LXXXIX. 
 
 Thus  Thou  hast  sworn,  and  hast  decreed, 
 
 To  David  Thine  elected  one  ; 
 "  I  will  confirm  thy  faithful  seed, 
 
 And  build  for  evermore  thy  throne." 
 
 Heaven  shall  Thy  praise,  O  God,  declare, 
 Thy  majesty,  Thy  wonders  great ; 
 
 And  where  Thy  saints  assembled  are, 
 Thy  faithfulness  they  shall  relate. 
 
 For  whom  like  Thee  doth  Heaven  afford  ? 
 
 What  earthly  king  is  Thy  compeer, 
 Who  art  among  Thy  saints  adored, 
 
 Whom  all  that  wait  upon  Thee  fear  ? 
 
 O  Lord  of  Hosts,  what  Lord  is  found 
 So  faithful,  or  so  strong  as  Thou ; 
 
 Who  sett'st  the  raging  seas  their  bound, 
 And  calm'st  them  when  they  furious  grow  ? 
 
 Thou  hast  laid  low  proud  Egypt's  land, 
 
 As  one  amidst  the  battle  dead ; 
 And,  by  the  power  of  Thy  strong  hand, 
 
 Thine  enemies  hast  scattered. 
 
PSALM  LXXXIX.  315 
 
 Thine  heaven,  and  earth,  and  all  things  be, 
 For  Thou  alone  didst  all  things  frame ; 
 
 The  north  and  south  were  made  by  Thee, 
 Tabor  and  Hermon  own  Thy  Name. 
 
 High  is  Thine  arm,  and  strong  Thine  hand ; 
 
 And,  where  Thou  dost  Thy  throne  prepare, 
 Judgment  and  Justice  always  stand, 
 
 And  Truth  and  Love  Thy  ushers  are. 
 
 O  blest  are  they,  who  know  Thy  voice ! 
 
 Thy  look  shall  cheer  them  in  their  ways, 
 They  in  Thy  Name  shall  still  rejoice, 
 
 And  them  Thy  justice  high  shall  raise  : 
 
 Thou  art  the  glory  of  their  power : 
 Our  horn  shall  by  Thy  favour  spring  ; 
 
 God  is  our  strong  defensive  tower, 
 And  Israel's  Holy  One  our  King. 
 
 Thou,  in  the  visions  of  the  night, 
 
 Didst  to  Thy  Holy  One  declare  ; 
 That  Thou  a  Man  endued  with  might 
 
 Among  Thy  people  would'st  prepare. 
 
316  .  PSALM  LXXXIX. 
 
 I  have,  Thou  saidst,  My  David  found, 
 My  holy  oil  on  him  shall  flow ; 
 
 By  mine  own  hand  he  shall  be  crown'd, 
 Mine  arm  shall  strength  on  him  bestow. 
 
 His  foes  shall  do  him  no  disgrace, 
 The  son  of  sin  shall  not  annoy ; 
 
 For,  beaten  down  before  his  face, 
 I  them  that  hate  him  will  destroy. 
 
 My  faith  and  love  on  him  shall  stay, 
 My  Name  his  honour  shall  maintain ; 
 
 His  hand  shall  make  the  seas  obey, 
 
 His  right  hand  shall  the  floods  restrain. 
 
 "  My  God,  my  Father !"  he  shall  cry, 
 And  Me  shall  for  his  strong  Rock  own  ; 
 
 My  first-born  shall  he  be,  and  high 
 Above  the  kings  of  earth  his  throne. 
 
 To  him  I  still  will  mercy  grant, 
 He  shall  enjoy  My  promise  given ; 
 
 Successors  he  shall  never  want ; 
 
 His  throne  shall  stand  as  firm  as  Heaven. 
 
PSALM  LXXXIX.  .317 
 
 But  if  my  laws  his  children  break, 
 If  they  shall  from  My  precepts  stray  ; 
 
 My  statutes  if  they  shall  forsake, 
 Or  from  My  judgments  turn  away  ; 
 
 Their  sin  with  stripes  I  will  reprove, 
 
 And  scourge  their  trespass  with  My  rod ; 
 
 But  yet  from  him  will  not  remove 
 The  loving-kindness  of  his  God. 
 
 I  still  My  plighted  faith  will  hold, 
 
 Nor  change  the  thing  which  once  I  spake ; 
 To  David  by  Myself  of  old 
 
 1  sware,  nor  will  that  cov'nant  break : 
 
 His  seed  shall  live  ;  to  them  a  throne 
 For  aye  establish'd  shall  be  given, 
 As  lasting  as  the  sun  and  moon, 
 
 2  Or  the  true  token  set  in  Heaven. 
 
 2  French  and  Skinner  understand  "  the  faithful  witness 
 in  the  heavens "  to  mean  the  rainbow,  which  is  also  Bishop 
 Mant's  interpretation.     See  Gen.  ix.  12,  13. 
 
318  PSALM  LXXXIX. 
 
 But  now,  as  if  he  were  abhorr'd, 
 
 Thou  dost  on  Thine  anointed  frown ; 
 
 Thou  makest  void  Thy  league,  O  Lord, 
 And  on  the  ground  hast  hurl'd  his  crown. 
 
 His  fences  Thou  hast  rent  away, 
 
 His  warlike  holds  Thou  down  dost  raze  ; 
 All  passers-by  upon  him  prey, 
 
 His  neighbours  scoff  at  his  disgrace. 
 
 His  foes  hast  Thou  victorious  made, 
 And  cheer'd  his  haters  with  delight ; 
 
 Thou  dull'st  the  sharpness  of  his  blade, 
 Nor  dost  uphold  him  in  the  fight. 
 
 And  thou  hast  quench'd  his  glory's  rays, 
 His  throne  hast  cast  upon  the  ground ; 
 
 Thou  hast  cut  short  his  youthful  days, 
 And  him  with  shame  enclosed  around. 
 
 How  long,  Lord,  in  Thy  burning  rage, 
 Shall  still  Thy  face  obscured  remain  ? 
 
 Think  on  the  shortness  of  mine  age  ! 
 Why  hast  Thou  made  mankind  in  vain  ? 
 
PSALM  LXXXIX.  319 
 
 Lives  there,  whom  death  shall  not  remove  ; 
 
 .Who  from  the  grave  his  soul  shall  free  ? 
 O  !  Lord,  where  now  is  all  that  love 
 
 To  David  vowed  of  old  by  Thee  ? 
 
 Think  on  Thy  servants'  wrongs  ;  record 
 The  scorn,  that  in  my  breast  I  bear, 
 
 Among  the  mighty  nations,  Lord ; 
 
 Those  who  Thine  own  blasphemers  are. 
 
 Yet,  Lord,  though  Thine  anointed  one 
 They  have  reviled  in  his  ways, 
 
 And  their  despite  to  him  have  done  ; 
 To  Thee  for  evermore  be  praise ! 
 
320 
 
 PSALM  XC. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JAMES  MONTGOMERY,  1822. 
 
 "  A  Prayer  of  Moses  the  man  of  God." 
 
 Lord,  Thou  hast  been  a  dwelling-place, 
 
 A  rest  in  tribulations, 
 To  us,  Thine  own  redeemed  race, 
 
 Through  all  our  generations. 
 Thou,  e'er  the  mountains  sprang  to  birth, 
 Or  ever  Thou  hadst  form'd  the  earth, 
 
 Art  God  from  everlasting. 
 
 Thou  turnest  man  again  to  clay ; 
 By  Thee  that  doom  was  spoken : 
 
 3  As  with  a  torrent  borne  away, 
 
 Gone  like  a  sleep  when  broken. 
 
 4  A  thousand  years  are,  in  Thy  sight, 
 But  as  a  watch  amid  the  night, 
 
 Or  yesterday  departed. 
 
 3  Ver.  5.  4  Ver.  4. 
 
PSALM  XC.  321 
 
 At  morn  we  flourish  like  the  grass, 
 When  green  and  fresh  it  groweth ; 
 
 Which  wither'd  e'er  the  evening  pass, 
 The  sweeping  sickle  moweth. 
 
 Thus  do  Thy  chastisements  consume 
 
 Our  blasted  hopes,  our  early  bloom  ; 
 We  fade  at  Thy  displeasure. 
 
 Lo,  Thou  hast  set  before  Thine  eyes, 
 All  our  misdeeds  and  errors  ; 
 
 Our  secret  sins  from  darkness  rise, 
 To  Thy  confronting  terrors. 
 
 At  Thy  rebuke  cut  short  by  death, 
 
 Our  life  is  like  the  transient  breath, 
 That  told  a  by-gone  story. 
 
 Our  days  are  three-score  years  and  ten ; 
 
 Ten  more  man's  strength  may  borrow  ; 
 But  if  the  span  be  lengthen'd  then, 
 
 That  strength  is  toil  and  sorrow ; 
 For  soon  arrives  the  closing  hour : 
 But  who  discerns  Thy  fearful  power, 
 
 Proportion' d  to  Thine  anger  ! 
 
322  PSALM  XC. 
 
 Lord,  teach  us  so  to  count  our  days, 
 That  we  may  prize  them  duly, 
 
 And  set  our  hearts  on  wisdom's  ways  $" 
 That  we  may  praise  Thee  truly, 
 
 Return,  Thy  servants'  griefs  behold ; 
 
 And  with  Thy  mercy,  as  of  old, 
 O  satisfy  us  early ! 
 
 Restore  us  comfort  for  our  fears, 
 
 Joy  for  our  long  affliction; 
 Our  children  give  through  changing  years 
 
 Increasing  benediction. 
 Thy  glorious  beauty,  Lord,  reveal ; 
 And  with  Thy  prospering  favour  seal, 
 
 Thy  servants  and  their  labours  \ 
 
323 
 
 PSALM  XCI. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 The  security  of  the  righteous  man  under  the  protection  of  the 
 Almighty.— See  St.  Matt.  iv.  6,  7. 
 
 Who  in  the  a  covert,  and  the  shade 
 
 Of  God  All-mighty  still  resides, 
 Is  by  b  His  shelter  fearless  made, 
 
 And  always  safe  with  Him  abides. 
 For,  I  confess,  the  Lord  hath  been 
 
 A  fortress  and  a  rock  to  me ; 
 My  God  alone  I  trusted  in, 
 
 And  He,  my  trust,  shall  always  be. 
 
 c  He,  doubtless,  will  secure  thee  from 
 The  fowler's  d  snare,  and  noisome  pest ; 
 
 His  wings  thy  shelter  shall  become, 
 Thou  shalt  beneath  His  feathers  rest. 
 y  2 
 
324  PSALM  XCI. 
 
 Thou,  for  thy  shield,  His  truth  shalt  bear, 
 And  nothing  then  shall  thee  dismay  ; 
 
 Not  that  which  we  at  midnight  fear, 
 Nor  any  shaft  that  flies  by  day. 
 
 e  No  secret  plague  shall  Thee  appal, 
 
 Nor  noon-day  scourge  that  wastes  the  land, 
 Though  at  thy  side  a  thousand  fall, 
 
 And  ten  times  more  at  thy  right  hand  ; 
 But  thou  shalt  live  to  mark,  and  see 
 
 The  due  reward  of  the  unjust; 
 For  God  Most  High  will  favour  thee, 
 
 Because  in  Him  thou  put'st  thy  trust. 
 
 No  mischief  shall  to  thee  betide, 
 
 Nor  any  plague  thy  house  infect ; 
 For  He  doth  angel-guards  provide, 
 
 Which  in  thy  ways  will  thee  protect. 
 f  Thee  shall  their  hands  securely  lead, 
 
 And  from  thy  paths  all  harms  expel ; 
 Thou  shalt  on  asps  and  lions  tread, 
 
 On  lions  young,  on  dragons  fell. 
 
PSALM  XCII.  325     j 
 
 s  "  He  doth  His  love  on  me  repose  ; 
 
 To  Him  I  therefore  will  be  nigh ; 
 And,  since  My  Holy  Name  he  knows, 
 
 He  shall  be  rear'd  to  honours  high. 
 When  he  doth  call,  an  ear  I'll  give, 
 
 In  troubles  I  with  him  will  be  ; 
 On  earth  he  long  shall  honour'd  live, 
 
 And  he  my  saving  health  shall  see." 
 
 PSALM  XCII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 u  A  Psalm  or  song  for  the  Sabbath  Day." 
 
 O  how  good,  how  excellent 
 Tis,  with  tongue  and  heart's  consent, 
 To  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
 To  proclaim  His  praise  abroad  : 
 In  the  morning,  O  most  High, 
 And  beneath  the  midnight  sky, 
 
326  PSALM  XCII. 
 
 Thy  high  favours  to  rehearse, 
 Thy  firm  faith  in  grateful  verse. 
 With  the  ten-string'd  instrument 
 Let  the  Psaltery's  sound  be  blent ; 
 While  the  harp  the  music  brings, 
 Of  its  solemn  sounding  strings. 
 From  Thy  works  my  joy  proceeds  ; 
 I  will  triumph  in  Thy  deeds. 
 Who  Thy  wonders  can  express ! 
 All  Thy  thoughts  are  fathomless, 
 Hid  from  men  in  knowledge  blind, 
 Hid  from  fools  to  vice  inclined. 
 Though  the  evil-doers  spring, 
 Like  the  green  grass  flourishing ; 
 Blighted  like  the  withering  blade, 
 They  shall  soon  for  ever  fade. 
 
 But,  O  Lord,  Thou  art  Most  high ; 
 Such  to  all  eternity. 
 For,  behold,  Thine  enemies, 
 Rebels  that  against  Thee  rise, 
 That  in  works  of  sin  delight, 
 Shall  be  scatter'd  by  Thy  might. 
 
PSALM  XCII.  327 
 
 But  Thou  shalt  exalt  my  horn, 
 
 Like  the  towering  unicorn  ; 
 
 Fresh  and  fragrant  oil  shalt  shed 
 
 On  Thy  crowned  prophet's  head. 
 
 I  shall  see  my  foes'  defeat, 
 
 I  shall  hear  of  their  retreat. 
 
 But  the  just  abroad  shall  spread ; 
 
 As  the  palm-tree  rears  its  head, 
 
 Or  some  cedar,  waving  on 
 
 The  tall  steep  of  Lebanon. 
 
 Those  set  in  Thy  courts  below 
 
 Still  shall  spring,  and  heavenward  grow  ; 
 
 Fruit  in  their  old  age  shall  bring, 
 
 Ever  fat  and  flourishing ; 
 
 That  by  them  it  may  be  shown 
 
 God,  our  Rock,  no  wrong  doth  own. 
 
328 
 
 PSALM  XCIII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 The  superiority  of  God's  kingdom  to  all  earthly  opposition. 
 This  and  the  seven  following  Psalms  were  acknowledged 
 by  the  Jews  to  be  prophetical  of  the  Messiah. 
 
 The  Lord  is  King,  and  weareth 
 
 A  robe  of  glory  bright; 
 He  clothed  with  strength  appeareth, 
 
 And  girt  with  powerful  might. 
 
 The  earth  He  hath  so  grounded, 
 
 That  moved  it  cannot  be  ; 
 His  throne  long  since  was  founded ; 
 
 More  old  than  time  is  He. 
 
 The  waters  highly  flowed, 
 
 And  raised  their  voice,  O  Lord ; 
 
 The  seas  their  fury  showed, 
 And  loud  their  billows  roar'd. 
 
PSALM  XCIII.  329 
 
 But  God  in  strength  excelleth 
 Strong  seas  and  powerful  deeps ; 
 
 With  Him  still  pureness  dwelleth, 
 And  firm  His  truth  He  keeps. 
 
 PSALM  XCIII. 
 
 2nd  TRANSLATION,  BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 With  glory  clad,  with  strength  array'd, 
 The  Lord,  that  o'er  all  nature  reigns, 
 
 The  world's  foundation  strongly  laid, 
 And  the  vast  fabric  still  sustains. 
 
 How  surely  stablish'd  is  Thy  throne ! 
 
 Which  shall  no  change  nor  period  see ; 
 For  Thou,  O  Lord,  and  Thou  alone, 
 
 Art  God  from  all  eternity. 
 
 The  floods,  O  Lord,  lift  up  their  voice, 
 And  toss  the  troubled  waves  on  high : 
 
 But  God  above  can  still  their  noise, 
 And  make  the  angry  sea  comply. 
 
330  PSALM  XCIV. 
 
 Thy  promise,  Lord,  is  ever  sure ; 
 
 And  they  that  in  Thy  house  would  dwell, 
 That  happy  station  to  secure, 
 
 Must  still  in  holiness  excel. 
 
 PSALM  XCIV. 
 
 GEORGE  BURGESS,  1839. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  depend  on  the  omniscient  and  omnipresent 
 God  in  the  season  of  affliction. 
 
 a  Rise,  God  of  vengeance  ;  for  our  wrongs 
 
 Thy  wrath  proclaim  aloud ! 
 For  vengeance  unto  Thee  belongs : 
 
 O  recompense  the  proud  ! 
 
 How  long  shall  guilt,  O  Lord  of  Hosts, 
 
 How  long  shall  guilt  rejoice  ? 
 How  long  the  wicked  make  their  boast, 
 
 And  lift  their  scornful  voice  ? 
 
PSALM  XCIV.  331 
 
 b  Thy  people,  Lord,  they  make  their  prey, 
 
 Thine  heritage  oppress  : 
 The  widow  and  the  stranger  slay, 
 
 And  kill  the  fatherless. 
 
 And  yet,  "  God  shall  not  see  the  deed," 
 
 Within  themselves  they  cry ; 
 "  Nor  shall  the  God  of  Jacob  heed 
 
 The  works  that  Him  defy." 
 
 O  souls  most  dark  !  behold  and  fear  ; 
 
 How  long  refuse  ye  light  ? 
 Shall  He  not  hear,  who  framed  the  ear, 
 
 Nor  see,  who  gave  us  sight  ? 
 
 Shall  not  the  world's  High  Judge  chastise  ? 
 
 The  Source  of  knowledge  know  ? — 
 He  knows  the  thoughts  that  men  devise, 
 
 A  vain  and  fleeting  show. 
 
 How  blest  the  man,  in  chastenings  blest, 
 Whom  Thou  hast  taught  and  tried ! 
 
 In  evil  days  Thou  giv'st  him  rest, 
 Till  guilt  the  grave  shall  hide. 
 
332  PSALM  XCIV. 
 
 For  God  will  ne'er  forsake  His  own, 
 
 Nor  cast  His  saints  away ; 
 c  But  justice  shall  resume  her  throne  ; 
 
 The  just  shall  own  her  sway. 
 
 5  O  who,  when  wicked  men  invade, 
 
 Stands  forth  my  soul  to  save  ? 
 Unless  the  Lord  had  been  mine  aid, 
 
 Its  home  had  been  the  grave. 
 
 But  when  I  said,  "  My  footsteps  fail," 
 
 Thy  mercy  made  me  d  whole  ; 
 And  though  a  thousand  griefs  assail, 
 
 Thy  comforts  cheer  my  e  soul. 
 
 f  Shall  thrones  have  fellowship  with  Thine, 
 That  frame  the  lawless  deed  ?— 
 
 Against  the  righteous  they  combine, 
 And  doom  the  just  to  bleed. 
 
 5  The  16th  and  17th  verses  are  omitted  in  the  translation. 
 
PSALM  XCV.  333 
 
 The  Lord  our  God,  my  rock  and  tower, 
 
 Shall  all  their  crimes  repay ; 
 The  Lord  our  God  &  shall  break  their  power, 
 
 The  slayer's  self  shall  slay. 
 
 PSALM  XCV. 
 
 JAMES  MONTGOMERY,  1822. 
 
 God's  people  are  exhorted  to  the  praise  of  their  Creator,  and 
 not  to  tempt  Him,  as  of  old,  by  unbelief. — See  Heb.  iii. 
 7,&c. 
 
 O  come,  let  us  sing  to  the  Lord, 
 
 In  God  our  salvation  rejoice  ; 
 In  psalms  of  thanksgiving  record 
 
 His  praise,  with  one  spirit,  one  voice ! 
 For  Jehovah  is  King,  and  He  reigns 
 
 The  God  of  all  gods  on  His  throne ; 
 The  strength  of  the  hills  He  maintains, 
 
 The  ends  of  the  earth  are  His  own. 
 
334  PSALM  XCV. 
 
 The  sea  is  Jehovah's  :  He  made 
 
 The  tide  its  dominion  to  know ; 
 The  land  is  Jehovah's  :  He  laid 
 
 Its  solid  foundations  below. 
 O  come  let  us  worship,  and  kneel 
 
 Before  our  Creator,  our  God ; 
 The  people  who  serve  Him  with  zeal, 
 
 The  flock  whom  He  guides  with  His  rod. 
 
 a  To-day,  if  His  voice  ye  will  hear, 
 
 He  speaks  from  above  to  you  still ; 
 "  O  turn  not  aside  ;  but  forbear 
 
 To  harden  your  hearts  to  My  will. 
 As  once,  on  the  wilderness  way, 
 
 Of  old  My  long-suffering  ye  tried  ; 
 The  day  of  temptation,  the  day 
 
 When  God's  righteous  wrath  ye  defied. 
 
 "  Your  fathers  against  me  rebell'd ; 
 
 And  forty  years  long  was  I  grieved, 
 My  works  while  they  daily  beheld, 
 
 But,  tempting  their  God,  disbelieved. 
 
PSALM  XCVI.  335 
 
 Their  heart  had  from  me  gone  astray, 
 And  I  sware  in  My  wrath,  that,  unblest, 
 
 The  people,  that  knew  not  My  way, 
 Should  ne'er  enter  into  My  rest." 
 
 PSALM  XCVI. 6 
 
 ANONYMOUS.      "  POEMS  ORIGINAL  AND  TRANSLATED,"  1  836. 
 
 All  the  world  is  called  upon  to  join  in  the  praises  of  Jehovah. 
 
 In  songs  of  praise  unheard  before, 
 Let  all  the  earth  the  Lord  adore  ; 
 Sing  to  the  Lord,  and  praise  His  Name, 
 Tell  how  from  Him  salvation  came ; 
 His  honour  to  the  heathen  show, 
 Let  the  whole  earth  His  wonders  know. 
 God  cannot  worthily  be  praised, 
 Above  all  Gods  so  highly  raised ; 
 
 6  This  Psalm,  with  the  first  fifteen  verses  of  the  105th  and 
 the  two  concluding  verses  of  the  106th  was  sung,  when  the 
 ark  was  brought  up  to  Mount  Zion. — 1  Chron.  xvi.  23,  &c. 
 
336  PSALM  XCVI. 
 
 They  are  but  idols,  wood  and  stone, 
 
 The  Lord,  our  God,  is  God  alone. 
 
 He  made  the  heavens  ;   there  saints  adore  Him ; 
 
 Glory  and  worship  go  before  Him  ; 
 
 Girded  with  power,  with  honour  crown'd, 
 
 God  in  His  holy  place  is  found. 
 
 O  then  unto  the  Lord  ascribe, 
 
 Nation  and  kindred,  tongue  and  tribe, 
 
 The  glory  due  unto  His  Name, 
 
 The  service  He  may  justly  claim ! 
 
 With  joy  unto  His  courts  repair, 
 
 And,  as  your  gifts  you  offer  there, 
 
 Meet  worship  to  the  Lord  address, 
 
 In  beauty  and  in  holiness. 
 
 Then  tell  it  out,  that  all  may  hear, 
 
 And  God's  eternal  Name  revere ; 
 
 Yea,  tell  it  out,  and  bid  the  sound 
 
 Go  forth  to  all  the  nations  round, 
 
 That  He  is  King  ;  and  how  He  made 
 
 The  earth,  and  its  foundations  laid 
 
 So  sure,  that  they  may  ne'er  remove ; 
 
 a  And  of  that  day,  when  from  above 
 
PSALM  XCVII.  337 
 
 In  clouds  descending  He  shall  come 
 
 To  pass  on  all  a  righteous  doom. 
 
 Be  glad,  thou  earth  ;  ye  heavens,  rejoice  ; 
 
 Thou  sea,  send  forth  thy  glorious  voice ; 
 
 Forest  and  field,  with  one  accord, 
 
 Rejoice,  rejoice  before  the  Lord ! 
 
 b  He  comes,  He  comes  ;  His  saints  to  bless, 
 
 And  judge  the  world  in  righteousness. 
 
 PSALM  XCVII. 
 
 ANONYMOUS.   "A  MEMBER  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OXFORD,"  1839. 
 
 The  Majesty  of  God's  kingdom.    Prophetical  of  the  Messiah's 
 entering  on  His  kingly  office. — See  Heb.  i.  6. 
 
 The  Lord  hath  reign'd,  and  reigns  ;  let  earth 
 
 Arise  in  glad  commotion ; 
 Before  Him  rise  in  awful  mirth, 
 
 Ye  thousand  isles  of  ocean. 
 a  Deep  clouds  and  darkness  Him  enfold ; 
 And  righteousness  and  truth  uphold, 
 
 The  throne  of  His  abiding. 
 
338  PSALM  XCVII. 
 
 Before  Him  goes  a  fire,  to  b  blight 
 
 At  once  the  faithless-hearted ; 
 c  His  bolts  array'd  the  world  in  light, 
 
 The  wide  earth  saw,  and  started. 
 Before  Him  mountains  melt  and  dglow, 
 As  wax  before  the  Lord  they  d  flow, 
 
 The  whole  earth's  Lord  and  Owner. 
 
 The  heavens  have  told  His  righteousness, 
 
 The  realms  beheld  His  glory: 
 Shame  to  the  men  who  serve,  and  bless 
 
 Carved  forms  of  mortal  story ; 
 Who  in  vain  gods  their  joy  and  crown 
 Would  find : — To  Him,  ye  gods,  bow  down, 
 
 Him  worship,  all  ye  angels ! 
 
 Glad  Sion  heard,  e  with  joy  and  glee 
 Were  Judah's  daughters  thrilling, 
 
 When  of  Thy  judgments,  Lord,  and  Thee, 
 f  All  earth  with  glory  filling, 
 
 The  song  went  out ;  O  Lord,  our  Lord, 
 
 On  high,  above  all  gods  ador'd ! — 
 Love  ye  the  Lord :  loathe  evil. 
 
PSALM  XCVII.  339 
 
 Thou  keep'st  Thy  chosen  souls,  O  God, 
 Won  safe  from  sinners'  madness  ; 
 
 Light  for  the  just  is  sown  abroad, 
 For  true  hearts  joyful  gladness. 
 
 Ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord  rejoice, 
 
 And  cherish,  with  adoring  voice, 
 High  thoughts  of  Him  Most  Holy  ! 
 
 PSALM  XCVII. 
 
 2nd  version,  anoni'mous.     See  Preface,  p.  20. 
 
 The  Lord  is  King ;  let  all  the  earth 
 Be  glad  thereof,  with  holy  mirth  ; 
 Yea,  let  the  isles  unnumber'd  sing 
 With  gladness  ;  for  the  Lord  is  King. 
 
 With  darkness,  and  thick  clouds  surrounded, 
 In  righteousness  His  throne  is  founded ; 
 A  burning  fire  before  Him  goes, 
 On  all  sides,  to  consume  His  foes, 
 z  2 
 
340  PSALM  XCVII. 
 
 Bright  through  the  world  His  lightnings  sped, 
 The  earth  beheld,  and  shook  with  dread ; 
 Of  Nature's  God  the  mountains  felt 
 The  Presence,  and  like  wax  did  melt. 
 
 Yon  heavens  the  righteousness  declare 
 Of  the  great  God,  who  reigneth  there, 
 And  all,  who  dwell  beneath  the  skies, 
 Have  seen  His  glory  with  their  eyes. 
 
 Confounded  be  all  they,  whose  knees 
 Have  bow'd  to  carved  images, 
 Who  boast  their  idols  ;  be  the  Lord 
 By  all  whom  men  call  gods  adored  ! 
 
 When  Sion  of  Thy  judgments  heard, 
 With  joy  the  conscious  mount  was  stirr'd  ; 
 And  Judah's  daughters  pour'd  their  lays 
 To  celebrate  Jehovah's  praise. 
 
 How  far  exalted  in  degree 
 Beyond  all  earthly  powers  is  He  ; 
 Yea,  far  above  the  Hosts  on  high 
 Is  God's  unrivall'd  majesty. 
 
PSALM  XCVIII.  341 
 
 Take  heed  then,  ye  who  love  the  Lord, 
 All  evil  be  of  you  abhorr'd ; 
 He  keeps  their  souls,  that  holy  be, 
 And  from  th'  ungodly  sets  them  free. 
 
 God  for  the  just  has  sown  a  light, 
 And  joy  for  those  in  heart  upright ; 
 Let  such  to  Him  glad  thanks  express, 
 Remembering  still  His  holiness. 
 
 PSALM  XCVIII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 The  house  of  Israel  and  all  lands,  and  the  whole  creation,  are 
 exhorted  to  praise  God  for  His  salvation. 
 
 New  songs  unto  the  Lord  indite, 
 For  mighty  marvels  He  hath  done  ; 
 
 His  right-hand  hath  prevail'd  in  fight, 
 His  holy  arm  the  conquest  won. 
 
342  PSALM  XCVIII. 
 
 The  Gentiles  a  openly  have  view'd 
 How  just  and  helpful  He  hath  been ; 
 
 To  Israel  truth  and  love  He  shew'd, 
 b  The  world  hath  His  salvation  seen. 
 
 Then  through  the  world  His  glory  sing, 
 Sing  praises  with  triumphant  voice  ; 
 
 To  praise  the  Lord  the  psalt'ry  bring, 
 And  on  the  harp  with  psalms  rejoice. 
 
 The  Lord,  the  King,  with  mirth  adore ; 
 
 c  With  trump  and  shawm  the  joy  begin  ; 
 Ye  seas,  with  all  your  fulness  roar ; 
 
 Thou  earth,  be  glad,  and  all  therein. 
 
 d  Floods  clap  your  hands  ;  and  joyful  be, 
 Ye  hills,  before  Him  ;  for  He  comes 
 
 To  judge  the  wrorld  e  with  equity, 
 
 And  give  the  people  righteous  dooms. 
 
343 
 
 PSALM  XCIX. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 All  are  invited  to  worship  the  Lord  their  God  before  His 
 throne  in  Zion. 
 
 Let  the  subject  nations  quake, 
 Let  the  earth's  foundations  shake  ; 
 For  Jehovah  reigns  supreme, 
 Throned  between  the  cherubim. 
 He  is  great  in  Sion's  towers, 
 High  above  all  mortal  powers. 
 Let  them  praise  His  awful  Name ; 
 O  how  holy  is  the  same ! 
 Judgment  by  our  King  is  loved, 
 Yet  to  mercy  is  He  moved. 
 Thou  Thy  mercy  join'd  with  grace, 
 Daily  deal'st  to  Jacob's  race. 
 At  His  footstool  then  before  Him, — 
 He  is  holy — come,  adore  Him ! 
 
344  PSALM  XCIX. 
 
 Moses,  Aaron,  heretofore 
 
 Among  those  who  mitres  wore ; 
 
 Samuel,  a  chosen  seer, 
 
 Among  those  who  saw  Him  near ; 
 
 These  to  Him  their  prayers  preferr'd, 
 
 These  by  Him  as  soon  were  heard. 
 
 These  His  statutes  rarely  brake, 
 
 Unto  these  the  Almighty  spake 
 
 In  the  pillar  of  a  cloud, 
 
 To  His  service  ever  vow'd. 
 
 He  did  their  petitions  hear, 
 
 Merciful,  and  yet  severe. 
 
 Then  our  God  exalt  ye  still ; 
 
 Worship  at  His  holy  hill. 
 
 There,  on  Sion's  mount  before  Him, — 
 
 He  is  holy — come,  adore  Him  ! 
 
345 
 
 PSALM  C. 
 
 OLD  VERSION,  JOHN  HOPKINS,  1562. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  praise."     All  the  world  are  called  unto  the 
 temple  of  God,  to  join  together  in  His  praise. 
 
 All  people  that  on  earth  do  dwell, 
 Sing  to  the  Lord  with  cheerful  voice ; 
 
 Him  serve  with  fear,  His  praise  forth  tell, 
 Come  ye  before  Him  and  rejoice. 
 
 The  Lord  ye  know  is  God  indeed ; 
 
 Without  our  aid  He  did  us  make ; 
 We  are  His  flock,  He  doth  us  feed, 
 
 And  for  His  sheep  He  doth  us  take. 
 
 O  enter  then  His  gates  with  praise, 
 Approach  with  joy  His  courts  unto  ; 
 
 Praise,  laud,  and  bless  His  Name  always, 
 For  it  is  seemly  so  to  do. 
 
346  PSALM  C. 
 
 For  why  ? — The  Lord  our  God  is  good, 
 His  mercy  is  for  ever  sure ; 
 
 His  truth  at  all  times  firmly  stood, 
 And  shall  from  age  to  age  endure. 
 
 PSALM  C. 
 
 2nd  VERSION,  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 Ye  nations  round  the  earth,  rejoice 
 Before  the  Lord,  your  sov'reign  King ; 
 
 Serve  Him  with  cheerful  heart  and  voice, 
 With  all  your  tongues  His  glory  sing. 
 
 The  Lord  is  God :  'tis  He  alone 
 
 Doth  life,  and  breath,  and  being  give  ; 
 
 We  are  His  work,  and  not  our  own, 
 The  sheep  that  on  His  pasture  live. 
 
 a  O  enter  then  His  gates  with  joy, 
 With  praises  to  His  courts  repair, 
 
 And  make  it  your  divine  employ, 
 
 To  pay  your  thanks  and  honours  there. 
 
PSALM  CI.  347 
 
 The  Lord  is  good,  the  Lord  is  kind, 
 Great  is  His  grace,  His  mercy  sure ; 
 
 And  the  whole  race  of  men  shall  find, 
 His  truth  from  age  to  age  endure. 
 
 PSALM  CI. 
 
 WILLIAM  BARTON,  1 644. 
 
 u  A  Psalm  of  David,"  resolving  that  he  will  rule  himself  by 
 the  law  of  God. 
 
 Lord,  I  will  sing  of  mercy  sweet, 
 
 And  judgment,  to  Thy  praise  ; 
 And  wisely  guide  my  wary  feet, 
 
 In  all  Thy  perfect  ways. 
 a  When  wilt  Thou  come,  Lord,  to  my  home  ? 
 
 So  shall  I  do  my  part, 
 To  order  my  whole  family, 
 
 With  perfectness  of  heart. 
 
348  PSALM  CI. 
 
 I  will  no  wicked  thing  abide 
 
 Before  mine  eyes  to  be ; 
 I  hate  their  work  that  turn  aside  ; 
 
 It  shall  not  cleave  to  me. 
 The  froward  heart  from  me  shall  part, 
 
 And  have  no  more  access ; 
 And  I  will  b  none  such  persons  own, 
 
 As  practise  wickedness. 
 
 The  man,  that  slandereth  privily, 
 
 c  I  doom  to  vengeance  sure  ; 
 The  proud  in  heart,  whose  looks  are  high, 
 
 I  will  no  more  endure. 
 d  I'll  choose  me  then  the  faithful  men, 
 
 That  they  may  dwell  with  me ; 
 And  whoso  press  for  perfectness, 
 
 My  servants  they  shall  be. 
 
 None  guileful  will  I  entertain 
 Within  my  house  to  dwell ; 
 
 Nor  shall  he  in  my  sight  remain, 
 That  loveth  lies  to  tell. 
 
PSALM  CI1.  349 
 
 eThe  wicked  sort,  full  soon  cut  short, 
 My  sentence  shall  condemn ; 
 
 And  so  suppress  ungodliness 
 From  God's  Jerusalem. 
 
 PSALM  CII. 
 
 HENRY  KING,  BISHOP  OF  CHICHESTER,  1651. 
 
 The  fifth  Penitential  Psalm.  "  A  prayer  of  the  afflicted, 
 when  he  is  overwhelmed,  and  poureth  out  his  complaint 
 before  the  Lord." 
 
 Hear  me,  O  Lord,  and  let  my  cry 
 To  Thy  bright  throne  ascend  on  high ; 
 Hide  not  Thy  face  in  time  of  need, 
 But  answer  my  request  with  speed ! 
 
 a  For  this  brief  life  doth,  day  by  day, 
 
 Like  to  the  smoke  consume  away ; 
 
 My  bones  are,  as  the  burned  brand ; 
 
 Dried  up  and  scorched  by  Thine  hand. 
 
350  PSALM  CII. 
 
 My  heart  like  grass  is  withered, 
 
 And  I  forget  to  eat  my  bread ; 
 
 I  waste  and  pine  in  daily  groans ; 
 
 b  My  flesh  scarce  cleaveth  to  my  bones  ; 
 
 Like  pelicans  removed  from  sight, 
 
 Or  owls  in  deserts,  shunning  light ; 
 
 c  Or  the  lone  sparrow  on  the  roof, 
 
 I  watch,  from  all  mankind  aloof. 
 
 I  with  reproach  all  day  am  torn 
 
 Of  enemies  against  me  sworn  ; 
 
 I  ashes  eat  instead  of  bread, 
 
 And  drink  the  tears  my  sorrows  shed. 
 
 d  Such  mischiefs  from  Thy  wrath  are  grown, 
 Since  Thou,  who  raised,  hast  cast  me  down ; 
 e  And,  like  the  dark  declining  shade, 
 Or  f  withering  grass,  I  hourly  fade. 
 
 Yet  Thou,  O  Lord,  dost  still  endure, 
 From  time's  successive  change  secure. 
 Thou,  therefore,  shalt  in  mercy  rise, 
 And  Sion  help,  which  s  wasted  lies  : 
 
PSALM  CIL  351 
 
 The  time  is  come  for  her  repair, 
 Whose  stones  and  h  ruins  prized  are  ; 
 Thy  servants  pity  her  neglect, 
 And  on  her  dust  with  sighs  reflect. 
 
 So  shall  the  heathen  fear  Thy  Name, 
 And  kings  Thy  majesty  proclaim, 
 1  When  Sion's  wall  the  Lord  shall  rear, 
 And  in  His  glory  shall  appear ; 
 
 He  will  regard  the  poor-man's  suit, 
 And  not  despise  the  destitute. 
 This  shall  be  written  for  record, 
 That  after-times  may  praise  the  Lord. 
 
 j  God  from  on  high  His  face  display'd, 
 And  out  of  Heaven  k  the  earth  survey'd  ; 
 The  captive's  fetters  to  untie, 
 And  prisoners  save  condemn'd  to  die : 
 1  That,  when  to  Sion's  blessed  hill, 
 And  Salem,  which  His  wonders  fill, 
 m  Nations  and  kingdoms  shall  repair, 
 They  may  His  Name  and  praise  declare. 
 
352  PSALM  CII. 
 
 He  hath  my  strength  to  weakness  brought ; 
 
 My  shorten'd  days  are  come  to  nought : 
 
 D  So  to  my  God  I  thus  did  pray, 
 
 O  !  take  me  not  as  yet  away ; 
 
 Nor  cast  me  off  from  this  life's  stage, 
 In  prime  of  youth  and  midst  of  age  ! 
 For,  though  my  days  be  few  and  frail, 
 Thy  years,  O  God,  will  never  fail. 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  hast  earth's  foundation  laid, 
 And  by  Thy  hand  the  heavens  were  made  ; 
 They  all  shall  perish  and  decay, 
 And  in  their  time  consume  away : 
 
 Like  to  a  garment,  when  grown  old, 
 
 0  They  shall  no  more  their  glory  hold  ; 
 
 But  though  the  world  and  they  must  fall, 
 
 Thy  Being  is  perpetual. 
 
 Yea,  as  a  vesture,  worn  and  changed, 
 Is  from  its  P  comeliness  estranged ; 
 So  shalt  Thou  change  this  massy  frame, 
 Yet  still  Thyself  abide  the  same. 
 
PSALM  CIII.  353 
 
 And,  like  Thyself,  from  changes  freed, 
 Thou  wilt  prolong  Thy  servants'  seed ; 
 Whose  children  shall  remain  with  Thee, 
 And  in  Thy  sight  establish'd  be. 
 
 PSALM  CIII. 
 
 ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 *  A  Psalm  of  David,"  probably  on  the  recovery  from  sick- 
 ness.— See  ver.  3,  4,  5. 
 
 O  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul ; 
 
 a  Let  all  within  my  frame, 
 My  heart,  and  mind,  and  tongue,  unite 
 
 To  bless  His  holy  Name. 
 
 O  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul ; 
 
 Nor  let  His  mercies  lie 
 Forgotten  in  unthankfulness, 
 
 And  without  praises  die. 
 
 a  a 
 
354  PSALM  CIII. 
 
 'Tis  He  forgives  thy  sins, 
 
 'Tis  He  relieves  thy  pain, 
 'Tis  He  that  heals  thy  sicknesses, 
 
 And  makes  thee  b  whole  again. 
 
 He  crowns  thy  life  with  love ; 
 
 c  He  satisfies  thy  mouth 
 With  good  ;  and,  like  the  eagles'  strength, 
 
 Restores  thy  vigorous  youth. 
 
 d  The  righteous  Lord  is  prompt 
 
 To  give  the  sufferer  rest ; 
 And  still  doth  judgment  execute 
 
 For  all  that  are  opprest. 
 
 The  secret  of  His  ways 
 
 He  made  to  Moses  known ; 
 The  mighty  acts  He  wrought  of  old, 
 
 To  Israel  were  shown. 
 
 My  soul  repeat  His  praise, 
 
 Whose  mercies  are  so  great ; 
 Whose  anger  is  so  slow  to  rise, 
 
 So  ready  to  abate. 
 
PSALM  CIIL  355 
 
 God  will  not  ever  chide, 
 e  Nor  always  keep  His  ire  ; 
 
 His  strokes  are  fewer  than  our  crimes, 
 f  Nor  what  our  sins  require. 
 
 High  as  the  heavens  are  raised 
 Above  the  ground  we  tread  ; 
 
 So  far  the  riches  of  His  grace 
 Our  highest  thoughts  exceed. 
 
 His  power  subdues  our  sins ; 
 
 And  His  forgiving  love, 
 Far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west, 
 
 Doth  all  our  guilt  remove. 
 
 The  pity  of  the  Lord 
 
 To  those  that  fear  His  Name, 
 Is  such  as  tender  parents  feel ; 
 
 He  knows  our  feeble  frame. 
 
 g  Full  well  our  Maker  knows 
 
 Whereof  we  all  are  made ; 
 Remembers  that  we  are  but  dust, 
 
 And  into  dust  shall  fade. 
 a  a  2 
 
356  PSALM  CIII. 
 
 Our  days  are  as  the  grass, 
 
 h  Or  as  a  flower ; — 'tis  gone, 
 If  one  sharp  blast  sweep  o'er  the  field ; 
 
 1  Its  very  place  unknown. 
 
 But  Thy  compassions,  Lord, 
 
 To  endless  years  endure  ; 
 And  children's  children  ever  find 
 
 Thy  words  of  promise  sure  ; 
 
 7  Such  as,  with  holy  awe, 
 
 Thy  covenant  keep  in  view, 
 And  write  Thy  statutes  in  their  hearts, 
 
 And  Thy  commands  pursue. 
 
 The  Lord,  the  sov'reign  King, 
 Hath  fix'd  His  throne  on  high ; 
 
 O'er  all  the  heavenly  world  He  rules, 
 And  all  beneath  the  sky. 
 
 7  This  verse,  the  ]  8th,  is  omitted  in  Watts's  version. 
 
PSALM  CIII.  357 
 
 Ye  angels,  great  in  might, 
 
 And  swift  to  do  His  will, 
 Bless  ye  the  Lord,  whose  voice  ye  hear, 
 
 Whose  pleasure  ye  fulfil. 
 
 Let  the  bright  hosts,  who  wait 
 
 The  orders  of  their  King, 
 j  And  ministering  round  Him  stand, 
 
 His  constant  praises  sing. 
 
 While  all  His  wond'rous  works, 
 Through  His  vast  kingdom  show 
 
 Their  Maker's  glory,  k  O  my  soul, 
 Sing  thou  His  praises  too ! 
 
 PSALM  CIII. 
 
 2nd  version,  anonymous,  1846.     See  Preface,  p.  20. 
 
 With  ev'ry  faculty  combin'd, 
 My  soul,  of  body  and  of  mind, 
 The  praises  of  the  Lord  proclaim, 
 And  bless,  O  bless  His  holy  Name  ; 
 
358  PSALM  CIIJ. 
 
 Nor  ever  let  the  memory  part, 
 
 Of  all  His  goodness  from  my  heart ! 
 
 'Tis  He,  who  doth  thy  sins  forgive, 
 Thy  sickness  heals,  and  bids  thee  live. 
 When  death's  dark  shades  were  gathering  round, 
 He  saved  thee,  and  with  mercy  crown'd ; 
 Thy  wasted  powers  with  youth  renew'd, 
 And  with  an  eagle's  strength  endued. 
 
 'Tis  He,  who  doth  the  wrong'd  redress, 
 In  judgment,  and  in  righteousness  ; 
 His  ways  to  Moses  He  reveal'd, 
 His  outstretch'd  arm  was  Israel's  shield ; 
 They  saw  His  wonders,  and  adored 
 The  mercies  of  the  Living  Lord. 
 
 How  doth  His  kindness  still  o'erflow ! 
 Long-suffering,  and  to  anger  slow, 
 Our  faults  He  will  not  always  chide ; 
 In  wrath  He  doth  not  long  abide, 
 Nor  with  us  deal,  when  we  transgress, 
 According  to  our  wickedness. 
 
PSALM  CIII.  359 
 
 For  look,  how  high  this  earth  above 
 Is  yonder  Heaven ;  so  vast  His  love  : 
 From  east  to  west  the  space  survey ; 
 So  far  He  puts  our  sins  away. 
 Yea,  as  a  Father,  is  He  moved 
 With  pity  towards  a  child  beloved. 
 
 For  God,  still  merciful  as  just, 
 Remembers  that  we  are  but  dust. 
 Man's  days  are  but  as  grass,  a  flower 
 That  springs  and  withers  in  an  hour : 
 The  winds  pass  o'er  it,  and  'tis  not ; 
 Where  late  it  bloom'd  ;  unknown,  forgot. 
 
 But  the  Lord's  mercies,  ever  sure, 
 Through  generations  shall  endure  ; 
 Towards  children's  children  still  display'd 
 Of  such  as  in  His  faith  have  stay'd, 
 And  ever  thought  upon  His  will, 
 How  best  His  precepts  to  fulfil. 
 
 The  Lord  in  Heaven  hath  set  His  throne  ; 
 His  power  through  all  the  world  is  known. 
 
360  PSALM  CIII. 
 
 Ye  angels,  who  in  strength  excel, 
 With  trumpet-tongue  His  praises  tell : 
 Ye  who,  still  hearkening  to  His  voice, 
 To  execute  His  word  rejoice. 
 
 Praise  Him,  all  ye  His  hosts,  who  stand 
 Prompt  to  perform  your  Lord's  command ; 
 Bless,  ye  His  works,  your  Maker's  Name, 
 In  every  place  His  power  proclaim  : 
 And  Thou,  my  soul,  unite  to  raise 
 The  universal  song  of  praise. 
 
361 
 
 PSALM  CIV. 
 
 ANONYMOUS.   "A  MEMBER  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  OXFORD,"  1839. 
 
 The  praise  of  God  for  his  wisdom  in  the  disposition  and 
 government  of  the  universe. 
 
 My  soul,  praise  the  Lord  ; — 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  mine  own  God, 
 Art  glorious,  enrobed 
 
 In  beauty  and  might : 
 The  heavens,  like  a  curtain, 
 
 Thou  spreadest  abroad  ; 
 As  raiment,  around  Thee 
 
 Enfoldest  the  light. 
 
 For  chamber-beams  sure, 
 
 Dark  waters  He  binds  ; 
 Of  clouds  dim  and  deep 
 
 His  chariot  doth  frame, 
 
362  PSALM  CIV. 
 
 On  stormy  blasts  riding, 
 On  wings  of  all  winds  ; 
 
 His  angels  are  spirits, 
 His  hosts  a  clear  flame. 
 
 On  roots  of  her  own 
 
 He  built  the  firm  globe  ; 
 For  ever  and  aye 
 
 Unswerving  to  last ; 
 The  waste  ocean  gathering 
 
 O'er  all  as  a  robe  : 
 O'er  all  the  high  mountains 
 
 The  surging  waves  past. 
 
 At  Thy  dread  rebuke, 
 
 They  flee  and  they  fail ; 
 Thy  thunder  is  heard ; 
 
 They  speed  here  and  there ; 
 They  burst  the  ridge  over, 
 
 They  rush  down  the  vale  ; 
 Where  Thou  hast  appointed, 
 
 They  haste  to  repair. 
 
PSALM  CIV.  363 
 
 Thine  own  word  hath  set 
 
 Their  border  and  bound  ; 
 They  roar  and  they  toss, 
 
 But  cannot  pass  o'er  : 
 The  a  word  of  Jehovah 
 
 A  sure  fence  is  found ; 
 The  flood  o'er  the  mountains 
 
 Returneth  no  more. 
 
 8  ALTERED  FROM  THE  OLD  VERSION,  WILLIAM  KEITH,   1562. 
 
 He  unto  the  vales 
 
 The  springs  doth  convey ; 
 And  onward  they  wind 
 
 Their  course  through  the  hills  ; 
 Whereat  the  wild  asses 
 
 Their  thirst  oft  allay, 
 And  beasts  of  the  forest 
 
 Thereof  drink  their  fills, 
 
 8  As  it  appeared  desirable  to  retain  the  measure  of  this 
 Psalm,  adapted  to  the  old  tune  almost  everywhere  in  popular 
 use,  an  attempt  has  been  made  to  fill  up  the  Oxford  transla- 
 tion, (which  adopts  that  metre  only  in  the  beginning  and 
 conclusion  of  the  Psalm)  by  re-casting  the  rugged  lines  of  the 
 old  version. 
 
364  PSALM  CIV. 
 
 By  these  pleasant  springs, 
 
 The  fowls  of  the  air 
 Inhabit  the  trees, 
 
 The  margin  along ; 
 And  as,  in  their  gladness, 
 
 They  move  here  and  there 
 Among  the  green  branches, 
 
 Praise  God  with  their  song. 
 
 His  rain  on  the  hills 
 
 He  pours  from  on  high  ; 
 The  earth  with  His  works 
 
 Is  wholly  replete ; 
 His  grass  to  the  cattle 
 
 He  doth  not  deny, 
 And  gives  for  man's  service 
 
 The  green  herb  as  meat. 
 
 From  earth,  store  of  food 
 He  brings  for  man's  sake ; 
 
 Rich  oil,  gladsome  wine, 
 Heart-strengthening  bread. 
 
PSALM  CIV.  365 
 
 His  trees  full  of  moisture 
 The  Great  God  did  make  ; 
 
 His  cedars  He  planted 
 On  Libanus'  head. 
 
 Secure  in  those  shades 
 
 The  bird  builds  her  nest ; 
 The  firs  to  the  stork 
 
 A  house  have  supplied ; 
 The  hills  are  a  refuge 
 
 For  wild  goats  to  rest ; 
 The  crags  of  the  rough  rocks 
 
 For  conies  to  hide. 
 
 The  moon  He  hath  set 
 
 For  seasons  to  run ; 
 The  times  He  ordain'd 
 
 Her  change  ever  shows  ; 
 And  so,  his  course  circling, 
 
 The  glorious  sun, 
 His  hour  of  descending 
 
 As  constantly  knows. 
 
366  PSALM  CIV. 
 
 When  darkness  doth  come 
 
 By  Thy  will  and  power, 
 Then  prowl  forth  abroad 
 
 The  beasts  of  the  wood 
 The  lions  range  roaring, 
 
 Their  prey  to  devour ; 
 And  yet  it  is  Thou,  Lord, 
 
 Who  givest  them  food. 
 
 As  riseth  the  sun, 
 
 They  all  get  them  in ; 
 Withdrawn  from  His  light, 
 
 To  couch  in  their  den  ; 
 But  man  forth  proceedeth 
 
 His  toil  to  begin ; 
 Till  night  come  to  call  him 
 
 To  take  rest  again. 
 
 How  various,  Lord, 
 
 The  works  of  Thy  hand ! 
 How  passing  our  thoughts 
 
 Their  numbers  are  found  ! 
 
PSALM  CIV.  367 
 
 Thy  outspread  creation 
 In  wisdom  is  plann'd, 
 
 And  full  of  Thy  riches 
 The  wide  world  around. 
 
 So  in  the  great  sea 
 
 Thy  works  are  display'd, 
 Where  creeping  things  move, 
 
 Unnumber'd  in  sort ; 
 And  there  the  ships  wander, 
 
 And  there  Thou  hast  made 
 Leviathan,  hugest 
 
 Of  monsters,  to  sport. 
 
 All  these  wait  on  Thee 
 
 Their  food  to  receive  ; 
 That  Thou,  in  due  time 
 
 Their  portion  may'st  give  : 
 And,  when  it  doth  please  Thee 
 
 Their  want  to  relieve, 
 Full  gladly  they  gather 
 
 Thy  bounty  and  live. 
 
368  PSALM  CIV. 
 
 Thou  openest  Thine  hand ; 
 
 How  full  their  supply  ! 
 Thou  hidest  Thy  face  ; 
 
 Confounded  they  mourn : 
 If  Thou  from  them  takest 
 
 Their  spirit,  they  die, 
 And  to  their  dust,  dying, 
 
 Again  they  return. 
 
 OXFORD  TRANSLATION,  1839. 
 
 Thou  send'st  forth  Thy  breath, 
 
 And  they  are  new  made ; 
 And  earth,  as  at  first, 
 
 Looks  vernal  and  bright. 
 In  glory  for  ever  . 
 
 The  Lord  is  array'd  : 
 And  in  His  creation 
 
 Our  God  will  delight. 
 
 He  looks  on  the  earth, 
 
 It  reels  to  and  fro  : 
 He  toucheth  the  hills, 
 
 b  With  smoke  they  are  crown'd : 
 
PSALM   CIV.  369 
 
 Through  life  to  Jehovah 
 Mine  anthems  shall  flow. 
 
 c  While  yet  I  have  being, 
 His  praise  I  will  sound. 
 
 With  dear  thoughts  of  Him 
 
 My  heart  shall  run  o'er  ; 
 With  God  all  my  joy 
 
 In  treasure  is  stored. 
 The  sinners  are  wasted  ; 
 
 Earth  sees  them  no  more  : 
 The  rebels,  where  are  they  ?- 
 
 My  soul,  praise  the  Lord. 
 
 Bb 
 
370 
 
 9  PSALM  CV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  MATTHEW  SANKEY,  1  825. 
 
 The  praise  of  God  for  all  His  wondrous  works  in  behalf  of 
 His  chosen  people,  from  the  period  of  His  covenant  with 
 Abraham  to  their  settlement  in  Canaan.  The  second  of 
 the  three  historical  Psalms  ;  the  78th,  105th,  106th. 
 
 O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
 
 Call  upon  His  Holy  Name, 
 Tell  His  mighty  acts  abroad, 
 
 To  the  world  His  deeds  proclaim  ! 
 
 Raise  in  hymns  of  praise  your  voice, 
 All  His  wond'rous  works  relate; 
 
 Let  the  hearts  of  them  rejoice, 
 That  on  God  sincerely  wait. 
 
 9  The  first  fifteen  verses  of  this  Psalm,  with  the  96th  and 
 the  two  concluding  verses  of  the  106th,  composed  the  hymn 
 of  Thanksgiving  sung  on  the  day  when  David  brought  up 
 the  ark  of  God  to  Mount  Zion. — See  1  Chron.  xvi.  7. 
 
PSALM  CV.  37) 
 
 Seek  the  Lord  for  strength  renown'd, 
 Seek  ye  His  protecting  power ; 
 
 He  is  ready  to  be  found ; 
 Seek  His  face  for  evermore. 
 
 Call  to  mind  His  mighty  deeds, 
 All  the  wonders  He  hath  wrought, 
 
 All  that  from  His  mouth  proceeds, 
 What  His  awful  word  hath  taught ; 
 
 Ye  that  spring  from  Abraham's  blood, 
 Ye  of  chosen  Jacob's  race  ; 
 
 For  He  is  the  Lord  our  God : 
 
 We  His  judgments  round  us  trace. 
 
 And  the  cov'nant  of  His  love, 
 
 That  true  word  which  He  hath  past, 
 
 Faithful  shall  for  ever  prove, 
 To  a  thousand  ages  last : 
 
 That  which  He  with  Abraham  made, 
 That  which  He  to  Isaac  swore, 
 
 And  to  Israel  then  convey'd, 
 To  continue  evermore : 
 Bb  2 
 
372  PSALM  CV. 
 
 Saying,  I  will  make  this  land, 
 
 Canaan's  realm,  your  portion  fair ; 
 
 When  they  were  a  scanty  band, 
 And  as  yet  but  strangers  there. 
 
 Though  they  past  through  nations  strong, 
 Oft  from  land  to  land  removed, 
 
 God  let  no  man  do  them  wrong ; 
 
 Yea,  for  their  sakes,  kings  reproved. 
 
 "  These  Mine  own  anointed  are  ; 
 
 'Gainst  them  lift  not  up  your  arm  ; 
 Touch  them  not  (He  said),  nor  dare 
 
 This  my  prophet-band  to  harm ! " 
 
 He,  moreover,  gave  command, 
 And  dire  famine,  widely  spread, 
 
 Wasted  all  that  beauteous  land, 
 Breaking  all  the  staff  of  bread. 
 
 But,  a  bondsman  sold  of  yore, 
 Joseph  He  before  them  sent ; 
 
 Fetters  on  his  feet  he  bore, 
 To  his  soul  the  iron  went. 
 
PSALM  CV.  373 
 
 He  was  by  Thy  Word,  O  Lord, 
 Tried  full  sore,  nor  found  release, 
 
 Till  the  same  Almighty  Word 
 Came,  and  bade  his  trial  cease. 
 
 Then  the  ruler  of  the  land 
 
 Sent,  and  set  his  prisoner  free  ; 
 
 Gave  him  o'er  his  house  command — 
 Lord  of  all  his  store  was  he  : 
 
 That  the  princes,  for  their  law, 
 Might  receive  his  so v 'reign  will ; 
 
 And  the  elders  wisdom  draw 
 From  his  far  diviner  skill. 
 
 Led  by  God's  protecting  care, 
 
 Into  Egypt  Israel  came  ; 
 Jacob  dwelt  a  sojourner 
 
 In  the  fruitful  land  of  Ham. 
 
 There  His  people  grew  in  strength, 
 Stronger  than  their  jealous  foes  ; 
 
 Who,  to  hatred  moved,  at  length 
 Subtilly  against  them  rose. 
 
374  PSALM  CV. 
 
 Moses,  His  own  servant,  God, 
 With  His  chosen  Aaron,  brought ; 
 
 Wond'rous  works  and  signs  abroad 
 In  the  land  of  Ham  they  wrought. 
 
 He  made  darkness  o'er  them  brood ; 
 
 Awe-struck  they  awhile  remain. 
 He  their  waters  turn'd  to  blood, 
 
 And  the  fish  therein  were  slain. 
 
 Then  He  bade  the  teeming  earth 
 Frogs  unnumber'd  forth  to  bring  ; 
 
 The  foul  reptiles  sprang  to  birth 
 In  the  chambers  of  the  king. 
 
 Forth  in  clouds  envenom'd  flies, 
 Countless  in  their  sorts,  He  call'd ; 
 
 Through  their  borders  loathsome  lice, 
 At  His  word,  offensive  crawl'd. 
 
 Hail  He  gave  for  gentle  rain  ; 
 
 Fire,  enkindling  as  He  spake, 
 Vines  and  fig-trees  smote  in  twain, 
 
 And  their  lofty  forests  brake. 
 
PSALM  CV.  375 
 
 Locusts,  and,  at  His  commaud, 
 Crawling  caterpillars,  pour'd 
 
 Over  all  that  stricken  land, 
 
 Every  herb  and  fruit  devour'd. 
 
 Vain  their  hardness  to  subdue 
 
 Fell  the  scourge  ;  and  God  at  length 
 
 Through  their  land  the  first-born  slew, 
 Yea,  the  prime  of  all  their  strength. 
 
 Forth  He  brought  the  countless  throng, 
 Charged  with  silver  and  with  gold ; 
 
 Nor,  their  crowded  tribes  among, 
 Was  one  feeble  one  enroll'd. 
 
 But,  at  their  departure  thence, 
 Glad  was  wearied  Egypt  made  ; 
 
 Shrinking  from  their  strong  defence, 
 She  of  them  was  sore  afraid. 
 
 Over  them  a  cloud  He  spread, 
 For  their  shade  and  guide  by  day  ; 
 
 And  His  fire  its  brightness  shed 
 Nightly  on  their  dubious  way. 
 
376  PSALM  CV. 
 
 When  for  flesh  they  cried  to  God, 
 Quails  He  gave  at  their  desire ; 
 
 Gave  them  bread  of  Heaven  for  food, 
 All  their  hunger  could  desire. 
 
 He  the  rock  of  stone  for  them 
 
 Cleft,  from  whence  the  living  tide 
 
 Like  a  river  gushing  came, 
 
 And  the  desert's  drought  supplied. 
 
 For  on  Abraham's  faith  He  thought, 
 And  His  covenanted  grace  ; 
 
 Forth  with  joy  His  people  brought, 
 And  with  songs  His  chosen  race. 
 
 And  He  gave  the  fruitful  lands 
 Of  the  nations  for  their  spoil ; 
 
 Of  the  heathen  strangers'  hands 
 They  inherited  the  toil ; 
 
 That  they  might  observe  His  ways, 
 And  obey  His  sov'reign  Word. — 
 
 Give  the  great  Jehovah  praise  ; 
 Praise  the  everlasting  Lord. 
 
377 
 
 PSALM  CVI. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  E.  FARR,  1836. 
 
 The  praise  of  God,  for  his  mercies  under  the  many  and 
 various  provocations  of  His  people  ;  especially  during  the 
 Exodus.  The  last  two  verses  were  the  conclusion  of 
 David's  hymn  of  Thanksgiving  upon  bringing  up  the  ark 
 to  Mount  Zion. — See  1  Chron.  xvi.  35, 36,  and  Psalms  xcvi. 
 and  cv.     It  is  the  last  of  the  three  historical  Psalms. 
 
 Raise  your  triumphant  songs  of  joy, 
 In  grateful  notes,  to  God  on  high ; 
 His  goodness  every  thought  transcends, 
 His  boundless  mercy  never  ends. 
 
 But  O  !  what  language  can  record 
 The  wond'rous  acts  of  heaven's  great  Lord ! 
 What  tongue,  howe'er  inspired,  can  raise 
 A  tribute  equal  to  His  praise ! 
 
378  PSALM  CVI. 
 
 Blest  are  the  men,  who  stedfast  still 
 Thy  judgments,  gracious  Lord,  fulfil ; 
 Who,  or  in  joy  or  in  distress, 
 Walk  in  the  paths  of  righteousness. 
 
 That  favour  which  Thy  people  know, 
 That  favour,  Lord,  on  me  bestow ! 
 When  Thou  redeem'st  Thy  chosen  race, 
 O  visit  me  with  saving  grace  ; 
 
 That  blest  with  mercy  I  may  see 
 And  share  in  their  felicity ; 
 And  with  them  in  their  transports  join, 
 To  sing  the  song  of  praise  divine. 
 
 As  sinn'd  our  fathers'  faithless  race, 
 So  have  we  sinn'd  against  Thy  grace ; 
 We  in  their  froward  paths  have  trod, 
 We  have  done  wickedly,  O  God ! 
 
 Thy  wond'rous  works  in  Egypt  wrought 
 Our  sires  beheld,  yet  heeded  not ; 
 But  by  the  sea,  the  Red-sea's  tide, 
 His  love  forgetting,  God  defied. 
 
PSALM  CVI.  379 
 
 Still,  for  the  honour  of  His  Name, 
 At  His  command  deliv'rance  came ; 
 That  all  His  wond'rous  power  might  know, 
 His  arm  preserved  them  from  the  foe. 
 
 He  bade  the  billowy  deep  divide, 
 And  backward  roll'd  the  obedient  tide  ; 
 But  them  through  the  deep  ocean-bed, 
 As  through  a  wilderness,  He  led. 
 
 He  saved  them  from  th'  oppressor's  hand  ; 
 While  Pharaoh  and  his  fated  band, 
 The  waters  back  returning  sweep 
 In  one  wide  ruin  to  the  deep. 
 
 Thus  taught,  again  they  own'd  His  ways, 
 Again  they  sang  the  song  of  praise  ; 
 But  soon  their  hearts  His  works  denied, 
 Nor  sought  His  counsel  for  their  guide. 
 
 They  tempted  God  :  and  in  His  ire 
 He  gave  them  all  their  heart's  desire ; 
 But  with  the  flesh  they  craved,  He  sent 
 Leanness  of  soul,  their  punishment. 
 
380  PSALM  CVI. 
 
 Then  through  the  camp,  with  one  accord, 
 They  braved  the  servants  of  the  Lord ; 
 Their  envy  against  Moses  burn'd, 
 Aaron  His  holy  priest  they  spurn'd. 
 
 But  earth,  wide  yawning  to  their  view, 
 Proud  Dathan  and  Abiram's  crew 
 Engulph'd :  hot  vengeance  flamed  along, 
 And  smote  with  death  the  rebel  throng. 
 
 At  Horeb's  holy  mount,  behold ! 
 They  raise  on  high  a  calf  of  gold  ; 
 And  low  in  adoration  all 
 Before  the  molten  image  fall. 
 
 They  made  their  glory  to  appear 
 The  semblance  of  a  grazing  steer ; 
 Nor  more  on  God  their  Saviour  thought, 
 Nor  on  His  works  in  Egypt  wrought ; 
 
 Where  late,  on  Ham's  wide  coast,  His  Word 
 The  wondrous  signs  of  wrath  had  pour'd  ; 
 And  where  the  Red-sea's  strand  could  tell 
 Of  many  a  fearful  miracle. 
 
PSALM  CVI.  381 
 
 Then  had  they  felt  the  wrath  of  God, 
 But  forth  His  chosen  Moses  stood 
 In  the  wide  breach,  and  turn'd  away 
 That  wrath  e'er  it  began  to  slay. 
 
 Yea,  they  despised  the  pleasant  land 
 Bestow'd  by  Great  Jehovah's  hand  ; 
 But  at  the  sight  their  souls  repine, 
 And  sinful  doubt  His  word  Divine. 
 
 Through  all  their  tents,  from  man  to  man, 
 Around  the  impious  murmur  ran ; 
 They  heard  not  His  commanding  Word, 
 But  still  rebell'd  against  the  Lord. 
 
 Then  on  them  fell  th'  uplifted  blow ; 
 The  desert  saw  their  overthrow  ; 
 Their  sons  were  slain  by  hostile  bands, 
 Cast  forth,  as  wanderers  through  the  lands. 
 
 With  Baal's  worshippers  they  dwelt, 
 And  at  his  shrine  adoring  knelt ; 
 With  them  they  impiously  fed, 
 And  ate  the  offerings  of  the  dead. 
 
382  PSALM  CVI. 
 
 Thus  with  new  crimes  did  they  provoke 
 Jehovah's  just  avenging  stroke  ; 
 Around  the  wasting  plague  burst  forth, 
 And  swept  its  thousands  from  the  earth ; 
 
 Till  Phineas  rose,  with  zeal  enraged, 
 And  by  his  deed  the  plague  assuaged  ; 
 A  deed,  that  Heaven  did  to  him  bless, 
 And  to  his  seed  for  righteousness. 
 
 At  Meribah's  contentious  flood 
 The  rebel  race  of  Israel  stood, 
 And  there  the  Lord,  to  anger  moved, 
 His  prophet  for  their  sakes  reproved : 
 
 For  he  had  borne  the  murmurers'  tongue, 
 That  with  rebellious  chidings  long 
 Strove  his  meek  spirit  to  provoke  ; 
 Till  unadvisedly  he  spoke. 
 
 Nor  did  they  in  that  promised  land, 
 Obedient  to  their  Lord's  command, 
 Against  the  guilty  race  employ 
 The  sword,  commission'd  to  destroy. 
 
PSALM  CVI.  383 
 
 But  mingling  with  the  heathen  round, 
 Versed  in  their  works  they  soon  were  found, 
 To  their  own  guilt  by  them  betray'd ; 
 And  worship  to  their  idols  paid. 
 
 To  demons  they  their  altars  rear'd, 
 To  demons  sacrifice  prepared  ; 
 And  gave,  to  deprecate  their  ire, 
 Their  sons  and  daughters  to  the  fire. 
 
 The  blood'  of  innocents  was  shed, 
 E'en  by  the  parents'  hand  they  bled  ; 
 To  Canaan's  idols  thus  pour'd  forth, 
 Their  blood  defiled  the  reeking  earth. 
 
 Thus  were  their  souls,  by  sin  beguiled, 
 By  their  own  works  of  sin  defiled  ; 
 Inventive  sin  thus  led  each  heart 
 Adult'rous  from  its  God  apart. 
 
 Hence  was  the  Lord  Jehovah's  ire 
 Enkindled  as  a  flaming  fire  ; 
 Against  His  heritage  it  burn'd, 
 And  He  from  them  abhorrent  tunrd. 
 
384  PSALM  CVI. 
 
 He  bade  their  foes  the  victory  gain, 
 And  o'er  His  conquer'd  people  reign ; 
 By  hostile  hands  their  strength  was  broke, 
 And  bow'd  beneath  the  servile  yoke. 
 
 Oft  did  the  rebel  people  prove 
 The  fulness  of  His  saving  love  ; 
 As  oft  again  provoked  their  God, 
 And  fell  beneath  His  chastening  rod. 
 
 But  still  upon  their  misery 
 
 He  look'd  :  still,  still,  their  mournful  cry 
 
 With  unexhausted  mercy  heard, 
 
 And  thought  upon  His  plighted  Word. 
 
 His  purpose  changed,  His  wonted  grace 
 Had  pity  on  His  captive  race, 
 Yea,  moved  the  haughty  victor's  breast 
 To  pity  and  to  spare  th*  opprest. 
 
 Save,  mighty  God  !  Thine  own  protect ! 
 From  heathen  lands  Thy  tribes  collect 
 Once  more  !  so  we  again  will  raise 
 To  Thy  blest  Name  the  song  of  praise. 
 
PSALM  CVIT.  385 
 
 O  blest  throughout  eternity 
 Let  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  be  ! 
 While  nations  add  the  solemn  word, 
 Amen !  Amen !     Praise  ye  the  Lord  ! 
 
 PSALM  CVII. 
 
 JAMES  MERRICK,  1765. 
 
 A  Hymn  of  praise  to  God,  for  His  various  acts  of  goodness, 
 and  the  wonders  that  He  doeth  for  the  children  of  men. 
 
 To  God  above  from  all  below 
 
 Let  hymns  of  praise  ascend  ; 
 Whose  blessings  unexhausted  flow, 
 
 Whose  mercy  knows  no  end. 
 
 But  chief  by  those  His  Name  be  blest, 
 
 To  whom  His  aid  He  gave ; 
 Beheld  them  by  the  foe  opprest, 
 
 And  reach'd  His  arm  to  save. 
 
 c  c 
 
 i 
 
386  PSALM  CVII. 
 
 To  east,  to  west,  to  south,  to  north, 
 
 Condemn'd  awhile  to  roam, 
 His  hand  in  pity  brought  them  forth, 
 
 And  call'd  the  wanderers  home. 
 
 a  Through  the  parch'd  wild  they  sought  in  vain 
 
 A  city  where  to  rest, 
 Borne  down  by  hunger's  gnawing  pain, 
 
 By  hopeless  thirst  deprest. 
 
 Distrest,  to  God  they  make  their  prayer ; 
 
 He  guides  direct  their  feet, 
 And  safe  in  His  protecting  care, 
 
 They  reach  their  destined  seat. 
 
 O  !  then,  that  all  would  bless  His  Name, 
 Whose  b  goodness  thus  they  prove  ; 
 
 And  pleased  from  age  to  age  proclaim 
 The  wonders  of  His  love  ! 
 
 That  love,  whose  gifts,  with  thankful  breast, 
 The  sons  of  want  divide  ; 
 
PSALM  CVII.  387 
 
 And  find  their  every  grief  redrest, 
 Their  every  want  supplied. 
 
 These  erst  He  bade  th'  avenger's  hand 
 In  death's  dark  shades  detain ; 
 
 And  added  to  the  iron  band 
 Affliction's  heavier  chain. 
 
 c  Such  was  the  doom  to  those  assign'd, 
 
 Who  frantic  durst  withstand 
 The  counsels  of  th'  Almighty  mind, 
 
 And  spurn  His  just  command. 
 
 O'erwhelm'd  with  deepest  woe  they  lie, 
 
 And  sinking  to  the  grave  ; 
 No  pitying  ear  attends  their  cry, 
 
 No  hand  is  nigh  to  save : 
 
 Distrest,  to  God  they  make  their  prayer  ; 
 
 He  instant  near  them  stands, 
 Dispels  the  gloom  of  black  despair, 
 
 And  breaks  their  stubborn  bands, 
 c  c  2 
 
388  PSALM  CVII. 
 
 O  !  then,  that  all  would  bless  His  Name, 
 d  Whose  goodness  thus  they  prove  ; 
 
 And  pleased  from  age  to  age  proclaim 
 The  wonders  of  His  love  ! 
 
 That  love,  that  oft  its  succour  gives 
 
 The  captive's  woes  to  heal ; 
 The  gates  of  brass  in  sunder  e  rives, 
 
 And  bursts  the  bars  of  steel. 
 
 Beneath  His  terrors  bid  to  groan, 
 
 Behold  f  an  impious  band 
 The  fruit  of  folly  reap,  and  own 
 
 The  justice  of  His  hand. 
 
 s  Their  souls  for  food  no  longer  crave, 
 
 But  every  meat  distaste  ; 
 And  to  death's  gate,  the  yawning  grave, 
 
 Their  life  declineth  fast : 
 
 Distress'd,  to  God  they  make  their  prayer  ; 
 c  His  healing  grace  He  sends, 
 
PSALM  CVII.  389 
 
 Their  fainting  spirit  to  repair, 
 And  every  torment  ends. 
 
 O  !  then,  that  all  would  bless  His  Name, 
 h  Whose  goodness  thus  they  prove  ; 
 
 And  pleased  from  age  to  age  proclaim 
 The  wonders  of  His  love  ! 
 
 That  realms  of  various  tongues  would  sing 
 
 His  acts  in  joyful  lays  ; 
 And  yield  to  Heaven's  eternal  King, 
 
 The  sacrifice  of  praise  ! 
 
 Who  o'er  the  waves  from  shore  to  shore 
 
 J  Their  busy  traffic  bear, 
 The  wonders  of  the  deep  explore, 
 
 And  own  that  God  is  there  : 
 
 k  He  speaks,  and  by  the  stormy  blast 
 
 His  Word  is  understood  ; 
 The  wind  obeys  His  call,  and  fast 
 
 Uplifts  the  heaving  flood. 
 
390  PSALM  CVII. 
 
 Now  high  as  Heaven  the  bark  ascends, 
 
 Now  seeks  the  depths  below ; 
 Each  heart  beneath  the  terror  bends, 
 
 And  melts  with  inward  woe. 
 
 As  l  drunk  with  wine,  in  wild  amaze 
 
 They  reel  from  side  to  side  ; 
 m  1  No  skill  survives  their  hope  to  raise, 
 
 No  reason  wakes  to  guide. 
 
 Distress'd,  to  God  they  make  their  prayer ; 
 
 Obedient  to  His  will, 
 The  storms  that  raged,  to  rage  forbear, 
 
 n  The  waves  that  roar'd  are  still. 
 
 Each  grief,  each  fear  at  once  resign'd, 
 
 They  see  their  labour  o'er ; 
 Then,  led  by  Him,  their  haven  find, 
 
 And  touch  the  wish'd-for  shore. 
 
 1  Ver.  27.  "  All  their  skill  faileth."— Heb. 
 
PSALM  CVII.  391 
 
 O  !  then,  that  all  would  bless  His  Name, 
 0  Whose  goodness  thus  they  prove  ; 
 
 And  pleased  from  age  to  age  proclaim, 
 The  wonders  of  His  love  ! 
 
 p  That,  where  the  great  assembly  praise 
 Their  God  with  thankful  tongue, 
 
 They  would,  with  Israel's  elders,  raise 
 To  Him  the  festal  song ! 
 
 He  bids  ;  and  lo,  <i  a  desert  burns, 
 Where  roll'd  the  floods  before  ; 
 
 r  All  to  a  parched  waste  He  turns  ; 
 The  springs  are  seen  no  more. 
 
 Sad  witness  of  some  dire  offence, 
 
 Behold  the  fertile  soil 
 No  more  its  wonted  gifts  dispense, 
 
 But  mock  the  tiller's  toil : 
 
 s  Then,  to  a  pool  the  wilderness 
 Is  turn'd  at  His  command ; 
 
392  PSALM  CVII. 
 
 And  water-springs  gush  forth  to  bless 
 The  dry  and  thirsty  land. 
 
 There  myriads,  late  with  hunger  wan, 
 
 By  Him  assembled  meet ; 
 There  pleased  the  future  city  plan, 
 
 And  fix  their  sure  retreat. 
 
 t  And  there  in  peace  they  sow  the  fields, 
 
 The  tender  vine  they  rear  ; 
 ■  The  teeming  land  its  harvest  yields, 
 
 Its  increase  crowns  the  year. 
 
 Blest  in  His  care,  the  sires  with  joy 
 
 A  numerous  race  behold  ; 
 v  Nor  doth  disease  their  herds  annoy, 
 
 Or  waste  the  w  crowded  fold. 
 
 Anon,  if  sunk  with  heaviest  woe, 
 They  feel  oppression's  power ; 
 
 x  If  wrong,  or  trouble  bring  them  low, 
 Or  grief  their  strength  devour  ; 
 
PSALM  CVII.  393 
 
 Though  humbled  from  their  state  awhile, 
 y  They  feel  the  tyrant's  rod 2, 
 
 And  wander  o'er  a  barren  soil, 
 By  human  step  untrod ; 
 
 z  Yet  raiseth  He  the  poor  on  high 
 From  trouble's  lowest  deep ; 
 
 And  doth  their  households  multiply, 
 Like  thriving  folds  of  sheep. 
 
 a  These  mercies  shall  the  righteous  see, 
 
 And  joyful  wake  the  song  ; 
 b  But  speechless  shall  the  wicked  be, 
 
 And  shame  enchain  their  tongue. 
 
 c  Whoso  is  wise,  Jehovah's  ways 
 Thus  searching  out,  shall  find 
 
 How  unexhausted  is  His  grace, 
 His  Providence  how  kind. 
 
 2  Ver.  40.  Though  He  suffer  them  to  be  evil  entreated 
 through  tyrants. — Old  translation. 
 
394 
 
 PSALM  CVIII. 
 
 BRADY  AND  TATE,  1669. 
 
 This  Psalm  is  a  compilation  from  Psalm  lvii.  7  to  11,  and 
 Psalm  lx.  5  to  12. 
 
 O  God  my  heart  is  fully  bent 
 
 To  magnify  Thy  Name  ; 
 My  tongue,  with  cheerful  songs  of  praise, 
 
 Shall  celebrate  Thy  fame. 
 
 Awake  my  lute,  nor  thou,  my  harp, 
 
 Thy  a  tuneful  notes  delay  ; 
 Whilst  I,  with  early  songs  of  joy, 
 
 Prevent  the  dawning  day. 
 
 b  To  all  the  Gentile  lands,  O  Lord, 
 
 Thy  wonders  I  will  tell ; 
 And  to  the  nations  sing  Thy  praise, 
 
 That  round  about  us  dwell. 
 
PSALM  CVIII.  395 
 
 Because  Thy  mercy's  boundless  height 
 The  highest  heaven  transcends  ; 
 
 And  far  beyond  cthe  soaring  clouds 
 d  Thy  faithfulness  extends. 
 
 e  Be  Thou  exalted,  O  my  God, 
 O'er  all  the  heavens  on  high ; 
 
 And  o'er  the  earth  let  all  confess 
 Thy  glorious  Majesty. 
 
 That  still  Thy  chosen  people  Thee 
 Their  Saviour  may  declare, 
 
 Let  Thy  right-hand  protect  me  still, 
 And  answer  Thou  my  prayer ! 
 
 Since  God  Himself  hath  said  the  word, 
 
 Whose  promise  cannot  fail, 
 With  joy  I  Sichem  shall  divide, 
 
 And  mete  out  Succoth's  vale. 
 
 f  Mine  Gilead  is,  Manasseh  mine  ; 
 
 And  Ephraim  of  my  cause 
 Shall  be  the  life  and  the  defence, 
 
 And  Judah  ?give  my  laws. 
 
396  PSALM  CVIII. 
 
 h  Moab  shall  stoop  to  wash  my  feet, 
 
 On  Edom  will  I  tread, 
 And  over  proud  Philistia 
 
 The  shout  of  triumph  spread. 
 
 By  whose  support  and  aid  shall  I 
 h  The  well-fenced  city  gain  ? 
 
 Who  will  my  troops  securely  lead 
 Through  Edom's  guarded  plain  ? 
 
 Lord,  wilt  not  Thou  assist  our  arms, 
 Which  late  Thou  didst  forsake  ? 
 
 And  wilt  Thou  not  of  these  our  hosts 
 Once  more  the  guidance  take  ? 
 
 O  !  to  Thy  servants  in  distress 
 Thy  speedy  succour  send ! 
 
 For  vain  it  is  on  human  aid 
 For  safety  to  depend. 
 
 Then  valiant  acts  shall  we  perform, 
 j  When  God  His  aid  bestows  ; 
 
 For  He  it  is,  and  He  alone, 
 
 That  shall  tread  down  our  foes. 
 
397 
 
 PSALM  CIX. 
 
 ANONYMOUS,  C.  F.  AND  E.  C,  1838. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  foretelling  the  judgments  impending 
 over  his  enemies  for  their  injurious  treatment.  The  8th 
 verse  is  applied  to  Judas  in  Acts  i.  16  ;  and  consequently 
 we  may  suppose  the  whole  Psalm  to  be  spoken  in  the 
 person  of  the  Messiah. — See  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  39. 
 
 God  of  my  praise,  be  still  no  more  ; 
 
 a  False  men  would  wound  my  fame  : 
 Hold  not  Thy  peace,  when  blighting  tongues 
 
 b  Against  me  slanders  frame. 
 With  words  of  hate,  and  reckless  war, 
 
 They  compass  me  around ; 
 And  whom  I  cherish'd  with  my  love, 
 
 Mine  enemies  are  found  ; 
 c  But  I,  O  Lord,  to  Thee  repair, 
 And  give  my  soul  to  Thee  in  prayer. 
 
398  PSALM  CIX. 
 
 The  good  that  I  to  them  had  done 
 
 With  evil  they  repaid  ; 
 Hatred  for  love,  a  dark  return, 
 
 d  My  treacherous  friend  hath  made. 
 Then  evil  shall  his  portion  be, 
 
 e  The  wicked  shall  maintain 
 His  power  of  ill,  and  over  him 
 
 By  Thy  command  shall  reign : 
 And,  ever  near,  at  his  right  hand 
 Shall  Satan  the  accuser  stand. 
 
 In  the  dread  judgment-day  condemn'd, 
 
 No  mercy  shall  he  win  : 
 And,  when  too  late  he  seeks  to  pray, 
 
 His  very  prayer  be  sin. 
 His  office  shall  another  take, 
 
 And  swift  his  days  consume  ; 
 The  mother  of  the  fatherless 
 
 His  widow'd  wife  become. 
 f  From  their  spoil'd  dwellings  forced  to  roam, 
 His  outcast  sons  shall  seek  a  home. 
 
PSALM  CIX.  399 
 
 Th'  oppressor  all  he  hath  shall  seize, 
 
 The  stranger  spoil  his  store  ; 
 Yet  none  for  him  shall  pity  show, 
 
 His  ruin  none  deplore. 
 His  children  fatherless,  forlorn, 
 
 g  Cast  forth  without  a  friend, 
 No  heart  shall  open  to  their  woe, 
 
 h  Their  favour  none  extend. 
 Whilst  with  them  shall  his  name  decay, 
 And  his  memorial  pass  away. 
 
 Th'  iniquities  his  father  wrought, 
 
 Shall  heaven's  great  Judge  record ; 
 Nor  shall  his  mother's  trespass  be 
 
 Forgotten  of  the  Lord. 
 But  they  shall  live  before  Him  still, 
 
 1  Till,  in  His  wrath,  He  mind 
 To  sweep  their  memory  from  the  earth, 
 
 Nor  leave  a  trace  behind : 
 Because  he  mercy  hath  forsworn, 
 And  the  pierced  heart  afresh  hath  torn. 
 
400  PSALM  CIX. 
 
 The  curse,  that  from  his  lips  went  forth, 
 
 Shall  light  upon  his  head ; 
 The  blessing,  that  he  never  gave, 
 
 On  him  be  never  shed. 
 J  As,  like  a  garment,  to  his  breast 
 
 Dark  hatred  he  hath  bound  ; 
 So,  as  a  garment,  shall  it  clothe, 
 
 And  gird  him  still  around  ; 
 Distilling,  like  the  searching  oil, 
 The  poison  of  its  deadly  coiL 
 
 Lo,  thus  rewarded  from  the  Lord 
 
 Mine  enemies  shall  be  ; 
 But,  for  Thy  mercy's  sake,  k  O  God, 
 
 Do  Thou  deliver  me  ! 
 For  sore  within  me  is  my  heart, 
 
 My  hope,  and  strength  decay ; 
 The  shadow,  that  declines  at  eve, 
 
 Less  swiftly  hastes  away  : 
 And  as  the  locust  I  am  driven, 
 That  struggles  with  the  storms  of  heaven. 
 
PSALM  CIX.  401 
 
 My  trembling  knees  through  fasting  fail, 
 
 My  comeliness  is  fled ; 
 1  They  gaze  on  me  in  bitter  scorn, 
 
 And  mocking  shake  the  head. 
 O  God,  according  to  Thy  love, 
 
 Send  down  Thy  help  divine ; 
 That  all  may  know,  the  saving  hand, 
 
 Jehovah,  Lord,  is  Thine  : 
 That  all  may  say,  that  look  thereon, 
 This  hath  the  God  of  Israel  done  ! 
 
 Mine  enemies  may  curse  ;  m  but,  Lord, 
 
 Bless  Thou  Thy  servant  still : 
 While  shame  doth,  as  a  mantle,  clothe 
 
 All  those  that  do  him  ill. 
 O  !  greatly  will  I  praise  the  Lord ; 
 
 Where  countless  voices  rise, 
 n  My  mouth  shall  swell  the  sounding  strain 
 
 To  Him  above  the  skies ; 
 °  Who  on  the  right-hand  of  the  poor, 
 Their  soul  from  judgment  will  secure. 
 
 nd 
 
402 
 
 PSALM  CX. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 u  A  Psalm  of  David,"  foretelling  the  royal  dignity,  the  priest- 
 hood, and  the  triumphs  of  the  Messiah. — See  St.  Matt. 
 xxii.  43.  Acts  ii.  34.  1  Cor  xv.  25.  Heb.  i.  13.  ;  v.  6.  ; 
 and  vii.  21. 
 
 The  Lord  unto  My  Lord  thus  spake  ; — 
 Sit  on  My  right-hand,  till  I  make 
 
 A  footstool  of  Thy  foes. 
 He  will  Thy  rod  from  Sion  send, 
 Unto  whose  power  all  powers  shall  bend, 
 
 That  dare  Thy  rule  oppose. 
 
 Thy  people  willingly  shall  pay 
 Their  vows,  on  that  triumphant  day, 
 With  their  united  powers  ; 
 
PSALM  CX.  403 
 
 a  3  In  holy  raiment ;  4  not  so  few, 
 As  are  the  drops  of  early  dew 
 The  womb  of  morning  showers. 
 
 He  swore,  who  never  oath  did  break, 
 Of  th'  order  of  Melchisedeck 
 
 That  Thou  a  priest  should'st  reign  ; 
 b  He  swore,  nor  will  the  Lord  repent, 
 "  For  aye  on  Him,  whom  I  have  sent, 
 
 That  priesthood  shall  remain." 
 
 God  in  that  day,  on  Thy  right  hand, 
 Their  blood,  who  tyrant-like  command, 
 
 Shall  in  His  fury  spill  ; 
 He,  in  His  justice,  shall  confound 
 The  heathen,  and  c  the  cumber'd  ground 
 
 With  heaps  of  slaughter  fill. 
 
 3  u  In  sacred  robes." — French  and  Skinner.     The  Hebrew     ! 
 expression  seems  equivalent  to  the  "  Beauty  of  holiness,"  in 
 Ps.  xxix.  2. 
 
 4  Thy  youth  shall  be  unto  Thee  beyond  (i.  e.  more  nume- 
 rous and  bright  than)  the  dew  drops  from  the  womb  of  the 
 morning." — French  and  Skinner.  So  also  in  Bishop  Lowth. 
 Prseiect.  10. 
 
 D  d  2 
 
404  PSALM  CXI. 
 
 Who  over  many  nations  sway, 
 And  only  their  own  wills  obey, 
 
 Shall  sink  beneath  His  rage. 
 Then  shall  this  all-subduing  King, 
 With  water  of  d  the  living  spring, 
 
 His  burning  thirst  assuage. 
 
 PSALM  CXI. 
 
 ALTERED  I  ROM  E.  FARR,  1836. 
 
 A  Hymn  of  praise  to  God  for  His  wonderful  and  gracious 
 works.     The  fourth  Alphabetical  Psalm. 
 
 Praise  ye  the  Lord  ;  to  Him  I'll  raise 
 
 With  all  my  heart  the  song ; 
 Where  saints  their  God  in  secret  praise, 
 
 Or  in  His  temple  throng. 
 
 Great  are  the  works  His  hands  have  wrought, 
 
 Which  meet  our  wondering  sight ; 
 They  fill  our  souls,  if  rightly  sought, 
 
 WTith  love,  and  with  delight. 
 
PSALM  CXI.  405 
 
 His  glorious  works  of  sovereign  grace 
 
 The  highest  honours  claim  ; 
 From  age  to  age,  His  righteousness 
 
 For  ever  stands  the  same. 
 
 He  bids  the  world  His  works  record, 
 
 His  wonders  bear  in  mind ; 
 He  is  a  good  and  gracious  Lord, 
 
 Compassionate  and  kind. 
 
 He  still  in  love  hath  food  bestow 'd 
 
 On  those  who  Him  obey'd ; 
 Nor  will  He,  as  a  faithful  God, 
 
 Forget  His  promise  made. 
 
 Great  were  the  works  of  power  and  love, 
 He  show'd  His  favour'd  race ; 
 
 That  He  the  heathen  might  remove, 
 And  plant  them  in  their  place. 
 
 Just  are  the  wonders  of  His  hands, 
 And  His  commands  are  sure, 
 
 And,  based  in  truth,  His  judgment  stands 
 Immutably  secure. 
 
406  PSALM  CXII. 
 
 He  sent  and  set  His  people  free  ; 
 
 His  cov'nant  is  the  same 
 For  ever,  fixt  by  His  decree ; 
 
 And  holy  is  His  Name. 
 
 He,  who  hath  learnt  the  Lord  to  dread, 
 
 Is  set  in  wisdom's  ways, 
 And  wisely  still  those  paths  will  tread  : 
 
 Eternal  is  His  praise. 
 
 PSALM  CXII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  BRADY  AND  TATE,  1690. 
 
 The  blessedness  of  the  man  that  feareth  the  Lord.     The  fifth 
 Alphabetical  Psalm. 
 
 That  man  is  blest  who  stands  in  awe 
 Of  God,  and  loves  His  sacred  law  ; 
 His  seed  on  earth  shall  be  renown'd, 
 His  race  shall  be  with  blessings  crownd. 
 
PSALM  CXII.  407 
 
 His  plenteous  house,  of  wealth  shall  be 
 An  unexhausted  treasury ; 
 Of  his  good  name  the  praise  is  sure, 
 And  shall  for  evermore  endure. 
 
 There  doth  to  him  a  dawning  light 
 Shine  forth  amidst  affliction's  night ; 
 For  he  is  gracious,  just,  and  kind, 
 And  still  to  mercy  is  inclined. 
 
 To  all  His  favour  he  extends ; 
 His  bounty  to  the  poor  man  lends ; 
 Yet  for  his  own  he  still  provides, 
 And  every  act  discretion  guides. 
 
 Beset  with  threat'ning  dangers  round, 
 Unmoved  shall  he  maintain  his  ground ; 
 The  sweet  remembrance  of  the  just 
 Shall  flourish  when  he  sleeps  in  dust. 
 
 No  evil  tidings  can  surprise 
 His  heart,  that  fix'd  on  God  relies ; 
 Nor  will  he  shrink,  until  he  sees 
 The  downfall  of  his  enemies. 
 
408  PSALM  CXIII. 
 
 The  blessings,  which  His  hands  bestow, 
 Dispersed  abroad,  through  time  shall  grow 
 His  righteousness  to  magnify  ; 
 His  horn  shall  be  exalted  high. 
 
 The  wicked  shall  his  triumph  see, 
 And  gnash  their  teeth  in  agony ; 
 While  their  unrighteous  hopes  decay, 
 And  vanish  with  themselves  away. 
 
 PSALM  CXIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 All  God's  servants  are  invited  to  praise  Him  for  His  excel- 
 lency and  His  mercy. 
 
 Ye  saints  and  servants  of  the  Lord, 
 The  honours  of  His  Name  record ; 
 
 His  name  henceforth  for  ever  bless ! 
 Where'er  the  circling  sun  displays 
 His  rising  beams  or  setting  rays, 
 
 Due  praise  to  His  great  name  address. 
 
PSALM  CXIII.  409 
 
 God  through  the  world  displays  His  might, 
 And,  in  the  unapproached  height, 
 
 Above  the  heaven  His  glories  lie : 
 O  !  what  created  power  may  dare 
 With  Him  in  glory  to  compare, 
 
 Who  hath  His  dwelling-place  so  high  ? 
 
 Yet  doth  He  stoop  from  thence  to  view 
 In  highest  heaven  what  angels  do  ; 
 
 Yea,  to  our  earth  vouchsafes  His  care ; 
 The  needy  from  the  dust  He  brings 
 To  dwell  in  courts  and  sit  with  kings, 
 
 Een  with  His  people's  princes  there. 
 
 The  words  of  His  creative  voice 
 Can  bid  the  barren  wife  rejoice, 
 
 New-blest  with  a  glad  mother's  name ; 
 And  her,  that  childless  was,  to  guide 
 Her  household  with  a  matron's  pride  : — 
 
 O  !  then  extol  His  matchless  fame  ! 
 
410 
 
 PSALM  CXIV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 The  miracles  of  the  Exodus. 
 
 When  Israel  Egypt's  bondage  broke, 
 And  Jacob's  house  the  stranger's  yoke, 
 In  Judah  was  4  His  holy  place, 
 His  reign  was  over  Israel's  race. 
 
 Across  the  deep  their  journey  lay  ; 
 The  deep  recoil'd  to  make  them  way ; 
 The  streams  of  Jordan  saw,  and  fled, 
 With  backward  current,  to  their  head. 
 
 4  In  the  461st  number  of  the  Spectator,  where  the  transla- 
 tion of  Watts  was  first  published,  the  peculiar  beauty  of  the 
 concealment  of  the  name  of  the'  Almighty  in  the  beginning  of 
 this  Psalm  is  pointed  out. 
 
PSALM  CXIV.  411 
 
 Uplifted  from  the  solid  ground, 
 Like  rams  th'  affrighted  mountains  bound ; 
 And,  like  the  younglings  of  the  sheep, 
 The  little  hills  in  terror  leap. 
 
 What  power  could  make  the  deep  divide ; 
 Make  Jordan  backward  roll  his  tide  ? 
 What  ailed  ye,  like  rams,  to  leap, 
 Ye  mountains,  and  ye  hills,  like  sheep  ? 
 
 The  Lord  Jehovah,  see  Him  here ! 
 Tremble,  thou  earth,  adore  and  fear ; 
 Earth,  tremble  thou,  before  the  face 
 Of  the  great  God  of  Jacob's  race. 
 
 'Tis  He,  whose  dread  command  could  make 
 Of  the  hard  rock  a  standing  lake  ; 
 Flints  sprang  with  fountains  at  His  word. 
 And  His  creation  own'd  their  Lord. 
 
412 
 
 PSALM  CXV. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1  632. 
 
 An  Hymn  of  gratitude  to  the  true  God,  and  exhortation  to 
 trust  in  Him,  whose  power  is  contrasted  with  the  impo- 
 tence of  the  heathen  idols. 
 
 Not  our's  the  glory  make, 
 
 Lord,  give  not  us  the  fame  ; 
 But,  for  Thy  truth  and  mercy's  sake, 
 
 Ascribe  it  to  Thy  Name  ! 
 
 To  say,  "  where  is  their  God," 
 Why  should  the  a  heathen  dare  ? 
 
 Since  He  in  Heaven  hath  His  abode, 
 And  works  His  pleasure  there. 
 
 Men's  hands  their  idols  make 
 
 b  Of  silver  and  of  gold ; 
 Possessing  mouths,  they  cannot  speak ; 
 
 c  And  eyes,  they  nought  behold. 
 
PSALM  CXV.  413 
 
 Their  ears  are  senseless  too, 
 
 Their  nostril  smelleth  not ; 
 Their  hands  and  feet,  nor  feel  nor  go, 
 
 No  breath  is  in  their  throat. 
 
 d  All  those  who  them  adore, 
 
 Or  form  them,  like  them  be  ; 
 c  O  Israel,  trust  in  God  therefore, 
 
 For  f  our  defence  is  He. 
 
 f  On  God,  who  shields  the  just, 
 
 Let  Aaron's  house  depend ; 
 Let  those  who  fear  Him  s  in  Him  trust, 
 
 For  He  will  such  defend. 
 
 h  God  hath  remember'd  us, 
 
 And  will  His  mercy  show  ; 
 On  Israel,  and  on  Aaron's  house, 
 
 He  blessings  will  bestow. 
 
 1  Of  high  and  low  degree, 
 
 All  those,  that  Him  adore, 
 He  keeps ;  and  you,  and  your's,  shall  He 
 
 Increase  yet  more  and  more. 
 
414  PSALM  CXVI. 
 
 Blest  are  ye  for  His  own, 
 
 Who  made  both  earth  and  heaven ; 
 J  Heaven  for  Himself  He  framed  alone, 
 
 But  earth  to  men  hath  given. 
 
 k  Their  voice  they  cannot  raise, 
 
 Who  down  to  silence  go  ; 
 But  we,  from  this  time  forth,  His  praise 
 
 For  evermore  will  show. 
 
 PSALM  CXVT. 
 
 BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 A  Psalm  of  Thanksgiving  for  deliverance  from  some  affliction. 
 
 a  I  love  the  Lord  ;  my  grateful  heart 
 
 Well  pleased  doth  rejoice, 
 Because  He  hath  vouchsafed  to  hear 
 
 My  supplicating  voice. 
 
PSALM  CXVI.  415    I 
 
 Since  He  hath  now  His  ear  inclined, 
 
 I  never  will  despair ; 
 b  But  while  I  live  His  aid  will  seek, 
 
 To  Him  address  my  prayer. 
 
 c  With  fears  of  death  encompass'd  round, 
 
 With  pains  of  hell  opprest, 
 When  troubles  seiz'd  my  aching  heart, 
 
 And  anguish  rack'd  my  breast ; 
 
 On  God's  Almighty  Name  I  call'd, 
 
 And  thus  to  Him  I  pray'd ; 
 "  Lord,  I  beseech  Thee,  save  my  soul, 
 
 With  sorrows  quite  dismay 'd !  " 
 
 How  just  and  merciful  is  God  ; 
 
 How  gracious  is  the  Lord ! 
 Who  saves  d  the  simple,  and  to  me 
 
 Did  timely  help  afford. 
 
 e  Then,  freed  from  every  care,  my  soul, 
 
 Return  unto  thy  rest ; 
 For  God  hath  wond'rously  to  thee 
 
 His  bounteous  love  exprest. 
 
416  PSALM  CXVI. 
 
 When  death  alarm'd  me,  He  removed 
 My  danger,  and  my  fears  ; 
 
 My  feet  from  falling  He  secured, 
 And  dried  my  eyes  from  tears. 
 
 f  Now  will  I  live  before  the  Lord  ! 
 
 I  cried,  for  I  believed ; 
 Though,  troubled  sore,  I  said  in  haste, 
 
 All  men  have  me  deceived. 
 
 Then  what  return  to  Him  shall  I 
 For  all  His  goodness  make  ? — 
 
 I'll  praise  His  name,  and  g  thankfully 
 The  cup  of  blessing  take. 
 
 I'll  pay  my  vows  amongst  His  saints, 
 Whose  blood,  howe'er  despised 
 
 By  wicked  men,  in  God's  account 
 Is  always  highly  prized. 
 
 h  Lord,  I  am  Thine,  Thy  servant,  I 
 
 To  Thy  dominion  bow, 
 Thy  humble  hand-maid's  son  before, 
 
 Thy  ransom'd  captive  now. 
 
PSALM  CXVII.  417 
 
 2The  sacrifice  of  thanks  I'll  bring  ; 
 
 And  whilst  I  bless  Thy  Name, 
 The  just  performance  of  my  vows 
 
 To  all  Thy  saints  proclaim. 
 
 They  in  Jerusalem  shall  meet, 
 And  in  j  Thy  courts  shall  join, 
 
 To  bless  Thy  Name  with  one  consent, 
 And  mix  their  songs  with  mine. 
 
 PSALM  CXVII. 
 
 ALTERED   FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1J19. 
 
 This  Psalm  is  probably  only  the  exordium  of  the  next. — See 
 Rom.  xv.  11. 
 
 From  all  that  dwell  beneath  the  skies, 
 O  !  let  Jehovah's  praise  arise  ! 
 And  let  His  glorious  Name  be  sung 
 Through  every  land,  by  every  tongue  ! 
 
418  PSALM  CXVIII. 
 
 Great  are  the  mercies  of  the  Lord, 
 Eternal  truth  attends  His  Word ; 
 Ye  nations,  sound  from  shore  to  shore 
 Jehovah's  praise  for  evermore  ! 
 
 PSALM  CXVIII. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 A  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving  and  triumph.  It  is  prophetical  of 
 the  exaltation  of  our  Lord,  the  22nd  and  23rd  verses  being 
 repeatedly  applied  to  Him  in  the  New  Testament. — See 
 St.  Matt.  xxi.  42.  Acts  iv.  11.  Eph.  ii.  20.  1  Peter 
 ii.  4. 
 
 Praise  our  good  God;  that  King  of  kings, 
 
 From  whom  eternal  mercy  springs ! 
 
 Let  Israel,  let  Aaron's  race, 
 
 a  Let  all  that  fear  the  Lord,  confess, 
 
 That  from  our  God,  the  King  of  kings, 
 
 Eternity  of  mercy  springs. 
 
 He  in  my  trouble  heard  my  b  prayer, 
 
 And  freed  me  from  c  the  deadly  snare. 
 
PSALM  CXVIII.  419 
 
 He  fights  my  battles  ;  then  how  can 
 
 I  fear  the  power  of  feeble  man  ? 
 
 d  His  help  is  mine  ;  and  I  shall  see 
 
 My  will  upon  mine  enemy. 
 
 e  Tis  better  to  have  confidence 
 
 In  God,  than  trust  in  man's  defence ; 
 
 On  Him  f  'tis  safer  to  rely, 
 
 Than  on  the  strength  of  monarchy. 
 
 The  nations  all  at  once  assail'd, 
 
 But  by  His  aid  my  sword  prevail'd : 
 
 Their  armies  had  beset  me  round, 
 
 s  But  in  His  aid  my  strength  was  found. 
 
 Though  they,  like  bees,  about  me  swarm, 
 
 His  holy  Name,  and  powerful  arm 
 
 Shall  soon  consume  their  b  scatter'd  powers, 
 
 As  fire  the  crackling  thorn  devours. 
 
 1  Madman,  his  fall  thou  seek'st  in  vain, 
 Whom  great  Jehovah's  hands  sustain  ; 
 He  is  my  strength ;  His  praise  my  song ; 
 J  By  Him  I  am  preserved  from  wrong. 
 e  e  2 
 
420  PSALM  CXVIII. 
 
 Within  our  dwelling  is  the  voice 
 Of  health  ;  the  righteous  shall  rejoice. 
 He  with  His  own  right-hand  hath  fought, 
 His  own  right-hand  hath  wonders  wrought. 
 
 I  shall  not  die,  but  live  to  praise 
 The  Lord,  who  hath  prolong'd  my  days  ; 
 k  Who  with  His  scourge  my  sin  corrects, 
 Yet  from  the  l  hand  of  death  protects. 
 You  to  His  service  sanctified, 
 The  temple-doors  set  open  wide  ! 
 m  That  I  may  to  His  courts  repair, 
 And  celebrate  His  praises  there. 
 
 Those  are  the  doors,  at  which  all  they 
 
 Shall  enter,  who  His  will  obey. 
 
 n  I'll  praise  Thee,  for  that  Thou  from  Heaven 
 
 Hast  heard  me,  and  salvation  given. 
 
 That  stone,  the  builders  from  them  cast, 
 
 Is  highest  on  the  corner  plac'd : 
 
 God  hath  reveal'd  these  mysteries, 
 
 So  full  of  wonder  to  our  eyes. 
 
PSALM  CXVIII.  421 
 
 This  is  His  day,  a  day  of  joy, 
 
 Of  everlasting  memory. 
 
 Great  God  of  gods,  °  Thine  own  protect ; 
 
 Propitious  prove  to  Thy  elect ! 
 
 O  !  blest  is  he,  whom  God  shall  send ! 
 
 We,  who  within  His  courts  attend, 
 
 You  from  His  sanctuary  bless, 
 
 And  daily  pray  for  your  success. 
 
 God,  e'en  the  Lord,  hath  shed  His  light 
 Into  our  souls  and  clear'd  our  sight. 
 Bind  to  the  altar's  horn  P  with  cords 
 The  sacrifice  ;  it  is  the  Lord's. 
 Thou  art  my  God  ;  my  songs  shall  praise 
 ^  Thy  Name,  and  high  Thy  glory  raise. 
 Praise  our  good  God,  the  King  of  kings, 
 From  whom  eternal  mercy  springs ! 
 
422 
 
 PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 ALTERED  PRINCIPALLY  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 The  sixth  of  the  seven  alphabetical  Psalms.  It  is  supposed 
 to  have  been  written  by  Ezra,  and  added  by  him,  with  the 
 1st  Fsalm,  when  he  arranged  the  Hebrew  Scriptures  after 
 the  captivity.  In  every  verse,  it  recommends  the  study 
 of  the  Law  of  God,  and  obedience  to  it. 
 
 ALEPH.    1. 
 
 How  blest  are  those,  that  in  the  way 
 
 Of  God's  pure  law  have  trod  ! 
 Blest,  who  His  statutes  still  obey, 
 
 Whose  whole  heart  seeketh  God. 
 
 They  take  no  wicked  thing  in  hand, 
 Nor  from  His  path- way  swerve  : — 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  to  us  hast  given  command 
 Thy  precepts  to  observe. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  423 
 
 O  !  that  the  Lord  would  guide  my  ways 
 
 To  keep  His  statutes  still ! 
 O  !  that  my  God  would  grant  me  grace, 
 
 To  know  and  do  His  will ! 
 
 Then  shall  my  face  from  shame  be  free, 
 
 My  heart  be  fill'd  with  joy, 
 When  I,  to  honour  each  decree 
 
 Of  Thine,  my  powers  employ. 
 
 I'll  praise  Thee,  Lord,  with  upright  heart, 
 When  I  Thy  judgments  know  ; 
 
 I  will  not  from  Thy  laws  depart ; 
 Lord,  from  me  do  not  go ! 
 
 BETH.    2. 
 
 How  shall  the  young  man  cleanse  his  way, 
 And  guard  his  life  from  sin  ? — 
 
 If  he  Thy  holy  word  obey, 
 And  purge  his  soul  within. 
 
424  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 With  my  whole  heart  I've  sought  Thy  face, 
 
 Be  Thou  my  faithful  Guide  : 
 From  Thy  commands,  O  God  of  grace, 
 
 Let  not  my  footsteps  slide ! 
 
 Lord,  I  have  ever  kept  Thy  word 
 
 Deep  treasured  in  my  soul ; 
 That,  with  true  wisdom  strongly  stored, 
 
 My  sin  I  might  control. 
 
 Teach  me  Thy  laws,  Thou  blessed  One, 
 
 My  Lord  and  only  God ! 
 No  judgment  from  Thy  mouth  hath  gone, 
 
 But  I  have  told  abroad. 
 
 I  choose  the  path  of  heavenly  truth, 
 
 And  glory  in  my  choice  ; 
 Not  all  the  riches  of  the  earth 
 
 Could  make  me  so  rejoice. 
 
 To  muse  upon  Thy  precepts,  Lord, 
 
 Shall  be  my  sweet  employ  : 
 My  soul  shall  ne'er  forget  Thy  word ; 
 
 Thy  word  is  all  my  joy. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  425 
 
 GIMEL.    3. 
 
 0  give  Thy  servant  grace,  that  he 
 May  make  Thy  word  his  care ; 
 
 Unseal  mine  eyes  Thy  law  to  see, 
 And  read  Thy  wonders  there. 
 
 1  am  a  stranger  here  below, 
 
 Hide  not  from  me  Thy  will ; 
 My  soul  still  yearns  Thy  word  to  know, 
 Longs  for  Thy  judgments  still. 
 
 Their  stubborn  hearts  Thou  hast  controll'd, 
 Who  from  Thy  precepts  swerve  ; 
 
 Do  Thou  reproach  from  me  withhold, 
 For  I  Thy  laws  observe. 
 
 Enthroned  princes  me  reproved, 
 
 Yet  on  Thy  word  I  thought ; 
 Thy  testimonies,  which  I  loved, 
 
 My  best  instruction  brought. 
 
426  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 DALETH.    4. 
 
 Fulfil  Thy  word,  my  spirit  cheer ! 
 
 'Tis  to  the  dust  brought  low  : 
 Thou,  Lord,  didst  my  confession  hear ; 
 
 Let  me  Thy  statutes  know. 
 
 Instruct  me  in  the  perfect  way 
 Of  Thy  commands  to  walk  ; 
 
 So  shall  I  still  Thy  law  obey, 
 And  of  Thy  wonders  talk. 
 
 My  soul  doth  melt  for  heaviness, 
 
 Till  Thou  relief  afford; 
 O  strengthen  me  in  my  distress, 
 
 According  to  Thy  word. 
 
 From  me  the  liar's  path  remove, 
 
 Thy  law  unto  me  give ; 
 For  I  the  way  of  truth  do  love, 
 
 And  by  that  law  to  live. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  427 
 
 I  to  Thy  testimonies  cleave ; 
 
 O  shield  me  from  disgrace  ; 
 Nor  unenlarged  my  spirit  leave 
 
 To  run  its  heavenward  race. 
 
 he.  5. 
 
 Teach  me,  O  Lord,  Thy  heavenly  way  ; 
 
 I'll  keep  it  to  the  end  : 
 O  !  give  me  light,  and  to  obey 
 
 I  my  whole  heart  will  bend. 
 
 Me  to  the  pleasant  path  incline, 
 That  in  Thy  statutes  lies  ; 
 
 Turn  to  Thy  word  this  heart  of  mine, 
 And  not  to  avarice. 
 
 From  folly  turn  mine  eyes,  O  Lord, 
 And  speed  me  on  Thy  way  : 
 
 O  !  unto  me  confirm  Thy  word, 
 Who  still  in  fear  obey. 
 
428  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 From  that  reproach  O  set  me  free 
 
 Which  I  so  justly  fear  ; 
 And  in  Thy  judgment  quicken  me, 
 
 Who  hold  Thy  laws  so  dear. 
 
 vau.  6. 
 
 O  send  to  me  Thy  saving  love, 
 As  Thou  hast  promised,  Lord ; 
 
 And  I  the  scorner  shall  reprove, 
 For  I  believe  Thy  word. 
 
 Since  on  Thy  judgments  I  rely, 
 Ne'er  from  my  mouth  withdraw 
 
 The  word  of  truth :  and  so  shall  I 
 For  ever  keep  Thy  law. 
 
 To  seek  Thy  precepts  I  am  bent; 
 
 I  shall  with  freedom  walk : 
 And  I  will  of  Thy  testament 
 
 To  kings  with  boldness  talk. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  429 
 
 Still  in  Thy  laws  I  will  delight, 
 And  turn  my  heart  and  hands, 
 
 O  Lord,  to  mind,  and  keep  aright 
 Whate'er  Thy  word  commands. 
 
 zain.  7. 
 
 Thy  promise  to  Thy  servant,  Lord, 
 Wherein  Thou  bad'st  him  rest, 
 
 Remember  :  for  that  plighted  word 
 Still  cheers  me  when  distrest. 
 
 Though  sinners  have  derided  me, 
 And  spurn'd  me  in  their  pride ; 
 
 My  solace  in  Thy  law  I  see, 
 Nor  turn  from  it  aside. 
 
 I  think  of  all  Thy  ways  of  old, 
 And  thence  my  comfort  draw  ; 
 
 But  horror  thrills  me,  for  the  bold 
 Despisers  of  Thy  law. 
 
430  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 Here,  in  this  house  of  pilgrimage, 
 Where  I  have  sojourn'd  long, 
 
 My  lonely  sorrows  to  assuage, 
 Thy  laws  have  been  my  song. 
 
 Lord,  to  Thy  Name  and  to  Thy  laws 
 My  nightly  thoughts  I  raise  ; 
 
 This  my  reward  was  made,  because 
 I  kept  Thy  righteous  ways. 
 
 cheth.  8. 
 
 Thou  art  my  blessed  portion,  Thou, 
 
 Jehovah,  art  my  stay ; 
 And  I  have  made  my  willing  vow 
 
 Thy  precepts  to  obey. 
 
 For  mercy,  Lord,  with  my  whole  heart, 
 
 I  made  my  earnest  prayer  ; 
 According  to  Thy  word,  impart 
 
 The  grace  I  long  to  share! 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  431 
 
 When  once  upon  my  ways  I  thought, 
 
 My  feet,  with  earnest  heed, 
 I  turn'd  unto  Thy  laws,  and  sought 
 
 To  follow  where  they  lead. 
 
 Though  I  by  evil  men,  combined 
 
 For  rapine,  was  beset ; 
 Yet  still,  O  Lord,  my  stedfast  mind 
 
 Thy  law  did  not  forget. 
 
 And  when  dark  midnight  veils  the  skies, 
 
 I  will  awake,  to  pour 
 My  thanks  to  Thee,  and  will  arise 
 
 Thy  judgments  to  adore. 
 
 Who  fear  Thee,  and  obey  Thy  will, 
 
 Shall  my  companions  be  ; 
 The  earth,  O  Lord,  Thy  mercies  fill ; — 
 
 O  teach  Thy  laws  to  me ! 
 
432  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 TETH.    9. 
 
 Thy  blessings,  Lord,  by  promise  wrought, 
 
 Thy  servant  hath  received  ; 
 O  !  let  him  be  true  wisdom  taught, 
 
 Who  hath  Thy  law  believed. 
 
 Before  I  knew  Thy  chastening  rod 
 My  feet  were  prone  to  stray ; 
 
 But  now  I  keep  Thy  Word,  O  God, 
 Nor  wander  from  Thy  way. 
 
 Teach  me  Thy  laws  :  for  Thou  art  good, 
 
 And  doest  good  to  all ; 
 The  proud  have  forged  a  lie,  and  would 
 
 Thy  servant  thus  enthral. 
 
 But  I,  to  Thee  still  cleaving  close, 
 
 Will  keep  Thy  laws  aright ; 
 Their  heart  is  waxed  fat  and  gross  ; 
 
 Thy  laws  my  heart  delight. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  433 
 
 'Tis  good  for  me,  that  I  have  known 
 Jehovah's  chastening  hand ; 
 
 That  thus  by  Him  I  might  be  shown 
 The  things  He  doth  command. 
 
 Those  laws,  the  blessed  words  that  are 
 Of  Thine  own  mouth,  I  hold 
 
 Than  hoarded  silver  dearer  far, 
 Or  heaps  of  treasured  gold. 
 
 jod.   10. 
 
 My  frame  was  fashion'd  by  Thine  hands ; 
 
 Instruct  me,  Lord,  I  pray, 
 That  I  may  learn  Thy  just  commands, 
 
 And,  knowing  them,  obey. 
 
 Then  all,  that  love  and  fear  the  Lord, 
 
 Shall  see  me,  and  rejoice, 
 That  I  have  hoped  in  Thy  word, 
 
 And  made  Thy  law  my  choice. 
 
 f  f 
 
434  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 Lord,  though  Thy  judgments  me  distress, 
 
 I  know  them  just  to  be  ; 
 I  know,  that  in  Thy  faithfulness, 
 
 Thou  hast  afflicted  me. 
 
 O  !  grant,  that  on  Thy  servant's  head 
 
 Thy  loving  mercy,  Lord, 
 Its  consolation  still  may  shed, 
 
 According  to  Thy  word. 
 
 O  !  let  Thy  saving  love  be  near, 
 
 That  I  again  may  live  ; 
 Thy  words  alone  my  spirit  cheer, 
 
 And  constant  gladness  give. 
 
 Shamed  be  the  proud,  who  without  cause 
 
 Perversely  would  abuse 
 My  right ;  but  on  Thy  holy  laws 
 
 My  mind  doth  ever  muse. 
 
 Who  know  Thy  will,  and  reverence  Thee, 
 
 With  me  I  bid  them  join  ; 
 Sound  in  Thy  laws  my  heart  would  be, 
 
 So  shall  no  shame  be  mine. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  435 
 
 KAPH.    11. 
 
 My  soul,  in  vehement  desire, 
 
 Is  fainting  for  Thy  grace  ; 
 But  with  a  hope  that  cannot  tire, 
 
 I  still  Thy  word  embrace  : 
 
 Still  look,  and  long  my  failing  eyes 
 
 That  hope  fulfill'd  to  see  ;— 
 When  wilt  Thou,  O  my  God,  arise ; 
 
 When  wilt  Thou  comfort  me  ? 
 
 Shrunk,  like  a  bottle  in  the  smoke, 
 
 Thy  will  I  ne'er  forget ; 
 What  are  my  days  ?    Why  spares  Thy  stroke 
 
 The  foes  that  me  beset  ? 
 
 Against  Thy  laws  the  proud  have  plann'd 
 
 My  fall ;  I  know  the  while 
 That  just  and  true  is  Thy  command  ; 
 
 O  !  save  me  from  their  guile. 
 f  f  2 
 
436  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 Though  well-nigh  brought  unto  mine  end, 
 I  did  not  from  Thee  swerve ; 
 
 Thy  quickening  love  to  me  extend ! 
 Thy  words  I  will  observe. 
 
 lamed.   12. 
 
 Thy  Word  in  Heaven  remains  for  aye, 
 
 Thy  truth  shall  still  abide  ; 
 The  earth  so  firmly  Thou  didst  lay, 
 
 It  cannot  swerve  aside, 
 
 They  to  this  day  continue  still, 
 As  first  ordain'd  by  Thee, 
 
 According  to  Thy  sov'reign  will ; 
 For  all  Thy  servants  be. 
 
 Had  not  Thy  word  been  my  delight, 
 
 When  other  joys  were  fled  ; 
 I  then,  o'erwhelm'd  with  sorrows'  weight, 
 
 Had  sunk  amongst  the  dead. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  437 
 
 Thy  precepts,  therefore,  ev'ry  hour 
 Shall  dwell  upon  my  mind ; 
 
 Therein  I  feel  Thy  quickening  power, 
 And  daily  peace  I  find. 
 
 Now  I  am  Thine,  for  ever  Thine  ; 
 
 O  !  save  Thy  servant,  Lord  ; 
 Who  doth  not  from  Thy  path  decline, 
 
 But  still  hath  sought  Thy  word. 
 
 Although  the  wicked  lie  in  wait, 
 
 And  watch  me  to  destroy, 
 On  Thy  words  I  will  meditate, 
 
 On  them  my  thoughts  employ. 
 
 Mine  eyes,  O  Lord,  have  seen  the  end 
 
 Of  every  good  below ; 
 But  Thy  commandments  wide  extend, 
 
 Nor  change  nor  limit  know. 
 
438  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 MEM.    13. 
 
 How  dear  Thy  law  !  by  it  all  day 
 
 My  study  is  supplied ; 
 I  pass  my  foes  in  wisdom's  way, 
 
 For  it  is  still  my  guide. 
 
 Yea,  I  that  keep  Thy  law  with  care, 
 And  to  such  knowledge  reach, 
 
 Am  wiser  than  the  elders  are ;' 
 I  can  my  teachers  teach. 
 
 Thy  holy  statutes  to  observe, 
 
 From  evil  ways  I  flee  ; 
 And  from  Thy  judgments  do  not  swerve, 
 
 For  Thou  hast  taught  them  me. 
 
 Not  sweetest  honey,  of  Thy  word 
 
 To  me  the  sweetness  hath  ; 
 Thy  rules  true  wisdom  can  afford  ; 
 
 I  hate  the  sinner's  path. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  439 
 
 NUN.     14. 
 
 Thy  Word  a  lamp  is  to  my  feet, 
 
 A  light  to  lead  my  way  ; 
 I  sware,  nor  will  I  thence  retreat, 
 
 Thy  judgments  to  obey. 
 
 Now  sore  afflictions  press  me  down, 
 
 I  need  Thy  quickening  power  ; 
 The  word,  that  I  have  trusted  on, 
 
 Shall  help  me  in  this  hour. 
 
 O  !  let  my  lips'  free-offering  still 
 
 Be  pleasing  in  Thy  sight ; 
 And  ever  in  Thy  righteous  will 
 
 Instruct  me,  Lord,  aright. 
 
 My  soul  is  always  in  my  hand  4 ; 
 
 Yet  I,  though  sinners  laid 
 Their  snares,  forgat  not  Thy  command, 
 
 Nor  from  Thy  precepts  stray'd. 
 
 4  "In  the  hollow  of  my  hand,"  that  is,  on  the  point  of 
 i    being  cast  away. 
 
440  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 Thy  testimonies  are  my  part 
 And  choice  ;  from  age  to  age, 
 
 To  raise  and  cheer  my  drooping  heart, 
 A  lasting  heritage. 
 
 I  my  whole  heart  did  ever  bend 
 
 Thy  statutes  to  fulfil ; 
 And  thus,  Lord,  even  to  the  end, 
 
 I  would  perform  them  still. 
 
 samech.   15. 
 
 I  hate  vain  thoughts,  but  love  Thy  law  ; 
 
 Thou  art  my  covert,  Lord, 
 My  shield,  when  dangers  near  me  draw ; 
 
 My  hope  is  in  Thy  word. 
 
 Hence  sinners !     To  my  God's  commands 
 
 I  will  observance  give  ; 
 As  Thou  hast  promised,  with  Thine  hands 
 
 Support  me,  and  I  live  ! 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  441 
 
 Shame  not  my  hope  ;  uphold  my  cause  ; — 
 
 If  Thou  my  cause  protect, 
 I  shall  be  safe,  and  to  Thy  laws 
 
 Will  always  have  respect. 
 
 Thou  such,  as  do  Thy  statutes  leave, 
 
 Hast  trodden  to  the  dust ! 
 How  vain,  how  fruitless  to  deceive, 
 
 The  guile,  wherein  they  trust ! 
 
 All  such,  as  dross,  Thou  put'st  away  ; 
 
 I  therefore  love  Thy  law  ; 
 Yet,  when  Thy  judgments  I  survey, 
 
 I  shrink  with  holy  awe. 
 
 ain.   16. 
 
 In  judgment  I  uprightly  deal, 
 
 O  !  leave  me  not  forlorn  ! 
 Be  surety  for  Thy  servant's  weal 
 
 Against  th'  oppressor's  scorn  ! 
 
442  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 Mine  eyes  are  dimm'd,  since  for  Thy  Word 
 
 And  saving  health  I  sought ; 
 Deal  well  with  me,  Thy  servant,  Lord  ; 
 
 Let  me  Thy  law  be  taught. 
 
 Thee,  Lord,  I  serve  ;  O  grant  I  may 
 
 Thy  testimonies  know ; 
 Now  is  Thy  time  to  work,  for  they 
 
 Thy  law  would  overthrow. 
 
 For  more  than  gold,  than  finest  gold. 
 
 I  Thy  commandments  prize  ; 
 Thy  laws  in  all  things  I  uphold, 
 
 And  error's  way  despise. 
 
 pe.   17. 
 
 Lord,  in  the  pages  of  Thy  law, 
 What  wonders  are  reveal'd  ! 
 
 My  spirit  therefore  doth,  with  awe, 
 To  them  obedience  yield. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  443 
 
 When  once  they  enter  to  the  mind, 
 They  spread  such  light  abroad, 
 
 The  simplest  new  instruction  find, 
 More  knowledge  of  their  God. 
 
 I  silent  stood,  with  lips  apart, 
 And  breath  supprest  and  low  ; 
 
 So  longing,  in  my  eager  heart, 
 Thy  perfect  laws  to  know. 
 
 Look  down  upon  my  sorrows,  Lord, 
 And  show  Thy  grace  the  same 
 
 Thou  usest  ever  to  afford 
 
 To  those  that  love  Thy  Name. 
 
 O  !  by  Thy  sure  Word  guide  Thou  me, 
 
 Let  not  my  sin  bear  sway ; 
 From  man's  oppression  set  me  free, 
 
 So  will  I  keep  Thy  way. 
 
 Thy  beaming  face  upon  me  bend, 
 Teach  me  Thy  statutes  still ; 
 
 For  rivers  from  my  eyes  descend, 
 Because  they  scorn  Thy  will. 
 
444  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 TZADDI.    18. 
 
 Righteous,  0  Lord  my  God,  Thou  art, 
 
 And  upright  in  Thy  way  ; 
 And  Thy  decrees  in  every  part 
 
 Their  righteousness  display. 
 
 With  zeal  my  burning  soul  is  moved, 
 
 Because  my  foes  forget 
 Thy  word,  on  which,  as  silver  proved  *, 
 
 Thy  servant's  love  is  set. 
 
 For,  though  of  mean  degree  and  poor, 
 
 And  low  esteem  am  I ; 
 My  soul  did  never  yet  endure 
 
 To  pass  thy  precepts  by. 
 
 But  Thine,  Lord,  is  a  righteousness 
 
 That  knoweth  no  decline  ; 
 A  law  unerring,  we  confess, 
 
 Almighty  Lord,  is  Thine. 
 
 5  Heb.  "  refined."— So  Psalm  xii.  6. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  445 
 
 Me  care  and  anguish  overtook, 
 They  weigh'd  my  spirit  down ; 
 
 But  when  to  Thy  commands  I  look, 
 An  inward  joy  I  own. 
 
 The  justice  of  Thy  righteous  word 
 
 Doth  evermore  remain ; 
 O  !  grant  me  the  true  wisdom,  Lord, 
 
 That  shall  my  life  sustain. 
 
 koph.   19. 
 
 Hear,  Lord  ;  I  cry  with  my  whole  heart ; 
 
 I  will  Thy  laws  obey  ; 
 On  Thee  I  call ;  Thine  health  impart, 
 
 And  I  shall  keep  Thy  way. 
 
 Towards  Thee  in  prayer,  before  the  light, 
 
 Thy  word  my  spirit  draws  ; 
 My  eyes  keep  vigil  in  the  night, 
 
 To  muse  upon  Thy  laws. 
 
446  PSALM  CXTX. 
 
 As  Thou  art  gracious,  hear  my  cry, 
 
 In  mercy  quicken  me  ; 
 For  men  on  mischief  bent  are  nigh, 
 
 Far  from  Thy  law  and  Thee. 
 
 But  Thou  art  near,  my  soul  to  aid  ; 
 
 Thy  laws  are  truth  ;  of  yore 
 Thou  their  foundation,  Lord,  hast  laid, 
 
 I  know,  for  evermore. 
 
 resh.  20. 
 
 My  God,  consider  my  distress, 
 
 For  I  obey  Thy  laws ; 
 Revive  me  by  Thy  promised  grace  ; 
 
 O  save,  and  plead  my  cause ! 
 
 Thy  saving  health,  O  Lord,  is  far 
 From  those  that  seek  not  Thee ; 
 
 But  great  Thy  tender  mercies  are ; — 
 In  judgment  quicken  me  ! 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  447 
 
 My  foes  abound  ;  yet  from  Thy  law 
 My  God,  I  have  not  stray'd ; 
 
 I  saw,  and  grieved,  because  I  saw 
 Thy  statutes  disobey'd. 
 
 See  to  Thy  law  what  love  I  bear ; 
 
 My  life  with  love  renew  ! 
 Thy  words  from  everlasting  are, 
 
 They  ever  shall  be  true. 
 
 schin.  21. 
 
 Though  kings  combined,  without  a  cause 
 Thy  servant  wrong  have  done ; 
 
 Thy  word  alone  my  spirit  awes, 
 I  feel  its  power  alone. 
 
 And,  oft  as  I  refresh  my  mind 
 With  some  good  word  of  Thine, 
 
 No  conquerors,  o'er  the  spoil  they  find, 
 Have  joys  compared  with  mine. 
 
448  PSALM  CXIX. 
 
 From  liars,  and  their  ways,  abhorr'd, 
 
 I  turn  away  with  hate  ; 
 But  with  unalter'd  love,  O  Lord, 
 
 Upon  Thy  law  I  wait. 
 
 «• 
 
 Thee  do  I,  Lord,  seven  times  a  day 
 For  Thy  just  judgments  praise  ; 
 
 Who  love  Thy  law,  great  peace  have  they, 
 Nor  stumble  in  their  ways. 
 
 As  I  have  waited,  as  I  long 
 
 For  Thy  salvation  still ; 
 So  hath  my  zeal,  O  Lord,  been  strong, 
 
 Thy  statutes  to  fulfil. 
 
 Thy  righteous  laws  I  still  pursue, 
 
 Thy  precepts  I  revere ; 
 For  all  my  ways  before  Thy  view, 
 
 O  Lord,  are  ever  clear. 
 
PSALM  CXIX.  449 
 
 tau.   22. 
 
 Hear,  Lord  ;  an  understanding  heart, 
 As  Thou  hast  promised,  give  ; 
 
 Hear,  and  Thy  promised  aid  impart 
 To  me,  that  I  may  live. 
 
 When  I  have  learn'd  Thy  will,  O  Lord, 
 My  lips  Thy  praise  shall  show ; 
 
 My  tongue  shall  spread  Thy  word  abroad, 
 For  all  Thy  laws  are  true. 
 
 May  I,  who  make  Thy  law  my  choice, 
 
 Be  holpen  by  Thy  might ; 
 In  Thy  salvation  I  rejoice, 
 
 Thy  law  is  my  delight. 
 
 Then  let  my  soul  before  Thee  live, 
 And  it  shall  hymn  Thy  praise ; 
 
 O  !  let  Thy  judgment  succour  give, 
 My  sinking  soul  to  raise. 
 
 Gg 
 
450  PSALM  CXX. 
 
 Far  from  Thy  fold  I  went  astray, 
 Thy  path  I  did  not  keep  ; 
 
 But  I  have  not  forgot  Thy  way  : 
 Seek  then  Thy  wandering  sheep  ! 
 
 PSALM  CXX.6 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  THE  SCOTTISH  VERSION,  1650. 
 
 The  first  of  the  fifteen  Psalms  of  degrees.  The  Psalmist 
 bewails  the  violence  and  falsehood  of  his  enemies.  Man's 
 first  degree  or  step  in  holiness  is  an  insight  into  his  own 
 spiritual  misery. 
 
 I  cried  to  God  in  my  distress, 
 
 And  He  gave  ear  to  me ; 
 From  lying  and  deceitfulness, 
 
 O  Lord,  my  soul  set  free  ! 
 
 6  This  Psalm  and  the  fourteen  following  are  called  Psalms 
 of  degrees,  or  of  Ascension.  They  probably  were  sung  by 
 the  people  as  they  "  came  up"  to  worship  at  Jerusalem  on  the 
 three  great  annual  festivals  ;  and  they  may  perhaps  all 
 mystically  bear  reference  to  the  degrees  of  our  advancement 
 towards  the  heavenly  Jerusalem. 
 
PSALM  CXX.  451 
 
 What  shall  be  given  for  thee  to  bear, 
 What  for  thy  hire,  false  tongue  ? — 
 
 E'en  lighted  brands  of  juniper, 
 Sharp  arrows  of  the  strong. 
 
 Woe's  me  ;  that  I  in  Meshech  tell 
 
 My  weary  days  so  long  ; 
 And  in  the  tabernacles  dwell, 
 
 To  Kedar  that  belong  ! 
 My  soul  with  those,  that  peace  abhor, 
 
 Hath  long  a  dweller  been ; 
 I  ask  for  peace  ;  and  then  for  war 
 
 And  battle^  they  are  keen. 
 
 Gg2 
 
452 
 
 PSALM  CXXI. 
 
 JAMES  MERRICK,  1765. 
 
 The  second  Psalm  of  Degrees.     We  are  to  keep  our  eyes 
 fixed  on  God,  as  the  only  means  of  our  defence. 
 
 Lo  !  from  the  hills  my  help  descends, 
 
 To  them  I  lift  my  eyes  ; 
 My  strength  on  a  God  alone  depends, 
 
 Who  made  the  earth  and  skies. 
 He  ever  watchful,  ever  nigh, 
 
 Forbids  thy  feet  to  slide  ; 
 Nor  sleep  nor  slumber  seals  the  eye 
 
 Of  Israel's  Guard  and  Guide. 
 
 b  God,  at  thy  hand,  array'd  in  might, 
 c  His  shade  shall  o'er  thee  spread  ; 
 
 Nor  sun  by  day,  nor  moon  by  night, 
 Shall  hurt  thy  favour'd  head. 
 
PSALM  CXXII.  453 
 
 d  He  shall  each  coming  ill  discern, 
 And  shall  thy  soul  defend  ; 
 
 And  both  thy  going  and  return 
 For  evermore  attend. 
 
 PSALM  CXXII. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 The  third  Psalm  of  degrees.     A  delight  in  the  social  worship 
 of  God's  house,  and  wishing  well  to  His  Church. 
 
 a  Glad  was  the  summons  :  '*  To  the  court 
 
 And  temple  of  the  Lord,  resort!" 
 
 b  Thy  streets  shall  by  our  feet  be  trod  ; — 
 
 Thee,  Salem,  city  of  our  God, 
 
 Meet  emblem  of  Thyself  we  see, 
 
 Built  up  in  holy  unity. 
 
 The  tribes  in  throngs  to  Thee  ascend, 
 
 The  tribes  which  on  the  Lord  depend, 
 
 c  And  His  immortal  praises  tell ; 
 
 The  tribute  due  from  Israel. 
 
454  PSALM  CXXIII. 
 
 d  There  doth  He  His  tribunal  place, 
 
 The  judgment- seat  of  David's  race. 
 
 e  0  !  seek  her  peace  ;  for  they  are  blest, 
 
 Who  love  and  pray  for  Salem's  f  rest: 
 
 May  peace  within  thy  walls  abound, 
 
 Thy  palaces  with  joy  resound. 
 
 E'en  for  my  friends'  and  kindred's  sake, 
 
 May  never  war  thy  bulwarks  shake  ; 
 
 E'en  for  the  hope  of  Israel, 
 
 The  house,  where  God  delights  to  dwell ! 
 
 PSALM  CXXIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  WILLIAM  BARTON,  1644. 
 
 The  fourth  Psalm  of  degrees.     A  dutiful  waiting  upon  God's 
 will  in  every  suffering. 
 
 O  Thou,  that  dwell'st  above  the  skies, 
 
 I  lift  mine  eyes  to  Thee  : 
 Behold,  as  servants  bend  their  eyes 
 
 Their  masters'  hands  to  see ; 
 
PSALM  CXXIII.  455 
 
 As  hand-maids  on  their  mistresses, 
 
 So  do  our  eyes  attend, 
 Until  the  Lord  our  God  shall  please 
 
 His  succouring  grace  to  send. 
 
 Thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  us  apply, 
 
 In  this  our  sad  estate  ; 
 For  we  are  fill'd  exceedingly 
 
 With  contumely  and  hate  : 
 Our  souls,  bow'd  down  with  woe,  have  borne 
 
 Long  time,  and  still  abide, 
 The  taunts  and  the  despiteful  scorn 
 
 Of  pamper'd  ease  and  pride. 
 
456 
 
 PSALM  CXXIV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 The  fifth  Psalm  of  degrees.     A  grateful  acknowledgment  of 
 God's  former  mercies. 
 
 Had  not  the  Lord,  may  Israel  say, 
 Had  not  the  Lord  maintain'd  our  side, 
 
 When  men,  to  make  our  lives  a  prey, 
 Rose,  like  the  swelling  of  the  tide  ; 
 
 The  swelling  tide  had  stopp'd  our  breath, 
 So  raged  their  wrath  without  control ; 
 
 We  had  been  swallow'd  up  in  death, 
 
 The  proud  waves  had  o'erwhelm'd  our  soul. 
 
 Blest  be  the  Lord :  for  He  hath  heard, 
 Nor  given  us  to  their  teeth  a  prey ; 
 
 Our  soul  is  rescued,  as  a  bird 
 
 Snatch'd  from  the  fowler's  snare  away. 
 
PSALM  CXXV.  457 
 
 But  burst  is  the  entangling  net, 
 And  free  our  ransom'd  spirit  flies  ; 
 
 Our  help  upon  His  Name  is  set, 
 
 Who  framed  the  earth,  and  spread  the  skies. 
 
 PSALM  CXXV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JAMES  MONTGOMERY,  1822. 
 
 The  sixth  Psalm  of  degrees.     An  unwavering  belief  in  God. 
 
 Who  make  the  Lord  of  Hosts  their  tower, 
 
 Shall  like  Mount  Zion  be  ; 
 Immovable  by  mortal  power, 
 
 Built  on  eternity. 
 
 As  round  about  Jerusalem 
 
 The  guardian  mountains  close ; 
 The  Lord  shall  still  encompass  them 
 
 Whom  for  Himself  He  chose. 
 
458  PSALM  CXXV. 
 
 The  rod  of  wickedness  shall  ne'er 
 
 Amongst  the  just  abide  ; 
 Lest  righteousness  should  find  a  snare, 
 
 And  tempted,  turn  aside. 
 
 Do  good,  O  Lord,  to  the  upright ; 
 
 Thy  good  to  them  impart : 
 And  let  Thy  chiefest  blessings  light 
 
 Upon  the  true  in  heart ! 
 
 Those  who  from  God's  plain  paths  have  gone, 
 
 With  sinners  He'll  expel : 
 But  perfect  peace  shall  rest  upon 
 
 His  people  Israel. 
 
459 
 
 PSALM  CXXVI. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 The  seventh  Psalm  of  degrees.  A  lively  thankfulness  for  the 
 blessing  of  redemption.  It  was  probably  written  on  the 
 return  of  the  Jews  from  their  captivity. 
 
 When  God  made  Sion  free, 
 And  her  from  thrall  did  bring  ; 
 
 It  seemed  as  a  dream  to  be, 
 And  we  did  laugh  and  sing. 
 
 "  The  Lord,"  the  heathen  said, 
 Great  marvels  wrought  for  us  : — 
 
 Great  marvels  He  hath  wrought  indeed, 
 And  therefore  sing  we  thus. 
 
460  PSALM  CXXVI. 
 
 Lord,  back  our  captives  bring, 
 a  7  As  sea-floods  backward  flow  ; 
 
 So  shall  they  then  rejoice  and  sing, 
 Who  did  in  sorrow  sow. 
 
 b  Who  going  forth  doth  mourn, 
 
 If  he  good  seed  employ, 
 Shall  doubtless  c  home  again  return, 
 
 And  d  bring  his  sheaves  with  joy. 
 
 7  The  true  allusion  seems  to  be  to  the  ocean  tide  forcing 
 backward  the  streams  of  the  rivers  of  the  south  ;  as  the 
 captive  Jews  might  have  observed  in  the  Euphrates.  Such 
 is  Lord  Bacon's  translation  : — 
 
 "  0  Lord,  turn  our  captivity  : 
 As  winds  that  blow  at  South, 
 Do  pour  the  tides  with  violence, 
 Back  to  the  river's  mouth." 
 
461 
 
 PSALM  CXXVII. 
 
 SCOTTISH  VERSION,  1650. 
 
 The  eighth  Psalm  of  degrees.     The  ascription  of  all  tem- 
 poral blessings  to  God's  mercy. 
 
 Except  the  Lord  do  build  the  house, 
 
 The  builders  lose  their  pain  ; 
 Except  the  Lord  the  city  keep, 
 
 The  watchmen  watch  in  vain. 
 'Tis  vain  for  you  to  rise  betimes, 
 
 Or  late  from  rest  to  keep, 
 To  feed  on  sorrow's  bread  ;  a  for  8  God 
 
 Gives  His  beloved  sleep. 
 
 8  Bishop  Home  points  out  the  obscurity  occasioned  by  our 
 translation  having  rendered  the  Hebrew  particle  "  so,"  instead 
 of  "  surely,"  or  u  since." 
 
462  PSALM  CXXVIII. 
 
 b  Lo,  children  are  an  heritage, 
 
 And  gift,  which  comes  from  heaven ; 
 
 As  arrows  in  the  giant's  hand, 
 Are  sons  to  young  men  given. 
 
 O  happy  is  the  man  that  hath 
 
 His  quiver  c  stored  so  ; 
 They  unashamed  in  the  gate 
 
 Shall  speak  unto  d  their  foe. 
 
 PSALM  CXXVIII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  MILES  SMYTH,  1668. 
 
 The  ninth  Psalm  of  degrees.      The  regarding  godliness  as 
 the  means  of  happiness  in  this  life. 
 
 Blest  is  the  man,  who,  pure  in  heart, 
 With  humble  fear  the  Lord  obeys  ; 
 And  who  from  His  prescribed  ways 
 
 Doth  never  let  his  steps  depart. 
 
PSALM  CXXVIII.  463 
 
 The  good,  that  thine  own  hands  have  got, 
 Shall  be  to  thee  thy  daily  feast ; 
 On  all  thou  dost  success  shall  rest, 
 
 And  happiness  shall  be  thy  lot. 
 
 So  shall  thy  wife  with  fruit  abound, 
 As  the  vine  clust'ring  on  thy  house  ; 
 Thy  children  shall,  like  olive  boughs, 
 
 Adorn  thy  happy  table  round. 
 
 Who  feareth  God,  thus  blest  shall  be ; 
 From  Sion  God  shall  blessings  send, 
 And  thou  shalt  see,  till  life  shall  end, 
 
 Jerusalem's  prosperity. 
 
 Thy  children's  children  shall  increase 
 Before  thee  to  a  race  untold  ; 
 And  thou  shalt  Israel  behold 
 
 Crown'd  with  the  joys  of  lasting  peace. 
 
464 
 
 PSALM  CXXIX. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  GEORGE  SANDYS,  1636. 
 
 The  tenth   Psalm   of  degrees.      The   patient   endurance   of 
 oppression. 
 
 Oft,  from  my  early  youth,  have  they 
 Afflicted  me,  may  Israel  say ; 
 Oft,  from  my  early  youth,  assail'd : 
 And  yet  against  me  not  prevail'd. 
 My  back,  with  many  a  long-drawn  wound, 
 They  plough'd,  as  ploughers  break  the  ground ; 
 But  the  just  Lord  hath  burst  their  bands, 
 And  saved  me  from  their  impious  hands. 
 
 Let  Sion's  foes  with  infamy 
 Be  clothed,  and  untimely  die  ; 
 Like  the  thin  blade  on  houses'  tops, 
 Which  reapers'  sickle  never  crops, 
 
PSALM  CXXX.  465 
 
 Nor  binder  in  his  bosom  bears  ; 
 Which  withers  still  before  it  ears ; 
 Nor  passers-by  the  harvest  bless, 
 And  ask,  in  God's  name,  good  success. 
 
 PSALM  CXXX. 
 
 BRADY  AND  TATE,  1696. 
 
 The  eleventh  Psalm  of  degrees.  The  use  of  earnest,  trustful 
 prayer  to  God.  It  is  also  the  sixth  of  the  seven  Peniten- 
 tial Psalms  ;  expressing  the  Psalmist's  sense  of  his  own 
 unworthiness,  and  need  of  God's  mercy. 
 
 From  lowest  depths  of  woe, 
 
 To  God  I  sent  my  cry ; 
 Lord,  hear  my  supplicating  voice, 
 
 And  graciously  reply ! 
 
 Should'st  Thou  severely  judge, 
 
 Who  shall  the  trial  bear  ? 
 But  Thou  forgiv'st,  lest  we  despond, 
 
 a  And  so  renounce  Thy  fear. 
 
 Hh 
 
466  PSALM  CXXX. 
 
 My  soul  with  patience  waits 
 
 b  Upon  the  Living  Lord  ; 
 My  hopes  are  on  b  His  promise  built, 
 
 b  His  never-failing  Word. 
 
 My  longing  eyes  look  out 
 
 For  His  enlivening  ray ; 
 More  duly  than  the  morning- watch 
 
 To  spy  the  dawning  day. 
 
 Let  Israel  trust  in  God  ; 
 
 No  bounds  His  mercy  knows, 
 The  plenteous  source  and  spring,  from  whence 
 
 c  To  us  redemption  flows. 
 
 d  The  Lord  hath  for  His  own 
 
 Abounding  grace  in  store  ; 
 And  Israel  from  all  his  sin 
 
 Shall  save  for  evermore. 
 
46/ 
 
 PSALM  CXXXI. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 The   twelfth   Psalm   of  degrees.     A   child-like  self-humilia- 
 tion. 
 
 0  Lord,  I  have  no  scornful  eye, 
 Nor  proud  nor  lofty  mind ; 
 
 1  seek  not  things  that  are  too  high, 
 
 But  humbly  am  inclined. 
 
 My  soul  is  like  an  infant  wean'd, 
 E'en  from  his  mother's  breast : 
 
 And  Israel,  so  to  be  sustain'd, 
 On  God  should  always  rest. 
 
 Hh2 
 
468 
 
 PSALM  CXXXII. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 The  thirteenth  Psalm  of  degrees.     A  zeal  for  the  settlement, 
 and  propriety  of  God's  outward  worship. 
 
 Remember  David,  Lord,  and  David's  care  ! 
 To  God  he  vow'd,  to  Israel's  strength  he  sware ; 
 "  Ne'er  shall  my  feet  athe  tabernacle  tread 
 Of  mine  own  house,  nor  climb  unto  my  bed ; 
 Ne'er  shall  my  eyes  b  again  be  closed  in  sleep, 
 Nor  slumber  on  my  weary  eye-lids  creep, 
 Till  for  Jehovah's  rest  a  site  I  trace  ; 
 c  Where  Jacob's  mighty  God  may  fix  His  dwelling- 
 place." 
 
 Behold,  it  was  at  Ephrata  revealed, 
 
 The  wish'd-for  ark  we  found  in  9  Jear's  field. 
 
 9  Our  authorized  translation  is  "  in  the  fields  of  the  wood," 
 hut  it  may  be  better  rendered  "  the  fields  of  Jear,"  as  in 
 French  and  Skinner's  version.     David  had  brought  the  ark 
 
PSALM  CXXXI1.  469 
 
 His  tabernacle  we  will  seek,  and  low 
 Ourselves  in  worship  at  His  footstool  bow. 
 Arise,  Jehovah,  take  Thy  place  of  rest, 
 Thou  and  Thy  ark  of  strength  !     Let  truth  invest 
 Thy  priests  ;  Thy  saints  with  songs  of  praise  rejoice  ; 
 O !    for  Thy  David's  sake,   hear  Thine  Anointed's 
 voice  ! 
 
 To  David  once  was  pledg'd  Jehovah's  oath, 
 
 Nor  shall  th'  Eternal  fail  His  plighted  troth : 
 
 "  Forth  from  thy  stock  a  royal  branch  shall  spring, 
 
 Heir  of  thy  d  seat,  Mine  own  anointed  king  ; 
 
 And,  if  thy  sons  e  My  law  and  cov'nant  own, 
 
 Their  race  shall  sit  for  ever  on  thy  throne ;" 
 
 The  Lord  on  Sion  hath  His  choice  bestow'd  ; 
 
 "  This  is  My  place  of  rest,  and  this  my  loved  abode. 
 
 I  on  her  land  f  will  boundless  plenty  shed  ; 
 I  all  her  poor  will  satisfy  with  bread ; 
 
 of  God  to  Jerusalem  from  Kirjath-Jearim,  1  Chron.  xiii.  6  ; 
 and  before  its  capture  by  the  Philistines,  it  had  been  fixed 
 for  350  years  at  Shiloh  in  Ephraim,  or  Ephrata,  which  are 
 synonymous. 
 
470  PSALM  CXXXIII. 
 
 I  o'er  g  her  priests  a  robe  of  peace  will  fling, 
 
 Peace  from  their  God  ;  h  her  saints  for  joy  shall  sing  ; 
 
 From  David's  horn  fresh  branches  still  shall  sprout, 
 
 Nor  burns  the  lamp  of  Mine  anointed  out. 
 
 His  foes  with  shame  I'll  clothe  ;  but  from  his  head 
 
 1  An  everlasting  crown  shall  heavenly  radiance  shed." 
 
 PSALM  CXXXIII. 
 
 JAMES  MERRICK,  1765. 
 
 The  fourteenth  Psalm  of  degrees.     Brotherly  love  and  amity. 
 
 How  blest  the  sight,  the  joy  how  sweet, 
 When  brothers  join'd  with  brothers  meet 
 
 In  bands  of  mutual  love  ! 
 Less  sweet  the  a  precious  ointment,  shed 
 On  Aaron's  consecrated  head, 
 
 Ran  trickling  from  above, 
 
 And  reach'd  his  beard,  and  reach'd  his  vest. — 
 Less  sweet  the  dews  on  Hermon's  breast, 
 Or  Sion's  hill  descend. 
 
PSALM  CXXXIV.  471 
 
 That  hill  has  God  with  blessings  crown'd ; 
 There  promised  grace,  that  knows  no  bound. 
 And  life,  that  knows  no  end. 
 
 PSALM  CXXXIV. 
 
 1  ALTERED  FROM  THE  SCOTTISH  VERSION,  1650. 
 
 The  fifteenth  and  last  Psalm  of  degrees.     The  giving  glory 
 to  God. 
 
 Bless  ye  the  Lord,  ye  sacred  band, 
 
 That  His  attendants  are ; 
 That  in  Jehovah's  temple  stand, 
 
 And  praise  Him  nightly  there  ; 
 
 Upraise,  within  God's  holy  place 
 
 Your  hands,  and  praise  His  Name. — 
 
 Thee  may  the  Lord  from  Sion  bless, 
 Who  heaven  and  earth  did  frame ! 
 
 1  Bishop  Lowth  (note  on  Isaiah  lxii.  6,  p.  263.)  supposes 
 this  Psalm  to  be  the  alternate  cry  of  two  divisions  of  the 
 
472 
 
 PSALM  CXXXV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  JOSEPH  COTTLE,  1805. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  praise  God  for  His  power,  for  His  mercy 
 to  His  chosen  people,  and  for  His  greatness  contrasted  with 
 the  impotence  of  heathen  idols  ;  the  15th  and  following 
 verses  form  a  part  of  the  115th  Psalm. 
 
 Praise  ye  the  Lord.  O  praise  His  Name, 
 
 Loud  hallelujahs  to  Him  sing ; 
 Ye  servants  of  the  Lord,  proclaim 
 
 The  greatness  of  your  Heavenly  King. 
 
 Ye  that  within  God's  temple  wait, 
 
 And  in  His  courts  to  serve  Him  meet, 
 
 Praise  Him,  for  He  is  good  as  great ; 
 
 Praise  ye  His  Name, — His  praise  is  sweet. 
 
 temple  watch  :  one  of  the  set  forms  of  challenge  and  reply, 
 expressing  a  pious  sentiment,  of  which  Jehovah  is  the  sub- 
 ject :  as  the  custom  still  continues  in  the  East. 
 
PSALM  CXXXV.  473 
 
 For  Jacob,  as  His  chosen  one, 
 
 The  Lord  unto  Himself  did  take  ; 
 
 Israel  did  sever  for  His  own, 
 
 And  His  peculiar  treasure  make. 
 
 I  know  the  Lord  our  God  is  great 
 Above  all  gods ; — His  pleasure  He 
 
 Hath  done  in  Heaven's  unmeasured  height, 
 Upon  the  earth,  upon  the  sea. 
 
 Exhaling  from  earth's  utmost  ends, 
 His  vapour  o'er  the  sky  He  pours ; 
 
 His  lightnings  with  the  rain  He  blends, 
 
 And  brings  the  wind  forth  from  His  stores. 
 
 He  the  first-born  of  Egypt  slew, 
 
 Both  man  and  beast,  throughout  their  coasts ; 
 And  did  His  signs  and  wonders  show 
 
 On  Pharaoh  and  his  servile  hosts. 
 
 He  smote  great  nations  in  His  might, 
 And  powerful  kings,  a  warlike  band  ; 
 
 Sihon,  the  monarch  Amorite, 
 
 Felt  the  stern  vengeance  of  His  hand  : 
 
474  PSALM  CXXXV. 
 
 Og,  king  of  Basan,  did  He  slay, 
 
 All  Canaan's  lords  before  Him  fell ; — 
 
 He  gave  their  forfeit  lands  away, 
 An  heritage  for  Israel. 
 
 From  age  to  age  shall  still  endure, 
 
 Jehovah,  Thine  eternal  Name  ; 
 And  Thy  memorial  stand  secure 
 
 Through  everlasting  years  the  same. 
 
 The  Lord  Himself  will  for  us  plead, 
 And  will  His  people's  cause  defend  ; 
 
 In  mercy  to  His  chosen  seed, 
 He  will  repent  Him  in  the  end. 
 
 Silver  and  gold,  their  idols  weak, 
 Embodied  by  men's  hands,  arise  ; 
 
 Though  they  have  mouths,  they  cannot  speak, 
 They  have,  but  see  not  with  their  eyes. 
 
 Though  they  have  ears,  they  cannot  hear, 
 Their  noses  lack  the  sense  of  smell, 
 
 Mouths  have  they,  but  no  breath  is  there, 
 Nor  doth  life's  spirit  in  them  dwell. 
 
PSALM  CXXXV.  475 
 
 And  like  their  gods  their  makers  are, 
 With  all  who  in  them  vainly  trust ; 
 
 The  idol,  and  its  worshipper, 
 Are  only  vanity  and  dust. 
 
 O  house  of  Israel,  bless  the  Lord  ! 
 
 O  house  of  Aaron,  praise  His  Name ! 
 Thou,  Levi,  still  His  Name  record ; — 
 
 Let  all  in  fear  His  praise  proclaim. 
 
 From  Zion  let  His  praise  resound ; 
 
 His  presence  there  our  God  displays : 
 All  ye  that  dwell  on  earth,  around 
 
 In  hallelujahs  shout  His  praise. 
 
476 
 
 PSALM  CXXXVI. 
 
 ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 An  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving  to  God,  for  His  goodness  in  the 
 works  of  His  creation,  and  His  mercy  to  His  people  in  the 
 miracles  of  the  Exodus. 
 
 Give  thanks  to  God,  the  sovereign  Lord ; 
 
 His  mercies  still  endure  : 
 And  be  the  a  God  of  gods  adored  ; 
 
 His  truth  is  ever  sure. 
 
 What  wonders  hath  His  wisdom  done, 
 
 How  mighty  is  His  hand ! 
 Heaven,  earth,  and  sea  He  framed  alone  ; 
 
 How  wide  is  His  command ! 
 
 b  He  made  the  sun,  He  made  the  light ; 
 
 How  bright  His  counsels  shine ! 
 The  moon  and  stars  c  to  rule  the  night ; 
 
 His  works  are  all  divine. 
 
PSALM  CXXXVI.  477 
 
 He  struck  the  sons  of  Egypt  dead ; 
 
 How  dreadful  is  His  rod ! 
 And  thence  with  joy  His  people  led ; 
 
 How  gracious  is  our  God ! 
 
 He  cleft  the  d  Red-Sea  flood  in  two ; 
 
 His  arm  is  great  in  might : 
 And  gave  the  tribes  a  passage  through ; 
 
 His  power  and  grace  unite. 
 
 But  Pharaoh's  army  there  He  drown'd  ; 
 
 How  glorious  are  His  ways ! 
 And  brought  His  saints  through  desert  ground, 
 
 Eternal  be  His  praise  ! 
 
 2  Great  kings  He  smote  and  overthrew  ; 
 
 For  us  His  might  prevails  : 
 He  Amorean  Sihon  slew  ; 
 
 His  succour  never  fails. 
 
 The  18th  and  19th  verses  are  not  translated  by  Watts. 
 
478  PSALM  CXXXVI. 
 
 e  Huge  Og,  of  Basan,  felt  his  hand ; 
 
 Victorious  is  His  sword ; 
 While  Israel  took  the  promised  land  ; — 
 
 And  faithful  is  His  Word. 
 
 f  He  thought  upon  us  in  our  woe, 
 He  felt  His  pity  move ; 
 And  He  redeem'd  us  from  the  foe  ; 
 How  boundless  was  His  love ! 
 
 11  He  to  all  flesh  their  food  has  given  ; 
 
 His  goodness  never  fails  : 
 1  O  !  glorify  the  God  of  Heaven, 
 
 For  still  His  grace  prevails. 
 
 Give  thanks  to  God, j  of  kings  the  King  ; 
 
 His  mercies  still  endure  : 
 Let  the  whole  earth  His  praises  sing ; 
 
 His  truth  is  ever  sure. 
 
479 
 
 PSALM  CXXXVII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 A  lamentation  of  the  Jewish  captives  for  the  miseries  of 
 banishment,  and  the  insolence  of  their  enemies.  Probably 
 written  during,  or  soon  after  their  return  from  the  cap- 
 tivity. 
 
 As  nigh  a  Babel's  streams  we  sate, 
 
 Full  of  griefs  and  unbefriended, 
 Minding  Sion's  poor  estate, 
 
 From  our  eyes  the  tears  descended ; 
 And  our  harps  we  hanged  by, 
 On  the  willows  growing  nigh. 
 
 For,  insulting  on  our  woe, 
 
 They,  that  had  us  there  enthrall' d, 
 
 Their  imperious  power  to  show, 
 For  a  song  of  Sion  call'd  ; 
 
 Come,  ye  captives,  come,  said  they, 
 
 Sing  us  now  an  Hebrew  lay ! 
 
480  PSALM  CXXXVII. 
 
 But,  O  Lord,  what  heart  have  we, 
 
 In  a  foreign  habitation, 
 To  repeat  our  songs  of  Thee 
 
 For  our  spoilers'  recreation  ? 
 Ah,  alas  !  we  cannot  yet, 
 Thee,  Jerusalem,  forget. 
 
 O  Jerusalem  !  if  I 
 
 Do  not  mourn,  all  pleasure  shunning, 
 Whilst  Thy  walls  defaced  lie  ; 
 
 Let  my  right-hand  forget  her  cunning ; 
 And  for  ever  let  my  tongue 
 To  my  palate  fast  be  clung. 
 
 O  !  remember,  blessed  Lord, 
 E'er  Jerusalem  was  wasted, 
 
 How  the  sons  of  Edom  3  roar'd, 
 And  her  total  ruin  hasted, 
 
 Till  they  level  all  had  laid  : 
 
 Raze  it,  raze  it  quite,  they  said. 
 
 3  See  Obadiah  ver.  11,  &c. 
 
PSALM  CXXXVIII.  481 
 
 But  thou  shalt  be  spoiled  thus  ; 
 
 And  be  used,  O  Babel's  daughter, 
 b  E'en  as  thou  hast  used  us  : — 
 
 c  Blest  be  he,  who,  in  the  slaughter, 
 Shall  thy  helpless  little  ones 
 Seize,  and  dash  against  the  stones ! 
 
 PSALM  CXXXVIII. 
 
 JOSIAH  CONDER,  1837- 
 
 An   Hymn   of  Praise  and  Thanksgiving,  and  confidence  in 
 God. 
 
 With  my  whole  heart,  I  will  Thy  praises  sing, 
 
 O  !  Thou,  my  God  and  King  : 
 Before  the  powers  of  earth  and  heaven,  my  voice 
 Shall  in  Thy  praise  rejoice. 
 *  Towards  Thy  house  I'll  turn  my  eyes, 
 And  bring  my  heart's  glad  sacrifice. 
 
482  PSALM  CXXXVIII. 
 
 For  all  Thy  mercy,  all  Thy  faithfulness, 
 
 Thy  Holy  Name  I  bless ; 
 b  Since  Thou,  above  all  worshipp'd  Names  beside, 
 Thy  word  hast  glorified. 
 Thou  didst  my  deep  affliction  see, 
 And  with  Thy  might  didst  strengthen  me. 
 
 Kings  of  the  earth,  while  I  Thy  works  proclaim, 
 
 Shall  join  to  praise  Thy  Name  : 
 They  too  shall  learn  Thy  wonders  to  record, 
 For  glorious  is  the  Lord : 
 Heaven  is  His  throne,  yet  hath  He  bow'd 
 To  bless  the  meek  ;  but  scorns  the  proud. 
 
 Thou  wilt  uphold  me,  when  by  troubles  prest, 
 
 And  comfort  me  distrest : 
 Thine  outstretch'd  arm  will  from  my  foes  defend, 
 And  save  me  to  the  end. 
 c  The  work,  which  Thine  own  hands  did  make, 
 Then  do  not  Thou,  O  Lord,  forsake ! 
 
 ! 
 
483 
 
 PSALM  CXXXIX. 
 
 ANONYMOUS — "  POEMS  ORIGINAL  AND  TRANSLATED,"  1836. 
 
 An  acknowledgment  of  God's  omniscience,  and  infinite  omni- 
 presence, and  of  His  wonderful  providence  in  the  formation 
 and  preservation  of  man. 
 
 Omniscient,  Omnipresent  aLord, 
 
 By  strictest  search  Thou  hast  explored 
 
 And  known  me  ;  Thou,  when  down  I  lie, 
 
 Thou,  when  I  rise,  art  ever  nigh ; 
 
 My  very  thoughts  to  Thee  are  known, 
 
 E'er  yet  in  speech  or  action  shown. 
 
 About  my  path,  about  my  bed, 
 The  shadow  of  Thy  wings  is  spread ; 
 Thy  sleepless  and  all-seeing  eye 
 Doth  my  most  secret  ways  espy ; 
 And  in  an  instant  every  word 
 My  tongue  lets  fall,  Thine  ear  hath  heard, 
 i  i  2 
 
484  PSALM  CXXXIX. 
 
 4  Thy  presence  everywhere  I  find  ; 
 Where'er  I  walk,  before,  behind, 
 
 0  Lord,  Thou  still  beset'st  my  way, 
 And  dost  Thine  hand  upon  me  lay : — 
 
 1  may  not  to  such  knowledge  soar, 
 I  can  but  wonder,  and  adore. 
 
 How  then  Thy  Spirit  may  I  shun, 
 Or  whither  from  Thy  presence  run  ? 
 If,  b  mounting  through  the  realms  of  air, 
 I  climb  to  heaven,  my  God  is  there  ; 
 If  down  to  deepest  hell  I  go, 
 There  too  Thy  Spirit  rules  below. 
 
 If  I  should  take  the  wings  of  morn, 
 And  to  earth's  utmost  bounds  be  borne ; 
 c  Or  flee  beyond  the  watery  main  ; 
 Escape  from  Thee  would  still  be  vain : — 
 E'en  there  Thy  power  would  be  confest, 
 And  Thy  right  hand  my  flight  arrest. 
 
 4  The  5th  and  6th  verses  are  omitted  in  the  translation. 
 
PSALM  CXXXIX.  485 
 
 Come  night  and  hide  me  !  should  I  say ; 
 Straight  d  shall  the  night  be  turn'd  to  day. 
 With  Thee  no  shades  obscure  the  night, 
 The  darkness  is  as  clear  as  light. 
 The  midnight  gloom,  the  noon-day  sun, 
 Darkness  and  light  to  Thee  are  one. 
 
 e  My  reins,  ere  from  the  womb  I  came, 
 
 Were  Thine ;  there  didst  Thou  mould  my  frame ; 
 
 Its  fearful  wonders  by  Thee  plann'd, 
 
 Exceed  my  skill  to  understand. 
 
 My  conscious  spirit,  Lord,  shall  own, 
 
 The  marvels  Thou  hast  in  me  shown. 
 
 When,  yet  unfashion'd,  e'er  my  birth, 
 My  substance  lay  conceal'd  in  earth, 
 Thine  eyes  did  on  each  member  look : 
 For  They  were  written  in  Thy  book  ; 
 While  all  imperfect  yet  they  lay, 
 And  took  their  shape  from  day  to  day. 
 
 How  dear  to  me  Thy  counsels,  Lord ! 
 Who  may  the  sum  of  them  record  ? 
 
480  PSALM  CXXXIX. 
 
 In  number  countless  as  the  sand, 
 f  Which  none  may  reckon  on  the  strand. 
 E'en  from  my  earliest  waking  hour, 
 I  feel  Thy  presence  and  Thy  power. 
 
 Shall  not  the  wicked,  Lord,  be  slain  ; 
 All  such  as  take  Thy  Name  in  vain  ? 
 Depart  from  me,  ye  men  of  blood ; 
 Ye,  that  against  the  Lord  have  stood. 
 Ye  scorners  of  the  power  divine, 
 I  hate  ye — Hence  !  God's  foes  are  mine. 
 
 Then  try  me,  Lord ;  prove  every  part, 
 Search  all  my  thoughts,  and  sound  my  heart ; 
 Look  well  my  footsteps  do  not  stray, 
 But  turn  them  from  the  evil  way ; 
 Nor  let  me  from  the  true  path  rove, 
 That  leads  to  endless  joys  above. 
 
487 
 
 PSALM  CXL. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 |     u  A    Psalm   of  David,"   praying  for  protection  against  the 
 devices  of  his  enemies. 
 
 From  men  of  force,  from  men  of  fraud, 
 Protect,  preserve  me,  O  my  God  ; 
 
 Their  thoughts  a  all  mischief  grasp  : 
 b  War  all  day  long  their  heart  prepares, 
 The  serpent's  c  sharpen'd  tongue  is  their's, 
 
 d  The  poison  of  the  asp. 
 
 e  With  lawless  art,  and  impious  hand, 
 
 T'  entrap  my  footsteps  they  have  plann'd ; 
 
 Do  Thou  their  plots  confound ! 
 Their  secret  snares  the  proud  have  set, 
 Spread  by  the  way  the  tangling  net, 
 
 And  wound  their  toils  around. 
 
488  PSALM  CXL. 
 
 Then  to  Jehovah  thus  I  said, 
 
 My  God  art  Thou  ;  I  seek  Thine  aid  ; 
 
 O  !  hear,  f  Thou  Lord  of  might ; 
 Thou,  with  Thy  saving  strength  my  head, 
 As  with  a  helm,  hast  covered, 
 
 And  saved  me  in  the  fight. 
 
 0  !  grant  not  Thou  the  impious  will, 
 Nor  Thou  the  lawless  plot  fulfil, 
 
 8  To  swell  the  boast  of  pride. 
 The  heads  of  those,  who  round  me  rise, 
 h  The  mischief  their  own  lips  devise 
 
 In  whelming  shame  shall  hide. 
 
 1  Hot  burning  coals  shall  wrap  them  round, 
 The  fire  J  shall  scorch,  the  yawning  ground 
 
 For  ever  sweep  away ; 
 The  braggart  find  no  resting-place 
 On  earth,  distress  the  spoiler  chase, 
 
 And  ruin  seize  k  its  prey. 
 
 For,  well  I  know,  the  Lord  will  plead 
 The  just  man's  cause  in  time  of  need, 
 
PSALM  CXLI.  489 
 
 And  grant  the  poor  his  right. 
 And  well  I  know  the  just  shall  tell 
 The  praises  of  Thy  Name,  and  dwell, 
 
 Jehovah,  in  Thy  sight. 
 
 PSALM  CXLI. 
 
 JOSIAH  CONDER,  1837. 
 
 "  A  Psalm  of  David,"  submitting  his  words  and  ways  to  God's 
 direction,  and  praying  for  his  assistance  in  distress.  Pro- 
 bably written  during  his  persecution  by  Saul. 
 
 Lord,  to  Thy  throne  I  raise  my  cry, 
 
 Let  not  Thy  help  delay  ; 
 Give  me  to  feel,  that  Thou  art  nigh, 
 
 And  hear  me  when  I  pray : 
 Like  incense  let  my  prayer  arise, 
 Or  smoke  of  evening  sacrifice. 
 
 Lord,  let  Thy  grace  my  lips  restrain, 
 
 That  dangerous  portal  guard  ; 
 Nor  let  my  heart  e'er  entertain 
 
 Regret  to  be  debarr'd 
 
490  PSALM  CXLI. 
 
 From  doing  all  that  sinners  dare-; 
 Nor  let  me  in  their  revels  share. 
 
 But  let  the  righteous  a  still  in  love 
 
 Rebuke  me  ;  it  will  be 
 A  blow  that  bruiseth  not,  but  prove 
 
 A  healing  balm  to  me. 
 So,  when  adversity  is  their's, 
 I  will  repay  them  with  my  prayers. 
 
 And  when,  'mid  rocks  and  mountains  drear, 
 
 b  Their  rulers  are  o'erthrown, 
 My  song  their  fainting  hearts  shall  cheer, 
 
 And  they  its  c  soothing  own. 
 But  now,  like  wood  for  fuel  hewn, 
 Our  whitening  bones  around  are  strewn. 
 
 Yet,  Lord,  to  Thee  I  look  for  aid, 
 
 Preserve  me  from  despair  ; 
 My  cruel  foes  their  toils  have  laid, 
 
 O  !  save  me  from  the  snare  ! 
 Caught  in  their  own  nets  let  them  be, 
 While  I  pass  on  from  danger  free. 
 
491 
 
 PSALM  CXLII. 
 
 ANONYMOUS.      C.  F.  AND  E.  C,  1838. 
 
 "  A  prayer  when  David  was  in  the  cave"  at  Engedi. — 1  Sam. 
 xxiv.  1,  &c.     See  Psalm  lvii. 
 
 I  lifted  to  the  Lord  my  voice, 
 
 I  pour'd  my  soul  in  prayer ; 
 What  time  my  spirit  waxed  faint, 
 
 a  I  show'd  to  Him  my  care. 
 Thou  knew'st  my  path  ;  where  privily 
 
 The  sinners  Maid  their  snare. 
 
 c  I  look'd  on  my  right-hand  for  aid, 
 
 But  none  was  found  for  me  ; 
 I  saw  no  refuge  for  my  soul, 
 
 No  shelter  where  to  flee. 
 Then  turn'd  I  heavenward  my  complaint, 
 
 And  cried,  O  Lord,  to  Thee. 
 
492  PSALM  CXLII. 
 
 Thou  art  my  portion  and  my  hope, 
 
 My  all  on  earth  below  ; 
 Consider  then  my  soul's  desire, 
 
 d  In  this  abyss  of  woe  : 
 And  save  me,  in  Thy  mercy  save, 
 
 From  my  too  powerful  foe. 
 
 From  the  dark  prison  lift  my  soul, 
 That  I  may  thank  Thy  Name  ; 
 
 To  me  then  shall  the  righteous  throng, 
 With  me  exalt  Thy  fame  ; 
 
 e  For  kindly  shalt  Thou  deal  with  him, 
 Who  doth  Thy  bounty  claim. 
 
493 
 
 PSALM  CXLIII. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 The  seventh  and  last  Penitential  Psalm ;  in  depression  of  spirit. 
 Probably  written  during  the  rebellion  of  Absalom. 
 
 Lord,  my  humble  supplication 
 Hear,  and  hear  with  acceptation ; 
 
 In  Thy  dooms  of  truth  and  right. 
 Judge,  but  judge  not  Thou  severely  $ 
 For,  if  Thou  observe  us  nearly, 
 
 None  are  blameless  in  Thy  sight. 
 
 By  the  foe  my  soul  is  chased, 
 Wounded,  and  in  darkness  placed, 
 
 As  one  buried  long  ago  ; 
 I  am  inwardly  perplexed, 
 Yea,  my  spirit  sore  is  vexed, 
 
 And  my  heart  is  full  of  woe. 
 
494  PSALM  CXLIII. 
 
 On  the  times  now  past  I  ponder, 
 And  on  all  the  works  of  wonder, 
 
 Which  were  framed  by  Thy  hands  : 
 a  I  for  Thee,  my  hands  extending, 
 Thirst,  as  for  the  shower's  descending 
 
 Long  the  parch'd  and  thirsty  lands. 
 
 Lord,  with  speed  give  ear  unto  me ! 
 b  Still  Thy  face  in  mercy  show  me, 
 
 For  my  spirits  feeble  grow : 
 Since  on  Thee  I  have  depended, 
 Let  me  timely  be  defended, 
 
 Lest  into  the  grave  I  go. 
 
 c  Show  me  early  Thine  affection  ; 
 Lead  me,  Lord,  by  Thy  direction, 
 
 For  towards  Thee  my  soul  doth  press : 
 From  my  foes  Thy  servant  hiding, 
 Bring  me,  by  Thy  Spirit's  guiding^ 
 
 To  the  land  of  righteousness. 
 
 Grace  to  do  Thy  pleasure  give  me  ; 
 For  Thy  Name's  sake,  Lord,  revive  me ; 
 Let  Thy  justice  be  my  guard  ; 
 
PSALM  CXLIV.  495 
 
 Yea,  destroy,  of  Thy  compassion, 
 Those  that  seek  my  soul's  vexation ; 
 For  I  am  Thy  servant,  Lord. 
 
 PSALM  CXLIV. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  E.  FARR,  1836. 
 
 '*  A  Psalm  of  David,"  blessing  God  for  His  past  mercies  to 
 him,  and  praying  for  their  continuance. 
 
 Be  the  Lord,  my  strength,  adored, 
 Who  such  safety  doth  afford ; 
 He  who  nerves  my  arm  with  might, 
 And  by  whom  my  fingers  fight. 
 
 He,  my  fortress  and  my  tower, 
 He,  my  Saviour,  shield,  and  power ; 
 He,  in  whom  I  trust ;   who  still 
 Bows  my  people  to  my  will. 
 
496  PSALM  CXLIV. 
 
 What  is  man,  that  he  Thy  love, 
 Lord,  should  thus  so  largely  prove  ? 
 What  his  race,  that  they  should  share 
 Thus,  O  God,  Thy  tender  care  ? 
 
 Man  is  like  to  vanity ; 
 
 But  a  thing  of  nought  is  he  ; 
 
 And,  as  transient  as  the  shade, 
 
 Man's  few  days,  how  soon  they  fade  ! 
 
 Bow  Thy  heavens,  Eternal  Lord ; 
 Down  descend,  and  aid  afford  ; 
 Touch  the  mountains,  and  their  smoke 
 Straight  shall  rise  beneath  Thy  stroke. 
 
 Let  Thy  fiercest  lightnings  blaze, 
 Scatter  them  in  wild  amaze  ; 
 All  abroad  Thine  arrows  pour, 
 And  Thy  rebel  foes  devour. 
 
 Reach  Thine  hand  from  heaven  to  save, 
 Snatch  me  from  the  whelming  wave ; 
 From  their  hand  my  spirit  free, 
 Who  are  wide  estranged  from  Thee. 
 
PSALM  CXLTV.  497 
 
 Save  from  those,  whose  lips  profane 
 Utter  but  professions  vain ; 
 Whose  right-hand  all  sins  defile, 
 A  false  right-hand,  full  of  guile. 
 
 So  will  I  Thy  praise  prolong, 
 In  a  new-invented  song  ; 
 On  a  ten-string'd  instrument, 
 I  Thy  due  praise  will  present. 
 
 'Tis  His  arm  alone  that  brings 
 Sure  salvation  unto  kings ; 
 And  to  David  doth  afford 
 Safety  from  the  threatening  sword. 
 
 Reach  Thine  hand  from  Heaven  to  save, 
 Snatch  me  from  the  yawning  wave 5 ; 
 From  their  hand  my  spirit  free, 
 Who  are  wide  estranged  from  Thee  : 
 
 Save  from  those  whose  lips  profane 
 Utter  but  professions  vain  ; 
 
 5  Ver.  7. 
 
 Kk 
 
498  PSALM  CXLIV. 
 
 Whose  right-hand  all  sins  defile, 
 A  false  right-hand,  full  of  guile. 
 
 So  our  sons,  like  plants,  shall  spring, 
 In  their  young  strength  flourishing ; 
 So  our  daughters,  as  they  grow, 
 Like  some  polish'd  sculpture  show. 
 
 Then  our  garner's  ample  floor 
 Shall  be  fill'd  with  store  on  store ; 
 And  our  teeming  ewes  shall  yield 
 Tens  of  thousands  in  the  field. 
 
 Then  our  oxen,  strong  for  toil, 
 Vigorous  shall  work  the  soil ; 
 None  abroad  shall  hear  alarm, 
 None,  at  home,  the  voice  of  harm. 
 
 Blessed  is  that  people  found, 
 Who  with  goods  like  these  abound  ; 
 Blessings  on  that  people  fall, 
 Who  their  God  Jehovah  call. 
 
499 
 
 PSALM  CXLV. 
 
 RICHARD  MANT,  BISHOP  OF  DOWN  AND  CONNOR,  1824. 
 
 The  seventh  and  last  Alphabetical  Psalm.  "  David's  Psalm 
 of  praise"  to  God,  for  His  glory,  might,  majesty,  and 
 goodness. 
 
 God,  my  King,  Thy  might  confessing, 
 
 Ever  will  I  bless  Thy  Name  ; 
 Day  by  day  Thy  throne  addressing, 
 
 Still  will  I  Thy  praise  proclaim. 
 Honour  great  our  God  befitteth ; 
 
 Who  His  Majesty  can  reach  ? 
 Age  to  age  His  works  transmitteth, 
 
 Age  to  age  His  power  shall  teach. 
 
 a  I  will  speak  of  all  Thy  glory ; 
 
 On  Thy  might  and  greatness  dwell ; 
 b  So  that  other  men  the  story 
 
 Of  Thy  wond'rous  acts  shall  tell. 
 
 Kk2 
 
500  PSALM  CXLV. 
 
 They  shall  bring  from  memory's  treasure 
 Works  by  love  and  mercy  wrought ; 
 
 c  Tell  of  love  surpassing  measure, 
 c  Sing  of  mercy  passing  thought. 
 
 Full  of  kindness  and  compassion, 
 
 Slow  to  anger,  vast  in  love, 
 God  is  good  to  all  creation  ; 
 
 All  His  works  His  goodness  prove. 
 All  Thy  works,  O  Lord,  shall  bless  Thee, 
 
 Thee  shall  all  Thy  saints  adore ; 
 King  supreme  shall  they  confess  Thee, 
 
 And  proclaim  Thy  sov'reign  power. 
 
 They  Thy  might,  all  might  excelling, 
 
 Shall  to  all  mankind  make  known, 
 And  the  brightness  of  Thy  dwelling, 
 
 And  the  glories  of  Thy  throne. 
 d  Aye,  as  age  to  age  descendeth, 
 
 Shall  Thy  royal  might  remain ; 
 e  Evermore  Thy  rule  extendeth, 
 
 Ever  lasts  f  Thy  glorious  reign. 
 
PSALM  CXLV.  501 
 
 Them  that  fall  the  Lord  protecteth, 
 
 He  sustains  the  bow'd  and  bent ; 
 Every  eye  from  Thee  expecteth, 
 
 Fixt  on  Thee,  its  nourishment. 
 Thou  to  all,  great  God  of  Nature, 
 
 Giv'st,  in  season  due,  their  food ; 
 Spread 'st  Thine  hand,  and  every  creature 
 
 Is  by  Thee  full  fill'd  with  food. 
 
 God  is  just  in  all  He  doeth, 
 
 Kind  is  He  in  all  His  ways : 
 He  His  ready  presence  showeth 
 
 When  a  faithful  servant  prays. 
 Who  sincerely  seek  and  fear  Him, 
 
 He  to  them  their  wish  will  give ; 
 »  Nigh  to  them  as  they  are  near  Him, 
 
 He  will  hear  them  and  relieve. 
 
 From  Jehovah,  all  who  prize  Him, 
 Shall  His  saving-health  enjoy  ; 
 
 h  But  the  wicked,  who  despise  Him, 
 He  will  in  their  sin  destroy. 
 
502  PSALM  CXLVI. 
 
 Still,  Jehovah,  Thee  confessing, 
 
 Shall  my  tongue  Thy  praise  proclaim, 
 
 And  may  all  mankind  with  blessing 
 Ever  hail  Thy  holy  Name. 
 
 PSALM  CXLVI. 
 
 SCOTTISH  VERSION,  1650 
 
 The  praise  of  God  for  His  goodness  and  love. 
 
 Praise  God.     a  Praise  Thou  the  Lord,  my  soul  ; 
 
 I'll  praise  God  while  I  live  ; 
 While  I  have  being,  to  my  God 
 
 In  songs  I'll  praises  give. 
 Trust  not  in  princes,  nor  man's  son 
 
 In  whom  there  is  no  stay ; 
 His  breath  departs,  to  earth  he  turns  ; 
 
 That  day  his  thoughts  decay. 
 
PSALM  CXLVI.  503 
 
 O  !  happy  is  that  man  and  blest, 
 
 Whom  Jacob's  God  doth  aid ; 
 Whose  hope  upon  the  Lord  doth  rest, 
 
 And  on  His  God  is  stay'd  : 
 Who  made  the  earth  and  heavens  high, 
 
 Who  made  the  swelling  deep, 
 And  all  that  is  within  the  same  ; 
 
 Who  truth  doth  ever  keep  : 
 
 Who  righteous  judgment  executes 
 
 For  those,  opprest  that  be, 
 Who  to  the  hungry  giveth  food — 
 
 God  sets  the  prisoners  free  ; 
 The  Lord  doth  give  the  blind  their  sight, 
 
 The  bowed-down  doth  raise  ; 
 The  Lord  doth  dearly  love  all  those, 
 
 That  walk  in  upright  ways. 
 
 The  stranger's  shield,  the  widow's  stay, 
 
 The  orphan's  help  is  He  ; 
 But  yet  by  Him  the  b  sinner's  way 
 
 Turn'd  upside  down  shall  be. 
 
504  PSALM  CXLVI. 
 
 c  The  God,  that  doth  in  Sion  dwell, 
 
 Is  evermore  our  King ; 
 From  age  to  age  His  reign  endures  : 
 
 Let  all  His  praises  sing. 
 
 PSALM  CXLVI. 
 
 2nd  version,  anonymous,  1846.    See  Preface,  p.  20. 
 
 Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ;  while  I  live  shall  the 
 
 Lord 
 For  His  mercies  unnumber'd  be  praised  and  adored  : 
 Yea,  as  long  as  my  being  endures  will  I  raise 
 My  voice  to  my  God  in  thanksgiving  and  praise. 
 O  !  put  not  your  trust  in  the  princes  of  earth, 
 Nor  in  any  frail  thing  that  from  man  has  its  birth ; 
 There  is  no  help  in  them ;    their  race  quickly  is 
 
 sped, 
 And  when  once  from  the  body  the  spirit  is  fled, 
 
PSALM  CXLVI.  505 
 
 Turn'd  again  to  their  earth,  in  the  grave  they  must 
 
 lie, 
 And  with  them    their   thoughts   and  vain   projects 
 
 shall  die. 
 They  alone  shall  be  blest  and  find  peace  at  the  last, 
 Who  on  Israel's  God  have  their  confidence  cast ; 
 In  their  Lord,  the  great  God,  their  hope  is  not  vain, 
 Who  made  heaven,  earth,  and  ocean,  with  all  they 
 
 contain ; 
 Whose  promise  is  sure,  and  whose  truth  stands  con- 
 
 fess'd, 
 Who  soothes  the  afflicted,  and  aids  the  oppress'd ; 
 Who  feedeth  the  hungry  ;  whose  words  can  unbind 
 The  prisoners'  bonds,  and  give  sight  to  the  blind ; 
 Who  uplifts  such  as  fall,  from  the  depths  of  despair, 
 While  the  righteous  are  still  His  peculiar  care ; 
 Who  succours  the  stranger,  the  widow  defends, 
 And  His  ear  to  the  cry  of  the  fatherless  lends  : 
 But   the  way   of  the    wicked,    though    secret,    he 
 
 knows, 
 And  to  nought  brings  their  schemes,  and  their  coun- 
 sel o'erthrows. 
 
506  PSALM  CXLVII. 
 
 Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  then ;  His  praise  let 
 
 me  sing ; 
 For  the  Lord  God  in  Sion  for  ever  is  King. 
 
 PSALM  CXLVII. 
 
 ALTERED  FROM  ISAAC  WATTS,  1719. 
 
 Praise  of  God,  for  the  wonders  of  the  natural  creation.  Pro- 
 bably written  after  the  return  from  captivity,  and  the  re- 
 building of  Jerusalem. 
 
 Praise  ye  the  Lord  ;  'tis  good  to  raise 
 Our  hearts  to  God,  and  sing  His  praise  ; 
 The  pleasing  work  to  us  belongs, 
 And  praise  sits  comely  on  our  tongues. 
 
 The  Lord  doth  build  up  Salem's  wall, 
 And  Israel's  outcast  sons  recall ; 
 His  mercy  soothes  the  contrite  soul, 
 Binds  up  its  wounds,  and  makes  it  whole. 
 
PSALM  CXLVII.  5G7 
 
 He  counts  the  stars,  those  heavenly  flames, 
 He  tells  them  singly  by  their  names  : 
 Great  is  our  Lord,  and  great  His  might, 
 His  understanding  infinite. 
 
 He  lifteth  up  the  meek  on  high, 
 And  bids  the  wicked  grovelling  lie. 
 Sing  to  the  Lord ;  thanksgivings  raise, 
 With  solemn  harpings  to  His  praise. 
 
 Sing  to  our  God ;  'tis  He  who  shrouds 
 The  face  of  heaven  around  with  clouds, 
 And  there  prepares  the  rain,  and  stores 
 For  earth  His  fertilizing  showers. 
 
 He  makes  the  waving  grass  to  spread 
 Luxuriant  o'er  the  mountain's  head ; 
 The  beasts  with  food  His  hands  supply, 
 And  the  young  ravens,  when  they  cry. 
 
 He  cares  not  for  the  powerful  horse, 
 Man's  strength  of  limb,  or  active  force ; 
 In  them  alone  is  God's  delight, 
 Who  trust  His  love,  and  fear  His  might. 
 
508  PSALM  CXLVIT. 
 
 O  !  Salem,  praise  thy  mighty  God ; 
 Thou,  Sion,  spread  His  fame  abroad ; 
 For  He  thy  gates  hath  firmly  barr'd, 
 And  been  in  time  of  need  their  guard. 
 
 Thy  sons  He  hath  within  thee  blest, 
 And  given  thy  peaceful  borders  rest : 
 He  satisfies  thy  mouth  with  meat, 
 And  fills  Thee  with  the  finest  wheat : 
 
 Borne  swiftly  to  earth's  utmost  ends, 
 Forth  speeds  the  word  of  power  He  sends : 
 His  mandate  spreads  the  flaky  snow 
 Like  wool  upon  the  earth  below. 
 
 Like  ashes  His  hoar-frost  is  shed, 
 His  ice,  like  morsels,  scattered. 
 Where  is  the  man  so  vainly  bold, 
 That  dares  defy  His  piercing  cold  ? 
 
 He  speaks  the  word,  His  breezes  blow ; 
 The  ice  dissolves,  the  waters  flow. — 
 He  made  His  word  to  Jacob  known, 
 His  laws  He  hath  to  Israel  shown  : 
 
PSALM  CXLVIII.  509 
 
 No  nation  else  hath  been  so  blest, 
 Of  God's  own  laws,  and  will  possest ; 
 He  hath  not  thus  reveal'd  His  word 
 To  every  land — praise  ye  the  Lord. 
 
 PSALM  CXLVIII. 
 
 GEORGE  SANDYS,  1637- 
 
 An  invitation  to  the  whole  created  universe  to  join  in  the 
 praise  of  their  Creator. 
 
 a  Ye  who  dwell  above  the  sky, 
 Praise  the  Lord  from  heaven  on  high  ; 
 Angels,  your  clear  voices  raise, 
 Him  ye  heavenly  armies  praise  ; 
 Sun  and  moon,  b  by  day,  by  night ; 
 All  ye  sparkling  c  stars  of  light ; 
 Waters  hanging  in  the  air, 
 Heaven  of  heavens  His  praise  declare ; 
 His  deserved  praise  accord, 
 His  who  made  you  by  His  word, 
 
510  PSALM  CXLVIII. 
 
 Made  you  evermore  to  last, 
 
 Set  your  bounds  not  to  be  past. 
 
 Let  the  earth  His  praise  resound  ; 
 
 d  Monsters,  from  your  seas  profound, 
 
 Vapours,  lightning,  hail,  and  snow, 
 
 Storms,  which,  when  He  bids  e  you,  blow ; 
 
 f  Every  hill,  and  mountain  high, 
 
 Cedars  s  towering  to  the  sky, 
 
 Trees  that  fruit  in  season  yield, 
 
 All  the  cattle  of  the  field, 
 
 Savage  beasts,  all  creeping  things, 
 
 All  that  cut  the  air  with  wings, 
 
 You  that  h  kingly  sceptres  sway, 
 
 You  enured  to  obey, 
 
 Princes,  Judges  of  the  earth, 
 
 All  of  high  and  humble  birth, 
 
 Youths  and  virgins  flourishing 
 
 In  the  beauty  of  your  spring, 
 
 Ye,  who  bow  with  age's  weight, 
 
 Ye  who  were  but  born  of  late, 
 
 Praise  His  name  with  one  consent ; 
 
 O  !  how  great,  how  excellent ! 
 
PSALM  CXLIX.  511 
 
 Than  the  earth  profounder  far, 
 Higher  than  the  highest  star. 
 He  will  His  to  honour  raise ; 
 Ye  His  Saints,  resound  His  praise  ! 
 *  Ye  of  Jacob's  favoured  race, 
 Near  unto  Him  by  His  grace. 
 
 PSALM  CXLIX. 
 
 ANONYMOUS.      C.  F.  AND  E.  C,  1838. 
 
 A  triumphant  thanksgiving  to  God  for  His  love  to  Israel  ; 
 probably  after  some  victory. 
 
 Sing  to  the  Lord  a  new  made  song, 
 
 Ye  Saints,  His  praises  sing ; 
 Children  of  Zion,  hither  throng 
 
 Exulting  in  your  King. 
 a  Timbrel  and  harp,  resound  His  praise  ; 
 In  solemn  dance,  in  sacred  lays, 
 
 b  The  heart's  best  offering  bring. 
 Let  Israel  c  lift  his  loudest  voice, 
 In  Him  that  made  him  to  rejoice. 
 
512  PSALM  CL. 
 
 d  God  loves  His  people  ;  and  the  meek 
 
 With  grace  adorn'd  sustains  ; 
 E'en  on  their  beds  their  God  they  seek, 
 
 And  chaunt  aloud  their  strains. 
 Their  hands  shall  wield  a  two-edged  sword, 
 To  smite  Thine  enemies,  O  Lord, 
 
 And  bind  their  kings  in  chains  : 
 e  Such  is  the  doom  Thou  didst  decree  ; 
 Such  honour  theirs,  who  honour  Thee. 
 
 PSALM  CL. 
 
 GEORGE  WITHER,  1632. 
 
 An  exhortation  to  praise  God,  with  every  kind  of  instrumental 
 music. 
 
 Come,  praise  the  Lord,  come  praise  Him 
 
 Within  His  holy  seat  ; 
 In  all  His  glories  praise  Him, 
 
 And  His  great  acts  repeat. 
 
PSALM  CL.  513 
 
 As  He  excelleth,  praise  Him, 
 With  trumpet  and  with  flute  ; 
 
 With  harp  and  psaltery  praise  Him, 
 With  viol,  and  with  lute. 
 
 Upon  the  timbrel  praise  Him, 
 
 In  song  His  praise  advance, 
 Upon  the  organs  praise  Him, 
 
 And  praise  Him  in  the  dance. 
 On  tingling  cymbals  praise  Him, 
 
 On  cymbals  loud  that  sound  ;v 
 And  let  all  creatures  praise  Him, 
 
 In  whom  life-breath  is  found. 
 
 il 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 Of  the  original  passages,  of  which  alterations  have  been 
 suggested,  in  such  Psalms  as  are  headed  simply  with  the 
 Names  of  their  respective  Authors. — See  Preface,  p.  19, 20. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 1.  a  He  doth  always  freshly  flourish. 
 b  dusty  matter. 
 
 c  knows. 
 
 2.  a  Shall,  vexing  them,  his  mind  in  wrath  declare  : — 
 
 Whoe'er,  says  He,  repines  ;  this  King  of  mine. 
 b  I  purpose  to  unfold. 
 c  This  day  begot  I  thee  ; 
 
 Demand  therefore  of  Me,  and  I  will  give. 
 d  Mace, 
 e  awful  joy. 
 
 5.       a  Neither  shall  evil  dwell  with  thee. 
 l1  2 
 
51G                                   APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 5.      b  AH,  that  ill-doers  are,  Thou  hat'st ; 
 
 Cutt'st  off,  that  liars  be  ; 
 
 The  bloody  and  deceitful  man 
 
 Abhorred  is  by  Thee. 
 
 c  Because  of  those  mine  enemies, 
 
 Lord,  in  Thy  righteousness, 
 
 Do  Thou  me  lead,  do  Thou  Thy  way 
 
 Make  straight  before  my  face  ! 
 
 d  Their  inward  part  is  ill. 
 
 e  Their  tongue  doth  flatter  still." 
 
 f  But  let  them  joy,  that  trust  in  Thee, 
 
 And  still  make  shouting  noise. 
 
 6.       a  To  me,  0  do  not  roughly  speak. 
 
 b  Good  God  ! 
 
 c  Through  inward  griefs  and  foes'  despites, 
 
 d  But,  sinners,  now  depart  from  me  ! 
 
 e  Which  let  my  foes  with  blushing  see. 
 
 9.       a  My  answering  tongue  Thy  wond'rous  works  pro- 
 
 claim : 
 
 My  beating  heart  shall  bound, 
 
 With  joy  my  tongue  resound. 
 
 b  By  Thee  o'erwhelm'd,  no  more  to  rise, 
 
 Their  name  in  endless  shade  of  dark  oblivion  lies. 
 
 c  And  sheer,  with  sweepy  sway, 
 
 Their  cities  bore  away. 
 
APPENDIX.  517 
 
 10.  a  Fearing  neither  falls  nor  sliding  ; 
 
 From  his  mouth  much  cursing  flows, 
 Underneath  his  tongue  still  hiding 
 
 Mischief,  sin,  and  guileful  shows. 
 b  In  blind  paths. 
 c  At  the  poor  he  darts  his  eyes. 
 d  His  drifts  to  further. 
 e  denned  lion. 
 f  Lo,  Thou  see'st,  yea  see'st,  them  do 
 
 Spiteful  wrongs  ;  and  to  reward  it. 
 g  Thou  art  poor  men's  hopeful  stay. 
 h  Arms.  i  Gentiles. 
 
 11.  a  By  you  be  ta'en  away. 
 b  on  high. 
 
 c  and  them  his  eyelids  try. 
 
 d  But  lewd  men,  loving  violence, 
 
 His  soul  doth  much  detest. 
 
 e  On  sinners  He  shall  rain  down  snares, 
 
 Brimstone,  and  balls  of  fire  ; 
 
 An  horrid  tempest  He  prepares, 
 
 To  pay  them  home  their  hire. 
 
 f  For  God  most  just,  without  defect, 
 
 In  justice  doth  delight ; 
 His  countenance,  with  kind  aspect. 
 
 13.       a  By  fraud  or  force  prevailing, 
 
 How  long  my  foes  bear  sway  ? 
 b  Dispel  this  heavy  gloom. 
 
518  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 14.  a  Virtue's.  b  Heaven. 
 
 15.  a  Not  stranger-like  to  visit  them, 
 
 But  to  inhabit  there. 
 b  Whose  every  thought  and  deed 
 
 By  rules  of  virtue  moves. 
 c  generous  tongue. 
 rt  Who  vice,  in  all  its  pomp  and  power, 
 
 Can  treat  with  just  neglect ; 
 And  piety,  though  clothed  in  rags,  &c. 
 2  Treasure. 
 1  When  earth's  foundation  shakes. 
 
 17-        a  Lord,  hear  my  cause,  my  suits,  my  cries. 
 b  To  rightful  things  decline  Thine  eyes. 
 c  as  for  things  by  others  done. 
 d  My  words — (apparently  a  misprint.) 
 e  Lord  hear,  and  my  complaint  attend. 
 f  quite  round.  S  brags. 
 
 h  Lord,  from  those  worldlings  guard  Thou  me. 
 i  Who  full  of  wealth  and  children  be. 
 J  To  wake  from  sin,  and  look  on  Thee. 
 In  Thine  own  form  contenteth  me. 
 
 18.       a  And  plunged  in  sorrow's  waves. 
 b  Ana  my  complaints  did  hear. 
 c  His  nostrils  fumed,  His  mouth  breathed  fire. 
 d  Then  down  He  came,  and  Heaven  He  bowed. 
 
APPENDIX.  519 
 
 PSALM 
 
 18.       e  And  when  that  Great  Almighty  spake, 
 Both  fire  and  hail  appeared. 
 
 His  darts  on  every  side  He  threw, 
 
 Till  they  dispersed  were  ; 
 His  burning  lightnings  flashing  flew, 
 
 And  caused  them  to  fear. 
 
 When  He  did  frown,  a  dreadful  blast, 
 
 He  from  His  nostrils  blowed, 
 Which  up  the  seas'  low  depths  did  cast, 
 And  earth's  foundations  showed. 
 f  He  likewise  guarded  me. 
 s  They  in  my  cares  did  me  prevent. 
 h  The  Lord  my  righteousness  observed. 
 1  And,  as  mine  innocence  deserved. 
 J  For  in  God's  ways  my  walkings  were, 
 From  Him  I  have  not  stepped  ; 
 Still  in  my  sight  His  judgments  are, 
 And  I  His  laws  have  kept. 
 *  In  Him. 
 
 1  For  to  the  meek  the  Lord  is  kind. 
 m  m  He  will.     God  shall. 
 n  My  lamp  enlight  He  shall. 
 °  And  overleaped  a  wall. 
 P  P  P  His.     He. 
 
 q  My  steps  by  Him  enlarged  be. 
 r  He,  to  fit  me  for  the  war, 
 
 With  power  did  me  endue. 
 s  he  threw. 
 
520  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 18.        fc  To  conquer  them  who  me  envied, 
 Me  strong  enough  He  made. 
 u  Replies,  nor  help  they  had. 
 v  So  small  I  did  them  beat, 
 
 And  threw  them  forth  as  miry  dross, 
 Which  lies  about  the  street. 
 w  *  His.     Him. 
 x  Which  knows  me  not  as  yet. 
 y  Themselves  they  shall  submit. 
 z  fear. 
 
 a  Aloud  God's  praise  declare. 
 b  Among  the  Gentiles  now  therefore, 
 I'll  thank  Him  for  the  same  ; 
 My  song  shall  be  for  evermore 
 In  honour  of  His  Name. 
 
 19.  a  devious  thought. 
 
 20.  a  or. 
 
 b  Thine  oblations  reach  the  skies. 
 c  Will  our  grateful  trophies  rear. 
 d  Now  I  am  assured  the  Lord 
 Will  His  servant  shield  ; 
 
 Succour  from  the  heavens  afford. 
 c  Scythed  car. 
 1  His  mighty  Name, 
 
 Who  outspread  the  skies. 
 g  We  shall  victors  rise. 
 h  Hear  us  in  our  fervent  cry. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 521 
 
 PSALM 
 
 23 
 
 a  though  I  walk  in  vale  of  death. 
 
 24. 
 
 a  Whose  meanings  are  upright. 
 b  Who  swear  without  deceit. 
 c  And  from  their  Saviour  grace. 
 
 26, 
 
 a  Assay  my  reins  and  heart. 
 
 b  I  shun  the  spoiler's  den. 
 
 c  I  wash. 
 
 d  Rank  not  with  men  of  blood  my  soul, 
 
 My  life  with  impious  tribes, 
 Whose  hands  of  dark  designs  are  full, 
 
 Whose  right-hands  teem  with  bribes. 
 
 28. 
 
 a  Shall  be. 
 
 b  Since  they  will  not  Thy  choice  renown, 
 But  hate,  whom  Thou  intend'st  to  crown, 
 0  build  not  up,  but  pull  them  down  ! 
 
 c  My  strength  secured  on  every  side, 
 Since  all  my  hope  on  Him  relied. 
 
 d  These  seas  of  joy  my  tears  devour, 
 My  songs  shall  celebrate  Thy  power, 
 0  Thou,  that  art  to  Thine  a  tower  ! 
 
 29. 
 
 a  Ascribe,  ye  mighty,  to  the  Lord, 
 Ascribe  all  power  and  fame  ; 
 Let  Him  be  in  His  House  adored, 
 And  honour  ye  His  Name. 
 
 b  greatest  flood. 
 
522  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 29.  c  E'en  Libanus,  and  Sirion  too, 
 
 He  makes  to  start  through  fear, 
 As  unicorns  and  bullocks  do, 
 That  young  and  frightful  are. 
 d  The  Lord  likewise  doth  in  the  flood. 
 
 30.  a  Nor  madest  me  a  scorn  to  those, 
 
 Who  were  my  life's  professed  foes. 
 b  For  but  a  moment  lasts  His  wrath  ; 
 
 His  favour  life  restored  hath. 
 c  My  bases  are  for  ever  laid. 
 d  My  mountain  mad'st  so  strong. 
 e  My  comforts  vanished  hence  apace. 
 f  Or  those,  in  earth  who  closed  are, 
 
 From  their  low  cells  Thy  truth  declare  ? 
 s  My  sackcloth  Thou  didst  off  me  take, 
 
 And  cheerful  robes  of  gladness  make. 
 h  Incessant. 
 
 33.       a  Tabor. 
 
 b  Just  and  true. 
 
 c  Not  the  chief  his  serried  lances. 
 d  All  in  vain  the  war-horse  prances. 
 e  Rests  our  soul  in  expectation. 
 
 42.       a  As  for  the  distant  water  pants  the   desert's  fleet 
 
 gazelle, 
 So  longs  my  heart  for  Thee,  O  God,  within  Thy 
 
 courts  to  dwell  ; 
 Like  her  I  thirst,  but  thirst  for  Thee. 
 
APPENDIX.  523 
 
 PSALM 
 
 42.  t>  Thy. 
 
 c  My  tears  have  been  my  drink,  my  solace,  night 
 and  day. 
 
 d  I  think  upon  the  happy  days,  and  mourn  the  Sab- 
 baths fled. 
 
 e  Here  beyond  Jordan's  fountains,   amid  Hermon's 
 rocky  hills. 
 
 1  gathering.  S  glen  to  glen.  h  deeper. 
 
 1  Once,  in  Thy  loving-kindness  blest,  swift  flew  my 
 days  along, 
 Amid  the  watches  of  the  night,  Thy  praise  inspired 
 
 my  song, 
 But  now  I  cry. 
 
 k  To    groan    beneath    oppression,    and    endure    the 
 impious  scoff. 
 
 43.  a  Judge  Thou  my  cause  ;  right  me,  0  God,  against 
 
 a  cruel  race. 
 b  To    groan    beneath    oppression,    and    endure    the 
 impious  scoff. 
 
 44.  a  Often  made. 
 
 b  By  that  succour  Thou  didst  bring, 
 
 We  their  pride,  that  us  assailed, 
 Down  did  tread,  and  back  did  fling, 
 
 In  Thy  name  confused  and  quailed. 
 c  was  not  reposed. 
 d  nor  my  scabbard  held  enclosed. 
 
 That,  whence  should  my  safety  flow. 
 
524                                  APPENDIX. 
 
 -  ' 
 
 PSALM 
 
 44.       e  In  our  camp. 
 
 f  Right  as  sheep  to  be  devoured, 
 
 Helpless  here  we  lie  alone  ; 
 
 Scatteringly  by  Thee  outpoured, 
 
 Slaves  to  dwell  with  lords  unknown, 
 
 Sold  we  are,  but  silver  none 
 
 Told  for  us. 
 
 o  By  them  all  that  dwell  about  us, 
 
 Tost  we  flee  as  balls  of  scorn  ; 
 
 All  our  neighbours  laugh  and  flout  us, 
 
 Men  by  Thee  in  shame  forlorn : 
 
 Proverb-like  our  name  is  worn, 
 
 0  how  fast,  in  foreign  places  ! 
 
 What  head-shakings  are  forborne, 
 
 Wordless  taunts,  and  dumb  disgraces  ! 
 
 h  as  myself  do  daily  go. 
 
 i  wrathful  spite,  with  outward  blow. 
 
 J  our  feet  have  slidden, 
 
 Though  us,  down  to  dragons  cast, 
 
 Thou  in  deadly  shade  hast  hidden. 
 
 k  Deeper  sinks  than  deepest  working. 
 
 1  Sleep  not  ever,  slack  not  ever  ! 
 
 m  Why  to  hide  Thy  face  persever  ? 
 
 15  Heavy  grief  our  soul  abaseth. 
 
 °  Earth  our  body  fast  embraceth. 
 
 46.       a  world. 
 
 b  the  stars  of  morn. 
 
 c  Burn  before  Him,  quenched  as  tow. 
 
APPENDIX.  525 
 
 PSALM 
 
 46.  2nd  Version. 
 
 a      and  kings  fire  took ; 
 He  spake ;  the  earth,  as  thunder-strook, 
 
 In  a  cold  sweat  did  melt  away. 
 b  Causes  tumultuous  rage  to  cease, 
 
 And  bids  devouring  war  retire. 
 
 47.  a  cheerful  song.  b  utmost. 
 c  Our  chiefs  and  tribes,  that  far  from  hence 
 
 To  adore  the  God  of  Abram  came, 
 Found  Him  their  constant,  sure  defence  ; 
 How  great  and  glorious  is  His  Name  ! 
 
 48.  a  The  Lord  is  great,  and  great  His  fame 
 
 Should  in  His  holy  mountain  be. 
 b  Frame, 
 c  doth  hight. 
 d  Tarsus. 
 e  And  in  Thy  judgments  Sion  shall 
 
 Rejoice  with  Judah's  daughters  all. 
 f  Her  bulwarks  mark,  her  turrets  heed. 
 g  And  tell  her  glories  to  your  seed. 
 b  In  Life. 
 *  And  in  our  death. 
 
 50.       a  By  holy  compact  bound. 
 And  sacrificial  rites. 
 b  God  of  the  earth  and  sky. 
 
1 
 
 526 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 50. 
 
 c  Nor  steer  of  thine,  nor  goat, 
 
 From  stall  or  crowded  cote 
 
 I  ask  ; — the  forest-broods  belong  to  me ; 
 
 To  me,  &c. 
 
 1 
 
 d  Each  field-fed  beast  I  see. 
 
 e  Or  on  the  blood  of  slaughtered  goat  carouse  ? 
 
 Go  ;  on  God's  altar  raise. 
 
 f  Pay  to  the  Lord  the  oblation  of  thy  vows." 
 
 S  But  thou,  say,  why  wilt  thou 
 
 h  Thy  mouth  did  teem  with  ill, 
 
 With  fraud  thy  tongue  distil, 
 
 Malign  thy  friend,  thy  mother's  son  blaspheme. 
 
 1  Lest  hideous  rout. 
 
 i 
 
 52. 
 
 a  deviseth  subtilely. 
 
 b  working  deceitfully. 
 
 c  So  God  shall  thee  destroy  for  aye, 
 
 Remove  thee,  pluck  thee  out 
 
 Quite  from  thy  house,  out  of  the  land 
 
 Of  life  He  shall  thee  root. 
 
 d  And  laugh  at  him  they  shall. 
 
 e  And  I  for  ever  will  Thee  praise, 
 
 Because  Thou  hast  done  this  ; 
 
 I  on  Thy  name  will  wait ;  for  good 
 
 Before  Thy  saints  it  is. 
 
 54. 
 
 a  He  upon  the  guilty  head 
 
 Righteous  recompense  shall  shed  ; 
 
 Thou  from  earth  their  name  shalt  raze. 
 
APPENDIX.  527 
 
 55.       a  a  sufferer's  sorrows  hear. 
 
 b  In  mercy  lend  a  listening  ear.  c  weak. 
 
 d  Deep  in  distress  engulphed  I  lie, 
 A  raging  sea  of  woes  ; 
 While  o'er  me  peals  the  slanderer's  cry, 
 And  impious  bands  enclose. 
 
 To  sink  my  soul  with  crimes  unknown, 
 
 Perfidious  snares  they  lay  ; 
 Hot  with  relentless  rancour  grown, 
 They  seek  my  life  to  slay. 
 e  Away  from  trouble  far  to  fly. 
 f  Lo  in  some  mountain's  desert  breast, 
 
 A  sheltering  cave  I'd  find. 
 s  to  my  sight 
 
 Appear,  the  city  streets  among. 
 h  They  guard  her  wall. 
 1  Rebellion  stalks  abroad, 
 
 With  woe,  and  proud  disdain  of  right, 
 And  treachery  and  fraud. 
 J  'Twas  no  fierce  tongue  of  hate  avowed 
 
 Essayed  my  fame  to  tear  ; 
 The  malice  of  the  vulgar  crowd 
 My  soul  had  learned  to  bear. 
 
 No  haughty  eye,  untaught  to  spare, 
 
 Aspired  to  lay  me  low  ; 
 My  soul  had  sought,  with  watehful  care, 
 
 To  screen  me  from  the  blow. 
 
528  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 55.      k  To  whom  my  soul  applied, 
 
 To  bear  in  all  her  griefs  a  part. 
 1  Death  claims  her  due  ;  they  quick  to  hell's 
 Sepulchral  gloom  descend. 
 m  And  morn,  and  radiant  noon. 
 n  And  He  with  peace  shall  crown, 
 
 My  guardian  in,  &c. 
 °  lifted  hand. 
 
 P  Who  spurns  of  peace  the  sacred  band. 
 q      Yet  smother  show, 
 
 Than  creamy  store  his  words. 
 r  Sheathless.  s  Lord,  I  trust. 
 
 57-       a  Till  this  outrageous  storm  is  past, 
 b  To  Thy  tribunal,  Lord,  I  fly. 
 
 Thou,  &c. 
 c  From  heaven  protect  me  by  thine  arm, 
 And  shame  all  those,  who  seek  my  harm  ; 
 To  my  relief  Thy  mercy  send, 
 And  truth,  on  which  my  hopes  depend. 
 d  savage  men. 
 
 e  So  let  it  be  on  earth  displayed, 
 Till  thou  art  here,  as  there,  obeyed. 
 
 (So  the  last  verse). 
 f  And  had  almost  my  soul  ensnared  ; 
 But  fell  themselves  by  just  decree. 
 
 59.       a  They  brandish  swords, 
 
 Yet  say  can  these  be  known  ? 
 
APPENDIX.  529 
 
 59.       b  The  empty  terror  of  their  pride. 
 
 c  I  and  my  strength  are  in  Thy  power, 
 
 In  Thee  I  trust. 
 d  close  arts. 
 
 e  As  grinning  dogs  bark,  but  not  bite. 
 f  Like  vagabonds  howl  they  for  bread. 
 s  Living  verse. 
 
 60        a  Thy  banner. 
 
 b  And  in  this  mercy  verified 
 
 Thy  so  long  promised  aid. 
 e  That  David,  Thy  beloved,  may  be. 
 d  My  joys  are  now  grown  great. 
 e  And  Succoth's  valley  mete. 
 f  My  large  dominion's  spread. 
 8  Subjected  Palestine. 
 h  Who  shall  to  Rabbah  lead  us  on, 
 Where  Ammon  proudly  reigns  % 
 Who  our  victorious  march  conduct 
 Through  sandy  Edom's  plains  ? 
 1  Cast  off  Thy  people  quite, 
 i  Unto  the  doubtful  fight. 
 k  Valiant  acts ; 
 He  shall  our  foes  confound, 
 And  beat  their  trampled  flesh  to  dirt 
 O'er  all  the  ignoble  ground. 
 
 61.      a  When  as  my  heart  with  sorrow's  weight 
 Is  overwhelmed,  0  lead  me  straight 
 Unto  the  rock,  that's  higher  than  I. 
 
 M  m 
 
530  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 61.  b  Under  Thy  wings'  most  secret  place. 
 
 c  And  make  his  years  like  many  an  age. 
 d  And  I  will  sing  due  praise  therefore 
 Unto  thy  name  for  evermore. 
 
 62.  a  (Thus  my  heart  is  self -reproved) 
 
 I  shall  not  be  greatly  moved. 
 b  Sudden,  desperate,  your  fall. 
 c  111  their  flattering  tongues  conceal 
 
 That  deep  malice  which  they  feel. 
 d  Wait  for  succour  from  His  throne  ; 
 
 Hide  beneath  His  Name  of  power, 
 
 My  defence,  and  safety-tower. 
 e  God  for  my  salvation  came, 
 
 I  will  glory  in  His  Name. 
 f  Strong  hold. 
 S  Weigh  the  rich  and  poor  together, 
 
 Both  are  lighter  than  a  feather. 
 
 Trust  them  not,  nor  trust  in  gain  : 
 
 Fraud  or  force  shall  prove  in  vain. 
 
 Whether  got  by  right  or  stealth, 
 
 Set  not,  &c. 
 h  Mercy  too  belongs  to  Thee, 
 
 Mercy  joined  with  equity. 
 
 64.         Raging  foes. 
 
 b  When  my  foes  in  council  meet, 
 Hide  me  in  some  safe  retreat, 
 Where,  beneath  Thy  gracious  eye, 
 I  may  all  their  rage  defy. 
 
PSALM 
 
 64.       c  Like  as. 
 
 d  Mutually  agreed  they  join. 
 e  With  what  diligence  and  care, 
 
 They  invent  and  lay  the  snare. 
 f  Lo,  they  fall. 
 S  All  the  curses  of  their  tongue 
 
 Fall,  &c. 
 
 Men  behold  their  swift  decay, 
 
 And  with  trembling  haste  away. 
 h  In  the  ruin  of  their  race. 
 1  The  grateful  voice. 
 
 66.       a  The  sea. 
 
 b  Who  puts,  and  holds,  our  souls  in  life, 
 
 And  feet,  &c. 
 c  Into  a  net  hast  wound  us  fast, 
 
 Our  loins  hast  straitly  tied. 
 d  Of  freedom  brought  us  hast. 
 
 With  offerings  I'll  go  to  Thy  house, 
 
 My  vows  I'll  pay  to  Thee, 
 Which  my  lips  uttered,  and  mouth  spake, 
 When  trouble  was  on  me. 
 e  0  come,  and  hearken  now  to  me, 
 
 All  ye,  who  God  revere. 
 f  I'll  gratefully  declare. 
 
 66.     2nd  Version. 
 
 a  Happy  sons  of  Israel, 
 Who  in  pleasant  Canaan  dwell, 
 
 m  m  2 
 
532  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 66.  Sing  the  great  Jehovah's  praise, 
 
 Trophies  to  His  glory  raise. 
 
 b  how  wonderful. 
 
 c  Conquest  on  Thy  sword  doth  sit, 
 Trembling  foes  through  fear  submit. 
 Let  the  many-peopled  earth, 
 All  of  high,  and  humble  birth, 
 Worship  our  Eternal  King, 
 Hymns  unto  His  honour  sing. 
 
 d  driven  into. 
 
 e  Incense  in  perfumes  shall  rise  : 
 Bullocks,  shaggy  goats,  and  rams, 
 Offered  up  in  sacred  flames. 
 
 67.  a  While  distant  lands  their  tribute  pay, 
 
 And,  &c. 
 b  Let  differing  nations  join. 
 c  Dissolved  in  pious  mirth, 
 f  Plenty. 
 
 68.  a  as  wax  dissolves  with  scorching  fire. 
 b  The  single. 
 
 c  By  Him  we  conquer  ;  virgins  sing 
 
 Our  victories,  and  timbrels  ring. 
 d  in  soot  and  smoke. 
 e  his  many  heads. 
 f  were. 
 3  Thou  captivat'st  captivity. 
 
APPENDIX.  533 
 
 PSALM 
 
 08.  Deck'd  with  the  trophies  of  His  foes, 
 
 The  gifts  received  on  His  bestows, 
 Reducing  them  that  did  rebel, 
 That  both  might  in  His  Sion  dwell. 
 
 hHis. 
 
 1  The  controverse  of  life  and  death. 
 
 J  That  dogs  may  lap  their  enemies'  blood. 
 
 k  But  Judah  from  his  mountain  throne, 
 And  far-removed  Zebulon, 
 And  Naphthali,  which  borders  on 
 Old  Jordan,  where  his  stream  dilates, 
 Joined  all  their  powers  and  potentates. 
 For  us  His  winged  soldiers  fought, 
 Lord,  &c. 
 
 1  Far  off,  from  sun- burnt  Meroe, 
 From  falling  Nilus  ;  from  the  sea, 
 Which  beats  on  the  Egyptian  shore. 
 
 m  He,  who  heaven's  upper  heaven  bestrides, 
 And  on  her  aged  shoulders  rides. 
 
 n  terrible. 
 
 69.       a  gather  round  my  soul. 
 b  I  call,  I  gaze, 
 
 My  throat  is  parched,  my  sight  decays. 
 c  More  than  my  countless  locks  are  they  ; 
 
 Who  unprovoked  my  soul  would  slay. 
 d  A  stranger  while  my  friends  in  me, 
 
 My  mother's  sons  an  alien  see/ 
 e  Reproaches  aimed  at  Thee  I  feel 
 
534  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 69.  Light  on  my  head  ;  does  fasting  wear 
 My  frame  ?     The  stern  rebuke  I  bear. 
 
 f  Flood. 
 
 §  Vain  be  the  fury  of  the  main, 
 
 And  the  pit  ope  her  jaws  in  vain  ! 
 h  Hear,  nor  Thy  face,  Jehovah,  hide  ! 
 
 For  large  and  deep  Thy  mercy's  tide  ; 
 
 Hear,  and  benign  Thine  aspect  show, 
 i  woe. 
 
 J  from  hostile  grasp. 
 k  my  meat  was  gall  ; 
 
 And,  when  1  sank  o'erspent  with  drought, 
 
 Sour  juice  of  eager  wine  they  brought. 
 1  But  them  their  board  shall  snare. 
 m  m  Thou  wilt. 
 
 n  Thou  wilt  a  flood  of  fury  pour, 
 
 And  wrap  them  in  the  burning  shower. 
 0  Adds ;  nor  Thy  mercy  shall  they  see. 
 P  The  portion  of  the  righteous  taste  : 
 
 But  me,  all  trampled  though  I  lie. 
 q  For  God  with  strength  will  Zion  crown, 
 
 And  Judah  plant  with  tower  and  town. 
 
 70.  a  With  great  disgrace. 
 
 b  Let  them,  that  make  my  grief  their  game, 
 Be  turned  back  with  utter  shame. 
 
 c  Whoever  do. 
 
 d  and  undertrod  ; 
 Make  haste  to  help  me,  0  my  God  ! 
 
APPENDIX.  535 
 
 PSALM 
 
 71.       a  my  sole  help-giver. 
 
 b  Since,  imprisoned  in  my  mother, 
 
 Thou  me  freed'st,  whom  have  I  other. 
 c  Was  my  ditty,  long  the  day. 
 d  Courage,  verdure,  virtue  faileth. 
 e  Of  their  talk,  and  lo  !  the  sum. 
 f  dismighted. 
 s      resolved  to  tarry 
 
 In  my  trust,  and  not  to  vary. 
 h  Still  with  mouth  Thy  truths  recounting, 
 
 Still  Thy  aids,  though  much  surmounting 
 Greatest  sum  that  number  lays. 
 1  In  my  talk  who  just,  but  Thou  ? 
 
 Who  by  Thee,  from  infant  cradle, 
 
 Taught  still  more,  as  still  more  able. 
 J  Now  that  age  hath  me  attainted. 
 k  painted.      *  dost.      m  this.      n  Jacob's.       °  wre 
 
 73.       a  For  more  than  heart  can  wish  have  they. 
 b  To  make  the  multitude  their  prey. 
 c  Pleasure's  full  cups  to  them  are  wrung, 
 
 They  reel  in  revelry  and  mirth. 
 d  Who  is  the  Lord,  that  we  should  fear, 
 Lest  He  our  dark  devices  know  ; 
 Who  the  Most  High,  that  He  should  hear, 
 Or  heed  the  works  of  men  below  ? 
 
 Thus  cry  the  mockers,  flushed  with  health, 
 Exulting  while  their  joys  increase  ; 
 
536                                   APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 73.          These  are  the  ungodly  ;  men,  whose  wealth 
 
 Flows,  like  a  river,  ne'er  to  cease. 
 
 e  And  washed  in  innocence  my  hands. 
 
 f  At  night  I  mourn  in  straitening  bands. 
 
 g  Surely,  in  slippery  places  set. 
 
 h  Snared  in  the  toils  of  their  own  net. 
 
 *  As,  from  a  dream  when  one  awakes, 
 
 The  phantoms  of  the  brain  take  flight  ; 
 
 So,  when  Thy  wrath  in  thunder  breaks, 
 
 Their  image  shall  dissolve  in  night. 
 
 J  0  still  uphold  me. 
 
 74.       a  hast  Thou  abandoned. 
 
 b  affected. 
 
 c  accursed. 
 
 d  Like  lions,  with  sharp  famine  whet, 
 
 They  in  Thy  sanctuary  roar, 
 
 All  purple  in  Thy  people's  gore  ; 
 
 And  there  their  conquering  ensigns  set. 
 
 It  was  esteemed  a  great  renown 
 
 With  axe  to  square  the  mountain  oaks  ; 
 
 Now  they  demolish  with  their  strokes, 
 
 And  hew  the  carved  fabric  down. 
 
 Who,  lo,  with,  &c. 
 
 e      devour, 
 
 Profanely  prostrate  on  the  floor. 
 
 f  Now,  said  they,  with  a  sudden  hand, 
 
 Give  we  a  general  end  to  all. 
 
APPENDIX.  537 
 
 PSALM 
 
 74.      s  There  are  no  prophets  to  divine, 
 That  might  our  miseries  decline. 
 h  Thy  hand  out  of  Thy  bosom  draw. 
 1  the  old 
 
 Amazed  world  Thy  wonders  saw. 
 k  Thou  struck'st  the  Erythraean  waves. 
 1      Brak'st  the  Egyptian  dragon's  head, 
 
 That  great  leviathan  of  Nile 
 
 To  beasts  and  serpents,  which  possess 
 
 The  dry  and  foodless  wilderness, 
 
 By  Thee  delivered  for  a  spoil. 
 
 Thou  clav'st  the  rock,  from  whose  green  wound 
 
 The  thirst-expelling  fountain  brake. 
 
 m  heady  streams.                n  ground. 
 
 0  The  moon.                        P  The  raging  sea. 
 
 q  by  Thee  made. 
 
 r  Thy  cov'nant  bound  by  oath  maintain. 
 
 s  Rape  and  slaughter.        t  return. 
 
 u      But  crown  Thee  with  deserved  applause  : 
 
 0  patronize  Thy  proper  cause  ; 
 
 Remember,  fools  revile  Thy  Name. 
 
 0  let  their  sorrows  never  cease, 
 
 Who  blast  Thee,  &c. 
 
 75.       a  approacheth  nigh. 
 
 b  When  I  the  people  have  assumed. 
 
538 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 75. 
 
 c  And  when  earth's  dwellers  are  consumed. 
 
 d  Mountains. 
 
 e  From  His  full  cup  within  His  hand. 
 
 He,  &c. 
 
 f  And  the  ungodly  of  the  land 
 
 Shall  dregs,  and  all,  devour. 
 
 76. 
 
 a  astonied. 
 
 b      Have  girt  the  last  wrath  on  thee  ; 
 
 Vow  they  to  God,  and  pay  their  vow, 
 
 Who  wait  in  course  upon  Thee. 
 
 77- 
 
 a  my  moans. 
 
 b  with  never-ceasing  groans. 
 
 c  But  fixed  on  Him  my  thought. 
 
 d  With  pain  I  lost  my  tongue. 
 
 c  Hate. 
 
 f  No,  this  my  frailty  is,  quoth  I ; 
 
 And  these  but  changes  are, 
 
 Wrought  by  the  power  of  God  Most  High, 
 
 Which  I  in  mind  will  bear. 
 
 g  therefore. 
 
 h  Thy  walkings  in  Thy  house  declare, 
 
 That  there's  no  God  like  Thee ; 
 
 And  what  Thy  power  and  marvels  are, 
 
 Thou  mak'st  all  people  see. 
 
 1  The  seas  and  floods,  to  view  Thy  face. 
 
 J  vapours.                        k  forth  were  shot, 
 
 1  And  earth  a  trembling  got. 
 
APPENDIX.  539 
 
 77-      m  Thou  went'st  through  seas.         n  Thy  paths  were. 
 
 80.       a  Give  ear.  b  strength. 
 
 c  Nor  Ephraim  call  in  vain  for  aid. 
 d  With  sorrow  make  our  cup  o'erflow, 
 
 And  feed  us,  &c. 
 e  Still  shall,  our  foes. 
 *  There,  watered  by  Thy  heavenly  dew. 
 s  Its  shadow  o'er  the  hills  it  threw, 
 
 And  filled  the  land  on  all  sides  round. 
 h      o'er  the  river  spread, 
 
 And  stretched  them  to  the  farthest  main. 
 1      Uproots  the  unprotected  tree, 
 And  beasts  of  prey,  in  search  of  food, 
 Strip  her  fair  boughs  with  savage  glee. 
 
 Oh,  then,  &c. 
 J  Then  let  Thy  hand  fresh  vigour  give 
 
 To  Him,  whom  first  that  hand  did  raise, 
 So  shall  he  not  go  back,  &c. 
 
 85.       a  Thy  cloud. 
 
 b  From  Thine  own  Thy  fury  cease. 
 
 Wilt  Thou  ne'er  the  storm  assuage 
 
 On  the  realm  of  Thy  desire  ? 
 Lengthening  out  from  age  to  age, 
 Thy  consuming  jealous  ire  ? 
 c  That  the  glory  of  our  land. 
 
 As  of  old  may  dwell  enshrined. 
 
85.         Mercy  now  and  justice  meet. 
 
 Peace  and  truth  for  aye  embrace  ; 
 
 Truth  from  earth  is  springing  sweet, 
 
 Justice  looks  from  her  high  place. 
 
 8J.       a  And  all  the  pleasant  seats  excel.  b  Tents. 
 
 c  Bright  is  Thy  fame,  and  far  abroad 
 
 d      Diffused  among  my  race. 
 Proud  Babel's  daughters  I  will  place. 
 
 e  Egypt. 
 
 f  And  Tyre,  and  they  of  Palestine. 
 
 &  Yea,  God  Himself,  ^he  mighty  Lord, 
 His  works  of  wonder  shall  record, 
 And  to  the  listening  world  declare. 
 
 91.       a  Closet. 
 
 b  His  highness. 
 
 c  He  will,  no  doubt. 
 
 d  Traps. 
 
 e  No  secret  plague  offend  thee  shall, 
 
 Nor  what  in  public  wastes  the  land. 
 f  Their  hands  will  thee  uprightly  lead. 
 g  For,  seeing  his  delight  I  am, 
 
 I  will,  saith  God,  be  still  his  guard  ; 
 And,  since  he  knows  my  holy  name, 
 
 To  honours  high  he  shall  be  reared. 
 
 94.       a  Lord  God  of  vengeance,  light  the  skies 
 With  judgment's  fiery  cloud  ; 
 
APPENDIX.  541 
 
 PSALM 
 
 94.  0  God  of  vengeance  just,  arise, 
 
 And,  &c. 
 b  They  trample  down  the  humble  race, 
 And  slay  the  seed  opprest, 
 The  widow  in  her  child's  embrace, 
 The  orphan,  and  the  guest. 
 
 They  mock  their  victims  as  they  bleed, 
 
 They  mock  their  parting  groans  ; 
 The  Lord,  they  cry,  shall  never  heed, 
 The  Lord  whom  Jacob  owns. 
 c  Till  justice  sit  on  Judgment's  throne, 
 
 While  all  the  pure  obey. 
 d  Strong.  e  Song. 
 
 f  Wilt  Thou  the  unrighteous  throne  maintain, 
 That  bids  the  lawless  deed, 
 Against  the  good  arrays  its  train, 
 And  dooms,  &c. 
 g  shall  wield. 
 
 95.       a  As  Moses  the  fathers  of  old 
 
 Through  the  sea  and  the  wilderness  led  ; 
 His  wonderful  works  we  behold, 
 
 With  manna  from  heaven  are  fed. 
 To-day  let  us  hearken,  to-day, 
 
 To  the  voice  that  yet  speaks  from  above, 
 And  all  His  commandments  obey  ; 
 
 For  all  His  commandments  are  love. 
 
542  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 95.  His  wrath  let  us  fear  to  provoke, 
 
 To  dwell  in  His  favour  unite  : 
 His  service  is  freedom,  His  yoke 
 
 Is  easy,  His  burden  is  light. 
 But  0  of  rebellion  beware, 
 
 Rebellion  that  hardens  the  breast  ; 
 Lest  God  in  His  anger  should  swear, 
 
 That  we  shall  not  enter  His  rest. 
 
 96.  a  Till  that  great  day. 
 
 b  For  now  is  our  redemption  nigh  : 
 E'en  nowT,  in  might  and  majesty, 
 He  comes,  with  glory  round  Him  spread, 
 He  comes  to  judge  the  quick  and  dead, 
 To  heal  our  wroes,  our  wrongs  redress, 
 And  judge  the  world  in  righteonsness. 
 
 97-     a  Deep  cloud  and  darkness  round  Him  fold  ; 
 High  righteousness,  &c. 
 b  to  sweep — away. 
 
 c  His  bolts  have  pierced  the  mighty  deep. 
 d  d  flow — flow.     (So  in  1st  and  2nd  Editions.) 
 e  'twas  joy  and  glee 
 
 To  Judah's  loyal  daughters. 
 f  Enthroned  o'er  earth,  and  waters. 
 
 98.       a  have  in  public  viewed. 
 
 b  His  mercies  all  the  world  have  seen. 
 c  With  trump  and  flute  this  joy  begin. 
 
APPENDIX.  543 
 
 PSALM 
 
 98.       d  Before  the  Lord  your  joys  express, 
 
 Ye  floods  and  hills  ;  for  lo !  He  comes. 
 e  with  equalness. 
 
 100.  2nd  Version. 
 
 a  Enter  His  gates  with  songs  of  joy. 
 
 101 .  a  When  wilt  Thou,  Lord,  fulfil  Thy  word  ? 
 
 And  I  shall  do  my  part. 
 b  no  such  persons  know. 
 c  I  will  cut  off,  be  sure, 
 
 The  stout  in  heart,  &c. 
 d  I'll  look  out  then. 
 e  I'll  soon  cut  short  the  wicked  sort, 
 
 And  evil  doers  condemn  ; 
 And  quite  suppress,  &c. 
 
 102.  a  For  all  my  days  away  consume, 
 
 Like  to  the  smoke  or  rising  fume  ; 
 
 My  bones  like  fired  brands  became, 
 
 Burnt  up  and  scorched  in  sorrow's  flame. 
 b  Tliat  scarce  my  flesh  cleaves  to  my  bones. 
 c  As  sparrows  their  lost  mates  bemoan, 
 
 So  do  I  watch,  and  sit  alone. 
 d  which  mischiefs.  e  Thus.  f  dying  flower. 
 
 S  ruined.  h  Rubbish. 
 
 1  When  God  shall  Sion's  buildings  rear. 
 J  The  Lord  from  high  His  beams  displayed. 
 k  Earth  surveyed.         l  That  so,  in  Sion's  blessed  hill. 
 
544                                  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 102.    m  They  may  His  name,  and  praise,  declare. 
 
 When  all  the  people  gathered  are. 
 
 «  So  that  to  God. 
 
 0  They  shall  nor  use,  nor  motion  hold. 
 
 P  Gloss  and  form. 
 
 103.       a      Let  all  within  me  join. 
 
 And  aid  my  tongue  to  bless  His  Name, 
 
 Whose  favours  are  divine. 
 
 b  Young. 
 
 c      When  ransomed  from  the  grave  ; 
 
 He,  that  redeemed  my  soul  from  hell, 
 
 Hath  so v 'reign  power  to  save. 
 
 d  He  fills  the  poor  with  good, 
 
 He  gives  the  sufferers  rest  ; 
 
 The  Lord  hath  judgments  for  the  proud, 
 
 And  justice  for  the  opprest. 
 
 His  wond'rous  works  and  ways, 
 
 He  made  by  Moses  known, 
 
 But  sent  the  world  His  truth  and  grace, 
 
 By  His  Beloved  Son. 
 
 e  And  when  His  strokes  are  felt. 
 
 f  And  lighter  than  our  guilt. 
 
 S  He  knows  we  are  but  dust, 
 
 Scattered  with  every  breath  ; 
 
 His  anger,  like  a  rising  wind, 
 
 Can  send  us  swift  to  death. 
 
 h  Or  as  the  morning  flower, 
 
 *  It  withers  in  an  hour. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 545 
 
 PSALM 
 
 103. 
 
 J  And  guard  His  churches,  when  they  pray, 
 
 Join  in  the  praise  they  sing. 
 k      Thou,  my  soul, 
 Shalt  sing  His  praises  too. 
 
 104. 
 
 a  The  oath  of  Jehovah. 
 b  In  smoke  they  ascend. 
 c  All  years  of  my  being 
 
 With  holy  hymns  blend. 
 
 107, 
 
 a  Behold  them  o'er  the  desert  stray, 
 A  helpless  hopeless  train  ; 
 Some  city  where  their  steps  to  stay, 
 
 They  seek  but  seek  in  vain. 
 Ah  !  what  shall  cheer  their  fainting  mind, 
 
 Or  what  their  woes  assuage  ; 
 To  thirst's  afflictive  pain  consigned, 
 And  famine's  fiercest  rage  ? 
 b  whose  mercy. 
 
 c  Such  is  the  doom.                 d  whose  mercy. 
 e  cleaves.                     f  the  impious  band. 
 S  Estranged  from  food,  their  languid  soul 
 The  needful  meal  foregoes  ; 
 Life  feels  its  current  faintly  roll, 
 And  hastens  to  its  close. 
 h  whose  mercy.                         i  frequent  lays. 
 J  The  gifts  of  commerce. 
 k  By  these  His  works  are  seen,  His  ways 
 By  these  are  understood  ; 
 
 N  n 
 
546  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 107-  He  speaks  the  word,  the  storm  obeys, 
 
 And  rising  lifts  the  flood. 
 1  gorged. 
 m  Nor  hope  survives,  their  soul  to  raise 
 
 Nor  reason,  &c. 
 n  The  seas. 
 0  whose  mercy. 
 P  That  Salem  in  her  sacred  shrine 
 
 His  praise  with  thankful  tongue 
 Would  utter,  while  her  elders  join 
 
 To  swell  the  festal  song. 
 <1  a  burning  waste. 
 
 r  And  touched  by  the  descending  blast. 
 s  He  bids  and  o'er  the  desert  wide 
 
 The  liquid  lake  is  spread  ; 
 New  springs  the  thirsty  earth  divide, 
 
 And  murmuring  lift  the  head. 
 *  And  now  they  sow  the  foodful  grain. 
 11  Now  waves  the  harvest  o'er  the  plain, 
 
 And  plenty  crowns  the  year. 
 v  Nor  dares  disease.  w  peopled  fold. 
 
 x  If  civil  rage,  or  conquering  foe, 
 
 Their  boasted  strength  devour. 
 y  Their  princes  feel  his  rod. 
 2  His  hand  affords  the  wished  release 
 
 Collects  their  scattered  train  ; 
 And  bids  them  like  the  flocks  increase, 
 
 That  fill  the  verdant  plain. 
 a  Such  truths  His  servants  shall  attest. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 547 
 
 PSALM 
 
 107.       b  While  shame  the  impious  shall  invest, 
 
 And  chain  their  speechless  tongue. 
 
 c  His  works  attentive  while  it  sees, 
 
 The  heaven  instructed  mind, 
 
 Shall  own,  how  equal  His  decrees. 
 
 108.       a  warbling  notes. 
 
 b  To  all  the  listening  tribes. 
 
 c  The  aspiring  clouds. 
 
 d  Thy  faithful  truth. 
 
 e  Be  Thou,  0  God,  exalted  high 
 
 Above  the  starry  frame  ; 
 
 And  let  the  world,  with  one  consent, 
 
 Confess  Thy  glorious  name. 
 
 f  Gilead  is  mine,  Manasseh  too, 
 
 And  Ephraim  owns  my  cause, 
 
 Their  strength  my  regal  power  supports. 
 
 s  gives. 
 
 h  Moab  I'll  make  my  servile  drudge, 
 
 On  vanquished  Edom  tread, 
 
 And  through  the  proud  Philistine  lands 
 
 My  conquering  banners  spread. 
 
 i  their. 
 
 J  If  Thou  Thy  power  disclose  ; 
 
 For  God  it  is,  and  God  alone, 
 
 That  treads  down  all  our  foes. 
 
 109.       a  But  put  my  foes  to  shame. 
 
 b      Are  busy  with  my  fame. 
 
 Dark  Calumny  doth  weave  her  web 
 
 My  footsteps  to  surround. 
 
 n  n  2 
 
548                                  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 109.       c  But  I  have  given  my  soul  to  prayer, 
 
 And  found  a  refuge  from  despair. 
 
 d  My  bosom  friend. 
 
 e      Caught  in  his  own  dark  snare  ; 
 
 And  Satan  at  his  right  hand  stand, 
 
 To  bid  his  soul  despair. 
 
 The  wicked  one  shall  o'er  him  reign, 
 
 And  bind  him  with  a  triple  chain. 
 
 f  On  his  cold  hearth  his  sons  shall  stand, 
 
 And  stretch  for  bread  the  suppliant  hand. 
 
 The  stranger  'neath  his  vine  shall  sit, 
 
 The  spoiler  in  his  tent, 
 
 And  ne'er  for  him  the  iron  eye 
 
 With  pity's  dew  relent. 
 
 S  And,  wanderers  from  their  birth. 
 
 h  No  home  be  theirs  on  earth. 
 
 i  Till  He  His  wrath  unbind. 
 
 J  And  as  a  garment. 
 
 k  Be  gracious  unto  me! 
 
 1  All  they  that  look  on  me,  reproach. 
 
 m  but  Thou— 0  bless  thy  servant  still. 
 
 n  In  number,  as  the  sound  of  seas. 
 
 °  Around  the  just  He  spreads  His  shield, 
 
 And  all  the  powers  of  darkness  yield. 
 
 110.       a  Array 'd  in  Ephods  ;  not  so  few 
 
 As  are  those  pearls  of  morning  dew, 
 
 Which  hang  on  fruit  and  flowers. 
 
APPENDIX.                                  549 
 
 PSALM 
 
 110. 
 
 b  E'en  while  the  sun  dispersed  his  light, 
 
 While  moons  shall  rule  the  alternate  night, 
 
 Or  stars  their  course  maintain. 
 
 c  the  purple  ground. 
 
 <l  the  crystal  spring. 
 
 115. 
 
 a  Gentiles. 
 
 b  They  gold  and  silver  be. 
 
 c  And  eyes  that  cannot  see. 
 
 d  All  they,  who  those  adore. 
 
 e  In  God  let  Israel  trust  therefore.             f  their. 
 
 f  On  God  preserving  them. 
 
 S  trust  in  Him. 
 
 h  God  will  remember  us, 
 
 And  on  us  mercy  show. 
 
 1  He  prospers  great  and  small, 
 
 That  fear  of  Him  possess  : 
 
 You  and  your  seed  likewise  He  shall 
 
 Still  more  and  more  encrease. 
 
 Of  God  you  blessed  be. 
 
 J  The  heaven  of  heavens  inhabits  He. 
 
 k  Lord,  none  can  Thee  adore, 
 
 Who  dead  and  silenced  are  ; 
 
 But  I,  both  now  and  evermore, 
 
 Thy  praises  will  declare. 
 
 116. 
 
 a  My  soul  with  grateful  thoughts  of  love 
 
 Entirely  is  possest, 
 
 Because  the  Lord  vouchsafed  to  hear 
 
 The  voice  of  my  request. 
 
550  APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 116.       a  But  still  in  all  the  straits  of  life. 
 
 c  With  deadly  sorrows  compassed  round. 
 d  the  harmless  ;  and  to  me 
 
 Doth,  &c. 
 e  Then  free  from  pensive  cares,  my  soul, 
 
 Resume  thy  wonted  rest. 
 f  Therefore  my  life's  remaining  years, 
 Which  God  to  me  shall  lend, 
 Will  I  in  praises  to  His  name, 
 And  in  His  service  spend. 
 
 In  God  I  trusted,  and  of  Him 
 In  sorest  straits  did  boast ; 
 For,  in  my  flight,  all  hopes  of  aid 
 From  faithless  men  were  lost. 
 S  with  glad  zeal. 
 
 h  By  various  ties,  0  Lord,  must  I. 
 1  To  Thee  I'll  offerings  bring  of  praise. 
 J  Thy  house. 
 
 118.       a  Let  all  that  flourish  in  His  grace, 
 
 Confess  that  from,  &c. 
 b  Prayers.  c  their  deadly  snares. 
 
 d  Assists  my  friends  ;  my  enemies 
 
 Shall  with  their  slaughter  feast  mine  eyes. 
 e  Far  better.  f  much  safer. 
 
 S  I  with  their  bodies  strewed  the  ground. 
 h  numerous. 
 1  Mad  men,  his  fall  ye  seek  in  vain  ! 
 
APPENDIX.                                   551 
 
 PSALM 
 
 118. 
 
 J  By  Him  preserved  from  powerful  wrong. 
 
 Our  tents  with  public  joy  shall  ring  ; 
 
 The  just  of  their  deliverance  sing. 
 
 k  He.                        1  Darts  of  death. 
 
 m  That  I  may  enter  in  His  name, 
 
 And  celebrate  His  glorious  fame. 
 
 11  His  praise  with  hymns  immortalize  ! 
 
 My  Saviour,  who  hath  heard  my  cries. 
 
 °  Thy  king. 
 
 P  a  Lamb, 
 
 New  weaned  from  the  bleating  dam. 
 
 q  And  to  the  stars  thy  glory  raise. 
 
 121. 
 
 a  On  Him.                 b  He.                 c  His  shield. 
 
 d  Safe  shalt  thou  go,  and  safe  return, 
 
 While  He  thy  life  defends, 
 
 Whose  eyes  thy  every  step  discern, 
 
 Whose  mercy  never  ends. 
 
 122. 
 
 a  0  happy  summons  ! 
 
 b  Jerusalem,  our  feet  shall  tread 
 
 Within  thy  walls,  0  Thou  the  head 
 
 Of  all  the  earth,  and  Judah's  throne, 
 
 Three  cities  strongly  joined  in  one. 
 
 c  Fat  offerings  to  His  altar  bring  ; 
 
 And  His  immortal  praises  sing. 
 
 d  There  shall  He. 
 
 e  Your  joys  shall  with  your  days  increase. 
 
 f  Peace. 
 
552 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 126. 
 
 a  As  floods  to  sea-ward  flow. 
 
 b  Who,  outward-bound. 
 
 c  back  again.                 d  bring  home. 
 
 127. 
 
 a  so  gives — He  his  beloved  sleep. 
 
 b  Lo,  children  are  God's  heritage, 
 
 The  womb's  fruit  His  reward  ; 
 
 The  sons  of  youth  as  arrows  are 
 
 For  strong  men's  hands  prepared. 
 
 c  filled  with  those.                 d  their  foes. 
 
 130. 
 
 a  and  quite.             b  b  b  por  Thee.     Thy.     Thy. 
 
 c  eternal  succour. 
 
 d  Whose  friendly  streams  to  us 
 
 Supplies  in  want  convey  ; 
 
 A  healing  spring,  a  spring  to  cleanse, 
 
 And  wash  our  sins  away. 
 
 132. 
 
 a  my  loved  pavilion  tread  ; 
 
 Ne'er  shall  my  limbs  ascend  my  lofty  bed. 
 
 b  be  closed  in  pleasing  sleep. 
 
 c  The  spot  where  Jacob's  God  will  fix  His  dwelling 
 
 place. 
 
 We  heard  at  Ephrata  the  tidings  sound, 
 
 In  Jear's  field  the  wished-for  prize  we  found  ; 
 
 Come  let  us  seek  Jehovah's  favourite  seat, 
 
 And  prostrate  fall  in  worship  at  His  feet. 
 
 d  Throne. 
 
APPENDIX.  553 
 
 PSALM 
 
 132.  e  My  will  and  word  obey  ; 
 
 Their  race  for  ever  shall  Thy  sceptre  sway. 
 f      will  streams  of  plenty  pour  ; 
 
 I  for  her  poor  will  swell  the  harvest's  store. 
 s  her  saints. 
 h  and  cause  her  saints  to  sing  ; 
 
 Still  shall  fresh  branches  spring  from  David's  horn, 
 
 Still  shall  fresh  oil  my  servant's  lamp  adorn. 
 1  An  amaranthine  crown. 
 
 133.  a  liquid  fragrance. 
 
 136.       a  King  of  kings. 
 
 b  The  sun  supplies  the  day  with  light, 
 c  Adorn. 
 
 d  the  swelling  sea. 
 
 e  Great  monarchs  fell  beneath  his  hand. 
 f  He  saw  the  nations  dead  in  sin. 
 S  How  sad  a  state  the  world  was  in  ! 
 h  He  sent  to  save  us  from  our  woe. 
 *  From  death,  and  hell,  and  every  foe, 
 
 And  still,  &c. 
 J  The  heavenly  King. 
 
 137-       a  Babel  streams. 
 b  Just  as. 
 c  And  that  man,  who,  in  thy  slaughter, 
 
 On  the  stones  thy  children  brains, 
 
 Shall  be  blessed  for  his  pains. 
 
554 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 138. 
 
 a  Up  to  Thy  temple  in  the  skies 
 
 Shall  soar  my  heart's  glad  sacrifice. 
 
 b  Thou  far  above,  &c. 
 
 c  The  work  Thy  grace  did  undertake, 
 
 0  Lord,  Thou  never  wilt  forsake. 
 
 139. 
 
 a  Power, 
 
 In  every  place,  at  every  hour, 
 
 I  own  Thy  sway  ;  when  down  I  lie, 
 
 And  when  I  rise,  Thou  still  art  nigh. 
 
 b  soaring. 
 
 c  In  lonely  isle  or  desert  plain. 
 
 d  would. 
 
 e  My  body,  fashioned  with  such  art, 
 
 Such  nice  design  in  every  part, 
 
 The  work  of  thine  Almighty  hand, 
 
 Exceeds  my  skill  to  understand  ; 
 
 How  to  such  knowledge  may  I  soar  ? 
 
 I  can  but  wonder  and  adore. 
 
 When  in  the  womb,  like  unformed  clay, 
 
 My  yet  imperfect  substance  lay  ; 
 
 From  thee  my  bones  were  not  concealed, 
 
 But  every  member  was  revealed. 
 
 E'en  then,  through  nature's  hidden  plan, 
 
 Thine  eye  beheld  the  future  man. 
 
 f  Heaped  by  the  billows. 
 
 140. 
 
 a  On  mischief  hang. 
 
PSALM 
 
 1 40.  b  War,  daily  war. 
 
 c  brandished  tongue. 
 
 d  The  asp's  envenomed  fang. 
 
 e  With  lawless  might  and  impious  art, 
 
 They  plot  my  footsteps  to  subvert. 
 f      Eternal  King  ! 
 
 Thou  dost  Thy  shield  about  me  spread  ; 
 
 My  helmet  Thou,  when  on  my  head 
 The  shafts  of  battle  ring. 
 g  nor. 
 h  The  mischief,  which  their  lips  devise, 
 
 In  mantling  shame. 
 1  Descending  flames,  J  shall  burn. 
 
 k  the  prey. 
 
 141.  a  if  I  err, 
 
 Rebuke  me  ;  they  shall  find, 
 To  richest  perfumes  I  prefer 
 
 A  friend  severely  kind. 
 b  Their  chieftains. 
 c  Its  music. 
 
 142.  a      opprest  with  grief  and  care  ; 
 
 And  all  unseen,  except  by  Him. 
 b  twined  their  snare. 
 c  I  looked  around  for  earthly  aid. 
 d  Look  down  upon  my  woe. 
 e  And  learn,  whatever  ills  assail, 
 Like  me,  thine  aid  to  claim. 
 
556 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 J  43. 
 
 a  Thee  I  seek  with  due  submission, 
 And  my  soul  for  Thy  fruition 
 Longeth,  as  the  thirsty  lands. 
 b  And  Thy  face  divert  not  from  me. 
 c  Guide  my  feet  by  Thy  direction, 
 For  thou  hast  my  heart's  affection  ; 
 Me  from  all  my  foes  release. 
 
 Lord,  my  God,  my  safe  abiding  ! 
 
 • 
 
 145. 
 
 a  They  shall  talk. 
 
 b  Speak  of  Thy  dread  acts  the  story, 
 And  Thy  deeds  of  wonder  tell. 
 Nor  shall  fail  from  memory's  treasure. 
 c  c  Works. 
 d  Ever  through  eternal  ages. 
 e  Evermore  Thy  brightness  blazes. 
 f  Thy  throned  reign. 
 
 s  When  they  call  the  Lord  will  hear  them. 
 h  All  the  wicked. 
 
 14G. 
 
 a  The  Lord  praise,  0  my  soul. 
 
 b  The  wicked's  way. 
 
 c  The  Lord  shall  reign  for  evermore  ; 
 
 Thy  God,  0  Sion,  He 
 Reigns  to  all  generations  : — 
 
 Praise  to  the  Lord  give  ye  ! 
 
 148. 
 
 a  You,  who  dwell  above  the  skies, 
 Free  from  human  miseries  ; 
 
APPENDIX.  557 
 
 PSALM 
 
 148.  You,  whom  highest  heaven  embowers, 
 Praise  the  Lord  with  all  your  powers. 
 
 b  With  borrowed  light. 
 c  Eyes  of  night. 
 
 d  Monstrous  whales,  and  seas  profound. 
 e  them.  f  Flowery  hills,  and  mountains  high. 
 
 S  Neighbours  to  the  sky. 
 h  awful  sceptres. 
 1  You,  who  are  of  Jacob's  race, 
 And  united  to  his  grace. 
 
 149.  a  Tabret. 
 
 b  The  heart's  warm  incense. 
 c      lift  the  echoing  voice, 
 
 And  in  her  Maker's  praise  rejoice. 
 d  The  Lord  hath  pleasure  in  the  meek, 
 In  those  o'er  whom  He  reigns ; 
 The  praises  of  the  God  they  seek 
 Not  night's  mute  hour  restrains. 
 e  E'en  as  in  sacred  lore  we  see. 
 
1 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 1. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 Blest  is  he,  who  neither  strays. 
 
 2. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 Such  uproars  mad  why  do,  &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 Richard  Goodridge    .     . 
 
 (1685.) 
 
 How,  0  my  God,  do  they,  &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 H.  F.  Lyte 
 
 1834. 
 
 God  of  all  my  righteousness. 
 
 5. 
 
 Scottish  Version    .     .     . 
 
 1650. 
 
 Give  ear  unto  my  words,  0  Lord. 
 
 6. 
 
 George  Wither 
 
 1632. 
 
 Lord,  in  Thy  rage  correct  me  not. 
 
 7. 
 
 Bishop  Hall     .... 
 
 1624. 
 
 My  trust,  the  only  hope  I  have. 
 
 8. 
 
 Charles  Cotton  .... 
 
 1689. 
 
 0  Lord,  our  Governor,  &c, 
 
 9. 
 
 Bishop  Mant 
 
 1824. 
 
 My  heart,  Great  God,  shall  raise. 
 
 10. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 1632. 
 
 Lord,  why  standest  Thou  so  far  ? 
 
 11. 
 
 William  Barton    .     .     . 
 
 1644. 
 
 I  make  the  Lord  my  trust,  &c. 
 
 12. 
 
 Joseph  Cottle    .... 
 
 1805. 
 
 Help,  Lord,  or  else  my  foes,  &c. 
 
 13. 
 
 Josiah  Conder  .... 
 
 1837. 
 
 How  long  wilt  Thou  forget  me  ? 
 
 14. 
 
 Anon.    C.  F.  andE.C.  . 
 
 1838. 
 
 There  is  no  God,  the  fool,  &c. 
 
 15. 
 
 Brady  and  Tate    .     .     . 
 
 1696. 
 
 Lord,  who's  the  happy  man,  &c. 
 
 16. 
 
 E.  Farr 
 
 1836. 
 
 0  God,  in  all  my  woes. 
 
 17. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 1632. 
 
 Lord,  hear  the  right,  my,  &c. 
 
 18. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 I  love  the  Lord ;  for  my  support. 
 
 19. 
 
 Bishop  Mant    .... 
 
 1824. 
 
 The  heavens  the  power  of,  &c. 
 
 20. 
 
 Josiah  Conder  .... 
 
 .     1837. 
 
 In  the  day  of  thy  distress. 
 
 21. 
 
 Brady  and  Tate    .     .     . 
 
 1696. 
 
 The  king,  0  Lord,  with  songs,  &c. 
 
 22. 
 
 Christopher  Smart     .     . 
 
 1765. 
 
 0  my  God,  my  God,  receive  me. 
 
 23. 
 
 Thomas  Sternehold    .     . 
 
 1562. 
 
 My  Shepherd  is  the  Living  Lord. 
 
560 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 23.  Anonymous  .... 
 
 .     1846. 
 
 God,  my  Shepherd  and  my  Guide. 
 
 24.  George  Wither  .     .     . 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 The  earth's  the  Lord's  with,  &c. 
 
 25.  Sir  Philip  Sidney  .     . 
 
 .      (1586.) 
 
 To  Thee,  O  Lord,  most  just. 
 
 26.  Bishop  Mant    .     .     . 
 
 .     1824. 
 
 Judge  me,  0  Lord ;  for  I,  &c. 
 
 27.  ^rcorc.    C.F.  andE.C. 
 
 .     1838. 
 
 Jehovah,  my  Light  and,  &c. 
 
 28.  George  Sandys      .     .     . 
 
 .     1636. 
 
 My  God,  my  Rock,  regard,  &c. 
 
 29.  George  Wither  .    .     . 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 Your  worship,  0  ye  mighty,  pay. 
 
 30.  Bishop  King     .     .     . 
 
 .     1651. 
 
 O  Lord,  I  Thee  will  magnify. 
 
 31.  Brady  and  Tate    .     . 
 
 .     1696. 
 
 Defend  me,  Lord,  from  shame. 
 
 32.  Jose/)/*  Cottle    .     .     . 
 
 .     1805. 
 
 How  blest,  whose  sin  hath,  &c. 
 
 33.  Bishop  Mant    .     .     . 
 
 .     1824. 
 
 Chaunt,  ye  Just,  the  Great,  &c. 
 
 34.  George  Sandys  .     .     . 
 
 .     1636. 
 
 The  Lord  I  will  for  ever  bless. 
 
 35.  John  Hopkins  .     .     . 
 
 .     1562. 
 
 Lord,  plead  my  cause  again st, &c. 
 
 36.  Sir  Philip  Sidney  .     . 
 
 (1586.) 
 
 Methinks,  within  my  heart,  &c. 
 
 37.  jfoaac  Watts      .     .     . 
 
 .     1719. 
 
 Why  should'st  thou  vex  thy,  &c. 
 
 38.  E.  Farr  ..... 
 
 .     .     1836. 
 
 Lord,  in  Thy  wrath,  reprove,  &c. 
 
 39.  ^worc.     C.  F.  and  E.  C. 
 
 .     1838. 
 
 I  will  of  my  ways  be  heedful. 
 
 — r   Anonymous  .... 
 
 .     1846. 
 
 From  all  offence,  I  said,  &c. 
 
 40.  James  Merrick      .     . 
 
 .     1765. 
 
 With  patience  I  myself  resigned. 
 
 41.  Christopher  Smart     .     . 
 
 .     1765. 
 
 The  bounteous  man  is  blest. 
 
 42.  Josiah  Conder  .     .     . 
 
 .     1837. 
 
 As  pants  the  thirsting  hart,  &c. 
 
 43.  Josiah  Conder  .     .     . 
 
 .     .     1837. 
 
 Judge  Thou  and  plead  my,  &c. 
 
 44.  Countess  of  Pembroke 
 
 (1586.) 
 
 Lord,  our  Fathers'  true  relation. 
 
 45.  William  Barton    .     . 
 
 .     1644. 
 
 Good  words  my  heart  would,  &c. 
 
 46.  Miles  Smyth     .     .     . 
 
 .     1668. 
 
 God  is  our  Refuge,  our,  &c. 
 
 —    Anonymous,  Oxford  . 
 
 .     .     1839. 
 
 God,  our  hope  and  strength,  &c. 
 
 47.  Brady  and  Tate    .     . 
 
 .     1696. 
 
 0,  all  ye  people,  clap  your  hands.    . 
 
 48.  George  Wither  .     .     . 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 Great  is  the  Lord,  His  gloryt  &c. 
 
 49.  George  Wither  .     .     . 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 Ye  dwellers  all  on  earth,  &c. 
 
 50.  Bishop  Mant    .     .     . 
 
 .     1824. 
 
 Jehovah,  mighty  God. 
 
 51.  Isaac  Watts      .     .     . 
 
 .     1719. 
 
 Show  pity,  Lord,  0  Lord,  forgive. 
 
 52.  Scottish,  Version    .     . 
 
 .     1650. 
 
 Why  dost  Thou  boast,  &c. 
 
 53.  ^raott.     C.  .F.  and  E.  C. 
 
 .     1838. 
 
 There  is  no  God,  the  fool,  &c. 
 
 54.  Bishop  Mant    .     .     . 
 
 .     1824. 
 
 Be  Thy  name,  0  God,  my  Tower. 
 
 55.  Bishop  Mant    .     .     . 
 
 .     1824. 
 
 O  God,  unto  my  prayer  give  ear. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 561 
 
 PSALM 
 
 56.  Isaac  Watts 1719. 
 
 57.  Brady  and  Tate  ....  1696. 
 
 58.  Countess  of  Pembroke    .  (1586.) 
 
 59.  George  Sandys  .     ....  1636. 
 
 60.  Miles  Smyth 1668. 
 
 61.  William  Barton    ....  1644. 
 
 62.  Josiah  Conder 1837. 
 
 63.  Christopher  Smart     .     .     .  1765. 
 
 64.  E.  Farr 1836. 
 
 65.  William  Barton    ....  1644. 
 
 66.  New  England  Version   .     .  1755. 
 —   George  Sandys 1636. 
 
 67.  Brady  and  Tate    ....  1696. 
 
 68.  George  Sandys .     •     .     .     .  1636. 
 
 69.  Bishop  Mant 1824. 
 
 70.  William  Barton    ....  1644. 
 
 71.  Countess  of  Pembroke  .        (1586.) 
 
 72.  Joseph  Cottle 1805. 
 
 73.  James  Montgomery    .     .     .  1822. 
 
 74.  George  Sandys 1636. 
 
 75.  George  Wither 1632. 
 
 76.  Anonymous.    Oxford.     .     .  1839. 
 
 77.  George  Wither 1632. 
 
 78.  Anon.    C.F.andE.C.     .  1838. 
 
 79.  Christopher  Smart     .     .     .  1765. 
 
 80.  Anon." Poems orig.  andtr."  1836. 
 
 81.  John  Milton 1648. 
 
 82.  Isaac  Watts 1719. 
 
 83.  Countess  of  Pembroke    .       (1586.) 
 
 84.  Isaac  Watts 1719. 
 
 85.  Anonymous.    Oxford     .     .  1839. 
 
 86.  E.  Farr 1836. 
 
 87.  Bishop  Mant 1824. 
 
 88.  John  Milton 1648. 
 
 89.  George  Wither      ....  1632. 
 
 Have  mercy,  Lord,  O  Thou,  &c. 
 Thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  me  extend. 
 And  call  ye  this,  to  utter,  &c. 
 Lord,  save  me  from  mine,  &c. 
 O  Lord,  Thou  hast  abandoned. 
 Lord,  hear  my  cry;  my,  &c. 
 Yes,  on  God  I  still  depend. 
 God,  my  God,  my  sure,  &c. 
 When  in  prayer  to  thee  I  bend. 
 In  Sion,  Lord,  praise  waits,  &c. 
 O  all  ye  lands,  with  shouts,  &c. 
 All  ye  lands,  your  voices  raise. 
 To  bless  Thy  chosen  race. 
 Let  God,  the  God  of  battle  rise. 
 Save  me,  O  God,  the  waters  roll. 
 Make  haste,  O  God,  and  help,  &c. 
 Lord,  on  Thee  my  trust  is,  &c. 
 Thy  judgments  on  the  king,  &c. 
 Truly  the  Lord  is  good  to  those. 
 Lord,  why  are  we  abandoned  ? 
 Thee,  Lord,  we  praise  and,  &c. 
 In  Judah  God  is  known,  &c. 
 To  God,  e'en  to  the  Lord,  &c. 
 A  parable  is  on  my  tongue. 
 Lord,  o'er  thine  own  chosen,  &c. 
 Shepherd  Divine  of  Israel. 
 To  God,  our  strength,  sing,  &c. 
 Among  the  assemblies  of,  &c. 
 Be  not,  O!  be  not  silent  still. 
 Lord  of  the  hosts  above. 
 Lord,  Thine  heart  in  love,  &c. 
 Bow  down  a  listening  ear. 
 Fixt  firmly,  His  foundations,  &c. 
 Lord  God,  that  dost  me  save,  &c 
 Now  in  a  song  of  endless  praise. 
 
 O    O 
 
562 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PSALM 
 
 90.  James  Montgomery   .     . 
 
 .     1822. 
 
 91  George  Wither  .... 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 92.  George  Sandys       .     t     . 
 
 .     1636. 
 
 93.  George  Wither .     .     .     . 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 —   Brady  and  Tate    .     .     . 
 
 .     1696. 
 
 94.  George  Burgess     .     .     . 
 
 .     1839. 
 
 95.  James  Montgomery   .     . 
 
 .     1822. 
 
 96.  Anon.  " Poems  orig.  and 
 
 tr."  1836. 
 
 97.  Anonymous.    Oxford 
 
 .     1839. 
 
 —    Anonymous      .     .     .     . 
 
 .     1846. 
 
 98.  George  Wither  .     . 
 
 .     1632. 
 
 99.  George  Sandys      .     .     . 
 
 .     1636. 
 
 100.  John  Hopkins  .     .     .     . 
 
 .     1562. 
 
 —    Isaac  Watts      .     .     .     . 
 
 .     1719. 
 
 101.   William  Barton    .     .     . 
 
 .     1644. 
 
 102.  Bishop  King     .     .     .     . 
 
 .     1651. 
 
 103.  Isaac  Watts      .     .     . 
 
 .     1719. 
 
 —    Anonymous  .... 
 
 .     1846. 
 
 104.  OJd  Per.  8f  Anon.  Oxf.  1 
 
 562,  1839. 
 
 105.  Matthew  Sankey   .     . 
 
 .     1825. 
 
 106.  £.  Farr 
 
 .     1836. 
 
 107.  James  Merrick     .     . 
 
 .     1765. 
 
 108.  Brady  and  Tate    .     . 
 
 .     .     1696. 
 
 109.  Anon.     C.  F.  and  E.  C 
 
 .     1838. 
 
 110.  George  Sandys  .     .     . 
 
 .     1636. 
 
 111.  E.Farr 
 
 .     1836. 
 
 112.  Brady  and  Tate    .     . 
 
 .     .     1696. 
 
 113.  Brady  and  Tate    .     . 
 
 .     .     1696. 
 
 114.  Isaac  Watts      .     .     . 
 
 .     .     1719. 
 
 115.  George  Wither  .     .     . 
 
 .     .     1632. 
 
 116.  Brady  and  Tate   .     . 
 
 .     .     1696. 
 
 117.  Isaac  Watts      .    .     . 
 
 .     .     1719. 
 
 118.  George  Sandys       .     . 
 
 .     .     1636. 
 
 119.  Isaac  Watts,  $  others 
 
 .  1719,  &c. 
 
 120.  Scottish  Version    .     . 
 
 .     .     1650. 
 
 Lord,  Thou  hast  been,  &c. 
 Who  in  the  covert  and  the  shade. 
 O!  how  good,  how  excellent. 
 The  Lord  is  King,  and  weareth. 
 With  glory  clad,  with,  &c. 
 Rise,  God  of  vengeance,  &c. 
 O !  come,  let  us  sing,  &c. 
 In  songs  of  praise  unheard,  &c. 
 The  Lord  hath  reigned,  &c. 
 The  Lord  is  King;  let  all,  &c. 
 New  songs  unto  the  Lord  indite. 
 Let  the  subject  nations  quake. 
 All  people  that  on  earth  do,  &c. 
 Ye  nations  round  the  earth,  &c. 
 Lord,  I  will  sing  of  mercy,  &c. 
 Hear  me,  O  Lord,  and  let,  &c. 
 O  !  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul. 
 With  every  faculty  combined. 
 My  soul,  praise  the  Lord. 
 O !  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord. 
 Raise  your  triumphant  songs,  &c. 
 To  God  above  from  all  below. 
 
 0  God,  my  heart  is  fully  bent. 
 God  of  my  praise,  be  still,  &c. 
 The  Lord  unto  my  Lord,  &c. 
 Praise  ye  the  Lord ;  to  Him,  &c. 
 That  man  is  blest,  who,  &c. 
 
 Ye  saints,  and  servants  of,  &c. 
 When  Israel  Egypt's  bondage,  &c. 
 Not  our's  the  glory  make. 
 
 1  love  the  Lord ;  my,  &c. 
 From  all  that  dwell  below,  &c. 
 Praise  our  good  God,  the,  &c. 
 O !  blest  are  those,  that  in,  &c. 
 I  cried  to  God  in  my  distress. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 563 
 
 PSALM 
 
 121. 
 
 James  Merrick      .     .     . 
 
 1765. 
 
 122. 
 
 George  Sandys 
 
 1636. 
 
 123. 
 
 William  Barton    .     .     . 
 
 1644. 
 
 124. 
 
 Isaac  Watts 
 
 1719. 
 
 125. 
 
 James  Montgomery  .     . 
 
 1822. 
 
 126. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 1632. 
 
 127. 
 
 Scottish  Version    .     .     . 
 
 1650. 
 
 128. 
 
 Miles  Smyth     .... 
 
 1668. 
 
 129. 
 
 George  Sandys  .... 
 
 .    1676. 
 
 130. 
 
 Brady  and  Tate    .     .     . 
 
 1696. 
 
 131. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 1632. 
 
 132. 
 
 Bishop  Mant 
 
 1824. 
 
 133. 
 
 James  Merrick     .     .     . 
 
 1765. 
 
 134. 
 
 Scottish  Version    .     .     . 
 
 1650. 
 
 135. 
 
 Joseph  Cottle    .... 
 
 1805. 
 
 136. 
 
 Isaac  Watts     .... 
 
 1719. 
 
 137. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 1632. 
 
 138. 
 
 Josiah  Conder  .... 
 
 1837. 
 
 139. 
 
 Anon.  "Poems,  orig.and tr 
 
 ."  1836. 
 
 140. 
 
 Bishop  Mant    .... 
 
 1824. 
 
 141. 
 
 Josiah  Conder  .... 
 
 1837. 
 
 142. 
 
 Anon.    C.  F.  and  E.  C. 
 
 1838. 
 
 143. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 1632. 
 
 144. 
 
 E.  Farr 
 
 1836. 
 
 145. 
 
 Bishop  Mant    .... 
 
 1824. 
 
 146. 
 
 Scottish  Version     .     .     . 
 
 .     1650. 
 
 — 
 
 Anonymous 
 
 1846. 
 
 147. 
 
 Isaac  Watts      .... 
 
 .     1719. 
 
 148 
 
 George  Sandys      .     .     . 
 
 1636. 
 
 149. 
 
 Anon.     C.  F.  and  E.  C. 
 
 .     1838. 
 
 150. 
 
 George  Wither  .... 
 
 1632. 
 
 Lo !  from  the  hills  my  help,  &e. 
 Glad  was  the  summons ;  to,  &c. 
 O  Thou,  that  dwell'st  above,  &c. 
 Had  not  the  Lord,  may,  &c. 
 Who  make  the  Lord  of,  &c. 
 When  God  made  Sion  free. 
 Except  the  Lord  do  build,  &c. 
 Blest  is  the  man,  who  pure,  &c. 
 Oft  from  my  early  youth,  &c. 
 From  lowest  depths  of  woe. 
 
 0  Lord,  I  have  no  scornful  eye. 
 Remember  David,  Lord,  &c. 
 How  blest  the  sight,  the  joy,  &c. 
 Bless  ye  the  Lord,  ye  sacred,  &c. 
 Praise  ye  the  Lord,  O  praise,  &c. 
 Give  thanks  to  God,  the,  &c. 
 As  nigh  Babel's  streams  we,  &c. 
 With  my  whole  heart  I  will,  &c. 
 Omniscient,  Omnipresent  Lord. 
 From  men  of  force,  from,  &c. 
 Lord,  to  Thy  throne  I  raise,  &c. 
 
 1  lifted  to  the  Lord  my  voice. 
 Lord,  my  humble  supplication. 
 Be  the  Lord  my  strength,  &c. 
 God,  my  King,  Thy  might,  &c. 
 Praise  God ;  praise  thou,  &c. 
 Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  &c. 
 Praise  ye  the  Lord ;  'tis,  &c. 
 You,  who  dwell  above  the  sky. 
 Sing  to  the  Lord  a  new,  &c. 
 Come,  praise  the  Lord,  come,&c. 
 
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 A  GENERAL  VIEW  of  the  DOCTRINE  of  REGENE- 
 RATION in  BAPTISM.     By  CHRISTOPHER  BETHELL, 
 
 D.D.,  Lord  Bishop  of  Bangor.    Fifth  Edition.     In  8vo.     9s. 
 
 v. 
 
 A  SAFE  PATH  for  HUMBLE  CHURCHMEN;  in  SIX 
 
 SERMONS  on  the  CHURCH  CATECHISM,  adapted  to  the 
 Complexion  of  the  Times.  By  JOHN  MILLER,  M.A .,  of 
 Worcester  College,  Oxford.     In  8vo.     4.s.  6d. 
 
 VI. 
 
 OCCASIONAL     SERMONS.        By    CHRISTOPHER 
 
 WORDSWORTH,  D.D.,  Canon  of  Westminster.  In  8vo.  8s. 
 Contexts: — No.  1.  Counsels  and  Consolations  in  times  of 
 Heresy  and  Schism.  No.  2.  On  Pleas  alleged  for  Separation  from 
 the  Church.  No.  3.  The  Doctrine  of  Baptism  with  reference  to 
 Prevenient  Grace.  No.  4.  An  Inquiry  whether  the  Baptismal 
 Office  of  the  Church  of  England  may  he  interpreted  in  a  Cal- 
 vinistic  sense.  No.  5.  Inquiry,  Part  2 ;  Argument  from  Internal 
 Evidence.  No.  6.  Inquirv,  Part  3;  Argument  from  External 
 Evidence.  No.  7-  The  Church  of  England  in  1711  and  1850. 
 No.  8.  The  Church  of  England  and  the  Church  of  Rome  in  1850. 
 Conclusion. 
 
BOOKS  PUBLISHED 
 
 VII. 
 
 A  HANDBOOK  of  GREEK  SYNONYMES.    From  the 
 
 French  of  A.  PILLON,  Librarian  of  the  Bibliotheque  Royale, 
 Paris.  Edited,  with  Notes,  by  the  Rev.  T.  K.  ARNOLD,  M.A., 
 Rector  of  Lyndon,  and  late  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge. 
 In  12mo.     6s.  6d. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 HOLY    THOUGHTS:     a    TREASURY    of  TRUE 
 
 RICHES,  collected  chiefly  from  our  Old  Writers.  Fifth  Edition. 
 In  pocket  size.     Is.  6d. 
 
 IX. 
 
 SERMONS.    By  the  Rev.  FRANCIS  B.  WOODWARD, 
 
 M.A.,  Curate  of  St.  Stephen's,  Dublin.     In  12mo.    7  s.  6d. 
 
 x. 
 The  GREEK  TESTAMENT;  with  a  critically  revised  Text; 
 
 a  Digest  of  various  Readings  ;  Marginal  References  to  Verbal  and 
 Idiomatic  Usage ;  and  a  copious  Critical  and  Exegetical  Commen- 
 tary in  English.  Including  the  results  of  the  labours  of  the  most 
 recent  foreign  Commentators.  For  the  Use  of  Theological  Stu- 
 dents and  Ministers.  By  HENRY  ALFORD,  M.A.,  Vicar  of 
 Wymeswold,  Leicestershire,  and  late  Fellow  of  Trinity  College, 
 Cambridge.    In  2  vols.  8vo.     Vol.  I.  11.  4s. 
 
 XI. 
 
 The  CHRISTIAN  LIFE  :  a  Manual  of  Sacred  Verse.  By 
 the  Rev.  ROBERT  MONTGOMERY,  M.A.,  Author  of  "The 
 Omnipresence  of  the  Deity."  Third  Edition.  In  a  pocket  volume. 
 5s. 
 
 XII. 
 
 The  GOSPEL  NARRATIVE  of  OUR  LORD'S  MINI- 
 STRY HARMONIZED,  with  REFLECTIONS;  the  THIRD 
 YEAR,  completing  the  COMMENTARY.  By  the  Rev.  ISAAC 
 WILLIAMS,  B.D.,  late  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Oxford.  In 
 small  8vo.     8s.  6d. 
 
 Lately  published,  the  previous  Volumes,  viz. : 
 1.  The  INTRODUCTION,  containing  THOUGHTS  on  the 
 STUDY  of  the  GOSPELS.  8s.— 2.  The  NATIVITY.  8s.  6d. 
 —3.  The  MINISTRY  (Second  Year).  8s.— 4.  The  HOLY 
 WEEK.  8s.  6d.—5.  The  PASSION.  8s.— 6.  The  RESUR- 
 RECTION.    8s. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 PAROCHIAL  SKETCHES.  In  Verse.  By  the  Rev. 
 ROBERT  WILSON  EVANS,  B.D.,  Vicar  of  Heversham, 
 Author  of  "  The  Rectory  of  Valehead,"  and  "  The  Bishopric  of 
 Souls.1'     With  Woodcuts.     In  small  8vo.     6s. 
 
BY  MESSRS.  RIVINGTON. 
 
 ESSAYS  on  SUBJECTS  connected  with  the  REFORMA- 
 TION in  ENGLAND.  {Reprinted  from  the  British  Magazine, 
 with  Additions.)    By  the  Rev.  S.  R.  M  AITLAND,  D.D.,  F.R.S., 
 
 Author  of 'Essays  on  the  Dark  Ages."     In  8vo.     15s. 
 
 The  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER:  Six  Sermons  preached 
 
 in  Lent.  Contents  : — 1.  The  Christian's  Faith.  2.  The  Chris- 
 tian's Love.  3.  The  Christian's  Hope.  4.  The  Christian's  Cha- 
 rity. 5.  The  Christian's  Joy  and  Sorrow.  6.  The  Christian  pre- 
 pared for  Death.  By  JOHN  JACKSON,  M.A.,  Rector  of  St. 
 James's,  Westminster,  and  Chaplain  in  Ordinary  to  the  Queen. 
 Second  Edition.     In  small  8vo.     4s. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 CORPUS  IGNATIANUM;  or,  a  Complete   Body  of  the 
 
 Ignatian  Epistles :  Genuine,  Interpolated,  and  Spurious,  according 
 to  the  three  Recensions.  With  numerous  extracts,  in  Syriac, 
 Greek,  and  Latin,  and  an  English  Translation  of  the  Syrian 
 Text;  and  an  Introduction  and  copious  Notes.  By  WILLIAM 
 CURETON,  M.A.,  F.R.S.,  Canon  of  Westminster.  Royal  8vo. 
 U.  lis.  6d. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 The  HISTORY  of  EUROPE  during  the  FOUR  LAST 
 CENTURIES.  For  the  Use  of  Schools  and  Young  Persons. 
 Edited  hy  the  Rev.  JOHN  SEDGWICK,  M.  A.,  Demy  of  Mag- 
 dalen College,  Oxford ;  one  of  the  Masters  in  the  Ordnance  School, 
 Carshalton.     In  small  8vo.    6s.  6d. 
 
 SCRIPTURAL  COMMUNION  with  God ;  or,  the  PEN- 
 TATEUCH, and  the  BOOK  of  JOB;  arranged  in  Historical 
 and  Chronological  Order,  and  newly  divided  into  sections  for 
 daily  reading ;  with  Introductions,  and  Prayers  ;  and  Notes 
 for  the  Student  and  Inquirer.  By  the  Rev.  GEORGE  TOWNS- 
 END,  D.D.,  Canon  of  Durham.     In  2  vols.  8vo.     21.  5s. 
 
 %*  The  Sixth  Part  may  now  be  had,  price  10s.;  and  the 
 Second  Volume,  price  1/.  5s. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 GROTIUS  de  VERITATE  RELIGIONIS  CHRIS- 
 TIANS. A  New  Edition,  with  ENGLISH  NOTES  and  Illus- 
 trations. For  the  use  of  Students.  By  the  Rev.  J.  E.  MID- 
 DLETON,  M.A.,  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge ;  Lecturer  on 
 Theology  at  St.  Bees'  College.    In  12mo.    6s. 
 
BOOKS  PUBLISHED 
 
 ADDRESSES  on  MISCELLANEOUS  SUBJECTS.     By 
 
 the  Rev.  JAMES  S.  M.  ANDERSON,  M.A.,  Perpetual  Curate 
 of  St.  George's  Chapel,  Brighton,  and  Preacher  of  Lincoln's  Inn. 
 Contents  : — 1.  The  Profitable  Employment  of  Time.  2.  Dr. 
 Johnson.  3.  Columbus.  4.  Sir  Walter  Ralegh.  5.  England 
 and  her  Colonies.    In  small  8vo.    6s.  6d. 
 
 CABRAMATTA,  and  WOODLEIGH  FARM.    By  Mrs. 
 
 FRANCIS  VIDAL,  Author  of  "  Tales  for  the  Bush,"  &c.  Any 
 profits  from  the  sale  of  this  Edition  will  be  offered  to  the  Bishop 
 of  Sydney,  for  the  Cathedral.     In  royal  18mo.     6s.  6d. 
 
 Lately  published,  by  the  same  A  uthor, 
 
 1.  TALES  for  the  BUSH.     Third  Edition.     5s. 
 
 2.  WINTERTON  ;  a  Tale.     3s.  6d. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 MEDITATIONS  from  the  FATHERS  of  the  FIRST  FIVE 
 
 CENTURIES,  arranged  as  Devotional  Exercises  on  the  BOOK 
 of  COMMON  PRAYER.  Intended  to  promote  Soundness  in  the 
 Faith,  and  Holiness  of  Life.  By  the  Rev.  J.  ENDELL  TYLER, 
 B.D.,  Rector  of  St.  Giles-in-the-Fields,  and  Canon  Residentiary 
 of  St.  Paul's.     In  2  vols,  small  8vo.     16s. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 A  NEW  VOLUME  of  SERMONS  on  MISCELLANEOUS 
 SUBJECTS.     By  the   Rev.   GEORGE   TOWNSEND,  D.D., 
 
 Canon  of  Durham.     In  8vo.     12s. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 HANDBOOK  of  MEDLEVAL  GEOGRAPHY  and  HIS- 
 TORY. Translated  from  the  German  of  PUTZ,  by  the  Rev. 
 R.  B.  PAUL,  M.A.,  late  Fellow  of  Exeter  College,  Oxford ;  and 
 edited  by  the  Rev.  T.  K.  ARNOLD,  M.A.,  Rector  of  Lyndon, 
 and  late  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.     In  12mo.   4s.  6d. 
 
 Lately  published,  by  the  same  Editors,  uniformly  printed, 
 The    HANDBOOK   of   ANCIENT    GEOGRAPHY  and  HIS- 
 TORY.   6s.  6d. 
 The  HANDBOOK  of  MODERN  GEOGRAPHY  and  HISTORY 
 
 is  in  the  press 
 
 XXV. 
 
 SERMONS  preached  before  the  QUEEN.  By  SAMUEL, 
 LORD  BISHOP  of  OXFORD,  Lord  High  Almoner  to  the 
 Queen;  Chancellor  of  the  Most  Noble  Order  of  the  Garter. 
 Fifth  Edition.     In  12mo.     Is. 
 
BY  MESSRS.  R1VINGT0N. 
 
 SELECTIONS    from    CICERO.     Part    II.     (from    the 
 EPISTLES.)     By  the   Rev.    THOMAS   KERCHEVER    AR- 
 NOLD, M.A.,  Rector  of  Lyndon,   and  late   Fellow  of  Trinity 
 College,  Cambridge.     In  12mo.     5s. 
 Lately  published,  PART  I.  (from  the  ORATIONS.)    As. 
 
 SOME  ACCOUNT  of  the  GREEK  DIALECTS,  for  the 
 
 Use  of  Beginners ;  being  an  Appendix  to  an  Elementary  Greek 
 Grammar."  By  the  Rev.  T.  K.  ARNOLD,  M.  A.,  Rector  of  Lyndon, 
 and  late  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.    In  12mo.    Is.  6d. 
 Also,  by  the  same  Author, 
 
 1.  An  ELEMENTARY  GREEK  GRAMMAR,  5s.;  or,  with 
 the  Appendix  of  Dialects,  6s. 
 
 2.  A  LARGER  GREEK  GRAMMAR.  Second  Edition.  I0s.6d. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 A  Collected  Edition  of  the  SACRED  ALLEGORIES  of 
 
 the  late  Rev.  WILLIAM  ADAMS.  M.A.  With  Memoir  and 
 Portrait  of  the  Author.  Elegantly  printed  in  one  Volume,  post  8vo. 
 10s.  6d. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 USE  and  ABUSE ;  a  Tale.  By  the  Author  of  "  Wayfaring 
 Sketches  among  the  Greeks  and  Turks,  and  on  the  Shores  of  the 
 Danube,  by  a  Seven  Years'  Resident  in  Greece."  In  post  8vo. 
 10s.  6d. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 ELEMENTS  of  INSTRUCTION  concerning  the  CHURCH, 
 
 and  the  English  Branch  of  it ;  being  an  Introduction  to  the 
 Theophilus  Anglicaxus.  Bv  CHRISTOPHER  WORDS- 
 WORTH, D.D.,  Canon  of  Westminster.   Inl2mo.  3s.  6d. 
 
 Lately  published,  by  the  same  Author, 
 THEOPHILUS  ANGLIC  ANUS.    Fifth  Edition.    8s.  6d. 
 
 The  FOUR  GOSPELS,  with  ANNOTATIONS.    By  the 
 
 Right  Rev.  JOHN  LONSDALE,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Lichfield,  and 
 the  Yen.  WILLIAM  HALE,  M.A.,  Archdeacon  of  London.  In 
 4to.     15s. 
 
 This  volume  is  printed  uniformly  with  the  Quarto  Edition  of 
 D'Oyly  and  Mant's  Family  Bible,  but  differs  from  that  work,  in- 
 asmuch as  it  consists  of  an  entirely  original  Explanatory  Commen- 
 tary upon  the  Sacred  Text,  instead  of  a  compilation  of  extracts 
 from  various  authors. 
 
BOOKS  PUBLISHED 
 
 HINTS  on  the  ART  of  CATECHISING;  with  Examples 
 
 and  Illustrations;  and  a  Copious  Explanation  of  the  Church 
 Catechism  in  Question  and  Answer.  Bein^  a  Posthumous  "Work 
 of  the  Yen.  EDWARD  BATHER,  M.A.,  late  Archdeacon  of 
 Salop.  Edited  bv  his  WIDOW.  To  which  is  prefixed,  A 
 CHARGE,  on  SCRIPTURAL  EDUCATION,  delivered  in 
 1835,  bv  the  same  Author.    In  small  8vo.     4s.  6d. 
 
 LECTURES  on  the  APOCALYPSE,  Critical,  Expository, 
 
 and  Practical :  delivered  before  the  University  of  Cambridge  ;  being 
 the  HULSEAN  LECTURES  for  1848.  By  CHRISTOPHER 
 WORDSWORTH,  D.D.,  Canon  of  Westminster.  Second 
 Edition.     8vo.     14s. 
 
 \*  A  Supplemental  Volume,  containing  the  Original 
 Greek  Text,  with  MSS.  Collatiojis,  and  an  English  Transla- 
 tion and  Harmony,  with  Notes,  and  an  Appendix  to  the  Lec- 
 tures, is  just  published .     In  8vo.     Vis. 
 
 The  SERVANTS' HALL;  a  Tale.    Edited  by  a  Clergyman. 
 In  small  8vo.     3s.  6d. 
 
 A  COMPANION  to  the  ALTAR:  or,  Week's  Preparation 
 for  the  HOLY  COMMUNION.  With  suitable  Meditations  and 
 Prayers  for  the  Office.  By  the  late  Bishop  HOBART,  of  New 
 York,  U.S.  {Reprinted  from  the  Twenty-first  American  Edition.) 
 To  which  is  added,  the  Communion  Office  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
 land. Edited  by  the  Rev.  JOHN  COLLINGWOOD,  M.A.,  one 
 of  the  Masters  of  Christ's  Hospital,  and  Minister  of  Duke-street 
 Episcopal  Chapel,  Westminster.     {In  a  Pocket  Volume.)     Ss.  6d. 
 
 L  PRACTICAL  INTRODUCTION  to  GREEK  PROSE 
 
 COMPOSITION.  Parti.  By theRev. THOMAS KERCHEVER 
 ARNOLD,  M.A.,  Rector  of  Lyndon,  and  late  Fellow  of  Trinity 
 College,  Cambridge.  Seventh  Edition,  much  improved.  In  8vo. 
 6s.  6d. 
 
 Just  published,  by  the  same  Author, 
 The  EIGHTH  EDITION  of  a  PRACTICAL  INTRODUCTION 
 to  LATIN  PROSE  COMPOSITION.     Part  I.     In  8vo.     6s.  6d. 
 
BY  MESSRS.  RIVINGTON. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 PROPHETIC  O  UTLINES  of  the  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH, 
 
 and  the  ANTICHRISTIAN  POWER,  as  traced  in  the  Visions 
 of  Daniel  and  St.  John.  (In  Twelve  Discourses,  preached  in  the 
 Chapel  of  Lincoln's  Inn,  at  the  Warburtonian  Lecture.)  By  BEN- 
 JAMIN HARRISON,  M.  A.,  Archdeacon  of  Maidstone.  In  8vo.l2s. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 A  FIRST  CLASSICAL  ATLAS.  Containing  Fifteen  Maps, 
 coloured  in  outline.  Edited  by  the  Rev.  T.  K.  ARNOLD,  M.A., 
 Rector  of  Lyndon,  and  late  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge. 
 Is.  6d. 
 
 "These  Maps  are  executed  with  great  accuracy,  and  apparently 
 quite  free  from  that  indistinctness  and  disproportion  which  are  the 
 great  faults  of  all  our  small  maps.  We  think  Mr.  Arnold  success- 
 ful here  as  always ;  and  he  has  done  his  part  to  render  geography, 
 as  it  should  be,  an  additional  inducement  for  work." — Guardian. 
 
 An  ESSAY  on  the  OFFICE  of  the  INTELLECT  in 
 RELIGION,  with  especial  Reference  to  the  EVIDENCES  of  a 
 REVELATION,  and  the  PROOF  of  CHRISTIAN  DOC- 
 TRINE.    By  WILLIAM  EDWARD  SCUDAMORE,   M.A., 
 
 Rector  of  Ditchingham,  and  formerly  Fellow  of  St.  John's  Col- 
 lege, Cambridge.    In  8vo.     9s. 
 XL. 
 
 On  the  CANON  of  the  SCRIPTURES  of  the  OLD  and 
 NEW  TESTAMENT,  and  on  the  APOCRYPHA;  Eleven 
 Discourses,  preached  before  the  University  of  Cambridge ;  being 
 the  Hulsean  Lectures  for  1847.  By  CHRISTOPHER  WORDS- 
 WORTH, D.D.,  Canon  of  Westminster.     In  8vo.     10s.  6d. 
 
 The  Author's  endeavour  in  these  Lectures  has  been,  to  apply  in 
 a  popular  manner  the  argument  from  the  External  Evidence  of  the 
 Church  and  of  its  Divine  Head  to  both  Testaments,  and  thus  to 
 supply  a  deficiency  which  has  probably  been  felt  by  younger 
 Students  of  Theology  and  by  ordinary  readers,  for  which  classes 
 the  present  Lectures  are  mainly  designed. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 QUESTIONS  illustrating  the  THIRTY-NINE  ARTICLES 
 
 of  the  CHURCH  of  ENGLAND  :  with  Proofs  from  Scripture 
 and  the  Primitive  Church,  By  the  Rev.  EDWARD  BICKER- 
 STETH,  M.A.,  late  Curate  of  Holy  Cross  and  St.  Giles,  Shrews- 
 bury.    Third  Edition.     In  12mo.     3s.  6d. 
 
 XLII. 
 
 CATECHESIS ;  or,  Christian  Instruction  Preparatory  to 
 CONFIRMATION  and  FIRST  COMMUNION.  By  the  Rev. 
 CHARLES  WORDSWORTH,  M.  A.,  Warden  of  Trinity  College, 
 Glenalmond.     In  post  8vo.     5s.  6d. 
 
BOOKS  PUBLISHED  BY  MESSRS.  RIVINGTON. 
 
 The  FIRST  FRENCH  BOOK;  on  the  Plan  of  "Henry's 
 First  Latin  Book."  By  the  Rev.  T.  K.  ARNOLD,  M.  A.,  Rector 
 of  Lyndon,  and  late  Fellow  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  In 
 12mo.    Second  Edition.     5s.  6d. 
 
 Just  published, 
 A    KEY    to    the     EXERCISES,    written    (with     the    Author's 
 sanction)  by  M.  C.  J.  DELILLE,  French   Master  at   Christ's 
 Hospital  and  Merchant  Taylors'  School.     2s.  6d. 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 PLAIN  SERMONS.  By  CONTRIBUTORS  to  the 
 "TRACTS  for  the  TIMES."  In  Ten  Volumes.  With  General 
 Indexes.     Price  6s.  6d.  each. 
 
 This  Series,  now  complete,  contains  347  original  Sermons  of  mode- 
 rate length,  written  in  simple  language,  and  in  an  earnest  and  im- 
 pressive style,  forming  a  copious  body  of  practical  Theology,  in 
 accordance  with  the  Doctrines  of  the  Church  of  England.  They 
 are  particularly  suited  for  family  reading.  The  last  Volume  con- 
 tains a  general  Index  of  Subjects,  and  a  Table  of  the  Sermons 
 adapted  to  the  various  Seasons  of  the  Christian  Year. 
 
 The  Editor  of  the  Guardian,  in  a  recent  review  of  the  Work, 
 writes,  "It  would  be  difficult  for  any  one  to  find  fault  with  this 
 Series  of  Sermons.  It  is  most  interesting  to  learn  that  they  are  as 
 popular  in  our  Sister  Church  in  America  as  in  our  own ;  and  (a  fact 
 not  a  little  remarkable),  even  among  the  Dissenters  there,  on  account 
 of  that  practical  seriousness  and  reality  which  pervades  them." — 
 "  Two  entire  volumes  and  many  detached  numbers  are  by  one 
 w7riter,  who  is  apparently  the  Author  of  The  Christian  Year.  The 
 ninth  volume  is  composed -of  Lectures  on  the  Catechism,  by  the 
 Rev.  Isaac  Williams." 
 
 "  It  is  not  too  much  to  say  of  this  excellent  Series,  that  its  pub- 
 lication forms  an  era  in  the  literature  of  the  Church  of  England  : 
 as  a  body  of  Divinity,  in  Faith  and  Practice,  for  the  unlearned,  as 
 well  as  the  learned  reader,  it  is  unrivalled." — English  Churchman. 
 
 XLV. 
 
 The  OLYNTHIAC   ORATIONS  of  DEMOSTHENES. 
 
 With  copious  Notes  and  Grammatical  References.  Edited  bv  the 
 Rev.  T.  K.  ARNOLD,  M.A.,  Rector  of  Lyndon,  and  late  Fellow 
 of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.     3s. 
 
 XLVI. 
 
 The  OLD  xMAN'S  RAMBLES.     New  Edition.    In  small 
 
 8vo.     4s.  6d. 
 
 This  Work  contains  numerous  Tales  and  Dialogues  illustrating 
 the  Duties  of  Churchmen  in  Humble  Life,  and  is  well  suited  for 
 Parochial  Libraries. 
 
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