The Psalms of David

Imitated in the Language of

The New Testament

And Applied to

The Christian State and Worship

By I. Watts D.D.

Luke xxiv. 44 All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Psalms concerning me.

HEB. xi. 32, 40. David, Samuel, and the prophets — that they without us should not be made perfect.

Transcriber's Note.

The Index and the Table of First Lines have been omitted for the following reasons: 1. They refer to page numbers that are here expunged; and 2. In this electronic version key words, etc., can be easily located via searches.

Separate numbers have been added to Psalms that have more than one part or version, for example: Psalm 51:1; Psalm 51:2; etc.



The Life of Isaac Watts, D.D.

by

Dr. Johnson.

From his lives of the most eminent English Poets.

The Poems of Dr. Watts were by my recommendation inserted in the late Collection; the readers of which are to impute to me whatever pleasure or weariness they may find in the perusal of Blackmore, Watts, Pomfret, and Yealden.

ISAAC WATTS was born July 17, 1674, at Southampton, where his father of the same name, kept a boarding-school for young gentlemen, though common report makes him a shoe-maker. He appears, from the narrative of Dr. Gibbons, to have been neither indigent nor illiterate.

Isaac, the eldest of nine children, was given to books from his infancy; and began, we are told, to learn Latin when he was four years old, I suppose at home. He was afterwards taught Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, by Mr. Pinhorne, a clergyman, master of the freeschool at Southampton, to whom the gratitude of his scholar afterwards inscribed a Latin ode.

His proficiency at school was so conspicuous, that a subscription was proposed for his support at the University; but he declared his resolution to take his lot with the Dissenters. Such he was, as every Christian Church would rejoice to have adopted.

He therefore repaired in 1690 to an academy taught by Mr. Rowe, where he had for his companions and fellow-students Mr. Hughes the poet, and Dr. Horte, afterwards Archbishop of Tuam. Some Latin essays, supposed to have been written as exercises at this academy, shew a degree of knowledge, both philosophical and theological, such as very few attain by a much longer course of study.

He was, as he hints in his Miscellanies, a maker of verses from fifteen to fifty, and in his youth he appears to have paid attention to Latin poetry. His verses to his brother, in the glyconic measure, written when he was seventeen, are remarkably easy and elegant. Some of his other odes are deformed by the Pindaric folly then prevailing, and are written with such neglect of all metrical rules as is without example among the ancients; but his diction, though perhaps not always exactly pure, has such copiousness and splendour, as shews that he was but at a very little distance from excellence.

His method of study was to impress the contents of his books upon his memory by abridging them, and by interleaving them, to amplify one system with supplements from another.

With the congregation of his tutor Mr. Rowe, who were, I believe, independents, he communicated in his nineteenth year.

At the age of twenty he left the academy, and spent two years in study and devotion at the house of his father, who treated him with great tenderness; and had the happiness, indulged to few parents, of living to see his son eminent for literature and venerable for piety.

He was then entertained by Sir John Hartopp five years, as domestic tutor to his son: and in that time particularly devoted himself to the Study of the Holy Scriptures; and being chosen assistant to Dr. Chauncey, preached the first time on the birth-day that completed his twenty-fourth year; probably considering that as the day of a second nativity, by which he entered on a new period of existence.

In about three years he succeeded Dr. Chauncey; but soon after his entrance on his charge, he was seized by a dangerous illness, which sunk him to such weakness, that the congregation thought an assistant necessary, and appointed Mr. Price. His health then returned gradually, and he performed his duty, till (1712) he was seized by a fever of such violence and continuance, that from the feebleness which it brought upon him, he never perfectly recovered.

This calamitous state made the compassion of his friends necessary, and drew upon him the attention of Sir Thomas Abney, who received him into his house; where with a constancy of friendship and uniformity of conduct not often to be found, he was treated for thirty-six years with all the kindness that friendship could prompt, and all the attention that respect could dictate. Sir Thomas died about eight years afterwards; but he continued with the lady and her daughters to the end of his life. The lady died about a year after him.

A coalition like this, a state in which the notions of patronage And dependence were overpowered by the perception of reciprocal benefits, deserves a particular memorial; and I will not withhold from the reader Dr. Gibbons's representation, to which regard is to be paid as to the narrative of one who writes what he knows, and what is known likewise to multitudes besides.

"Our next observation shall be made upon that remarkably kind providence which brought the doctor into Sir Thomas Abney's family, and continued him there till his death, a period of no less than thirty-six years. In the midst of his sacred labours for the glory of God, and good of his generation he is seized with a most violent and threatening fever, which leaves him oppressed with great weakness, and puts a stop at least to his public services for four years. In this distressing season, doubly so to his active and pious spirit, he is invited to Sir Thomas Abney's family, nor ever removes from it till he had finished his days. Here he enjoyed the uninterrupted demonstrations of the truest friendship. Here, without any care of his own, he had everything which could contribute to the enjoyment of life, and favour the unwearied pursuits of his studies. Here he dwelt in a family, which, for piety, order, harmony, and every virtue, was an house of God. Here he had the privilege of a country recess, the fragrant bower, the spreading lawn, the flowery garden, and other advantages to sooth his mind and aid his restoration to health; to yield him, whenever he chose them, most grateful intervals from his laborious studies, and enable him to return to them with redoubled vigour and delight. Had it not been for this most happy event, he might as to outward view, have feebly, it may be painfully, dragged on through many more years of languor and inability for public service, and even for profitable study, or perhaps might have sunk into his grave under the overwhelming load of infirmities, in the midst of his days; and thus the church and world would have been deprived of those many excellent sermons and works which he drew up and published during his long residence in this family. In a few years after his coming hither, Sir Thomas Abney dies; but his amiable consort survives, who shows the Doctor the same respect and friendship as before, and most happily for him and great numbers besides; for, as her riches were great her generosity and munificence were in full proportion; her thread of life was drawn out to a great age, even beyond that of the Doctor's; and thus this excellent man, through her kindness, and that of her daughter, the present Mrs. Elizabeth Abney, who in a like degree esteemed and honoured him, enjoyed all the benefits and felicities he experienced at his first entrance into this family, till his days were numbered and finished, and, like a shock of corn in its season, he ascended into the regions of perfect and immortal life and joy."

If this quotation has appeared long, let it be considered, that it comprises an account of six-and-thirty years, and those the years of Dr. Watts.

From the time of his reception into this family, his life was no Otherwise diversified than by successive publications. The series of his works I am not able to deduce; their number, and their variety, show the intenseness of his industry, and the extent of his capacity.

He was one of the first authors that taught the Dissenters to court attention by the graces of language. Whatever they had among them before, whether of learning or acuteness, was commonly obscured and blunted by coarseness and inelegance of style. He shewed them, that zeal and purity might be expressed and enforced by polished diction.

He continued to the end of his life the teacher of a congregation, and no reader of his works can doubt his fidelity or diligence. In the pulpit, though his low stature, which very little exceeded five feet, graced him with no advantages of appearance, yet the gravity and propriety of his utterance made his discourses very efficacious. I once mentioned the reputation which Mr. Foster had gained by his proper delivery to my friend Dr. Hawkesworth, who told me, that in the art of pronunciation he was far inferior to Dr. Watts.

Such was his flow of thoughts, and such his promptitude of language, that in the latter part of his life he did not precompose his cursory sermons; but having adjusted the heads, and sketched out some particulars, trusted for success to his extemporary powers.

He did not endeavour to assist his eloquence by any gesticulations; for, as no corporeal actions have any correspondence with theological truth, he did not see how they could enforce it.

At the conclusion of weighty sentences he gave time, by a short pause, for the proper impression.

To stated and public instruction, he added familiar visits and Personal application, and was careful to improve the opportunities which conversation offered of diffusing and increasing the influence of religion.

By his natural temper he was quick of resentment; but by his established and habitual practice, he was gentle, modest, and inoffensive. His tenderness appeared in his attention to children, and to the poor. To the poor, while he lived in the family of his friend, he allowed the third part of his annual revenue, though the whole was not a hundred a year; and for children, he condescended to lay aside the scholar, the philosopher, and the wit, to write little poems of devotion, and systems of instruction adapted to their wants and capacities, from the dawn of reason through its gradations of advance in the morning of life. Every man, acquainted with the common principles of human action, will look with veneration on the writer who is at one time combating Locke, and at another making a catechism for children in their fourth year. A voluntary descent from the dignity of science is perhaps the hardest lesson that humility can teach.

As his mind was capacious, his curiosity excursive, and his industry continual, his writings are very numerous, and his subjects various. With his theological works I am only enough acquainted to admire his meekness of opposition, and his mildness of censure. It was not only in his book but in his mind that orthodoxy was united with charity.

Of his philosophical pieces, his Logic has been received into the universities, and therefore wants no private recommendation: if he owes part of it to Le Clerc, it must he considered that no man who undertakes merely to methodize or illustrate a system, pretends to be its author.

In his metaphysical disquisitions, it was observed by the late learned Dr. Dyer, that he confounded the idea of space with that of empty space, and did not consider that though space might be without matter, yet matter being extended, could not be without space.

Few books have been perused by me with greater pleasure than his Improvement of the Mind, of which the radical principles may indeed be found in Locke's Conduct of the Understanding, but they are so expanded and ramified by Watts, as to confer upon him the merit of a work in the highest degree useful and pleasing. Whoever has the care of instructing others, may be charged with deficience in his duty if this book is not recommended.

I have mentioned his treatises of Theology as distinct from his other productions: but the truth is, that whatever he took in hand was, by his incessant solicitude for souls, converted to Theology. As piety predominated in his mind, it is diffused over his works: under his direction it may be truly said, Theologiae Philosophia ancillatur, philosophy is subservient to evangelical instruction; it is difficult to read a page without learning, or at least wishing to be better. The attention is caught by indirect instruction, and he that sat down only to reason, is on a sudden compelled to pray.

It was therefore with great propriety that, in 1728, he received From Edinburgh and Aberdeen an unsolicited diploma, by which he became a Doctor of Divinity. Academical honours would have more value, if they were always bestowed with equal judgement.

He continued many years to study and to preach, and to do good by His instruction and example: till at last the infirmities of age disabled him from the more laborious part of his ministerial functions, and being no longer capable of public duty, he offered to remit the salary appendant to it; but his congregation would not accept the resignation.

By degrees his weakness increased, and at last confined him to his chamber and his bed; where he was worn gradually away without pain, till he expired, Nov. 25, 1748, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.

Few men have left behind such purity of character, or such monuments of laborious piety. He has provided instruction for all ages, from those who are lisping their first lessons, to the enlightened readers of Malbranche and Locke; he has left neither corporeal nor spiritual nature unexamined; he has taught the art of reasoning, and the science of the stars.

His character, therefore, must be formed from the multiplicity and diversity of his attainments, rather than from any single performance; for it would not be safe to claim for him the highest rank in any single denomination of literary dignity; yet perhaps there was nothing in which he would not have excelled, if he had not divided his powers to different pursuits.

As a poet, had he been only a poet, he would probably have stood high among the authors with whom he is now associated. For his judgement was exact, and he noted beauties and faults with very nice discernment; his imagination, as the Dacian Battle proves, was vigorous and active, and the stores of knowledge were large by which his fancy was to be supplied. His ear was well-tuned, and his diction was elegant and copious. But his devotional poetry is, like that of others, unsatisfactory. The paucity of its topics enforces perpetual repetition, and the sanctity of the matter rejects the ornaments of figurative diction. It is sufficient for Watts to have done better than others what no man has done well.

His poems on other subjects seldom rise higher than might be expected from the amusements of a Man of Letters, and have different degrees of value as they are more or less laboured, or as the occasion was more or less favourable to invention.

He writes too often without regular measures, and too often in blank verse; the rhymes are not always sufficiently correspondent. He is particularly unhappy in coining names expressive of characters. His lines are commonly smooth and easy, and his thoughts always religiously pure; but who is there that, to so much piety and innocence, does not wish for a greater measure of sprightliness and vigour? He is at least one of the few poets with whom youth and ignorance may be safely pleased; and happy will be that reader whose mind is disposed by his verses, or his prose, to imitate him in all but his non-conformity, to copy his benevolence to man, and his reverence to God.



PREFACE.

THE following extract from the Doctor's Preface, as it contains the plan of his version of the Psalms, may be found useful:

"I come therefore to explain my own design, which is this, To accommodate the book of Psalms to Christian worship. And in order to do this, it is necessary to divest David and Asaph, &c. of every other character but that of a psalmist and a saint, and to make them always speak the common sense, and language of a Christian.

"Attempting the work with this view, I have entirely omitted several whole psalms, and large pieces of many others; and have chosen out of all of them, such parts only as might easily and naturally be accommodated to the various occasions of the Christian life, or at least might afford us some beautiful allusion to Christian affairs. These I have copied and explained in the general style of the gospel; nor have I confined my expressions to any particular party or opinion; that in words prepared for public worship, and for the lips of multitudes, there might not be a syllable offensive to sincere Christians, whose judgments may differ in the lesser matters of religion.

"Where the Psalmist uses sharp invectives against his personal enemies, I have endeavoured to turn the edge of them against our spiritual adversaries, sin, Satan, and temptation. Where the flights of his faith and love are sublime, I have often sunk the expressions within the reach of an ordinary Christian: where the words imply some peculiar wants or distresses, joys, or blessings, I have used words of greater latitude and comprehension, suited to the general circumstances of men.

"Where the original runs in the form of prophecy concerning Christ and his salvation, I have given an historical turn to the sense: there is no necessity that we should always sing in the obscure and doubtful style of prediction, when the things foretold are brought into open light by a full accomplishment. Where the writers of the New Testament have cited or alluded to any part the Psalms, I have often indulged the liberty of paraphrase, according to the words of Christ, or his Apostles. And surely this may be esteemed the word of God still, though borrowed from several parts of the Holy Scripture. Where the Psalmist describes religion by the fear of God, I have often joined faith and love to it. Where he speaks of the pardon of sin, through the mercies of God, I have added the merits of a Saviour. Where he talks of sacrificing goats or bullocks, I rather chuse to mention the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God. When he attends the ark with shouting into Zion, I sing the ascension of my Saviour into heaven, or his presence in his church on earth. Where he promises abundance of wealth, honour, and long life, I have changed some of these typical blessings for grace, glory, and life eternal, which are brought to light by the gospel, and promised in the New Testament. And I am fully satisfied, that more honor is done to our blessed Saviour, by speaking his name, his graces, and actions, in his own language, according to the brighter discoveries he hath now made, than by going back again to the Jewish forms of worship, and the language of types and figures."

Of chusing or finding the Psalm.

By consulting the Index at the end, any one may find hymns very proper for many occasions of the Christian life and worship; though no copy of David's Psalter can provide for all, as I have shewn in the Preface to the large edition.

Or, if he remembers the first line of any Psalm, the Table of the first lines will direct where to find it.

Of singing in course.

If any shall think it best to sing the Psalms in order in churches or families, it may be done with profit, provided those Psalms be omitted that refer to special occurrences of nations, churches, or single Christians.

Of dividing the Psalms.

If the Psalm be too long for the time or custom of singing, there are pauses in many of them at which you may properly rest; or you may leave out those verses which are inclued with crotchets [ ], without disturbing the sense: or, in some places you may begin to sing at the pause.



THE Psalms of David, In Metre.

Psalm 1:1. Common Metre, The way and end of the righteous and the wicked.

1 Blest is the man who shuns the place Where sinners love to meet; Who fears to tread their wicked ways, And hates the scoffer's seat:

2 But in the statutes of the Lord Has plac'd his chief delight; By day he reads or hears the word, And meditates by night.

3 [He like a plant of generous kind, By living waters set, Safe from the storms and blasting wind, Enjoys a peaceful state.]

4 Green as the leaf and ever fair Shall his profession shine, While fruits of holiness appear Like clusters on the vine.

5 Not so the impious and unjust; What vain designs they form! Their hopes are blown away like dust, Or chaff before the storm.

6 Sinners in judgment shall not stand Amongst the sons of grace, When Christ the Judge, at his right hand, Appoints his saints a place.

7 His eye beholds the path they tread, His heart approves it well; But crooked ways of sinners lead Down to the gates of hell.

Psalm 1:2. S. M. The saint happy, the sinner miserable.

1 The man is ever blest Who shuns the sinner's ways, Among their counsels never stands, Nor takes the scorner's place;

2 But makes the Law of God His study and delight, Amidst the labours of the day, And watches of the night.

3 He like a tree shall thrive, With waters near the root: Fresh as the leaf his name shall live, His works are heavenly fruit.

4 Not so th' ungodly race, They no such blessings find; Their hopes shall flee like empty chaff Before the driving wind.

5 How will they bear to stand Before that judgment-seat, Where all the saints at Christ's right hand In full assembly meet?

6 He knows, and he approves The way the righteous go; But sinners and their works shall meet A dreadful overthrow.

Psalm 1:3. L. M. The difference between the righteous and the wicked.

1 Happy the man whose cautious feet Shun the broad way that sinners go, Who hates the place where atheists meet, And fears to talk as scoffers do.

2 He loves t' employ his morning light Amongst the statutes of the Lord: And spends the wakeful hours at night, With pleasure pondering o'er the word.

3 He like a plant by gentle streams, Shall flourish in immortal green; And heaven will shine with kindest beams On every work his hands begin.

4 But sinners find their counsels crost; As chaff before the tempest flies, So shall their hopes be blown and lost, When the last trumpet shakes the skies.

5 In vain the rebel seeks to stand In judgment with the pious race; The dreadful Judge with stern command Divides him to a different place.

6 "Straight is the way my saints have trod, "I blest the path and drew it plain; "But you would choose the crooked road, "And down it leads to endless pain.

Psalm 2:1. S. M. Translated according to the divine pattern, Acts iv. 24 &c.

Christ dying, rising, interceding, and reigning.

1 [Maker and sovereign Lord Of heaven, and earth, and seas, Thy providence confirms thy word, And answers thy decrees.

2 The things so long foretold By David are fulfill'd, When Jews and Gentiles join to slay Jesus, thine holy child.]

3 Why did the Gentiles rage, And Jews with one accord Bend all their counsels to destroy Th' anointed of the Lord?

4 Rulers and kings agree To form a vain design; Against the Lord their powers unite, Against his Christ they join.

5 The Lord derides their rage, And will support his throne; He that hath rais'd him from the dead Hath own'd him for his Son.

PAUSE.

6 Now he's ascended high, And asks to rule the earth; The merit of his blood be pleads, And pleads his heavenly birth.

7 He asks, and God bestows A large inheritance; Far as the world's remotest ends His kingdom shall advance.

8 The nations that rebel Must feel his iron rod; He'll vindicate those honours well Which he receiv'd from God.

9 [Be wise, ye rulers, now, And worship at his throne; With trembling joy, ye people, bow To God's exalted Son.

10 If once his wrath arise, Ye perish on the place; Then blessed is the soul that flies For refuge to his grace.]

Psalm 2:2. C. M. The same.

1 Why did the nations join to slay The Lord's anointed Son? Why did they cast his laws away, And tread his gospel down?

2 The Lord that sits above the skies, Derides their rage below, He speaks with vengeance in his eyes, And strikes their spirits thro'.

3 "I call him my Eternal Son, "And raise him from the dead; "I make my holy hill his throne, "And wide his kingdom spread.

4 "Ask me, my Son, and then enjoy "The utmost heathen lands: "Thy rod of iron shall destroy "The rebel that withstands."

5 Be wise, ye rulers of the earth, Obey th' anointed Lord, Adore the king of heavenly birth, And tremble at his word.

6 With humble love address his throne, For if he frown ye die; Those are secure, and those alone, Who on his grace rely.

Psalm 2:3. L. M. Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension.

1 Why did the Jews proclaim their rage? The Romans why their swords employ? Against the Lord their powers engage His dear anointed to destroy?

2 "Come, let us break his bands," they say, "This man shall never give us laws ;" And thus they cast his yoke away, And nail'd the monarch to the cross.

3 But God, who high in glory reigns, Laughs at their pride, their rage controls; He'll vex their hearts with inward pains, And speak in thunder to their souls.

4 "I will maintain the King I made "On Zion's everlasting hill, "My hand shall bring him from the dead, "And he shall stand your sovereign still."

5 [His wondrous rising from the earth Makes his eternal Godhead known! The Lord declares his heavenly birth, "This day have I begot my Son.

6 "Ascend, my Son, to my right hand, "There thou shalt ask, and I bestow "The utmost bounds of heathen lands; "To thee the northern isles shall bow."]

7 But nations that resist his grace Shall fall beneath his iron stroke; His rod shall crush his foes with ease As potters' earthen work is broke.

PAUSE.

8 Now, ye that sit on earthly thrones, Be wise, and serve the Lord, the Lamb; at his feet submit your crowns, Rejoice and tremble at his name.

9 With humble love address the Son, Lest he grow angry and ye die; His wrath will burn to worlds unknown If ye provoke his jealousy.

10 His storms shall drive you quick to hell: He is a God, and ye but dust: Happy the souls that know him well, And make his grace their only trust.

Psalm 3:1. C. M. Doubts and fears supprest; or, God our defence from sin and Satan.

1 My God, how many are my fears! How fast my foes increase! Conspiring my eternal death, They break my present peace.

2 The lying tempter would persuade There's no relief in heaven; And all my swelling sins appear Too big to be forgiven.

3 But thou, my glory and my strength, Shalt on the tempter tread, Shalt silence all my threatening guilt, And raise my drooping head.

4 [I cry'd, and from his holy hill He bow'd a listening ear, I call'd my Father, and my God, And he subdu'd my fear.

5 He shed soft slumbers on mine eyes, In spite of all my foes; I woke, and wonder'd at the grace That guarded my repose.]

6 What though the hosts of death and hell All arm'd against me stood, Terrors no more shall shake my soul, My refuge is my God.

7 Arise, O Lord, fulfil thy grace, While I thy glory sing: My God has broke the serpent's teeth, And death has lost his sting.

8 Salvation to the Lord belongs, His arm alone can save; Blessings attend thy people here, And reach beyond the grave.

Psalm 3:2. 1 2 3 4 5 8. L. M. A morning Psalm.

1 O Lord, how many are my foes, In this weak state of flesh and blood! My peace they daily discompose, But my defence and hope is God.

2 Tir'd with the burdens of the day, To thee I rais'd an evening cry; Thou heardst when I began to pray, And thine almighty help was nigh.

3 Supported by thine heavenly aid, I laid me down and slept secure; Not death should make my heart afraid, Tho' I should wake and rise no more.

4 But God sustain'd me all the night; Salvation doth to God belong; He rais'd my head to see the light, And make his praise my morning song.

Psalm 4:1. 1 2 3 5 6 7. L. M. Hearing prayer; or, God our portion, and Christ our hope.

1 O God of grace and righteousness, Hear and attend when I complain; Thou hast enlarg'd me in distress, Bow down a gracious ear again.

2 Ye sons of men, in vain ye try To turn my glory into shame; How long will scoffers love to lie, And dare reproach my Saviour's name!

3 Know that the Lord divides his saints From all the tribes of men beside; He hears the cry of penitents For the dear sake of Christ that dy'd.

4 When our obedient hands have done A thousand works of righteousness, We put our trust in God alone, And glory in his pardoning grace.

5 Let the unthinking many say, "Who will bestow some earthly good?" But, Lord, thy light and love we pray, Our souls desire this heavenly food.

6 Then shall my cheerful powers rejoice At grace and favour so divine; Nor will I change my happy choice For all their corn and all their wine.

Psalm 4:2. 3 4 5 8. C. M. An evening Psalm.

1 Lord, thou wilt hear me when I pray I am for ever thine: I fear before thee all the day, Nor would I dare to sin.

2 And while I rest my weary head From cares and business free, 'Tis sweet conversing on my bed With my own heart and thee.

3 I pay this evening sacrifice; And when my work is done, Great God, my faith and hope relies Upon thy grace alone.

4 Thus with my thoughts compos'd to peace I'll give mine eyes to sleep; Thy hand in safety keeps my days, And will my slumbers keep.

Psalm 5. For the Lord's day morning.

1 Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear My voice ascending high; To thee will I direct my prayer, To thee lift up mine eye;

2 Up to the hills where Christ is gone To plead for all his saints, Presenting at his Father's throne Our songs and our complaints.

3 Thou art a God before whose sight The wicked shall not stand; Sinners shall ne'er be thy delight, Nor dwell at thy right hand.

4 But to thy house will I resort, To taste thy mercies there; I will frequent thine holy court, And worship in thy fear.

5 O may thy Spirit guide my feet In ways of righteousness! Make every path of duty straight And plain before my face.

PAUSE.

6 My watchful enemies combine To tempt my feet astray; They flatter with a base design To make my soul their prey.

7 Lord, crush the serpent in the dust, And all his plots destroy; While those that in thy mercy trust For ever shout for joy.

8 The men that love and fear thy name Shall see their hopes fulfill'd; The mighty God will compass them With favour as a shield.

Psalm 6:1. C. M. Complaint in sickness; or, diseases healed.

1 In anger, Lord, rebuke me not, Withdraw the dreadful storm; Nor let thy fury grow so hot Against a feeble worm.

2 My soul's bow'd down with heavy cares, My flesh with pain oppress'd; My couch is witness to my tears, My tears forbid my rest.

3 Sorrow and pain wear out my days; I waste the night with cries, Counting the minutes as they pass, Till the slow morning rise.

4 Shall I be still tormented more? Mine eye consum'd with grief? How long, my God, how long before Thine hand afford relief?

5 He hears when dust and ashes speak, He pities all our groans, He saves us for his mercy's sake And heals our broken bones.

6 The virtue of his sovereign word Restores our fainting breath; For silent graves praise not the Lord, Nor is he known in death.

Psalm 6:2. L. M. Temptations in sickness overcome.

1 Lord, I can suffer thy rebukes, When thou with kindness dost chastise But thy fierce wrath I cannot bear, O let it not against me rise!

2 Pity my languishing estate, And ease the sorrows that I feel; The wounds thine heavy hand hath made, O let thy gentler touches heal.

3 See how I pass my weary days In sighs and groans; and when 'tis night My bed is water'd with my tears; My grief consumes and dims my sight.

4 Look how the powers of nature mourn! How long, almighty God, how long? When shall thine hour of grace return? When shall I make thy grace my song?

5 I feel my flesh so near the grave, My thoughts are tempted to despair; But graves can never praise the Lord, For all is dust and silence there.

6 Depart, ye tempters, from my soul, And all despairing thoughts depart; My God, who hears my humble moan, Will ease my flesh, and cheer my heart.

Psalm 7. God's care of his people and punishment of persecutors.

1 My trust is in my heavenly Friend, My hope in thee, my God; Rise and my helpless life defend From those that seek my blood.

2 With insolence and fury they My soul in pieces tear, As hungry lions rend the prey When no deliverer's near.

3 If I had e'er provok'd them first, Or once abus'd my foe, Then let him tread my life to dust, And lay mine honour low.

4 If there be malice found in me, I know thy piercing eyes; I should not dare appeal to thee, Nor ask my God to rise.

5 Arise, my God, lift up thy hand, Their pride and power control; Awake to judgment and command Deliverance for my soul.

PAUSE.

6 [Let sinners and their wicked rage Be humbled to the dust; Shall not the God of truth engage To vindicate the just?

7 He knows the heart, he tries the reins, He will defend th' upright: His sharpest arrows he ordains Against the sons of spite.

8 For me their malice digg'd a pit, But there themselves are cast; My God makes all their mischief light On their own heads at last.]

9 That cruel persecuting race Must feel his dreadful sword; Awake, my soul, and praise the grace And justice of the Lord.

Psalm 8:1. S. M. God's sovereignty and goodness; and man's dominion over the creatures.

1 O Lord, our heavenly King, Thy name is all divine; Thy glories round the earth are spread, And o'er the heavens they shine.

2 When to thy works on high I raise my wondering eyes, And see the moon complete in light Adorn the darksome skies:

3 When I survey the stars, And all their shining forms, Lord, what is man, that worthless thing, Akin to dust and worms?

4 Lord, what is worthless man, That thou shouldst love him so? Next to thine angels he is plac'd, And lord of all below.

5 Thine honours crown his head, While beasts like slaves obey, And birds that cut the air with wings, And fish that cleave the sea.

6 How rich thy bounties are! And wondrous are thy ways: Of dust and worms thy power can frame A monument of praise.

7 [Out of the mouths of babes And sucklings thou canst draw Surprising honours to thy name, And strike the world with awe.]

8 O Lord, our heavenly King, Thy name is all divine: Thy glories round the earth are spread, And o'er the heavens they shine.

Psalm 8:2. C. M. Christ's condescension and glorification; or, God made man.

1 O Lord, our Lord, how wondrous great Is thine exalted name! The glories of thy heavenly state Let men and babes proclaim.

2 When I behold thy works on high, The moon that rules the night, And stars that well adorn the sky, Those moving worlds of light;

3 Lord, what is man, or all his race, Who dwells so far below, That thou shouldst visit him with grace, And love his nature so?

4 That thine eternal Son should bear To take a mortal form, Made lower than his angels are, To save a dying worm!

5 [Yet while he liv'd on earth unknown, And men would not adore, Th' obedient seas and fishes own His Godhead and his power.

6 The waves lay spread beneath his feet; And fish, at his command, Bring their large shoals to Peter's net, Bring tribute to his hand.

7 These lesser glories of the Son Shone thro' the fleshly cloud; Now we behold him on his throne, And men confess him God.]

8 Let him be crown'd with majesty, Who bow'd his head to death; And be his honours sounded high, By all things that have breath.

9 Jesus, our Lord, how wondrous great Is thine exalted name! The glories of thy heavenly state Let the whole earth proclaim.

Psalm 8:3. 1 2. paraphrased. First Part. L. M. The Hosanna of the children; or, Infants praising God.

1 Almighty Ruler of the skies, Thro' the wide earth thy name is spread, And thine eternal glories rise O'er all the heavens thy hands have made.

2 To thee the voices of the young A monument of honour raise; And babes, with uninstructed tongue, Declare the wonders of thy praise.

3 Thy power assists their tender age To bring proud rebels to the ground, To still the bold blasphemer's rage, And all their policies confound.

4 Children amidst thy temple throng To see their great Redeemer's face; The Son of David is their song, And young hosannas fill the place.

3 The frowning scribes and angry priests In vain their impious cavils bring; Revenge sits silent in their breasts, While Jewish babes proclaim their king.

Psalm 8:4. 3 &c. paraphrased. Second Part. L. M. Adam and Christ, lords of the old and the new creation.

1 Lord, what was man, when made at first, Adam the offspring of the dust, That thou shouldst set him and his race But just below an angel's place?

2 That thou shouldst raise his nature so And make him lord of all below; Make every beast and bird submit, And lay the fishes at his feet?

3 But O, what brighter glories wait To crown the second Adam's state! What honours shall thy Son adorn Who condescended to be born!

4 See him below his angels made, See him in dust amongst the dead, To save a ruin'd world from sin; But he shall reign with power divine.

5 The world to come, redeem'd from all The miseries that attend the fall, New made, and glorious, shall submit At our exalted Saviour's feet.

Psalm 9:1. First Part. Wrath and mercy from the judgment-seat.

1 With my whole heart I'll raise my song, Thy wonders I'll proclaim; Thou sov'reign judge of right and wrong Wilt put my foes to shame.

2 I'll sing thy majesty and grace; My God prepares his throne To judge the world in righteousness And make his vengeance known.

3 Then shall the Lord a refuge prove For all the poor opprest, To save the people of his love, And give the weary rest.

4 The men, that know thy name will trust In thy abundant grace; For thou hast ne'er forsook the just, Who humbly seek thy face.

5 Sing praises to the righteous Lord, Who dwells on Zion's hill, Who executes his threatening word, And doth his grace fulfil.

Psalm 9:2. 10. Second Part. The wisdom and equity of providence.

1 When the great Judge, supreme and just, Shall once inquire for blood, The humble souls, that mourn in dust, Shall find a faithful God.

2 He from the dreadful gates of death Does his own children raise: In Zion's gates, with cheerful breath, They sing their Father's praise.

3 His foes shall fail with heedless feet Into the pit they made; And sinners perish in the net That their own hands had spread.

4 Thus by thy judgments, mighty God! Are thy deep counsels known; When men of mischief are destroy'd, The snare must be their own.

PAUSE.

5 The wicked shall sink down to hell; Thy wrath devour the lands That dare forget thee, or rebel Against thy known commands.

6 Tho' saints to sore distress are brought, And wait and long complain, Their cries shall not be still forgot, Nor shall their hopes be vain.

7 [Rise, great Redeemer, from thy seat, To judge and save the poor; Let nations tremble at thy feet, And man prevail no more.

8 Thy thunder shall affright the proud, And put their hearts to pain, Make them confess that thou art God, And they but feeble men.]

Psalm 10. Prayer heard, and saints saved; or, Pride, atheism, and oppression punished.

For a humiliation day.

1 Why doth the Lord stand off so far, And why conceal his face, When great calamities appear, And times of deep distress?

2 Lord, shall the wicked still deride Thy justice and thy pow'r? Shall they advance their heads in pride, And still thy saints devour?

3 They put thy judgments from their sight, And then insult the poor; They boast in their exalted height That they shall fall no more.

4 Arise, O God, lift up thine hand, Attend our humble cry; No enemy shall dare to stand When God ascends on high.

PAUSE.

5 Why do the men of malice rage, And say with foolish pride, "The God of heaven will ne'er engage To fight on Zion's side?"

6 But thou for ever art our Lord; And pow'rful is thine hand, As when the heathens felt thy sword, And perish'd from thy land.

7 Thou wilt prepare our hearts to pray, And cause thine ear to hear; He hearkens what his children say, And puts the world in fear.

8 Proud tyrants shall no more oppress, No more despise the just; And mighty sinners shall confess They are but earth and dust.

Psalm 11. God loves the righteous and hates the wicked.

1 My refuge is the God of love; Why do my foes insult and cry, "Fly like a timorous trembling dove, "To distant woods or mountains fly"?

2 If government be all destroy'd (That firm foundation of our peace) And violence make justice void, Where shall the righteous seek redress?

3 The Lord in heaven has fix'd his throne, His eye surveys the world below; To him all mortal things are known, His eyelids search our spirits thro'.

4 If he afflicts his saints so far To prove their love, and try their grace, What may the bold transgressors fear? His very soul abhors their ways.

5 On impious wretches he shall rain Tempests of brimstone, fire, and death, Such as he kindled on the plain Of Sodom with his angry breath.

6 The righteous Lord loves righteous souls, Whose thoughts and actions are sincere; And with a gracious eye beholds The men that his own image bear.

Psalm 12:1. L. M. The saint's safety and hope in evil times; or, Sins of the tongue complained of, viz, blasphemy, falsehood, &c.

1 Lord, if thou dost not soon appear, Virtue and truth will fly away; A faithful man, amongst us here, Will scarce be found if thou delay.

2 The whole discourse, when neighbours meet, Is fill'd with trifles loose and vain; Their lips are flattery and deceit, And their proud language is profane.

3 But lips, that with deceit abound, Shall not maintain their triumph long; The God of vengeance will confound The flattering and blaspheming tongue.

4 "Yet shall our words be free," they cry, "Our tongue shall be controll'd by none: "Where is the Lord will ask us why? "Or say, our lips are not our own?"

5 The Lord who sees the poor opprest, And hears th' oppressor's haughty strain, Will rise to give his children rest, Nor shall they trust his word in vain.

6 Thy word, O Lord, tho' often try'd, Void of deceit shall still appear Not silver, seven times purify'd From dross and mixture, shines so clear.

7 Thy grace shall in the darkest hour Defend the holy soul from harm; Tho' when the vilest men have power On every side will sinners swarm.

Psalm 12:2. C. M. Complaint of a general corruption of manners; or, The promise and signs of Christ's coming to judgment.

1 Help, Lord, for men of virtue fail, Religion loses ground, The sons of violence prevail, And treacheries abound.

2 Their oaths and promises they break, Yet act the flatterer's part; With fair deceitful lips they speak, And with a double heart.

3 If we reprove some hateful lie, How is their fury stirr'd! "Are not our lips our own" they cry, "And who shall be our lord?"

4 Scoffers appear on every side, Where a vile race of men Is rais'd to seats of power and pride, And bears the sword in vain.

PAUSE.

5 Lord, when iniquities abound, And blasphemy grows bold, When faith is hardly to be found, And love is waxing cold,

6 Is not thy chariot hastening on? Hast thou not given this sign? May we not trust and live upon A promise so divine?

7 "Yes," saith the Lord, "now will I rise, "And make oppressors flee; "I shall appear to their surprise, "And set my servants free."

8 Thy word, like silver seven times try'd, Thro' ages shall endure; The men that in thy truth confide, Shall find thy promise sure.

Psalm 13:1. L. M. Pleading with God under desertion; or, Hope, in darkness.

1 How long, 0 Lord, shall I complain Like one that seeks his God in vain? Canst thou thy face for ever hide? And I still pray and be deny'd?

2 Shall I for ever be forgot As one whom thou regardest not? Still shall my soul thine absence mourn? And still despair of thy return?

3 How long shall my poor troubled breast Be with these anxious thoughts opprest? And Satan, my malicious foe, Rejoice to see me sunk so low.

4 Hear, Lord, and grant me quick relief, Before my death conclude my grief; If thou withhold thy heavenly light, I sleep in everlasting night.

5 How will the powers of darkness boast, If but one praying soul be lost! But I have trusted in thy grace, And shall again behold thy face.

6 Whate'er my fears or foes suggest, Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest; My heart shall feel thy love, and raise My cheerful voice to songs of praise.

Psalm 13:2. C. M. Complaint under temptations of the devil.

1 How long wilt thou conceal thy face? My God, how long delay? When shall I feel those heavenly rays That chase my fears away?

2 How long shall my poor labouring soul Wrestle and toil in vain? Thy word can all my foes control, And ease my raging pain.

3 See how the prince of darkness tries All his malicious arts, He spreads a mist around my eyes, And throws his fiery darts.

4 Be thou my sun and thou my shield, My soul in safety keep; Make haste before mine eyes are seal'd In death's eternal sleep.

5 How would the tempter boast aloud If I become his prey! Behold the sons of hell grow proud At thy so long delay.

6 But they shall fly at thy rebuke, And Satan hide his head; He knows the terrors of thy look And hears thy voice with dread.

7 Thou wilt display that sovereign grace, Where all my hopes have hung; I shall employ my lips in praise, And victory shall be sung.

Psalm 14:1. First Part. By nature all men are sinners.

1 Fools in their hearts believe and say, "That all religion's vain, "There is no God that reigns on high, "Or minds th' affairs of men."

2 From thoughts so dreadful and profane Corrupt discourse proceeds; And in their impious hands are found Abominable deeds.

3 The Lord, from his celestial throne Look'd down on things below, To find the man that sought his grace, Or did his justice know.

4 By nature all are gone astray, Their practice all the same; There's none that fears his Maker's hand, There's none that loves his name.

5 Their tongues are us'd to speak deceit, Their slanders never cease; How swift to mischief are their feet, Nor knew the paths of peace.

6 Such seeds of sin (that bitter root) In every heart are found; Nor can they bear diviner fruit, Till grace refine the ground.

Psalm 14:2. Second Part. The folly of persecutors.

1 Are sinners now so senseless grown That they thy saints devour? And never worship at thy throne, Nor fear thine awful power?

2 Great God appear to their surprise, Reveal thy dreadful name; Let them no more thy wrath despise, Nor turn our hope to shame.

3 Dost thou not dwell among the just? And yet our foes deride, That we should make thy name our trust; Great God, confound their pride.

4 O that the joyful day were come To finish our distress! When God shall bring his children home, Our songs shall never cease.

Psalm 15:1. C. M. Characters of a saint; or, a citizen of Zion; or, The qualifications of a Christian.

1 Who shall inhabit in thy hill, O God of holiness? Whom will the Lord admit to dwell So near his throne of grace?

2 The man that walks in pious ways, And works with righteous hands; That trusts his Maker's promises, And follows his commands.

3 He speaks the meaning of his heart, Nor slanders with his tongue; Will scarce believe an ill report, Nor do his neighbour wrong.

4 The wealthy sinner he contemns, Loves all that fear the Lord: And tho' to his own hurt he swears, Still he performs his word.

5 His hands disdain a golden bribe, And never gripe the poor; This man shall dwell with God on earth, And find his heaven secure.

Psalm 15:2. L. M. Religion and justice, goodness and truth; or, Duties to God and man; or, The qualifications of a Christian.

1 Who shall ascend thy heavenly place, Great God, and dwell before thy face? The man that minds religion now, And humbly walks with God below:

2 Whose hands are pure, whose heart is clean, Whose lips still speak the thing they mean; No slanders dwell upon his tongue; He hates to do his neighbour wrong.

3 [Scarce will he trust an ill report, Nor vents it to his neighbour's hurt: Sinners of state he can despise, But saints are honour'd in his eyes.]

4 [Firm to his word he ever stood, And always makes his promise good; Nor dares to change the thing he swears, Whatever pain or loss he bears.]

5 [He never deals in bribing gold, And mourns that justice should be sold: While others gripe and grind the poor, Sweet charity attends his door.]

6 [He loves his enemies, and prays For those that curse him to his face; And doth to all men still the same That he would hope or wish from them.]

7 Yet when his holiest works are done, His soul depends on grace alone; This is the man thy face shall see, And dwell for ever Lord, with thee.

Psalm 16:1. First Part. L. M. Confession of our poverty, and saints the best company; or, Good works profit men, not God.

1 Preserve me, Lord, in time of need For succour to thy throne I flee, But have no merits there to plead; My goodness cannot reach to thee.

2 Oft have my heart and tongue confest How empty and how poor I am; My praise can never make thee blest, Nor add new glories to thy name.

3 Yet, Lord, thy saints on earth may reap Some profit by the good we do; These are the company I keep, These are the choicest friends I know.

4 Let others choose the sons of mirth To give a relish to their wine, I love the men of heavenly birth, Whose thoughts and language are divine.

Psalm 16:2. Second Part. L. M. Christ's all-sufficiency.

1 How fast their guilt and sorrows rise Who haste to seek some idol god! I will not taste their sacrifice, Their offerings of forbidden blood.

2 My God provides a richer cup, And nobler food to live upon; He for my life has offer'd up Jesus, his best beloved Son.

3 His love is my perpetual feast; By day his counsels guide me right; And be his name for ever blest, Who gives me sweet advice by night.

4 I set him still before mine eyes; At my right hand he stands prepar'd To keep my soul from all surprise, And be my everlasting guard.

Psalm 16:3. Third Part. L. M. Courage in death, and hope of the resurrection.

1 When God is nigh, my faith is strong, His arm is my almighty prop: Be glad, my heart; rejoice, my tongue, My dying flesh shall rest in hope.

2 Tho' in the dust I lay my head, Yet, gracious God, thou wilt not leave My soul for ever with the dead, Nor lose thy children in the grave.

3 My flesh shall thy first call obey, Shake off the dust, and rise on high; Then shalt thou lead the wondrous way, Up to thy throne above the sky.

4 There streams of endless pleasure flow; And full discoveries of thy grace (Which we but tasted here below) Spread heavenly joys thro' all the place.

Psalm 16:4. First Part. C. M. Support and counsel from God without merit.

1 Save me, O Lord, from every foe; In thee my trust I place, Tho' all the good that I can do Can ne'er deserve thy grace.

2 Yet if my God prolong my breath The saints may profit by't; The saints, the glory of the earth, The men of my delight.

3 Let heathens to their idols haste, And worship wood or stone; But my delightful lot is cast Where the true God is known.

4 His hand provides my constant food, He fills my daily cup; Much am I pleas'd with present good, But more rejoice in hope.

5 God is my portion and my joy, His counsels are my light; He gives me sweet advice by day, And gentle hints by night.

6 My soul would all her thoughts approve To his all-seeing eye; Not death, nor hell my hope shall move, While such a friend is nigh.

Psalm 16:5. Second Part. C. M. The death and resurrection of Christ.

1 I Set the Lord before my face, "He bears my courage up; "My heart, and tongue, their joys express, "My flesh shall rest in hope.

2 "My spirit, Lord, thou wilt not leave "Where souls departed are; "Nor quit my body to the grave "To see corruption there.

3 "Thou wilt reveal the path of life, "And raise me to thy throne; "Thy courts immortal pleasure give, "Thy presence joys unknown."

4 [Thus in the name of Christ, the Lord, The holy David sung, And Providence fulfils the word Of his prophetic tongue.

5 Jesus, whom every saint adores, Was crucify'd and slain; Behold the tomb its prey restores, Behold, he lives again!

6 When shall my feet arise and stand On heaven's eternal hills? There sits the Son at God's right hand, And there the Father smiles.]

Psalm 17:1. 13 &c. S. M. Portion of saints and sinners; or, Hope and despair in death.

1 Arise, my gracious God, And make the wicked flee; They are but thy chastising rod To drive thy saints to thee.

2 Behold the sinner dies, His haughty words are vain; Here in this life his pleasure lies, And all beyond is pain.

3 Then let his pride advance, And boast of all his store: The Lord is my inheritance, My soul can wish no more.

4 I shall behold the face Of my forgiving God, And stand complete in righteousness, Wash'd in my Saviour's blood.

5 There's a new heaven begun, When I awake from death, Drest in the likeness of thy Son, And draw immortal breath.

Psalm 17:2. L. M. The sinner's portion, and saint's hope; or, The heaven of separate souls, and the resurrection.

1 Lord, I am thine; but thou wilt prove My faith, my patience, and my love; When men of spite against me join, They are the sword, the hand is thine.

2 Their hope and portion lies below; 'Tis all the happiness they know, 'Tis all they seek; they take their shares, And leave the rest among their heirs.

3 What sinners value, I resign; Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine; I shall behold thy blissful face, And stand complete in righteousness.

4 This life's a dream, an empty show; But the bright world to which I go Hath joys substantial and sincere; When shall I wake, and find me there?

5 O glorious hour! O blest abode! I shall be near and like my God! And flesh and sin no more control The sacred pleasures of the soul.

6 My flesh shall slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, And in my Saviour's image rise.

Psalm 18:1. 1-6 15-18. First Part. L. M. Deliverance from despair; or, Temptations overcome.

1 Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength, My rock, my tower, my high defence, Thy mighty arm shall be my trust, For I have found salvation thence.

2 Death, and the terrors of the grave Stood round me with their dismal shade; While floods of high temptations rose, And made my sinking soul afraid.

3 I saw the opening gates of hell, With endless pains and sorrows there, Which none but they that feel can tell, While I was hurried to despair.

4 In my distress I call'd 'my God,' When I could scarce believe him mine; He bow'd his ear to my complaint, Then did his grace appear divine.

5 [With speed he flew to my relief, As on a cherub's wing he rode; Awful and bright as lightning shone The face of my deliverer, God.

6 Temptations fled at his rebuke, The blast of his almighty breath; He sent salvation from on high, And drew me from the deeps of death.]

7 Great were my fears, my foes were great, Much was their strength, and more their rage; But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still, In all the wars that devils wage.

8 My song for ever shall record That terrible, that joyful hour; And give the glory to the Lord Due to his mercy and his power.

Psalm 18:2. 20-26. Second Part. L. M. Sincerity proved and rewarded.

1 Lord, thou hast seen my soul sincere, Hast made thy truth and love appear; Before mine eyes I set thy laws, And thou hast own'd my righteous cause.

2 Since I have learnt thy holy ways, I've walk'd upright before thy face; Or if my feet did e'er depart, 'Twas never with a wicked heart.

3 What sore temptations broke my rest! What wars and strugglings in my breast! But thro' thy grace that reigns within, I guard against my darling sin:

4 That sin which close besets me still, That works and strives against my will; When shall thy Spirit's sovereign power Destroy it that it rise no more?

5 [With an impartial hand, the Lord Deals out to mortals their reward; The kind and faithful souls shall find A God as faithful, and as kind.

6 The just and pure shall ever say, Thou art more pure, more just than they; And men that love revenge shall know, God hath an arm of vengeance too.]

Psalm 18:3. 30 31 34 35 46. 3d Part. L. M. Rejoicing in God; or, Salvation and triumph.

1 Just are thy ways, and true thy word, Great rock of my secure abode; Who is a God beside the Lord? Or where's a refuge like our God?

2 'Tis he that girds me with his might, Gives me his holy sword to wield; And while with sin and hell I fight, Spreads his salvation for my shield.

3 He lives (and blessed be my rock!) The God of my salvation lives, The dark designs of hell are broke; Sweet is the peace my Father gives.

4 Before the scoffers of the age, I will exalt my Father's name, Nor tremble at their mighty rage, But meet reproach and bear the shame.

5 To David and his royal seed Thy grace for ever shall extend; Thy love to saints in Christ their head Knows not a limit, nor an end.

Psalm 18:4. First Part. C. M. Victory and triumph over temporal enemies.

1 We love thee, Lord, and we adore, Now is thine arm reveal'd; Thou art our strength, our heavenly tower, Our bulwark and our shield.

2 We fly to our eternal rock, And find a sure defence; His holy name our lips invoke, And draw salvation thence.

3 When God, our leader, shines in arms, What mortal heart can bear The thunder of his loud alarms? The lightning of his spear?

4 He rides upon the winged wind, And angels in array In millions wait to know his mind, And swift as flames obey.

5 He speaks, and at his fierce rebuke, Whole armies are dismay'd; His voice, his frown, his angry look Strikes all their courage dead.

6 He forms our generals for the field, With all their dreadful skill; Gives them his awful sword to wield, And makes their hearts of steel.

7 [He arms our captains to the fight, Tho' there his name's forgot: He girded Cyrus with his might, But Cyrus knew him not.

8 Oft has the Lord whole nations blest For his own church's sake: The powers that give his people rest, Shall of his care partake.]

Psalm 18:5. Second Part. C. M. The conqueror's song.

1 To thine almighty arm we owe The triumphs of the day Thy terrors, Lord, confound the foe, And melt their strength away.

2 'Tis by thine aid our troops prevail, And break united powers, Or burn their boasted fleets, or scale The proudest of their towers.

3 How have we chas'd them thro' the field, And trod them to the ground, While thy salvation was our shield, But they no shelter found!

4 In vain to idol-saints they cry, And perish in their blood; Where is a rock so great, so high, So powerful as our God?

5 The Rock of Israel ever lives, His name be ever blest; 'Tis his own arm the victory gives, And gives his people rest.

6 On kings that reign as David did, He pours his blessings down; Secures their honours to their seed, And well supports the crown.

Psalm 19:1. First Part. S. M. The book of nature and scripture.

For a Lord's-day morning.

1 Behold the lofty sky Declares its maker God, And all his starry works on high Proclaim his power abroad.

2 The darkness and the light Still keep their course the same; While night to day, and day to night Divinely teach his name.

3 In every different land Their general voice is known They shew the wonders of his hand, And orders of his throne.

4 Ye British lands, rejoice, Here he reveals his word, We are not left to nature's voice To bid us know the Lord.

5 His statutes and commands Are set before our eyes; He puts his gospel in our hands, Where our salvation lies.

6 His laws are just and pure, His truth without deceit, His promises for ever sure, And his rewards are great.

7 [Not honey to the taste Affords so much delight, Nor gold that has the furnace past So much allures the sight.

8 While of thy works I sing, Thy glory to proclaim, Accept the praise, my God, my King, In my Redeemer's name.]

Psalm 19:2. Second Part. S. M. God's word most excellent; or, Sincerity and watchfulness.

For a Lord's-day morning.

1 Behold the morning sun Begins his glorious way; His beams thro' all the nations run, And life and light convey.

2 But where the gospel comes, It spreads diviner light, It calls dead sinners from their tombs, And gives the blind their sight.

3 How perfect is thy word! And all thy judgments just! For ever sure thy promise, Lord, And men securely trust.

4 My gracious God, how plain Are thy directions given! O! may I never read in vain, But find the path to heaven!

PAUSE.

5 I hear thy word with love, And I would fain obey; Send thy good Spirit from above To guide me, lest I stray.

6 O who can ever find The errors of his ways? Yet, with a bold presumptuous mind, I would not dare transgress.

7 Warn me of every sin, Forgive my secret faults, And cleanse this guilty soul of mine, Whose crimes exceed my thoughts.

8 While with my heart and tongue I spread thy praise abroad, Accept the worship and the song, My Saviour and my God.

Psalm 19:3. L. M. The books of nature and of scripture compared; or, The glory and success of the gospel.

1 The heavens declare thy glory, Lord, In every star thy wisdom shines; But when our eyes behold thy word We read thy name in fairer lines.

2 The rolling sun, the changing light, And nights and days thy power confess; But the blest volume thou hast writ Reveals thy justice and thy grace.

3 Sun, moon, and stars convey thy praise Round the whole earth, and never stand; So when thy truth begun its race, It touch'd and glanc'd on every land.

4 Nor shall thy spreading gospel rest, Till thro' the world thy truth has run; Till Christ has all the nations blest, That see the light, or feel the sun.

5 Great Sun of Righteousness, arise, Bless the dark world with heavenly light; Thy gospel makes the simple wise, Thy laws are pure, thy judgments right.

6 Thy noblest wonders here we view In souls renew'd and sins forgiven: Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew, And make thy word my guide to heaven.

Psalm 19:4. To the tune of the 113th Psalm. The book of nature and scripture.

1 Great God, the heaven's well-order'd frame Declares the glories of thy name; There thy rich works of wonder shine: A thousand starry beauties there, A thousand radiant marks appear Of boundless power and skill divine.

2 From night to day, from day to night, The dawning and the dying light Lectures of heavenly wisdom read; With silent eloquence they raise Our thoughts to our Creator's praise, And neither sound nor language need.

3 Yet their divine instructions run Far as the journies of the sun, And every nation knows their voice; The sun, like some young bridegroom drest, Breaks from the chambers of the east, Rolls round, and makes the earth rejoice.

4 Where'er he spreads his beams abroad, He smiles and speaks his maker God; All nature joins to shew thy praise: Thus God, in every creature shines; Fair is the book of nature's lines, But fairer is thy book of grace.

PAUSE.

5 I love the volumes of thy word; What light and joy those leaves afford To souls benighted and distrest! Thy precepts guide my doubtful way, Thy fear forbids my feet to stray; Thy promise leads my heart to rest.

6 From the discoveries of thy law The perfect rules of life I draw, These are my study and delight: Not honey so invites the taste, Nor gold, that hath the furnace past, Appears so pleasing to the sight.

7 Thy threatenings wake my slumbering eyes, And warn me where my danger lies; But 'tis thy blessed gospel, Lord, That makes my guilty conscience clean, Converts my soul, subdues my sin, And gives a free but large reward.

8 Who knows the errors of his thoughts? My God, forgive my secret faults, And from presumptuous sins restrain; Accept my poor attempts of praise That I have read thy book of grace, And book of nature, not in vain.

Psalm 20. Prayer and hope of victory. For a day of prayer in time of war.

1 Now may the God of power and grace Attend his people's humble cry! Jehovah hears when Israel prays, And brings deliverance from on high.

2 The name of Jacob's God defends Better than shields or brazen walls; He from his sanctuary sends Succour and strength, when Zion calls.

3 Well he remembers all our sighs, His love exceeds our best deserts, His love accepts the sacrifice Of humble groans and broken hearts.

4 In his salvation is our hope, And, in the name of Israel's God, Our troops shall lift their banners up, Our navies spread their flags abroad.

5 Some trust in horses train'd for war, And some of chariots make their boast; Our surest expectations are From thee, the Lord of heavenly hosts.

6 [O! may the memory of thy name Inspire our armies for the fight! Our foes shall fall and die with shame, Or quit the field with shameful flight.]

7 Now save us, Lord, from slavish fear; Now let our hopes be firm and strong, Till the salvation shall appear, And joy and triumph raise the song.

Psalm 21:1. C. M. Our king is the care of heaven.

1 The king, O Lord, with songs of praise, Shall in thy strength rejoice; And, blest with thy salvation, raise To heaven his cheerful voice.

2 Thy sure defence, thro' nations round, Has spread his glorious name; And his successful actions crown'd With majesty and fame.

3 Then let the king on God alone For timely aid rely; His mercy shall support the throne, And all our wants supply.

4 But, righteous Lord, his stubborn foes Shall feel thy dreadful hand Thy vengeful arm shall find out those That hate his mild command.

5 When thou against them dost engage, Thy just but dreadful doom Shall, like a fiery oven's rage, Their hopes and them consume.

6 Thus, Lord, thy wondrous power declare, And thus exalt thy fame; Whilst we glad songs of praise prepare For thine almighty name.

Psalm 21:2. 1-9. L. M. Christ exalted to the kingdom.

1 David rejoic'd in God his strength, Rais'd to the throne by special grace; But Christ, the Son, appears at length, Fulfils the triumph and the praise.

2 How great is the Messiah's joy In the salvation of thy hand! Lord, thou hast rais'd his kingdom high, And given the world to his command.

3 Thy goodness grants whate'er he will, Nor doth the least request withhold; Blessings of love prevent him still, And crowns of glory, not of gold.

4 Honour and majesty divine Around his sacred temples shine; Blest with the favour of thy face, And length of everlasting days.

5 Thy hand shall find out all his foes; And as a fiery oven glows With raging heat and living coals, So shall thy wrath devour their souls.

Psalm 22:1. 1-16. First Part. C. M, The sufferings and death of Christ.

1 "Why has my God my soul forsook, "Nor will a smile afford?" (Thus David once in anguish spoke, And thus our dying Lord.)

2 Tho' 'tis thy chief delight to dwell Among thy praising saints, Yet thou canst hear a groan as well, And pity our complaints.

3 Our fathers trusted in thy name, And great deliverance found; But I'm a worm, despis'd of men, And trodden to the ground.

4 Shaking the head they pass me by, And laugh my soul to scorn; "In vain he trusts in God" they cry, "Neglected and forlorn."

5 But thou art he who form'd my flesh By thine almighty word, And since I hung upon the breast, My hope is in the Lord.

6 Why will my Father hide his face, When foes stand threatening round, In the dark hour of deep distress, And not an helper found?

PAUSE.

7 Behold thy darling left among The cruel and the proud, As bulls of Bashan fierce and strong, As lions roaring loud.

8 From earth and hell my sorrows meet To multiply the smart; They nail my hands, they pierce my feet And try to vex my heart.

9 Yet if thy sovereign hand let loose The rage of earth and hell, Why will my heavenly Father bruise The Son he loves so well?

10 My God, if possible it be, Withhold this bitter cup; But I resign my will to thee, And drink the sorrows up.

11 My heart dissolves with pangs unknown In groans I waste my breath; Thy heavy hand has brought me down Low as the dust of death.

12 Father, I give my spirit up; And trust it in thy hand; My dying flesh shall rest in hope, And rise at thy command.

Psalm 22:2. 20 21 27-31. 2d Part. C. M. Christ's sufferings and kingdom.

1 "Now from the roaring lion's rage, "O Lord, protect thy Son; "Nor leave thy darling to engage, "The powers of hell alone."

2 Thus did our suffering Saviour pray, With mighty cries and tears; God heard him in that dreadful day, And chas'd away his fears.

3 Great was the victory of his death, His throne exalted high; And all the kindreds of the earth Shall worship or shall die.

4 A numerous offspring must arise From his expiring groans; They shall be reckon'd in his eyes For daughters and for sons.

5 The meek and humble soul shall see His table richly spread; And all that seek the Lord shall be With joys immortal fed.

6 The isles shall know the righteousness Of our incarnate God; And nations yet unborn profess Salvation in his blood.

Psalm 22:3. L. M. Christ's sufferings and exaltation.

1 Now let our mournful songs record The dying sorrows of our Lord; When he complain'd in tears and blood As one forsaken of his God.

2 The Jews beheld him thus forlorn, And shake their heads, and laugh in scorn; "He rescu'd others from the grave, "Now let him try himself to save.

3 "This is the man did once pretend "God was his father and his friend; "If God the blessed lov'd him so, "Why doth he fail to help him now?"

4 Barbarous people! cruel priests! How they stood round like savage beasts! Like lions gaping to devour, When God had left him in their power.

5 They wound his head, his hands, his feet, Till streams of blood each other meet; By lot his garments they divide And mock the pangs in which he dy'd.

6 But God, his Father, heard his cry: Rais'd from the dead he reigns on high. The nations learn his righteousness, And humble sinners taste his grace.

Psalm 23:1. L. M. God our Shepherd.

1 My shepherd is the living Lord; Now shall my wants be well supply'd His providence and holy word Become my safety and my guide.

2 In pastures where salvation grows He makes me feed, he makes me rest; There living water gently flows, And all the food's divinely blest.

3 My wandering feet his ways mistake, But he restores my soul to peace, And leads me for his mercy's sake, In the fair paths of righteousness.

4 Tho' I walk thro' the gloomy vale, Where death and all its terrors are, My heart and hope shall never fail, For God my shepherd's with me there.

5 Amidst the darkness and the deeps Thou art my comfort, thou my stay; Thy staff supports my feeble steps, Thy rod directs my doubtful way.

6 The sons of earth and sons of hell Gaze at thy goodness and repine To see my table spread so well With living bread and cheerful wine.

7 [How I rejoice when on my head Thy Spirit condescends to rest! 'Tis a divine anointing shed Like oil of gladness at a feast.

8 Surely the mercies of the Lord Attend his household all their days; There will I dwell to hear his word, To seek his face, and sing his praise.]

Psalm 23:2. C. M. The same.

1. My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is his name; In pastures fresh he makes me feed Beside the living stream.

2 He brings my wandering spirit back, When I forsake his ways; And leads me for his mercy's sake, In paths of truth and grace.

3 When I walk thro' the shades of death, Thy presence is my stay; A word of thy supporting breath Drives all my fears away.

4 Thy hand, in spite of all my foes, Doth still my table spread; My cup with blessings overflows, Thine oil anoints my head.

5 The sure provisions of my God Attend me all my days; O may thy house be mine abode, And all my work be praise!

6 There would I find a settled rest, (While others go and come) No more a stranger or a guest, But like a child at home.

Psalm 23:3. S. M. The same.

1 The Lord my shepherd is, I shall be well supply'd; Since he is mine, and I am his, What can I want beside?

2 He leads me to the place Where heavenly pasture grows, Where living waters gently pass, And full salvation flows.

3 If e'er I go astray, He doth my soul reclaim, And guides me in his own right way, For his most holy name.

4 While he affords his aid, I cannot yield to fear; Tho' I should walk thro' death's dark shade My Shepherd's with me there.

5 In spite of all my foes, Thou dost my table spread, My cup with blessings overflows, And joy exalts my head.

6 The bounties of thy love Shall crown my following days; Nor from thy house will I remove, Nor cease to speak thy praise.

Psalm 24:1. C. M. Dwelling with God.

1 The earth for ever is the Lord's, With Adam's numerous race; He rais'd its arches o'er the floods, And built it on the seas.

2 But who among the sons of men May visit thine abode? He that has hands from mischief clean, Whose heart is right with God.

3 This is the man may rise, and take The blessings of his grace; This is the lot of those that seek The God of Jacob's face.

4 Now let our soul's immortal powers To meet the Lord prepare, Lift up their everlasting doors, The King of glory's near.

5 The King of glory! who can tell The wonders of his might! He rules the nations; but to dwell With saints is his delight.

Psalm 24:2. L. M. Saints dwell in heaven; or, Christ's ascension.

1 This spacious earth is all the Lord's, And men, and worms, and beasts, and birds: He rais'd the building on the seas, And gave it for their dwelling-place.

2 But there's a brighter world on high, Thy palace, Lord, above the sky: Who shall ascend that blest abode, And dwell so near his Maker God?

3 He that abhors and fears to sin, Whose heart is pure whose hands are clean, Him shall the Lord the Saviour bless, And clothe his soul with righteousness.

4 These are the men, the pious race That seek the God of Jacob's face; These shall enjoy the blissful sight, And dwell in everlasting light.

PAUSE.

5 Rejoice, ye shining worlds on high, Behold the King of glory nigh! Who can this King of glory be? The mighty Lord, the Saviour's he.

6 Ye heavenly gates, your leaves display To make the Lord the Saviour way: Laden with spoils from earth and hell, The conqueror comes with God to dwell.

7 Rais'd from the dead he goes before, He opens heaven's eternal door, To give his saints a blest abode Near their Redeemer, and their God.

Psalm 25:1. 1-11. First Part. Waiting for pardon and direction.

1 I Lift my soul to God, My trust is in his name; Let not my foes that seek my blood Still triumph in my shame.

2 Sin and the powers of hell Persuade me to despair; Lord, make me know thy covenant well, That I may 'scape the snare.

3 From the first dawning light Till the dark evening rise, For thy salvation, Lord, I wait With ever-longing eyes.

4 Remember all thy grace, And lead me in thy truth; Forgive the sins of riper days, And follies of my youth.

5 The Lord is just and kind, The meek shall learn his ways; And every humble sinner find The methods of his grace.

6 For his own goodness' sake He saves my soul from shame; He pardons (tho' my guilt be great) Thro' my Redeemer's name.

Psalm 25:2. 12 14 10 13. Second Part. Divine instruction.

1 Where shall the man be found That fears t' offend his God, That loves the gospel's joyful sound, And trembles at the rod?

2 The Lord shall make him know The secrets of his heart, The wonders of his covenant show, And all his love impart.

3 The dealings of his hand Are truth and mercy still With such as to his covenant stand, And love to do his will.

4 Their souls shall dwell at ease Before their Maker's face, Their seed shall taste the promises, In their extensive grace.

Psalm 25:3. 15-22. Third Part. Distress of soul; or, Backsliding and desertion.

1 Mine eyes and my desire Are ever to the Lord; I love to plead his promises, And rest upon his word.

2 Turn, turn thee to my soul, Bring thy salvation near: When will thy hand release my feet Out of the deadly snare?

3 When shall the sovereign grace Of my forgiving God Restore me from those dangerous ways My wandering feet have trod?

4 The tumult of my thoughts Doth but enlarge my woe; My spirit languishes, my heart Is desolate and low.

5 With every morning light My sorrow new begins; Look on my anguish and my pain, And pardon all my sins.

PAUSE.

6 Behold the hosts of hell How cruel is their hate! Against my life they rise, and join Their fury with deceit.

7 O keep my soul from death, Nor put my hope to shame, For I have plac'd my only trust In my Redeemer's name.

8 With humble faith I wait To see thy face again; Of Israel it shall ne'er be said, "He sought the Lord in vain."

Psalm 26. Self-examination; or, Evidences of grace.

1 Judge me, O Lord, and prove my ways, And try my reins, and try my heart; My faith upon thy promise stays, Nor from thy law my feet depart.

2 I hate to walk, I hate to sit, With men of vanity and lies; The scoffer and the hypocrite Are the abhorrence of mine eyes.

3 Amongst thy saints will I appear, With hands well wash'd in innocence; But when I stand before thy bar, The blood of Christ is my defence.

4 I love thy habitation, Lord, The temple where thine honours dwell; There shall I hear thine holy word, And there thy works of wonder tell.

5 Let not my soul be join'd at last With men of treachery and blood, Since I my days on earth have past Among the saints, and near my God.

Psalm 27:1. 1-6. First Part. The church is our delight and safety.

1 The Lord of glory is my light, And my salvation too; God is my strength, nor will I fear What all my foes can do.

2 One privilege my heart desires; O grant me an abode Among the churches of thy saints, The temples of my God!

3 There shall I offer my requests, And see thy beauty still, Shall hear thy messages of love, And there enquire thy will.

4 When troubles rise, and storms appear, There may his children hide: God has a strong pavilion where He makes my soul abide.

5 Now shall my head be lifted high Above my foes around, And songs of joy and victory Within thy temple sound.

Psalm 27:2. 8 9 13 14. Second Part.

Prayer and Hope.

1 Soon as I heard my Father say, "Ye children, seek my grace;" My heart reply'd without delay, "I'll seek my Father's face."

2 Let not thy face be hid from me, Nor frown my soul away; God of my life, I fly to thee In a distressing day.

3 Should friends and kindred near and dear Leave me to want, or die, My God would make my life his care And all my need supply.

4 My fainting flesh had dy'd with grief, Had not my soul believ'd To see thy grace provide relief, Nor was my hope deceiv'd.

5 Wait on the Lord, ye trembling saints, And keep your courage up; He'll raise your spirit when it faints, And far exceed your hope.

Psalm 29. L. M. Storm and thunder.

1 Give to the Lord, ye sons of fame, Give to the Lord renown and power, Ascribe due honours to his name, And his eternal might adore.

2 The Lord proclaims his power aloud Over the ocean and the land; His voice divides the watery cloud, And lightnings blaze at his command.

3 He speaks, and tempest, hail, and wind, Lay the wide forests bare around; The fearful hart, and frighted hind, Leap at the terror of the sound.

4 To Lebanon he turns his voice, And, lo, the stately cedars break; The mountains tremble at the noise, The vallies roar, the deserts quake.

5 The Lord sits sovereign on the flood, The thunderer reigns for ever king; But makes his church his blest abode, Where we his awful glories sing.

6 In gentler language there the Lord The counsels of his grace imparts; Amidst the raging storm his word Speaks peace and courage to our hearts.

Psalm 30:1. First Part. Sickness healed, and sorrow removed.

1 I will extol thee, Lord, on high, At thy command, diseases fly; Who but a God can speak and save From the dark borders of the grave?

2 Sing to the Lord, ye saints of his, And tell how large his goodness is; Let all your powers rejoice and bless, While you record his holiness.

3 His anger but a moment stays His love is life and length of days; Tho' grief and tears the night employ, The morning-star restores the joy.

Psalm 30:2. 6. Second Part. Health, sickness, and recovery.

1 Firm was my health, my day was bright, And I presum'd 'twould ne'er be night; Fondly I said within my heart, "Pleasure and peace shall ne'er depart."

2 But I forgot thine arm was strong, Which made my mountain stand so long; Soon as thy face began to hide, My health was gone, my comforts dy'd.

3 I cry'd aloud to thee, my God, "What canst thou profit by my blood? "Deep in the dust can I declare "Thy truth, or sing thy goodness there?

4 "Hear me, O God of grace," I said, "And bring me from among the dead:" Thy word rebuk'd the pains I felt, Thy pardoning love remov'd my guilt.

5 My groans, and tears, and forms of woe, Are turn'd to joy and praises now; I throw my sackcloth on the ground, And ease and gladness gird me round.

6 My tongue, the glory of my frame, Shall ne'er be silent of thy name Thy praise shall sound thro' earth and heaven, For sickness heal'd, and sins forgiven.

Psalm 31:1. 5 13-19 22 23. First Part. Deliverance from death.

1 Into thine hand, 0 God of truth, My spirit I commit; Thou hast redeem'd my soul from death, And sav'd me from the pit.

2 The passions of my hope and fear Maintain'd a doubtful strife, While sorrow, pain, and sin conspir'd To take away my life.

3 "My times are in thine hand," I cry'd, "Tho' I draw near the dust ;" Thou art the refuge where I hide, The God in whom I trust.

4 O make thy reconciled face Upon thy servant shine, And save me for thy mercy's sake, For I'm entirely thine.

PAUSE.

5 ['Twas in my haste, my spirit said, "I must despair and die, "I am cut off before thine eyes;" But thou hast heard me cry.]

6 Thy goodness how divinely free! How wondrous is thy grace To those that fear thy majesty, And trust thy promises!

7 O love the Lord, all ye his saints, And sing his praises loud; He'll bend his ear to your complaints, And recompense the proud.

Psalm 31:2. 7-13 18-21. Second Part. Deliverance from slander and reproach.

1 My heart rejoices in thy name, My God, my help, my trust; Thou hast preserv'd my face from shame, Mine honour from the dust.

2 "My life is spent with grief," I cry'd, "My years consum'd in groans, "My strength decays, mine eyes are dry'd, "And sorrow wastes my bones."

3 Among mine enemies my name Was a mere proverb grown, While to my neighbours I became Forgotten and unknown.

4 Slander and fear on every side, Seiz'd and beset me round; I to the throne of grace apply'd, And speedy rescue found.

PAUSE.

5 How great deliverance thou hast wrought Before the sons of men! The lying lips to silence brought, And made their boastings vain!

6 Thy children, from the strife of tongues, Shall thy pavilion hide, Guard them from infamy and wrongs, And crush the sons of pride.

7 Within thy secret presence, Lord, Let me for ever dwell; No fenced city, wall'd and barr'd, Secures a saint so well.

Psalm 32:1. S. M. Forgiveness of sins upon confession.

1 O blessed souls are they Whose sins are cover'd o'er! Divinely blest, to whom the Lord imputes their guilt no more.

2 They mourn their follies past, And keep their hearts with care; Their lips and lives without deceit, Shall prove their faith sincere.

3 While I conceal'd my guilt I felt the festering wound, Till I confess'd my sins to thee, And ready pardon found.

4 Let sinners learn to pray, Let saints keep near the throne; Our help in times of deep distress, Is found in God alone.

Psalm 32:2. First Part. L. M. Free pardon and sincere obedience; or, Confession and forgiveness.

1 Happy the man to whom his God No more imputes his sin, But wash'd in the Redeemer's blood, Hath made his garments clean!

2 Happy, beyond expression, he Whose debts are thus discharg'd; And from the guilty bondage free, He feels his soul enlarg'd.

3 His spirit hates deceit and lies, His words are all sincere; He guards his heart, he guards his eyes, To keep his conscience clear.

4 While I my inward guilt supprest, No quiet could I find; Thy wrath lay burning in my breast, And rack'd my tortur'd mind.

5 Then I confess'd my troubled thoughts, My secret sins reveal'd; Thy pardoning grace forgave my faults, Thy grace my pardon seal'd.

6 This shall invite thy saints to pray, When, like a raging flood, Temptations rise, our strength and stay Is a forgiving God.

Psalm 32:3. L. M. Repentance and free pardon; or, Justification and sanctification.

1 Blest is the man, for ever blest, Whose guilt is pardon'd by his God, Whose sins with sorrow are confess'd, And cover'd with his Saviour's blood.

2 Blest is the man to whom the Lord Imputes not his iniquities, He pleads no merit of reward, And not on works, but grace relies.

3 From guile his heart and lips are free, His humble joy, his holy fear, With deep repentance well agree, And join to prove his faith sincere.

4 How glorious is that righteousness That hides and cancels all his sins! While a bright evidence of grace Thro' his whole life appears and shines.

Psalm 32:4. Second Part. L. M. A guilty conscience eased by confession and pardon.

1 While I keep silence, and conceal My heavy guilt within my heart, What torments doth my conscience feel! What agonies of inward smart!

2 I spread my sins before the Lord, And all my secret faults confess; Thy gospel speaks a pard'ning word Thine Holy Spirit seals the grace.

3 For this shall every humble soul Make swift addresses to thy seat; When floods of huge temptations roll, There shall they find a blest retreat.

4 How safe beneath thy wings I lie, When days grow dark, and storms appear! And when I walk, thy watchful eye Shall guide me safe from every snare.

Psalm 33:1. First Part. C. M. Works of creation and providence.

1 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord, This work belongs to you: Sing of his name, his ways, his word, How holy, just, and true!

2 His mercy and his righteousness Let heaven and earth proclaim; His works of nature and of grace Reveal his wondrous name.

3 His wisdom and almighty word The heavenly arches spread; And by the Spirit of the Lord Their shining hosts were made.

4 He bid the liquid waters flow To their appointed deep; The flowing seas their limits know, And their own station keep.

5 Ye tenants of the spacious earth, With fear before him stand; He spake, and nature took its birth, And rests on his command.

6 He scorns the angry nations' rage, And breaks their vain designs; His counsel stands thro' every age, And in full glory shines.

Psalm 33:2. Second Part. C. M. Creatures vain, and God all-sufficient.

1 Blest is the nation where the Lord Hath fix'd his gracious throne; Where he reveals his heavenly word, And calls their tribes his own.

2 His eye, with infinite survey, Does the whole world behold; He form'd us all of equal clay, And knows our feeble mould.

3 Kings are not rescu'd by the force Of armies from the grave; Nor speed nor courage of an horse Can the bold rider save,

4 Vain is the strength of beasts or men To hope for safety thence; But holy souls from God obtain A strong and sure defence.

5 God is their fear, and God their trust, When plagues or famine spread, His watchful eye secures the just Amongst ten thousand dead.

6 Lord, let our hearts in thee rejoice, And bless us from thy throne; For we have made thy word our choice, And trust thy grace alone.

Psalm 33:3. First Part. As the 113th Psalm. Works of creation and providence.

1 Ye holy souls, in God rejoice, Your Maker's praise becomes your voice; Great is your theme, your songs be new: Sing of his name, his word, his ways, His works of nature and of grace, How wise and holy, just and true.

2 Justice and truth he ever loves, And the whole earth his goodness proves, His word the heavenly arches spread; How wide they shine from north to south! And by the Spirit of his mouth Were all the starry armies made.

3 He gathers the wide-flowing seas, Those watery treasures know their place, In the vast storehouse of the deep: He spake, and gave all nature birth; And fires, and seas, and heaven, and earth, His everlasting orders keep.

4 Let mortals tremble and adore A God of such resistless power, Nor dare indulge their feeble rage: Vain are your thoughts, and weak your hands; But his eternal counsel stands, And rules the world from age to age.

Psalm 33:4. Second Part. As the 113th Psalm. Creatures vain, and God all-sufficient.

1 O Happy nation, where the Lord Reveals the treasure of his word, And builds his church his earthly throne! His eye the heathen world surveys, He form'd their hearts, he knows their ways; But God their Maker is unknown.

2 Let kings rely upon their host, And of his strength the champion boast; In vain they boast, in vain rely; In vain we trust the brutal force, Or speed, or courage of an horse, To guard his rider, or to fly.

3 The eye of thy compassion, Lord, Doth more secure defence afford When death or dangers threatening stand; Thy watchful eye preserves the just, Who make thy name their fear and trust, When wars or famine waste the land.

4 In sickness or the bloody field, Thou our physician, thou our shield, Send us salvation from thy throne; We wait to see thy goodness shine; Let us rejoice in help divine, For all our hope is God alone.

Psalm 34:1. First Part. L. M. God's care of the saints; or, Deliverance by prayer.

1 Lord, I will bless thee all my days, Thy praise shall dwell upon my tongue; My soul shall glory in thy grace, While saints rejoice to hear the song.

2 Come, magnify the Lord with me, Come, let us all exalt his name; I sought th' eternal God, and he Has not expos'd my hope to shame.

3 I told him all my secret grief, My secret groaning reach'd his ears; He gave my inward pains relief, And calm'd the tumult of my fears.

4 To him the poor lift up their eyes, Their faces feel the heavenly shine; A beam of mercy from the skies Fills them with light and joy divine.

6 His holy angels pitch their tents Around the men that serve the Lord; O fear and love him, all his saints, Taste of his grace and trust his word.

6 The wild young lions, pinch'd with pain And hunger, roar thro' all the wood; But none shall seek the Lord in vain, Nor want supplies of real good.

Psalm 34:2. 11-22. Second Part. L. M. Religious education; or, Instructions of piety.

1 Children in years and knowledge young, Your parents' hope, your parents' joy, Attend the counsels of my tongue, Let pious thoughts your minds employ.

2 If you desire a length of days, And peace to crown your mortal state, Restrain your feet from impious ways, Your lips from slander and deceit.

3 The eyes of God regard his saints, His ears are open to their cries; He sets his frowning face against The sons of violence and lies.

4 To humble souls and broken hearts God with his grace is ever nigh; Pardon and hope his love imparts When men in deep contrition lie.

5 He tell their tears, he counts their groans, His Son redeems their souls from death; His Spirit heals their broken bones, They in his praise employ their breath.

Psalm 34:3. 1-10. First Part. C. M. Prayer and Praise for eminent deliverance.

1 I'll bless the Lord from day to day; How good are all his ways! Ye humble souls that use to pray, Come, help my lips to praise.

2 Sing to the honour of his name, How a poor sufferer cry'd, Nor was his hope expos'd to shame, Nor was his suit deny'd.

3 When threatening sorrows round me stood, And endless fears arose, Like the loud billows of a flood, Redoubling all my woes;

4 I told the Lord my sore distress With heavy groans and tears, He gave my sharpest torments ease, And silenc'd all my fears.

PAUSE.

5 [O sinners, come and taste his love, Come, learn his pleasant ways, And let your own experience prove The sweetness of his grace.

6 He bids his angels pitch their tents Round where his children dwell What ills their heavenly care prevents No earthly tongue can tell.]

7 [O love the Lord, ye saints of his; His eye regards the just; How richly blest their portion is Who make the Lord their trust!

8 Young lions pinch'd with hunger roar, And famish in the wood; But God supplies his holy poor With every needful good.]

Psalm 34:4. 11-22. Second Part. C. M. Exhortations to peace and Holiness.

1 Come, children, learn to fear the Lord; And that your days be long, Let not a false or spiteful word Be found upon your tongue.

2 Depart from mischief, practise love, Pursue the works of peace; So shall the Lord your ways approve, And set your souls at ease.

3 His eyes awake to guard the just, His ears attend their cry; When broken spirits dwell in dust, The God of grace is nigh.

4 What tho' the sorrows here they taste Are sharp and tedious too, The Lord, who saves them all at last, Is their supporter now.

5 Evil shall smite the wicked dead; But God secures his own, Prevents the mischief when they slide, Or heals the broken bone.

6 When desolation like a flood, O'er the proud sinner rolls, Saints find a refuge in their God, For he redeem'd their souls.

Psalm 35:1. 1-9. First Part. Prayer and faith of persecuted saints; or, Imprecations mixed with charity.

1 Now plead my cause, almighty God, With all the Sons of strife; And fight against the men of blood, Who fight against my life.

2 Draw out thy spear and stop their way, Lift thine avenging rod; But to my soul in mercy say, "I am thy Saviour God."

3 They plant their snares to catch my feet, And nets of mischief spread; Plunge the destroyers in the pit That their own hands have made.

4 Let fogs and darkness hide their way, And slippery be their ground; Thy wrath shall make their lives a prey, And all their rage confound.

5 They fly like chaff before the wind, Before thine angry breath; The angel of the Lord behind Pursues them down to death.

6 They love the road that leads to hell; Then let the rebels die Whose malice is implacable Against the Lord on high.

7 But if thou hast a chosen few Amongst that impious race, Divide them from the bloody crew By thy surprising grace.

8 Then will I raise my tuneful voice To make thy wonders known; In their salvation I'll rejoice, And bless thee for my own.

Psalm 35:2. 12-14. Second Part. Love to enemies; or, The love of Christ to sinners typified in David.

1 Behold the love, the generous love That holy David shows; Hark, how his sounding bowels move To his afflicted foes!

2 When they are sick his soul complains, And seems to feel the smart; The spirit of the gospel reigns, And melts his pious heart.

3 How did his flowing tears condole As for a brother dead! And fasting mortify'd his soul, While for their life he pray'd.

4 They groan'd; and curs'd him on their bed, Yet still he pleads and mourns; And double blessings on his head The righteous God returns.

5 O glorious type of heavenly grace! Thus Christ the Lord appears; While sinners curse, the Saviour prays, And pities them with tears.

6 He, the true David, Israel's king, Blest and belov'd of God, To save us rebels dead in sin, Paid his own dearest blood.

Psalm 36:1. 5-9. L. M. The perfections and providence of God; or, General providence and special grace.

1 High in the heavens, eternal God, Thy goodness in full glory shines; Thy truth shall break thro' every cloud That veils and darkens thy designs.

2 For ever firm thy justice stands, As mountains their foundations keep; Wise are the wonders of thy hands; Thy judgments are a mighty deep.

3 Thy providence is kind and large, Both man and beast thy bounty share; The whole creation is thy charge, But saints are thy peculiar care.

4 My God! how excellent thy grace, Whence all our hope and comfort springs! The sons of Adam in distress Fly to the shadow of thy wings.

5 From the provisions of thy house We shall be fed with sweet repast; There mercy like a river flows, And brings salvation to our taste.

6 Life, like a fountain rich and free Springs from the presence of the Lord; And in thy light our souls shall see The glories promis'd in thy word.

Psalm 36:2. 1 2 5 6 7 9 C. M. Practical atheism exposed; or, The being and attributes of God asserted.

1 While men grow bold in wicked ways! And yet a God they own, My heart within me often says, "Their thoughts believe there's none."

2 Their thoughts and ways at once declare (Whate'er their lips profess) God hath no wrath for them to fear, Nor will they seek his grace.

3 What strange self-flattery blinds their eyes! But there's an hastening hour When they shall see with sore surprise The terrors of thy power.

4 Thy justice shall maintain its throne, Tho' mountains melt away; Thy judgments are a world unknown, A deep unfathom'd sea.

5 Above the heavens' created rounds, Thy mercies, Lord, extend; Thy truth outlives the narrow bounds, Where time and nature end.

6 Safety to man thy goodness brings, Nor overlooks the beast; Beneath the shadow of thy wings Thy children choose to rest.

7 [From thee, when creature-streams run low, And mortal comforts die, Perpetual springs of life shall flow, And raise our pleasures high.

8 Tho' all created light decay, And death close up our eyes Thy presence makes eternal day Where clouds can never rise.]

Psalm 36:3. 1-7. S. M. The wickedness of man, and the majesty of God; or. Practical atheism exposed.

1 When man grows bold in sin My heart within me cries, "He hath no faith of God within, Nor fear before his eyes."

2 [He walks awhile conceal'd In a self-flattering dream, Till his dark crimes at once reveal'd Expose his hateful name.]

3 His heart is false and foul, His words are smooth and fair; Wisdom is banish'd from his soul, And leaves no goodness there.

4 He plots upon his bed New mischiefs to fulfil; He sets his heart, and hand, and head, To practise all that's ill.

5 But there's a dreadful God, Tho' men renounce his fear; His justice hid behind the cloud Shall one great day appear.