FROM THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. 
 
 BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO 
 
 THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
 DMAii 
 
 3«ct!<* 
 
A, 
 
 <3 
 
 SALMi OF D 
 
 IN ALL THE 
 
 TauottS fHetreS sutteti to 13£almotii), 
 
 DIVIDED INTO SUBJECTS, AND 
 
 DESIGNATED ACCORDING TO BISHOP HORNE, &C 
 
 By E. FARR. 
 
 u The Song of Zion is a tasteless thing, 
 Unless when, rising on a joyful wing, 
 The soul can mix with the celestial bands, 
 And give the strain the compass it demands." 
 
 COWPER. 
 
 n The Scriptures are in themselves the most exalted Poetry- 
 extant, or are the best material in the world for it."— Cowley. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 B. FELLOWES, LUDGATE HILL, 
 
 AND SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS IN TOWN AND COUNTRY. 
 
 1836. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 u "What is there necessary for man to know," says 
 the pious and judicious Hooker, "which the Psalms are 
 not able to teach ? They are to beginners an easy and 
 familiar introduction, a mighty argumentation of all 
 virtue and knowledge in such as are entered before, a 
 strong confirmation to the most perfect among others. 
 Heroical magnanimity — exquisite justice — grave mode- 
 ration — exact wisdom — repentance unfeigned — un- 
 wearied patience — the mysteries of God — the sufferings 
 of Christ — the terrors of wrath — the comforts of grace 
 — the works of Providence over this world, and the pro- 
 mised joys of that which is to come — all good neces- 
 sarily to be known, or done, or had — this one celestial 
 fountain yieldeth. Let there be any grief or disease 
 incident to the soul of man, any wound or sickness 
 named, for which there is not in this treasure-house a 
 present comfortable remedy at all times ready to be 
 found." And Bishop Home, in his preface to his excel- 
 lent commentaiy, says : " The Psalms have advantages 
 which no fresh compositions, however finely executed, 
 can possibly have, for Christian worship : since, besides 
 their incomparable fitness to express our sentiments, 
 they are at the same time memorials of, and appeals to, 
 former mercies and deliverances ; they are acknowledg- 
 ments of prophecies accomplished ; they point out the 
 connexion between the old and new dispensations ; 
 thereby teaching us to admire and adore the wisdom of 
 God displayed in both, and furnishing us, while we read 
 or sing them, an inexhaustible variety of the noblest 
 matter that can engage the contemplation of man." — Is 
 it not to be lamented, then, that these compositions, so 
 beautiful in themselves, should not have been rendered, 
 by some happy genius, into approved verse ? True, we 
 have the old and new versions ; but the one, from the 
 nature of the composition, must, it is generally acknow- 
 ledged, become obsolete, and the other, though beautiful 
 a2 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 in parts, is defective as a whole. True, we have Watts ; 
 but Watts professes only to write in imitation ; and we 
 have the classical Merrick ; but Merrick professes not 
 to write for the purpose of Psalmody — and were it so, his 
 version must be termed a very diffuse paraphrase. Thus 
 is the Church of England left without an approved 
 Psalmody ; and it is to be feared that this has been the 
 means of driving away many valuable members from her 
 community. But why is this part of her service, natu- 
 rally so noble and sublime, thus left ? Doubtless, there 
 are some living who could write such a work ; and how 
 many have there been, whose works have delighted us, 
 who would have gained a lasting immortality in the 
 church of God, had they re-touched the harp of the son 
 of Jesse. But they are gone, and left it, to borrow the 
 Psalmist's idea, hanging silently upon the willows. 
 Grieved to see it thus neglected, I have taken it down, 
 and with a trembling hand have swept its chords. 
 Whether the notes I have produced will please, I cannot 
 say. This, however, I can say — that the attempt was 
 made with a single eye to the glory of God, by exalting 
 this part of his most holy worship ; and happy shall I be, 
 if I have succeeded : but should I have failed, I feel con- 
 vinced the public will acquit me of temerity for my good 
 intentions. With regard to the plan of the work, I would 
 say, it appeared to me that the beauty of the Psalms, 
 without a proper division, is lost, as a few of the first 
 verses only can be sung. I have therefore divided 
 those Psalms which comprise more than one subject, 
 taking the subjects in order as they stand, and desig- 
 nating each subject succinctly, with its proper title, 
 which will be found very much to assist the understand- 
 ing. I have also endeavoured to make each portion 
 perfect in itself, without transposing the sense of the 
 original, adapting, to the best of my judgment, the metre 
 to the subject, and using all the various metres ; which, 
 I trust, will be found to be an improvement, as many 
 beautiful musical compositionsare lost for want of words. 
 The metre is also placed at the head of each portion, so 
 that the tune may be at once suited to the poetry. 
 
A TABLE OF PSALMS, 
 
 Classed under their several Subjects. 
 
 Prayers. 
 
 1. Prayers for pardon of sin. Psalms 6, 25, 38, 51, ISO- 
 Psalms styled penitential— 6, 32, 38, 51,102, 130,143. 
 
 2. Prayers composed when the Psalmist was deprived of 
 an opportunity of public worship. Psalms 42, 43, 63, 84. 
 
 3. Prayers wherein the Psalmist seems extremely de- 
 jected, though not totally deprived of consolation 
 under his afflictions. Psalms 13, 22, 69, 77, 88, 143. 
 
 4. Prayers wherein the Psalmist asketh help of Gcd, in 
 consideration of his own integrity, and the upright- 
 ness of his cause. Psalms 7, 17, 26, 35. 
 
 5. Prayers expressing the firmest trust and confidence 
 in God under afflictions. Psalms 3, 16, 27, 31, 54, 
 56, 57, 61,62, 71,86. 
 
 6. Prayers composed when the people of God were under 
 affliction or persecution. Psalms 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 
 83,89, 94, 102, 123, 137. 
 
 7. The following are likewise prayers in time of trouble 
 and affliction. Psalms 4, 5, 11, 28, 41, 55, 59, 64, 
 70, 109, 120, 140, 141, 142. 
 
 8. Prayers of Intercession : Psalms 20, 67, 122, 
 132, 144. 
 
 Psalms of Thanksgiving. 
 
 1, Thanksgiving for mercies vouchsafed to particular 
 persons. Psalms 9, 18, 22, 30, 34, 40, 75, 103, 10$, 
 116, 118, 138, 144. 
 
 2. Thanksgiving for mercies vouchsafed to the Israelites 
 in general. Psalms 46, 48, 65, 66, 68, 76, 81, 85, 98, 
 105, 124, 126, 129, 135, 136, 149. 
 
 a 3 
 
VI A TABLE OF PSALMS. 
 
 Psalms of Praise and Adoration, 
 
 Displaying the Attributes of God. 
 
 1. General acknowledgments of God's goodness and 
 mercy, particularly his care and protection of good 
 men. Psalms 23, 34, 36, 91, 101, 103, 107, 117, 
 121, 145, 146. 
 
 2. Psalms displaying the power, majesty, and glory, and 
 other attributes of the Divine Being. Psalms 8, 19, 
 24, 29, 33, 47, 50, 65, 66, 76, 77, 93, 95, 96, 97, 99, 
 104, 111, 113, 114, 115, 134, 139, 147, 148, 150. 
 
 Instructive Psalms, 
 
 1. The different characters of good and bad men : the 
 happiness of the one and the miseries of the other are 
 represented in the following Psalms — 1, 5, 7, 9, 10, 
 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 24, 25, 32, 34, 36, 37, 50, 52, 53, 
 58, 73, 75, 84, 91, 92, 94, 112, 119, 121, 125, 127, 
 128, 133. 
 
 2. The excellence of God's law. Psalms 19, 119. 
 
 3. The vanity of human life. Psalms 39, 49, 90. 
 
 4. Advice to magistrates. Psalms 82, 101. 
 
 5. The virtue of humility. Psalm 131. 
 
 Psalms more eminently and directly 
 Prophetical. 
 
 Psalms 2, 16, 22, 40, 45, 68, 72, 87, 110, 118. 
 
 Historical Psalms. 
 Psalms 78, 105, 106. 
 Psalms for Christmas Day— 19, 45, 85, 89, 110, 132. 
 
 Ash Wednesday— 6, 32. 38, 102, 130, 143. 
 
 Good Friday— 22, 40, 54, 69, 88- 
 
 Easter Day— 28, 57, 111, 113, 114, 118. 
 
 Ascension Dav— 8, 15, 21, 24, 47, 108. 
 
 Whit-Sunday— 48, 68, 101, 145. 
 
 The Sabbath— 92, 122. 
 
A 
 
 NEW VERSION 
 
 OF 
 
 THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 PSALM I. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 The Happiness of the Righteous, and the Misery of the 
 Wicked. 
 
 How happy is the man whose feet 
 Turn from the counsels of the base ; 
 Who standeth not where sinners meet, 
 Nor with the scorner takes his place. 
 
 Jehovah's law is his delight, 
 His guide to lead him on his way ; 
 This is his study all the night, 
 And this his study all the day. 
 
 He, like a tree whose vigorous roots 
 Are watered by some passing stream, 
 With leaf unwithering beareth fruits, 
 And prospers in his every scheme. 
 
 Not so the men of impious mind, 
 Blasted and scatter'd ; lo ! they fly 
 Swift as the chaff before the wind, 
 Driven by tempests from on high. 
 
 B 
 
A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Summon'd before the judges' face, 
 How will they sink in low despair ! 
 There, not with saints they take their place, 
 Nor do they meet acceptance there. 
 
 He marks the righteous and their ways, 
 And raises them from earth to heaven ; 
 While sinners, lost in error's maze, 
 Down to the shades of woe are driven. 
 
 PSALM II. 
 
 Ver. 1-9. (c. m.) 
 The Kingdom of Christ. 
 Why do the heathen world in rage 
 
 Oppose Jehovah's will? 
 Why in those vain attempts engage, 
 Their power can ne'er fulfil ? 
 
 Rulers and Kings the Lord withstands. 
 
 And thus conspiring say, 
 Come let us break Messiah's bands, 
 
 And cast his laws away. 
 
 He, from his lofty throne on high, 
 Shall mock their strength combined ; 
 
 And by his mighty power defy 
 The deeds his foes designed. 
 
 His vengeance thro' the skies shall roll, 
 And o'er their heads shall break ; 
 
 His sore displeasure vex each soul, 
 While thus the Lord shall speak : 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 Though ye dispute my sovereign will, 
 And thus with rage abound, 
 
 As King, on Zion's holy hill, 
 
 My hand his brow hath crowned. 
 
 Thus hath the Lord decreed of me, 
 
 And thus will I declare, 
 To-day have I begotten thee 
 
 My universal heir. 
 
 Ask me, my Son, and I'll bestow — 
 The heathen world is Thine ; 
 
 Earth's utmost limits shall bend low 
 Before Thy power divine. 
 
 The nations who Thy power oppose, 
 Thy vengeful stroke shall bear ; 
 
 Thy iron rod shall crush Thy foes, 
 As potter's brittle ware. 
 
 Tart ^. 
 
 Ver. 10—12. (c. m.) 
 Kings exhorted to entertain the Kingdom of Christ. 
 
 Be wise, ye kings ; ye judges, hear ; 
 
 Attend instruction's voice; 
 Bow to the Lord with holy fear — 
 
 With awful mirth rejoice. 
 
 Low on your knees, appease the Son — 
 Your grateful homage pay, 
 
 Lest anger issue from His throne, 
 And ve consume awav. 
 b2 
 
A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh ! if His kindling wrath arise, 
 What power can quench the flame 
 
 Blest are the souls whose hope relies 
 On His Almighty name. 
 
 PSALM III. 
 
 (C. M. 
 
 The Security of God's Protection. 
 How many are my foes, oh Lord ! 
 
 How fast do they increase 
 Who press around with one accord, 
 
 And sore disturb my peace ! 
 
 Thy God regardeth not thy prayers, 
 'Tis thus they taunting cry ; 
 
 While my embittered soul despairs, 
 And all my comforts die. 
 
 But Thou, my glory and my shield, 
 Upholdst my sinking head ; 
 
 Nor unto foes my soul shall yield, 
 My cause by Thee bestead. 
 
 To God I rais'd my feeble cry, 
 He bow'd a listening ear ; 
 
 And from his holy hill on high 
 To succour me drew near. 
 
 Beneath his all-preserving care 
 How sweet was my repose ; 
 
 When I awoke, my God was there 
 To guard me from my foes. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 What though ten thousand foes array'd 
 
 Beset me all around, 
 My soul shall never be afraid, 
 
 While God my help is found. 
 
 Arise, O God ! and save my soul, 
 
 As in the days of yore : 
 Thine arm their raging doth control, 
 
 And prostrates all their power. 
 
 Salvation, gracious Lord, is thine, 
 
 Thine arm can save alone ; 
 The blessings of thy grace divine 
 
 To all thy saints are known. 
 
 PSALM IV. 
 
 Ver. 1—5. (l.m.) 
 Exhortation. 
 Defender of my righteousness, 
 
 Bow down thine ear when I complain ; 
 Once thou hast sav'd me in distress, 
 O hear ! and set me free again. 
 
 Ye sons of men, how long will ye 
 Turn all my glory into shame ? 
 
 How long be charmed with vanity, 
 And seek thy falsehoods to proclaim ? 
 
 Know that the Lord his chosen saints 
 Divides from all the world besides ; 
 
 And when I make my sad complaints, 
 He hears, and for my aid provides. 
 b 3 
 
A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Stand thou in awe — from sin depart, 
 Nor more do thou its law fulfil ; 
 
 Hold solemn commune with thy heart, 
 And on thy midnight couch be still. 
 
 Offer before his holy throne 
 The sacrifice of righteousness : 
 
 Be all your trust in him alone, 
 
 Alone to him your prayers address. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—8. (l. m.) 
 God'sfavour, Man's happiness. 
 
 Many there are amongst our race 
 Who ask alone a transient good ; 
 By us may thy uplifted face, 
 O Lord ! be in its radiance view'd. 
 
 Thy heavenly love such joys impart, 
 They taste not in their corn and wine ; 
 A stream of bliss runs thro' my heart, 
 Pour'd from the source of grace divine. 
 
 Hence will I lay me down to rest, 
 With peace encircled will I sleep, 
 For thou alone canst make me blest, 
 And me in holy safety keep. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. / 
 
 PSALM V. 
 
 Ver. 1—9. (l. m.) 
 
 Prayer and Faith. 
 O, to my words, O Lord, give ear, 
 And all ray dove-like mournings hear ; 
 My God and king, turn not away, 
 For unto thee alone I'll pray. 
 
 Soon as the morning beams arise, 
 To thee Til lift my earnest cries ; 
 At earliest dawn I'll seek thy face, 
 And ask, in prayer devout, thy grace. 
 
 Not, Lord, in sin canst thou delight, 
 No evil dwelleth in thy sight, 
 Nor at thy throne shall sinners stand, — 
 They feel the vengeance of thy hand. 
 
 God hates the men who deal in wrong, 
 His power destroys the slanderer's tongue ; 
 The sons of vile deceit and blood 
 Alike are hated by my God. 
 
 But to thy courts will I repair, 
 To taste thy boundless mercies there ; 
 Low at thy throne w T ill I appear, 
 And worship thee in holy fear. 
 
 O may the spirit of thy grace 
 Direct my feet thy ways to trace ; 
 Make straight the path, I fain would go, 
 In safetv from each watchful foe. 
 
A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 How do they utter vile deceit ! 
 Their inward parts on sin are set, 
 Their throat emits corruption round, 
 While flattery on their tongues is found. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10—12. (l. m.) 
 The Wicked destroyed, the Godly Preserved. 
 Thou, O my God, shalt slay them all, 
 By their own counsels they shall fall, 
 On their own heads their sins shall lie, 
 Who all thy laws and power defy. 
 
 But those who in thy mercies trust, 
 In songs of joy of thee shall boast, 
 Thee their defence, their tongues proclaim, 
 And joyful love thy holy name. 
 
 To them thy blessings shall extend, 
 On them thy favours shall descend ; 
 By these encompass'd as a shield, 
 They shall behold their hopes fulfill'd. 
 
 PSALM VI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 7. (c. m.) 
 A Complaint under Suffering. 
 
 Lord, not in anger strike the blow 
 
 Upon my feeble form, 
 Nor let thy deep displeasure glow 
 
 So fiercely 'gainst a worm. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 On me thy tender pity take, 
 Sore weakened with distress ; 
 
 My anguish'd bones within me shake- 
 Oh ! heal me by thy grace ! 
 
 My troubled soul afflicted mourns, 
 But thou, O Lord, how long ? 
 
 How long before thy grace returns, 
 And mercy is my song ? 
 
 Return, O Lord, redeem my breath, 
 
 My soul in mercy save ! 
 For who can think of thee in death, 
 
 Or praise thee in the grave ? 
 
 I faint beneath my deep-felt woe, 
 I spend the night in cries : 
 
 My couch is wet with tears that flow 
 Fast streaming from my eyes. 
 
 Because of grief, my weeping eye 
 
 Consuming fades away ; 
 Because of foes, who me defy, 
 
 Tis dim, as with decay. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—10. (c. if.) 
 Triumph in the Success of Prayer, 
 Hence from my heart, ye foes and fears, 
 
 My soul shall still rejoice ! 
 My God accepts my falling tears, 
 And hears my feeble voice. 
 
10 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Before His everlasting throne, 
 
 My supplications rise; 
 He hears my prayer, and sends me down 
 
 Deliverance from the skies. 
 
 Now troubles seize upon my foes, 
 And anguish fills their frame ; 
 
 Back they retire o'erwhelm'd with woes, 
 And covered o'er with shame. 
 
 PSALM VII. 
 
 Ver. 1—9. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer against Persecution and Innocence professed, 
 
 O Lord, my God, in thee I place 
 My constant trust amidst this strife ; 
 
 Arise and save me from their race 
 Who persecute with rage my life. 
 
 Send to my aid thy sovereign power ; 
 
 Oh ! save me from my bitter foes ! 
 Lest like a lion they devour 
 
 My life, with none to interpose. 
 
 Oh! if I first have done him wrong, 
 
 Or aught of evil did design ; 
 Nay, if I did not once prolong 
 
 That life which seeks unjustly mine ; 
 
 Then let them circle me around, 
 
 And take my life with vengeance just ; 
 
 Let me no more on earth be found, 
 And let mine honour sink in dust. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 1 1 
 
 Arise, O Lord, in wrath arise, 
 
 And all their raging power control ; 
 
 Behold me with impartial eyes, 
 And sit in judgment on my soul ! 
 
 So shall the world surround Thy throne, 
 
 And ask that justice I obtain ; 
 For their sakes make Thy justice known — 
 
 Return to judgment, Lord, again ! 
 
 Judge of the World, my cause I trust 
 With confidence entire to Thee ; 
 
 My ways I know, O Lord, are just — 
 And just Thy sentence, Lord, w T ill be. 
 
 Let sin, and all the sinner's race, 
 
 In utter ruin be o'erthrown ; 
 But 'stablish thou the just with grace — 
 
 The just, whose hearts to thee are known. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10—17. (l. m.) 
 Faith in the Defence of God. 
 
 God is the rock of my defence, 
 
 His power preserves the just from death ; 
 His arm asserts their innocence, 
 
 While sinners daily feel His wrath. 
 
 Oh ! if they will not now repent, 
 
 Soon will he whet his glittering sword ; 
 
 'Ready his awful bow is bent — 
 A dreadful venireance to award ! 
 
12 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 E'en now his arrow 's on the string, 
 Prepared to strike his stubborn foes ; 
 
 E'en now his arrow's on the winsr, 
 To pierce the rebels who oppose. 
 
 The sinner travailing with his sin, 
 
 Mischief conceives and falsehood bears ; 
 
 In hia own pit my foe is seen, 
 
 Trapp'd by his own ungodly snares. 
 
 The wrath of God on him descends, 
 While from all harm my soul is free — 
 
 That violence to them extends 
 
 Which they design'd to fall on me. 
 
 Hence shall my heart with joy proclaim 
 His righteousness in grateful lays : 
 
 I'll sing the glories of thy name, 
 
 Oh ! God most high, in songs of praise ! 
 
 PSALM VIII. 
 
 FOR ASCENSION DAY. 
 (L. M.) 
 
 The Sovereignty of God, and Mans Dominion over the 
 Creatures. 
 
 Oh, Lord, our Governor, how great, 
 How glorious, is thy name divine ! 
 
 Above the heavens thou reign'st in state, 
 Around the earth thy glories shine. 
 
 Babes taught of thee, with lisping tongue, 
 Thy praise, in song, aloud declare ; 
 
 The wicked hear, as round they throng, 
 And sink abash'd in wild despair. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 13 
 
 When I behold thy heavens by night, 
 The work of thy almighty hands ; 
 
 The moon and stars, whose silvery light 
 Falls in soft beams on all the lands 
 
 Lord, what is man, I ask, that thou 
 Shouldst think upon his fallen race ; 
 
 And what his Son, that thou shouldst bow 
 Thy throne, and visit him with grace. 
 
 Next in his state to angels, he, 
 
 With glory and with honour crown* d, 
 
 Rules o'er thy works : by thy decree, 
 All things beneath his feet are found. 
 
 The beasts of prey and beasts that graze ; 
 
 The fowl that wings its airy way ; 
 And fish that cleave, mid unknown ways, 
 
 The liquid seas — confess his sway. 
 
 Oh, Lord, our Governor, how great, 
 How glorious, is thy name divine ; 
 
 Above the heavens thou reign'st in state, 
 Around the earth thy glories shine. 
 
 PSALM IX. 
 
 Ver. 1— 12. (l. m.) 
 A Thanksgiving. 
 With all my powers of heart and tongue, 
 
 Lord, I will magnify thv name ; — 
 To all the listening earth in song, 
 Thy marvellous works aloud proclaim. 
 
14 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 My haughty foes who thee defied, 
 Back from thy mighty power are fled ; 
 
 They fell, and perished in their pride, 
 When they beheld thy banners spread. 
 
 Against the men who break thy laws, 
 High on thy everlasting throne, 
 
 Thou hast maintain'd my right and cause, 
 And made thy truth and justice known. 
 
 Rebuked, the heathen feel thy wrath ; 
 
 The wicked perish at thy frown ; 
 By thee in vengeance scattered forth, 
 
 Their very names are now unknown. 
 
 O, haughty foe, thy time is come, 
 
 Thy desolation is complete : 
 Thou, Lord, hast writ their lasting doom ; 
 
 Their cities lie beneath our feet. 
 
 The Lord to endless ages reigns ; 
 
 He hath prepared his judgment throne ; 
 From thence strict justice he maintains, 
 
 Which saints and sinners both shall own. 
 
 He, in his sovereign love, will be 
 A refuge for the meek oppres'd : 
 
 To him in trouble they shall flee, 
 And find security and rest. 
 
 Those who his tender mercies prove, 
 On him will still rely for grace; 
 
 Nor will he e'er withhold his love, 
 From those who ardent seek his face. 
 
TRE PSALMS OF DAVID. 15 
 
 Sing, then, the goodness of the Lord, 
 
 From Zion, his divine abode — 
 His boundless works in songs record, 
 
 Till all the world confess the God. 
 
 When he inquires for blood — his saints, 
 
 In his remembrance, will arise ; 
 He heard their deep, their long complaints, 
 
 Nor hath he vet forgot their cries. 
 
 1'art 2. 
 
 Ver. 13-20. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer. 
 
 Think, Lord, upon the heartfelt woes, 
 1 suffer from my wrathful foes — 
 In mercy hear the prayer of faith, 
 And lift me from the gates of death. 
 
 Then will I utter forth thy praise, 
 In Zion's courts, in grateful lays, 
 And with a loud triumphant voice, 
 In thy salvation then rejoice. 
 
 Deep in the pit their hands hath made, 
 Behold the heathen foe is laid : 
 In the same snare which they prepared 
 To trap my feet, their own are snar'd. 
 
 The Lord is by his judgments known, 
 Which issue from his lofty throne ; 
 Sinners, by works themselves have wrought, 
 Are snar'd, and to perdition brought. 
 c 2 
 
16 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 The wicked, who his powers defy, 
 Low in the pit of hell shall lie ; 
 There nations, who forget their God, 
 Take up their dark, their sad abode. 
 
 Not always shall his needy saints, 
 Forgotten, make their deep complaints ; 
 The expectation of the poor 
 Shall not decay for evermore. 
 
 Arise, O Lord, when foes assail, 
 Arise, and let them not prevail ; 
 Ascend, O Lord, thy judgment-seat 
 And tread them all beneath thy feet. 
 
 Let terror seize the nations round, 
 Low in the dust may they be found ; 
 Then shall they know themselves, and then 
 Men shall confess themselves but men. 
 
 PSALM X. 
 
 Ver. 1—11. (c. m.) 
 The Church complains of Persecution, 
 
 Why, gracious Lord, so distant stand 
 Why hide Thy face away — 
 
 When troubles rise on every hand, 
 And fill us with dismay ? 
 
 The wicked, in their pride of heart, 
 
 Do persecute the poor ; 
 Let them be taken in their art, 
 
 And perish evermore. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 Proudly they boast their heart's desire. 
 
 And glory in their shame ; 
 Tis mammon only they require, 
 
 And hate God's holy name. 
 
 His awful power their souls deride, 
 Nor fear his dreadful rod — 
 
 In their imaginative pride, 
 Lo, they deny a God. 
 
 Oh, how corrupt is all their race ; 
 
 In sin their hearts delight ; 
 Alike his judgments and his grace 
 
 Are hidden from their sight. 
 
 Pleased with their high exalted state, 
 They vaunting make their boast ; 
 
 No power can change their happy fate, 
 Nor shall their names be lost. 
 
 Their mouths are fall of fraud and lies, 
 
 Of cursing and of wrong ; 
 Mischief lies hidden in disguise, 
 
 Beneath their serpent tongue. 
 
 In secret places they, concealed, 
 
 Their guileful arts emplov, 
 To make the poor and harmless yield 
 
 To plunder or destroy. 
 
 As waits the lion in his den, 
 To catch his heedless prev 
 
 So wait these boastful sons of men, 
 To lead the meek astrav. 
 c 3 
 
 17 
 
18 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 With modest garb and face demure 
 He croucheth at their feet ; 
 
 That he may catch the humble poor, 
 By flattery and deceit. 
 
 And yet, they say that God forgets 
 The wrongful deeds they do : 
 
 That he in utter darkness sits, 
 Nor brings their sins to view. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 12—18. (c. m.) 
 A Prayer for Deliverance. 
 
 Arise, O Lord, — my God, arise, 
 
 Lift up thy glorious arm ! 
 Think of the poor's distressful cries, 
 
 And save their souls from harm ! 
 
 Why doth the proud, the boasting foe 
 Contemn, O God, Thy ways ? 
 
 They slay the poor, and think that thou 
 See'st not the arm that slays. 
 
 But thou hast seen each cruel deed, 
 And wilt requite their race ; 
 
 With thee the poor and orphan plead 
 And find protecting grace. 
 
 Thine arm will crush the sinner's power, 
 And all their deeds confound ; 
 
 Till sinners shall be known no more, 
 And sin no more abound. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 19 
 
 High on his throne Jehovah reigns, 
 
 That throne shall ever stand ; 
 The heathen quit the Lord's domains — 
 
 And perish from the land. 
 
 Tis there the humble poor repair, 
 
 Nor are they turn'd away ; 
 The Lord prepares their hearts for prayer, 
 
 And listens when they pray. 
 
 He judges by His truth and grace 
 
 The orphan and the poor ; 
 Sinners His awful power confess, 
 
 And persecute no more. 
 
 PSALM XL 
 
 (I.. M.) 
 
 Trust in God. 
 
 Tis in the Lord I place my hope, 
 Why say then to my spirit, " Flee 
 
 To some aspiring mountain's top, 
 As birds, to gain security ?" 
 
 The wicked bend their vengeful bow, 
 And ready fix their poisonous dart ; 
 
 In secret they would strike the blow, 
 Would pierce the men of upright heart. 
 
 If all the holy laws of God — 
 
 Those sure foundations of our peace — 
 Be 'neath the feet of sinners trod, 
 
 His people's trust and hopes must cease 
 
20 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 In heaven is God's eternal throne, 
 Thence He this lower world surveys ; 
 
 To Him are all our actions known, 
 He tries our hearts and all our ways. 
 
 And if the righteous feel His rod, 
 If those He loves by Him are tried, 
 
 How will they feel the wrath of God — 
 Those sons of violence and pride ? 
 
 On them in tempests he will rain 
 Brimstone and fire, and snares, and death ! 
 
 Vengeance shall fill their souls with pain — 
 Their portion is the cup of wrath. 
 
 The righteous Lord with fav'ring eye 
 Beholds the deeds of souls sincere, 
 
 And lifteth up their souls on high, 
 To dwell with him in glory there. 
 
 PSALM XII. 
 
 (L. M.J 
 
 Corruption lamented — The Promises trusted. 
 
 Now to my aid my God appear, 
 For lo ! the godly all decay ; 
 
 The faithful and the virtuous here 
 From truth and virtue fall away. 
 
 Neighbour to neighbour utters lies, 
 Each other they will not believe ; 
 
 Their double hearts, in deep disguise, 
 Teach them to flatter and deceive. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 21 
 
 But lips that utter vile deceit 
 Not always on the earth remain ; 
 Vengeance shall lay beneath its feet 
 The tongue that speaks such boastful strain. 
 
 " Yet shall our words prevail," they cry, 
 " Our lips and tongues are still our own. 
 
 Who ? where is he that asks us why ? 
 Nor Lord nor power to us are known." 
 
 " To save th' oppress' d from all their foes, 
 To stop of want the flowing sighs, 
 
 And to enlarge them from their woes, 
 Now," saith the Lord, " will I arise !" 
 
 And faithful is his gracious word ; 
 
 For ever shall his truth abide. 
 Pure are thy promises, O Lord, 
 
 As silver seven times purified ! 
 
 His chosen, mid this faithless race, 
 From all their foes will he defend ; 
 
 To them he will his promis'd grace 
 Down to the latest age extend. 
 
 When high exalted o'er the land, 
 
 The sons of violence and pride 
 Bear rule — 'tis then, on every hand, 
 
 Vice reigns triumphant far and wide. 
 
22 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM XIII. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 A Complaint of Desertion. 
 
 How long, O Lord, how long wilt Thou 
 
 Forget my deep distress ? 
 How long in sorrow shall I bow, 
 
 While Thou withdraw'st Thy face ? 
 
 How long shall thought perplex my soul, 
 
 And sorrow fill my heart ? 
 How long shall foes my powers control, 
 
 And triumph in their art ? 
 
 Think of the prayer my soul hath made, 
 And save me from my woes ; 
 
 Illume mine eyes ere death's dark shade 
 Shall these mine eyelids close. 
 
 Oh, save me ! lest my foes should say, 
 
 By might we overcame ; — 
 And those that wound me day by day 
 
 Should triumph in my shame. 
 
 But in Thy mercy, Lord, I trust, 
 
 Reclining 'neath its wing ; 
 Of Thee my heart shall make its boast, 
 
 And Thy salvation sing. 
 
 To Him, the Lord who reigns on high, 
 High rais'd my song shall be ; 
 
 Because, with bountiful supply, 
 He deals His grace to me. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 23 
 
 PSALM XIV. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 Human Depravity, 
 
 Fools in their hearts proclaim abroad, 
 Nor heaven nor earth contains a God ! 
 Corrupt are they in word and deed — 
 None in the paths of truth proceed. 
 
 Jehovah bow'd His holy throne, 
 To see if truth on earth was known ; 
 To search among the fallen race, 
 If haply any sought His face. 
 
 But all the race' had gone aside, 
 None took his statutes for their guide ; 
 The multitude was all unclean — 
 All follow'd in the paths of sin. 
 
 What, are they all so senseless grown ? 
 Are all the laws of God unknown ? 
 They eat my people as their food, 
 Nor call upon the name of God ! 
 
 But when His vengeance shall appear, 
 How will th' ungodly sink for fear ! 
 While to the righteous God will show 
 His grace, and save them from their foe. 
 
 Ye shame the counsels of the poor, 
 But vain your scorn, and vain your \ ower : 
 To them, whene'er they lift their cry, 
 God is a refuge ever nigh. 
 
24 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh ! that the Lord Jehovah's grace 
 Would now redeem his chosen race ! 
 The sons of Jacob then would sing, 
 And Israel triumph in her King ! 
 
 PSALM XV. 
 
 (FOR ASCENSION DAY. SEVENS.) 
 
 A Citizen of Zion. 
 Who shall stand within thy courts, 
 Where thy chosen, Lord, resorts ? 
 Who to Zion's hill ascend, 
 With thy chosen saints to blend ? 
 
 He that walks in virtue's path 
 Works the deeds of love and faith : 
 He whose converse here below 
 From his heart in truth shall flow ; 
 
 He who ne'er with sland'rous tongue 
 Seeks to do his neighbour wrong, 
 Hearkens to no false report 
 Spread in malice or in sport ; 
 
 Vice exalted, in his eyes, 
 Meets contempt without disguise ; 
 While the poor who fear thy name, 
 All his love and pity claim. 
 
 To his vows, and to his trust, 
 He is ever true and just; 
 Swears he to his injury, 
 Firm his promise still shall be, 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 25 
 
 He whose holy soul disdains 
 To possess unlawful gains, 
 And whose hands will never take 
 A reward against the meek ; 
 
 Such, supported by thy grace, 
 Shall ascend thy holy place : 
 When all nature shakes, shall stand. 
 Still unmov'd at thv right hand. 
 
 PSALM XVI. 
 
 Ver. 1—3. (p.m.) 
 A Prayer; and Love to Saints. 
 
 (FOR EASTER DAY.) 
 
 Oh God, in all my woes, 
 
 Preserve my soul from harm ; 
 
 I place my firm repose 
 
 On Thy Almighty arm : 
 My soul, while waiting at thy throne, 
 Owns thee as Lord, and thee alone. 
 
 But all the good I do, 
 To thee can ne'er extend ; 
 Still, Lord, thy saints below 
 Its influence may befriend : 
 The saints, the glory of their race, 
 All my delight in them I place. 
 
26 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part & 
 
 Ver. 4—8. (p. if.) 
 Idolatry protested against, and confidence in God. 
 
 How are their woes increased, 
 
 Who seek another God ; 
 
 Be mine to shun each feast, 
 
 Each offering of blood : 
 Their names, while life shall yet remain, 
 Their names my lips shall ne'er profane. 
 
 The Lord, my only hope, 
 
 My heritage remains ; 
 
 The portion of my cup — 
 
 His arm my lot sustains : 
 Fair is my lot, mark'd by his line, 
 My heritage is all divine. 
 
 My soul will bless the Lord, 
 
 Whose counsels guide me right ; 
 
 He cheers me by his word, 
 
 In dark affliction's night ; 
 Unmov'd by foes, I see him stand, 
 Ready to save at my right hand. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 9—11. (l. if.) 
 
 Hope in the Resurrection. 
 
 Glad be my heart, my tongue rejoice ! 
 
 Although I yield to death's stern power, 
 I'll triumph with my dying voice, 
 
 By hope supported in that hour. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID *1 1 
 
 Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell 
 And though in dust my body lies, 
 
 I shall not in corruption dwell ; 
 Thy holy one from death shall rise. 
 
 Thy power will guide me safely through 
 The vale of death to Zion's mount ; 
 
 Where streams of pleasure ever flow 
 At thy right hand, thyself the fount. 
 
 PSALM XVII. 
 
 (sevens.) 
 A Prayer for Divine Guidance. 
 
 Righteous Lord, my prayer attend, 
 
 To my just complaints give ear ; 
 As my cries are all unfeigned, 
 
 Let Thy sentence now appear. 
 Judge of all, avenge my cause, 
 
 Let my sentence come from thee : 
 Just and equal are thy laws, 
 
 Just and righteous thy decree. 
 
 Thou hast prov'd and known my heart 
 
 In the secret hours of night ; 
 Did I from thy laws depart — 
 
 Hast thou brought a sin to light ? 
 Thou hast tried, and thou shalt find 
 
 Nothing thou canst reprehend ; 
 I have purpos'd in my mind, 
 
 That mv lips shall not offend. 
 d2 
 
28 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 I have mark'd the ways, Oh Lord, 
 
 Of the men who seek my death, 
 And by treasuring up thy word 
 
 In my heart have shunn'd their path. 
 Oh, sustain me in the way 
 
 That thy word would have me go, 
 Lest my footsteps go astray, 
 
 In the paths of sin and woe. 
 
 I have made to thee my prayer, 
 
 For thou nearest when I pray, 
 Oh, incline again thine ear, 
 
 Turn not thou my prayer away ; 
 Show thy love in my complaints ; 
 
 Now in my defence engage ; 
 Thou whose hand protects thy saints 
 
 From their dread oppressor's rage. 
 
 As the apple of the eye 
 
 Keep me, Oh, thou King of kings, 
 Hide me in security. 
 
 'Neath the shadow of thy wings, 
 From the wicked who oppress, 
 
 Who encompass me around ; 
 There, in all my deep distress, 
 
 There, in peace may I be found. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 29 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10.— 15. (l. m.) 
 
 The Psalmist describeth Ms Enemies, and pray eth for 
 
 Deliverance. 
 
 O'ergrown with insolence and pride, 
 In their own wealth the wicked lie, 
 
 God and their neighbours they deride, 
 And all their laws in scorn defy. 
 
 On every hand our foes arise ; 
 
 Our every step our foes surround ; 
 On us they fix their baleful eyes, 
 
 To lay us prostrate on the ground, 
 
 As roams a lion fierce, abroad, 
 
 In quest of unresisting prey ; 
 Or, as young lions lurk for food, 
 
 When in their secret lair they stray. 
 
 Arise in might, almighty Lord ! 
 
 And all their rage and power control, 
 From sinful men — who are thy sword — 
 
 O save, in mercy, save my soul ! 
 
 Tis in this world their portion lies, 
 They taste thy gifts in largest shares ; 
 
 And when the wealthy sinner dies, 
 He leaves his substance to his heirs. 
 
 But, as for me, thy gracious face, 
 
 In righteousness, I seek alone ; 
 And when I wake, transform'd bv grace, 
 
 Thy glorious image I shall own. 
 d3 
 
SO A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM XVI 1 1. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 3. (eights.) 
 An Address of Thanks. 
 
 Thee, Jehovah, my strength, I will love, 
 Whose hand hath redeem' d me from foes ; 
 
 My rock and my fortress above, 
 
 Where, guarded from harm, I repose. 
 
 My deliverer thou art, and my God ! 
 
 I place all my trust in thy power ; 
 And thou art my buckler abroad — 
 
 My horn of salvation, and tower. 
 
 When the foemen encompass' d my ways, 
 
 I lifted my cries to his throne 
 Whose name is all worthy of praise, 
 
 And he made my deliverance known. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 4—6. (c. u.) 
 Relation of Sufferings , and Prayer for Assistance. 
 
 The bands of death my spirit bound, 
 
 While Belial's sons array'd, 
 As a fierce torrent rag'd around, 
 
 And made me sink dismay'd. 
 
 The pains of hell beset my path, 
 
 And pierc'd my inmost soul ; 
 Encompass'd by the snares of death, 
 
 I bow'd to death's control. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 31 
 
 Then, to the Lord, my God alone, 
 
 I made my humble prayer ; 
 My cries ascended to his throne, 
 
 And reach' d his listening ear. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 7—15. (l. m.) 
 Divine Interposition described. 
 
 When God, to aid me, did appear : 
 Then shook the earth, convuls'd with fear 
 The mountains trembled to their base, 
 When they beheld his awful face. 
 
 Forth from his nostrils clouds of smoke, 
 In his almighty vengeance broke ; 
 And from his mouth his kindled ire 
 Forth issued as a glowing fire. 
 
 He bow'd in wrath his heavenly throne, 
 And thus to earth descended down ; 
 He made the bending skies his seat, 
 While darkness roll'd beneath his feet. 
 
 The cherub to his car was join'd, 
 He flew upon the winged wind ; 
 Round him, the tempest's fury storm'd ; 
 Dark waters his pavillion form'd. 
 
 But at his blaze the clouds retire, 
 In mingled storms of hail and fire ; 
 Through all the skies his thunders roar, 
 And thus proclaim his awful power. 
 
3*2 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Swift flew his arrows from his bow ; 
 In wild confusion fled the foe ; 
 Around the glare of lightnings play'd, 
 While back the rebels fled dismay'd. 
 
 Old ocean's channels then were dry ; 
 And earth's foundations met the eye — 
 E'en to their very base they shook ; 
 Oh, Lord, and own'd thy dread rebuke ! 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 16—19. s. M. 
 Deliverance described. 
 Jehovah, from above, 
 
 My raging foes controll'd ; 
 He took me by his power and love — 
 From waves that round me roll'd. 
 
 He sav'd me from my foe — 
 
 My foe so great in might ; 
 Else had I felt their vengeful blow, 
 
 Unequal to the fight. 
 
 Well nigh had they prevail' d, 
 
 In my distressful day ; 
 But when their wrath my soul assail'd, 
 
 Jehovah was my stay. 
 
 From dangers, spread around, 
 
 He set my spirit free ; 
 My soul is with his mercies crown'd, 
 
 For he delights in me. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 33 
 
 Part 5. 
 
 Ver. 20—24. (l. m.) 
 
 The Psalmist describes his Purity as the Cause of 
 Deliverance. 
 
 The Lord doth all ray works approve, 
 And hence hath he rewarded me ; 
 
 Guiltless, I lift my hands above, 
 And he imparts felicity. 
 
 My soul, with care, his ways did trace, 
 Nor have I wandered from my God — 
 
 His judgments were before my face ; 
 His statutes show'd the paths I trod. 
 
 Righteous, I stood before his sight, 
 And kept my soul from every sin ; 
 
 Hence did the Lord maintain my right, 
 Because my soul was pure within. 
 
 Part 6. 
 
 Ver. 25—28. (l. m.) 
 God's Equitable Proceedings. 
 
 How equal are thy ways, O Lord — 
 Justice to all thou dost accord ; 
 All that are merciful and kind 
 Thy tender mercies ever find. 
 
 Thou, to the just, shalt justice show, 
 The pure thy purity shall know ; 
 While, with the sons of forward life, 
 Thy vengeful arm shall be at strife. 
 
34 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Thine eyes observe the lowly race, 
 And aid them with thy sovereign grace ; 
 While the proud sinner's haughty look, 
 Shall, humbled, bend beneath thy stroke. 
 
 Thus, when the shades of night, beset 
 My soul, and circled round my feet ; 
 Grace, as a lamp, the gloom of night 
 Dispell' d and shed around its light. 
 
 Part 7. 
 
 Ver. 29—36. (l. m.) 
 Victory ascribed' to God. 
 
 By the almighty aid of God, 
 Through the thick rank of foes I trod ; 
 My feet, with an exulting bound, 
 Leap'd o'er a wall that clos'd me round. 
 
 How perfect are his holy ways — 
 His promis'd word his truth displays ; 
 He is a shield to all the just. 
 Who in his word for succour trust. 
 
 Where is the God can aid afford, 
 In times of trouble, save the Lord ; 
 Who is a rock to rest upon, 
 In times of grief, save God alone ? 
 
 'Tis he that girds my soul with might — 
 Tis he that guides my footsteps right ; 
 He makes my feet, as hind's, to climb 
 The rugged rocks in air sublime. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 35 
 
 Tis he instructs my skilful hand 
 The arts of war to understand ; 
 So that I break the steel-wrought bow, 
 I wrest in battle from the foe. 
 
 Thou, Lord, hast given me the shield 
 Of thy salvation in the field ; 
 Upheld'and chasten'd by thy hand, 
 Great in renown and might I stand 
 
 Thou hast enlarged my steps around ; 
 My foes beneath my feet are found ; 
 Protected by thy power, O God, 
 My feet the path to victory trod. 
 
 Part 8. 
 
 Ver. 37—42. (l. if.) 
 The Victory represented as complete. 
 
 Through God did I pursue my foes, 
 And took them captive in their flight ; 
 
 Nor did I from the chase repose, 
 
 Till all had fallen beneath my might. 
 
 Cover' d with wounds and stain'd with gore, 
 In vain they strive again to rise ; 
 
 Beneath my feet to rise no more, 
 
 Bleeding in death the vanquished lies. 
 
 Thou, Lord, hast girded me with might, 
 And gavst me courage in the field ; 
 
 Thy arm sustained me in the fight, 
 And made my fierce opposers yield. 
 
36 A NEW VERSION OI< 
 
 Through thee, upon the necks of those 
 I tread, who scorn to own my sway ; 
 
 Through thee I overcome my foes, 
 Who me in anger seek to slay. 
 
 In their distress aloud they cried, 
 But there was none to save or hear ; 
 
 To God for succour they applied, 
 But he disdained to lend an ear. 
 
 Small as the dust before the blast, 
 
 My foes I crush'd and scatter'd round : 
 
 And forth their slaughter'd forms I cast, 
 As mire in crowded cities found. 
 
 Part 9. 
 
 Ver. 43—45. (l. m.) 
 The Submission of the Heathen to Messiah. 
 Lord, thou hast sav'd my soul from those 
 Who in wild faction 'gainst me rose ; 
 The heathen own, through thee, my sway, 
 And lands unknown their homage pay. 
 
 Soon as they hear my spreading name, 
 My reign they own, my succour claim ; 
 Strangers attend at my command, 
 And at my feet submissive stand. 
 
 Before my power they fade away, 
 Their strength and pride shall know decay ; 
 Terror through their strong holds shall break, 
 And fear their startled spirits shake. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 37 
 
 Part 10. 
 
 Ver. 46—50. (p. m.) 
 A Song of Praise. 
 
 The Lord Jehovah lives, 
 
 My rock for ever bless'd ; 
 
 His arm salvation gives, 
 
 And sets my soul at rest. 
 Oh ! be his name exalted high, 
 Above all powers of earth and sky ! 
 
 His arm aveng'd my cause, 
 
 And he subdu'd my foes ; 
 
 His power supports my laws 
 
 Against them who oppose. 
 Through God am I exalted found 
 Above the foes who press around . 
 
 Hence will I sing thy fame 
 
 To all the nations, Lord ! 
 
 The glories of thy name 
 
 In grateful notes record ; 
 And they shall hear the notes I raise, 
 And sing with me the song of praise. 
 
 Great is the saving grace, 
 
 To his anointed shown : 
 
 He rais'd me from distress, 
 
 To sit on Zion's throne ; 
 Exhaustless mercy that ne'er ends, 
 To David and his seed extends ! 
 
38 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM XIX. 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (p. m.) 
 The Heavens Instructors of Mankind, 
 
 The glories of God in the heavens appear, 
 In the firmament shine his wisdom and skill ; 
 
 Upheld by his power, mid ethereal air, 
 
 The orbs run their circuits performing his will! 
 
 And the sun day by day exalteth his name, 
 As onward it speeds in the path of the sky, 
 
 And the moon and the stars hispraises proclaim, 
 As nightly they shine in the regions on high. 
 
 What tho' not the sound of a voice meets our ear, 
 To reason they whisper the language of praise ; 
 
 Through the wide earth's extent their line doth 
 appear, 
 And through all creation his glory displays. 
 
 The sun from the east, like a young bridegroom 
 dress'd, 
 
 Uprises at morn and rolls round the skies ; 
 As a giant rejoicing it speeds, to the west, 
 
 And sets with such splendour as gilded its rise. 
 
 O'er earth's ample shores its blessings extend ; 
 
 It life, light, and joy to each nation conveys; 
 Through the circuit of heaven it runs to the end, 
 
 And nothing lies hid from its life-giving rays. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 39 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—11. (p. m.) 
 
 The Law of God perfect. 
 
 What perfection is seen in the law of the Lord! 
 How bright are those truths that illumine 
 our eyes! 
 By these is the sinner from error restor'd, 
 By these are the simple ones taught to be 
 wise. 
 
 How right are his precepts rejoicing the heart! 
 Hence spring all the pleasures we feel here 
 below ; 
 How fair is the light his commandments impart! 
 Hence spring all our hopes of deliverance 
 from woe. 
 
 And clean is the fear of the Lord ; it restrains 
 My heart from transgressing the law cf mv 
 God; 
 And righteous his judgments; the saint with 
 him reigns, 
 While sinners submit to the scourge of his rod. 
 
 I covet them more than the finest of gold, 
 And sweeter than honey they are to my taste ; 
 
 By them am I warn'd, and in them I behold 
 A reward for observance when life shall be 
 past. 
 
 v, 2 
 
40 A >'KW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 12—14. (p. m.) 
 A Prayer for Pardoning and Restraining Grace. 
 Oh ! where is the man all his errors can tell ? 
 Or who knows how oft he transgresseth thy 
 law ? 
 From the faults that in secret within my heart 
 dwell 
 Lord, cleanse Thou my heart and keep it in 
 awe ! 
 
 I would not transgress with a bold daring mind, 
 
 Nor would I bow down to the thraldom of 
 
 sin; 
 
 Thy grace all-restraining, my God, I would find, 
 
 And then from transgression my heart would 
 
 be clean. 
 
 From the law of thy mouth let me never depart, 
 
 In this all thy will is unfolded to me. 
 May the words of my lips, and the thoughts of 
 my heart, 
 O Lord, mv Redeemer ! find favour with 
 Thee! 
 
 PSALM XX. 
 
 (Ver. 1—4. (c. m.) 
 A Prayer for the King (but especially of the Church, for 
 Messiah her King.) 
 Now may the God of Jacob hear 
 
 His own anointed's cries ; 
 Now may his name his aid appear, 
 From foes that round him rise. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 41 
 
 From Zion may the Lord extend, 
 And make his power known ; 
 
 There may his cries and prayers ascend, 
 As incense at his throne. 
 
 May all the wishes of his heart 
 
 Meet his approving will ; 
 And what his counsels may impart, 
 
 May he in love fulfil. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5—9. (c. m.) 
 Faith in God for Victory. 
 We triumph in thy aid, oh God, 
 
 And in thy holy name, 
 Our conquering banners fly abroad : — 
 The Lord sustain their fame ! 
 
 Now do I know he lends an ear, 
 
 When his anointed cries ; 
 I see his glorious arm appear, 
 
 From worlds beyond the skies. 
 
 Some trust in chariots made for war, 
 
 And some in horses boast ; 
 But, Lord, thy name is better far 
 
 Than all their mighty host. 
 
 How are they fall'n mid heaps of slain, 
 
 Are fallen in the fight ; 
 While we exalted, Lord, remain, 
 
 And stand renown'd in might, 
 e 3 
 
42 A XkW VERSION OF 
 
 Still, Lord, to us thy aid extend, 
 
 And save us in distress ; 
 Oh, King of heaven, in love descend, 
 
 Our prayers, our cause to bless. 
 
 PSALM XXI. 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (p. m.) 
 
 The Church celebrates the Victory of the Redeemer. 
 
 (for ascension day.) 
 
 The King shall rejoice in thy strength, gracious 
 
 Lord, 
 And crown'd with salvation thy praises record ; 
 In love hast thou given the desire of his heart, 
 What hislips have requested thy bounties impart. 
 
 Thy blessings, oh Lord, all his wishes exceed ; 
 With a crown offine gold hast thou circled hishead; 
 He asked of thee life, and, lo ! it was given, 
 His days hast thou made as enduring as heaven. 
 
 How great are the glories bestowed on his name, 
 His conquests thou crownest with honour and 
 
 fame ; 
 Thou hast bless'd him for ever with blessings of 
 
 grace, 
 And hast made him rejoice in the light of thy face 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID, 43 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 (Ver. 7—13.) 
 The Stability of Christ's Kingdom. 
 
 The King puts his trust in Jehovah alone, 
 And through his rich mercies unmoved stands 
 
 his throne ; 
 Thy hand, mighty Lord, shall discover each foe, 
 And thy vengeance shall lay all thine enemies low. 
 
 As fierce as a furnace with its hot burning glows, 
 The flames of thy wrath shall consume all thy foes; 
 Their fruit in thine anger ungathered shall lie, 
 And their seed among men shall eternally die. 
 
 How vain the devices they form against thee ; 
 How pow rless their arm ; in confusion they flee, 
 A mark for thine arrows now fix'd on the string, 
 Impatient for vengeance that waits on the wing. 
 
 Oh ! be thou exalted, thou Lord of the skies, 
 Disclose thy dread power to our wondering eyes ; 
 Then in songs of rejoicing our voices shall sing, 
 Thy power triumphant, oh heavenly King ! 
 
 PSALM XXII. 
 
 Ver. 1—21. (c. m.) 
 The Passion of Christ. 
 
 (FOR GOOD FRIDAY.) 
 
 My God, my God, why leave me so, 
 
 To anguish and despair ? 
 Why stand so distant from my woe, 
 
 Nor listen to my prayer. 
 
44 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 I cry to thee through all the day, 
 But cry, my God, in vain ; 
 
 And ceaseless through the night I pray , 
 But still unheard complain. 
 
 Yet doth thy justice and thy grace 
 
 In all thy acts appear, 
 Oh! thou whom Jacob's chosen race, 
 
 In worship due, revere ! 
 
 Israel long trusted in thy name, 
 
 And thy salvation found ; 
 No foes could put their hopes to shame, 
 
 No power their souls confound. 
 
 But I, though in the human form, 
 Through constant grief and pain, 
 
 I grovel as a reptile worm, 
 Despis'd and scorn' d of man. 
 
 Gazing, they laugh and shake the head, 
 
 And curl the lip and cry, 
 Lo ! on his God his hopes were stay'd, 
 
 Now let his God reply. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Lord, it was thou that form'd my frame, 
 Forth from the womb by thee I came ; 
 And while I hung upon the breast, 
 My hopes did on thy mercies rest. 
 
 Soon as I drew the vital air, 
 My soul was cast upon thy care ; 
 And through my life, whate'er betide, 
 Still thou hast been my constant guide 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 45 
 
 Oh, not so distant from me stand, 
 When troubles rise on every hand ; 
 Now let thy friendly aid appear, 
 For no kind helping hand is near. 
 
 'Midst beasts of prey my soul is found, 
 Strong bulls of Basan close me round, — 
 The desert lion's savage roar 
 Is not more dreadful than their power. 
 
 As water is my vigour fled, 
 From loosen'd bones my strength is fled ; 
 My heart within my wither'd fram^** 
 Melts as the wax before the flame. 
 
 As potter's earth my form is dried. 
 My tongue is to my jaws allied, 
 And thou hast brought my fleeting breath 
 Down to the gloomy shades of death. 
 
 For, lo ! my foes beset me round, 
 And bitter is their vengeance found ; 
 Fierce, as are dogs their rage is fierce, — 
 They pierce my hands, my feet they pierce. 
 
 The number of my bones I trace, 
 Naked they stare me in the face ; 
 My garments they my foes divide, 
 And for my robe by lot decide. 
 
 God of my strength, whilst they oppress, 
 Oh haste to aid me in distress ! 
 Save from the sword, thy darling save, 
 From cruel dogs that round him rave ! 
 
46 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Save from the lions' savage roar, 
 Oh let them not my soul devour, 
 And from the reem's destructive horn, 
 Safe by thy power may I be borne. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 22—25. (l. m.) 
 Praise to God for Deliverance. 
 
 Loud, to my brethren I'll proclaim 
 The honours of thy glorious name ; 
 Amidst assembled saints I'll raise 
 To thee incessant songs of praise. 
 
 Join ye that fear Jehovah, join 
 To sing the song of praise divine ; 
 Ye sons of Jacob, spread his fame, — 
 Ye sons of Israel, fear his name. 
 
 He ne'er disdained to cast an eye 
 
 On deep distress and poverty ; 
 
 He sees their wrongs, and when they pray, 
 
 Turns not his gracious ear away. 
 
 Hence, in thy sacred courts I'll raise 
 My song, and thou the theme of praise ; 
 Before thy saints, O Lord, I'll pay 
 The vows of my distressful day. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 47 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 26— 31. (l. m.) 
 The Conversion of the Gentiles predicted. 
 
 The meek shall find their table spread, 
 Shall with immortal joys be fed ; 
 The humble souls who seek the Lord, 
 For ever shall his praise record. 
 
 The earth converted, Lord, shall turn, 
 To thee, and all thy mercies learn ; 
 The kindred of the nations join. 
 To bow before thy throne divine. 
 
 By power, by right supreme, he reigns, 
 And all the ample world sustains ; 
 'Tis in his hands the nations lie, 
 He governs all below the sky. 
 
 The rich and poor together meet, 
 In homage bending at his feet ; 
 Together they for aid resort 
 To him who only can support. 
 
 A chosen race shall spread his fame, 
 A race devoted to his name ; 
 They shall declare his acts of grace, 
 His mercies to the latest race. 
 
48 A NEW VERSION* OF 
 
 PSALM XXIII. 
 
 (Eights.) 
 God the S/iepherd of his People 
 
 The Lord is my shepherd divine, 
 No want shall I e'er undergo ; 
 Thro' him I in quiet recline, 
 Where pastures abundantly grow. 
 
 By the borders of still flowing streams, 
 He leads ; and whenever I stray, 
 My soul for his namesake redeems ; 
 And guideth my feet in his way. 
 
 Though I walk thro' Death's shadowy vale, 
 
 No evil or foe will I fear ; 
 
 Thy rod and thy staff shall prevail, 
 
 My defence and my comforter there. 
 
 My table with plenty is spread, 
 In presence of foes that surround ; 
 With oil thou anointest my head, 
 My cup with thy mercy is crown'd. 
 
 Oh, surely such goodness and love 
 Insure to me peace all my days ; 
 I shall dwell in his temple above, 
 There pay him my tribute of praise. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID, 4 ( j 
 
 PSALM XXIV. 
 
 (P. M.) 
 FOR ASCENSION DAY. 
 
 The earth is the Lord's, and its fulness is his ; 
 
 The world, and all creatures, therein are his 
 right : 
 He founded its fabric upon the wide seas ; 
 
 On thefloods he established it, too, by his might. 
 
 But who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord ? 
 
 Who stand, with acceptance, in his holy place? 
 Theperfect, whose deeds with his statutes accord, 
 
 And the pure in heart shall behold his bright 
 face. 
 
 Who to idols ne'er bent the suppliant knee — 
 Who knew neither foeman nor friend to 
 deceive ; 
 
 He shall gain, graciousLord,ablessing from thee, 
 Shall righteousness from the Almighty receive. 
 
 Such, Lord, is the race of thy chosen, the meek, 
 Who worship thee here in thy temple's abode ; 
 
 They seek for thy grace here below, and thev 
 seek 
 To dwell in thy presence, O, Israel's God ! 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 (sevens.) 
 Lift your heads, eternal gates ! 
 
 Wide unfold, ye doors, again ! 
 Lo ! the king of glory waits 
 
 There, to enter with his train. 
 
 F 
 
50 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Who this king of glory ? who ? 
 
 He the Lord, for power renown'd, 
 Who subdued in fight his foe, 
 
 And, as Victor, now is crown'd. 
 
 Lift your heads, eternal gates ! 
 
 Wide unfold, ye doors, again — 
 Lo ! the king of glory ! waits 
 
 There, to enter with his train. 
 
 Who this king of glory ? who ? 
 
 He the Lord of hosts w renown' d ! 
 He, that king of glory view, 
 
 With eternal glorv crown'd. 
 
 PSALM XXV. 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (c. m.) 
 Confidence in Prayer. 
 
 To God I lift my soul in prayer, 
 And trust his name alone ; 
 
 Nor shame shall on my face appear — 
 Nor foes shall press me down. 
 
 For they who wait upon the Lord, 
 Shall know nor shame nor woe ; 
 
 But shame, the sinner's just reward, 
 Shall lay transgressors low. 
 
 Thy heavenly truth to me impart, 
 And guide me in the way ; 
 
 Thou, Lord, my sure salvation art — 
 My daily hope and stay. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 51 
 
 Think of thy mercies, and thy love, 
 
 To former ages shown ; 
 And let me, Lord, those mercies prove, 
 
 Which I of old have known. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—15. 
 A Prayer for Remission of Sins. 
 
 My early crimes, O Lord, conceal, 
 
 In dark oblivion's night ; 
 And, for thy goodness sake, reveal 
 
 Thy mercies to my sight. 
 
 Good is the Lord, and upright he — 
 'Tis thus his truth displays : 
 
 He teacheth sinners sin to flee, 
 And guides them in his ways. 
 
 The humble, who his guidance seek, 
 
 Injustice he will guide; 
 A nd in his paths will lead the meek, 
 
 Who in his truth confide. 
 
 How fair appear the paths of God ! 
 
 There truth and mercy shine, 
 On those who in his ways have trod, 
 
 And to his word incline. 
 
 What man is he who only fears 
 
 From God to go astray ? 
 llim for his guide, his God appears, 
 
 And leads him in the wav. 
 f 2 
 
52 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 His happy soul at ease shall live, 
 By sovereign goodness bless'd — 
 
 And to his seed the Lord will give 
 The land their sire possess'd. 
 
 Fix'd are the counsels of the Lord 
 To them that fear his name ; 
 
 To those will his eternal word 
 His covenant proclaim. 
 
 Up to the Lord I cast my eyes, 
 And thence expect my aid ; 
 
 He saves me from my enemies, 
 And breaks the snares they laid. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 16—22. (c. m.) 
 A Prayer for Help in Affliction. 
 
 Turn, gracious Lord, in mercy turn, 
 And all my woes redress ; 
 
 Helpless and desolate I mourn, 
 Encompass' d with distress. 
 
 The troubles of my aching heart, 
 How vast, O Lord, they grow ! 
 
 Thy gracious aid to me impart, 
 And save me from my woe. 
 
 Look on my sorrow and my pain, 
 
 And all my sins forgive ; 
 See how my foes, a numerous train, 
 
 Their schemes of hate contrive. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 53 
 
 O, keep my soul from dangers free, 
 
 Nor let my hopes be lost ; 
 I place alone, O Lord, in thee/ 
 
 My firm abiding trust. 
 
 Let innocence preserve me, Lord, 
 
 Whose hopes on thee repose ; 
 And to thy Israel afford 
 
 Redemption from her woes. 
 
 PSALM XXVI. 
 
 Ver. l—o. (l. m.) 
 An Appeal to God under False Accusation, 
 
 Be thou my judge, all-seeing God, 
 For in thy paths my feet have trod ; 
 My soul on thee hath still relied, 
 Nor will I from Thy precepts slide. 
 
 Search me, O Lord, my heart — my reins, 
 Prove if a sin within remains. 
 Thy faithful love is all my stay — 
 Thy truth supports me in the way. 
 
 Not my companions are the vain, 
 Nor hypocrites my friendship gain ; 
 I hate the haunts where sinners meet* 
 Nor will frequent the sinner's seat. 
 f3 
 
54 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6 — 12. (p. m.) 
 A Resolution to adhere to GocVs Worship. 
 Lord, I will wash my hands 
 In innocence ; and round, 
 With all thy chosen bands, 
 Thy altars thus be found. 
 There will I sing the song of praise, 
 And there record thy wondrous ways. 
 
 I love thy courts divine, 
 Where oft my feet have trod ; 
 Whose hallow' d walls enshrine 
 Thy honours. Oh, my God ! 
 Doom not my soul to dwell with tribes — 
 Whose guilty hands are stain'd with bribes. 
 
 The path of truth I tread, 
 
 That path shall still be mine ; 
 
 Redeem my soul, and shed 
 
 On me thy love divine. 
 Then, fix'd in thy unerring ways, 
 Among thy saints, I'll sing thy praise ! 
 
 PSALM XXVII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 6. (eights.) 
 Faith in the Power of God. 
 The Lord is my strength and my light, 
 What foe shall e'er make me to fear ? 
 Oh ! who shall my spirit affright, 
 While God, my salvation, is near ? 
 
 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 55 
 
 The wicked, my foes, came around, 
 My soul in their rage to devour ; 
 
 They stumbled and fell to the ground, 
 Beneath his omnipotent power. 
 
 ugh a host stood around i 
 Undaunted, my heart shall not fear : 
 Though war should against me be wag'd, 
 
 Salvation, I know, will appear. 
 
 t'd of my G 
 
 And ardent I seel ill: 
 
 To dwell in his sacred at 
 
 See his face, and be v his will. 
 
 Tis there, in the ti: .ess, 
 
 My soul from the storm he will hide ; 
 
 He shall hide in its deepest recess — 
 On a rock he shall make me abide. 
 
 In mercy, my head he will raise 
 
 Above all mine en 
 Hence I'll offer the 
 
 With his praise shall his temples 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 :. f— 14. (CM.) 
 
 I Profession of Faith. 
 
 Lord, when I bend the lowly knee 
 
 And lift my voice above, 
 Oh ! deism to listen to n 
 
 And answer me in love ! 
 
56 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 " Seek ye my face," — 'twas thus I heard 
 
 My God in mercy speak ; 
 My heart replied, " thy face, oh Lord, 
 
 Thy face I'll ever seek. 
 
 " Then hide not thou thy face away, 
 Nor view me with a frown ; 
 
 God my salvation, oft my stay, 
 Oh ! leave me not alone ! 
 
 " When I an orphan's sorrows bear, 
 
 With no kind parent nigh, 
 The Lord will own me as his care, 
 
 And wipe my tearful eye. 
 
 '* Teach me, O Lord, thy paths to tread, 
 
 And lead me in the way ; 
 See how my foes their snares have spread, 
 
 To turn my feet astray. 
 
 " Oh ! save me from the will of foes 
 Whose hate conspires my death ; 
 
 The current of whose malice flows, 
 Perpetual as their breath. 
 
 " Had I not hop'd to see thy love 
 
 While sojourning below, 
 And in the realms of bliss above, 
 
 My soul had sank in woe. 
 
 " Wait on the Lord, my spirit, wait — 
 
 Nor let thy courage fail ; 
 His eye will view thy low estate, 
 
 His arm for thee prevail." 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 57 
 
 PSALM XXVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — o. (l. if.) 
 
 A Prayer. 
 
 Thou Lord, my strength, to thee I cry, 
 
 Deign thou to listen and reply, 
 
 Lest in thine anger I become 
 
 As those who slumber in the tomb. 
 
 Oh, to my earnest cries attend, 
 When I the knee before thee bend, 
 And when towards thy holy shrine 
 I lift my hands to hear incline. 
 
 Doom not my soul to dwell with those 
 Who work iniquity and woes ; 
 Who peace with lying tongue impart, 
 While mischief dwells within their heart. 
 
 Whate'er they do, or what devise, 
 Shall meet the vengeance of the skies ; 
 Their bold transgressions from the Lord 
 Shall meet a just, a full reward. 
 
 Because they slight his works of grace, 
 Nor providential mercies trace, 
 He shall destroy them by his power, 
 And raise them in no future hour. 
 
58 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—9. (Eights.) 
 A Song of Triumph, 
 
 Oh bless'd be the Lord, ever bless'd, 
 In his name shall my spirit rejoice, — 
 
 My prayer to his throne I address'd, 
 And he heard in his mercy my voice. 
 
 The Lord is my strength and my shield, 
 I trusted, and mercy was found ; 
 
 Hence my heart its glad tribute shall yield, 
 And my songs shall his praises resound. 
 
 The Lord is the strength of their arms, 
 Who make my just cause as their own ; 
 
 He saves his anointed from harms, 
 And fixes triumphant his throne. 
 
 Thy people redeem from their foes, 
 And bless thine inheritance, Lord ! 
 
 In plenty, oh ! let them repose, 
 And give them an endless reward. 
 
 rSALM XXIX. 
 
 (Eights.) 
 
 Kings railed upon to give Glory to God, and the Word of 
 his Power. 
 
 Ye mighty, his wonders proclaim, 
 Give glory and strength to the Lord, 
 
 The praise that is due to his name, 
 In his temple in worship record. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 59 
 
 The voice of Jehovah is known, 
 O'er the face of the billowy deep ; 
 
 By thunder he speaks from his throne, 
 In the tempests that over us sweep. 
 
 With power Almighty he spake, 
 His voice is with majesty crown' d ; 
 
 The cedars of Lebanon break, 
 
 At his voice they are scatter'd around. 
 
 As a hind from the hills where they grow, 
 They skip at the voice of the Lord ; 
 
 And Hermon and Lebanon, lo ! 
 As a unicorn bound at his word. 
 
 He speaks and his lightnings play, 
 The flames of his lightnings divide ; 
 
 He speaks, and the desert gives wav, 
 And Kadesh bows down in its pride. 
 
 The hinds at his voice cast their young", 
 The forest bows down at his nod ; 
 
 While his temples resound with the song 
 Of the glory and honour of God. 
 
 O'er the floods, lo ! he rules in the skies, 
 As a king, he for ever is crown' d ; 
 
 With strength he his people supplies, 
 With peace shall his people abound, 
 
60 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM XXX. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 Praise for Recovery from Sickness. 
 
 I will extol thee, Lord of Light, 
 For thou hast lifted me on high ; 
 
 Thine arm hath put my foes to night, 
 And check'd their song of victory. 
 
 Oh Lord, my God, to thee I cried, 
 And thou again hast made me whole 
 
 Up from the grave that open'd wide, 
 
 Thy power has brought my fainting soul. 
 
 Sing, oh, ye saints ! aloud proclaim 
 The wonders that the Lord hath done ; 
 
 Oh let that love thy breast inflame, 
 Which he hath shown his holy one. 
 
 His wrath has but a moment's glow, 
 His favour shines to endless day ; 
 
 All night the tear of grief may flow, 
 But joy returns with morning's ray. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 When with success my life was crown'd, 
 Well pleas'd, I said I stand secure ; 
 
 Lord, by thy favour compass'd round, 
 My mountain of defence is sure. 
 
 But when thou hidd'st thy gracious face, 
 Prostrate in sorrow I was laid ; 
 
 Then to the Lord I cried for grace, 
 And earnest supplications made. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. (j\ 
 
 What profit is there in my blood, 
 When I go to the lowly grave ? 
 
 Shall dust arise and praise its God ? 
 Shall dust declare thy power to save ? 
 
 Hear, oh my God, my earnest cry, 
 And mercy to my soul extend ; 
 
 On thee for succour I rely, 
 
 Be thou my helper and my friend. 
 
 Again thy face to me is turn'd, — 
 In songs and dancing I rejoice, 
 
 And I who once in sackcloth mourn'd, 
 Now sing with a triumphant voice. 
 
 Thy praise I'll sing in grateful verse, 
 Nor silence shall possess my tongue ; 
 
 Thy praise, oh God, will I rehearse, 
 For ever in mv grateful sons:. 
 
 PSALM XXXI. 
 
 Ver. 1— G. (l. m.) 
 
 Supplication. 
 
 In thee I put my trust, O Lord ! 
 
 O, save my sinking soul from shame — 
 Save, for the honour of thy word, 
 
 And for the glory of thy name. 
 
 Bow down thine ear from heaven, and hear 
 And send thy speedy succour thence ; 
 
 As my supporting rock appear, 
 And as mv fortress of defence. 
 
62 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 That fortress and that rock thou art, 
 To save my soul, when foes oppress ; 
 
 O, for thy name, thy aid impart, 
 
 And lead and guide me by thy grace. 
 
 Release me from the dangerous snare, 
 Which they, in secrecy, have laid ; 
 
 To thee, my strength, I make my prayer, 
 For thou alone canst give me aid. 
 
 Into thy hands do I resign, 
 
 For thou hast sav'd me from my youth, 
 My life, my soul, and all that's mine, 
 
 Reclining on thy word of truth. 
 
 The self-deceiving soul I hate, 
 Who trusts in vanity and lies ; 
 
 And still in every passing state, 
 On thee, O Lord, my soul relies. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—13. (l. m.) 
 Rejoicing in the Favour of God amidst Tribulation* 
 
 Thy mercy shall inspire my songs, 
 And fill my soul with joy, O Lord ! 
 
 For thou hast seen mv bitter wrongs, 
 And kindly didst thy aid afford. 
 
 As in array the foemen stood, 
 And all my steps enclos'd around, 
 
 Thy hand redcem'd my feet, O God, 
 And all my steps with freedom crown'd. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 63 
 
 Thy tender mercies now display, 
 
 For deep afflictions o'er me roll ; 
 With grief mine eye consumes away, 
 
 As doth the vigour of my soul. 
 
 My life is spent in grief ; my years 
 Are pass'd away in fruitless groans ; 
 
 Iniquity my strength impairs, 
 
 And sorrow wastes my aching bones. 
 
 Scorn'd by my foes, by neighbours scorn'd, 
 
 A fear to all my friends around, 
 Who saw my wasted form, and turn'd 
 
 And fled away till none were found. 
 
 As lie, forgot, the silent dead, 
 
 So I by all forgotten lie, 
 Or as a broken vessel laid 
 
 Beneath the feet of passers by. 
 
 I heard the slander of my foes, 
 
 Fear compass'd me on every hand ; 
 
 In counsel they conspire my woes, 
 And 'gainst my life in counsel stand. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 14—18. (c. if.) 
 A Prayer. 
 
 Lord, in thy mercies I confide, 
 
 And on thy aid repose : 
 Thou art my God, with jov I cried, 
 
 In all my heartfelt woes. 
 g2 
 
64 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 My term of years is in thine hand, 
 There all my joys are found ; 
 
 Oh ! save me from the cruel band 
 Of foes that press me round. 
 
 Now on thy waiting servant shine 
 
 The brightness of thy face ; 
 Oh ! save me by thy power divine, 
 
 And aid me with thy grace ! 
 
 My soul from low dishonour save, 
 Whose prayers to thee ascend ; 
 
 Let shame and silence in the grave 
 The sinner's steps attend. 
 
 Restrain, O Lord, restrain their tongues 
 Whose breath is spent in lies, 
 
 Who proudly speak, and grievous wrongs 
 Against thy saints devise. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 19—24. (l. m.) 
 The Mercy of God to Man celebrated. 
 
 Great is thy goodness, gracious God, 
 Laid up for those that fear thy name ; 
 
 Which thou hast wrought for them abroad, 
 Who gratefully thy love proclaim. 
 
 Safe in thy presence thou shalt hide 
 Thy chosen from oppressive wrongs, 
 
 And close pavilion'd by thy side 
 
 Shalt keep them from the strife of tongues. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 65 
 
 Oh ! be the Lord Jehovah bless'd 
 
 Who shows such boundless love to me; 
 
 He in a fortress makes me rest, 
 From every foe and danger free. 
 
 I said, depriv'd of heavenly light, 
 
 That I was banish' d from thine eyes ; 
 
 But, Lord, thou kep'st me in thy sight, 
 And heard and answer'd still my cries. 
 
 Oh ! love, ye saints, love ye the Lord 
 Who shows such tender love to you ; 
 
 He to the faithful will afford 
 
 His aid, and give the proud their due. 
 
 All ye that on your God rely, 
 
 Still steadfast in his paths proceed ; 
 
 He to your hearts a rich supply 
 
 Of strength will give, in times of need. 
 
 PSALM XXXII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 7. (p. m.) 
 The Blessedness of Pardon. 
 
 Bless'd is the man whose guilt 
 Is pardon'd by his God, 
 Whose hopes of heaven are built 
 Upon atoning blood : 
 To whom the Lord imputes no sin, 
 And who is free from guile within. 
 
66 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Long- as I held my peace, 
 
 And no confession made, 
 
 My bones, as with increase 
 
 Of years, became decay'd. 
 In sorrowing I pass'd the day, 
 While thus my strength consum'd away. 
 
 By day and night thy hand 
 Touch' d all my vital powers ; 
 My vigour, as the land 
 That thirsts for fertile showers, 
 Parch'd by the summer's constant drought, 
 Was dried : till I thy mercy sought. 
 
 And then, when I confess'd 
 
 My sin unto my God, 
 
 His word pronounc'd me bless'd, 
 
 And he withdrew his rod. 
 Soon as I told my error, he 
 Forgave me its iniquity. 
 
 Thus shall the godly pray, 
 
 And thus confess his wound ; 
 
 His favour in the day 
 
 Of mercy shall be found. 
 And when the floods around him roll, 
 They shall not overwhelm his soul. 
 
 Thou art my hiding-place, 
 
 In thee am I secure ; 
 
 My soul, preserved by grace, 
 
 No troubles shall endure. 
 He shall redeem my soul from wrongs, 
 And compass me about with songs. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. ( 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—11. (l. m.) 
 God's Promises bring Joy. 
 Ye that would walk in virtue's path, 
 In God's instructive word confide ; 
 His hand shall guard you safe from death, 
 His eye your wandering footsteps guide. 
 
 Oh, be not as the senseless mule, 
 
 Whose stubborn will the curb demands : 
 
 Attend to wisdom's sacred rule, 
 And bend to its divine commands. 
 
 Full many a sorrow will descend 
 On those who do in sin abound ; 
 
 While they who on the Lord depend, 
 Shall be by mercy compass'd round. 
 
 Then let the righteous in the Lord 
 Be glad, and lift to him their voice ; 
 
 And let the true of heart record 
 Their joys, and in his love rejoice. 
 
 PSALM XXXIII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 9. (p. M.) 
 A Song of Praise. 
 
 Ye saints, your triumphs raise, 
 
 Rejoice in God with song, 
 The hallowed note of praise 
 Sits comelv on your tongue . 
 Loud with the lyre 
 His praises sing: 
 And join in choir 
 The varied string. 
 
OS A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 In new-made songs proclaim 
 
 The praises of the Lord ; 
 And skilful teach his fame 
 To vibrate on the chord : 
 His word displays 
 
 His truth around, 
 And all his ways 
 With truth abound. 
 
 Judgment to him is dear, 
 
 And righteousness he loves ; 
 The earth's extended sphere 
 His richest mercies proves : 
 By him, the Lord, 
 
 The heavens were spread, 
 And by his word 
 
 Their hosts were made. 
 
 He bade the waters flow, 
 
 And laid them in a heap. 
 Deep in their caverns, lo ! 
 He treasures up the deep : 
 Let earth proclaim 
 
 Its God with fear ; 
 His sacred name, 
 Oh earth ! revere. 
 
 Let all its tenants draw 
 Before him with accord, 
 nd own, with sacred awe, 
 The wonders of his word : 
 He spake — 'twas done ! — 
 
 The dread command 
 Worlds hear and own, 
 And firmlv stand. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 69 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10—22. (v. m.) 
 
 Praise for Providence. 
 
 The Lord brings the counsel of nations to nought, 
 
 His wisdom defeats their devices and rage ; 
 While his counsel stands fix'd, and his secret 
 thought 
 In his providence shines, from age unto age* 
 
 Howbless'disthatnation,whoseGodistheLord ; 
 
 Andbless'd is thatpeople he calleth his own ; 
 To them, in his love, he his grace doth afford, 
 
 As he looks from the height of his heavenly 
 throne. 
 
 From the place where he dwells, his temples on 
 high, 
 All seeing, he vieweth his creatures below ; 
 Each thought and each deed, unconceal'd, meet 
 his eye, 
 Who fashion'd their hearts, and with life bade 
 them glow. 
 
 No king can be sav'd by his numerous host, 
 And vain to redeem is the strength of the 
 brave ; 
 
 The warrior, in vain, in the steed puts his trust ; 
 The horse, by his strength, is unable to save, 
 
 But the eyes of the Lord are for ever on those 
 Who fear him, and who on his merciesrecline ; 
 
 To save rhemfrom death, to redeemthemfromwoes, 
 And to aid them in famine, with nurture divine. 
 
70 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 For the Lord do we wait,our help and our shield, 
 In him we rejoice, and we trust in his name ; 
 
 O, Lord, let thy mercy to us be reveal'd, 
 And put not our hopes in that mercy to shame. 
 
 PSALM XXXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (l. m.) 
 A Song of Praise for Deliverances. 
 
 Now shall my heart, in grateful song, 
 The note of praise to God prolong ; 
 In grief and joy, through all my days, 
 My soul shall sing the song of praise. 
 
 The poor distress' d shall hear my voice, 
 And in his saving grace rejoice; 
 His voice let each, in glad acclaim, 
 "With mine unite to praise his name. 
 
 I sought the Lord, he heard my prayer, 
 And sav'd my soul from low despair : 
 Thus, all his saints resort for grace, 
 And, unabash'd, behold his face. 
 
 This poor man cried, with woes oppress'd, 
 He to the Lord his prayers address'd ; 
 He heard him from his heavenly throne, 
 And sent divine deliverance down. 
 
 Around the dwelling of his saints 
 His holy angels pitch their tents : 
 And, thus protected, they repose, 
 Alike secure from fear and foes. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 71 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—10. (l. m.) 
 
 The Psalmist eihorteth to experience the goodness oj 
 Jehovah. 
 
 Come, sinners, taste Jehovah's love, 
 And let your own experience prove 
 The blissful state of those, the just, 
 Who in his mercy put their trust. 
 
 And you, ye saints, with humble fear, 
 Adoring at his throne appear ; 
 Nor want nor sorrow they shall know, 
 Who fear their Maker here below. 
 
 He, though young lions suffer want, 
 Will to his seeking servants grant, 
 From his exhaustless stores, their food, 
 Nor will withhold a needful good. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 11 — 14. (sevens.) 
 Instruction in the Fear of God, 
 
 Children, hearken to my word, 
 To instruction's voice give ear ; 
 
 I, instructed by the Lord, 
 Will instruct you in his fear. 
 
 He who would his life prolong — 
 He who prosperous days would see, 
 
 Must from evil keep his tongue, 
 And his lips from falsehood free. 
 
A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 From the ways of sin depart, 
 In the ways of truth be found ; 
 
 Seek and follow with his heart 
 Peace with God and all around. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 15—22. (s.m.) 
 The Psalmist descanietli on the Certainty of Redemption. 
 
 From worlds beyond the skies, 
 
 The Lord beholds the just, 
 And thence he hears their ardent cries, 
 
 And lifts them from the dust. 
 
 But while his saints he hears, 
 
 To sinners lo ! in wrath, 
 He with an awful frown appears, 
 
 And roots them from the earth. 
 
 To him the righteous cry, 
 
 He hears and sets them free ; 
 
 He to the broken heart is nigh, 
 And such as contrite be. 
 
 Though many sorrows here 
 May bring the righteous low, 
 
 He their deliverer will appear, 
 And save them from their woe. 
 
 The wicked may conspire 
 
 To bend them to their yoke ; 
 
 But still he keeps their bones entire, 
 Nor vet a bone is broke 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. / 6 
 
 V>"ho wickedness intends, 
 
 And who in hatred join, 
 Against the just ; on them descends 
 
 The weight of wrath divine. 
 
 Jehovah will redeem 
 
 Those souls who on him wait ; 
 And none whose trust is fixed on him, 
 
 Shall e'er be desolate. 
 
 PSALM XXXV. 
 
 Ver. 1—10. (c. if.) 
 
 Prayer and Faith. 
 
 Almighty God, assert my right, 
 
 Against the sons of strife ; 
 Arise, and in the battle fight, 
 
 With those who seek my life. 
 
 Reach thou the buckler, bind the shield 
 
 Upon thy glorious arm ; 
 Be my protection in the field, 
 
 My guardian from all harm. 
 
 Draw out in wrath the glittering spear, 
 And stop them in the way ; 
 
 Say to my soul, thy God is near, 
 Thy light, thy help, and stay. 
 
 I know that shame will those confound 
 Who make my life their sport ; 
 
 Confusion seize their hosts around, 
 ^'ho thus devise mv hurt ! 
 
74 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 As flies the chaff before the wind, 
 
 They fly before his wrath ; 
 His angel following behind, 
 
 Shall chase their souls to death. 
 
 How dark and slippery is their way, 
 
 No guide directs their feet ; 
 His angel persecutes the prey, 
 
 For whom is no retreat. 
 
 Unurged and unprovoked by me, 
 
 My steps my foes ensnare, 
 And causeless they in secrecy 
 
 For me a pit prepare. 
 
 But unawares destruction shall 
 
 Descend upon their head ; 
 In their own net behold they fall, 
 
 Which they themselves had spread. 
 
 But thou, my soul, shalt lift thy voice, 
 
 And triumph in the Lord ; 
 In his salvation shalt rejoice, — 
 
 Shalt all his love record. 
 
 Each member, Lord, shall ask — with thee, 
 Oh ! who can own compare ? 
 
 Who from th' oppressor's power sets free, 
 The needy poor, thy care ? 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. / 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 11—16. (l. m.) 
 Charity towards Persecutors. 
 
 False witnesses against me rose, 
 
 And charg'd my soul with crimes unknown 
 Lord, they repaid my soul with woes, 
 
 For all the good that I had done. 
 
 But I, when they in sickness pin'd, 
 
 Fasting in sackcloth, pray'd and mourn'd ; 
 
 Still they my prayer in scorn declin'd, 
 And back in blessings it return'd. 
 
 Not more could I have done, had they 
 Been or of friends or of my blood ; 
 
 Had death a mother made its prey, 
 No greater grief could I have show'd. 
 
 Still in my griefs did they rejoice, 
 And in their rage assembled round ; 
 
 Objects obscure upraised their voice, 
 
 Nor ceas'd my anguish' d soul to wound. 
 
 Mockers that haunt the bounteous board, 
 Pursue with rage my soul to death ; 
 
 With jests and scorn my love reward, 
 And gnash upon me with their teeth. 
 
 h 2 
 
7G 
 
 A. NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Yer. 17 — 22. (c. m.) 
 A Prayer for Deliverance. 
 
 How long, oh Lord ! wilt thou behold, 
 While foes my soul devour ; 
 
 Now be the lion's rage controll'd, 
 And save me from their power. 
 
 Then will I raise a thankful song, 
 
 Thy praises then proclaim, — ■ 
 Amid the saints assembled throng, 
 1 glorify thy name. 
 
 Oh, let not those who causeless are 
 
 Mine enemies, rejoice: 
 Let not their eye their joy declare, 
 
 Nor yet th' exulting voice. 
 
 Averse to quiet, they devise, 
 With hate that cannot cease, 
 
 Mischief and fraud, deceit and lies, 
 Against the sons of peace. 
 
 Yea, they proclaim of me abroad, 
 
 A rebel he has been ! 
 And what they plann'd, before my God 
 
 Assert their eyes have seen. 
 
 This thou hast seen, oh Lord ! arise, 
 
 Nor still let silence reign ; 
 My cause against their slanderous lies, 
 
 Draw near, and now sustain. 
 
B PSALMS OP DAYID. / / 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver 23—23. (c. M.) 
 Prayer and Triumph . 
 
 Stir up for me thy arm of might, 
 
 Awake to judgment, Lord; 
 Arise and justify my right, 
 
 Thy gracious aid afford. 
 
 As all my ways are just and true, 
 
 So let thy justice be : 
 Nor let my foes exulting view 
 
 My fall and misery. 
 
 With secret or with open joy, 
 
 Let them not boasting say, 
 'Tis thus we would his life destroy, 
 
 His life is now our prey. 
 
 They that rejoice to see my woes, 
 Shall unto shame be brought ; 
 
 Dishonour shall enclothe the foes, 
 Who my dishonour sought. 
 
 While they who my just cause maintains, 
 Shall shout for joy and sing — 
 
 Let God who thus thy cause sustains, 
 For ever reigrn as kins:. 
 
 And my glad tongue shall sing, oh Lord ! 
 
 Thro' all my coming days, 
 Thy righteousness ; and will record 
 
 In song thv boundless praise. 
 h 3 
 
78 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM XXXVI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 4. (c. M.) 
 
 The Wickedness of Man ariseth from the Want of the 
 
 Fear of God. 
 
 By reason taught, thus spake my heart, 
 
 When I the wicked saw — 
 They from the fear of God depart, 
 
 Before they hreak his law. 
 
 Vainly he thinks his sin conceal'd, 
 
 His errors hid from sight — 
 But unto God they stand reveal'd, 
 
 In clear and awful light. 
 
 Iniquity, in deep disguise, 
 Lies hid beneath his tongue ; 
 
 No longer learns he to be wise, 
 Nor pauses he at wrong. 
 
 In secret on his bed at night, 
 
 He ponders base designs : 
 He practiseth not what is right, — 
 
 To evil he inclines. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5— 12. (p.m.) 
 Divi?ie Mercy celebrated with a Prayer for its Continuance. 
 Thy mercy oh, Lord ! as the heavens extends, 
 Thv truth as the firmament o'er us bends : 
 Thv justice as mountains its station doth keep, 
 And thy judgments, oh Lord ! are a fathomless 
 deep. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. / D 
 
 Thy providence maketh creation thy care, 
 Alike man and beast in thy providence share ; 
 The depth of thy love is in all things display'd, 
 'Xeath the wings of thy mercy we rest un dis- 
 may' d. 
 
 To the men who adore thee, and seek thee, behold 
 
 Thy house in abundance its riches unfold ; 
 
 Of the streams of thy pleasure unmingled with 
 
 woe, 
 Thou makest them drink in their sojourn below. 
 
 As a fountain, life springs from thy presence, 
 
 oh Lord ! 
 Thy light fadeless light to our souls shall aflbrd ; 
 From those, Lord, who know thee, let thy 
 
 grace ne'er depart, 
 Xor thy righteousness from the unspotted of 
 
 heart. 
 
 Oh, save me from foes, who insult in their pride, 
 Let the hand of the wicked ne'er turn me aside ; 
 They are fallen — I see them — their triumphs 
 
 are o'er, 
 Cast down in thy wrath, to arise up no more. 
 
80 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM XXXVII. 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (l. if.) 
 
 Advice and Consolation to the Afflicted, and Faith and Pa- 
 tience recommended, on the Consideration that Rewards 
 await the Righteous, and Punishment the Wicked. 
 
 Not faithless let thy envy grow, 
 If wealth and fame to sinners flow ; 
 Soon shalt thou see their glories fade, 
 As the frail flower or vernal blade. 
 
 Trust in the Lord Jehovah's hand, 
 And follow his divine command ; 
 Then on the earth will he assign 
 Thy place, supplied with truth divine. 
 
 Him make thy soul's supreme delight, 
 And he shall give thee what is right ; 
 Fearless to him commit thy way, 
 And he will be thy constant stay. 
 
 As shines the light serene and clear, 
 So shall he make thy truth appear ; 
 Bright as the blaze of cloudless noon, 
 Thy God shall make thy judgments known. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—11. (c. M.) 
 Rest in the Lord, ye saints, and wait 
 
 With patient hope, his will ; 
 Oh, envy not the prosperous great, 
 
 Who base designs fulfil. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 81 
 
 From anger cease — from wrath depart, 
 
 Against the sons of pride ; 
 Cease thou the murmurs of thy heart, 
 
 Lest thou be turned aside. 
 
 The evil doer from his sword 
 
 Shall meet a fearful doom, 
 But those that wait upon the Lord 
 
 Shall find a lasting home. 
 
 A little while, in pomp and power, 
 
 The sinner reigns — then dies ; 
 Even his very place no more 
 
 Shall meet thy searching eyes. 
 
 But saints their place shall still possess, 
 
 Shall still on earth be found ; 
 'Mid peace and calm contentedness, 
 
 And with abundance crown'd. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 12— 15. (c. m.) 
 In secrecy, against the meek, 
 
 The wicked plot their snare ; 
 Gnashing their teeth with rage, thev seek 
 
 To 'whelm them w T ith despair. 
 
 Jehovah from his holy throne 
 
 Shall laugh to scorn their power ; 
 
 He views the day fast coming on, 
 When they shall rage no more. 
 
82 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 They draw in wrath the glittering sword, 
 And vengeful bend the bow ; 
 
 To slay the men who serve the Lord, 
 And lay the needy low. 
 
 But lo ! their sword, with mortal stroke, 
 
 Recoiling, finds its way 
 Thro' their own hearts — the bow is broke, 
 
 The barb no more shall slay. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 16—22. (eights.) 
 A little the righteous possess, 
 
 If bless'd with the favour of God ; 
 Excels the abundant excess, 
 
 Of riches on sinners bestow'd. 
 
 For the sinner shall fall in his pride, 
 
 While the righteous the Lord shall sustain- 
 
 He over their lives shall preside, 
 And their portion for ever remain. 
 
 In the days of distress and of woe, 
 No shame shall the righteous attend ; 
 
 In famine no want they shall know, 
 Who on the Almighty depend. 
 
 But the wicked shall perish — shall die, 
 As lambs in the slaughtering-day ; 
 
 Consumed by his wrath from on high, 
 As smoke, thev shall vanish awav. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 83 
 
 They borrow and pay not again, 
 
 Bat the just in his mercy doth give ; 
 
 The righteous on earth shall remain, 
 But the sinner on earth shall not live. 
 
 Part 5. 
 
 Ver. 23—29. (c. m.) 
 
 Established by the Lord, his saints 
 
 Delighteth in his way ; 
 To them his saving grace he grants, 
 
 And guides them in his way. 
 
 What though they fall, they shall not be 
 Cast down to rise no more — 
 
 They shall obtain the victory, 
 By his right hand of power. 
 
 Ne'er have I seen, though life I've trod 
 
 Till life well nigh is o'er, 
 The just forsaken by his God, 
 
 His seed an alms implore. 
 
 His tender mercy hath no end, 
 He lends with liberal hands ; 
 
 Hence blessings from on high descend 
 Upon his seed and lands. 
 
 Oh, then, the path of evil flee, 
 
 To good your hearts incline, 
 That you may dwell eternally, 
 
 With saints in bliss divine. 
 
M A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Justice and truth are God's delight, 
 He ne'er forsakes the just ; 
 
 He keeps them ever in his sight, 
 Who on his mercies trust. 
 
 The wicked perish by his hand, 
 Their seed such doom shall share ; 
 
 While saints in peace possess the land, 
 And dwell for ever there. 
 
 Part 6. 
 
 Ver. 30—34. (s. m.) 
 
 Instructed from on high, 
 
 The saints how wise they are ; 
 
 Their lips from wisdom's rich supply, 
 Thy judgments, Lord, declare. 
 
 Thy law is in his heart, 
 
 He makes that law his guide ; 
 
 From this his soul will ne'er depart, 
 Nor shall his footsteps slide. 
 
 The wicked round him stand, 
 
 And watching, seek to slay ! 
 Though sentenced, from the unjust hand, 
 
 The Lord will take the prey. 
 
 Wait, then, upon thy God, 
 
 And follow his command, 
 Exalted, thou thy sure abode 
 
 Shall make within the land. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 85 
 
 Soon shall the wicked be 
 
 Destroyed by his dread power ; 
 
 Thou shalt their desolation see, 
 And feel their ra°re no more. 
 
 Part 7. 
 
 Ver. 36 — 40. (eights.) 
 
 The sinner I saw in his power, — 
 
 Like a bay-tree, he spread all around ; 
 
 He pass'd, and I saw him no more ; 
 I sought, but he could not be found. 
 
 Behold thou the just and his end, 
 In peace he resigneth his breath ; 
 
 While sorrows transgressors attend, 
 And the end of the sinner is death. 
 
 Salvation belongs to the Lord ; 
 
 He, the strength of the righteous is found ; 
 He aid to their souls will afford, 
 
 When trouble ariseth around. 
 
 He shall aid them in times of distress, 
 From their foes he delivers the just ; 
 
 He saves them from those who oppress, 
 Because in his mercies they trust. 
 
86 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM XXXV1I1. 
 
 Ver. 1—9 (c. m.) 
 The Sinner prayeth to be chastened only, and not destroyed. 
 
 Not in thine anger, Lord, reprove, 
 
 Thy fiercest wrath control ; 
 Smite with a father's tender love, 
 
 And save my sinful soul. 
 
 Infixed thine arrows fast remain 
 
 In every vital part ; 
 Thy hand weighs down, with grief and pain, 
 
 My over-burthened heart. 
 
 Because of wrath, I feel within, 
 
 My flesh is all unsound ; 
 Because of my condemning sin, 
 
 No rest my bones have found. 
 
 My sins as waters o'er me roll, 
 
 And sink me to despair ; 
 They are a burden to my soul, 
 
 Too heavy, Lord, to bear. 
 
 Corruption runs through every wound, 
 
 By my own follies torn, 
 While trouble bends me to the ground, 
 
 As all the day I mourn. 
 
 Disease all loathsome fills my loins, 
 
 And runs through every part 
 Feeble with pain, my soul repines, — 
 
 I rave with grief of heart. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 87 
 
 But, Lord, before thy holy throne, 
 
 All my desires arise ; 
 And every sigh, and every groan, 
 
 Shall reach thee in the skie . 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10—15. (c. m.) 
 
 A Complaint of Desertion* 
 
 How pants my heart, with anguish torn, 
 
 How fast my vigour fails ; 
 As for mine eyes, their light is gone, 
 While death with power prevails. 
 
 Aloof, each lover, and each friend, 
 
 My altered form surveys ; 
 Not on my grief my kin attend, 
 
 They stand afar and gaze. 
 
 While those who seek my life to slay, 
 With snares surround my feet ; 
 
 Intent on mischief all the day, 
 Their thoughts are but deceit. 
 
 But I, as one that could not hear, 
 
 Their censures never heard ; 
 Dumb to my foes did I appear, 
 
 Nor answered them a word. 
 
 For, Lord, on thee my hopes remain, 
 
 Amid this misery ; 
 And thou wilt hear when I complain, 
 
 And thou wilt answer me. 
 i2 
 
88 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 16—22. (c. u.) 
 
 A Prayer. 
 Lord, hear me, when to thee I pray, 
 
 Lest sinners should rejoice ; 
 When they behold me go astray, 
 
 They lift the exulting voice. 
 
 Bow'd down with sorrow and despair, 
 My soulwould fain decline ; 
 
 Still for my sin, will I declare, 
 My sorrow at thy shrine. 
 
 But, Lord, mine enemies are strong, 
 And fast do they increase ; 
 
 With bitter hate, they seek my wrong, 
 And break my inward peace. 
 
 They render evil for my good, 
 And thus my love requite, 
 
 Because I tread the ways of God, 
 And follow what is right. 
 
 Forsake me not, my God, my Lord, 
 
 Nor stand so far away ; 
 Haste, and thy gracious aid afford, 
 
 My Saviour, God, my stay. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 89 
 
 PSALM XXXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 8. (eights.) 
 
 Watchfulness, and a Prayer for a Sense of the Shortness of 
 Human Life, 
 
 I said 111 consider my ways, 
 
 Lest sin should proceed from my tongue : 
 The reins on my lips I will place, 
 
 \Yhile around me the wicked doth throng-. 
 
 I was dumb, with the silence maintain'd, — 
 Had I spoken, they would not have heard ; 
 
 Hence from good in my peace I refrain'd, 
 But my sorrow within me was stirr'd. 
 
 My bosom with charity glow'd, 
 But while I was musing, — the fire 
 
 Of devotion ascended to God ; 
 And thus I express'd my desire : 
 
 Lord, give me mine end to discern, 
 How brief are my days here below, 
 
 That I from thy wisdom may learn 
 My frailty and date of my woe. 
 
 My life hast thou made as a span, 
 
 Mine age is as nothing to thine ; 
 In his highest and best estate, man 
 
 As a meteor only can shine. 
 
 As a shadow he walketh in health, 
 And disquiets himself but in vain ; 
 
 In sorrow he gathers his wealth, 
 
 Nor knows who his treasure shall gain. 
 i3 
 
90 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 What, Lord, doth ray heart now await ? 
 
 My hopes are all garnered in thee ! 
 Oh, free me from sin's awful state ! 
 
 And, oh ! from reproach set me free ! 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 9 — 13. (eights.) 
 A Prayer for a Sick Bed. 
 
 In silence I bow to thy rod, 
 
 Thy judgment hath stricken me low : 
 Remove my afflictions, my God, 
 
 For I am consum'd by the blow. 
 
 As a garment moth eaten, decay'd, 
 When man stands corrected for sin, 
 
 Thou makest his beauty to fade — 
 Thus vain are the children of men. 
 
 Give ear to my prayers, Lord, and see 
 My tears as thus freely they flow ; 
 
 For a stranger I sojourn with thee. 
 As my fathers once sojourn' d below. 
 
 Thy pardoning mercies display, 
 
 Restore me to health by thy power, 
 
 Before I am summon'd away, 
 
 And my days on the earth are no more. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 91 
 
 PSALM XL. 
 
 Ver. 1—3. (s. m.) 
 The Benefits arising from Confidence in God. 
 
 With patient hope resigned, 
 
 I waited for the Lord, 
 And he his gracious ear inclin'd, 
 
 And my petitions heard. 
 
 He brought me from the pit, 
 
 A pit of mire and clay ; 
 Firm on a rock, he set my feet, 
 
 And onward led my way. 
 
 My lips a new-made song 
 
 He taught — a song of praise ; 
 And taught by me, the admiring throng 
 
 Their notes shall heavenward raise. 
 
 How bless'd is he, whose trust 
 
 Is placed upon his God, 
 Who not in falsehood makes his boast, 
 
 Nor yet respects the proud. 
 
 The wonders thou hast wrought 
 
 For us, no power can count : 
 They far exceed our highest thought, 
 
 So vast is their amount. 
 
92 A NEW VERSION OK 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—10. (eights.) 
 Christ our Sacrifice. 
 
 Not offerings thy favour can win, 
 Nor sacrifice hast thou desir'd ; 
 
 To atone for the guilt of man's sin 
 Obedience alone is requir'd. 
 
 My ears hast thou opened, Oh, Lord ! 
 
 I come for his guilt to atone ; 
 I come as foretold in thy word, 
 
 Which prophets of old have made known. 
 
 My God, I delight in thy will, 
 
 Which thou unto me dost impart ; 
 
 Thy law I delight to fulfil, 
 
 Thy law is engrav'd on my heart. 
 
 I have preach' d of thy justice and love, 
 Where thy chosen in multitudes throng ; 
 
 Lord, thou in thy wisdom canst prove, 
 That I have not restricted my tongue. 
 
 Thy righteousness I have reveal'd, 
 
 Thy truth and salvation made known ; 
 
 Nor aught of thy love lies conceal'd, 
 Thy mercies to all I have shown. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 93 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 11—17. (c m.) 
 A Prayer excited by a Sense of Evil. 
 
 Oh ! not in wrath, O, Lord remove 
 
 Thy tender love from me, 
 But let thy truth and faithful love 
 
 My preservation be. 
 
 Unnumbered evils press me round, 
 
 Sin downward draws my eyes ; 
 More than my hairs my sins are found, 
 
 And my heart withering dies. 
 
 Be pleased, O Lord, from all my foes, 
 
 To make my soul thy care ; 
 Haste and thy gracious aid disclose, 
 
 To save me from despair. 
 
 Confounded, they together mourn, 
 
 Who seek my life to slay ; 
 Backward their evil wishes turn, 
 
 And thus their shame display, 
 
 Their doom shall desolation be, 
 
 Their just reward is shame, 
 Who mock the trust I placed in thee, 
 
 The love I bore thy name. 
 
 But those who seek thy gracious face 
 
 In triumph shall be rais'd, 
 I^xulting in thy saving grace, 
 
 Shall sing, the Lord be prais'd. 
 
94 
 
 
 Needy and poor, to God I pray, 
 
 And he regards my cry ; 
 Haste to my help, my God, my stay, 
 
 And brins: salvation nigh. 
 
 PSALM XLL 
 
 Ver. 1—4. (s. m.) 
 The Hand of Charity I 
 
 Blzss'd is the generous soul, 
 Whose love relieves the poor ; 
 
 The Lord, in seasons of distr^ 
 His safety shall secure. 
 
 His power will him preserve, 
 On earth he shall be bless'd, 
 
 Nor shall he perish by the will 
 Of foes who him molest. 
 
 If languishing he lies 
 
 Upon the bed of pain, 
 In all his sickness he will smooth 
 
 His bed, and him sustain. 
 
 Of this secure, I cried, 
 
 By sickness sore distress'd, 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, and heal my soul, 
 For I have much transgressed. 
 
Vet. ' — 13. (c. m.) 
 Complaint of Foes, and Trust in God. 
 
 :and my cruel :: 
 
 When shall his )se : 
 
 Hifl name forg 
 
 : itr, e~ ::: :'. 
 And blesseth me in G 
 
 To leO it aD 
 
 All, all, around me. 
 My 
 
 He .. 
 
 They cry — no more to ri 
 
 Yea, that familiar ft 
 In whom I piL 
 
 And who once shared my bread, unmc* 
 
 LSt 
 
 In him i 
 He wiD requite those treacherous : 
 And me h 
 
 I know he sees my heartfelt woes, 
 
 I know he hears my pr.v 
 Xor will he let my c 
 
 Rejoice, while I despair. 
 
96 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 My life is in his gracious hands, 
 He saves me from disgrace, 
 
 And innocent my spirit stands, 
 Before his holy face. 
 
 Bless' d be the God of Israel's name, 
 Thus let the sons of men, 
 
 From age to age, aloud proclaim, 
 Repeating the amen. 
 
 PSALM XLII. 
 
 Ver. 1—6 (l. m.) 
 
 Longing for God. 
 
 As pants the hart for some sweet brook, 
 When chased along the sultry plain ; 
 
 So, gracious God, for thee I look, 
 So, panting, I for thee complain. 
 
 For God my drooping spirits pine, 
 I long to see his glorious face : 
 
 When shall I see his glories shine, 
 In the fair temples of his grace ? 
 
 By day and night my falling tears, 
 In grief, have been my constant food, 
 
 While round my steps the foe appears, 
 And taunting, asks me, Where's thy God 
 
 Oh ! when I think of days gone by, 
 
 My spirit sinking in despair, 
 Lifts up her plaintive voice on high, 
 
 And pourcth out her grief in prayer. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 97 
 
 Once, with the voice of joy and song, 
 
 I went, my solemn vows to pay, 
 And to his temples led the throng, 
 
 And kept with them the festal day. 
 
 Why art thou thus cast down ? and why, 
 My soul distress'd, thus mourn h i s grace 
 
 Still on thy God for aid rely, 
 
 And thou shalt vet behold his face. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6— 11. (p.m.) 
 Trust in God. 
 
 O, God, my spirits sink, 
 
 In depths of low despair ; 
 Yet still, from Jordan's brink, 
 
 She muses on thy care. 
 From Hermon's heights — 
 
 From Mizar's hill ; 
 Mv soul delights 
 
 To trust thee still. 
 
 Deep calleth unto deep, 
 
 To overwhelm my soul ; 
 Till o'er my head they sweep, 
 
 And round in torrents roll. 
 Yet still I know 
 
 Thy power and grace 
 Will stop the flow 
 
 Of deep distress. 
 
 K 
 
98 A NEV; VERSION OK 
 
 My God, his love prolongs, 
 
 Through all the day to me ; 
 And in the night my songs 
 
 Shall be, my God, of thee. 
 To thee address'd 
 
 My every prayer, 
 Whene'er oppress'd 
 
 With low despair. 
 
 God of my life, how long 
 
 Shall I, forgotten, mourn ; 
 While foes around me throng, 
 
 And me oppressing scorn ; 
 They pierce my heart, 
 
 And ask aloud, 
 To aid my smart, 
 
 Where is thy God ? 
 
 Why art thou thus cast down ? 
 
 And why my soul depress'd ? 
 Still on thy God alone, 
 
 In hope for mercy rest ; 
 And thou shalt prove 
 
 Its rich displays, 
 And for his love 
 
 Shall sing his praise. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 99 
 
 PSALM XLIII. 
 
 A Prayer. 
 (L. M.) 
 
 Eternal judge, assert my right, 
 Against the men who seek my life ; 
 
 Eternal God, display thy might, 
 
 Against the sons of fraud and strife. 
 
 In thee, my God, my strength is found, 
 Why hast thou cast me then away ? 
 
 While they my foes my steps surround, 
 Why go I mourning all the day ? 
 
 Oh, pour on me the rich displays 
 Of thy Almighty truth and love — 
 
 Oh, lead me by their sacred rays, 
 To Zion's holy hill above. 
 
 Then at thine altars I will raise 
 
 My grateful song of praise to thee : 
 
 Then will I tune my harp to praise 
 Thee ! source of my felicity. 
 
 Why art thou thus cast down ? and why 
 My soul oppress'd with inward pain ? 
 
 On God, thy health, in hope relv, 
 And thou shalt sing his praise again. 
 
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102 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 The neighbouring realms upon us turn, 
 
 Are our revilers found ; 
 We are a proverb and a scorn, 
 
 To all the nations round. 
 
 Me wild confusion mantles o'er, 
 
 In shame my face I hide ; 
 Because of the avenger's power, 
 
 And blasphemy and pride. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 17—22. (l. m.) 
 Integrity Professed. 
 Though all this woe our souls have felt, 
 
 Yet have we not forgot thy name — 
 Not falsely have we ever dealt, 
 Nor do we now our oath disclaim. 
 
 Our hearts from thee go not astray, 
 Nor have our feet declin'd thy path — 
 
 Though made to tread where dragons lay, 
 And cover' d with the gloom of death. 
 
 Could we on idol Gods relv, 
 
 And from the name of God depart ; 
 
 Unnoticed by his searching eye ? 
 He knows the secrets of the heart. 
 
 He knows what sufferings we endure, 
 In honour of his name ; we lie 
 
 All the day long beneath the power 
 Of foes, as sheep ordain'd to die. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 103 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 23-26. (cm.) 
 A Prayer for Mercy and Deliverance. 
 
 Awake ! why sleepest thou ? awake ! 
 
 Arise, in mercy rise ! 
 Cast us not off for ever, Lord, 
 
 From thine all-seeing eyes ? 
 
 Why hidest thou thy gracious face, 
 
 Unmindful of our woes ; 
 Why our afflictions thus forget, 
 
 And leave us to our foes ? 
 
 Down to the dust our souls are bow'd, 
 We cleave unto the ground ; 
 
 Arise ! and, for thy mercies' sake, 
 Be our Redeemer found. 
 
 PSALM XLV. 
 
 Ver. 1-9. (l. m.) 
 
 (FOR CHRISTMAS DAY.) 
 
 The Majesty and Grace of Christ's Kingdom. 
 My heart a sacred theme shall sing, 
 Shall swell the praises of my king : 
 My tongue its numbers doth impart, 
 As one that writes with readv art. 
 
104 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Thy form, bow matchless and how fair, 
 No mortal owns with thee compare ; 
 Thy lips with graces from above, 
 Are bless'd, and thou with endless love. 
 
 Gird on thy sword, Almighty Lord, 
 Display the triumphs of thy word ; 
 And let the conquer'd nations see 
 Thy glory and thy majesty. 
 
 Ride on in state ! thy conquests spread, 
 By meekness, truth, and justice led ; 
 And teach thy foes, in every land, 
 To own the power of thy right band. 
 
 Sharp are thine arrows, Lord, to those 
 Who dare thy sacred will oppose ; 
 Beneath thy conquering arm they fall, 
 And at thy feet for mercy call. 
 
 Thy throne, oh God ! is fix'd secure, 
 And shall to endless years endure ; 
 To thee the world shall homage pay, 
 And own thy sceptres rightful sway. 
 
 Thy works, thy ways, are just and right, 
 In righteousness is thy delight ; 
 While the dark ways which sinners choose, 
 Thine eye w T ith detestation views. 
 
 Hence, God, thy gracious God hath shed, 
 
 The oil of gladness on thy head ; 
 
 And far above thy equals round, 
 
 Hath rais'd that head with gjory crown'd. 
 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 105 
 
 There from thy throne through all the skies, 
 Thy vest a savour sweet supplies ; 
 While all thy temples here below 
 Partake the grateful odours, too. 
 
 Kings' daughters, heedless of the vain 
 Array of courts, compose thy train ; 
 While on thy right thy church, the queen — 
 In robes of ophir's gold is seen. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10—17. (p. m.) 
 The Duty of the Church, and the Benefits thereof. 
 
 Bride of thy God, give ear, 
 Attend my sacred word ; 
 Forget thy friends, once dear, 
 And worship thou the Lord ! 
 He is thy King, 
 
 And thou shalt prove, 
 Unwithering, 
 
 His lasting love. 
 
 The daughters of proud Tyre 
 
 Shall bring their gifts to thee ; 
 The nobles shall desire 
 
 Thy fav 'ring smiles to see. 
 How rich, how fair, 
 Thou art within ! 
 No dross is there, 
 Nor guile, nor sin. 
 
106 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Adorn' d with heavenly grace, 
 
 The King* his bride beholds ; 
 She views his smiling face, 
 And all her love unfolds. 
 The virgins there — 
 
 A holy train — 
 Her glories share, 
 His favours gain. 
 
 With loud triumphant songs, 
 With joy upon their head, 
 The saints in countless throngs 
 Into his courts are led. 
 While all on earth, 
 
 And all above, 
 In festive mirth 
 Exalt his love. 
 
 Lo, from thy courts below, 
 In heathen lands abroad, 
 Thy sons in numbers go 
 
 As kings and priests to God. 
 To all around, 
 
 They tell thy name, 
 While nations sound 
 Thv endless fame. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 107 
 
 PSALM XLVI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 7. (l. m.) 
 God the Refuge of his People, 
 God is our refuge and our aid, 
 
 In trouble he is ever near ; 
 'Tis he supports our sinking head, 
 Nor will we ever bow to fear 
 
 E'en though the world, by earthquakes riven, 
 Should to its deepest centre shake, 
 
 And mountains high that reach to heaven, 
 Their station in the sea should take. 
 
 The streams of his abundant grace, 
 That flows from his divine abode, 
 
 With joy immortal fills the place — 
 These temples of the living God. 
 
 Tis here he stands, and here displays 
 The wonders of his love and power ; 
 
 Enshrin'd by his benignant rays, 
 Zion triumphant sits secure. 
 
 The heathen furious r^g'd around, 
 
 And kingdoms with amazement fear'd ; 
 
 He spake with a terrific sound, 
 
 And the earth, melting, disappear'd. 
 
 The God of Jacob's watchful eye, 
 
 Our dangers and our griefs doth see ; 
 
 He is a refuge ever nigh — 
 
 Our guard, our sure protection, be, 
 
108 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—11. (p.m.) 
 An Exhortation to behold the Power of God. 
 
 Come, see the power of God ; 
 See, low, beneath his feet, 
 Submissive at his nod, 
 
 The nations take their seat. 
 He makes to cease 
 The din of arms, 
 And sweetly calms 
 A world to peace. 
 
 The glittering spear, the bow 
 
 Lie shiver'd by his ire ; 
 The warrior's chariot, lo ! 
 
 Lies wrapp'd in flames of fire. 
 Oh ! earth, be still, 
 And know that he, 
 By his decree, 
 Performs his will. 
 
 His name exalted high 
 
 Above all earthly powers, 
 With glory fills the sky — 
 And still this God is ours. 
 In him we boast, 
 
 Our shield from harms, 
 In wars alarms, 
 Himself a host. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 109 
 
 PSALM XLVII. 
 
 FOR ASCENSION DAY. 
 (P. M.) 
 
 The Nations exhorted to entertain the Kingdom of Christ. 
 Come, raise your joyful hands, — 
 
 Ye people, shout and sing ; 
 No power the will withstands 
 Of your immortal King ! 
 Rais'd to his throne, 
 
 To him is given 
 To rule alone 
 
 O'er earth and heaven. 
 
 Low at our conquering feet, 
 
 The nations he subdues ; 
 He chooses out our seat, 
 Secure from all our foes. 
 On Zion's heights 
 In peace we sit ; 
 There he delights 
 To take his seat. 
 
 With shouting and with jov, 
 
 Oar God ascends his throne ; 
 The trumpet's notes on high 
 Make his ascension known. 
 Sing praises, then, 
 
 To him, your King ; 
 Ye sons of men, 
 His praises sing. 
 
 L 
 
110 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 As King, with power he reigns 
 
 O'er all the earth below ; 
 Sing, then, th* exalted strains 
 By knowledge taught to flow- 
 The heathen own 
 
 His power and grace : 
 He builds his throne 
 On holiness. 
 
 Tis there that princes bow, 
 The tribes of Israel meet 
 In meek submission, lo! 
 They bow beneath his feet. 
 Beyond the sky, 
 
 He reigns in state ; 
 Exalted high, 
 In glory great. 
 
 PSALM XLVIII. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 The Glory and Beauty of the Christian Church. 
 
 Great is the Lord, and great his praise, 
 
 In his divine abode ; 
 That sacred mount where he displays 
 
 His holiness abroad. 
 
 Zion — how beautiful its site ! 
 
 The joy of all the earth ; 
 There the fair city meets our sight, 
 
 Uprising from the north. 
 
THE PSALMS OP DAVID. Ill 
 
 And there upon his lofty throne 
 
 The King immortal reigns ; 
 God in her palaces is known, 
 
 And all her towers sustains. 
 
 Assembled kings together met, 
 
 Her mansions to destroy ; 
 They saw the glories of her seat, 
 
 They saw — and pass'd them by. 
 
 Struck with amazement and with fear, 
 
 All hastily they fled ; 
 Pangs as of travail seiz'd them there, 
 
 And whelm'd their souls with dread. 
 
 Thy power, O God, dispers'd their hosts, 
 
 As mariners forlorn ; 
 When bound from Tarshish' wealthy coasts 
 
 Their fleet with winds are torn. 
 
 What we have heard in days of old, 
 
 Fulfills we gladly trace ; 
 God hath enlarg'd, and will uphold, 
 
 The temples of his grace. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Thy mercy, Lord, we boast alone, 
 And not our towers and forts ; 
 
 Thy mercy, Lord, we wait upon, 
 Within thv sacred courts. 
 l 2 
 
112 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 As spreads thy name, so, Lord, thy prais 
 
 To distant shores extends ; 
 Thy hand thy justice wide displays, 
 
 And chastens or defends. 
 
 Let Zion in his love rejoice, 
 Who sav'd her from her woes ; 
 
 Let Judah sing with gladsome voice, 
 The judgment on her foes. 
 
 Go round about each sacred court, 
 Her walls encompass round ; 
 
 Tell all her towers, and make report 
 If aught displaced is found. 
 
 j.Iark well her bulwarks, and behold 
 
 Her palaces, how fair ; 
 That all her wonders may be told 
 
 To each succeeding heir. 
 
 This is our God, whate'er betide, 
 
 For ever and for ever ; 
 Through life his arm will be our guide, 
 
 And unto death deliver. 
 
 PSALM XLIX. 
 
 . 1 — 16. (l. m.) 
 The Faith of the Resurrection built on God, not on 
 Worldly Power. 
 
 Attend, ye sons of Adam's race, 
 In every nation, every place; 
 Ye rich and poor, ye low and high, 
 With one consent to me draw ni 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 113 
 
 Wisdom shall sit upon my tongue, 
 My heart shall wisdom's words prolong; 
 To proverbs I'll mine ear incline, 
 Then sound them on the harp divine. 
 
 Why should I fear when ills betide, 
 Or tremble at the sons of pride ; 
 Encompass'd by my wealthy foe, 
 Who fain my steps would overthrow. 
 
 They cannot take their wealth away — 
 Riches, like them, shall know decay ; 
 Nor yet can they a brother's soul 
 By ransom snatch from death's control. 
 
 The price of souls is far too high 
 For all the wealth of man to buy ; 
 The price demanded by my God, 
 And the price paid for souls, is — blood 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 As die the wise, the foolish die, 
 Blended in dust alike they lie ; 
 While all their riches, with its cares, 
 Falls to the lot of unknown heirs. 
 
 And yet they think, but, ah ! how vain 
 The thought ! their houses shall remain 
 Long as the universe shall stand, 
 And their names dignifv their land. 
 
 L 3' 
 
114 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 They die, and vanished is their name — 
 No honours can their memory claim ; 
 Deep in the dust entomh'd they lie, 
 As nameless as the beasts that die. 
 
 This is the folly of their race, 
 And yet their sons their ways retrace ; 
 They mark the deeds their fathers do, 
 And the same sordid paths pursue. 
 
 As slaughtered sheep, behold they're laid 
 In dust, where death shall on them feed ; 
 And while th' upright to glory rise, 
 Their beauty in the cold grave lies. 
 
 But from the confines of the grave, 
 My God my life and soul will save ; 
 Rais'd by the power of love divine, 
 In endless glories I shall shine. 
 
 Fart 3. 
 
 Ver. 1C— 20. (c. m.) 
 Wealth of no Avail in the Hour of Death. 
 
 Fear not when wealth to sinners flows 
 
 Nor envy thou their state ; 
 When dignity increasing grows, 
 
 And on their house doth wait. 
 
 When to the stroke of death they bend, 
 
 They carry nought away ; 
 Nor glory shall with them descend, 
 
 To mingle w;th their clav. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 115 
 
 What though amid the bloom of health 
 They bless themselves ; — 'tis vain ; 
 
 What though the world admires their wealth? 
 It brings no balm for pain. 
 
 Down to the realms of endless night, 
 
 Where their forefathers are, 
 Their souls descend, where hope's fair light 
 
 Is darkened by despair. 
 
 In vain dotn honour gild his lot 
 
 Who is not truly wise : 
 His boasted honours save him not ; 
 
 Like as a beast he dies. 
 
 PSALM L. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 6. (p. m.) 
 
 The Glory of the God of Judgment. 
 
 From his throne in the skies, the Almighty's 
 behest 
 Goes forth, and commands all the nations to 
 hear ; 
 He calls from the east, and he calls from the west, 
 And, lo ! at his bidding the nations appear. 
 
 Out of Zion he shines, and his power maketh 
 known ; 
 
 He speaks in the thunder that rolls at his feet ; 
 Fierce flashes of vengeance illumine his throne, 
 
 And tempests of fury encircle his seat. 
 
116 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 To the heavens he calls, and the heavens reply — 
 To the earth, and earth bows to his sovereign 
 command ; 
 Before him appear all the hosts of the sky, 
 And mortals arraign'd at his judgment-seat 
 stand. 
 
 " Assemble my chosen" — thus runs his decree 
 To the angels, who wait round the throne of 
 their God — 
 
 " Assemble my chosen, whose covenant with me 
 Is by sacrifice seal'd, and hallow'd by blood. " 
 
 And just are his judgments, and righteous his 
 
 ways, 
 
 The heavens applauding, to all doth proclaim ; 
 
 While high on his throne he his justice displays, 
 
 They publish that justice, and sing of his 
 
 name. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—15. (l. if.) 
 
 The Rejection of the Legal, and Establishment of 
 Christian Worsltip. 
 
 He speaks from his eternal throne, 
 Israel, to his reproof give ear : — 
 
 " I am thy God, and I alone ; 
 
 Full shall my justice be, and clear. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 117 
 
 \ 
 
 " Tis not of offerings I complain, 
 
 These daily on mine altars lie ; 
 At morn and eve the crimson stain 
 
 Glows, ever glows before mine eye. 
 
 " What, shall thy Maker thirst for blood, 
 Or hunger for the flesh of beasts ? 
 
 What, shall I ask of thee my food, 
 Or deign to sit at mortal feasts. 
 
 " The forest beasts that rove abroad, 
 The mountain fowls that cut the air, 
 
 Are all subservient to my nod ; 
 
 On thousand hills they own my care. 
 
 " If I should once proclaim the word, 
 These would obey my will divine ; 
 
 Earth would its choicest stores afford, 
 For all the ample world is mine. 
 
 1 Do I the flesh of herds desire, 
 
 Or ask of thee their flowing blood ? 
 The sacrifice that I require, 
 
 Is to obey and praise thy God ! 
 
 " Then, if thou lift to heaven thy prayer, 
 In trouble's dark distressful days, 
 
 I will redeem thee from despair — 
 
 And thou shalt sing the song of praise. 
 
118 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 16—23. (l. m.) 
 The Worship of Hypocrites despised. 
 
 " Why," saith the God, who reigns above, 
 " Why, sinners, thus my laws profane ? 
 
 Why take the covenant of my love, 
 In thy unhallowed lips in vain. 
 
 " My counsel thou hast scorn'd to hear, 
 And all my words hast cast away. 
 
 While with the thief thou didst appear, 
 And with adulterers went astray. 
 
 u Slander and malice these employ — 
 These sit triumphant on thy tongue ; 
 
 Against thy mother's fondest joy, 
 
 Thou speakest slanderous words of wrong. 
 
 " These are the deeds which thou hast done, 
 Yet thought that I should pass them by ! 
 
 But, lo ! thy race of sins is run — 
 Before thee they in order lie. 
 
 " Consider this, and oh! repent, 
 And deprecate my righteous wrath ; 
 
 Lest by my power thy soul be rent, 
 And there be none to save from death. 
 
 But those bless'd souls who honour me, 
 And my divine commands obey ; 
 
 These shall my strong salvation sec, 
 And taste its joys to endless day ! 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 119 
 
 PSALM LI. 
 
 Ver. 1—5. (l. if.) 
 
 A Prayer for Remission of Sins. 
 
 Have mercy on me, God of love ! 
 
 Thy loving kindness show again ; 
 Thv wonted mercies may I prove, 
 
 By blotting out each guilty stain. 
 
 My heart is filled with grief, and see 
 How deep the wounds 1 feel within ; 
 
 'Wash me from mine iniquity, 
 And purify me from my sin. 
 
 By deepest pangs of conscience pain'd. 
 My vile transgression I confess ; 
 
 Ever in memory retain'd, 
 
 It meets me, Lord, in every place. 
 
 Thee I have sinned against alone, 
 And done this evil in thy sight : 
 
 The justice of thy stroke I own, 
 
 For all thy judgments, Lord, are right. 
 
 Forth from the womb in sin I came, 
 My mother me conceived in sin ; 
 
 And all my deeds of guilt proclaim 
 The heart to be impure within. 
 
120 A .NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6. — 13. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer for Sanctification. 
 
 Lo ! gracious God, thy law requires 
 That all the secrets of my heart, 
 
 And nature's erring weak desires, 
 Should never from that law depart. 
 
 This thou hast taught my soul to know : 
 O then, in thy abounding grace, 
 
 Wash me, and I, as white as snow, 
 Shall stand renew'd before thy face. 
 
 O, could I hear the joyful sound 
 Of thy divine forgiving voice, 
 
 'Twould heal my spirit's bleeding wound, 
 And make my shatter' d frame rejoice. 
 
 O, let the trace of every sin 
 
 Be blotted from thy piercing view ; 
 
 Give me a heart, my God, that's clean, — 
 A constant spirit, Lord, renew. 
 
 How would my woes, my God, increase, 
 Should I be banish'd from thy sight ; 
 
 Or should thy holy spirit cease 
 To shed on me its wonted light. 
 
 Restore, O Lord, again restore 
 Salvation's sacred joys to me 
 
 Uphold me by thy spirit's power, 
 
 And from lust's thraldom set me free. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 121 
 
 Then my converted soul would teach, 
 
 Thv ways of mercy unto all ; 
 Sinners should hear the truths I preach, 
 
 And converts at thy feet should fall. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 14—17. (l. m.) 
 God delighteth not in Sacrifice, but in Sincerity* 
 
 O, from that sin, the guilt of blood, 
 Almighty Saviour, set me free ; 
 
 Relieved from that oppressive load, 
 
 My heart and tongue shall sing of thee. 
 
 My lips are seal'd with grief and shame, 
 And silence hath possess'd my tongue ; 
 
 Open my lips — and I thy name 
 Aloud will praise in grateful song. 
 
 Could sacrifice for sin atone, 
 
 Whole hecatombs for mine should die ; 
 Such rises not before thy throne, 
 
 Nor meets approval from thine eve. 
 
 The contrite sigh, the falling tear. 
 The broken heart, by sin oppressed, 
 
 Alone, meet not refusal there, 
 
 Alone, are with thv favour bless'd. 
 
122 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 18—19. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer for the Church. 
 
 Lord, turn thy face to Zion's hill, 
 And pour thy choicest mercies there ; 
 
 O love thine own Jerusalem still, 
 And make her sacred walls thy care. 
 
 Well pleased thine ears, shall hear her song, 
 As incense to thy throne arise ; 
 
 Such offerings as to thee belong, 
 To thee her sons shall sacrifice. 
 
 PSALM LIL 
 
 (l. m.) 
 The Destruction of the Enemies of the Truth foretold. 
 Why, O thou tyrant, fondly trust, 
 
 That mischief lies within thy power ; 
 Jehovah still protects the just, 
 
 Whose goodness lasteth evermore. 
 
 Thy tongue deep mischief doth devise, 
 Then pours those mischiefs all around ; 
 
 And as a razor sharp, thy lies, 
 
 Uunseen inflicts the deadly wound. 
 
 More prone art thou to ill than good, 
 
 To lies than truth, while deeds of wrong, 
 
 And flattering words, whose aim is blood, 
 Are thy delight, thou venom'd tongue. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 123 
 
 But God in vengeance shall destroy, 
 And cast thee hence ; and his command 
 
 Shall pluck thee from thy seat on high, 
 And raze thy mem'ry from the land. 
 
 The righteous shall with reverence see 
 Th' Almighty thus his wrath display ; 
 
 Laughing, thou fallen foe, at thee, 
 Shall thus in holy triumph say : 
 
 This is the man who, in his pride, 
 Made not the Lord his sure defence ; 
 
 Whose heart upon his wealth relied, 
 Who plac'd in sin his confidence. 
 
 But I in his divine abode, 
 
 Green as an olive tree, appear ; 
 
 And on the mercy of my God, 
 
 My heart unchanging trust doth rear. 
 
 Thy love my praises ever claim, 
 
 For thou hast wrought the victory , 
 
 Hence I will trust thy saving name, 
 Which saints with holy joy shall see. 
 
 PSALM LIII. 
 
 (s. M.) 
 
 Human Depravity lamented. 
 
 The fool in heart denies 
 The being of a God, 
 
 Corrupt he works iniquities, 
 But scorneth to do good. 
 
 M 2 
 
124 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Jehovah from his throne 
 
 Beheld the fallen race ; 
 If haply there his laws were known, 
 
 If any sought his face. 
 
 But all had gone aside, 
 
 All had become unclean ; 
 None took his statutes for their guide, 
 
 Or in his paths were seen. 
 
 My God, thus all their seed 
 
 So ignorant became, 
 As bread they on my people feed, 
 
 Nor call upon thy name. 
 
 Was there not cause for fear ? 
 
 Behold ! despis'd of God, 
 When they against his saints appear, 
 
 He scatters them abroad. 
 
 O ! that his saving grace 
 
 Would now his saints redeem ; 
 
 He should be prais'd by Jacob's race, 
 While Israel join'd the theme. 
 
 PSALM LIV. 
 
 A PSALM FOR GOOD FRIDAY. 
 (P. M ) 
 
 Oh. save me, O God, for thy glorious name, 
 In judgment to aid me, draw near ; 
 
 Accept thou my prayer and deliverance proclaim, 
 To my voice of complaining give ear. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 125 
 
 For strangers are risen against me, and join 
 My oppressors in seeking my life ; 
 
 The fear, O my God, of thy vengeance divine, 
 Allays not their gathering strife. 
 
 But God is minehelper, he strengthens the friends, 
 
 Who me in my sorrows sustain ; 
 While on my oppressors his vengeance descends, 
 
 In his truth they are scatter'd and slain* 
 
 Then freely I'll offer an offering of praise, 
 It is good to exalt his great power ; 
 
 For his arm hath deliver' d me by its displays, 
 And my foes I shall see them no more. 
 
 PSALM LV. 
 
 Ver. 1—8. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer. 
 
 Oh, to my prayer, my God, give ear, 
 Nor hide thy presence when I pray ; 
 
 From heaven attend my cries and hear, 
 Nor turn my loud complaints away. 
 
 See how my foes my soul oppress, 
 
 And hear the slander of their tongue ; 
 
 They heap upon me sore distress, 
 
 And in their wrath they seek my wrong. 
 
 m 3 
 
126 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Deep are the pangs that rend my heart, 
 The pains of death o'er whelm my soul ; 
 
 While fear and trembling aid the smart, 
 And dreaded horrors round me roll. 
 
 Oh, for a dove's swift wings to fly, 
 Where I could find a safe retreat ; 
 
 In some calm shade by mortal eye 
 Unseen, at rest my soul would sit. 
 
 Then would I take my wand'ring flight, 
 And in some distant desert stray ; 
 
 From all these tempests dark as night — ■ 
 These stormy winds — I'd haste away. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 9 — 51. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer against Treacherous Enemies. 
 Destroy, O Lord, in w T rath destroy 
 
 Their counsels, and their tongues divide ; 
 Through all the streets, my aching eye 
 
 Meets with their violence, strife, and pride. 
 
 All day and night they take their round, 
 And still about the walls they go ; 
 
 Mischief abundant there is found, 
 And there its sad attendant, woe. 
 
 There wickedness triumphant sits, 
 
 In every part its form I view, 
 And there, through all its devious streets, 
 
 Deceit and guilt their course pursue. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 12/ 
 
 It was not he, my open foe, 
 
 That sought in malice thus to slay ; 
 
 For then could I have borne the blow, 
 Or could have hidden me away. 
 
 But it was thou, my guide, my friend, — 
 Thou, in whose love my trust I plac'd, 
 
 Whose prayers with mine did sweetly blend, 
 And whose deep counsels I embrac'd. 
 
 Some sudden death shall be their doom, 
 Swift shall their souls descend to hell, 
 
 For wheresoe'er they live or roam, 
 
 Among them, there their mischiefs dwell. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 16 — 23. (eights — sixes.) 
 
 Confidence in tlte Preserving Power of God. 
 
 Before my heavenly father's throne, 
 I'll make my wants and sorrows known, 
 
 While aiding: he draws near : 
 Evening and morning I will pray, 
 Will lift my voice in noontide day, 
 
 And he my voice will hear. 
 
 Tis he supports my soul in peace, 
 He bids the din of battle cease, 
 
 And gives the victory ; 
 My foes were gathered far and wide, 
 But God appeared on my side, 
 
 A mighty host to me. 
 
128 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 My God will hear, and he will send 
 Ruin on each perfidious friend, 
 
 And save me, as of yore ; 
 They know no change, they know no fear, 
 But when his vengeance shall appear, 
 
 Lo, they shall boast no more ! 
 
 The bonds of peace, love's sacred yoke, 
 With sacrilegious hands they broke ; 
 
 Though smooth were all their words, 
 War sat behind their placid smile, 
 And, though they seemed as soft as oil, 
 
 Yet were they sharp as swords. 
 
 My soul her burden casts on him, 
 Whose arm the righteous will redeem, 
 
 'Tis he my life sustains ; 
 While all the men that thirst for blood, 
 Destroyed, his vengeance feel, on God, 
 
 My soul in hope remains. 
 
 PSALM LVI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 8. (eights.) 
 Prayer and Confidence in God. 
 
 Oh, aid me, O God, by thy power, 
 And set thou my sorrows at rest ; 
 
 Me fain would the foeman devour, 
 By war I am daily oppress'd. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 1*29 
 
 They daily encompass around, 
 
 And by stratagem seek to destroy ; 
 
 Row many their numbers are found, 
 That trouble me, oh, thou Most High 
 
 What time that I fear, in the Lord 
 I will trust till his mercy draws near ; 
 
 I will glory in his holy word, 
 
 For succour, I know, will appear. 
 
 In my God do I trust 'midst dismay, 
 And the power of mortals deride, 
 
 Though they wrest all my words day by day, 
 And their thoughts are to evil applied. 
 
 They gather themselves all around, 
 And in ambush they lie in my path ; 
 
 They mark where my footsteps are found, 
 As they wait to entrap me in death. 
 
 But shall they escape in their sin ? 
 
 Thou God of strict justice, arise, 
 Let the flames of thy anger be seen, 
 
 My foes in thy vengeance chastise. 
 
 Thou knowest my wanderings below, 
 How oft they compel me to flee, 
 
 Oh ! treasure my tears as they flow, — 
 In thy book, lo ! recorded they be. 
 
130 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 9—13. (l. m.) 
 Faith in the Word of God, and a Tribute of Praise* 
 Lord, when I cry to thee in prayer, 
 
 My foes shall back recede for fear : 
 Secure of this, I tempt the war, 
 
 For thou to aid me wilt appear. 
 
 In God I'll praise his sacred word, 
 Whose promises are just and true : 
 
 I place my trust in him, the Lord, 
 Nor will I fear what man can do. 
 
 Thv vows are on me, O, my God ! 
 
 My willing soul thy vows constrain ; 
 Thy praises will I spread abroad, 
 
 And gratitude shall prompt the strain. 
 
 For thou hast saved my soul from death, 
 And dost my erring feet sustain, 
 
 That I may walk with thee in faith, 
 While in this life 1 may remain. 
 
 PSALM LV1I. 
 
 Ver. 1 — G. (r. if.) 
 
 The Mercy of God the Sinner s Refuge. 
 
 Thy clemency, Lord, to thy servant extend, 
 Whose soul for protection on thee doth depend ; 
 'Neath the wings of thy mercy my soul I will 
 
 cast, 
 Till all these rude tempests of sorrow are past. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 131 
 
 I will cry in my griefs unto God the Most High, 
 And he will attend to the prayer of my cry ; 
 From heaven his truth and his mercy shall flow, 
 My soul to deliver from each bitter foe. 
 
 My soul, Lord, inhabits the fierce lion's den, 
 
 In sorrow I lie 'mid those fiery men, 
 
 Whose teeth are as arrows and spears, and 
 
 whose word 
 Is sharp as a glittering double-edged sword. 
 
 Exalted, O Lord, reign triumphant on high, 
 Extend thou thy fame o'er the earth and the sky; 
 My soul is bowed down through the snares 
 
 they have spread, 
 But my foes shall all fall in the pit they have 
 
 made. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7 — 11. (Eights.) 
 
 A Song of Praise. 
 
 My heart is establish'd, O God, 
 
 To thee will I sing and give praise ; 
 
 The song of deliverance abroad, 
 
 My voice to thy honour shall raise. 
 
 Awake, thou my glory, awake ! 
 
 The harp and the psaltery join ; 
 As soon as the morning shall break, 
 
 I'll mingle my praises with thine. 
 
132 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 I will sing of thy love and thy power, 
 O Lord ! to the people around — 
 
 Thy praise to the uttermost shore 
 Of earth in my songs I'll resound. 
 
 Thy mercy unmeasured transcends 
 The height of the heavens above ; 
 
 Thy truth, all unchanging, extends 
 O'er the clouds as in ether they move. 
 
 Exalted, O Lord, be thy name, 
 
 In glory and honour on high ; 
 Extended o'er earth be thy fame, 
 
 And through the bright realms of the sky. 
 
 PSALM LVIII. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 
 Wicked Judges reproved, and the Judgment of God on 
 
 Sinners described. 
 
 Ye counsellors who guide the state, 
 Oh say, does truth upon you wait ? 
 Ye judges, who decide the cause, 
 Does justice balance all your laws. 
 
 No, for your hearts on evil muse, 
 And then your mischiefs wide diffuse ; 
 Brib'd to the act, your fearless hand 
 Spreads violence throughout the land. 
 
 Lo ! from the womb the wicked err, 
 E'en then corruption doth appear ; 
 As soon as born, they go astray, 
 And falsehood marks their perjur'd way. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 133 
 
 As serpents poison teems with death, 
 So teems with sin the sinner's breath ; 
 Asa deaf adder stops her ear, 
 When music woos, they will not hear. 
 
 No more the lions shall devour ; 
 My God will break their teeth by power ; 
 They pass, as waters onward ilow — 
 They break as arrows on the bow. 
 
 Like as a snail, they melt away, 
 Whose slime denotes their sure decay ; 
 As an abortion, so they die, 
 And not a sunbeam meets their eye. 
 
 Before your cauldron feels the fire 
 Of crackling thorns, his kindled ire ; 
 As with a whirlwind big with death, 
 Shall from the wicked sweep their breath. 
 
 The righteous, w T ith triumphant voice, 
 In the just vengeance shall rejoice; 
 Avenged by the strong arm of God, 
 Shall wash their feet in sinners' blood. 
 
 Convinc'd, the wond'ring world shall crv, 
 There is a God that rules on high ; 
 And though the righteous long compla 
 They shall at length rewards obtain. 
 
134 A NEW TORSION OF 
 
 PSALM LIX. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 8. (sevens.) 
 A Prayer. 
 
 Oh ! from all mine enemies, 
 
 Lord, redeem me by thy power ; 
 
 From the foes who round me rise, 
 Seeking eager to devour ; 
 
 From the evil race, oh God ! 
 
 Save, and from the man of blood. 
 
 For my soul they wait around, — 
 Mighty powers in rage combine ; 
 
 These implacable are found, 
 Foes for no offence of mine ; 
 
 Swift they run, and arts employ, 
 
 Me, though faultless, to destroy. 
 
 God of hosts, behold, awake ! 
 
 Aid me in this deep distress ; 
 God of Israel, rise and take 
 
 Vengeance on them who oppress ! 
 Show no grace, nor mercy show, 
 To the bold transgressing foe. 
 
 When the evening's shades appear, 
 Fierce as dogs around they meet ; 
 
 Spreading wild alarm and fear, 
 
 As they rove from street to street ; 
 
 All their tongues and all their words 
 
 Are as keen as sharpened swords. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 135 
 
 Who, contemptuously they cry, 
 
 Who our counsels will regard ; 
 Thou, oh God, who reign'st on high, 
 
 Hears't, and thou wilt them reward ; 
 Thou shalt laugh to scorn their pride, 
 Thou the heathen shalt deride. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 9 — 15. (proper tune.) 
 
 The Psalmist, in the Person of Messiah, predietetli his own 
 Enlargement, and the Destruction of his Enemies, the Jeics. 
 
 Oh Lord, my strength, I wait on thee, 
 For thou art a defence to me ; 
 
 Thy arm exalts my soul on high, 
 Thy mercy shall prevent my wants ; 
 My strong desire thy mercy grants ; 
 
 Prostrate my foes beneath me lie. 
 
 But let them not extinction know, 
 Lest we forget their overthrow ; 
 
 And prove unmindful of thy love. 
 Bring down their pride, oh Lord, our shield ; 
 And when thy arm hath made them yield, 
 
 Their hosts to every land remove. 
 
 There for their sins, their words their pride, 
 The nations shall their souls deride ; 
 
 On their own heads their curse shall fall, 
 Consum'd by thy avenging blow ; 
 There shall they wander, till they know 
 
 That Jacob's God presides o'er all. 
 n2 
 
136 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 And still, when evening's shades appear, 
 They shall return and cry for fear ; 
 
 As dogs shall rove from street to street, 
 There shall they wander up and down ; 
 And with a long and piteous tone, 
 
 Impell'd by hunger, howl for meat. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 16 — 17. (eights.) 
 A Song of Praise. 
 
 Lord, I'll sing of thy mercy and power, 
 In the morning my praises shall flow ; 
 
 Thou hast been my defence, and my tower 
 Of retreat in the day of my woe. 
 
 Unto thee, oh, my strength ! I will frame 
 The song of thanksgiving and praise ; 
 
 Thee, still my defence, I'll proclaim, 
 And my merciful God, in my lays. 
 
 PSALM LX. 
 
 Ver. J — 5. (l. if.) 
 
 For a Day of Humiliation. 
 
 Lord, thou in wrath dost far remove, 
 And scatter all abroad thy race ; 
 
 Displeased, thou hast withdrawn thy love, 
 Oh, turn again to us thy face ! 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 137 
 
 Beneath thy terrors, lo ! the earth, 
 Trembling with fear, asunder breaks ; 
 
 Heal thou the breaches made in wrath, 
 For at thy dreadful frown it shakes. 
 
 Hard are the things that thou hast shown 
 
 Thy people by their overthrow ; 
 And by the discords they have known, 
 
 As drunk with wine they reel in woe. 
 
 But, Lord, thou hast a banner spread, 
 For those who fear thy glorious name ; 
 
 In truth's most holy cause display'd, 
 
 Their souls to cheer, their foes to shame. 
 
 That thy beloved race may be 
 
 Delivered, own them as thy care ; 
 
 Thv sure salvation let them see, 
 And, oh, propitious hear my prayer ! 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 0—12. (p. m.) 
 
 The Accession of the Tribes to that of Judah, or spiritually 
 applied to the Enlargement of Messiah's Kingdom, pre- 
 figured by that of David. 
 
 Hk speaks the word divine, 
 
 Whose word can never fail ; 
 Shecham I own as mine, 
 
 And mete out Succoth's vale ; 
 Gilead supports me on my throne, 
 
 Manasseh's tribes are all my own. 
 N 3 
 
138 A NEW VERSION Oh 
 
 Ephraim maintains my cause, 
 
 That glory of my head ; 
 And Judah giveth laws, 
 
 Where'er my conquest's spread ; 
 Moab and Edom bow to me, 
 And wear the yoke of slavery, 
 
 O'er proud Philistia's lands, 
 My banner s high shall wave ; 
 
 They bow to my commands, 
 The mighty and the brave ; 
 
 But who will burst the brazen gates ? 
 
 Who lead me into Edom's streets ? 
 
 Say, wilt not thou, oh God, 
 Who didst our hosts remove, 
 
 Lead us to that abode, 
 
 And show again thy love : 
 
 Oh, wilt not thou, amidst alarms, 
 
 Go forth and prosper all our arms ? 
 
 Oh, aid us once again, 
 
 Once more disperse our woes ; 
 
 The aid of man is vain, 
 
 Against our numerous foes ; 
 
 Through God our arms shall gain renown, 
 
 His power shall tread the foeman down. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID 139 
 
 PSALM LXI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 5. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer, and Faith and Hope in God. 
 
 Oh ! to my earnest cries attend, — ■ 
 My God, propitious, hear ray prayer 
 
 From the wide world's remotest end, 
 I supplicate thy tender care. 
 
 Floods of temptation o'er me roll, 
 Beneath the swelling waves I lie ; 
 
 Lead to that rock my sinking soul, 
 Whence I may all their rage defy. 
 
 Shelter'd beneath thy gracious shade, 
 
 Oft have I found a calm repose , 
 In that strong tower, Almighty aid, 
 
 Have found a refuge from my foes. 
 
 My longing soul would fain abide 
 
 For ever in thy courts divine ; 
 Beneath thy sheltering wings would hide, 
 
 And in their shadows safe recline. 
 
 My vows thou hast in mercy heard, 
 Restor'd by thee, oh Lord, I claim 
 
 The heritage, as my reward, 
 
 Of those that fear thy holy name. 
 
140 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—8. (c. m.) 
 
 A Prayer for the Perpetuity of Messiah's Kingdom, 
 in the Language of the Church of old. 
 
 Successive days, O Lord, in peace, 
 
 Shall the Messiah see ; 
 His glorious reign shall never cease, 
 
 From age to age, to be. 
 
 Safe may he dwell before thy face, 
 
 And fadeless glory gain ; 
 May sovereign mercy, truth, and grace, 
 
 His throne in peace maintain. 
 
 So will I sing the rapturous song, 
 Thy name the theme of praise ; 
 
 And as I vow'd, the notes prolong 
 Through all my passing days. 
 
 PSALM LXII. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (l. m.) 
 Confidence in God. 
 My soul relies on God alone, 
 
 From him my sure salvation flows ; 
 My rock and fortress is his throne, 
 Nor shall I be dismay'd by foes. 
 
 How long will ye my hurt devise ? 
 
 Know that by vengeance ye shall fall ; 
 Sudden your ruin meets mv eves, 
 
 Or as a tottering fence or wall. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 141 
 
 Whom God has with high honours crown'd.. 
 
 Ye would destroy by treacherous art ; 
 Your lips deal hollow blessings round, 
 
 While curses dwell within the heart. 
 
 But thou, my soul, on God alone 
 Wait, for in him my rest is found ; 
 
 He is the rock I stand upon, 
 
 Unmov'd by all my foes around. 
 
 From him doth my salvation flow, 
 By him my glories spread abroad ; 
 
 My sure defence in all my woe, 
 And all my refuge is in God. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—12. (l. m.) 
 The Creature not to be trusted. 
 
 Ye saints, in times of deep distress, 
 Trust in Jehovah for redress ; 
 Pour out to hitn your heart's complaints, 
 God is the refuge of his saints. 
 
 Men, or of high degree or low, 
 Are but deceit and worthless show ; 
 Weigh'd in the balance, lo ! they be 
 Lighter than their own vanity. 
 
 Not in oppression trust for gain, 
 Nor with ill-gotten wealth be vain ; 
 If fast increase your golden ore, 
 Set not your heart upon the store. 
 
142 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Once have I heard my God proclaim, 
 And twice my ears have heard the same— 
 That power, unbounded and unknown, 
 Belongeth unto God alone. 
 
 Nor power alone, O Lord, is thine, 
 With power thy tender mercies join ; 
 As are the works of man, the Lord 
 Measures in justice his reward. 
 
 PSALM LXIII. 
 
 Ver. 1— -5. (c. If.) 
 Longing for the Presence of God» 
 Mr God, at early dawn I'll rise, 
 
 And seek thy gracious face ; 
 Thirsting, my longing spirit cries 
 For thy exhaustless grace. 
 
 A traveller in a barren land, 
 
 Where no sweet fountains flow, 
 
 I seek those waters at thy hand, 
 Thou only canst bestow. 
 
 How do I long, O Lord, to see 
 Thy glory and thy power, 
 
 As once they were displayed to me, 
 Where saints thy name adore. 
 
 In thy almighty name in prayer, 
 
 My hands I'll upward raise ; 
 My soul, contented with her share 
 Of bounties, thee shall praise. 
 
THE TSALMS OF DAVID. 143 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Midnight Thoughts. 
 Ver. 6 — 11. (sevens.) 
 
 When I lay me down to sleep, 
 Thou, my God, art near to me ; 
 
 Hush'd in meditations deep, 
 In the night I muse on thee. 
 
 Since thy aid, oh, king of kings ! 
 
 Safe protects me day and night, 
 'Neath the shadow of thy wings, 
 
 I repose with fond delight. 
 
 On thy love my soul doth rest, 
 Me doth thy right hand sustain ; 
 
 While to deepest shades unbless'd, 
 Sink my foes in silent pain. 
 
 By the sword they sought to slay, 
 By the sword, behold they fall ; 
 
 They shall be for beasts a prey, 
 
 Thus shall vengeance slay them all. 
 
 But in God will I rejoice, 
 
 All that fear shall boast his name ; 
 
 While the sinner's lying voice 
 Shall be mutely closed in shame 
 
144 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM LXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 7. (sevens.) 
 A Prayer against Enemies. 
 When in prayer to thee I bend, 
 To my voice, oh Lord ! attend ; 
 When mv raging foes appear, 
 Oh, preserve my life from fear. 
 
 When my foes in council meet, 
 Hide me in some safe retreat ; 
 Where, beneath thy gracious eye, 
 I may all their rage defy. 
 
 Like a sword they whet their tongue, 
 Keen with meditated wrong ; 
 Like as arrows from the string, 
 Bitter words around they fling. 
 
 Close conceal'd, behold ! they aim 
 At the man of blameless name ; 
 Fear estranged from their hearts, 
 Suddenly they shoot their darts. 
 
 Mutually agreed, they join, 
 To complete their ill design ; 
 Privily their snares they lay, 
 Asking who shall them survey ? 
 
 With what diligence and care, 
 They invent and lay the snare ; 
 All their secret counsels keep, 
 For the heart of all is deep. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 145 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Vet. 7—10. 
 Faith in God. 
 
 Lo ! they fall! each wicked foe! 
 Swift from his unerring bow : 
 God his arrows pours around, 
 And the sinner feels the wound. 
 
 All the curses of their tongue 
 Fall upon the guilty throng ; 
 Men behold their swift decay, 
 And with trembling haste away. 
 
 All shall fear, and all shall own 
 God the mighty work hath done 
 Wisely they his hands shall trace 
 In the ruin of their race. 
 
 But in God, with joy, the just 
 Shall be glad, and him shall trust : 
 All the upright shall rejoice, 
 Lifting high the grateful voice. 
 
 PSALM LXV. 
 
 A Song of Praise. 
 Ver. 1—4. (l. m.) 
 
 For thee in Zion's hallow'd gates, 
 Oh, God, the song of triumph waits , 
 There, at thine altars, we will pay 
 The vows of our distressful day. 
 o 
 
146 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh, thou who hears every prayer, 
 When to thy throne our hands we rear, 
 Low at thy throne the world shall fall, 
 And at thy feet for mercy call. 
 
 Against me, Lord, ray sins prevail, 
 But hope in thee can never fail ; 
 From all the guilt of every sin, 
 Thy pard'ning grace will wash me clean. 
 
 How bless' d are they, th' elect of love, 
 Who dwell within thy courts above : 
 While we, within thy courts below. 
 Shall satisfied thy goodness know. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Salvation ascribed to God. 
 Ver. 5—9. 
 Lord, by the wonders thou hast wrought, 
 We find the grace our prayers have sought : 
 Remotest lands confide in thee, 
 As doth the wanderer of the sea. 
 
 Fast in thy strength the mountains stand, 
 Girt by the power of thy right hand ; 
 Through thee the waves their roaring cease, 
 And clamorous tongues are lull'd to peace. 
 
 Far distant tribes behold, dismay'd, 
 The tokens of thy power display'd ; 
 Or fearing lift th' exulting voice, 
 And morn rind eve in thee rejoice. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 147 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 9—13. (l. m.) 
 
 Divine Providence : a Song for the Husbandman. 
 
 From watery stores beyond the skies, 
 Thv hand, O Lord, the earth supplies ; 
 Ordain'd for man, the barren ground 
 By thee with plenty doth abound. 
 
 Fast on the ridges falls each shower, 
 Each furrow feels its kindly power; 
 And softened with the latter rain, 
 In blessings rich it springs again. 
 
 With goodness thou hast crown'd the year- 
 How fair its fruits and flowers appear ! 
 The rolling clouds, at thy command, 
 Drop fatness round on all the land. 
 
 How chang'd the desert's barren scene ! 
 Its pastures smile with beauteous green ; 
 The fertile hills, on every side, 
 Sing joyous in their flowery pride. 
 
 The numerous flocks, in every mead, 
 In safety there luxuriant feed ; 
 The fruits o'er all the valleys spring — 
 With fruits, for joy the valleys sing. 
 
 o 5 
 
148 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM LXVI. 
 
 Ver, 1 — 12. (sevens.) 
 
 The World excited to praise God for his wonderful Work 
 to his CJturch. 
 Sing, ye nations, to the Lord ; 
 
 Joyfully your voices raise ; 
 In your songs his name record, 
 
 Glorious make that name of praise ! 
 
 Say, to God who reigns on high, 
 Oh, how terrible thy power ! 
 
 Overwhelm'd thy foemen lie, 
 And with thee contend no more. 
 
 All the earth to thee shall bow, 
 
 All exulting sing thy fame ; 
 Glorious and great art thou, 
 
 In thy works and in thy name. 
 
 Come and see the works of God, 
 
 Wrought for those his goodness guides ; 
 
 By his prophet's lifted rod, 
 He the raging sea divides. 
 
 Fearless there, his chosen race, 
 Pass'd the angry floods among ; 
 
 There they talked of saving grace, 
 There rejoic'd in him with song. 
 
 Nations own his rule and might ; 
 
 He beholdeth every land ; 
 Let, then, rebels cease to fight, 
 
 Nor dispute his wide command. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 149 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Bless, ye nations, bless our God ! 
 
 Raise the cheerful voice of praise : 
 He supplies our souls with food ; 
 
 He confirms our steadfast ways. 
 
 By afflictions thcu hast tried, 
 
 Thou hast prov'd our faith and love ; 
 
 Thus does silver, purified, 
 
 From the baser dross remove. 
 
 Burdens on our loins were laid, 
 Caught in slavery's thralling net ; 
 
 Tyrants riding o'er our head, 
 Trampled us beneath their feet. 
 
 Through the water, Lord, we trod, 
 Through the fire, at thy command ; 
 
 Still thy mercies, gracious God, 
 Brought us to a wealthy land, 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 13—20. (l. m.) 
 Vows performed. 
 Lord, I will enter in thy house, 
 And there perform my solemn vows ; 
 Those vows my lips have uttered, when 
 I felt thy rod with smarting pain. 
 
 There shall the richest incense rise, 
 Fatlings to thee I'll sacrifice ; 
 The choicest rams and goats shall fall, 
 With the best bullock from the stall. 
 o 3 
 
150 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Come, saints that fear the Lord, and hear 
 The wonders of the God you fear : 
 I will record that grace to thee, 
 Which, in distress, he show'd to me. 
 
 To him in prayer I rais'd my voice, 
 He bade me in his name rejoice ; 
 And now to him, my grateful tongue 
 Uplifteth the exulting song. 
 
 Oh ! had I cherish' d sin within, 
 My God had thought my prayer unclean ; 
 But he hath heard my prayer, and he 
 From sin's enthralment set me free. 
 
 Bless'd be my God, for ever bless'd, 
 Who hath not slighted my request ; 
 Who still regards my earnest cries, 
 Nor mercy to my soul denies. 
 
 PSALM LXVII. 
 
 (CM.) 
 
 A Prayer for the Enlargement of God's Kingdom. 
 In mercy, Lord, to us incline, 
 
 And bless us with thy grace ; 
 Upon thy waiting servants shine 
 
 The brightness of thy face. 
 
 That all thy wonders may be known, 
 Through earth's extended sphere ; 
 
 And the salvation that we own, 
 To all the lands appear. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 151 
 
 Let differing nations join the song, 
 
 The grateful song of praise ; 
 Let all the earth the notes prolong, 
 
 In loud triumphant lays. 
 
 Let earth proclaim her joys and sing, 
 
 Wide let her triumphs flow ; 
 For thou in righteousness, as King, 
 
 Shalt govern all below. 
 
 Let differing nations join the song, 
 
 The grateful song of praise ; 
 Let all the earth the notes prolong, 
 
 In loud triumphant lays. 
 
 Then shall the ample world be crown'd 
 
 With a divine increase ; 
 And God shall bless the nations round 
 
 With love, and joy, and peace. 
 
 On us his blessing will descend, 
 Our souls his grace shall prove ; 
 
 And earth, to its remotest end, 
 Shall learn to fear and love. 
 
 PSALM LXVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (l. m.) 
 The Psalmist describes Messiah as arising to vanquish his 
 Foes, causing the Faithful to rejoice, aud showing Mercy 
 to the Afflicted. 
 
 Now let the Almighty God arise, 
 And scatter all his enemies ; 
 Back from his presence in dismay, 
 Let all that hate him flee away. 
 
152 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 As smoke in driving storms is lost, 
 So, Lord, disperse their impious host 
 As melts the wax before the fire, 
 So at thy frown may they expire. 
 
 But let the righteous sing for joy, 
 
 Let songs of praise their tongues employ ; 
 
 Let them rejoice before his face, 
 
 And sing his power and sing his grace. 
 
 In the loud anthem sing his fame, 
 Tell of the wonders of his name ; 
 Extol the God who strides the spheres, 
 And the dread name Jehovah bears. 
 
 He looks in pity from above, 
 And takes the orphan to his love ; 
 He deals out judgment from his throne, 
 And makes the widow's cause his own. 
 
 The exile in a foreign land 
 
 Begets a name at his command ; 
 
 He breaks the captive's chain, while they 
 
 Who scorn him, in wild deserts stray. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8— 14. (l. m.) 
 
 Messiah described as bringing his Church out of Bondage. 
 
 O God, when thou didst go before 
 
 Thy chosen, sav'd from Egypt's bands ; 
 
 When thou didst march with awful power, 
 O'er burning deserts' arid sands — 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 153 
 
 Thy presence shook creation's frame, 
 The heavens bow'd with awful fear ; 
 
 Sinai thy presence did proclaim, 
 
 And shook when Israel's God drew near. 
 
 Thou, from thy boundless stores on high, 
 Pour'd down thy gracious manna, Lord ; 
 
 Thy famish'd people saw it lie, 
 
 And ate, and own'd their strength restor'd. 
 
 In ample stores it lay around, 
 The mighty host on every side ; 
 
 The poor are with thy goodness crown'd, 
 For them thy bounty did provide. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 Jehovah spake — and in that word, 
 
 We vanquish'd all who sought our wrongs; 
 
 While troops of virgins did record 
 Our victory in joyful songs. 
 
 Kings with their mighty armies fled, 
 Dispers'd by his almighty power ; 
 
 Women beheld the treasures spread 
 Around, and gather'd in the store. 
 
 Though ye have bow'd to tyrant kings 
 Deep in the dust, to slav'ry sold ; 
 
 Yet shall ye be as doves, whose wings 
 Shine bright as silver or as gold. 
 
154 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 So when the Lord Jehovah's hand 
 
 Dispers'd the mighty monarchs round, 
 
 Joyful we stood on Jordan's strand, 
 White as the snow on salmon found. 
 
 Part 3, 
 
 Ver. 15—18. (l. m.) 
 The Psalmist celebrates the Ascension of Christ. 
 Bashan may boast its tow'ring heights, 
 
 May boast its craggy eminence ; 
 But is it there that God delights 
 To fix his chosen residence ? 
 
 Why look ye so, ye envious hills, 
 On Zion favour'd by its God ? 
 
 A throne in glory there he fills, 
 And makes it his divine abode. 
 
 Thousands of chariots stand around, 
 Thousands of angels wait his will ; 
 
 And fire and clouds his steps surround, 
 As once it did on Sinai's hill. 
 
 Thou hast ascended, Lord, on high, 
 Where hosts of angels thee adore ; 
 
 There hast thou led captivity 
 Captive, by thy almighty power. 
 
 Now rebels taste thy sovereign grace, 
 And to thy sacred courts repair ; 
 
 They bow, O Lord, before thy face, 
 And in thv gifts and trior v share. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 155 
 
 Ver. 19—21. (l. m.) 
 
 The Psalmist foretells the Vengeance Christ would take on 
 his Opposers. 
 
 Bless'd be the Lord, who day by day 
 His tender mercies hath bestow'd; 
 He is our firm abiding stay, 
 
 He our salvation and our God. 
 
 The issue, or of life or death, 
 Lies in the hollow of his hand : 
 
 At his command we yield our breath ; 
 We live at his divine command. 
 
 His powerful arm shall strike his foes 
 With his just vengeance on the head ; 
 
 Shall wound the hoary crown of those 
 Who still in wickedness proceed. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 22—28. (l. m.) 
 
 The Psalmist sets forth the Order of the Church in her 
 Services. 
 
 The Lord hath said, nor said in vain — 
 M From Bashan will I succour thee ; 
 
 My people will I bring again 
 
 Forth from the depths of Egypt's sea." 
 
 There shall thy feet be dipp'd in blood, 
 The blood of those who sought thy wrongs; 
 
 And there, in the unhallow'd flood, 
 
 Thy dogs shall dip their impious tongues. 
 
156 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 When marching onwards to thy shrine, 
 Bless'd with the brightness of thy face, 
 
 Thy people trac'd thy steps divine, 
 
 And wond'ring saw thy power and grace. 
 
 The Levites led the host with song, 
 While trumpets sounded in the rear ; 
 
 The virgins mingled with the throng, 
 And with the timbrels charm'd the ear. 
 
 They sang, and thus their heavenly strains, — 
 " Ye chosen, bless the sovereign Lord ! 
 
 Ye sons of Israel, sing — he reigns, 
 The God of Israel reigns ador'd." 
 
 Not Benjamin alone was found 
 
 The ark's removal to attend ; 
 Nor Judah for her skill renown'd, 
 
 Alone her counsellors did send. 
 
 The tribes of distant Zebulon 
 Attended with a princely host : 
 
 There bow'd the tribes before the throne 
 Of Naphtali's far distant coast. 
 
 All, drawn by bonds of peace and love, 
 
 Were into holy union brought ; 
 Command thy strength from heaven above, 
 And strengthen what thy hands have wrought. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 157 
 
 Part 5. 
 
 Ver. 29—3-5. (l. m.) 
 The Conversion of the Nations predicted. 
 When God in Zion shall appear, 
 Enthron'd upon his lofty seat, 
 Monarchs shall bow to him in prayer, 
 And cast their crowns beneath his feet. 
 
 He shall the spearman's ranks confound, 
 Who bowing to the steer with awe, 
 
 Dance to the silver's tinkling sound, 
 And scatter those whose love is war. 
 
 The sons of Egypt then shall bow 
 
 In fealty before his throne ; 
 And Ethiopia, bending low, 
 
 His power and his dominion own. 
 
 Sing unto God, ye nations, sing, 
 
 In one vast concert chaunt his praise ; 
 
 Let all the grateful tribute bring, 
 Let all the note of triumph raise. 
 
 To him who sits enthron'd on high, 
 In glory on his ancient throne ; 
 
 Whose voice, beyond the shining skv, 
 Makes his eternal greatness known ; 
 
 To him ascribe the strength divine, 
 Who makes his chosen race his care : 
 
 High in the clouds his glories shine, 
 And thence he makes his might appear. 
 
 p 
 
158 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 How dreadful art thou on thy throne, 
 O Lord, to all thy foes abroad ; 
 
 While to thy chosen race is shown 
 
 Thy power and strength : blessed be God ! 
 
 PSALM LXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1—12. (l. m.) 
 
 (FOR GOOD FRIDAY.) 
 
 The Sufferings of Christ. 
 
 Save me, O God! the billows roll, 
 And overwhelm my sinking soul ; 
 Deep in the mire my feet are found, 
 While swelling waters me surround. 
 
 I faint beneath this flow of tears — 
 My voice is gone with constant prayers ; 
 While waiting for my God, my sight, 
 With eager watchings, fails in night. 
 
 The foes, who fill my soul with dread, 
 Exceed the hairs upon my head ; 
 The foes, who fain would shed my blood, 
 Causeless, are mighty, oh, my God. 
 
 Then to their hands did I resign 
 What by my right and law was mine : 
 Thus all my follies are reveal' d 
 To thee, nor are mv sins conceal'd. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 159 
 
 But let not those who wait on thee 
 Be put to shame, my God, for me ; 
 Let not the saints who seek thy face, 
 Share my reproach and my disgrace. 
 
 'Tis for the love I bear thy name, 
 I suffer this reproach and shame ; 
 For thee my kindred are unknown, 
 My mother's offspring me disown. 
 
 The love I bear thy house, and zeal. 
 As a consuming flame I feel ; 
 While the reproaches meant for thee, 
 With fearful weight are fall'n on me. 
 
 I wept, and from my food refrain'd, 
 But only their rebuke was gain'd ; 
 I girded sackcloth round my frame, 
 And their by- word I then became. 
 
 Their judges made my wrongs their jest, 
 And all their slander did attest ; 
 Whilst drunkards, with unhallow'd tongues, 
 Made me the burthen of their songs. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 13—20. (l. It.) 
 A Pruyerfor Deliverance. 
 
 Lord, to thy throne will I repair, 
 And wilt thou not accept my prayer? 
 Oh ! in thy mercy hear my plea, 
 And grant salvation unto me. 
 p2 
 
160 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Save from the mire in which I tread ; 
 Support, O Lord, my sinking head ; 
 Save from the foes who seek my soul, 
 And from the floods that o'er me roll. 
 
 Let not the waves o'erflow me round, 
 Nor let me in their deeps be drown' d ; 
 And from the deep, the yawning grave, 
 Me, by almighty succour, save. 
 
 Hear me, my God, in love' divine, 
 
 On me let wonted mercy shine ; 
 
 Hear, promptly hear, and send thy grace, 
 
 Nor from thy servant hide thy face. 
 
 Now to sustain me, interpose ; 
 And, oh ! redeem me from my foes ; 
 All my reproach to thee is known, 
 So are the deeds my foes have done. 
 
 Reproach hath rent my heart in twain ; 
 My heart is full of grief and pain ; 
 I looked for pity, but 'twas gone — 
 or comforters, and found jiot one. 
 
 When press' d with want, for food I call ; 
 Fainting, they give me only gall ; 
 And when with raging thirst I sink, 
 Tis vinegar they bid me. drink. 
 
THB. PSALMS OF DAVID. 161 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 22—28. (l. m.) 
 
 Judgments predicted. 
 The table of my haughty foes 
 Shall prove a snare replete with woes ; 
 Their offerings to appease thy wrath, 
 Shall prove a trap replete with death. 
 
 Darkness shall close the sinner's eyes, 
 Their loins shall shake with sad surprise ; 
 Thy fury pour'd upon their head, 
 Shall fill their sinful souls with dread. 
 
 Wide desolation spreads around, 
 Their shattered temples strew the ground ; 
 Their houses, each becomes a cell, 
 Where human nature scorns to dwell. 
 
 For they afflict my weary soul, 
 O'er which thy wrathful terrors roll ; 
 They rend the wounds thy wrath had torn, 
 And make them bleed afresh with scorn. 
 
 Thus blindly shall they still be seen 
 To go on adding sin to sin ; 
 Nor shall, O Lord, their guilty race 
 Partake thy favour and thy grace. 
 
 Their names, that once thy volume grac'd 
 Now from its pages are eras'd : 
 Not in thy books shall they be found, 
 Nor with thy saints thy throne surround. 
 p3 
 
162 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 29—36. (l. m.) 
 
 Thanksgiving. 
 
 Lord, I am poor and sore distress 'd, 
 Let thy salvation give me rest ; 
 Then, lifted up, my soul will soar, 
 And sing in triumph evermore. 
 
 I'll magnify thy wondrous name, 
 In songs thy power and love proclaim ; 
 My song of praise the Lord will prize, 
 Better than altar sacrifice. 
 
 The humble, when they see my joy, 
 With me in song shall find employ ; 
 Seek ye the Lord, and he will give 
 His saving grace, emd ye shall live. 
 
 The Lord regards the mourner's prayer, 
 And saves his pris'ners from despair ; 
 Then let the earth and heaven rejoice, 
 And let the sea unite its voice. 
 
 Sustain'd by his Almighty hand, 
 Zion and Judah long shall stand ; 
 There shall his chosen sons repair, 
 And dwell in safe possession there. 
 
 So shall their heirs possess the place, 
 From age to age — from race to race : 
 And all that love the name of God 
 Shall make it their divine abode. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 163 
 
 PSALM LXX. 
 
 (EIGHTS.) 
 
 A Prayer. 
 
 Oh, hasten, my God, to my aid, 
 My foes and my sorrows control ; 
 
 Oh, let them, asham'd and dismay'd, 
 Fall backward, who seek for my soul. 
 
 In confusion, oh, let them retreat, 
 
 On their heads let their wishes return ; 
 
 Desolation and shame may they meet, 
 Who hold my afflictions in scorn. 
 
 But those who seek earnest thy face, 
 Oh, let them in triumphs be rais'd ; 
 
 And such as delight in thy grace, 
 Say alway — Jehovah be prais'd. 
 
 My God, I am needy and poor, 
 
 Now promptly to aid me draw near ; 
 
 In thee my deliverance is sure, 
 Now let that deliverance appear. 
 
 PSALM LXXI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 4. (c. m.) 
 A Prayer, pleading God's Righteousness and Promise, 
 My God, in thy almighty name, 
 
 I place alone my trust ; 
 Oh, let me'not be put to shame, 
 Nor let my hopes be lost. 
 
164 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 I plead thy righteousness divine, 
 Now set my spirit free ; 
 
 Unto my prayer thine ear incline, 
 And save, oh, save ! thou me. 
 
 Be thou my strong abiding place, 
 Where I may safe resort ; 
 
 My refuge is thy promis'd grace, 
 Thou art my rock and fort. 
 
 Deliverance now to me command, 
 Redeem me by thy power : 
 
 From the unjust and cruel hand, 
 Of foes that would devour. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5 — 14. (sevens.) 
 T)ie aged Christian's Prayer pleading former Mercies* 
 
 Gracious God, upon thy truth, 
 See my constant hopes are laid ; 
 
 Ever from my earliest youth, 
 Thou my refuge wert, and aid. 
 
 Thou art he that form'd my frame, 
 Thou hast led me all my days ; 
 
 From the womb by thee I came, — 
 Thus I'll ever sing thy praise. 
 
 Many stand amaz'd around, 
 Wondering at my low estate : 
 
 Thee my aid I've alway found, 
 Now for aid on thcc I wait. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 165 
 
 Let my lips thy love display, 
 In the ceaseless song of praise ; 
 
 FhTd with triumph all the day, 
 Strains exulting let them raise. 
 
 Now, oh Lord, when age appears, 
 
 Cast me not away in wrath ; 
 Nor when strength declines with years, 
 
 Give me over unto death. 
 
 See, my foes around me stand, 
 As against my life they speak ; 
 
 For my soul on every hand 
 
 Waiting, they their counsels take. 
 
 God, they say his hope, his boast, 
 
 Hath forsaken now his care ; 
 Lay thy hands upon the lost, 
 
 None shall to his aid repair. 
 
 Gracious God, not far retire, 
 
 While my foes encompass round : 
 
 Haste, and with thy kindled ire, 
 All their rage and power confound. 
 
 Lo ! they lie, ('tis 'thus my faith, 
 Wrapt in holy joy, exclaims) 
 
 Lo ! they lie consum'd in death, 
 And dishonour shrouds their names. 
 
 Thus, as long as life shall last, 
 All my hopes on thee shall rest ; 
 
 And till timejtsclf be past, 
 
 All my songs to thee address'd. 
 
166 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 15 — 18. (eights.) 
 
 The aged Christian's Song, celebrating God's Faithfulness 
 and Truth. 
 
 I will sing of thy righteousness, Lord, 
 Salvation I'll sing all the day ; 
 
 But while I thy mercies record, 
 Their number I cannot display. 
 
 I will go in the strength of my God, 
 And trust in his promise divine ; 
 
 Thy righteousness publish abroad, 
 Nor boast any other than thine. 
 
 'Twas thou, oh, my God, in thy care, 
 That instructed with wisdom my youth ; 
 
 Thy wonders around to declare, 
 To sing of thy mercy and truth. 
 
 Now, when with gray hair silver'd o'er, 
 I bend with old age, be my stay : 
 
 While I sing to this age of thy power, 
 And thy truth to all ages display. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 19 — 24. (eights.) 
 A Song of Praise. 
 Above the high heavens, oh God! 
 
 Thy justice exalted we see, — 
 How great are thy works spread abroad ! 
 Oh, who is a God like to thee ? 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 167 
 
 Sore troubles to me were display'd, 
 
 But again thou didst quicken and save ; 
 
 Again by thy powerful aid, 
 
 Thou hast rescued my life from the grave 
 
 By thee shall my greatness increase — 
 My honours extend far and wide ; 
 
 By thee shall a sweet flowing peace 
 Surround me on every side. 
 
 On the Psaltery, my God, I will praise 
 Thy truth and thy love ; I will sing 
 
 To the chords of the lyre, my lays 
 To the glory of Israel's king. 
 
 My lips, when I sing to thy name, 
 With holy rejoicings shall move ; 
 
 And my soul shall in raptures proclaim 
 Thy boundless redemption and love. 
 
 From morning to evening, oh Lord, 
 My tongue shall thy justice declare ; 
 
 For thou to my foes didst award 
 Confusion and shame and despair. 
 
 PSALM LXXII. 
 
 (I, M.) 
 
 The Glory of Messiah" s Kingdom. 
 Give to the king thy judgments, Lord, 
 
 Direct his heart thy ways to trace ; 
 To his anointed Son afford 
 
 The riches of thv truth and irrace. 
 
168 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 So shall he judge thy people right, 
 The poor in him shall find a friend ; 
 
 In justice shall his soul delight, 
 
 And mercy shall with justice blend. 
 
 Mountain and hill shall yield a peace 
 On earth that ne'er shall know decay ; 
 
 The ravages of war shall cease, 
 Beneath his mild and gentle sway. 
 
 The needy and the poor in him 
 Shall find a safe, a sure repose ; 
 
 His arm shall them from foes redeem, 
 And fall in vengeance on his foes. 
 
 Long as the sun and moon shall last, 
 
 They, they shall fear thy glorious name ; 
 
 Whose reign, when circling time is past, 
 Shall be eternally the same. 
 
 He shall descend upon the earth, 
 As rain upon the grass new mown — 
 
 As showers that bring the herbage forth, 
 Abundant from the lands new sown. 
 
 The righteous, in his glorious reign, 
 
 Shall flourish with his blessing crown'd 
 
 Long as the sun shall fix'd remain, 
 So long on earth shall peace abound. 
 
 From sea to sea, from shore to shore, 
 His wide dominion 'shall extend ; 
 
 All nations shall confess his power, 
 All people shall before him bend. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 169 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 The nations who on idols trust, 
 Low at Messiah's feet shall fall ; 
 
 His foes shall servile lick the dust, 
 And vengeance shall destroy them all. 
 
 There stand the Kings of Tarshish, there 
 The monarchs of the Isles are found ; 
 
 Sheba and Seba's Kings repair 
 
 Thither, and spread their gifts around. 
 
 All Kings shall fall before his face ; 
 
 All kingdoms bow before his throne ; 
 And still the poor, who seek his grace, 
 
 His tender care and love shall own. 
 
 His love will spare the helpless poor, 
 And save them from their enemies ; 
 
 Their souls he will redeem with power, 
 Their souls are precious in his eyes. 
 
 To him shall Sheba's gold be given — 
 To endless years his reign extend ; 
 
 Prayer shall be made to him in heaven, 
 And daily shall his praise ascend. 
 
 High on the mountain-tops the corn, 
 As cedars in the wind, shall shake ; 
 
 A numerous race of sons adorn 
 The city, and his grace partake. 
 Q 
 
170 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Long as the glorious sun endures — 
 So long endures his glorious name ; 
 
 The bliss of nations he secures, 
 
 And all shall sing his lasting fame. 
 
 Bles3*d be the Lord who reigns above, 
 The God of gods, the King of kings ; 
 
 Great is his power, and great his love, 
 He only doeth wondrous things. 
 
 Oh ! be his name for ever bless'd 
 By all the ransom* d race of men ; 
 
 And let his glory stand confess'd 
 By the whole earth, — amen, amen! 
 
 PSALM LXXIII. 
 
 Ver. 1—15. (l. m.) 
 
 Temptation in beholding the prosperous Sinner described, 
 and the Suggestion of Nature on the occasion* 
 
 Truly the Lord, our God, is kind, 
 
 To Israel his chosen race ; 
 The pure in heart shall ever find 
 
 The choicest favours of his grace. 
 
 But as for me, my wandering feet 
 Had almost left the righteous way; 
 
 When I beheld the sinners' state, 
 My steps had well nigh gone astray. 
 
 I saw them compass'd round by wealth, 
 And envy seiz'd my foolish heart ; 
 
 I saw them in the pride of health, 
 And to the grave in peace depart. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 171 
 
 They are not plagued as other men — 
 
 Sorrow to them is all unknown ; 
 Pride hangs about them, as a chain 
 
 They put the robe of rapine on. 
 
 Their eyes with pamper'd luxury swell, 
 More than they wish their hearts possess ; 
 
 Their tongues upon oppression dwell, 
 And boasting talk of wickedness. 
 
 Their blasphemy ascends the skies, 
 
 And runs through all the distant lands ; 
 
 The humble poor, with weeping eyes, 
 Mourn when delivered to their hands. 
 
 And yet they say, can God discern 
 The deeds that we in darkness do ? 
 
 Can the most high our actions learn, 
 And bring our secret thoughts to view ? 
 
 These are the men, the godless men, 
 Who prosper in this world below : 
 
 Increasing stores of ill-got gain 
 Abundant to their coffers flow. 
 
 Surely I cleans'd my heart in vain — 
 
 In vain have wash'd my hands from sin ; 
 
 All the day long my soul, in pain, 
 Has felt thy chastening hand within. 
 
 Thus had I well nigh said, but, oh ! 
 
 Should I against thy will inveigh, 
 I should offend thy saints below, 
 
 And haply cause their feet to strav. 
 
 q2 
 
172 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Yer. 16—24. (l. m^ 
 The Victory over the Temptation, 
 Mid doubts and fears I sought to learn 
 
 The ways of Providence below ; 
 But, pain'd, my thoughts could not discern, 
 Why 'tis the wicked prosper so. 
 
 Until, oh Lord, with sacred awe, 
 
 Thy holy place I did attend ; 
 And then, instructed from thy law, 
 
 I saw their state and latter end. 
 
 On slippery places, lo ! they stand, 
 
 From thence they sink to deep despair ; 
 
 They feel the vengeance of thy hand, 
 They lie consumed with terrors there. 
 
 Swift as the moment passes by, 
 
 Their fate o'ertakes them, and they fall ; 
 As visions of the night they fly, 
 
 And God despiseth when they call. 
 
 Thus was my heart with envy pain'd. 
 
 My reins with inward grief oppress'd ; 
 Foolish and ignorant I remain'd, 
 
 And reasonless I stood confess'd. 
 
 Still am I ever in thy sight, 
 
 Thy right hand guides my wandering feet ; 
 Thy counsels here direct me right, 
 
 And lead me to thy heavenly seat. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 173 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 25-28. (c. m.) 
 Trust in God. 
 
 Whom have I, Lord, in worlds above ? 
 
 But thee my soul requires ? 
 Nor aught below obtains my love, 
 
 Or wins my fond desires. 
 
 My heart and form may fail and die, 
 
 Nor succour yield to me ; 
 But God will saving strength supply — 
 
 My endless portion be. 
 
 The men that wander from the Lord, 
 
 Shall perish in his wrath ; 
 Idolaters by him abhorr'd, 
 
 Shall be destroyed in death. 
 
 But it is good, 'tis right and just, 
 
 For me to worship God ; 
 It is in him I put my trust, 
 
 His praise I spread abroad. 
 
 PSALM LXXIV. 
 
 (C. If.) 
 
 The Church deserted by God, intreats the Return of his 
 Favour. 
 
 Oh, God, and wilt thou not return, 
 
 And all our woes behold ? 
 Why doth thy wrath so fiercely burn 
 
 Against thv chosen fold? 
 q3 
 
174 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Think of the tribes redeem'd of yore, 
 
 From Egypt's dark abode ; 
 Thy Zion visit, Lord, with power, 
 
 Where once thy glory stood. 
 
 Lift up thy glorious feet in haste — 
 
 And view her ruin'd lands; 
 See o'er thy temple's fallen waste, 
 
 The foe exulting stands. 
 
 There where thy saints were wont to pray, 
 
 Thy foes tumultuous shout ; 
 Their ensigns they abroad display, 
 
 Hung in derision out. 
 
 As he with axe uplifted high, 
 
 Its sacred timbers hew'd ; 
 So now, oh Lord, thy foes destroy 
 
 The beauteous abode. 
 
 Hurl'd in their wrath, behold the flame, 
 
 Consuming, spreads around ; 
 Once consecrated to thy name, 
 
 Defiled it meets the ground. 
 
 Come, (thus they cry conjointly) come, 
 
 Destroy on every hand ; 
 And lo ! thy temples they consume, 
 
 By fire through all the land. 
 
 No signs of comfort as of old, 
 
 Thy presence now bestows ; 
 And not a seer lives to unfold 
 
 The period of our w 
 
rRE PSALMS OF DAVID. 175 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 How long, Almighty God ! how long, 
 Shall foes thv courts defame ? 
 
 For ever shall th' insulting tongue 
 Blaspheme thy holy name? 
 
 Why doth thy hand, thy right hand rest, 
 When foes demand thy wrath ? 
 
 Pluck it in vengeance from thy breast, 
 And scatter them in death. 
 
 Of old, my God and king, thy power 
 
 In my defence hath fought ; 
 For me through earth's extended shore, 
 
 Salvation thou hast wrought. 
 
 For me the waters of the sea 
 By strength thou didst divide ; 
 
 There lay the dragon smote by thee, 
 O'erwhelmed with all his pride. 
 
 Leviathan, with all his powers, 
 Lay crushed beneath thy feet ; 
 
 And to the beasts, on desert shores, 
 Thou gavest them for meat. 
 
 Forth from the rock a fountain flowVl 
 
 Smote by thy powerful hand ; 
 While Jordan's overflowing flood 
 - dried at thy command, 
 
176 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 By thee the day, by thee the night, 
 
 Alternate passes on; 
 Thy wondrous skill prepared the light, 
 
 Deep center'd in the sun. 
 
 Fix'd by thy power the earth remains, 
 Thy hand hath mark'd its bounds ; 
 
 Summer by thee its course maintains, 
 And winter walks its rounds. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Think of thy foes, thou God supreme, 
 Who thus thy courts defame : 
 
 And mark how folly's sons blaspheme 
 Thy dread almighty name. 
 
 Deliver not thy turtle-dove 
 
 Into the sinner's power ; 
 Nor yet for ever cease thy love 
 
 Toward the humble poor. 
 
 Regard thy ancient covenant, Lord, 
 Which firm through ages stood ; 
 
 For ail the land is full of fraud, 
 And violence and blood. 
 
 Let not the oppress' d who seek thy aid 
 
 Return again in shame ; 
 But let them view thy power display 'd, 
 
 And glorify thy name. 
 
THE FSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 Arise, oh God, in vengeance, rise, 
 Plead thy own cause and slay ; 
 
 In wrath remember how th' unwise 
 Blaspheme thee day by day. 
 
 Oh, hear their voice on every side, 
 Who thus insult thy power ; 
 
 Their clamorous tumults far and wide, 
 Increase from hour to hour. 
 
 PSALM LXXV. 
 
 (l. If.) 
 
 Government and Power ascribed to God. 
 
 To thee, O God, to thee we raise 
 The grateful tribute of our praise ; 
 Thy name to us is ever near, 
 As all thy wond'rous works declare. 
 
 When I establish'd stand in might, 
 Then will I rule the state in riirht ; 
 Commotions have dissclv'd the land, — 
 I bear its pillars in my hand. 
 
 Lift not the horn, ye fools, I cried, 
 Nor deal thus madly in vour pride ; 
 Lift not the horn, nor with disdain, 
 And stiff-neck power, oppose my reign. 
 
 Tis not from chance promotions rise, 
 Or east, or west, or southern skies ; 
 God is the judge ; he humbles one, 
 And lifts another to his throne. 
 
178 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Behold, in his almighty hand, 
 For all the rebels in the land, 
 There is a cup of wrath divine, 
 In colour deep as redden'd wine. 
 
 Full mix'd, from thence o'er all the earth 
 He pours his flaming vengeance forth ; 
 Even the dregs within the cup 
 Of vengeance sinners shall drink up. 
 
 But I to all the world around, 
 For ever will his w r orks resound ; 
 And fiird vsith sacred joy will raise 
 To Jacob's God the note of praise. 
 
 Mv arm shall crush the sinner's power ; 
 Cut off, they shall not triumph more ; 
 While high exalted in the land, 
 Rais'd from the dust, the just shall stand. 
 
 PSALM LXXVI. 
 
 (P. M.) 
 
 Israel saved ; the Assyrians destroyed. 
 In Judah's fair tents the Almighty is known ; 
 To Israel his name and his greatness are shown ; 
 In Salem he chooseth the tents of his grace, 
 And in Zion he reigns over Israel's race. 
 
 The mighty enclos'd us on every side, 
 He shiver' d in pieces the warrior's pride ; 
 The bow, and the shield, and the glittering 
 
 BW( rd, 
 Lav scatter' d around at his sovereign word. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 1 79 
 
 Oh ! Zion, thy glories are bright as the day, 
 Far fairer art thou than the mountains of prey; 
 The Assyrian warriors assault thee in vain, 
 They sleep in their pride, and they wake not 
 again. 
 
 They have slept their last sleep, their warfare 
 
 is o'er, 
 They take up their weapons for battle no more ; 
 Oh, Saviour of Jacob, at the blast of thy wrath, 
 The horse and its rider lie blended in death. 
 
 Thy name claims our fear ; who can stand in 
 
 thy sight, 
 When once thouarisest in wrath and in might; 
 The earth heard their doom from thy throne, 
 
 and was still, 
 When the meek of the earth were redeem'd at 
 
 thy will. 
 
 Thou, Lord, shalt be prais'd by the wrath of 
 
 man's race, 
 Henceforth shall his wrath be restrain'd by thy 
 
 grace ; 
 Bow, then, to the Lord, all ye nations, and bring 
 The offering of fear and of praise to your King. 
 
 To him the proud princes of nations submit, 
 They lie in humility low at his feet. 
 How dreadful is he to the monarchs below, 
 Whose pride and presumption have made him 
 their foe ! 
 
ISO A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM LXXVJI. 
 
 Ver. 1— ]0. (l. m.) 
 Struggle with Diffidence. 
 To God I rais'd my voice on high, 
 And he propitious heard my cry ; 
 In the dark day of deep distress, 
 From him alone I sought redress. 
 
 All night I felt the painful wound, 
 No healing medicine could be found ; 
 My troubled soul, bow'd down with grief, 
 Refused or comfort or relief. 
 
 I thought upon the love of God, 
 But thought, alas ! increas'd my load ; 
 The more in prayer my soul complain'd, 
 The more with grief my soul was pain'd. 
 
 Through each returning watch of night, 
 Thy wrath restrain'd my closing sight ; 
 My griefs so fill my lab'ring breast, 
 I cannot speak, nor can I rest. 
 
 I mus'd upon the days of old, 
 When thou thy mercies didst unfold ; 
 My mem'ry dwelt on olden times, 
 When thou forgavest all my crimes. 
 
 Back to my thoughts I call'd that song 
 Which once by night employ'd my tongue : 
 And then I turn mv thoughts within, 
 And search for some condemning sin. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 181 
 
 Will God for ever far remove? 
 Shall I no more behold his love ? 
 Are all his acts of mercy o'er ? 
 Shall truth support my soul no more ? 
 
 Hath he forgotten to be kind, 
 And me to deepest woe consign'd ? 
 Are all his tender mercies seal'd 
 In wrath, no more to be reveal'd ? 
 
 I said — but I forbid these fears, 
 
 Faith to my aid again appears ; 
 
 By faith to mem'ry back is brought 
 
 The changes which his hands have wrought. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 11—20. (l. m.) 
 
 The Victory over Diffidence gained by considering the 
 Works of God. 
 
 Lord, I will think upon thy power, 
 Will muse upon thy works of yore ; 
 On these I'll dwell with fond delight, — 
 These shall my joyful tongue recite. 
 
 In all thy works, my God, we trace 
 Thy holiness, and truth, and grace ; 
 Oh ! who can speak thy boundless powers ? 
 Oh ! wjio so great a God as ours ? 
 
 Of old, by wonders shown abroad, 
 Thy people saw and own'd thee God ; 
 By power, thy arm from Egypt freed 
 Jacob and Joseph's chosen seed. 
 
 R 
 
182 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 The waters saw the God appear — 
 The waters saw and fled with fear ; 
 The troubled depths were severed wide, 
 While Israel pass'd the foaming tide. 
 
 Forth from the clouds down stream' d the rain, 
 A sound through all the heavens ran ; 
 And all abroad, thy dreadful ire, 
 Was seen in flaming shafts of fire. 
 
 Thy voice in heaven with awful sound, 
 Spake in the thunders rolling round ; 
 Bright shone thy lightnings o'er the world, 
 Which trembled while thy bolts were hurl'd. 
 
 Thy way, oh God, was on the sea, 
 The waters made a path for thee ; 
 There, Lord, thy wondrous passage lay, 
 In paths no mortal could survey. 
 
 Like a vast flock, by power and grace, 
 Thy hand did guide thy chosen race ; 
 In safety to the promis'd land, 
 Moses and Aaron led the band. 
 
 PSALM LXXVIII. 
 
 (P. M.) 
 
 A Declaration of GocVs Dealings with the Israelites. 
 
 Give ear, oh my people, to my doctrine give 
 
 ear, 
 The words that I utter attentively hear ; 
 My lips shall the parable taught me unfold, 
 And truths in the mystical sayings of old. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 183 
 
 The deeds we have heard, and the deeds we 
 
 have known, 
 And the deeds that our fathers have handed us 
 
 down ; 
 We will not conceal from the offspring we love, 
 But will teach them that grateful our offspring 
 
 may prove. 
 
 We will speak of his praise and his wonderful 
 
 power, 
 And teach them his marvellous acts to adore ; 
 Thus runs his decree — of my wonders of grace, 
 Ye shall speak to your children from race unto 
 
 race. 
 
 That the children to come — the children unborn, 
 Their offspring my ways and my mercies may 
 
 learn ; 
 That they may remember the works of his hands, 
 And hope in his mercy, and keep his commands. 
 
 And not as their forefathers — stern rebel race — 
 Who slighted his mercy, nor thought of his 
 
 grace ; 
 A race who, falsehearted, had wander'd astray, 
 Whose wavering spirits pursued not his way. 
 
 As Ephraim's sons, who to warfare were bred, 
 Though arm'd with their bows from the battle- 
 field fled ; 
 So Israel deserted the covenant of God, 
 Nor tbought on his laws, works, or mercies 
 bestow'd. 
 
 r 2 
 
184 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 How vast were those works to our forefathers 
 
 shown, 
 Which he in the valley of Zoan made known ; 
 For them did he sever the hillowy deep, 
 And they passed through the waves as they stood 
 .... on a^heap. 
 
 With a column of cloud, and a fiery light, 
 
 He led them by day, and he led them by 
 
 night ; 
 And when parch'd with thirst their spirits did 
 
 sink, 
 He clave the hard rock, and he thence gave 
 
 them drink. 
 
 There issued a stream from its rod -smitten 
 
 breast, 
 And on like the course of a river it press'd ; 
 It flow'd with their host, as they pass'd on their 
 
 way, 
 A heavenly marvel seen day after day. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Still Israel sinn'd : — they provoked the most 
 
 high, 
 Even there where they tasted this gracious supply ; 
 They tempted their God in their hearts by 
 
 distrust, 
 And slaves they became of dishonouring lust. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID, 185 
 
 They spake against God, and they ask'd in 
 
 their pride, 
 In the wilderness can he a table provide ? 
 We own from the rock he made rivers to flow ; 
 But can he corn and flesh on his people bestow ? 
 
 They spake, and he heard — and his furious ire 
 Fell on Jacob and Israel as fierce flaming fire ; 
 Because they disdain'd to believe, and confide 
 In the aid that his mercy so oft had supplied. 
 
 He commanded the clouds ; from the heavenly 
 
 doors, 
 Celestial manna descended in showers ; 
 He supplied them with food from his storehouse 
 
 in heaven, 
 And they ate of the food which to angels is 
 
 given. 
 
 He caused an east wind to blow over the skies 
 In the south, by his word he bade it arise ; 
 Then thick as the dust, flesh fell in a shower, 
 And fowls, as the sand of the sea-beaten shore. 
 
 It fell in the midst of their tents, and around 
 Their camps were the quails in luxuriance found ; 
 They ate, and were fill'd, till no more they 
 
 require, — 
 His bounty exceeded their utmost desire. 
 
 Still did lusts most unlawful their spirits enslave, 
 Their wantonness led them to death and the 
 
 grave ; 
 While yet they were eating, on Israel's brow, 
 God's vengeance descended and laid their pride 
 
 low. r 3 
 
N OF 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 all this they sinn'd, and his spirit they 
 - ~'d, 
 Xor yet in his wonders of mercy believ'd ; 
 Hence their days were consum'd in wishes all 
 
 vain, 
 And their swift -flowing years in'sorrow and pain. 
 
 When the slain were before them, they sought 
 
 _:3.ce, 
 They return' d, and they cried for the light of 
 
 his face ; 
 Thev calTd him their rock, their redeemer and 
 
 'God, 
 Whilst they trembled beneath the scourge of 
 his rod. 
 
 But all their submission was seeming, was 
 
 feign' d. — 
 What they promis'd in trouble they never 
 
 maintain 'd ; 
 For the:; tre perverse, they wander'd 
 
 ray, 
 : i their leagne would observe, nor his laws 
 wuuld obey. 
 
 impassion, their sins he forgave, 
 His nner obdurate can save ; 
 
 Full oft in his mercy, he his wrath tura'd away, 
 vould to the full his displeasure display. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 He remembered they were a frail fleeting 
 
 \: -?.".':. 
 Thai ranis:, d :::zi r.e :.:■■= — ?-:. : returned not 
 
 :r;:.. ceatr. ; 
 Full oft they provok'd him, foil oft did they 
 
 -ve 
 In the desert, that power, that oft did relieve. 
 
 tempted their God by returning again* 
 His counsels eternal they sought to restrain; 
 
 X:r thcur::: :: - ~ .: :.-'... "-;;•__;:.: '.;• " ~: = 
 hand, 
 
 : t::. 2 :;.:;_ :de enemy's 
 
 Forgotten lie all those marks of his power, 
 
 \V:.e:_ :.-.= - ::_jz ■-.:. ;e :z-:z7.i~: : r. ZryTt's 
 
 into blood. 
 
 There, in myriads, swarm'd the devouring fly, 
 And frogs in abundance, their coasts did simply ; 
 The locust and beetle spread over their soil, 
 And ate up the fruit cf the husbandman 
 
 r vines by the hailstones was lost* 
 
 ■ 
 did fail. 
 
1 88 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Indignation and anguish, and fierce flaming 
 
 wrath, 
 Were scattered around by the Angel of Death ; 
 As a conquering chief in the midst of the land, 
 He scattered destruction on every hand. 
 
 He smote all the heirs of proud Egypt, — they lay 
 In every house, of his vengeance the prey ; 
 Then was heard through the land lamentation 
 
 and woe, 
 For their strength in Ham's tents was destroy'd 
 
 by the blow. 
 
 But Israel he led like a vast flock of sheep, 
 He guided them through both the desert and 
 
 deep ; 
 He led them on safely, untouch' d by a fear, 
 While their foes in the sea did all disappear. 
 
 By his power he led them to Canaan's land, 
 To Zion, the prize of his conquering hand ; 
 He cast out the heathen, and portion'd by line 
 Their inheritance, while in their tents they 
 recline. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Yet they tempted by sin, and incensed the 
 
 Most High ; 
 To the statutes of God they would never apply ; 
 But turn'd, as their fathers, unfaithful away, — 
 As an arrow misguided they wandei'd astray. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 189 
 
 They provok'd him to wrath with their hill 
 
 altars, where 
 The priest and the people united in prayer ; 
 They the God of their strength to jealousy 
 
 mov'd, — 
 With the gods they created, and bow'd to and 
 
 lov'd. 
 
 When he heard of their sin he was wrath, and 
 
 abhorr'd 
 That nation once lov'd, and who own'd him 
 
 their Lord; 
 And again on their heads his just vengeance 
 
 fell— 
 His Shiloh deserts, where he once lov'd to dwell. 
 
 He deliver'd his ark ro the enemy's hand, 
 His glory went down to the Philistines' land ; 
 He gave up their hosts to the glittering sword, 
 His inheritance bow'd to the wrath of the Lord. 
 
 Their youth in a the wars were consum'd all 
 
 around, 
 No virgins in nuptials With garlands were 
 
 cr own'd; 
 The priest, as a victim, with th' multitude bled, 
 And their widows mourn'd not o'er the corse of 
 
 the dead. 
 
 Again, as a giant from his slumbers arous'd, 
 Refresh'd by the wine in which he carous'd, 
 Jehovah awoke, and he shouted in wrath, 
 And scatter'd the foemen of Israel forth. 
 
190 A NEW VERSION OP 
 
 He pursued unopposed, and he smote all their 
 
 host ; 
 No more of their might and their valour they 
 
 boast ; 
 On their backs was imprinted indelible shame, 
 And reproach was the shroud of the warrior's 
 
 fame. 
 
 Now with conquest immortal Jehovah is crown'd, 
 But he is not wi^h Jacob or Ephraim found ; 
 Their tents he forsakes, while he reigns in his 
 
 grace, 
 On the mountain of Zion, o'er Judah's fair race. 
 
 There his temple in pride lifts its spires on high, 
 And firm as the earth its foundations lie ; 
 Sustain' d by the arm of his glorious power, 
 It shall stand in its strength'until time be no more. 
 
 And David, his servant, he chose for his own, 
 From the sheepfolds advanc'd him to sit on a 
 
 throne ; 
 He took him from tending the ewes on the mead, 
 The people of Jacob and Israel to feed. 
 
 Exalted on high by the heavenly will, 
 As a monarch he ruled over Israel still ; 
 As a shepherd he gathered his flock in his arms, 
 And fed them with care, and redeem'd them 
 from harms. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 191 
 
 PSALM LXXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 7. (eights.) 
 The Church, Jewish or Cltristian, complains of desolation. 
 
 The land where thy glory was found, 
 Oh, God, see the gentiles invade ; 
 
 Thy temple is cast to the ground, 
 Thy Salem in heaps they have laid. 
 
 The flesh of thy saints they have given, 
 All slaughter'd and mangled in wrath, 
 
 As prey for the fowls of the heaven, 
 And food for the beasts of the earth . 
 
 As water their blood they Lave shed, 
 In streams round thy Salem it flow'd ; 
 
 And none to the corpse of the dead 
 A grave in their pity besiow'd. 
 
 Our neighbours residing around, 
 Reproach our afflictions and shame ; 
 
 And nations far distant resound 
 
 With the scorn they have heap'd on our name. 
 
 How long, God of Israel, be wrath ? 
 
 For ever our woes shall we mourn ? 
 Shall the flames of thy vengeance, pour'd forth, 
 
 For ever in jealousy burn ? 
 
 On the heathen who know not thv power, 
 On the kingdoms that ask not thy grace, 
 
 Pour thy wrath ; who- thy Jacob devour, 
 And his lands and his dwellings deface. 
 
192 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—13. (l. m.) 
 
 The Church confessing her Sins^ the Cause of her Calamity 
 entreats Forgiveness. 
 
 Oh, not in wrath remember, Lord, 
 
 Iniquities of days gone by ; 
 Preventive grace to us afford, 
 
 For low in misery we lie. 
 
 God of salvation, send us aid, — 
 
 Save, save, our sinking souls from shame , 
 Be now thy pard'ning love display'd, 
 
 And tjius exalt thy glorious name. 
 
 Why shouldrthe foe thus taunting cry, 
 Where now is your deliverer Gpd ; 
 
 Reveal thyself in vengeance, by 
 The just revenging of our blood. 
 
 Oh, let the pris'ners' sighs ascend 
 
 To thee beyond the lofty sky ; 
 To them thy saving power extend, 
 
 To them unjustly doom'd to die. 
 
 And those who held thy power in scorn, 
 And cast reproaches on thy name ; 
 
 Back to their bosom, Lord, return 
 
 Sevenfold their vile reproach and shame. 
 
 So we the people of thy care, 
 
 And we thy chosen flock, oh Lord ; 
 
 For ever will our thanks declare 
 Thy praise to every age record. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 193 
 
 PSALM LXXX. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 7. (sevens.) 
 The Church in Captivity prays for Redemption. 
 
 Shepherd of thy Israel, 
 
 Guide of Joseph, lend an ear ; 
 From those seats where cherubs dwell, 
 Now in glorious pomp appear. 
 
 Benjamin entreats thy grace ; 
 
 Ephrahim and Manasseh join ; 
 Rise and save thy chosen race, 
 
 Go before in strength divine. 
 
 Oh, restore us, Lord, again ; 
 
 Now thy gracious face display : 
 When we thus thy grace obtain, 
 
 Sav'd, our griefs shall pass away. 
 
 God of angel hosts, oh say, 
 
 Say how long thy wrath will burn , 
 Shall thy people ever pray, 
 
 And their prayers meet no return ? 
 
 Fed with sorrow at thy hand, 
 
 Mingled bread and tears they eat ; 
 
 Tears they drink at thy command, 
 From a measure full and great. 
 
 All the neighbouring nations round, 
 For their helpless prey contest ; 
 
 And while they in strifes abound, 
 Join to make of us a jest, 
 
194 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh, restore us, Lord, again, 
 Now thy gracious face display ; 
 
 When we thus thy grace obtain, 
 Sav'd, our griefs shall pass away. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—13. (Eights.) 
 
 The Church in her Exaltation and Depression, described 
 under the Figure of a Vine. 
 
 From Egypt's unfriendly abode, 
 
 Thou hast brought up a vine by thy power ; 
 And, dispersing the nations abroad, 
 
 Didst plant it on Canaan's shore. 
 
 Full wide was the space to it given, 
 Deep fix'd in the earth were its roots ; 
 
 And bless' d with the favour of heaven, 
 The nation was fiU'd with its fruits. 
 
 The hills were embrac'd in its shade, 
 
 By its boughs the tall cedars were bound ; 
 
 To the uttermost ocean they spread, 
 And far as Euphrates were found. 
 
 Why, then, are her bulwarks cast down, 
 Which once did the nations defy ? 
 
 While the grapes that hang clust'ring thereon, 
 Are gather' d by all that pass by. 
 
 From his thicket forth issues the boar, 
 And the vine in his fury lays waste; 
 
 Each beast of the field to devour, 
 Comes onward with ravening haste. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 195 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 14 — 19. (sevens.) 
 A Prayer for Restoration. 
 
 God of hosts, again return 
 To our prayer, in love incline ; 
 
 From thy throne on high discern, 
 Come and visit this thy vine. 
 
 Mark the vineyard of thy care, 
 Planted by thy own right hand 
 
 See the branch so strong and fair, 
 For thyself once bade to stand. 
 
 By the flame its trunk decays, 
 Rooted up it strews the ground ; 
 
 At thy wrath's rebuking blaze, 
 Lo ! they perish all around. 
 
 On Messiah, rest thine hand, 
 
 Arm the son of man with might ; 
 
 In thy strength the sinking land, 
 Let him save and guide aright. 
 
 So from sin should we be free, 
 Never wand'ring from thy ways ; 
 
 Quicken'd, gracious God, by thee, 
 We thy holy name would praise. 
 
 Oh, restore us, Lord, again, 
 Now thy gracious face display ; 
 
 When we thus thy grace obtain, 
 Sav'd, our griefs shall pass awav. 
 s 2 
 
196 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM LXXXI. 
 
 Ver. 1—5. (sevens.) 
 
 An Exhortation to observe duly the Festivals of the 
 Church. 
 
 Now to God our strength, aloud, 
 Sing the hallow'd note of praise ; 
 
 Joyfully to Jacob's God, 
 
 Songs of holy triumph raise. 
 
 Take the psalm, the timbrels bring, 
 
 Wake to ecstasy the lyre ; 
 Touch the psaltery's pleasant string, 
 
 In a sweet harmonious choir. 
 
 Blow the trumpet's loudest blast, 
 
 See, the moon appears again ! 
 Now begins the annual feast, 
 
 Now begin the annual strain. 
 
 Thus to Israel's holy tribes 
 
 Was the ancient statute made ; 
 
 Jacob's God the law prescribes, 
 Which must ever be obey'd. 
 
 This to Joseph's seed was taught, 
 When redeem'd from Egypt's land ; 
 
 Through strange nations they were brought, 
 Whom they could not understand. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—12. (sevens.) 
 God expostulates with Israel. 
 Thus to Israel speaks their God, 
 
 " From your shoulders far away, 
 I remov'd the servile load, 
 
 And releas'd your hands from clay. 
 
 " When with bitter wrongs oppress'd, 
 Thou to me for aid didst call, 
 
 I those bitter wrongs redress'd, 
 
 And redeem' d thee from thy thrall, 
 
 " From my secret place on high, 
 'Midst the thunders, I replied ; 
 
 At the streams of discord, I, 
 In my wrath, your duty tried. 
 
 " Hear me, oh! my people, hear, 
 Mark the promise made to thee : 
 
 Israel, if your willing ear 
 Hearkens only unto me, 
 
 " Not in all thy coast around, 
 
 Shall an idol god appear ; 
 Nor where idol gods are found, 
 
 Shall ye bend adoring there. 
 
 " I alone will be your God, 
 
 Who from Egypt set thee free ; 
 
 Ask of me, and every good 
 
 Shall be then bestow' d on thee, 
 s 3 
 
 197 
 
198 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 " Thus I spake, but spake in vain, 
 Israel would not hear my voice ; 
 
 Still rebellious, with disdain, 
 They refus'd me as their choice. 
 
 " So I gave them up, a prey 
 
 To the lusts their hearts inspir'd : 
 
 Guideless, each one went astray, 
 In the paths that each desir'd." 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 13—16. (l. m.) 
 Disobedience the Ruin of the Israelites. 
 
 " Oh ! that my people," saith the Lord, 
 " Had duly hearken' d to my word ; 
 And still obedient had trod 
 The paths appointed by their God. 
 
 " Then by my power their foes had been 
 Subdued, till not a foe was seen ; 
 Their adversaries all around 
 Due vengeance from my hand had found. 
 
 " Despisers of my holy name 
 Had then bow'd down to me in shame ; 
 While Israel's sons had all been bless' d 
 With everlasting joy and rest. 
 
 " Their fruitful fields for them had been 
 Bedeck* d with smiling plenty then ; 
 And on them then had been bestow'd 
 Honey, as from the rock it flow'd. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 199 
 
 PSALM LXXXII. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 God the supreme Governor ; and Judges exhorted. 
 
 Where rulers in assembly meet, 
 
 Behold, the Lord Jehovah stands ; 
 Among earth's lords he takes his seat, 
 
 And truth and equity demands- 
 How long, ye judges, then, will ye 
 
 Unjustly deal your judgments round? 
 How long shall mighty sinners be 
 
 Guiltless by your decision found? 
 
 Behold the orphan and the poor, 
 In pity thou their cause defend ; 
 
 Let justice, in its awful power, 
 Th' afflicted and oppress' d befriend 
 
 When these, in poverty and need, 
 
 With might contend, their wrongs redress ; 
 
 Bid them in equity be freed 
 
 From lawless sinners who oppress. 
 
 They neither know nor understand, — 
 Onward in darkness, lo ! they stray ; 
 
 Those sure foundations of the land, 
 Justice and truth, alas ! decay. 
 
 I call'd you gods, pronounc'd you all 
 Immortal heirs of God most high ; 
 
 But, lo ! as tyrants ye shall fall, 
 And as the sons of Adam die. 
 
200 ( A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Arise, O God ! and truth maintain, 
 Thy justice to the world display ; 
 
 Now over all the nations reign, 
 
 For all shall own thy righteous sway. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIIL 
 
 Ver. 1 — 8. (eights.) 
 The Church complaineth of Persecution. 
 Thy silence no longer maintain, 
 
 Nor hold thou thy peace, oh, my God ! 
 Thy vengeance no longer restrain, 
 While ruin is spreading abroad. 
 
 For, lo ! in their fury, thy foes 
 
 Their tumults around us have spread ; 
 
 And those who in hatred oppose 
 Thy power, in scorn lift their head. 
 
 Thy people, O Lord, to destroy, 
 
 In counsel they craftily join ; 
 In wait for thy chosen they lie, 
 
 And form their most secret design. 
 
 (e Come, let us," combining, they say, 
 " Let us cut off the nation around ; 
 
 That Israel's name may decay, 
 
 And no more in remembrance be found." 
 
 Conjointly their counsels they take, 
 As one in their malice combine ; 
 
 Confederate against thee, they make 
 War open on thee and on thine. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 201 
 
 The tents of proud Edom here stand 
 With Ishmael's sons they unite 
 
 There Moab assembles his band 
 
 With the Hagarens arm'd for the fight. 
 
 And Gebal and Amnion are there, 
 Amalekites with them conspire; 
 
 While Philistia's armies appear, 
 Array' d with the offspring of Tyre. 
 
 With these the Assyrian power 
 
 In strictest alliance are join'd ; 
 And these, in their rage to devour, 
 
 With the vile race of Lot is combin'd. 
 
 Part 2 
 
 Ver. 9—18. (p. m.) 
 
 The Church pray eth for a Manifestation of Divine Power 
 on her Beluilf.\ 
 
 Lord, give in thy wrath the confederate foe, 
 As Midian of old, thy vengeance to know ; 
 As the armies of Sisera and Jabin, whose blood 
 Flow'd mingling onward with Kison's proud 
 flood. 
 
 Who at Endor by thee were scatter' d around, 
 And left as vile ordure bestrew' d o'er the ground ; 
 The slaughter of Zeeb and Oreb recall, — 
 As these, may their nobles ingloriously fall ! 
 
202 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Their mightiest princes, O Lord, may the fate 
 Of the vaunting Zalmuna and Zeba await ; 
 Who said in their pride, " Let us seize in our 
 
 hand, 
 And possess all the temples of God in the land." 
 
 Disperse thou their hosts as the thistle-down flies, 
 Or as stubble is driven in storms of the skies ; 
 As forests and mountains are wasted by fire, 
 With terrors pursue them in tempests of ire. 
 
 Oh ! bring them, my God, to confusion and 
 
 shame, 
 And bid them in penitence bow to thy name ; 
 But confounded and troubled, for ever may they 
 Be consum'd in thy wrath, who refuse to obey. 
 
 Then, then, by the nations thou, Lord, shalt alone 
 By the glorious name of Jehovah be known ; 
 Jehovah, the rebels subdued shall proclaim, 
 By power rules over creation's vast frame. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIV. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 3. (eights.) 
 Longing for the Presence of God. 
 God of Hosts, who in glory above 
 
 Display'st the bright beams of thy face, 
 How fair are the tents of thy love, 
 
 Where shines in its glory thy grace ! 
 My spirit is faint with desire, 
 
 She longs to bow down at thy shrine ; 
 And my heart and my flesh, Lord, aspire 
 
 To dwell in thy presence divine. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 203 
 
 The sparrow hath found a repose, 
 
 And the swallow hath found her a nest, 
 Where, shelter' d from storms and from foes, 
 
 Their nestlings in quiet may rest. 
 Round thine altars, my King and my God, 
 
 In their dwellings they peaceful abide ; 
 While exil'd I wander abroad, 
 
 And thine altars to me are denied. 
 
 How bless'd are thy servants above, 
 
 Who ever are hymning thy praise ! 
 And bless'd who thy succour shall prove, 
 
 On earth as they walk in thy ways ; 
 Who, passing this valley of tears, 
 
 Are refresh' d by the streams of thy grace ; 
 Advancing till each one appears 
 
 In Zion, beholding thy face. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 4 — 6. (eights.) 
 
 God of Hosts, from thy throne in the skies, 
 
 Oh, hear in thy mercy my prayer ! 
 God of Jacob, attend to my cries, 
 
 And give me those mercies to share. 
 Behold with thy favour divine. 
 
 Thou shield of thy chosen, the face 
 Of him, thine anointed, and shine 
 
 On me with the beams of thy grace. 
 
204 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 For a day in the courts of my God, 
 
 With the righteous, is better by far 
 Than a thousand, though pleasantly trod, 
 
 Where the workers of wickedness are. 
 Much rather, though mean, would I wait 
 
 As a keeper at his temple door, 
 Than exist in the proud tents of state, 
 
 With sinners exalted in power. 
 
 My God is a sun and a shield, 
 
 And glory and grace he will give ; 
 No blessing shall e'er be withheld 
 
 From the men who in holiness live. 
 God of Hosts, oh ! how blessed is he, 
 
 Who, on earth as he sojourns, in faith 
 Commits all his cares unto thee, 
 
 And trusts thee in life and in death. 
 
 PSALM LXXXV. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (c. m.) 
 
 The Redemption of the Israel of God celebrated, with a 
 Prayer for its full Accomplishment. 
 
 Lord, thou hast shone with beams of grace 
 
 Upon our native land, 
 Hast brought back Jacob's captive race, 
 
 With thy all potent hand. 
 
 Their crimes and their iniquity, 
 
 Thy mercy hath forgiven ; 
 And all their sin is cover'd by 
 
 The boundless love of heaven. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID.~ 205 
 
 No wrath hangs flaming o'er their head, 
 
 Lo ! all its flames decay ; 
 Thy fiercest vengeance once display'd 
 
 Thy love hath turn'd away. 
 
 Turn us, O God our Saviour, turn 
 
 Our wandering hearts to thee ; 
 And let the anger that we mourn 
 
 For ever cease to be. 
 
 Say, shall it know nor bound nor end, 
 
 Toward thy sinful race ; 
 Shall it from age to age extend, 
 
 Nor give to mercy place ? 
 
 Wilt thou not cause us once again 
 
 To hear thy pardoning voice ? 
 That we restor'd from sin and pain, 
 
 May in thy love rejoice. 
 
 For mercy, Lord, we wait and pray, 
 
 Oh ! be that mercy shown ! 
 Salvation to our souls display, 
 
 From thy eternal throne. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—13. (l. m.) 
 The Advent of Christ, and its blessed Effects. 
 
 With awe I wait my God's reply, 
 He bids his people cease to mourn ; 
 
 With peace he answers from on high, 
 That they may not to sin return. 
 
 T 
 
206 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Salvation waits at his command, 
 On those who own his sacred fear ; 
 
 That glory may, through all the land, 
 Replete with grace and truth appear. 
 
 Mercy and truth, so long disjoin'd, 
 
 Unite in the Messiah's face ; 
 And peace and righteousness combin'd, 
 
 Each other kiss in fond embrace. 
 
 Truth springs up glorious from the ground, 
 And righteousness descends from heaven ; 
 
 While God his blessings pours around, 
 And earth yields bounteous blessings given. 
 
 Lo ! righteousness precedes the God, 
 And marks for him his glorious way ; 
 
 He bids us mark the paths he trod, 
 Nor from his sacred footsteps stray. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVI. 
 
 Ver. 1—10. (s. m.) 
 
 A Prayer, grounded on Sincerity, and the Goodness and 
 
 Power of God. 
 
 Bow down a listening ear, 
 
 And hear, O Lord, my prayer ; 
 
 Needy and poor, I draw me near, 
 And supplicate thy care. 
 
 Preserve my sinking soul, 
 
 For holy are my ways ; 
 Thy servant save, his griefs control, 
 
 By thy divine displays. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 For mercy day by day 
 
 I lift my voice on high ; 
 That mercy to my soul display, 
 
 In answer to my cry. 
 
 Bid thou my soul rejoice, 
 On thee my hopes depend ; 
 
 To thee with supplicating voice, 
 My spirit doth ascend. 
 
 I know my God is good ; 
 
 How swift his pardons fly ! 
 To all, his mercy is bestow'd, 
 
 Who for that mercy cry. 
 
 Give ear, O God of love, 
 To my complaints give ear ; 
 
 Suppliant I lift my voice above, 
 My voice in mercy hear. 
 
 What time my troubles rise, 
 
 Thy succour I'll implore ; 
 And thou wilt answer all my cries, 
 
 And save me by thy power. 
 
 Among the gods around, 
 
 None owns with thee compare ; 
 
 Thy works all other works confound, 
 And none their glories share. 
 
 Form'd by thy glorious hand, 
 The world, with glad acclaim, 
 
 Before thy throne of grace shall stand, 
 And glorify thy name. 
 t 2 
 
208 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Great art thou, Lord, and great 
 The wonders thou hast done ; 
 
 All, all, shall at thy footstool wait, 
 And own thee God alone! 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 11—17. (sevens.) 
 Prayer and Thanksgiving. 
 Teach me, Lord, thy ways divine, 
 
 So will I thy truth proclaim ; 
 Unto thee my spirit join, 
 So will I revere thy name. 
 
 Then my heart, oh Lord my God, 
 Glad shall sing thy boundless praise ; 
 
 Then I'll spread thy name abroad, 
 In my songs, to endless days. 
 
 Boundless mercies thou hast shown, 
 Thus to all the world I'll tell ; 
 
 Thou hast sent deliverance down, 
 And redeem'd my soul from hell. 
 
 Gracious God, my aid be found 
 See the sons of strife and pride : 
 
 Rage in close alliance round, 
 While they cast thy fear aside. 
 
 But I know thou art a God 
 
 Full of pity and of grace ; 
 Slow to wrath, while every good, 
 
 Source of truth ! in thee we trace. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 Turn thee, Lord, thy grace and power, 
 To thy waiting servant show ; 
 
 That salvation I implore, 
 
 On thine handmaid's son bestow* 
 
 Now to me some token give, 
 That my foes asham'd may see, 
 
 Thou my sorrows doth relieve, 
 And that thou dost comfort me. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVII. 
 
 (sevens.) 
 The Nature and Glory of the Church* 
 
 High on Zion's holy hill, 
 
 There the Lord Jehovah dwells ; 
 
 Zion's gates most precious still, 
 Judah's fairest tent excels. 
 
 Glorious things of thee are told, 
 
 Zion, city of our God ; 
 There his glories wide unfold, 
 
 There he spreads his love abroad. 
 
 Rahab, in my memory, 
 
 Owr.s and finds a lasting place ; 
 Babylon shall look to me, 
 
 And her sons obtain my grace. 
 
 Midian and Palestine, 
 
 With Arabia shall share 
 in my glories : these are mine — 
 
 These were born successive there. 
 t3 
 
 209 
 
210 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 But of Zion, shall my tongue 
 Sing aloud its noblest theme ; 
 
 All of these to her belong, 
 All begotten unto him. 
 
 God established her in might, 
 And, behold her not in scorn, 
 
 When he counts his saints, will write, 
 There the man, the God was born. 
 
 There the sons of glory sing, 
 
 As they touch the sacred chords ; 
 
 Zion, as a living spring, 
 
 Light, and life, and joy affords. 
 
 PSALM LXXXVIII. 
 
 A Complaint, 
 (Eights.) 
 
 My Saviour by day and by night, 
 In prayer I have pleaded with thee ; 
 
 Oh, let them ascend in thy sight, 
 Incline thou thine ear to my plea. 
 
 For my soul, with repletion of woes, 
 Descends to the depths of the grave ; 
 
 I am counted as those that repose 
 In the pit with no power to save. 
 
 Set free from the world and forgot, 
 As those who are shrouded in clay ; 
 
 Whose names from the earth thou didst blot, 
 Consign'd by thy hand to decay. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 211 
 
 In the lowest abyss I am laid, 
 
 And darkness surroundeth'my soul ; 
 
 Thy vengeance descends on my head, 
 And thy billows around me do roll. 
 
 Mine acquaintance are hid from my sight, 
 With abhorrence they look from afar ; 
 
 Enclos'd in my prison of night, 
 I cannot come forth from despair. 
 
 The sight of my eyes is decay'd, 
 By reason of weeping and grief; 
 
 Yet, Lord, day by day have I pray'd, 
 And stretch' d out my hands for relief. 
 
 Oh, wilt thou unfold to the eyes 
 
 Of the dead, the display of thy power ? 
 
 Shall the sleepers, awaking, arise, 
 Thy wonderful works to adore ? 
 
 Shall thy kindness so boundless be told, 
 In the grave to its tenants around ? 
 
 Thy faithfulness wilt thou unfold, 
 
 In the tomb where destruction is found ? 
 
 Shall thy wonders of mercy be shown 
 In the darkness that ever remains ? 
 
 And thy righteousness, shall it be known 
 In the land where oblivion reigns ? 
 
 Unto thee, oh my God, I have cried 
 In the morning, to thee will I pray ; 
 
 Why banish my soul ? and why hide 
 Thy face in thine anger away ? 
 
212 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 From my youth I have tasted of woe, 
 From my youth I was ready to die ; 
 
 As I suffer thy terrors below, 
 Distracted in sorrow I lie. 
 
 Thy wrath goeth over my head, 
 By thy terrors I sink to decay ; 
 
 Around me as waters they spread, 
 All surging in threatening array. 
 
 My friends and my lovers by thee, 
 Are taken away from my sight ; 
 
 My familiars no more can I see, — 
 
 They are gone to the shadows of night. 
 
 PSALM LXXXIX. 
 
 Ver. I — 4. (c. m.) 
 For Christmas Day. 
 
 The Mercies of God, in Christ, celebrated as promised to 
 David. 
 
 Thy mercies, Lord, shall be my song, 
 
 To an eternal day ; 
 To every age my grateful tongue 
 
 Thy truth shall wide display. 
 
 That mercy thus inspir'd, I said, 
 
 For ever shall endure ; 
 That truth on firm foundations laid, 
 
 As heaven shall stand secure. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 213 
 
 " With David (thus doth God declare) 
 
 A covenant I have seal'd ; 
 To him my choice by oath I sware, 
 
 And thus my love reveal'd. 
 
 " Thy seed establish'd by my might, 
 
 For ever shall remain : 
 High on thy throne, before my sight, 
 
 To endless ages reign/' 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5 — 14. (sevens.) 
 Praise to God for his wonderful Works and Dispensations. 
 Heavenly hosts in songs, oh ! Lord, 
 Shall thy wondrous love record ; 
 While assembled saints below, 
 In thy church thy truth shall show. 
 
 Say, what seraph power on high 
 With the Lord in strength can vie; 
 Who, among the sons of might, 
 Dares on earth dispute his nglit. 
 
 When before him they appear, 
 God commands his saints to fear ; 
 Reverence should their hearts possess, 
 Who his glorious name confess. 
 
 Through the world, oh ! God of hosts, 
 Who such awful greatness boasts ? 
 Where, oh where, can truth be found, 
 As the truth that girds thee round ? 
 
214 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Fallen 'neath thy potent stroke, 
 Egypt's pride in pieces broke ; 
 From thy arm thy foes with dread, 
 Scatter'd in confusion, fled. 
 
 Heaven above, by right divine, 
 And the world below, is thine ; 
 Earth and all that earth contains, 
 Thy almighty hand sustains. 
 
 North and south, and east and west, 
 All were form'd by thy behest ; 
 Tabor shall adore thy name, 
 Hermon join with glad acclaim. 
 
 Mighty is thy arm, oh God, 
 Thus thy works proclaim abroad ; 
 All the counsels of thy will 
 Thy almighty hands fulfil. 
 
 Tis in justice thou dost reign, 
 Justice doth thy throne sustain ; 
 Truth and mercy, these we trace, — 
 These precede thy glorious face. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 15— 18. (seven?.) 
 The Happiness and Security of God's People, 
 When the trumpet blows around, 
 Bless' d are they who know the sound ; 
 They, oh, Lord ! sustain' d by grace, 
 They shall walk before thy face. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 215 
 
 In thy name, with heart and voice, 
 All the day shall they rejoice ; 
 In thy righteousness arise, 
 High exalted to the skies. 
 
 Thou their glory and their aid, 
 In thy arm their strength's display'd ; 
 In thy favour they shall be 
 Crown' d with lasting victory. 
 
 When by dangers press'd around, 
 Thou their strong defence art found ; 
 Thee, thou holy one, we sing, 
 Israel's God, and Israel's King. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 19—37. (l. m.) 
 
 The Covenant made with David, as the Representative of 
 Messiah. 
 
 Twas was thus the Lord in vision said, 
 And thus the holy seer made known : 
 
 M The mighty I have mightier made, 
 And rais'd my chosen to the throne. 
 
 " Tis him — my servant David — him 
 
 My holy unction overflows ; 
 My hand his footsteps shall redeem, 
 
 My arm shall guard him from his foes. 
 
 " No foe deceived shall him oppress, 
 Him no oppressor shall destroy ; 
 
 His foes I'll slay before his face, 
 
 And with my plagues their souls annoy. 
 
216 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 " My truth and grace his guide shall be, 
 In me exalted he shall stand ; 
 
 His' hand shall reach the utmost sea, 
 And Euphrates shall own his hand. 
 
 " My father God, thus shall he cry, 
 And me his rock of safety call ; 
 
 Him, as my first-born son, on high 
 I'll set, while kings before him fall. 
 
 " To him my mercy I'll command, 
 While endless ages shall endure : 
 
 With him my covenant shall stand, 
 Unchang'd, immutably secure. 
 
 " His numerous seed, from sire to son, 
 My power for ever shall sustain : 
 
 I will support his glorious throne, 
 Long as the days of heaven remain. 
 
 " But if his sons my law forsake. 
 Nor walk in my appointed way ; 
 
 If stubborn they my statutes break, 
 Nor yet will my commands obey;^ 
 
 " Then for their sins will I reprove, 
 And duly scourge them with a rod : 
 
 Yet will I not withdraw my love, 
 Nor cease to be a faithful God. 
 
 "My covenant oath shall stand secure, 
 Not aught I spake a change shall know j 
 
 Once by my holiness I swore, 
 Nor will I now my truth forego. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID '217 
 
 The seed of David and his throne, 
 
 Fix'd as the sun, shall meet my eyes ; 
 
 Shall be establish' d as the moon, 
 And as my witness in the skies. 
 
 Part 5. 
 
 Ver. 38—45. (l. m.) 
 The Church laments her distressful State. 
 
 Abhorr'd and cast away by thee, 
 Thine own anointed, Lord, we see ; 
 With him whom once thou lov'd'st in wrath, 
 Thou hast made void thy covenant oath. 
 
 That crown wherewith his head was crown'd, 
 Profan'd, lies cast upon the ground ; 
 Their right hand arm'd by thee with power, 
 Rejoicing, him his foes devour. 
 
 His sword, once keen, now strikes in vain, — 
 For edgeless it rebounds again ; 
 Thy strength, O Lord, from him withheld, 
 He shuns in flight the battle-field. 
 
 By thee forsook, his glory dies, 
 His throne in dust dishonour'd lies ; 
 By thee, his youthful days declin'd, 
 Are to a shameful death consigned. 
 
218 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 6. 
 
 Ver. 46—52. (l. m.) 
 A Prayer for the Accomplishment of God's Promise. 
 
 How long shall I in sorrow mourn ? 
 
 For ever wilt thou hide thy face ? 
 How long thy flames of anger burn 
 
 As fire, against thy chosen race ? 
 
 Remember, gracious Lord, how short 
 My life, how fast it flits away ; 
 
 Why hast thou made man thus for naught, 
 Or but created to decay ? 
 
 Oh ! where is he of might or name, 
 Against the doom of death can stand ? 
 
 Can save by innate power his frame 
 
 From the grave's fierce rapacious hand ? 
 
 Where is that boundless love and grace, 
 Of old, O Lord, by thee reveal'd ? 
 
 Which thou, to David and his race, 
 By oath irrevocable seal'd. 
 
 Mark the rebukes thy servants share, — 
 Oh ! see the bitter wrongs which wound 
 
 Our beating bosoms, as they bear 
 Reproach from all the nations round. 
 
 Hear how thy foes, elate with pride, 
 Blaspheme thy ever-glorious name ; 
 
 Thine own anointed they deride, 
 
 And put his slow approach to shame. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 219 
 
 Still will we sing, though sore distress' dj 
 Will sing aloud the grateful strain ! 
 
 Bless'd be the Lord Jehovah ! b'ess'd 
 For evermore — amen ! amen ! 
 
 PSALM XC. 
 
 Ver. 1—11. (l. m.) 
 An Address to God, and Complaint of Frailty, 
 
 From age to age, eternal Lord, 
 
 Thou, thou hast been our dwelling-place ; 
 Our only refuge is thy word, 
 
 Our only shelter is thy grace. 
 
 Ere fix'd the tow'ring mountains stood, 
 Or earth receiv'd her wond'rous frame, 
 
 From endless ages thou wert God, 
 And still for ever art the same. 
 
 But man — his frailty we mourn, 
 
 At thy command yields up his breath ; 
 
 Return, ye sons of men, return ! 
 
 Tis said — tis done — they sleep in death ! 
 
 As yesterday's departed light, 
 It pass'd away, no more to be ; 
 
 Or as a watch of silent night, 
 So are a thousand years to thee. 
 
 As with a swiftly-flowing stream, 
 The sons of men are borne away ; 
 
 They vanish as a passing dream, 
 And as the grass thev know decay, 
 u 2" 
 
220 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 At morn its blades, with dew-drops hung, 
 We view with vigour upwards rise ; 
 
 But ere the evening knell is rung, 
 Cut down, behold it withering dies. 
 
 Thine anger, Lord, consumes our race, 
 Thy vengeance sore disturbs our ease ; 
 
 Our sins are all before thy face, 
 And there are our iniquities. 
 
 Beneath thy frown, O Lord, we spend 
 In sorrow every passing day ; 
 
 Tales that are told — how quick they end ! 
 So transient glide our years away. 
 
 Our days are threescore years and ten ; 
 
 Should Heaven vouchsafe a longer day, 
 Our strength is weary toil and pain, 
 
 And soon from life we pass away. 
 
 Yet, gracious God, what man reveres 
 Thy power, in which is life and death ? 
 
 Yet e'en as man thine anger fears, 
 So art thou guided in thy wrath. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 12—17. (c. m.) 
 A Prmjer for Grace and the Mercies of Redemption. 
 
 Teach us, O Lord, to count our days, 
 
 That so we may apply 
 Our hearts to wisdom's sacred ways, 
 
 And learn to live and, die. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 221 
 
 Return, O Lord ! how long display 
 
 Thy wrath against our race ? 
 Turn thy fierce anger far away, 
 
 And show thy gracious face. 
 
 Early, my God, thy grace impart ; 
 
 May mercy be our song ; 
 So we thy praise, with joyful heart, 
 
 Will all our days prolong. 
 
 May mercy dry our falling tears, 
 
 And may our days of joy 
 Equal at least the term of years 
 
 Of sorrow passed by, 
 
 O let thy work of grace divine, 
 
 To us redeem'd appear ; 
 Thy glory manifested shine 
 
 Through each succeeding year. 
 
 Give us, O Lord our God, to see 
 
 The beauties of thy face ; 
 And let thy servants' labours be 
 
 Establish/ d by thy grace. 
 
 PSALM XCI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 8. (sevens.) 
 The Righteous secure under the Protection of Heaven, 
 He who makes his dwelling-place 
 In Jehovah's boundless grace, 
 Safe beneath his spreading shade, 
 Shall securelv rest his head, 
 u 3 
 
222 
 
 A NEW VERSION OP 
 
 Thus to God I'll say,— Thy power- 
 Is my fortress and my tower ; 
 He, my God, is all my boast, 
 And in him I'll fix my trust. 
 
 He shall, by his tender care, 
 Save thee from the fowler's snare ; 
 He shall be thy sure defence, 
 From the noisome pestilence. 
 
 Cover'd by his wings around, 
 There shalt thou secure be found ; 
 And his truth, to thee reveal'd, 
 Shall be thy immortal shield. 
 
 Not the terrors of the night 
 Ever shall thy soul affright ; 
 Not the shafts that fly by day, 
 Ever shall thy soul dismay. 
 
 Nor for plagues which unknown rise 
 In the darkness of the skies ; 
 Nor for sultry blasts, whose breath 
 Fills the mid- day air with death. 
 
 Thousands and ten thousands slain, 
 May around thy steps be lain ; 
 But no venom' d dart shall dare 
 Touch whom God commands to spare. 
 
 From thy place beyond the skies, 
 Thou shalt see with wbnd'ring eyes 
 Sinners meet their just reward, 
 Doom'd to perish by the Lord. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 9 — 14. (sevens— six lines.) 
 
 Since thy refuge is in God, 
 
 Since in him, the Lord Most High, 
 Thou hast made thy sure abode, 
 
 Thou may'st every ill defy ; 
 Thee no dangers shall await, 
 Nor the plague approach thy gate. 
 
 Angels, all thy passing days, 
 By the Lord's divine command, 
 
 Shall preserve thee in thy ways, 
 And shall bear thee in their hand , 
 
 Lest thou, in some path unknown, 
 
 Dash thy foot against a stone. 
 
 Thou, by might from heaven endued, 
 On the lion's power shalt tread; 
 
 Thou by wisdom shalt elude, 
 
 And shall crush the serpent's head ; 
 
 Dragons shall thy vengeance meet, 
 
 Vanquish' d lie beneath thy feet. 
 
 " Since he loves me," saith the Lord, 
 " Him from dangers I will free ; 
 
 Since he hath my name ador'd, 
 He on high my grace shall see ; 
 
 He for aid to me shall cry, 
 And in love will I reply. 
 
 223 
 
224 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 " When with various griefs oppress'd, 
 I to save him will be near ; 
 
 I will set his griefs at rest, 
 Make his glory to appear ; 
 
 Length of days will I bestow, 
 And my strong salvation show! ,, 
 
 PSALM XCII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 11. (sevens.) 
 A Psalm for the Sabbath. 
 
 Sweet it is, with glad accord, 
 In our songs to thank the Lord ; 
 Sweet it is, with loud acclaim, 
 Oh ! Most High, to praise thy name. 
 
 Sweet, at early dawn of day, 
 All thy mercy to display ; 
 And while evening shades appear, 
 All thy faithfulness declare. 
 
 Sweet to sing, with one consent, 
 To the ten-string' d instrument ; 
 While the tuneful psalteries join 
 With the harp of sound divine. 
 
 Tis thy works that cause my joy, 
 'Tis thy works my songs employ ; 
 These my soul shall glad review, 
 And her triumphs, Lord, renew. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 225 
 
 Oh ! how glorious they appear, 
 And thy thoughts, how deep they are ! 
 But unreasoning man nor learns, 
 Nor the fool thy work discerns. 
 
 When the wicked, as the flower, 
 Springs and flourishes in power, 
 Then it is thy sovereign breath 
 Blasts them with eternal death ! 
 
 While for ever, thou, Most High, 
 Reign'st beyond the starry sky, 
 Lo! thy bold transgressing foes, 
 Scatter'd, perish in their woes. 
 
 But I shall, by thee upborne, 
 As the reem lift up my horn ; 
 Thou on my exalted head 
 Shalt the sacred unction shed. 
 
 I shall see, w T ith wond'ring eyes, 
 Ruin seize mine enemies ; 
 I shall hear destruction's woes 
 Spreading midst my numerous foes. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver 12—15. (Eights.) 
 The Righteous fruitful in Good Works. 
 
 The works of the righteous, how fair ! 
 
 How they flourish in graces below ! 
 As the palm-tree on high they appear, 
 
 As the cedar in Lebanon, grow. 
 
2*26 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 They, planted and water' d by grace, 
 Bud forth in the courts of our God ; 
 
 And fruit to the end of their race, 
 Produce to his glory abroad. 
 
 They, laden with virtues, display 
 His goodness and justice around ; 
 
 My God is my rock and my stay, 
 
 Nor unrighteousness in him is found. 
 
 PSALM XCIII. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 Messiah's Kingdom. 
 
 He reigns, the Lord Jehovah reigns, 
 Enrob'd with strength and majesty ; 
 
 His hand created, and sustains, 
 
 The world which still unmov'd shall be. 
 
 Of old, almighty Lord, thy throne 
 
 Was fix'd beyond the shining spheres ; 
 
 There shalt thou reign as God alone, 
 Unchangeable to endless years. 
 
 The angry floods, oh Lord, arise, 
 
 And lift their voice and waves on high ; 
 
 Thy voice is heard above their noise, — 
 Hush'd by that voice, how calm they lie. 
 
 Thy promises of truth and grace, 
 
 Nor change nor end shall ever know ; 
 
 Hence, everlasting holiness 
 
 Becomes thv house and saints below. 
 
 \ 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 227 
 
 PSALM XCIV. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 11. (eights.) 
 A Complaint in corrupt and troublous Times. 
 Thou, God, to whom vengeance belongs, 
 
 That vengeance unfold to our view ; 
 Arise, as the judge of our wrongs, 
 And give to the haughty their due. 
 
 How long shall the wicked take pride 
 In reducing thy servants to shame ; 
 
 How long shall they, boasting, deride 
 Thy power, and scoff at thy name. 
 
 They scatter thy flock in dismay — 
 
 Thy heritage suffer their wrath ; 
 The widow and stranger they slay, 
 
 And the orphan deliver to death. 
 
 Yet they say that the Lord shall not see — 
 Nor the Saviour of Jacob discern ; 
 
 Ye foolish, oh, when will ye be 
 Enabled by wisdom to learn ? 
 
 That God who created the ear, 
 
 Say, shall he be deaf to their cry ? 
 
 And shall not their sufferings appear 
 To him who created the eye ? 
 
 And he, the dread judge of mankind, 
 Say, shall he not punish each foe? 
 
 And he who instructeth the blind, 
 Sav, is he unable to know ? 
 
228 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 He knows in his wisdom; he knows 
 The thoughts and the actions of men ; 
 
 All bare are the hearts of his foes 
 
 In his sight, and he counts them but vain. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 12—15. (l. m.) 
 The Persecuted happy if endowed with Faith and Patience, 
 
 Bless'd is the man, almighty God, 
 Whom thou in mercy keep'st in awe ; 
 
 Who, while he feels thy chastening rod, 
 Receives instruction from thy law. 
 
 He shall in peace and quiet rest, 
 
 Safe shelter'd in the evil day ; 
 While God a pit for th' unblest, 
 
 Prepares, where sink they in dismay. 
 
 What though the Lord his saints chastise, 
 
 His nature cannot cease to love ; 
 Nor from the favour' d of the skies, 
 
 Will he in anger far remove. 
 
 Thy judgment, Lord, shall yet return, 
 The world thy justice shall confess ; 
 
 Thy saints thy sacred ways shall learn, 
 And tread the paths of righteousness. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 229 
 
 PSALM XCV. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (eights.) 
 An Invitation to worship and praise God. 
 Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord, 
 
 Inflam'd be each heart and each tongue ; 
 To praise, with delightful accord, 
 The rock our salvation, in song. 
 
 Let us enter the presence of God, 
 The note of thanksgiving to raise ; 
 
 To spread his glad triumphs abroad, 
 And swell the loud anthem of praise. 
 
 For the Lord, as a king above all, 
 
 Reigns glorious on heaven's high throne ; 
 
 To him heathen deities fall, 
 
 And thrones and dominions bow down. 
 
 In his hand lie the depths of the earth — 
 The mountains he holds in his hand ; 
 
 He bade the wide ocean come forth, 
 And by power created the land. 
 
 Come, then, let us bow to the Lord, 
 
 Let us low in humility fall — 
 Let us kneel at his throne in accord, 
 
 And own him the Maker of all. 
 
 For he is our God, ever good — 
 Our shepherd who for us provides ; 
 
 As his flock he supplies us with food, 
 As his sheep by his spirit he guides. 
 
230 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8-11. (cm.) 
 A Warning not to tempt God. 
 
 To-day, if you will hear the Lord, 
 
 Attend his warning voice ; 
 Oh, hearken to his sacred word, 
 
 And in his love rejoice. 
 
 " Behold," saith he, " my wondrous love, 
 My wondrous works behold ; 
 
 Nor let your hearts as stubborn prove, 
 As those in days of old. 
 
 " When in the lonely wilderness, 
 
 Your fathers brake my law : 
 And tempting me, did each transgress, 
 
 Although my works they saw. 
 
 " Full forty years my soul was griev'd, 
 
 To see them go astray ; 
 Full forty years they disbelieved, 
 
 Nor would observe my way. 
 
 " Till tir'd, at length I sware in wrath, 
 
 Israel shall be unbless'd — 
 Shall for rebellion bow to death, 
 
 Nor enter in my rest. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 231 
 
 PSALM CXVI. 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (s. m.) 
 An Exhortation to praise, and to acknowledge the Supre- 
 macy of Messiah. 
 
 Come, sing a new-made song, 
 
 Sing, loud, Jehovah's praise ; 
 Let all the earth the notes prolong 
 
 In loud triumphant lays. 
 
 In Psalms his praise display, 
 
 And bless his saving name ; 
 His great salvation, day by day, 
 
 With fervid zeal proclaim. 
 
 His glory wide declare, 
 
 Amid the heathen lands ; 
 Bid all mankind attend and hear 
 
 The wonders of his hands. 
 
 Great is the sovereign Lord, 
 And great his praise should be ; 
 
 He should be fear'd, and he ador'd 
 Above each deity. 
 
 The Gods on whom they call, 
 
 Are but of wood and stone ; 
 But he, before whose feet we fall, 
 
 Built heaven's eternal throne. 
 
 With endless honours crown'd, 
 
 In majesty he reigns ; 
 Beauty and strength his courts surround, 
 
 And power his throne sustains. 
 x 2 
 
232 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—13. (c. m.) 
 Honour and worship due to God. 
 Let every nation, every tribe, 
 
 Jehovah's praise proclaim, 
 The honour and the strength ascribe 
 To his Almighty name. 
 
 Within his temple's sacred courts, 
 
 Let men their tribute pay ; 
 Where he in holiness resorts, 
 
 Let nations fearing pray. 
 
 Say to the heathen world around, 
 
 The Lord Jehovah reigns ; 
 His hand supports the solid ground. 
 
 And righteousness maintains. 
 
 Let the whole earth and heaven rejoice, 
 
 Let ocean roar his praise ; 
 Valleys and groves, with cheerful voice, 
 
 Their noble triumphs raise. 
 
 For lo ! he comes, he comes in might, 
 
 Exalted on his throne ; 
 He comes to judge the world in right, 
 
 And make his justice known. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 233 
 
 PSALM CXVII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 6. (l. m.) 
 The Majesty of Messiah's Kingdom. 
 He reigns, the Lord Jehovah reigns, 
 
 Let all the earth in song rejoice ; 
 Let distant islands join the strains, 
 And praise him with united voice. 
 
 Pillars of clouds surround his throne, 
 And darkness rolls beneath his feet ; 
 
 Justice and truth combin'd in one, 
 Support him on his awful seat. 
 
 Before him he a fire displays, 
 
 Its flames his foes around devour ; 
 
 The earth beholds his lightnings blaze, 
 And trembling fears and owns his power. 
 
 The lofty hills that pierc'd the sky, 
 At his approach, amaz'd, retire; 
 
 Before creation's Lord, they lie, 
 Dissolv'd as wax before the fire. 
 
 The heavens above aloud declare 
 His righteousness to all abroad ; 
 
 While unto earth's whole race appear 
 The power and glory of our God. 
 
 x 3 
 
234 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—9. (p. m.) 
 
 The Church rejoicing in the Fall of Idolatry. 
 
 Their fall from heaven is sounded, 
 
 The Idol Gods around ; 
 The nations all confounded, 
 
 Behold them on the ground. 
 Oh, where is now their glory ? 
 
 And where is now their trust ? 
 They bow, oh God, before thee, 
 
 Commingled with the dust. 
 
 Zion the tidings heareth, 
 
 And lifts her voice on high ; 
 And Judah's daughter weareth 
 
 The garments glad of joy ; 
 The song of triumph singing, 
 
 They make thy judgments known, 
 And praise thy name, for bringing 
 
 The heathen to thy throne. 
 
 Surpassing earthly glory, 
 
 Thy throne is fix'd above ; 
 Where hosts of heaven adore thee, 
 
 And triumph in thy love ; 
 Unrivall'd in thy station, 
 
 All creatures thee adore ; 
 The Gods of every nation 
 
 Confets thy sovereign power. 
 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 235 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 10—12. (l. m.) 
 
 The Duty of Holiness, Thankfulness, and Joy inculcated. 
 
 Ye happy souls who love the Lord, 
 Be evil by your hearts abhorr'd ; 
 He keeps his saints from harm secure, 
 And saves them from the sinner's power. 
 
 For you whose ways are just and right, 
 Are sown the seeds of heavenly light ; 
 For you immortal joys are sown, 
 Which spring and bloom in worlds unknown. 
 
 Sing, then, ye righteous, and rejoice, — 
 Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice ; 
 Deep in your hearts record his grace, 
 And thank him for his holiness. 
 
 PSALM XCVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 3. (sevens.) 
 The Victory of Messiah. 
 
 Sing, ye nations, to the Lord, 
 In new strains his praise record ; 
 Sing the wonders he hath done, 
 Sing the victories he hath won. 
 
236 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 By his own right hand, the foe 
 Vanquish'd lies in deeps helow ; 
 By his arm uplifted high, 
 He hath won the victory. 
 
 Through the earth, from heaven's high throne, 
 He hath made salvation known ; 
 Wide his righteousness unfolds, 
 While the heathen world beholds. 
 
 He to Israel's chosen race 
 Sends his promis'd truth and grace ; 
 While remotest lands abroad, 
 See and own their Saviour God. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 4 — 9. (sevens.) 
 Man, and the whole Creation, exhorted to praise Jehovah. 
 
 Nations, rise in holy joy, 
 All your noblest powers employ ; 
 Loud your voice in triumph raise, — 
 Sing, oh sing, Jehovah's praise. 
 
 With the harp his praise rehearse, 
 With the harp and grateful verse ; 
 Bring the trump, the cornet bring, — 
 Let them sound before your king. 
 
 Ocean, roar his praise divine, 
 All therein in concert join ; 
 While the earth and all that dwell 
 On the earth the chorus swell. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 237 
 
 Let the floods, ascending high, 
 Clap their hands and join the joy ; 
 Let the cloud-topp'd hills rejoice, 
 Singing with exulting voice. 
 
 Lo, he comes, the Lord of grace 
 Comes to judge earth's guilty race ; 
 He with truth and justice comes, 
 These rewards, and those he dooms. 
 
 PSALM XCIX. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 5. (eighths — sevens.) 
 Christ's Kingdom and Majesty, 
 Lo, he reigns the Lord victorious, 
 
 Let the nations own his sway ; 
 
 Reigns amidst the cherubs glorious, 
 
 Let the trembling earth obey. 
 
 In his Zion's lofty towers, 
 
 Wond'rous high and wond'rous great ; 
 Far above all earthly powers, 
 
 There he dwells enthron'd in state. 
 
 Let then all, to him submitting, 
 
 Praise his great and dreadful name ; 
 
 At his feet submissive sitting, 
 Loud his holiness proclaim. 
 
 Truth and justice, these combining, 
 Share thy love, oh, King of Might ; 
 
 On thy judgments, Lord, reclining, 
 Jacob owns them just and right. 
 
238 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh, then, let your songs, ascending 
 
 High, exalt Jehovah's praise; 
 At his footstool humbly bending, 
 
 Sing, how holy, Lord, thy ways. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—9. (p. m.) 
 Encouragement to worship God. 
 
 When Moses, and Aaron, and Samuel pray'd, 
 As priests for the people, to God, 
 
 A gracious reply in his merey he made — 
 He spake in the pillar of cloud. 
 
 Observant, they follow'dhis laws and his will, — 
 
 Obedient, they lov'd to obey ; 
 Thou heard'st and forgavest them, merciful still, 
 
 Though vengeance was gone forth to slay ! 
 
 Then, in songs of rejoicing, exalt ye the Lord, 
 In worship bow down at his hill ; 
 
 For the Lord whom the saints of all ages ador'd, 
 Is holy and merciful still. 
 
 PSALM C. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 
 Praise to the Creator. 
 
 Join, all ye nations, in accord, 
 With cheerful voice, to bless the Lord ; 
 To him your grateful homage pay, 
 And in his presence wake your lay. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 239 
 
 The Lord is God, and God alone, — 
 His hand hath formed us, not our own : 
 We are the people whom he guides, 
 His sheep for whom his love provides, 
 
 Oh, enter then his gates with song, 
 And in his courts his praise prolong ; 
 There in glad notes your thanks proclaim, 
 And bless, oh bless, his holy name. 
 
 The Lord is good : for ever sure, 
 His boundless mercy doth endure ; 
 His truth hath stood, and yet shall stand, 
 Unchang'd to every age and land. 
 
 PSALM CI. 
 
 (Eights.) 
 The Monarch's or Magistrate's Psalm. 
 
 Of mercy and judgment in song, 
 To thee, oh my God, will I sing , 
 
 For mercy and judgment belong 
 Alone to thee, heavenly king. 
 
 I will show to my people thy ways, — 
 Oh, when will thy spirit appear ? 
 
 What time I shall view its displays ; 
 I will govern my house in thy fear. 
 
 No evil shall stand in my sight, 
 From evil I'll turn me away ; 
 
 I hate what gives sinners delight, 
 Nor will I submit to its sway. 
 
240 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Whose heart from reproof turns aside, 
 From me and my house I'll expel ; 
 
 In the wicked I'll never confide, 
 Nor shall they in memory dwell. 
 
 The slanderer who seeks to destroy 
 The peace of his neighbour, I'll slay ; 
 
 And the heart that is proud, and the eye 
 That is lofty, by me shall decay. 
 
 But those who are faithful and just, 
 In friendship shall dwell in my sight ; 
 
 In those I'll repose all my trust, 
 
 Whose souls in thy statutes delight. 
 
 No deceiver to favour shall rise, 
 
 Nor yet in my courts shall he dwell ; 
 
 And the tongue that delighteth in lies, 
 For ever from me I'll expel. 
 
 In zeal I will early begin, 
 
 To suppress all the wicked by power ; 
 That they, the vile workers of sin, 
 
 May be seen in thy city no more. 
 
 PSALM CII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 12. (c. m.) 
 A Prayer for the Afflicted. 
 Oh, to thy humble suppliant's prayer, 
 
 In mercy, Lord, attend; 
 And let my cry of deep despair 
 Up to thy throne ascend. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 241 
 
 Not from my woes conceal thy face, 
 
 When troubles round me fall ; 
 Incline thine ear, and with thy grace 
 
 Reply whene'er I call. 
 
 By grief my days consume away, 
 
 As smoke in air expires ; 
 Asa parch' d hearth my bones decay, 
 
 Dried up by constant fires. 
 
 My heart, as fades the smitten grass 
 
 Beneath the noon- day heat, 
 Fades, withering fades, while I, alas ! 
 
 In grief my food forget. 
 
 By reason of my ceaseless groans, 
 
 From sorrow felt within, 
 My flesh is wasted, and my bones 
 
 Cleave close unto my skin. 
 
 Like as the pelican I mourn, 
 
 In solitude my grief ; 
 And as the bittern sit forlorn — 
 
 Nor can I find relief. 
 
 I watch and wait in humble hope, 
 
 But watch and wait in vain ; 
 I, as a sparrow, on the top 
 
 Of some lone roof complain. 
 
 All day reviling, they, my foes, 
 
 But treat me with their scorn ; 
 And those who madly me oppose, 
 
 Against my life are sworn. 
 
 T 
 
242 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 My hunger I have satisfied, 
 
 With ashes as with bread ; 
 My cup abundant is supplied, 
 
 With tears that I have shed. 
 
 Thy wrathful terrors on me lie, 
 
 I view thy angry frown ; 
 For thou hast lifted me on high, 
 
 And thou hast cast me down. 
 
 Swift as the evening's shadows pass — 
 
 My days depart away ; 
 As withering dies the new-mown grass, 
 
 My beauty feels decay. 
 
 But thou in glory, gracious Lord, 
 
 For ever shalt endure ; 
 To every age, thy promis'd word 
 
 Shall stand profound, secure. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 13—22. (l. m.) 
 The Restoration of Zion predicted. 
 
 Thou shalt arise in mercy, Lord, 
 Thy Zion to rebuild with power ; 
 
 Soon shall her glories be restor'd, 
 For now is her appointed hour. 
 
 Thy saints her ruins have survey'd, 
 And wait her rise with fond delight 
 
 Her stones in dust and ruins laid, 
 Are precious in thy servant's sight. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. "243 
 
 Then shall the Gentile nations fear 
 The Lord Jehovah's awful name ; 
 
 Thy glory shall through earth appear, 
 And kings thy glory shall proclaim. 
 
 When God again shall Zion rear, 
 
 Then shall his glories round him rise ; 
 
 He will regard the mourner's prayer, 
 Nor ever will their prayer despise. 
 
 Succeeding ages shall discern 
 
 This written in his promis'd word ; 
 
 And nations yet unborn shall learn, 
 From age to age, to praise the Lord. 
 
 Lo, from his sanctuary's height, 
 He cast his gracious eyes below ; 
 
 From heav'n he look'd with pitying sight 
 On earth, and saw the mourner's woe. 
 
 He hears the pris'ner's groans around, 
 And saves the captives doom'd to die ; 
 
 That Zion may with praise resound, 
 And Salem raise her songs on high. 
 
 When all his chosen shall combine, 
 To worship him with one accord ; 
 
 And distant kingdoms glad shall join, 
 In holy joy to serve the Lord. 
 
 
244 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 23-28. (c. m.) 
 The Mortality of Man, and Eternity of the Redeemer. 
 Oh Lord ! by thy consuming wrath, 
 
 My vigour fast decays : 
 By thee delivered unto death, 
 How short become my days. 
 
 But thou, my God, extend thy power, 
 
 Nor take me thus away 
 Amid my days — thy years endure 
 
 To an eternal day. 
 
 Of old, the earth's foundations, Lord, 
 
 Were laid at thy command ; 
 And all the heavens were spread abroad, 
 
 By thy almighty hand. 
 
 - These, mighty God, shall pass away, 
 While thou shalt still endure ; 
 These as a garment shall decay, 
 Through time's destroying power. 
 
 Their pomp and glory all shall fade, 
 
 And change by thy decree ; 
 While thou the same art still display'd, 
 
 Through all eternity. 
 
 But, Lord, thy saints shall still survive, 
 
 A long-continued race ; 
 Established their seed shall live, 
 
 Before thy holy face. 
 
! 
 
 THE PSALMS OF DAVID. "245 
 
 PSALM CI II. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (l. m.) 
 Praise for Redeeming, Forgiving, and Restoring Mercy. 
 
 Arise, my soul, and with delight, 
 While all my inmost powers unite, — 
 Arise, Jehovah's praise proclaim, 
 And bless, oh ! bless his holy name. 
 
 Bless thou the Lord, my soul, nor yet 
 His favours so divine forget ; 
 Who pardoneth thine iniquities, 
 Healing in mercy thy disease. 
 
 His holy arm, outstretch'd to save, 
 Redeem'd thee from the opening grave ; 
 He hath encircled thee around 
 With love, and thee with mercies crown'd. 
 
 Tis he supplies thy choicest food, 
 And gives thee to enjoy each good ; 
 Thy youth renew' d by these supplies, 
 Like a young eagle mounts the skies. 
 
 While on the proud his judgments rest, 
 His hand redeem'd the poor oppress'd ; 
 Thus Moses saw his grace reveal'd, 
 And Israel thus his works beheld. 
 
 y 3 
 
246 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—13. (c. m.) 
 Divine Compassion. 
 
 The Lord, how kind, how full of love, 
 
 To man's rebellious race ; 
 While his just wrath is slow to move, 
 
 How freely flows his grace. 
 
 Not always will he chide, nor will 
 
 His anger always flow, 
 Nor as our sins deserve, we feel 
 
 The just-awarded blow. 
 
 High as the heavens are rais'd above 
 Creation's wond'rous frame; 
 
 So high is his abounding love, 
 For those that fear his name. 
 
 Far as the eastern beams disperse 
 The night beyond the west, 
 
 So far hath he remov'd from us 
 Iniquities confess'd. 
 
 Like as a father's tender care 
 His children's wants remove, 
 
 So those who fear the Lord shall share 
 His pity and his love. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 247 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 14—18. (l. m.) 
 Mans Frailty and God's Eternal Mercy. 
 Th' Almighty God our frame surveys, 
 
 And knows it is but dust — no more — 
 Man, mortal man, as grass decays 
 And fades, as fades the vernal flower. 
 
 Sudden the wind, with piercing blast, 
 Sweeps o'er the field, and io ! it dies ; 
 
 Drooping, its beauties all are pass'd, 
 Nor in its place again shall rise. 
 
 But, Lord, thine everlasting love 
 
 Shall to eternal years endure ; 
 Thy saints in every age shall prove 
 
 Thy mercy fadeless and secure. 
 
 Thy righteousness, almighty Lord, 
 
 Their children's children glad shall view, 
 
 Who keep the covenant of thy word, 
 And thy divine commands pursue. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 19—22. (l. m.) 
 God's Universal Dominion. 
 The Lord our God hath fix'd his throne, 
 
 His everlasting throne, on high : 
 And thence he rules, by power unknown, 
 O'er all the earth and all the skv. 
 
• 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Sing, then, ye angels great in might, 
 Oh, bless in song the mighty Lord ; 
 
 You who to do his will delight, 
 Obedient to his sacred word. 
 
 And you, ye flaming ministers, 
 
 Who, waiting round your heavenly king, 
 Serve him with zeal, celestial airs 
 
 In his immortal presence sing. 
 
 Him let the whole creation bless, 
 Him let them praise in song divine ; 
 
 And thou, my soul, thy thanks express, 
 And in the glorious concert join. 
 
 PSALM CIV. 
 
 Ver. 1—9. (l. m.) 
 
 The Glory, Wisdom, Goodness, and Power of God, displayed 
 in Creation. 
 
 My soul, rehearse thy Maker's praise ; 
 Oh, Lord, my God, what rich displays 
 In thy encircling honours shine, 
 And in thy majesty divine ! 
 
 Light, as a garment, girds thee round, 
 Through all the world its beams are found ; 
 At thy command thick darkness fled, 
 And heaven, thy canopy, was spread. 
 
 Lo ! in the storms that rend the skies, 
 He bade his chamber beams arise ; 
 Clouds arc the chariots of the God, — 
 On wings of air, he walkfl abroad. 
 
THE PSALMS 'OP DAVID. 249 
 
 The angels, by his breath inspir'd, 
 With flaming zeal and ardour fir'd, 
 Swift as the wind obey his will, 
 As lightning his commands fulfil. 
 
 Earth on its basis by his power 
 Was fix'd to be removed no more; 
 He cloth'd it with the raging deep, 
 Then laid the billows in a heap. 
 
 Above the mountain-tops on high, 
 The waves soar'd upward to the sky ; 
 He thunder'd, and behold they fled 
 Down to their everlasting bed. 
 
 They leave the mountain's heights, and lo ! 
 They sink into the vales below, 
 And, onward flowing, find the place 
 Whence they shall ne'er their course retrace. 
 
 There hath he fix'd their lasting bound, 
 Chain'd by his mighty power around ; 
 No more the overflowing main 
 Shall overwhelm the world again. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10—18. (l. m.) 
 The Providence of God displayed in the Earth. 
 From seas, exhal'd in vapours, rise 
 The showers that drop from yonder skies ; 
 Hence spring the soft, the murmuring rills, 
 That run among the vales and hills. 
 
250 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 The brook meand'ring in the fields, 
 To thirsting kine refreshment yields, 
 E'en where wild asses roam the waste, 
 For them a kindly stream is plac'd. 
 
 Fast by their banks in verdant trees, 
 Whose herbage rustles in the breeze, 
 In the cool shades, the feathered throng, 
 Make their abode, and sing their song. 
 
 God from his wat'ry chambers pours 
 On earth the fertilizing showers ; 
 The earth, impregnate with the rain, 
 Unnumber'd blessings yields again. 
 
 He robes with vernal grass the mead, 
 "Where cattle in luxuriance feed, 
 Bids herbs for man o'er nature dwell, 
 Life to sustain, disease to quell. 
 
 Hence springs the generous juice for wine, 
 And oil that makes his face to shine, 
 And o'er each hill and valley grows 
 The corn which vigorous life bestows. 
 
 The trees of God partake his care — 
 How full of vital sap they are ! 
 The lofty cedars on the height 
 Of Lebanon are his delight. 
 
 There, in their broad majestic arms, 
 Birds build their nests secure from harms, 
 While the lone stork, where instinct guides, 
 'Mid gloomy firs in peace resides. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. '251 
 
 The goats the rocky hills ascend. 
 The rocky hills the goats defend ; 
 And there the feeble conies dwell, 
 Intrench'd within, impregnable. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 19—24. (l. m.) 
 The Providence of God displayed in the Heavens. 
 He fix'd the shining moon on high, 
 To mark the seasons as they fly ; 
 The sun, by his divine behest, 
 Knows when to rise, and when to rest. 
 
 He calls night's shadows, and they come, 
 When forest beasts securely roam ; 
 Young lions roar and range abroad, 
 And seek and ask their meat from God. 
 
 But when the morning beams appear, 
 Assembling, lo ! they fly for fear, — 
 Down in their secret dens they lie, 
 And shun the sight of mortal eye. 
 
 Then man, by sleep's refreshing rest, 
 With health renewed, and vigour bless'd, 
 Goes forth to toil in care and pain, 
 Till evening's shades appear again. 
 
 Oh, Lord, thy works, how vast they are ! 
 Thy wisdom shines resplendent there ; 
 Thy riches spread o'er earth we see, 
 The teeming earth is full of thee. 
 
252 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 25—30. (l. m.) 
 
 The Providence of God displayed in the Ocean. 
 
 The mighty ocean, vast and broad, 
 Speaks the creative power of God ; 
 There finny tribes of every form 
 Bask in the calm, or brave the storm. 
 
 Majestic there, with sails unfurl'd, 
 Ships traverse round the ample world ; 
 Leviathan, in sportive play, 
 There holds his unrestrained sway. 
 
 These, Sovereign, Lord, and Father, all 
 On thee, impell'd by hunger, call, 
 And gather from thy opening hand 
 That food their nature may demand. 
 
 But when thou hid'st thy gracious face, 
 How doth it trouble all their race ; 
 Thy power recalls their breath, they die, 
 And in their parent dust they lie. 
 
 Again thy spirit issues forth, 
 And a new race fills all the earth ; 
 The face of earth, renew'd again, 
 Its countless numbers doth sustain. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. \>53 
 
 Part 5. 
 
 Ver. 31—35. (l. m.) 
 God glorified by his works. 
 God's glories shall ever for stand, 
 In air and skies, in sea and land ; 
 His glorious works his mind employ, 
 And add to his immortal joy. 
 
 On earth he cast a wrathful look, 
 And, lo ! the earth with terrors shook ; 
 He touch'd the mountains in his ire, 
 And from the mountains issued fire. 
 
 Long as I live, to him I'll raise 
 The hallo w'd note of joy and praise ; 
 His love shall be my constant theme, 
 Himself my only joy I'll deem. 
 
 While sinners lie beneath his wrath. 
 And perish from their mother earth, 
 My soul his praises shall record, — 
 Join all his works, and praise the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CV. 
 
 Ver. 1—4. (cm.) 
 
 An Exhortation to praise God for his J forks of Poicer 
 wrought in Favour of Israel. 
 
 Now pay your grateful thanks to God, - 
 
 Ye saints, invoke his name ; 
 His deeds surpassing thought, abroad 
 
 To all the world proclaim. 
 z 
 
254 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Sing of the wonders he display'd, 
 
 In your exalted verse, 
 And let his glorious works be made 
 
 The theme of your discourse. 
 
 Lift in his name your cheerful voice, 
 
 His name alone record ; 
 Oh, let the heart of them rejoice, 
 
 Who humbly seek the Lord. 
 
 Seek ye the Lord ; his saving grace 
 Within his courts implore ; 
 
 There ardent seek his gracious face, 
 In prayer for evermore. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5—17. (c. m.) 
 Let Abraham's seed his faith pursue, 
 
 And Jacob's sons record ; 
 As they his wondrous works review, 
 
 The judgments of the Lord. 
 
 Still is the Lord our God, and he 
 For us extends his power ; 
 
 His judgments all the world shall see, 
 Shall all his foes devour. 
 
 Long hath he kept his oath in mind, 
 And still it stands secure ; 
 
 And thousand ages yet shall find 
 His promises endure. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 255 
 
 The oath he first to Abraham sware, 
 
 To Isaac was convey'd ; 
 And unto each succeeding heir, 
 
 A standing law was made. 
 
 " I'll fix," he said, " on Canaan's ground, 
 
 Thy lasting dwelling-place ;" 
 While yet but few their sons were found, 
 
 And they a wandering race. 
 
 As pilgrims, they from land to land, 
 From realm to realm, remov'd ; 
 
 While he restrain'd their foeman's hand, 
 And kings for them reprov'd. 
 
 " Touch, touch not these," 'twas thus he said, 
 
 As high he rais'd his arm, 
 " On whom my holy oil is shed, 
 
 Nor do my prophets harm." 
 
 He call'd, and lo ! at his command, 
 
 The famine spread around ; 
 Nor longer could in all the land 
 
 The staff of life be found. 
 
 But, ever kind, their lives to save, 
 
 He sent a man before ; 
 Twas Joseph, sold to be a slave 
 
 To Egypt's distant shore. 
 
 His feet the galling fetters chain'd, 
 
 In iron he was bound ; 
 While calumny and envy reign'd 
 
 Triumphantly around. 
 z 2 
 
256 A NEW VERSION OP 
 
 But innocence not always feels 
 Oppression's weighty rod ; 
 
 The Lord his innocence reveals, 
 Tried by the word of God. 
 
 He sent, the monarch sent, and lo ! 
 
 They loose the captive's chains ; 
 And by a ruler bid to go, 
 
 A ruler's freedom gains. 
 
 Lord of his house, he bade him rule 
 His substance at his will ; 
 
 Bade princes bow to his control, 
 Lawgivers learn his skill. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 18—29. (l. m.) 
 
 By Joseph call'd to Egypt, lo ! 
 
 The sons of Israel came ; 
 And Jacob, bow'd with years and woe, 
 
 Dwelt in the tents of Ham. 
 
 There vast, beneath Jehovah's care, 
 The multitude was grown ; 
 
 And Egypt saw, with keen despair, 
 Their strength excel her own. 
 
 Now, by the flames of envy fir'd, 
 Their hatred they employ ; 
 
 With all the arts that hate inspir'd, 
 God's chosen to destrov. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. S3 
 
 They felt the scourge, and cried to God, 
 And straight, at his command, 
 
 Moses came forward with his rod, 
 And Aaron with his wand. 
 
 Charg'd with a mission all divine, 
 They show'd his awful power, 
 
 In many a wonder-working, sign 
 Through Cham's extended shore. 
 
 Darkness he call'd at bright noon day, 
 
 And darkness spread abroad ; 
 But still they dar'd to disobey, 
 
 Nor hearken'd to his word. 
 
 Their waters, now transform'd to blood, 
 
 Their finny tenants slay ; 
 Now noisome frogs make their abode 
 
 Where mighty Pharaoh lay. 
 
 He bids, and lo ! the air around 
 
 Teems with the various fly ; 
 And, wide bespread o'er all the ground, 
 
 The crawling reptiles lie. 
 
 Now from the skies, at his desire, 
 
 Fierce storms of hail around 
 Fall, battering fall, while sheets of fire 
 
 Spread flaming o'er the ground. 
 
 The vines thus smote, their clusters break 
 The fig-trees drooping mourn ; 
 
 Through all the land the forests shake 
 Ry its wild furv torn. 
 z 3 
 
258 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 The locust now, at his command, 
 
 With beetles swarm around ; 
 These eat the herbs through all their land, 
 
 The fruit of all their ground. 
 
 And now the cry of woe is heard 
 
 Through Egypt's breadth and length ; 
 
 He smites the first-born with the sword, 
 The chief of all their strength. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 30—37. (l. m.) 
 
 From Egypt he his people brought, 
 
 Enrich' d with Egypt's wealth ; 
 Not one was left behind forgot, 
 
 For all were bless'd with health. 
 
 Egypt, thusscourg'd with plagues, was pleas'd 
 
 To see their tribes depart ; 
 For fear of unfelt plagues had seiz'd 
 
 Upon each trembling heart. 
 
 For them by day appear'd in sight 
 
 A canopy of cloud, 
 And flaming fire through all the night 
 
 Gave light along their road. 
 
 They ask'd, and he their wants supplied, 
 To them the quails were given ; 
 
 Their hunger, lo ! he satisfied, 
 
 With bread sent down from heaven. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 
 
 259 
 
 He spake, the rock obedient burst, 
 
 Streams in abundance ran ; 
 And onward flow'd, to quench their thirst, 
 
 Through all the desert plain. 
 
 His promise back recall' d to thought, 
 
 To faithful Abraham made ; 
 His tribes with triumph forth he brought 
 
 By his almighty aid. 
 
 Dispersing all the heathen round 
 
 On Canaan's fertile soil ; 
 His favoured race with joy was found 
 
 Inheriting their toil, 
 
 That they might keep his sacred ways, 
 
 The statutes of his word. 
 Oh ! for such grace your triumphs raise,' 
 
 And praise, oh ! praise the Lord ! 
 
 PSALM CVI. 
 
 Ver. 1—5. (l. m.) 
 A Song of Praise. 
 Raise your triumphant songs of joy, 
 In grateful notes, to God on high ; 
 His goodness all thy thoughts transcends, 
 His boundless mercy never ends. 
 
 But, oh ! what language can record 
 The wond'rous acts of heaven's great Lord; 
 What tongue, howe'er inspir'd, can raise 
 A tribute equal to his praise. 
 
260 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Bless'd are the men, who steadfast still, 
 Thy judgments, gracious Lord, fulfil ; 
 Who, or in joy or in distress, 
 Walk in the paths of righteousness. 
 
 That favour which thy people know, 
 That favour, Lord, on me bestow ; 
 When thou redeem'st thy captive race, 
 Oh ! visit me with saving grace. 
 
 Then, bless* d with mercy, I shall see 
 And share in their felicity ; 
 And with them then in transports join, 
 To sing the song of praise divine. 
 
 Part 2 
 
 Ver. 6—48. (l. m.) 
 IsraeVs Sins confessed, with a Detail of their Rebellions 
 As sinn'd our fathers' faithless race, 
 So have we sinn'd against thy grace; 
 Like them, O Lord, our sins conspire, 
 To grieve thy love and tempt thine ire. 
 
 The wonders he in Egypt wrought, 
 Our sires beheld, but knew them not ; 
 Soon as the Red Sea was beheld 
 To lie before them, they rebell'd. 
 
 Still, for the honour of his name, 
 At his command deliverance came ; 
 Again his arm, with might array'd, 
 In Israel's sight his power display'd. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 261 
 
 He bade the billowy deep divide, 
 And backward roll'd the foaming tide ; 
 While through the deeps their feet he led, 
 As on a desert's sandy bed. 
 
 His hand redeem'd them from their foe, 
 Who tempt the waves uprais'd, and lo ! 
 Back to their ancient deeps they fall, 
 And in those deeps o'envhelm'd them all. 
 
 Again, thus taught, they own'd his wavs, 
 Again they sang the song of praise ; 
 But soon their souls his works denied, 
 Xor asked his counsel as their guide. 
 
 Burning with lust's unh allow' d fires, 
 They tempted God with base desires ; 
 He heard, and flesh to them was given, 
 But with that flesh the wrath of Heaven. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 8 — 13. (l. m.) 
 
 Now through the camp, with one accord, 
 They vex'd the servants of the Lord ; 
 They strove against (by envy fir'd) 
 His sainted priest and seer inspir'd. 
 
 But earth, wide yawning to their view, 
 Proud Dathan and Abiram's crew 
 Receiv'd ; — while vengeance flam'd along, 
 And smote in death the rebel thronsr. 
 
262 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 At Horeb's holy mount, behold , 
 They elevate a calf of gold ; 
 And low before the image all 
 In humble adoration fall. 
 
 Thus was their glory chang'd to shame ; 
 Thus they forgot their Saviour's name ; 
 And thus those signs in Egypt wrought, 
 Were through idolatry forgot. 
 
 In vain, o'er Ham's wide coast, his word 
 His wond'rous signs of wrath had pour'd ; 
 In vain the bordering sea could tell 
 His wonder-working miracle. 
 
 Now had they felt the wrath of God, 
 Had not his holy prophet stood 
 In the wide breach, and stopp'd the way 
 By prayer, ere wrath began to slay. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 14—12. (l. if.) 
 
 Protected by Jehovah's band, 
 Lo ! Israel gains the promis'd land ; 
 But at the gift their souls repine, 
 And sinful doubt his word divine. 
 
 Around the hollow murmur ran 
 Through all their tents, from man to man 
 "Go up!" was his commanding word ; 
 But they rebell'd against the Lord. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 2£S 
 
 Again thus urg'd to be their foe, 
 The desert saw their overthrow ; 
 Their sons were slain by hostile bands, 
 Or sent as wanderers through their lands. 
 
 With those that worship Baal they dwelt, 
 And at his shrine adoring knelt ; 
 With them they impiously fed 
 On offerings laid before the dead. 
 
 Thus with new crimes did they provoke 
 Jehovah's just, avenging stroke ; 
 Around the wasting plague pour'd forth, 
 And swept its thousands from the earth. 
 
 Till Phineas, with zeal enrag'd, 
 By a just deed the plague assuag'd ; 
 Heaven saw it, and confirm'd by grace 
 To him the priesthood, and his race. 
 
 Part 5. 
 
 Ver. 20— 28. (l. m.) 
 
 At Meribah's contentious flood, 
 The rebel race of Israel stood ; 
 'Twas there the Lord, to anger mov'd, 
 His prophets for their sakes reprov'd. 
 
 Long had he heard the murmurer's tongue,- 
 Had borne with their rebellions long ; 
 At length, provok'd, he smote the rock, 
 And as he smote in anger spoke. 
 
264 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Nor yet, when they possess'd the land, 
 Did they obey the Lord's command ; 
 Commission'd to destroy the race 
 Who dwelt therein; — they show'd them grace. 
 
 Commingling with their hosts around, 
 Vers'd in their works they soon were found ; 
 And into guilt by them betray'd, 
 Blind worship to their idols paid. 
 
 To demons they their altars rear'd, 
 To demons sacrifice prepar'd ; 
 There, parents, to appease their ire, 
 Consign' d their offspring to the fire. 
 
 The blood of innocents they shed, 
 And by a parent's hands they bled ; 
 To Canaan's idols thus pour'd forth, 
 Their blood defiTd the reeking earth. 
 
 Thus were their feet by sin beguil'd, 
 Thus were their souls by sin defiTd ; 
 Inventive sin had led each heart, 
 Adult'rous, from their God apart. 
 
 Hence was the Lord Jehovah's ire 
 Enkindled as a flaming fire; 
 Against his heritage it burn'd, 
 As he from them abhorrent turn'd. 
 
 He bade their foes the victory gain, 
 And o'er his conquer'd people reign ; 
 Their strength was by their foemen broke, 
 They bow'd them to their servile yoke. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 265 
 
 Part 6. 
 
 Ver. 29—33. (l. m.) 
 
 Oft did the Lord a Saviour prove 
 
 To Israel's rebel race ; 
 And oft their sins provok'd his love, 
 
 And brought them to distress. 
 
 But still he view'd them with regard, 
 
 And to their cries inclin'd ; 
 The promise of his covenant word 
 
 He still recalTd to mind. 
 
 His purpose chang'd, his wonted grace 
 
 Now shone on the oppress'd ; 
 With pity to his captive race, 
 
 He filTd the victor's breast. 
 
 Save, mighty God, from every shore, 
 
 Collect thy tribes again ; 
 In song we then will thee adore, 
 
 And triumph in the strain. 
 
 Oh ! may the God of Israel's name 
 
 For ever be ador'd ; 
 And may the nations all proclaim 
 
 Amen, — praise ye the Lord ! 
 
 2 a 
 
266 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM CVII. 
 
 Ver. 1—9. (l. m.) 
 
 TJie Redeemed of the Lord exhorted to praise God under 
 the Image of Travellers lost in a Wilderness^ but directed 
 and conducted Home. 
 
 Raise your exalted thanks to God, 
 Whose goodness ever shines abroad ; 
 Whose mercy o'er creation flows, 
 And no restraint or limit knows. 
 
 Oh, let the ransom' d of the Lord, 
 Sav'd from their woes, his grace record ; 
 Whose hand almighty brought them forth 
 From east and west, from south and north. 
 
 Lo ! through the dreary desert, they 
 As wanderers took their hopeless way ; 
 By hunger and by thirst oppress'd, 
 Nor found a city where to rest. 
 
 Then to the Lord, by woes oppress'd, 
 Their supplications they address'd ; 
 He listened to their earnest plea, 
 And from distresses set them free. 
 
 No more they wandering turn'd aside, 
 His hand became their constant guide : 
 Through all their way he led their feet, 
 Till safe they reach'd the promis'd seat. 
 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 267 
 
 Oh, that mankind, with one accord, 
 Would speak the goodness of the Lord ; 
 Would praise him for the acts of grace 
 He showeth to their numerous race. 
 
 He to the soul who thirsting faints, 
 Refreshing streams of mercy grants ; 
 He fills the hungry soul with food, 
 And pours around them every good. 
 
 Ver. 10—16. (l. m.) 
 
 The Redeemed exhorted to praise God under the Image of 
 Prisoners rescued from Captivity. 
 
 Behold the captive wastes his breath, 
 Down in the gloomy shades of death ; 
 Oppress'd with griefs severest pains, 
 And bound around with galling chains. 
 
 As rebels they despised the Lord, 
 Nor hearken' d to his warning word ; 
 As rebels the most high defied, 
 Nor took his counsels as their guide. 
 
 Hence, in his wrath, he struck the blow, 
 And by affliction brought them low; 
 They fell, and not an arm was found, 
 To raise the fallen from the ground. 
 
 Then to the Lord, by woes oppress'd, 
 Their supplications they address'd ; 
 He listen'd to their earnest plea, 
 And from distresses set them free. 
 2a 2 
 
268 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 He by his power redeem'd their breath 
 From darkness and the shades of death ; 
 And by his own Almighty hands, 
 Asunder broke the captive's bands. 
 
 Oh, that mankind, with one accord, 
 Would speak the goodness of the Lord — 
 Would praise him for the acts of grace 
 He showeth to their numerous race. 
 
 For he, with his resistless stroke, 
 
 The massive gates of brass hath broke — 
 
 The iron bars asunder cleav'd, 
 
 And thus the pris'ners' woes reliev'd. 
 
 
 Ver. 17—22. (l. m.) 
 
 The Redeemed exhorted to praise God under the Image of 
 the Sick and Dying restored to Health. 
 
 Behold the harden'd sinner, who, 
 Transgressing, gives not God his due, 
 Grown wise by deep affliction, sees 
 Sins unrepented bring disease. 
 
 How vain to them the bounteous store ! 
 Their souls the choicest meats abhor ; 
 Their strength decayed, their falt'ring breath 
 Proclaims them near the gates of death. 
 
 Then to the Lord, in their distress, 
 Their supplications they address ; 
 He listens to their earnest plea, 
 And from distresses sets them free. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 269 
 
 He sends to them his healing voice ; 
 They hear and in its power rejoice ; 
 His voice, almighty thus to save, 
 Redeems them from the opening grave. 
 
 Oh ! that mankind, with one accord, 
 Would speak the goodness of the Lord ; 
 Would praise him for the acts of grace, 
 He showeth to their numerous race. 
 
 High on his altars let them raise 
 The grateful offering of their praise ; 
 
 And while his deeds their songs employ, 
 Let them proclaim those deeds with joy. 
 
 Ver. 22—32. 
 
 The Redeemed exhorted to praise God under the Image of 
 Mariners preserved in a Storm. 
 
 They who, in ships majestic, brave 
 With merchandize the treacherous wave, 
 The wonders of Jehovah see, 
 Wrought in the vast unfathom'd sea. 
 
 He speaks, and lo ! the winds arise, 
 The billows swell, and mount the skies ; 
 Then downward rush to deeps below, 
 While their hearts, fainting, melt with woe. 
 
 Toss'd dreadful, to and fro they reel, 
 The stoutest heart wild terrors feel ; 
 As men o'ercome with wine they roll, 
 And skill forsakes th' affrighted soul. 
 2 a 3 
 
270 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Then to the Lord, in their distress, 
 Their supplications they address ; 
 He listens to their earnest plea, 
 And from distresses sets them free. 
 
 He calms the tempest at his will, 
 He speaks, and lo ! the waves are still ; 
 With joy they mark them cease to roar, 
 And safe they reach the destined shore. 
 
 Oh, that mankind, with one accord, 
 Would speak the goodness of the Lord ; 
 Would praise him for the acts of grace, 
 He showeth to their numerous race. 
 
 Let them, within his sacred house, 
 Sav'd from the deeps, record their vows ; 
 And, 'midst assembled elders raise 
 To God, with them, the song of praise. 
 
 Ver. 33—43. (l. m.) 
 
 God's Providence in the World, and the Church the Con- 
 solation of the Righteous* 
 
 God bids, and lo ! at his command, 
 The parching heat consumes the land ; 
 Rivers and springs are desert found, 
 And barrenness reigns all around. 
 
 Thus, for their sins, the nation mourns, 
 Repents, and lo ! the scene he turns : 
 The wilderness now fertile sings, 
 And the dry ground sends forth its springs. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 271 
 
 There dwell the hungry poor, and there 
 Cities for safety 'they prepare ; 
 They sow their fields, their vineyards plant, 
 Which yieldeth food for every want. 
 
 He sends his blessing from on high, 
 And fast their offspring multiply ;| 
 Their cattle, free from all disease, 
 He suffers not to know decrease. 
 
 But if their sins his wrath provoke, 
 Again they feel his weighty stroke ; 
 Deep in the dust they feel the blow, 
 Oppress'd, afflicted, sunk in woe. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 When princes slight the Lord's command, 
 They feel his just, avenging hand ; 
 He pours contempt upon their birth, 
 And bids them rove the desert earth. 
 
 But free from care and poverty, 
 He lifts the humble poor on high: 
 And bids his seed his mercies know, 
 And as a flock abundant grow. 
 
 This shall the just delighted view, 
 And sinners mute behold it, too : 
 Who in their hearts these truths record, 
 Are wise ; and they shall know the Lord. 
 
272 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM CVIIL 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (p. m.) 
 A Song of Praise* 
 
 My heart is fixed, oh God ! 
 
 To sing thy boundless fame ; 
 My tongue shall spread abroad 
 
 The glories of thy name. 
 Awake, my lute, my harp awake, 
 And in my morning joys partake. 
 
 Among the people round, 
 
 My tuneful notes I'll raise ; 
 To every nation sound 
 
 The grateful song of praise ; 
 Thy tender love the heaven transcends, 
 Thy truth beyond the clouds extends. 
 
 Be thou exalted, Lord, 
 
 Above the starry skies ; 
 By heaven and earth ador'd, 
 
 There may thy glories rise. 
 That saints their Saviour may declare, 
 Oh, hear my voice, and grant my prayer. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 273 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—12. 
 
 The Accession of the Tribes to that of Judah prefiguring 
 that of the Gentiles to Messiah's Kingdom. 
 
 He speaks the word divine, 
 
 Whose word can never fail ; 
 Shechem- 1 own as mine, 
 
 And mete out Succoth's vale. 
 Gilead supports me on my throne, 
 Manasseh's tribes are all my own. 
 
 Ephraim maintains my cause, 
 
 That glory of my head ; 
 And Judah giveth laws 
 
 Wheree'er my conquests spread. 
 Moab and Edom bow to me, 
 And wear the yoke of slavery. 
 
 O'er proud Philistia's land, 
 
 My banners high shall wave ; 
 They bend to my command, 
 
 The mighty and the brave. 
 But who will burst the brazen gates, 
 And lead me forth through Edom's streets. 
 
 Say, wilt not thou, oh God, 
 
 Who dost in wrath remove, 
 Lead us to that abode, 
 
 And show again thy love. 
 Oh, wilt not thou, in war's alarms, 
 Go forth and prosper all our arms. 
 
274 a NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh, aid us once again, 
 
 Once more disperse our woes ; 
 
 Vain is the help of man, 
 Against our numerous foes. 
 
 Through God our arms shall gain renown, 
 
 His power shall tread the foemen down. 
 
 PSALM CIX. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 5. (eights.) 
 Love to Enemies, as shown by Messiah to his Betrayers* 
 
 No longer thy silence maintain, 
 Thou glorious theme of my praise ; 
 
 While low at thy throne I complain, 
 And prayers for deliverance raise. 
 
 For the wicked around me do throng, 
 With these the deceitful are found ; 
 
 While the guileful and treacherous tongue 
 My innocence causeless would wound. 
 
 Their words, which are prompted by hate, 
 
 In torrents encircle my path ; 
 Malignant around me they wait, 
 
 And seek in their fury my death. 
 
 In return for the love that I show, 
 As opponents, their vengeance I bear ; 
 
 But T, in the midst of my woe, 
 
 Devote my whole heart unto prayer. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 275 
 
 On me is bestow'd the reward, 
 
 Of evil for goodness made known ; 
 
 With hatred, implacable Lord, 
 
 I'm repaid for the love I have shown. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—20. (l. m.) 
 
 Judgments Predicted on the Jews for their Persecution of 
 
 Messiah. 
 The wicked one triumphant sits, 
 
 Over the leader of their bands ; 
 Him, Satan in the judgment meets, 
 
 And as his bold accuser stands. 
 
 When justice shall pronounce his doom, 
 How dreadful will his sentence be ; 
 
 For e'en his prayers will then become, 
 Each one a soul-condemning plea. 
 
 As he hath pray'd against the just, 
 
 Untimely he shall know decease ; 
 Depriv'd by heaven of all his trust, 
 
 Another on his charge shall seize. 
 
 No more a tender father's care 
 
 His hapless progeny shall know ; 
 His wife, a widow, in despair, 
 
 Disconsolate shall weep their woe. 
 
 O'er the wide world his sons shall roam, 
 And, vagrants ever, beg their bread ; 
 
 Some solitude shall be their home, 
 Thither by wasting hunger led. 
 
276 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 The proud extortioner shall seize 
 
 Upon his riches as his prey ; 
 And strangers riot in their ease, 
 
 Upon the fruits they bear awa. 
 
 No generous hand, to ease his want, 
 To him its favours shall extend ; 
 
 Nor to his orphan children grant 
 The kind assistance of a friend. 
 
 Some sudden, just, avenging doom 
 
 Shall root from earth his traitorous race, 
 
 And in the age that next shall come, 
 His very memory efface. 
 
 His father's bold iniquity 
 
 The Lord shall view from age to age ; 
 And still his mother's sin shall be 
 
 Unblotted from the sacred page. 
 
 Before the Lord Jehovah's eyes 
 On record they shall ever stand ; 
 
 That he in vengeance may arise, 
 
 And root their memory from the land. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 As mercy ne'er possess'd his breast, 
 Nor ever pitied the distress'd ; 
 But made the poor, and needy smart, 
 And sought to crush the broken heart 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 27 7 
 
 As once he lov'd the curse to call, 
 So on his head the curse shall fall : 
 As blessings never won his love, 
 So shall they far from him remove. 
 
 As he with ceaseless cursing bound 
 Himself as with a garment round, 
 Like water through his veins it runs, 
 Like oil it pierceth through his bones. 
 
 This as a garment, doom'd by thee, 
 Oh God, his constant robe shall be ; 
 And as a girdle shall be found, 
 To wrap his loins for ever round. 
 
 This, this shall be the sure reward 
 Of all my foes, from him the Lord ; 
 All, all shall meet his wrath divine, 
 Who thus against my soul combine. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 21— 27. (cm.) 
 A Prayer for Deliverance under Sufferings, 
 Jehovah, God ! thy grace bestow, 
 
 And thus exalt thy name ; 
 Thy mercy hath a boundless flow, — 
 That mercy now proclaim. 
 
 Needy and poor and sore-oppress'd, 
 
 I supplicate relief ; 
 My heart, deep wounded, fills mv breast 
 
 With agonv of grief. 
 2b 
 
278 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 As flits a shadow in the even, 
 
 My life declines apace : 
 And as the locust I am driven 
 
 About, from place to place. 
 
 By frequent abstinence from food, 
 My weak and trembling knees 
 
 Fail to support their wonted load, 
 As by some sore disease. 
 
 To all my foes around me, I 
 
 A vile reproach am made ; 
 They look upon my misery, — 
 
 They look and shake their head. 
 
 Save, Lord ! for mercy's sake, once more 
 
 My raging foes withstand ; 
 That all may see, and all adore 
 
 The wonders of thy hand. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 28—32. (sevens.) 
 Confidence in God. 
 
 Curses from my foes may flow, 
 But thy blessing I shall know ; 
 Deepest shame shall them confound, 
 While thy servant's joys abound. 
 
 They who thus my hurt conspire, 
 Cloth'd with shame, shall swift retire ; 
 Their confusion as a cloak 
 Wraps them whilst they feel thy stroke. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 279 
 
 But unto my God I'll raise 
 Grateful thanks in songs of praise ; 
 And where saints assembled throng, 
 There the hallow' d note prolong. 
 
 For the humble poor shall find 
 Him a saviour ever kind ; 
 Free from each accuser's charge, 
 He shall set his soul at large. 
 
 PSALM CX. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 Messiah's Kingdom and Priesthood. 
 
 Thus ran the Lord's divine command, — 
 " Rise, great Messiah, take thy seat, 
 
 Exalted high at my right hand, 
 With all thy foes beneath thy feet. 
 
 " Zion thy glories shall display, 
 Thy sceptre shall in Zion rise ; 
 
 Rule with that sceptre's powerful sway, 
 Victorious o'er thine enemies." 
 
 Redeem'd from error's tenfold night, 
 
 Thy saints shall view thy bright displays, 
 
 And shine in the resplendent light, 
 As dew-drops in the morning ravs. 
 
 He sware, nor chang'd is his decree, 
 " As that Melchisedeck of yore ; 
 
 Tnchanging shall thy priesthood be, 
 When tvpes and rites shall be no more." 
 •2 b 2 
 
280 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 The Lord his terrors wide shall spread, 
 Shall lay the mighty monarchs low ; 
 
 Shall strew the nations with the dead, 
 And tyrants shall confess the blow. 
 
 What though, while wand'ring in his path, 
 He drank the cup of tears and blood ; 
 
 Triumphant o'er the powers of death, 
 He takes his station near his God. 
 
 PSALM CXI. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 Praise to God for the Wisdom displayed in his Works. 
 My soul shall sing Jehovah's praise, 
 
 In an immortal song ; 
 Where saints their secret triumphs raise, 
 
 Or where in temples throng. 
 
 Great are those works his hands have wrought, 
 Which meet our wond'ring sight ; 
 
 They fill our souls, if rightly sought, 
 With pleasure and delight. 
 
 His glorious works, of sovereign grace, 
 
 The highest honours claim ; 
 His righteousness to every race 
 
 For ever stands the same. 
 
 He bids his saints his works record, 
 
 His wonders bear in mind ; 
 He is a good, a gracious Lord, 
 
 Compassionate and kind. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 2S1 
 
 Divine supplies his love bestow 'd, 
 
 On those who him obey'd ; 
 Nor will he as a faithful God 
 
 Forget the s promise made. 
 
 Great were those works of love and power, 
 
 He show'd his favour'd race ; 
 As forth he led them to that shore, 
 
 He gave them in his grace. 
 
 Just are the wonders of his hands, 
 
 And his commands are sure ; 
 His promis'd word for ever stands, 
 
 Immutably secure. 
 
 Redemption to his chosen he 
 
 His servant bade proclaim ; 
 For ever fix'd is his decree, 
 
 And holy is his name. 
 
 Who fears the Lord, and doth his will, 
 
 True wisdom thus displays ; 
 To him belongs divinest skill, 
 
 Eternal is his praise. 
 
 PSALM XXV. 
 
 Ver. 1—10. (c. m.) 
 The Blessedness of fearing God. 
 
 Praise ye the Lord, that man is bless'd 
 
 Who inly fears the Lord ; 
 The highest pleasure of whose breast 
 
 Is to obev his word. 
 2 b 3 
 
282 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 His numerous seed on earth shall be 
 With lasting fame renown' d ; 
 
 The sons of holy piety 
 
 With blessings shall be crown'd. 
 
 Riches and wealth around shall flow, 
 
 And all his house sustain ; 
 His righteousness through life shall grow, 
 
 And steadfastly remain. 
 
 When dark afflictions night appears, 
 
 His virtue brightest glows ; 
 Compassionate to others' cares, 
 
 He pities friends and foes. 
 
 The poor distressed his favours share, — 
 
 To them he liberal lends ; 
 Yet still with judgment and with care 
 
 His treasure he expends. 
 
 His happy soul, when woes assail, 
 
 Shall still unmov'd remain ; 
 The righteous, when all else shall fail, 
 
 Will deathless mem'ry gain. 
 
 No evil tidings, spread around, 
 
 Shall fill him with alarm ; 
 His heart is fix'd whose trust is found 
 
 In the Almighty's arm. 
 
 Establish' d in the strength of God, 
 
 His soul no fear shall know ; 
 There safe secur'd, he views abroad 
 
 The fall of every foe. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID 283 
 
 In alms his hands disperse his stores, 
 
 To his own glory sown ; 
 His righteousness on heavenly shores 
 
 Obtaineth him a crown. 
 
 Sinners his triumphs shall survey, 
 And grieving gnash their teeth ; 
 
 All their desires shall melt away, 
 Evanishing in death. 
 
 PSALM CXIII. 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (l. m.) 
 
 The Saints exhorted at all Times, and in all Places, to 
 praise God. 
 
 Ye servants of the Lord, proclaim 
 Immortal honours to his name ; 
 That sacred name, ye saints, adore, 
 While time shall last, and evermore/ 
 
 Far as the sun extends its rays, 
 There in your songs proclaim his praise ; 
 Still as it rolls from east to west, 
 Be all your praise to him address'd. 
 
 Great is the Lord! he sits on high, 
 And rules o'er all beneath the sky ; 
 His glories, endless and divine, 
 Above the highest heavens shine. 
 
'284 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh ! who can own compare with God ? 
 Who makes the heavens his bright abode, 
 Yet condescending stoops to view 
 The works that men and angels do? 
 
 He from the dust, by sov'reign power, 
 Exalts the needy and the poor ; 
 And with the noble and the great 
 Bids them as princes take their seat. 
 
 On all estates he pity takes, 
 The barren one he fertile makes ; 
 Her happy house with children stor'd, 
 Joy fills her breast, — praise ye the Lord! 
 
 PSALM €XIV. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (sevens.) 
 Israel's Redemption from Captivity celebrated. 
 
 When the sons of Israel's race 
 From the land of Egypt came, 
 
 Judah was his dwelling-place — 
 Israel own'd Jehovah's name. 
 
 Ocean saw their march and fled, 
 Terror seiz'd the mighty main ; 
 
 Backward to its fountain-head, 
 Foaming Jordan roll'd again. 
 
 Cloud-topp'd mountains skipp'd for fear, 
 
 Wildly as affrighted rams ; 
 Hillocks saw the God appear, 
 
 Bounding high as timorous lambs. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 2S5 
 
 Tell, thou troubled ocean, tell, 
 
 What could make thy deeps divide ? 
 
 Mighty Jordan, whence this swell? 
 And this back-receding tide ? 
 
 Why, ye mountains, skip for fear, 
 
 Wildly as affrighted rams ? 
 Why, ye hillocks, thus appear 
 
 Bounding high as timorous lambs ? 
 
 Earth, amaz'd, with trembling stand, 
 Stand and view Jehovah's power ! 
 
 See the wonders of his hand ; 
 See, and tremble, and adore ; 
 
 Lo ! at his command, the rock 
 
 Suddenly becomes a pool ; 
 Flints, beneath his potent stroke, 
 
 Send forth rivers sweet and cool. 
 
 PSALM CXV. 
 
 Ver. 1—10. (l. m.) 
 God alone exalted. 
 Not unto us, O Lord, belongs, 
 
 Nor for ourselves the praise we claim ; 
 For truth and mercy, all our songs, 
 Belong but to thy holy name. 
 
 Why should the heathen taunting cry, 
 Where is the God we worship still? 
 
 Know that he reigns above the sky, 
 And rule* all earthly things at will ! 
 
286 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Not so their gods : these by the hands 
 Of mortal workmanship are made ; 
 
 A heap of senseless ore they stand, 
 
 Nor hear their votaries' prayers for aid. 
 
 In vain their different parts are form'd, 
 Thev neither hear, nor smell, nor see ; 
 
 Nor speech have they, nor vitals warm'd 
 With life, nor limbs with energy. 
 
 Senseless their weak creators are, 
 
 iVnd those that trust them are the same ; 
 
 But we will boast Jehovah* s care, 
 And glory in his holy name. 
 
 Let Israel on the Lord rely, 
 
 Let Aaron's house on him recline ; 
 
 He is a guardian ever nigh, 
 A shield, a refuge all divine. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 11—18. (p. m.) 
 
 An Exhortation to trust in and to praise God. 
 
 Let those who fear the Lord, 
 
 On him reliance build ; 
 True to his faithful word, 
 He is their help and shield ; 
 The constant objects of his care, 
 His richest blessings they shall share. 
 
THE PSALMS OK DAVID. 287 
 
 On Israel's sons will rest 
 
 The blessings of his grace ; 
 And Aaron's house be bless'd 
 With earth's extended race. 
 To all their heirs shall gifts be given, 
 By him who form'd both earth and heaven. 
 
 High on the highest throne, 
 
 In glory he doth sit ; 
 And calls those realms his own. 
 Realms for his glory fit. 
 But earth on mortals he bestow'd, 
 FilFd with the bounties of a God. 
 
 Not those in him can trust, 
 
 Whom Death hath snatch' d away ; 
 Nor can the sleeping dust 
 The grateful tribute pay. 
 But we his praises will record, 
 Will sing for ever — Praise the Lord ! 
 
 PSALM CXVL 
 
 Part 1. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 11. (c. m.) 
 Praise for Recovery from Sic/ 
 I love the Lord ! he heard my prayer, 
 
 And came to my relief ; 
 
 Long as I live will I repair 
 
 To him, in ev'rv grief. 
 
288 A NEW VERSION OP 
 
 Encompass'd by the snares of death , 
 With fears of hell oppress '*d, 
 
 My sorrows flow'd with every breath, 
 And fill'd my lab'ring breast. 
 
 Then to the Lord my God I cried, 
 Thy sinking servant save ; 
 
 Thy power can turn the stroke aside, 
 And save me from the grave. 
 
 How gracious and how kind is he, 
 
 How merciful and just ! 
 He saves the guileless soul, and me 
 
 He lifteth from the dust. 
 
 Return, my soul, to God return, 
 
 Thy never-failing rest ; 
 His mercies bid thee cease to mourn, 
 
 His bounties make thee bless'd. 
 
 He sav'd my sinking soul from death, 
 He dried my falling tears ; 
 
 Redeem' d my feet to tread his path, 
 Through my remaining years. 
 
 By faith I cast on God my care, 
 
 Amid severest grief ; 
 Although I said his prophets were 
 
 Unworthy my belief. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 289 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 12—19. (eights.) 
 Vows made in Trouble, performed in the House of God. 
 
 What return to my God shall I make, 
 For the love he towards me hath shown ? 
 
 The cup of salvation I'll take, 
 
 And address all my songs to his throne. 
 
 With his saints I will joyful unite, 
 And pay all my vows to my God ; 
 
 The saints are Jehovah's delight, 
 And precious to him is their blood. 
 
 Thy servant before thee I stand, 
 The son of thine handmaid behold ; 
 
 Thou hast loosen'd my every band, 
 Thy love in my songs to unfold. 
 
 I will offer my praise in thy sight, 
 And invoke my deliverer's name ; 
 
 With his saints 1 will joyful unite, 
 
 And my vows in their presence proclaim. 
 
 In the courts of his house, with the throng, 
 I will sing with delightful accord ; 
 
 Thou, Salem, shalt witness the song 
 That is sang to the praise of the Lord. 
 
 2 c 
 
290 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM CXVII. 
 
 (sevens.) 
 An Exhortation to Praise. 
 
 Rise, ye nations, in accord, 
 Praise, oh ! praise th' eternal Lord ! 
 Rise, and with your varied tongues, 
 Hymn his praise in lofty songs. 
 
 Every mercy that we prove, 
 Flows from him — the source of love ; 
 And to all, his promis'd word 
 Stands for ever ; praise the Lord ! 
 
 PSALM CXVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1—4. (l. m.) 
 
 An Exhortation to praise God for his Mercy. 
 
 With grateful hearts exalt the Lord, 
 His goodness in your songs record ; 
 His mercies, boundless and divine, 
 To everlasting ages shine. 
 
 Let Israel's sons their tribute pay, 
 And sing triumphant in their lay 
 His mercies, &c. 
 
 And thou, O house of Aaron, rise ! 
 And tell to all below the skies 
 His mercies, bkc. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 291 
 
 Let all the saints, who fear the Lord, 
 Unite, and in their songs record 
 His mercies, &c. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5 — 18. (c. m.) 
 
 ranee from Dangers ascribed to the Goodness and 
 the Power of God* 
 
 Up to the Lord Jehovah's throne, 
 
 Distress'd, I rais'd my plea ; 
 He heard, and answer' d every groan, 
 
 And set the captive free. 
 
 He on my side appears in view, 
 
 Nor will I be afraid : 
 What can the sons of mortals do, 
 
 If God appears my aid ? 
 
 Arnid my helpers, lo ! he stands, 
 
 My helpers to sustain ; 
 Triumphant o'er the foeman's bands, 
 
 As victor I remain. 
 
 Better it is to trust the Lord 
 
 Than man's impotent seed ; 
 Better to build upon his word 
 
 Than princes, in thy need. 
 
 Around me all the nations stood, 
 
 And fill'd me with alarm ; 
 But, mighty in the name of God, 
 
 I crush'd them by my arm. 
 2 c 2 
 
292 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 On every side they press'd around, 
 
 As in array they came ; 
 But, lo ! I cast them to the ground, 
 
 In his almighty name. 
 
 As bees, with kindled rage they swarm'd ; 
 
 How died the thorny flame ! 
 My arm their furious rage disarm'd, 
 
 In his almighty name. 
 
 The force of their united power 
 Well nigh had made me fall ; 
 
 But God beheld the trying hour, 
 And sav'd me from them all. 
 
 In him my strength alone is found, 
 
 He claims alone my songs ; 
 Me with salvation he hath crown'd, 
 
 Which to his power belongs. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 Ver. 10—13. (c. m.) 
 
 Where dwell the righteous, there is heard 
 
 The voice of joy and praise ; 
 They sing salvation to the Lord, 
 
 Which his right hand displays. 
 
 His right hand high exalted gains 
 
 A glorious renown ; 
 His right hand still by power maintains 
 
 The honours he hath won. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 293 
 
 i shall not die, his tender care 
 
 Will lift me from the dust ; 
 That I may all his works declare, 
 
 And make those works my trust. 
 
 I felt the Lord's chastising hand 
 
 Correcting me in wrath ; 
 But still his love my life sustain' d, 
 
 Nor gave me o'er to death. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 19—29. (c. if.) 
 
 (FOR EASTER DAY.) 
 
 The Coming of Christ in his Kingdom. 
 
 Unfold the gates of righteousness, 
 
 And let me enter there : 
 My Saviour's praises to express, — 
 
 His mercy to declare. 
 
 This is the Lord Jehovah's gate, 
 
 Unfolded it shall be ; 
 There shall the saints in triumph wait, 
 
 From all their sins set free. 
 
 I'll lift my praises to thy throne, 
 For thou hast heard my prayer ; 
 
 Thee my salvation I will own, 
 In songs of triumph there. 
 2 c 3 
 
294 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Behold, the stone once^cast aside 
 
 By builders in disgrace, 
 Is now become the temple's pride, 
 
 And fills the noblest place. 
 
 Up from the lowly grave we see 
 Our sure Foundation rise : 
 
 The work, O Lord, belongs to thee ; 
 'Tis wond'rous in our eyes ! 
 
 Skcond Part. 
 
 Thts is the day the Lord hath made, 
 The day his grace was shown ; 
 
 To-day our joys shall be displayed, 
 In songs, before his throne. 
 
 Hosannah to th' eternal Lord ! 
 
 Jehovah, hear our prayer ; 
 Prosperity to us afford, 
 
 And let us own thy care. 
 
 Oh ! bless'd be he who comes with grace, 
 
 The messenger of God ! 
 And bless'd be they, his chosen race, 
 
 Who dwell in his abode ! 
 
 God is the Lord, his beams arise, 
 And sheds their light around ; 
 
 Be then your grateful sacrifice 
 Fast to the altars bound. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 295 
 
 Thou art my God, and I will praise 
 
 Thy ever glorious name ; 
 Thou art my God, my joyful lays 
 
 Shall high exalt thy fame* 
 
 Him let the whole creation bless, 
 
 Whose goodness is divine ; 
 His mercies, free and measureless, 
 
 To endless ages shine. 
 
 PSALM CXIX. 
 
 (P. M.) 
 
 Under a Variety of Names, denoting its different Parts 
 and Properties, the Psalmist expresses his Love to, and 
 Delight in, the Word of God; declaring his past Obe- 
 dience, or praying for Grace to practise it for the Time 
 to come. 
 
 Part 1. — Alepei. 
 
 Bless'd are the undenTd, 
 
 Whose hearts God's laws obey, 
 Whose footsteps unbeguil'd 
 Pursue his perfect way; 
 Who from his word 
 
 Will not depart, 
 But seek the Lord 
 With fervent heart. 
 
 They sin no wilful sin, 
 
 A new-begotten race ; 
 They in his paths are seen, 
 
 Supported by his grace: 
 
296 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Thou hast enjoin'd 
 Our souls, O Lord, 
 
 To keep in mind 
 Thy holy word. 
 
 Oh ! that my every way 
 
 Was guided by thy will ! 
 Oh ! that I could obey, 
 And all thy word fulfil ! 
 Free from all fear 
 
 Of shame I'll stand, 
 When I revere 
 
 Each just command. 
 
 Lord, when thou shalt impart 
 The knowledge of thy word, 
 Then with an upright heart 
 Thy praises I'll record. 
 I will obey 
 
 Thy word of grace ; 
 Turn not away 
 From me thy face. 
 
 Part 2. — Beth. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 How shall the young, with wisdom stor'd, 
 
 Unstain'd their path pursue ? 
 By treasuring up God's holy word 
 
 And taking heed thereto. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID, 297 
 
 With my whole heart I sought thy face, 
 
 Let me not seek in vain ; 
 In thy commandments, hy thy grace, 
 
 My erring feet sustain. 
 
 I treasure up thy word within 
 
 The fountain of my heart ; 
 That I, O Lord, may never sin, 
 
 Nor from thy laws depart. 
 
 Oh ! blessed is thy sacred name ! 
 
 Teach me thy statutes, Lord ; 
 Inspir'd with zeal, my lips proclaim 
 
 The judgments of thy word. 
 
 Not riches heap'd on every hand 
 
 Can fill th' immortal mind ; 
 A greater joy, in each command 
 
 Of thine, my soul doth find. 
 
 I'll muse upon thy word of grace, 
 
 And seek to know thy will ; 
 I'll learn thy sacred ways to trace, 
 
 And thus thy word fulfil. 
 
 Thy statutes shall be my delight, 
 
 My solace, and my joy ; 
 Thy word, for ever kept in sight, 
 
 Shall all my thoughts employ. 
 
298 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 3. — Gimel. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 Be gracious to thy servant, Lord, 
 
 Extend to me thy grace ; 
 That I may live and keep thy word 
 
 Throughout my mortal race. 
 
 Remove the veil which nature draws 
 
 Before my feeble sight ; 
 That all the wonders of thy laws 
 
 May stand reveal* d to light. 
 
 In this terrestrial world below, 
 
 A sojourner I stray ; 
 Give me thy just commands to know, 
 
 And teach me to obey. 
 
 My soul with ardent zeal aspires 
 Thy judgments to discern ; 
 
 Constant she pants with strong desires. 
 Thy sacred will to learn. 
 
 Upon the haughty and unbless'd, 
 Who err from thy commands, 
 
 Thy terrible rebukes shall rest, 
 Dealt justly from thy hands. 
 
 Far from my soul remove, O Lord, 
 The world's reproach and shame ; 
 
 The due observance of thy word 
 Hath been my constant aim. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 299 
 
 Princes in judgment sat around, 
 
 And spake against my ways ; 
 But still thy servant's thoughts were found 
 
 Fix'd on thy word of grace. 
 
 The wisdom that I find therein, 
 
 I make my chief delight ; 
 My counsellors, they lead from sin, 
 
 And keep from endless night. 
 
 Part 4. — Daleth. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 My prostrate soul, with fond embrace, 
 
 Cleaves, grovelling cleaves, to dust, O Lord; 
 
 Renew me by thy quickening grace, 
 As runs the promise of thy word. 
 
 I have declar'd my ways to thee, 
 
 My sins and sorrows have confess'd ; 
 
 And thou hast listen'd unto me : — 
 
 Now with thy statutes make me bless'd. 
 
 Thy precepts to my heart reveal, 
 
 Oh ! may they guide that heart aright ! 
 
 Then shall my life, inspir'd with zeal, 
 Proclaim thy works with great delight. 
 
 My soul with sorrow melts away, 
 Give me thy promis'd aid to know ; 
 
 Oh ! let me not in error stray ! 
 Thy light upon my paths bestow. 
 
300 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 My soul her happy choice hath made ; 
 
 The ways of truth are her delight : 
 Thy judgments, Lord, are always laid 
 
 Before my eyes, to guide me right. 
 
 No tempting sin hath turn'd aside 
 My footsteps from thy sacred word ; 
 
 Still may it be my constant guide, 
 Nor put thou me to shame, O Lord. 
 
 My feet shall run the heavenly race 
 
 Of thy commandments, when my heart, 
 
 Enlarg'd by thee, with quickening grace, 
 Shall feel the joys which they impart. 
 
 Part 5.— He. 
 
 (S. M.) 
 
 Tbach me thy way, O Lord, 
 The way thy statutes tend ; 
 
 So will I keep thy sacred word, 
 And keep it to the end. 
 
 From thine exhaustless store, 
 Thy wisdom, Lord, impart ; 
 
 That I may ponder on thy lore 
 With an observant heart. 
 
 Conduct me only there 
 
 Where thou would'st have me go ; 
 'Tis in that path my comforts are, 
 
 And thence my pleasures flow. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 301 
 
 Incline my erring heart 
 
 To keep thy word divine ; 
 Nor let the world, with flattering art, 
 
 Ere tempt me to decline. 
 
 Oh ! turn away mine eyes 
 
 From all its vain displays ! 
 For quickening grace my spirit cries, 
 
 To tread thy righteous ways. 
 
 Confirm thy promis'd word, 
 
 Thy grace to me extend ; 
 Devoted to thy fear, O Lord, 
 
 My soul would not offend. 
 
 Reproach for sin I fear ; 
 
 Oh ! bid it far remove ! 
 Thy judgments, Lord, to me are dear, 
 
 And full of grace and love. 
 
 Behold, my longing heart 
 
 Thy precepts would obey ; 
 Thy quick'ning influence now impart, 
 
 To urge me in the way. 
 
 Part 6.-Yau. 
 
 (C. M 
 
 Now let thy mercies, gracious Lord, 
 My drooping spirits cheer ; 
 
 And let, according to thy word, 
 Salvation now appear. 
 2d 
 
302 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 So shall I have wherewith to speak 
 
 Unto my taunting foes ; 
 For in thy sacred word I seek 
 
 And find a sure repose. 
 
 Take not thy word of truth away, 
 Of which I make my boast ; 
 
 My hopes upon thy judgments stay, 
 Nor shall my hopes be lost. 
 
 I'll keep, for ever keep thy law, 
 
 From every fear set free ; 
 Because I meditate with awe 
 
 Thy will reveal' d to me. 
 
 My tongue, to monarchs on their throne, 
 Thy statutes shall proclaim ; 
 
 I'll make thy testimonies known, 
 Devoid of fear or shame. 
 
 Those dear commands my soul hath lov'd, 
 
 I'll ever keep in sight ; 
 And what my soul so well approv'd, 
 
 Shall be my fix'd delight. 
 
 To thy commandments, Lord, my hands 
 
 I'll lift, and show my zeal ; 
 I'll meditate on those commands, 
 
 Which do thy will reveal. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 303 
 
 Part 7. — Zain. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 
 Think of the promises, O Lord, 
 
 Which to thy servant thou hast made ; 
 
 By thee instructed, on thy word 
 My fervent hopes recline for aid. 
 
 This is my comfort and my joy, 
 When deep afflictions o'er me roll ; 
 
 Thy promise lifts my hopes on high, 
 And quickens my declining soul. 
 
 Sinners, exalted in their pride, 
 
 Deride my hopes, my actions scorn ; 
 
 Still I have made thy law my guide, 
 Nor all their scoffs could make me turn. 
 
 I thought upon the day 3 of yore, 
 Thy former judgments I review'd ; 
 
 And as I trac'd thy conduct o'er, 
 My source of comforts was renew'd. 
 
 Oh ! when I think of those who slight, 
 Living at ease, thy sacred law, 
 
 The shades of horror, dark as night, 
 Compass me round about with awe. 
 
 Thy statutes, Lord, have been my song, 
 
 In all my pilgrimage below ; 
 Thy name by night inspires my tongue, 
 
 That name whence all my comforts flow. 
 2 d 2 
 
304 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 I kept the statutes of my God, 
 
 And peace, as with a heavenly rill, 
 
 Cheer'd me as in the way I trod, 
 Because I kept his sacred will. 
 
 Part 8. — Cheth. 
 
 (cm.) 
 
 Thou art my portion, gracious Lord, 
 My hope and comfort thou ; 
 
 To keep thine everlasting word, 
 I made a solemn vow. 
 
 With all the passions of my heart, 
 I sought and ask'd thy grace ; 
 
 Thy promis'd mercy, Lord, impart, 
 And thus reveal thy face. 
 
 I mus'd upon my every deed, 
 My every word and thought ; 
 
 And turn'd my feet, by taking heed, 
 In paths thy statutes taught. 
 
 Thy grace my willing soul did draw, 
 I knew the call, and flew ; 
 
 Resolv'd to keep thy holy law, 
 And all thy ways pursue. 
 
 Bands of ungodly men, combin'd, 
 My earthly treasures t took ; 
 
 But still, O Lord, my steadfast mind 
 Thy statutes ne'er forsook. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 305 
 
 In the calm stillness of the night, 
 
 I'll sing the song of praise ; 
 Thy righteous judgments meet my sight, 
 
 And ask the song I raise. 
 
 The men who fear thy holy name, 
 
 And thy commands obey ; 
 In holy bonds my friends I claim, 
 
 Companion of my way. 
 
 The spacious earth, O Lord, displays 
 
 The fulness of thy love ; 
 Teach me to tread the righteous ways, 
 
 That lead to worlds above. 
 
 Part 9. — Tetii. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 
 When I review thy wond'rous love, 
 I own thy gracious dealings, Lord ; 
 
 Thy servant doth thy mercies prove, 
 Which thou hast promis'd in thy word. 
 
 Give me a judgment sound and good, 
 A knowledge of thy sacred ways ; 
 
 For my firm faith is fix'd, O God, 
 In those commands my soul obeys. 
 
 Before I felt thy chastening hand, 
 Afar from thee I went astray ; 
 
 But now a penitent I stand, 
 
 And all thy precepts, Lord, obey. 
 2 d 3 
 
306 A NEW VERSION OP 
 
 Thou art all goodness, gracious God, 
 And kind are all thy ways to me ; 
 
 E'en the chastisements of thy rod 
 Teach me thy laws and lead to thee. 
 
 The haughty, with their studied lies, 
 Seek, earnest seek to wound my fame; 
 
 Still doth my heart thy precepts prize, 
 And still to keep them is my aim. 
 
 While they in sensual pleasure roll, 
 And sit in proud and gorgeous state, 
 
 Thy law alone delights my soul ; 
 On that I love to meditate. 
 
 'Tis good that I have felt thy rod, 5 
 The chastening of thy tender hand ; 
 
 That I might learn thy will, O God, 
 And follow each divine command. 
 
 Those precious truths thy laws unfold, 
 Are better, and I prize them more, 
 
 Than thousand mines of finest gold, 
 Or shining heaps of silver ore. 
 
 Part 10. — Jod. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 Form'd, Lord, by thy almighty hand, 
 Each feature speaks thy skill ; 
 
 Oh ! make me wise to understand, 
 And to perform thy will ! 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 307 
 
 The saints who fear thee will rejoice 
 
 To see me trust the Lord ; 
 Because I rest my hopes, by choice, 
 
 Upon his holy word. 
 
 I know thy judgments, gracious God, 
 
 ReveaTd, most righteous be ; 
 And that in faithfulness thy rod 
 
 Hath thus afflicted me. 
 
 Now let thy tender mercies, Lord, 
 
 Beam comfort on my heart ; 
 As thou hast promis'd in thy word, 
 
 So now thy grace impart. 
 
 Me let thy tender mercies bless, 
 
 By these alone I live ; 
 No other pleasure I confess, 
 
 But what thy precepts give. 
 
 Let shame the haughty cover o'er, 
 
 Who me perversely hate ; 
 While on thy precepts, more and more, 
 
 My soul shall meditate. 
 
 With me let those who fear thee join, 
 
 And those espouse my cause 
 Whose souls, endued with skill divine, 
 
 Are perfect in thy laws. 
 
 Oh ! make my erring heart more sound, 
 
 And steadfast with thy grace, 
 That guilt may ne'er my soul confound, 
 
 Nor shame sit on my face. 
 
308 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 11. — Caph. 
 
 (S. M.) 
 
 My longing spirit faints 
 
 For thy salvation, Lord ; 
 Still, as I utter my complaints, 
 
 My hope is in thy word. 
 
 How fail my longing eyes, 
 Thy promis'd grace to see ; 
 
 When wilt thou, O my God, arise 
 To aid and comfort me ? 
 
 My frame consumes away, 
 As parchment dried by heat ; 
 
 But still thy laws, though I decay, 
 I never will forget. 
 
 How long must I endure 
 Oppression's heartfelt woes? 
 
 How long ere thy avenging power 
 In justice strikes my foes ? 
 
 The proud have laid their snares 
 
 In secret for my soul ; 
 Nor all the truths thy law declares 
 
 Their malice can control. 
 
 Thine everlasting laws 
 
 Are faithful, just, and true : 
 
 They wrong my soul without a cause ; 
 Oh ! brine thy aid to view ! 
 
THB PSALMS OF DAVID. 309 
 
 Well nigh had they prevail'd, 
 
 And laid me in the dust ; 
 But still my duty never fail'd, 
 
 Thy word was still my trust. 
 
 Once more unfold thy love, 
 And raise my drooping heart; 
 
 So shall I still thy laws approve, 
 Nor from those laws depart. 
 
 Part 12. — Lamed. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 
 Eternal is thy being, Lord, 
 
 Changeless thy nature still remains ; 
 
 In heaven thine everlasting word 
 Each orb within its path sustains. 
 
 Thy faithfulness and truth is known, 
 By thee reveal'd to every race ; 
 
 The solid earth we stand upon, 
 
 Stands fix'd in its appointed place. 
 
 That course thy wisdom hath ordain'd, 
 Unchang'd, unwearied, they fulfil ; 
 
 By thy almighty power sustain'd, 
 As servants they perform thy will. 
 
 Unless thy law had been my guide, 
 My choicest pleasure and delight ; 
 
 Fainting, my inmost soul had died, 
 O'erwhelm'd in deep affliction's night. 
 
310 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Not ever shall my soul forget 
 Thy sacred precepts, O my God ! 
 
 Thou, with the word of holy writ, 
 Hath quicken'd me along the road. 
 
 My soul and all my powers are thine, 
 Thine by creation and by grace ; 
 
 Oh ! save me by thy strength divine ! 
 For I have sought thy paths to trace. 
 
 My foes in secret lie in wait, 
 Me in their malice to destroy ; 
 
 Still on thy word I meditate, 
 
 Thy word doth still my thoughts employ. 
 
 Mine eyes, O Lord, have seen an end 
 
 Of all perfection here below ; 
 But thy commandments wide extend, 
 
 Nor yet shall change or period know. 
 
 Part 13.— Mem. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 
 Oh ! how I love thy holy law ! 
 
 There is my hope, and there my stay ; 
 With fond delight and holy awe, 
 
 I study it throughout the day. 
 
 The wisdom thy commands impart, 
 Exalteth me above my foes; 
 
 I hcv dwell for ever in my heart, 
 And all my words and ways dispose. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 31 I 
 
 My teachers, though esteem'd as wise, 
 Now from my lips instruction take r 
 
 Thy word that wisdom, Lord, supplies, 
 That word which I my study make. 
 
 In wisdom, though commanding age 
 On stores of long experience draw — 
 
 In wisdom I excel the sage, 
 Because I keep thy holy law. 
 
 I have refrain' d my wandering feet 
 
 From every evil way, O Lord ; 
 I shun the place where sinners meet, 
 
 That I may love and keep thy word, 
 
 Nor ever did my feet depart, 
 
 Or from thy judgments turn aside ; 
 
 For thou hast taught my erring heart, 
 And thy instructions were my guide. 
 
 Oh ! what a rich, divine repast, 
 
 Is thy life-giving word to me ; 
 More grateful is it to my taste, 
 
 Than honey to my mouth can be. 
 
 'Tis from thy word my soul obtains 
 Wisdom, with bountiful supplv ; 
 
 'Tis from thy word my spirit gains 
 Her hatred of iniquity. 
 
312 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 14,— Nun. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 
 Bright as a lamp, thy sacred word 
 Illumes my feet with hallow'd light ; 
 
 Dispersing by its beams, O Lord, 
 
 From all my paths the shades of night. 
 
 I made a solemn vow to thee, 
 
 Nor will I break the vow I made, 
 
 That I would keep each just decree, 
 
 Thy righteous judgments have display'd. 
 
 Deep are the sorrows that I feel, 
 'Neath the oppressive load I bend ; 
 
 Thy quickening grace to me reveal, 
 Thy promis'd aid to me extend. 
 
 Oh ! may the offerings that I pay 
 
 Arise accepted in thy sight ; 
 Thy judgments, Lord, to me display, 
 
 And thus instruct my mind aright. 
 
 What though afflictions o'er me roll, 
 And dangers stare me in the face ; 
 
 Unshaken stands my steadfast soul, 
 And muses on thy law of grace. 
 
 The wicked lay their snares around, 
 To turn me from the righteous way ; 
 
 Still in thy paths my feet are found, 
 Nor do I from thy precepts stray. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 313 
 
 Thy testimonies, O my God, 
 I make my heritage by choice ; 
 
 They lighten sorrow's heavy load, 
 
 They make my drooping heart rejoice. 
 
 Early have I my heart inclin'd 
 Thy righteous statutes to obey ; 
 
 And, still unchang'd, my steadfast mind 
 Will keep them to life's latest day. 
 
 Part 15. — Lamech. 
 
 (L. If.) 
 
 Deep lies my hatred, Lord, within, 
 To thoughts of vanity and sin ; 
 But thy eternal law I love, 
 And all its sacred parts approve. 
 
 Thou art my hiding-place, and thou 
 My shield to guard me from my foe, 
 And all my hopes, my gracious Lord, 
 Are center' d in thy holy word. 
 
 Hence, from my heart, ye sinners, hence, 
 With your corrupting influence ; 
 My soul in zeal unshaken stands, 
 And keeps her father, God's, commands. 
 
 Oh, Lord ! as thou hast promis'd, give 
 Supporting grace, that I may live ; 
 Thy aid extend, nor let me be 
 Ashamed of hopes repos'd in thee. 
 2 E 
 
314 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 By sovereign grace my feet bested, 
 That safely I thy ways may tread ; 
 And then will I, with constant zeal, 
 Perform whate'er thy laws reveal. 
 
 Who from thy statutes stray, my God, 
 Beneath thy conquering feet are trod ; 
 Their subtleties thy judgments meet, 
 The due reward of their deceit. 
 
 Vile as the dross, of nothing worth, 
 Adjudg'd, they perish from the earth ; 
 Charm'd with such justice, gracious Lord, 
 My soul enraptur'd loves thy word. 
 
 But still I feel an awful dread 
 Of thee o'er all my vitals spread ; 
 Thy judgments that on those descend, 
 Make me afraid, lest I offend. 
 
 Part 2. — Ain. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 Justice and judgment are my plea, 
 These I've performed to all around ; 
 
 Lord, let me not, forsook by thee, 
 In the oppressor's power be found. 
 
 Be thou my surety, Oh, my God ! 
 
 To plead my cause in my distress ; 
 O'errule this evil for my good, 
 
 Nor let the proud my soul oppress. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 315 
 
 Mine eyes with watching fade away, 
 While waiting thy salvation, Lord, 
 
 Impatient of the long delay 
 Of the fulfilment of thy word. 
 
 To me, thy servant in thy love, 
 Thy wonted mercy, Lord, bestow ; 
 
 Those statutes which my soul appro v'd, 
 Oh, give me wisdom, Lord, to know ! 
 
 Devoted to thy gracious will, 
 
 Thy servant, I before thee bend ; 
 
 Give me to know, by sacred skill, 
 How far thy heavenly truths extend. 
 
 'Tis come, oh, Lord ! the time is come, 
 
 That thou shouldst strike thy foes with awe ; 
 
 'Tis time that sinners felt their doom, 
 For they have trampled on thy law. 
 
 Their hatred to thy sacred word 
 Makes me esteem its value more ; 
 
 Far above gold I love it, Lord, — 
 Yea, far above the finest ore. 
 
 'Tis hence, undaunted, I maintain, 
 All thy commands with all my heart ; 
 
 'Tis hence from sinners I refrain, 
 And from their evil ways depart. 
 
 2 e 2 
 
316 - A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PartH.-Pe. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 The truths thy holy law contains, 
 
 How wonderful they are, O Lord : 
 Hence my unshaken soul sustains 
 
 A due observance of each word. 
 
 In every page, in every line, 
 
 It shineth with a heavenly light ; 
 
 The simple on its truths recline, — 
 
 It makes them wise, and guides them right. 
 
 With lips apart, and ardour strong, 
 
 I panted to discern thy ways ; 
 Full fervently, my soul did long 
 
 On thy commandments, Lord, to gaze. 
 
 Look from thy glorious throne above, 
 
 And give the mercy I implore ! 
 As thou art wont, to those who love 
 
 Thy sacred name, and thee adore. 
 
 By the direction of thy word, 
 
 Let all my footsteps guided be, 
 Nor let iniquity, O Lord, 
 
 Hold its dominion over me. 
 
 Oh, save me from oppressive foes, 
 
 Who fain would bind me in their bands ; 
 
 So I in safety will repose, 
 
 And follow thv divine commands. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 317 
 
 Upon thy waiting servant shine 
 The beams of thy enlivening smile ; 
 
 Teach me thy statutes all divine, 
 That I may know and do thy will. 
 
 As from a fountain down mine eyes, 
 
 Rivers of waters flow apace, 
 I weep for the iniquities 
 
 Of those who slight thy law and grace. 
 
 Part 18. — Tzaddi. 
 
 (L.M.) 
 
 Righteous art thou in every way, 
 And just in all thy judgments, Lord ; 
 
 Thy testimonies, Lord, display 
 
 Thy truth and grace in every word. 
 
 My zeal consumes my anguish'd heart, 
 Beneath its fires my powers decay, 
 
 Because my foes from thee depart, 
 And spurn thy sacred word away. 
 
 That sacred word is just and good, 
 
 As gold refined and purified ; 
 Thy servant loves it, gracious God, 
 
 And makes it both his choice and guide. 
 
 Small though I am, and mean and poor, 
 Despised by all the rich and great ; 
 
 Still, 'mid the wrongs which I endure, 
 Thv precepts do I ne'er forget. 
 2 b 3 
 
318 A NEW VERSION OP 
 
 Thy righteousness, my God, remains, 
 
 Long as eternal ages roll ; 
 Thy law is truth — thy truth sustains 
 
 Unchangeable my steadfast soul. 
 
 Trouble and anguish on my heart 
 
 Have seiz'd, with all the gloom of night ; 
 
 Still thy commandments, Lord, impart 
 A cheering and heartfelt delight. 
 
 Thy promises unchanging stand. 
 
 And shall the course of time survive ; 
 
 Give me to know each just command, 
 That I before thy face may live. 
 
 Part 19. — Koph. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 With my whole heart, I rais'd my prayer 
 
 Up to thy throne, all gracious Lord ; 
 Oh, hear me ! then, with steadfast care, 
 
 I'll keep the statutes of thy word. 
 
 In my distress, so great, so deep, 
 
 Importunate, I cried to thee, 
 Oh, save me, then I'll ever keep 
 
 With fervent zeal each just decree. 
 
 Ere yet the morning beams arose, 
 Earnest to thee, my God, I cried ; 
 
 While all my hopes with full repose 
 Upon thy faithful word relied. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID oi9 
 
 Ere yet the midnight watch was set, 
 
 Mine eyes awoke from slumbering, Lord ; 
 
 That I might rise and meditate 
 Upon the wonders of thy word. 
 
 Hear, oh my God ! my earnest plea, 
 
 According to thy wonted love : 
 Thy quickening influence grant to me, 
 
 Thy promis'd mercy let me prove. 
 
 The sons of mischief press around, 
 Near to my soul in rage they draw : 
 
 And, oh ! what justice shall be found 
 In those who trample on thy law. 
 
 Still art thou near, oh Lord, to me, 
 
 This is my comfort in distress ; 
 Faithful thy word is found to be, 
 
 And thou wilt every wrong redress. 
 
 Of old, oh Lord ! my soul hath known, 
 
 Concerning each divine decree ; 
 That 'tis the truth they stand upon, 
 
 Unchang'd through all eternity. 
 
 Part 20.— Resh. 
 (l. m.) 
 Think, Lord, upon the woes I feel, 
 And save me from my low estate ; 
 For I, inflamed with ardent zeal, 
 Upon thy law do meditate. 
 
320 
 
 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Do thou my righteous cause defend, 
 And save me from this sore distress ; 
 
 Thy quickening grace to me extend, 
 According to thy promises. 
 
 Far from the wicked is remov'd 
 
 Thy great salvation, gracious Lord ; 
 
 They have not sought, nor have approv'd, 
 The statutes of thy holy word. 
 
 Thy tender mercies, Lord, are great, 
 To those who love thy holy name ; 
 
 On thee for saving grace I wait, 
 
 Thy promis'd mercies, Lord, I claim. 
 
 Full many are the bitter foes 
 
 Who to destroy my life combine ; 
 
 Still on thy word do I repose, 
 
 Nor do I, Lord, from thence decline. 
 
 I saw these sinners in their pride, 
 
 And grief my constant heart oppress'd 
 
 Because the) cast thy laws aside, 
 And all thy covenant transgress'd. 
 
 Think of the ardent zeal and love 
 I bear thy precepts, all divine; 
 
 And let thy influence from above 
 With beams of mercy on me shine. 
 
 Ere time began its rolling course, 
 
 Thy word was truth, and still shall be 
 
 Of truth the never-failing source, 
 In time and through eternity. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 321 
 
 Part 21. — Schin. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 Princes, without a cause, O Lord, 
 
 Against my life combine ; 
 But still my heart reveres thy word, 
 
 And owns its power divine. 
 
 That sacred word my bosom warms 
 
 With a diviner jov, 
 Than all the spoils obtain' d by arms 
 
 In blood-bought victory. 
 
 The way of error and of lies, 
 
 I utterly abhor ; 
 But, Lord, thy law delights my eyes, 
 
 Thy law do I adore. 
 
 Seven times a day I raise my voice 
 
 In grateful songs of praise ; 
 And in thy judgments I rejoice, 
 
 As I exalt my lays. 
 
 Great is the peace for them prepar'd 
 
 Who love thy sacred law ; 
 Xo obstacles their steps retard, 
 
 Nor threatening dangers awe. 
 
 For thy salvation, gracious God, 
 My hopes have long remain'd ; 
 
 In thy appointed paths I've trod, 
 While hope my soul sustain'd. 
 
322 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Those laws in which I so delight, 
 My soul hath still obey'd ; 
 
 I love, O Lord, with all my might, 
 Those laws which thou hast made. 
 
 The due obedience of thy word, 
 
 Unshaken, I pursue ; 
 For all my actions are, O Lord, 
 
 Unfolded to thy view. 
 
 Part 22.— Jau. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 Oh ! let my earnest prayer, O Lord, 
 
 Before thy throne appear ; 
 Give me the wisdom that thy word 
 
 Hath promis'd the sincere. 
 
 Now may my supplications rise 
 
 Accepted in thy sight ; 
 Command deliverance from the skies, 
 
 Which thy own word doth plight. 
 
 My lips, with holy joy unseal'd, 
 Shall raise the note of praise ; 
 
 When thou thy statutes hath reveal'd, 
 And taught my soul thy ways. 
 
 Jovful my tongue shall spread around 
 The wonders of thy word ; 
 
 For thy commandments do abound 
 Witli righteousness, O Lord. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 323 
 
 Now let thy mighty arm appear, 
 
 And save me from my foes; 
 Thy precepts to my soul are dear, 
 
 Amid severest woes. 
 
 Long hath my spirit sighed to see 
 
 Salvation's joys restor'd ; 
 All my delights are found to be 
 
 Deep centred in thy word. 
 
 Oh ! let me live before thy face, 
 
 And I will hymn thy praise ; 
 Restor'd, and aided by thy grace, 
 
 Through all my passing days. 
 
 Like a lost sheep my soul hath stray 'd, 
 
 Oh ! seek thy servant, Lord ! 
 Though once my soul hath disobey 'd, 
 
 I turn me to thy word. 
 
 PSALM CXX. 
 
 (EIGHTS.) 
 
 A Complaint of Falsehood and Deceit. 
 
 In distress to Jehovah I cried, 
 
 He heard, and redeem'd me from wrong; 
 Me, Lord, from the lying lip hide, 
 
 And the rage of the slanderer's tongue. 
 
 False tongue, what to thee shall be given ? 
 
 What profits to falsehood accrue ? 
 Sharp arrow, of vengeance from heaven, 
 
 And fierce burning coals, are thv due. 
 
324 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Alas ! that I sojourn so long 
 
 In the deserts of Mesech below ; 
 
 That I take up my dwelling among 
 TV inclos'd tents of Kedar, my foe. 
 
 Full long have I made my abode 
 
 With the peace-hating children of war 
 
 When for peace, or at home or abroad, 
 I speak, they for battle prepare. 
 
 PSALM CXXI. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 Divine Protection. 
 Up to the hills I lift mine eyes, 
 Those hills from whence descends my aid ; 
 
 On God my soul for help relies, 
 Whose hand both heaven and earth hath made. 
 
 " No power thy steadfast foot shall move, 
 Thy watchful guardians ever nigh ; 
 
 His Israel he preserves in love, 
 
 Nor slumber seals his watchful eye. 
 
 " He is thy keeper, he thy stay, 
 His sheltering wings shall be thy shade ; 
 
 Nor scorching sun that blasts by day, 
 
 Nor moon by night, shall smite thy head. 
 
 " From every evil, he, thy God, 
 
 Shall keep thee by almighty power ; 
 
 Safe in his care at home, abroad 
 Thv soul shall rest for evermore. 
 
THE PSALMS OP DAVID. 325 
 
 PSALM CXXII. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 4. (cm.) 
 A Psalm for the Sabbath. 
 
 Great was the joy I felt to hear 
 The saints, my brethren, say : — 
 
 Let us in Zion's courts appear, 
 And keep the festal day. 
 
 Zion, these joyful feet of ours 
 Within thy gates shall stand ; 
 
 How fair thy firm compacted towers 
 Arise on every hand. 
 
 Tis there the holy tribes repair, 
 The tribes of Israel's God, 
 
 To bend before his throne in prayer, 
 And shout his praise abroad. 
 
 Tis there the Son of David sits 
 
 Upon his awful seat ; 
 While the wide world to him submits, 
 
 Low bending at his feet. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 Ver. 5—7. (c m.) 
 Oh ! let thy prayers for Zion's peace 
 
 Ascend his throne above ! 
 They shall be bless'd with large increase 
 Who thus his temples love. 
 2 v 
 
326 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Within thy walls may peace be found 
 
 An everlasting guest ; 
 And all thy palaces be crown'd 
 
 With plenty, joy, and rest! 
 
 For love of God and saints I'll pray 
 That peace may bless her towers ; 
 
 And seek, unto my latest day, 
 Her good with all my powers. 
 
 PSALM CXXIII. 
 
 (L. M. — SIX LINES.) 
 
 Waiting on God, 
 
 Oh ! thou enthron'd beyond the skies, 
 To thee we lift our longing eyes ; 
 As servants wait their lord's command, 
 Or maids before their mistress stand, 
 So, Lord, we wait before thy throne, 
 Till thou hast made thy mercy known. 
 
 Have mercy on us, gracious God ! 
 
 Have mercy, and remove the rod. 
 
 Full long thy servants' souls have borne 
 
 Repletion of contempt and scorn ; 
 
 Exulting in our deep distress, 
 
 The sons of pride our souls oppress. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 327 
 
 PSALM CXXIV. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 The Church blesseth God for Deliverance from Danger, 
 
 Had not the Lord our cause maintain'd, — 
 Sav'd from their foes, may Israel say, — 
 
 Had not the Lord our right sustain'd, 
 When men against us rose to slay ; 
 
 Quick had they swallow'd us in death, 
 Not aught could else their rage control; 
 
 The torrents then had stopp'd our breath, 
 The swelling floods had whelm'd our soul. 
 
 Oh ! bless'd for ever be the Lord, 
 Who kindly chas'd the foe away ; 
 
 And ere their jaws had us devour'd, 
 With timely aid redeem' d the prey. 
 
 Lo ! as a bird escapes the snare 
 The fowler's artful wile hath set, 
 
 Our souls, by his almighty care, 
 With joy escape the broken net. 
 
 Our help is in his sovereign name, 
 And in his name our hope remains ; 
 
 Who both the heaven and earth did frame, 
 And still o'er his creation reigns. 
 
 2f 
 
328 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM CXXV. 
 
 (SEVENS.) 
 
 The Safety of the Righteous. 
 
 They whose trust is plac'd on God, 
 Safe protected by his hand, 
 
 Firm as Zion's fair abode, 
 Shall unshaken ever stand. 
 
 As the lofty hills are found 
 
 Round about Jerusalem, 
 Doth the Lord his saints surround, 
 
 A divine defence to them. 
 
 Sinners may oppress them here, 
 But they shall not long oppress ; 
 
 God their succour will appear, 
 Lest with sinners they transgress. 
 
 Gracious God of boundless love, 
 Good unto the good impart ; 
 
 Let them all thy mercies prove, 
 Who are just and true of heart. 
 
 Who in paths of sin are found, 
 
 These with sinners lost shall dwell ; 
 
 While eternal joys surround 
 His beloved Israel. 
 
THB PSALMS OF DAVID. 329 
 
 PSALM CXXVI. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 3. (sevens.) 
 A Celebration of God's Mercies. 
 
 When the arm of God redeem'd 
 Zion's sons from slavery's yoke, 
 
 Fancy told us we but dream' d 
 We beheld the fetters broke. 
 
 With exulting glee and joy 
 
 We beheld his wond'rous ways ; 
 
 While we rais'd our notes on high 
 To our great Restorer's praise. 
 
 411 amaz'd the nations stood, 
 
 As they view'd the wonders wrought; 
 Great, they cried, is he, their God, 
 
 Who hath thus salvation brought. 
 
 Great the work ! do we rejoin, 
 
 Lifting the exulting voice ; 
 Great the work of grace divine, 
 
 Which hath made us thus rejoice ! 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 4 — 6. (sevens.) 
 A Prayer for the Prosperity of the Church. 
 Lord, restore thy captive bands 
 Quickly to our longing sight ; 
 As the streams pour o'er the lands, 
 Rushing from the mountain's height, 
 2 v 3 
 
330 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Hope unto our aid appears, 
 
 Pleasing hope our thoughts employs ; 
 They who sow their seed in tears 
 
 Reap a harvest big with joys. 
 
 Thus the man who scatters grain, 
 Laden with desponding cares, 
 
 With rejoicing comes again, 
 
 Shouting as his sheaves he bears, 
 
 PSALM CXXVII. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 The Blessing of God on the Business and Comforts of Life 
 Except the Lord the house sustains, 
 Vain are the builder's cares and pains ; 
 Except the Lord the city keep, 
 As well the watchful guard may sleep, 
 
 'Tis vain to rise at dawn of light, 
 And shorten by VGur toil the night ; 
 To eat in grief, since sleep is given 
 To ease your cares, the gift of heaven. 
 
 Children are blessings from the Lord, — 
 He gives them as a rich reward ; 
 His love bestows obedient heirs, 
 To ease a tender parent's cares. 
 
 As arrows in a warrior's hand, 
 When in the field he takes his stand, 
 So are the sons of youthful blood 
 A sure defence to their abode. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 331 
 
 Oh ! bless'd is he whose soul, at ease, 
 Hath gain'd his quiver full of these ; 
 When foes around his gates appear, 
 He shall approach them void of fear. 
 
 PSALM CXXVIII. 
 
 (l. m.) 
 The Blessedness of the Man who fears God. 
 Bless'd is the man who fears the Lord, 
 
 And to his will obedience pays ; 
 
 Whose footsteps, guided by his word, 
 
 Walk ever in his righteous ways. 
 
 His happy soul in peace shall feed, 
 On the rich produce of his lands , 
 
 His utmost wishes shall succeed, 
 In all the labour of his hands. 
 
 Rich as a clustering vine, behold 
 
 His wife her beauteous offspring brings, 
 
 As olive plants, the little fold 
 
 Around his bounteous table springs. 
 
 Thus bless'd is he who fears his God. — 
 To him his favour he extends ; 
 
 From Zion, his divine abode, 
 
 His blessing on his head descends. 
 
 Long as he lives, his joyful eyes 
 Shall hail Jerusalem's increase ; 
 
 Shall see his children's children rise, 
 And Israel crown* d with lasting peace. 
 
332 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM CXXIX. 
 
 (L. M.) 
 
 The Church acknowledged God her Deliverer, and pn 
 dicteth the Destruction of her Adversaries. 
 
 Oft have my foes, may Israel say, 
 Up from my youth my life assail'd : 
 
 Oft have my foes design' d to slay, 
 But still as oft their efforts fail'd. 
 
 Along my back the ploughers plough'd, 
 There ran their furrows deep and long ; 
 
 But, lo ! the just, the righteous God, 
 Asunder broke their cords of wrong. 
 
 Confusion is their portion, who, 
 Enraged, with persecuting hate, 
 
 The Zion of our God pursue, 
 
 As back they turn in wild retreat. 
 
 As grass upon the house-tops dies, 
 Untimely they shall withering fade ; 
 
 Which, ere matur'd it meets our eyes, 
 Is blasted in the rising blade. 
 
 No reaper takes his handful there, 
 
 Nor deigns to touch its wither* d leaves ; 
 
 No binder deems it worth his care, 
 Nor deigns to bind it into sheaves. 
 
THE P8ALMS OF DAVID. 333 
 
 No traveller, as he wanders by, 
 His passing blessing doth afford ; 
 
 He looks not on with fav'ring eye, 
 Nor saith, I bless you in the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXXX. 
 
 (L. m.) 
 Pardoning Grace, 
 Forth, from the depths of low despair, 
 
 Up to thy throne I raise my cry ; 
 Lord ! hear, indulgent hear, my prayer, 
 And in thy boundless love reply. 
 
 Oh, if thy judgments grow severe, 
 
 Who, Lord, shall stand before thy face ? 
 
 But that our souls may learn to fear, 
 Thou art the source of pard'ning grace. 
 
 My soul oppress'd with deeds of guilt, 
 Waits — ardent waits, for thee, oh Lord ! 
 
 While on thy word my hopes are built, 
 Thy never-failing promis'd word. 
 
 Not half so anxious waits the watch, 
 To view the morning's opening rays, 
 
 As at thy throne I wait to catch 
 The beams of thy divine displays. 
 
 Oh, Israel, trust in God — in him 
 Mercy and full redemption lies ; 
 
 And he, oh Israel, will redeem 
 Thy sons from their iniquities. 
 
334 A NBW VERSION OP 
 
 PSALM CXXXI. 
 
 (SEVENS.) 
 
 Humility Professed. 
 Lord, I am not proud of heart, 
 
 Nor aspiring are mine eyes : 
 I nor act the haughty part, 
 
 Nor great matters exercise. 
 
 Like an infant meek and mild, 
 Resting on its mother's breast ; 
 
 Like a little weaned child, 
 
 In thy hands my soul would rest. 
 
 Thus may Israel's children trust, 
 While his mercy they implore ; 
 
 Israel, make the Lord thy boast, 
 Trust him now and evermore. 
 
 PSALM CXXXII. 
 
 (FOR CHRISTMA8 DAY.) 
 
 Ver. 1—10. (l. m.) 
 The Psalmist's Zeal for God, 
 Thy David, Lord, in memory hear, 
 
 Who, with afflictions bow'd, 
 To Jacob's God in covenant sware, 
 And thus in zeal he vow'd. 
 
 I will not come within my house, 
 
 Nor to my bed arise ; 
 No slumber shall my eyelids close, 
 
 Nor soft repose my eyes, 
 
THE PBALM8 OF DAVID. 335 
 
 Till 1 have found some sacred place, 
 
 For his divine abode ; 
 A dwelling fix'd from race to race, 
 
 For Jacob's mighty God. 
 
 At Ephrata the spot was found, 
 'Twas there the joy was heard ; 
 
 By fields and woods enclos'd around, 
 They sang the mighty Lord. 
 
 With reverence and with joy we all 
 
 Will to his courts repair ; 
 Low at his footstool we will fall, 
 
 In holy worship there. 
 
 Arise, eternal Lord, arise, 
 
 And enter in thy rest ; 
 There let thy presence meet our eyes, 
 
 As with thine ark 'tis bless' d. 
 
 Let righteousness thy priests array, 
 And saints their joys proclaim ; 
 
 Nor turn the anointed's prayer away, 
 For David's holy name. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 11—18. (l. If.) 
 
 The Promise of Messiah's Exaltation. 
 Thus he to David sware, the Lord, 
 Nor will he e'er forego his word : 
 Thy seed, when thou no more art known, 
 Shall sit exalted on thy throne. 
 
336 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 And if thy seed shall own my sway, 
 And to my laws obedience pay, 
 Their children I'll sustain in power, 
 High on thy throne for evermore. 
 
 Lo ! Zion is the seat of God, 
 Design* d and chosen his abode : 
 Here, saith the Lord, my rest I'll take, 
 And ever here my dwelling make. 
 
 My blessing shall increase her store, 
 My bounties satiate her poor : 
 Her priests' salvation shall surround, 
 Her saints shall with delight abound. 
 
 Thy race, oh David ! there shall stand, 
 Sustain'd by my Almighty hand ; 
 On mine anointed' s head shall shine 
 My lamp with lustre all divine. 
 
 His foes who seek to blot his name, 
 Shall vanquished be, enclad with shame ; 
 While on his head, with wide renown, 
 Shall nourish his immortal crown. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIII. 
 
 (S.M.) 
 
 The Unity of Brethren delightful. 
 How lovely is the sight, 
 
 How pleasant 'tis to see, 
 Where brethren in accord unite, 
 
 In mutual amity. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 337 
 
 Tis like the oil bestow'd 
 
 On Aaron's sainted head, 
 That down his beard in richness flow'd, 
 
 And o'er his garments spread. 
 
 Or like the dews that drop 
 
 In a refreshing shower, 
 On Hermon's heaven-ascending top, 
 
 And thence on Zion pour. 
 
 Zion's the seat of God, — 
 
 There, in one glorious shower, 
 He spreads his promis'd gifts abroad, 
 
 And life for evermore. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIV. 
 
 (S. M.) 
 
 They who glorify God are blessed of Him. 
 Ye servants of the Lord, 
 
 His praises loud proclaim : 
 As nightly in his house ye stand, 
 
 And wait upon his name. 
 
 His praise within his courts, 
 
 With lifted hands express ; 
 The Lord of heaven and earth thy soul, 
 
 From Zion's seat shall bless. 
 
 2 o 
 
338 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM CXXXV. 
 
 Ver. 1 — 4. (s. m.) 
 An Exhortation to praise God for his Mercy. 
 Sing praises to the Lord, 
 
 Extol his glorious name : 
 Let all his servants, with accord, 
 
 In song his praise proclaim. 
 
 Ye who with zeal resort 
 
 To his divine abode, 
 Proclaim within each sacred court 
 
 The praises of our God. 
 
 Him praise with holy joy, 
 
 His goodness makes the claim ; 
 
 And pleasant is the sweet employ 
 Of honouring his name. 
 
 He Jacob's favour'd sons 
 His choice peculiar makes. 
 
 And Israel he in mercy owns, 
 And for his treasure takes* 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5 — 7. (c. m.) 
 GooVs infinite Superiority over Idols. 
 Before Jehovah's throne I fall, 
 
 His greatness to attest ; 
 Unrivall'd, lo ! he reigns o'er all, 
 The lord of lords confess' d. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 339 
 
 Whate'er he purposes to be, 
 
 His thought alone can do ; 
 Or in the heavens, or earth, or sea, 
 
 Or ocean's depths below. 
 
 Up from the earth, at his command, 
 
 The vapours high ascend ; 
 In yielding air they wide expand, 
 
 And o'er the skies extend. 
 
 From thence his livid lightnings fly, 
 And thence descend his showers ; 
 
 While from his treasury on high, 
 His winds abroad he pours. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 8—14. (p. m.) 
 
 God's Dealings with his Church of old, and his Judgments 
 on her Adversaries. 
 
 By God's resistless power, 
 
 Lo ! Egypt's first-born fail'd ; 
 Through its extended shore 
 
 For man and beast they wail'd ; 
 Around his signs and wonders flew, 
 And Pharaoh and his army slew. 
 
 He mighty nations smote, 
 
 And mighty kings suppress'd ; 
 He Sihon brought to naught, 
 
 And Og his power confess'd ; 
 While by his power, lo ! Canaan's laud 
 Was yielded up to Israel's hand. 
 2 o 2 
 
340 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Thy name, O, God ! ador'd, 
 
 For ever shall endure ; 
 And thy memorial, Lord, 
 
 For ages stand secure. 
 To judge his saints, the Lord will come, 
 And will, repenting, change their doom. 
 
 Part 4. 
 
 Ver. 15 — 18. (eights.) 
 The Folly of Idolatry and Idolaters. 
 
 The Gods by the heathen ador'd, 
 
 Man forms or of silver or gold ; 
 They have tongues, but they speak not a word, 
 
 They have eyes, but they cannot behold. 
 
 In vain in their ears may you call, 
 
 Nor breath doth their nostrils contain ; 
 
 Their makers and worshippers all, — 
 Adorers and idols, are vain. 
 
 Part 5. 
 
 Ver. 19 — 21. (sevens.) 
 An Exhortation to bless God. 
 
 Rise, ye sons of Israel, 
 Now Jehovah's praises swell ; 
 Rise, ye priests of Aaron's train, 
 Join the grateful vocal strain. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID 341 
 
 Levites, who his laws proclaim, 
 In his temples bless his name ; 
 And, ye saints, who fear the Lord, 
 Him exalt with sweet accord. 
 
 Out of Zion's courts resound 
 His immortal praise around ; 
 There he dwells in glory, there 
 Hallelujahs loud declare. 
 
 PSALM CXXXVI. 
 
 Ver. 1—9. (l. m.) 
 A Song of Praise for the Wonders of Creation, 
 To God your thankful tribute pay, 
 Exalt his goodness in your lay ; 
 His mercy from a boundless source, 
 Through endless ages takes its course. 
 
 Him make — adoring make your theme, 
 Who reigns as God of gods, supreme ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 Triumphant raise to him your strains, 
 Who, Lord of lords, in glory reigns, 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 His glorious arm could work alone 
 The sovereign wonders he hath done ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 By wisdom, lo ! he built on high 
 The broad expanse of shining sky ; 
 
 His mercv, &c. 
 2 G 
 
342 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 At his command, above the deeps, 
 Wide- stretch' d, the earth its station keeps ; 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 He hung aloft, by power divine, 
 Those orbs that in the heaven shine ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 By him the sun's life-giving ray 
 Refulgent shines, and rules the day ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 While moon and stars, with silvery light, 
 Rule and illume the hours of night ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 10—26. (l. m.) 
 
 Praise to God for Providence and Grace, 
 
 Praise God, who in avenging wrath 
 Bade Egypt's first-born bow to death ; 
 His mercy, from a boundless source, 
 Through endless ages, takes its course. 
 
 From all the bands of slavery freed, 
 He thence redeemed his chosen seed ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 On high his mighty hand he rear'd, 
 Wide-stretch'd his glorious arm appear'd, 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 343 
 
 Cleft by his rod, from side to side, 
 The billows of the deep divide ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 The billows thus divided, lo ! 
 
 His Israel passed in safety through ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 While Pharaoh and his mighty host 
 In the returning waves were lost ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 Israel, beneath Jehovah's aid, 
 Through desert wilds in safety strayed ; 
 His mercy from a boundless source, 
 Through endless ages takes its course. 
 
 For them, by his avenging blow, 
 He laid the proudest monarchs low ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 The mighty, for their deeds renown'd, 
 Smote by his arm, embrac'd the ground ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 To him, behold, in Heshbon's fields, 
 Sihon, the king of Ammon, yields ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 While Og, proud Bashan's boasted strength, 
 Measures on earth his giant length ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
344 A NEW VERSION OV 
 
 These fell beneath his potent hand, 
 And forth he gave away their land ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 He gave it in his sovereign grace, 
 An heritage to Israel's race ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 Third Part. 
 
 Praise God, who from his throne on high 
 Beheld our state with pitying eye ; 
 His mercy from a boundless source, 
 Through endless ages, takes its course. 
 
 No more we mourn oppressive woes,— 
 His hand redeems us from our foes ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 To all who live on earth's abode, 
 To all, his hand supplies their food ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
 Oh, then ! to God your tribute pay, 
 Exalt him in your grateful lay ; 
 
 His mercy, &c. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 345 
 
 PSALM CXXXVII. 
 
 (P. M.) 
 
 The Jewish Church captive in Babylon. 
 
 Where onward flow'd the streams of Babylon, 
 Pensive we sat us down, a captive race ; 
 
 And while our memories fondly dwelt upon 
 Zion, our home, the tears were on each face. 
 
 There on the willows we, untun'd, unstrung, 
 Our harps suspended : while the taunting foe, 
 
 That wasted us in triumph, ask'd the song, 
 The wonted song of Zion, midst our woe. 
 
 How shall we tune our drooping hearts to sing 
 Jehovah's song, while in a foreign land ; 
 
 Zion, if I forget and touch the string, 
 
 Then perish* d be the skill of my right hand ! 
 
 If ever from my memory thou art driven, 
 Then silent to my palate cleave my tongue ; 
 
 Or, if I raise one cheerful note to heaven, 
 Till thy redemption prompts me to the song. 
 
 Remember, Lord, proud Edom's haughty race, 
 Who, in thy Zion's desolating day, 
 
 Cried, in their fury, " All her walls deface, 
 And level with the grounds her temples lay I" 
 
 Daughter of Babel, know thy doom is past, 
 And bless'd is he who leads the slaughter on ; 
 
 Bless' d, who in just avenging wrath shall cast 
 Headlong thy little ones against the stone. 
 
346 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 PSALM CXXXVIII. 
 
 Ver. 1—5. (c. m.) 
 A Song of Praise for Mercy, 
 
 With all my powers, Eternal King, 
 
 To thee my song I'll raise ; 
 Before the gods, to thee will bring 
 
 The grateful song of praise. 
 
 Prostrate before thy hallow'd shrine, 
 
 In worship will I bend ; 
 While to thy name, thy name divine, 
 
 My praises shall ascend. 
 
 Thy truth and mercy, gracious Lord, 
 
 Aloud will I proclaim ; 
 The truth attendant on thy word, 
 
 Exalts o'er all — thy name. 
 
 In my distressful day, to thee 
 
 In earnest prayer I cried, 
 And thou, my God, hath answer'd me, 
 
 And inward strength supplied. 
 
 Before thy footstool kings shall stand, 
 And praise thy name, O Lord, 
 
 When they shall hear, from land to land, 
 The wonders of thy word. 
 
 Thee shall their grateful hearts adore, 
 
 As on they tread thy ways, 
 And view the glory of thy power, 
 
 And sing thy glorious praise. 
 
THE PSALMS OP DAVID. 347 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6 — 8. (eights.) 
 God the Protection of his People. 
 Though the Lord be exalted on high, 
 
 He maketh the humble his care; 
 While the haughty he views with an eye 
 That humbles his pride from afar. 
 
 Though foes should encompas my path, 
 His mercy my soul shall restore ; 
 
 His hand shall enfeeble their wrath, 
 And protect me till foes are no more. 
 
 My happiness he will complete, 
 
 Nor unfinish'd his work will remain ; 
 
 His mercy, eternal and great, 
 
 The work of his hands will sustain. 
 
 PSALM CXXXIX. 
 
 Ver. 1—12. (l. m.) 
 The Omnipresence and Omniscience of God. 
 O Lord, thine eyes have search' d me through. 
 Thine eyes behold whate'er I do ; 
 What time I rise, or lay me down, 
 Is to thy dread omniscience known. 
 
 My thoughts unform'd, unknown to me, 
 Lie all unfolded, Lord, to thee : 
 Thine eye my bed, my path surveys, 
 And scrutinizeth all my ways. 
 
348 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 I cannot speak one single word, 
 But, lo ! 'tis known to thee, O Lord ; 
 Behind, before, where'er I stand, 
 Where'er I go, I feel thy hand. 
 
 Oh ! wond'rous knowledge, vast and great ! 
 In vain ray thoughts would climb its height. 
 Where shall I go to hide from thee ? 
 Or whither from thy spirit flee ? 
 
 If I ascend beyond the skies, 
 Thy majesty there meets my eyes ; 
 If in the regions of despair 
 I make my bed, I meet thee there. 
 
 If swift as morning rays I flee, 
 And dwell beyond the boundless sea, 
 There shall thy hand my footsteps guide, — 
 Thy right hand hold me by thy side. 
 
 Or should I say the shades of night 
 Shall hide me from thy piercing sight, 
 Thy kindling glance would pierce the gloom, 
 And thickest shades of night illume. 
 
 Bright as the day the night displays, 
 Nor hideth from my God my ways; 
 Darkness and light, unlike to me, 
 Are both, O Lord, alike to thee. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 349 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 My wond'rous frame, in every part, 
 Bespeaks, O Lord, thy power and art ; 
 Thy awful power my reins possess'd, 
 As I within the womb did rest. 
 
 Fearful and wonderfully made, 
 Thee will I praise for power display'd ; 
 Trembling, I view this frame of mine, 
 And own its Maker's hand divine. 
 
 Conceal' d from all by nature's law, 
 Thine eyes my form in secret saw, 
 Saw it, as work'd with curious skill 
 Each lineament obey'd thy will. 
 
 Ere yet the shapeless embryo took 
 The marvellous form, lo ! in thy book, 
 Its every part, its every vein, 
 Was trac'd by thy unerring pen. 
 
 Dear are thy thoughts to me, — I trace 
 The acts of thy stupendous grace ; 
 But, oh, my God ! the vast amount 
 Is more than numbers can recount. 
 
 My thoughts could sooner number o'er 
 The many sands on ocean's shore ; 
 Each morn, as from my bed I rise, 
 Fresh mercies greet my opening eyes. 
 2 b 
 
350 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 19—24. (l. m.) 
 Hatred of Sin professed, and a Prayer for Sincerity. 
 My God, I know that thou wilt come, 
 And fix the guilty sinner's doom ; 
 Hence then, ye impious and profane, 
 Who take his holy name in vain. 
 
 Do not I hate, oh Lord, thy foes, 
 Who in their hatred thee oppose ? 
 Does not my spirit grieve to see 
 Their hostile rage defying thee ? 
 
 Their vices I behold, and lo ! 
 With deep and holy hate I glow ; 
 The men who scorn thy power divine, 
 I count as enemies of mine. 
 
 Search me, oh God, and know my heart ;- 
 Try me, my thoughts, and every part, 
 Behold if e'er I go astray, 
 And guide my footsteps in thy way. 
 
 PSALM CXL. 
 
 Ver. 1—8. (s.m.) 
 A Pray tr for Deliverance from Persecutors. 
 Oh, from the evil hand, 
 
 My God, redeem my life ; 
 Mark how the violent round rnc stand, 
 And quell their raging strife. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID, 351 
 
 Deep plots of mischief they 
 
 Within their hearts prepare, 
 And constant stand in fierce array, 
 
 All ready for the war. 
 
 As asps they whet their tongue, 
 
 With slander in disguise ; 
 While 'neath their lips deceit and wrong 
 
 Like adder's poison lies. 
 
 Save, save me from their hand, 
 
 Their hostile rage control ; 
 Who round me with fell purpose stand, 
 
 To overthrow my soul. 
 
 The proud for me prepare 
 
 The deep insidious net ; 
 For me they lay the wayside snare, 
 
 For me the gin is set. 
 
 Second Part. 
 
 Thou, God, who reigns on high, 
 
 My only God I own ; 
 Oh, let my undissembled cry 
 
 Ascend thy lofty throne ! 
 
 'Tis in thy glorious name 
 My saving health is found ; 
 
 Thou, 'midst the battle's fierce alarm, 
 My head hath shelter'd round. 
 2 h 2 
 
352 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Oh, still restrain their hand, 
 Nor let my hopes be lost ; 
 
 Oh, prosper not the treacherous band, 
 Lest in my fall they boast. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 9—13. (s. m.) 
 The Righteous saved, the Wicked destroyed. 
 
 Lo ! round each guilty head, 
 
 Of those my raging foes ; 
 The mischief of their lips shall spread, 
 
 And cover them with woes. 
 
 Fierce-burning fiery coals 
 Shall them for sin chastise ; 
 
 Deep in the flaming pit, their souls 
 Shall fall, no more to rise. 
 
 The slanderer's guilty tongue 
 Shall swift from earth decay ; 
 
 Evil shall hunt the sinful throng, 
 And overthrow the prey. 
 
 But thou, all gracious Lord, 
 
 Wilt vindicate the poor ; 
 And save the men who trust thy word, 
 
 From the oppressor's power. 
 
 The just due thanks shall give 
 
 To thy eternal name ; 
 Shall in thy glorious presence live, 
 
 And there thy praise proclaim. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 353 
 
 PSALM CXLI. 
 
 Ver. l—o. (c. u.) 
 A Prayer, 
 
 To thee, oh Lord, I raise my cry,— 
 Oh, haste in mercy down ; 
 
 Give ear, and graciously reply, 
 When I address thy throne. 
 
 Now let my earnest prayer to thee 
 
 As holy incense rise : 
 And these my hands uplifted be, 
 
 As evening sacrifice. 
 
 My tongue, by thy almighty power, 
 From sinful words restrain ; 
 
 The portal of my lips secure 
 From language light and vain. 
 
 Oh, suffer not my erring heart 
 
 Their evil deeds to know ; 
 Who from thy ways, my God, depart, 
 
 Allur'd by pomp and show. 
 
 Me let the righteous smite in love ; 
 
 Their words, as ointment shed, 
 A healing balm to me shall prove, 
 
 Nor shall they wound my head. 
 
 Then should they be oppress'd like me, 
 With deepest pangs of grief, 
 
 Their intercessor I will I 
 And ask of thec relief. 
 2 ii 3 
 
354 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—10. (l. m.) 
 
 The Psalmist's Conduct towards his Enemies and Faith 
 in God, 
 
 When 'mid the rocky heights, the great, 
 
 My foes, were given up to me, 
 They heard my words, for they were sweet, — 
 
 I bade their princes all be free. 
 
 But they, oh Lord ! have scatter'd all 
 Our bones around the yawning graves, 
 
 As from the wood the branches fall, 
 
 Disorder'd, which the woodman cleaves. 
 
 Yet still do I direct my eyes, 
 
 My God, to thy eternal throne ; 
 On thee my soul for aid relies, — 
 
 In mercy, leave me not alone. 
 
 Oh, save me from the secret net 
 
 Of these, my persecuting foes ; 
 Oh, wrap them in the snares they set, 
 
 While I in triumph 'scape their woes. 
 
 PSALM CXLII. 
 
 Prayer and Confidence in God. 
 Up to the throne of God I'll rear 
 
 My suppliant voice, and ask relief ; 
 I'll pour my sorrows in his car, 
 
 And spread before him all my grief. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 355 
 
 Perplex'd, my spirit sinks dismay'd, 
 
 But, Lord, my ways are known to thee ; 
 
 And from the snare in secret laid, 
 Will still redeem and succour me. 
 
 Lo ! on the right, eternal Lord, 
 No advocate my soul doth know ; 
 
 No friend a refuge will afford, 
 
 And none in pity soothes my woe. 
 
 But unto thee I raise my cry, 
 
 Oh, bring thy boundless mercy near ; 
 
 Thou art my refuge ever nigh, 
 My portion whilst I sojourn here. 
 
 Attend in mercy to my cries, 
 
 For I am brought exceeding low ; 
 
 Command thy succour from the skies. 
 To save me from my stronger foe, 
 
 Oh ! from my prison set me free, 
 
 That I may glorify thy name ; 
 Then shall thy saints, oh Lord, with me 
 
 Assembled round, thy grace proclaim. 
 
 PSALM CXLIII. 
 
 Ver. 1— 5. (cm.) 
 
 A Prayer, Salvation by Grace, Sin lamented, and Com- 
 ( fort in God's Mercy. 
 
 Oh ! to my prayer, almighty Lord, 
 
 Propitious, lend an ear ; 
 Confirm the promise of thy word, 
 
 And bring thy mercy near. 
 
356 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Not to thy bar thy servant call; 
 
 In judgment to be tried ; 
 For in thy sight the living, all, 
 
 Must stand unjustified. 
 
 My soul, oppress'd by hostile foes, 
 
 Deep in the dust is laid ; 
 I dwell in darkest shades, as those 
 
 Who lie among the dead. 
 
 My spirit, overwhelm* d with cares, 
 
 Desponding, finds no rest ; 
 My desolated heart despairs, 
 
 By sin and grief oppress'd. 
 
 Yet I recall the days gone by, 
 The wonders thou hast wrought . 
 
 Thy former love with hope and joy 
 Employs my wond'ring thought, 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 6—12. (c. II.) 
 
 A Prayer for Remission of Sin, Sancti/ication, and 
 Redemption. 
 
 Lord, to thy throne I stretch my hands, 
 
 And wait thy grace to see ; 
 As thirsts for rain the parched lands, 
 
 So thirsts my soul for thee. 
 
 Me hear, and speedy aid extend, 
 
 My fainting spirit save ; 
 Nor hide thy face, lefct I descend, 
 
 Unaided, to the grave. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 357 
 
 At morn to me thy love convey, 
 
 On thee my hope depends ; 
 Give me to know thy righteous way, 
 
 Which unto glory tends. 
 
 From all the rage of all my foes, 
 
 In mercy set me free ; 
 To thee, for refuge and repose, 
 
 By prayer and faith I flee. 
 
 Instruct me in thy sacred will, 
 
 For thee I own my God ; 
 Let thy good spirit lead me still 
 
 Along the heavenly road. 
 
 Oh, for thy name, with quickening grace, 
 
 Restore my fainting heart ; 
 And for thy truth, in my distress, 
 
 Thy promised aid impart. 
 
 Control, oh Lord ! their rage control, 
 
 And bring my foes to shame ; 
 Slay them who thus afflict my soul, 
 
 For I thy servant am. 
 
 PSALM CXLIV. 
 
 Ver. 1—4. ( L . m.) 
 
 The Goodness of God to Man celebrated. 
 Now be the Lord, my strength, ador'd, 
 
 Who, when my foes in war unite, 
 Strength, skill, and courage doth afford, 
 
 To aid me in the dangerous light. 
 
358 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 His mercy is my fort and tower, 
 He is my saviour and my shield ; 
 
 In him I trust, who by his power 
 Bids nations to my sceptre yield. 
 
 Lord, what is man, that in thy love 
 He thus should find so large a share ? 
 
 And what his race, that they should prove 
 To be the objects of thy care ? 
 
 His days, alas ! how soon they fade, — 
 
 As vanity, he knows decay ; 
 His life, as transient as a shade, 
 
 Glides on and passeth swift away. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 5—10. 
 
 A Prayer for Deliverance from Foes, concluding with 
 Praise. 
 
 Bow thy heavens, eternal Lord, 
 Now descend and aid afford ; 
 Touch the mountains in thine ire, 
 And their smoke shall high aspire. 
 
 Let thy fiercest lightnings' blaze 
 Scatter them in wild amaze ; 
 All abroad thine arrows pour, 
 Let them all thy foes devour. 
 
 Reach thine hand from heaven, and save 
 Me from the o'erwhelming wave ; 
 From their hand my spirit free, 
 Who are wide estranged from thee. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 359 
 
 Save from those whose lips profane 
 Utter but professions vain ; 
 Whose right hand for help is laid 
 On an arm that cannot aid. 
 
 So will I thy praise prolong, 
 
 In a new-invented song ; 
 
 To the lute of various string, 
 
 And the harp, my tongue shall sing, 
 
 Tis his arm alone that brings 
 Sure salvation unto kings ; 
 And to David doth afford 
 Safety from the threat'ning sword. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 11 — 15. (sevens.) 
 A Prayer for Redemption from Sin. 
 Reach thine hand from heaven, and save 
 Me from the devouring wave ; 
 From their hand my spirit free, 
 Who are wide estrang'd from thee. 
 
 Save from those whose lips profane 
 Utter but professions vain ; 
 Whose right hand for help is laid, 
 On an arm that cannot aid. 
 
 So our sons shall all be seen, 
 Fair as plants for ever green ; 
 So our daughters shall appear 
 Polish'd columns, chaste and I 
 
360 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Then our garners' ample floors 
 Shall be filled with various stores ; 
 And our teeming ewes shall yield 
 Tens of thousands to the field. 
 
 Then our oxen, strong for toil, 
 Vigorous shall work the soil ; 
 None shall then our shores invade, 
 Nor complaints at home be made. 
 
 Happy is that people found, 
 Who with blessings thus abound ; 
 Happy is that favour' d race, 
 Who partake Jehovah's grace. 
 
 PSALM CXLV. 
 
 Ver. 1—7. (c. m.) 
 The Greatness of God. 
 Thee I will praise, my God and King, 
 
 And alway bless thy name ; 
 My daily tribute I will bring, 
 And endless songs proclaim. 
 
 Great is the Lord upon his throne, 
 And great should be his praise ; 
 
 His power and glory are unknown, 
 And far exceed our lays. 
 
 Successive ages, gracious Lord, 
 
 Thy praises shall prolong ; 
 Thy acts of marvellous might record 
 
 To latest years, in song. 
 
THE FSALMS OF DAVID. 361 
 
 Aloud, thy honour and renown, 
 
 And wondrous works, I'll tell ; 
 While earth these wondrous works shall own, 
 
 And on thy power shall dwell. 
 
 Thy greatness, Lord, my tuneful powers 
 To grateful strains shall move ; 
 
 While earth, to its remotest shores, 
 Shall learn to fear and love. 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 8—13. (c. m.) 
 The Glory and Eternity of the Redeemer's Kingdom. 
 The Lord, how gracious, and how kind, 
 
 With pity how replete ! 
 How slow is he to wrath inclin'd, 
 
 His mercy, oh, how great ! 
 
 Good unto all, his love extends 
 
 O'er all creation's frame ; 
 While from his works his praise ascends, 
 
 And saints adore his name. 
 
 The glory of thy kingdom, Lord, 
 
 Delighted they shall tell, 
 And on the wonders of thy word, 
 
 With admiration dwell. 
 
 Thus shall thy mighty acts to all 
 
 The sons of men be known ; 
 Who, bowing to thy sceptre, fall 
 
 Before thy glorious throne. 
 2 i 
 
362 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 That throne to endless years, secure, 
 Free from all change, shall last ; 
 
 And thy dominion shall endure, 
 When time itself is past. 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 14—21. (c. m.) 
 God's adorable Perfections and woiidrous Works celebrated. 
 
 Jehovah's arm is still their stay, 
 Who through temptations fall ; 
 
 He chaseth all their griefs away, 
 Who mourn sin's grievous thrall. 
 
 The eyes of all thy creatures wait 
 
 On thee, in every clime ; 
 Thy bounties, Lord, supply their meat, 
 
 In thine appointed time. 
 
 Thy opening hand, what they require, 
 
 In large abundance, gives ; 
 And satisfies each just desire, 
 
 Of everything that lives. 
 
 The Lord, in all his wondrous ways, 
 
 Is holy, just, and good ; 
 And he in all his works displays 
 
 The mercies of a God. 
 
 To all that lift to him their cry, 
 
 If with an heart sincere, 
 The Lord, for he is ever nigh, 
 
 Will lend a gracious ear. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 363 
 
 He will fulfil the wants of all 
 
 Who fear his holy name ; 
 And, when in their distress they call, 
 
 Salvation will proclaim. 
 
 His care preserves the souls of those 
 
 Who love him, and adore ; 
 But those who dare his will oppose, 
 
 Shall perish evermore. 
 
 Long as I live, with joy my tongue 
 
 His praises shall record ; 
 Let the whole earth the strains prolong, 
 
 And ever bless the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLVI. 
 
 (L. If.) 
 
 Praise to God, who only is the proper Object of our 
 Confidence* 
 
 Praise ye the Lord, my soul, prolong 
 To his bless'd name the thankful song ; 
 While being lasts, my notes I'll raise, 
 Nor will I ever cease my lays. 
 
 Oh, not in princes put your trust, 
 Nor reach your hand for aid on dust ; 
 In them, when troubles compass round, — 
 In them, no power to aid is found. 
 
 Their breath at God's command goes forth, 
 And back they all return to earth ; 
 There in their graves, forgot, they lie, 
 And all their counsels with them die. 
 2 i 2 
 
364 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Bless'd is the man, who, when dismay'd, 
 Relies on Jacob's God for aid, 
 Whose hope, as on a sure abode, 
 Is iix'd upon the Lord his God. 
 
 He made the heavens, and earth, and sea, 
 And all their tribes he bade to be ; 
 His truth, confirmed through ages past, 
 Shall to eternal ages last. 
 
 At his decree, the poor, oppress'd, 
 Obtain deliverance and rest ; 
 The hungry he with food sustains, 
 And breaks the captive's galling chains. 
 
 Tis his to heal the sightless eye, 
 'Tis his to lift the weak on high ; 
 The righteous in abundance share 
 His kind protecting love and care. 
 
 In him the stranger flndeth rest ; 
 
 The orphan and the widow's breast 
 
 He cheers ; while those who from him stray 
 
 Shall perish in their devious way. 
 
 Zion thy God in glory own, 
 For ever on his glorious throne ; 
 O'er worlds subjected, he, ador'd, 
 Shall hold dominion ; praise the Lord ! 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 365 
 
 PSALM CXLVII. 
 
 Ver. 1—6. (c. :i.) 
 Praise to God for his Wisdom, Power, and Goodness. 
 
 Praise ye the Lord, 'tis good to raise 
 
 To him the grateful song ; 
 It is a pleasant work, and praise 
 
 Sits comely on the tongue. 
 
 He builds aloft the sacred walls 
 
 Of his Jerusalem, 
 And thence his chosen people calls, 
 
 To glorify his name. 
 
 The broken heart his pity shares, 
 Their wounds he maketh whole ; 
 
 He counts the number of the stars, 
 And names them as they roil. 
 
 Great is the Lord, his glorious might 
 
 Sustains him on his throne ; 
 His understanding infinite 
 
 To mortals is unknown. 
 
 The meek his tender mercies know, 
 
 Exalted they are found ; 
 While his strong arm each haughty foe 
 
 Casts humbled to the ground. 
 
 2 i 3 
 
366 A NEW VERSION 0? 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 Ver. 7—13. (p. II.) 
 Praise for Providence and Grace. 
 Now sing a sweet thanksgiving song, 
 
 In triumph, to the Lord ; 
 
 The praises of our God prolong 
 
 Upon the sounding chord. 
 
 His hand with clouds the heaven bespread, 
 From thence his showers flow ; 
 
 And on the mountain's lofty head 
 He makes the verdure grow. 
 
 His hand, with bountiful supply, 
 To beasts bestows their food ; 
 
 He hears the ravens when they cry, 
 And feeds their tender brood. 
 
 The warrior's steed, array'd, to him 
 
 Imparteth no delight ; 
 Nor } et the warrior's active limb 
 
 Ts pleasing in his sight. 
 
 The saints who fear his name alone, 
 
 Shall to his favour rise ; 
 Who looks for mercy to his throne, 
 
 Are precious in his eyes. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 307 
 
 Part 3. 
 
 Ver. 12—20. (l. m.) 
 
 A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING, (ACCOMMODATED TO 
 BRITAIN.) 
 
 Oh, Britain made the Lord's abode 
 In Zion's courts sing praise to God ; 
 Thy gates his sovereign power hath barr'd, 
 Thy sons his richest gifts have shar'd. 
 
 In all thy borders, he around 
 
 Bids the sweet blessing, peace, abound ; 
 
 He filleth all thy ample floors 
 
 With finest wheat and richest stores. 
 
 From heaven he gives his dread command, 
 And swift it runs through all the land ; 
 His snow as wool descends around ; 
 His frosts as ashes strew the ground. 
 
 Lo ! in his storms, his ice he casts 
 In fragments borne on piercing blasts : 
 We see them sweep o'er all the land, 
 With force none living can withstand. 
 
 Again, his word he issues forth, 
 His word dissolves the ice-bound earth ; 
 Warm'd by the genial breeze that blows, 
 In liquid streams the water flows. 
 
 Such is our God, — nor such alone, 
 He makes his word to Britain known ; 
 His statutes there he hath reveal'd, 
 Nor are his judgments there conceal'd. 
 
368 A NEW VERSION OF 
 
 Not thus, to earth's remotest coast, 
 Can nations in his mercies boast : 
 To them his judgments and his word 
 All are unknown ; — then praise the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLVIII. 
 
 (SEVENS. — SIX LINES.) 
 
 Heaven and Earth, and all Creatures, called upon to unite 
 in one Chorus of Praise to God, 
 
 Pratse the Lord, who reigns on high, — 
 Heaven, aloud his praise proclaim; 
 
 From your heights beyond the sky, 
 Sound, oh, sound, his boundless fame ! 
 
 Angels, sing his praise divine, — 
 
 All his hosts in concert join ! 
 
 Sun and moon, in song unite, 
 To your great Creator's praise ; 
 
 And, ye stars of feebler light, 
 As ye roll, your voices raise ; 
 
 Heaven of heaven, his glorious seat, 
 
 And ye flood? ) his praise repeat ! 
 
 These let all m song record 
 
 Glory to his holy name, 
 For he spake, and at his word 
 
 All from nought and chaos came ; 
 And, unchanging, all shall be 
 Ever fix'd by his decree. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 369 
 
 Part 2. 
 
 (SEVENS — SIX LINES.) 
 
 Earth, thy Maker's praise proclaim, 
 And thou, ocean, sound his praise ; 
 
 Fire and hail, record his fame, 
 Sun and air, your voices raise ; 
 
 Him exalt, each dreadful storm, 
 
 As your winds his word perform. 
 
 Mountains, burst in grateful song, 
 And, ye hills, harmonious join ; 
 
 Fruitful trees, the notes prolong ; 
 Cedars, wave his praise divine ; 
 
 Flocks and herds, your tribute bring, 
 
 And let birds and reptiles sing. 
 
 Monarchs, to his power submit ; 
 
 Him let nations serve with awe ; 
 At his feet let princes sit, 
 
 And let judges learn his law ; 
 Youths and maidens, sing your lays ; 
 Him let age and childhood praise. 
 
 These let all, in thankful songs, 
 Praise the name of God the Lord ; 
 
 Praise alone to him belongs, — 
 He alone should be ador'd ; 
 
 O'er the earth his glory flows, 
 
 Nor the heaven its limit knov 
 
370 A NEW VERSION OP 
 
 By his everlasting grace, 
 
 He exalts his saints on high ; 
 
 Guardian of his chosen race, 
 They to him are ever nigh. — 
 
 Oh, then ! in your songs record 
 
 Grateful praises to the Lord. 
 
 PSALM CXLIX. 
 
 (C. M.) 
 
 The Saints excited to rejoice in their King for the Salva- 
 tion wrought, and which his arm will complete by bring- 
 ing them to his rest, and by causing them to triumph 
 with him over his Opposers. 
 
 Now sing the praises of the Lord, 
 
 In new exalted lays ; 
 Ye saints, assemble and record 
 
 In grateful song his praise. 
 
 Let Israel's sons aloud rejoice, 
 
 And their Creator sing ; 
 Let Zion's children raise their voice, 
 
 And triumph in their king. 
 
 Oh ! let them in the dance conspire 
 
 To praise his glorious name ; 
 And with the timbrel and the lyre 
 
 Extol his boundless fame. 
 
 With pleasure he, his people here, 
 Beholds from heaven's high throne ; 
 
 The meek before him shall appear, 
 With an immortal crown. 
 
THE PSALMS OF DAVID. 371 
 
 The saints to glory shall arise, 
 
 In glory shall rejoice ; 
 And in their place of rest the skies 
 
 Shall lift th' exulting voice. 
 
 Aloud, their grateful tongues shall yield 
 
 High praises to the Lord ; 
 While in their hands they all shall wield 
 
 A glittering two-edged sword. 
 
 \Yith this shall they in vengeance round 
 
 Chastise the guilty lands ; 
 With chains their monarchs shall be bound, 
 
 Their lords with iron bands. 
 
 Thus shall they execute on all 
 
 The judgments of his word ; 
 Such honour to his saints shall fall, — 
 
 Then praise, oh praise the Lord ! 
 
 PSALM CL. 
 
 (eights.) 
 
 4 Song of Praise, in which all who have being are called 
 upon to join. 
 
 Sing praises to God, all divine, 
 
 In his temples his praises proclaim ; 
 
 Ye heavens, celestial join, 
 
 And sing of his glorious name. 
 
 Him praise for the acts he hath done, 
 
 In behalf of his Israel's race ; 
 Him praise for his greatness, made known 
 
 In the work of creation and grace. 
 
372 A NEW VERSION, &C. 
 
 With the trumpet his honours advance, 
 The harp and the psaltery bring ; 
 
 Him praise with the timbrel and dance, 
 And music of various string. 
 
 Let the organ's loud swell to his praise 
 Through his courts with solemnity sound ; 
 
 And the cymbals triumphantly raise 
 Their notes to his praises around. 
 
 Let all to whom being is given, 
 
 With the breath he hath given accord, 
 
 With harmony sounding to heaven, 
 In one chorus of praise to the Lord. 
 
 G. H. Davidson, Printer and Stereotyper, 
 Tudor Street, Blackfriars. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 45, third stanza; first line, for "fled," read "shed." 
 
 83, second stanza, second line, for " in his way," read u to 
 
 obey." 
 
 146, first line, for " hears," read "nearest." 
 
 334, fosirth stanza, first line, for " hear," read u bear." 
 
 345, filth stanza, for " grounds," read "ground."