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 IN  ENGLISH  VERSE 
 
 AND 
 IN    MEASURES    SUITED    FOR    SACRED    MUSIC. 
 
 BY 
 
 EDWARD  CHTTRTON  M.A. 
 
 ARCHDEACON  OF  CLEVELAND. 
 
 "WHERE   THE   PSALM   PRAYS,  DO    YE    PRAY;    WHERE    IT   MOURNS,  DO 
 YE  mourn;    WHERE   IT    GIVES  THANKS,  DO  YE    REJOICE;    WHERE   IT 
 
 speaks  of  hope,  do  ye  hope  ;  where  it  speaks  of  fear,  do  ye 
 fear.  for  all  things  written  in  this  book  are  as  a  mirror 
 for  ourselves. 
 
 St.  Augustin  on  Psalm  xxxi. 
 
 OXFORD  ato   LOJSTDON 
 JOHN    HENRY    PARKER. 
 
 M  DCCC  LIV. 
 
»tt*ti     ronM- MARKET,  OXFORD. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 It  is  said  that  there  have  been  between  sixty  and 
 seventy  Metrical  Versions  of  the  Book  of  Psalms 
 produced  in  England  during  the  last  three  Centuries, 
 without  reckoning  those  translations  of  Select  Por- 
 tions of  the  Book,  or  of  single  Psalms,  made  by 
 writers  who  never  undertook  the  task  of  a  complete 
 Version.  Yet  it  seems  to  be  generally  admitted, 
 that  none  of  these  Versions  are  so  successful  as  to 
 preclude  an  attempt  after  higher  perfection. 
 
 In  this  great  collection  of  Versions  no  doubt  a 
 very  large  proportion  are  like  those,  of  which  the 
 present  writer  has  more  than  one  example  lying 
 before  him,  professing  to  turn  the  Psalms  "  accord- 
 ing to  the  letter,"  "  neither  to  add  to  the  original 
 Text,  nor  diminish  from  it,"  considering  this  as  "  an 
 obligation  imposed  by  the  character  of  Divine  In- 
 spiration3." In  order  to  do  this,  one  of  the  authors 
 of  such  a  Version  candidly  admits,  that  "writing 
 upon  the  operating  principle  of  preserving  by  all 
 possible  means  the  language  of  Scripture,  he  took 
 many  liberties,  and  assumed  much  latitude,  with 
 
 B  Version  by  a  Layman,  1853* 
 
VI  PREFACE. 
 
 the  strict  rules  both  of  emphasis  and  rhymeV  The 
 only  probable  way,  in  which  such  attempts  could 
 have  been  at  all  prosperous,  must  have  been  to  try 
 the  plan  without  rhyme  altogether ;  of  which  kind 
 there  is  said  to  be  one  Version  extant.  But  blank- 
 verse  has  not  found  favour  with  Musicians  ;  and  the 
 Musicians  and  Singers  form  an  important  party  in 
 the  question  concerning  Metrical  Psalmody. 
 
 As  this  principle  of  adhering  to  the  letter  seems 
 in  some  degree  to  have  influenced  the  poet  Milton, 
 and  other  writers  of  distinction^  it  may  be  worth 
 while  to  notice  a  mistake  on  which  it  rests.  The 
 singing  of  Metrical  Psalms  in  Churches  is  not  so 
 much  a  part  of  Divine  service,  as  a  pious  exercise 
 allowed  and  sanctioned  before  and  after  Morning 
 and  Evening  Prayer.  This  is  evident  from  the  terms 
 of  the  legal  provision,  under  which  the  present  con- 
 tinued practice  was  introduced,  not  indeed  without 
 older  precedent,  in  the  time  of  King  Edward  VI. c 
 It  were  undoubtedly  to  be  desired,  that  the  metri- 
 cal Psalms  or  Hymns  used  in  Churches,  equally  with 
 the  sermons  preached  within  the  sacred  walls, 
 should  contain  no  phrase  unsuitable,  and  no  doc- 
 trine unconformable,  to  the  truth  of  Scripture. 
 But  the  Church  gives  no  more  authoritative  sanc- 
 tion to  an  exposition  of  a  Psalm  in  metre,  than  to 
 the  exposition  of  a  text  by  a  preacher  in  prose. 
 There   is   no  assent   or  consent   required   to   the 
 
 b  Version  by  a  Lay-Member  of  the  Church  of  England,  1809. 
 c  Strype's  Eccl.  Memor.,  vol.  II.  pt.  i.  135. 
 
PEEEACE.  VU 
 
 terms  of  either ;  but  both  are  allowed  or  appointed 
 in  different  ways  as  tending  to  piety  and  edification. 
 And  if  so,  the  very  reason  for  desiring  a  literal 
 translation  in  metre  has  no  place.  The  design  of 
 those  who  introduced  the  practice  of  Psalm-singing 
 expressly  shewed  that  they  regarded  it  not  as  the 
 word  of  God,  but  an  aid  to  piety  in  the  way  of 
 paraphrase  or  meditation  on  that  holy  word.  Xor 
 was  it  intended  that  Psalms  in  metre  should  super- 
 sede or  take  the  place  of  Chaunts  or  Anthems. 
 These  are  prescribed  by  the  Eubric,  whereas  the 
 metrical  Psalms  are  not. 
 
 It  does  not  affect  this  question,  that  the  first 
 allowed  Version,  that  which  is  now  commonly  called 
 the  Old  Version,  was  made  as  literally  as  the  authors 
 could  contrive  to  make  it.  This  is  a  fact,  which 
 gives  to  that  Version  what  is  perhaps  its  chief 
 recommendation,  its  general  faithfulness  to  the 
 Hebrew,  a  quality  in  which  the  Xew  Version  is 
 so  continually  deficient;  but  it  can  claim  no 
 further  authority  on  that  score.  The  recommen- 
 dation has  not  been  forgotten ;  and  we  can  afford 
 to  appreciate  the  motive  of  these  Old  Versionists, 
 and  of  all  who  have  followed  in  the  same  track, 
 although  the  combination  of  such  literalism  with 
 any  degree  of  poetical  grace  was  never  to  have  been 
 expected.  The  Version  itself  was  allowed,  as  King 
 Charles  I.  allowed  the  use  of  the  equally  literal 
 Version  of  his  father  King  James ;  no  further. 
 "What  therefore   the   pious   and    learned    Bishop 
 
Till  PREFACE. 
 
 Beveridge  wrote,  to  claim  a  higher  sanction  for 
 the  Old  Version  on  this  ground,  met  with  no  suc- 
 cess, because  the  argument  was  untenable.  The 
 censure,  which  the  laborious  Prelate  passed  upon 
 the  Xew  Version,  was  much  more  effective,  than  his 
 attempt  to  preserve  the  endangered  credit  of  the 
 Old.  For  who  could  suffer  himself  to  be  persuaded, 
 that  "the  plainer,  the  lower,  and  the  heavier"  the 
 Version  was,  "  the  more  was  it  to  be  loved  and  ad- 
 mired," and  "the  more  edified  the  people  were  by 
 the  use  of  itd  ?" 
 
 It  is  moreover  a  fallacy  to  suppose  that  the  most 
 literal  translations  from  one  language  into  another 
 are  always  the  most  faithful.  The  difficulties  at- 
 tending the  acquirement  of  languages,  and  of  re- 
 presenting the  mind  of  writers  of  other  lands  and 
 other  times,  would  be  greatly  mitigated,  if  any  such 
 rule  held  true.  It  is  not  the  use  for  which  literal 
 translations  principally  serve,  to  give  the  English 
 reader  the  sense  of  a  work  composed  in  a  foreign 
 language ;  but  rather  to  aid  an  English  student  in 
 acquiring  that  language.  A  Translator,  who  wishes 
 to  do  his  best  to  make  his  Author  understood  by 
 those  for  whom  he  translates,  must  act  the  part  of 
 a  good  interpreter  between  two  persons  of  different 
 nations :  he  must  vary  many  idioms  and  phrases  in 
 one  language  to  find  their  equivalents  in  another e. 
 
 *  Defence  of  the  Old  Singing  Psalms,  1710. 
 
 e  Granada.  Eccl.  Rhet.,  p.  223.  "Optimi  interprets  est,  sermonis 
 idiornata  in  alterius  linguae  idiomata  quae  tantundem  yaleant  conyertere." 
 
PEEFACE.  IX 
 
 And  of  this  rule,  every  Hebrew  student  is  aware, 
 our  Translators  often  availed  themselves  even  in 
 their  prose-versions  of  the  Hebrew  Bible.  They 
 were  true  to  the  original ;  but  they  did  not  forget 
 that  they  wrote  for  the  English  people.  Such  a 
 rule  is  still  more  to  be  observed  in  translating 
 poetry,  a  kind  of  writing  into  which  the  proverbs 
 and  figurative  expressions  of  the  native  language 
 are  more  abundantly  admitted. 
 
 There  was  probably  a  degree  of  party-spirit  in- 
 volved in  the  contest  between  the  two  Versions, 
 when  that  of  Tate  and  Brady  was  first  introduced 
 into  the  Churches  in  the  Diocese  of  London  in  a.d. 
 1696,  under  the  patronage  of  Archbishops  Tillotson 
 and  Sharp,  Bishop  Compton,  and  other  Prelates, 
 who  administered  the  affairs  of  the  Church  in  the 
 reign  of  King  William  III.  It  is  said  that  some 
 of  these  Bishops  had  a  hand  in  correcting  it.  The 
 Old  Version  was  regarded,  not  altogether  without 
 reason,  as  a  production  of  the  Puritans.  Whitting- 
 ham,  Dean  of  Durham,  a  strong  ally  of  Knox,  was 
 among  the  original  contributors  ;  and  many  of  the 
 alterations,  not  always  for  the  better,  which  appear 
 in  the  later  editions,  were  taken  from  the  amended 
 Version  of  William  Barton,  and  Praneis  Eous,  the 
 Presbyterian  Provost  of  Eton  during  the  Usurpa- 
 tion; whose  united  labours  supplied  the  Kirk  in 
 Scotland  with  the  Metrical  Psalms  authorized  by 
 their  General  Assembly.  In  the  revulsion  from 
 this  extreme,  the  age  of  Tillotson  was  verging  to- 
 
X  PREEACE. 
 
 wards  another,  which,  for  want  of  a  more  correct 
 designation,  is  commonly  called  Arminianism ;  and 
 the  New  Version  was  seasonably  coincident  with 
 this  new  tendency.  A  few  grave  and  learned 
 Divines,  like  Beveridge,  may  have  deprecated  the 
 introduction  of  a  Version  so  unfaithful  to  the  sense 
 of  David,  and  composed  by  men,  who  had  appa- 
 rently so  little  acquaintance  with  the  study  of 
 Theology :  but  the  easy  flow  of  the  verse,  the  occa- 
 sional pathos  of  the  language,  and  the  adaptation 
 of  the  phrases  to  the  English  of  the  Eighteenth 
 Century,  procured  it  by  degrees  a  very  general  ac- 
 ceptance. And  the  result  seems  to  have  been,  that 
 it  established  a  kind  of  precedent  against  the  ne- 
 cessity of  adhering  to  literal  Translations.  Eor 
 whatever  had  been  done  previously  with  this  view, 
 and  particularly  by  the  publication  of  the  cultivated 
 Version  of  Greorge  Sandys  in  A.D.  1638,  had  met 
 with  no  public  encouragement. 
 
 It  is  needless  to  dwell  on  the  defects  of  this 
 Version,  which  are  so  generally  acknowledged  and 
 deplored.  Not  only  the  frequent  mistranslations 
 and  improprieties  of  language  make  it  difficult  to 
 select  portions  which  may  be  sung  without  offence 
 to  piety;  but  the  argument  of  whole  Psalms  is 
 mistaken.  Let  the  reader  only  refer  to  the  Eighty- 
 Seventh  Psalm,  as  it  stands  in  this  Version,  and 
 see  with  what  poverty  of  conception  the  Versionists 
 have  debased  that  noble  prophecy  of  the  calling  of 
 the  Gentiles,  on  which  St.  Augustin  comments  in 
 
PREFACE.  XI 
 
 a  style  worthy  of  the  author  of  the  Treatise  on  the 
 1  City  of  God/ 
 
 Accordingly  things  could  not  rest  here.  Other 
 Versions  from  time  to  time  appeared ;  of  which  it 
 is  now  necessary  to  mention  only  those  which  ob- 
 tained a  degree  of  public  approval.  That  of  the 
 pious  and  ingenious  Dissenter,  Dr.  Isaac  Watts, 
 who  died  in  1748,  is  still  partially  admitted  into 
 some  Selections.  It  is  far  from  erring  on  the 
 literal  side ;  so  far,  that  probably  many  persons 
 may  have  sung  the  four  stanzas  beginning  with  the 
 line,  "Before  Jehovah's  awful  throne,"  without 
 being  aware  that  they  were  written  by  "Watts  as  a 
 Version  of  the  Hundredth  Psalm.  The  fault  of 
 this  Version,  beside  its  want  of  vigour  and  spirit,  is 
 that  it  constantly  falls  into  the  practice  of  what  is 
 usually  called  "improving"  the  text  of  holy  Scrip- 
 ture; conveying  the  impression,  that  the  writer 
 had  not  sufficient  reverence  for  the  words  of  in- 
 spiration, or  thought  that  they  required  such  addi- 
 tions as  he  makes,  which  are  sometimes  mean  and 
 trivial,  and  at  other  times  not  consistent  with  the 
 turn  of  thought  in  the  Hebrew. 
 
 Another  Version,  which  survives  and  sometimes 
 supplies  portions  for  Selections,  is  that  of  James 
 Merrick,  first  published  in  1765.  The  author  was 
 a  Clergyman  of  piety  and  early  promise,  who  died 
 before  he  had  attained  the  meridian  of  life.  He 
 was  a  friend  of  good  Bishop  Home,  and  appears  to 
 have  been  in  friendly  correspondence  with  Bishop 
 
Xll  PREEACE. 
 
 Lowth  and  Arclibishop  Seeker,  who  took  some 
 interest  in  his  performance.  The  present  writer 
 well  remembers  to  have  heard  the  name  of  Merrick 
 mentioned  in  his  youth,  as  one  whose  memory  was 
 cherished  by  good  men  of  a  former  generation. 
 But  of  his  Version  it  may  be  briefly  said,  that, 
 though  not  void  of  some  graces  of  expression,  it  is 
 feeble  and  diluted.  He  took  Addison  for  his  model, 
 whose  elegant  little  paraphrases  of  the  Nineteenth 
 and  Twenty-third  Psalms  were  probably  intended 
 rather  for  poetical  Glosses,  as  the  Spaniards  would 
 call  them,  on  the  sacred  Text,  than  to  serve  as 
 Versions  for  devotional  use.  Thus  the  Iambics  of 
 Addison, 
 
 "  Where  peaceful  rivers,  soft  and  slow, 
 Amid  the  verdant  landscape  flow," 
 
 re-appear  in  Merrick's  Trochaics, 
 
 "  To  the  streams,  that  soft  and  slow 
 Thro'  the  verdant  landscape  flow." 
 
 This  scenery,  with  the  "fertile  vales,  and  dewy 
 meads,"  which  precede,  appears  to  have  been  sug- 
 gested by  a  view  of  the  summer-fields  in  the 
 Midland  Counties  on  some  fine  evening,  such  as 
 Addison  might  have  seen  in  the  valley  of  the  Trent 
 or  Tame  in  Staffordshire  in  the  days  of  his  youth, 
 his  father  having  been  Dean  of  Lichfield.  But 
 dewy  meads  are  not  well  adapted  for  sheep-pastures 
 in  any  country,  and  were  certainly  not  the  usual 
 abode  of  the  flocks  of  Palestine.     See  Isai.  xlix.  9, 
 
PBEFACE.  Xlll 
 
 10,  11 :  Ezek.  xxxiv.  13,  14.  And  the  "  waters  of 
 comfort,"  as  the  LXX.  and  our  Prayer-Book  alike 
 represent  the  sense  of  the  Hebrew,  are  waters 
 which  impart  comfort  or  refreshment,  without  any 
 notion  of  that  stillness  in  the  waters  themselves, 
 which  belongs  to  rivers  in  the  more  level  provinces 
 of  Great  Britain, 
 
 "A  league  of  grass,  wash'd  by  a  slow  broad  stream." 
 
 If  the  Hebrew  means  any  thing  more,  as  the  word 
 is  in  the  plural,  "waters  of  rests,"  or  "consola- 
 tions," it  would  seem  rather  to  express  a  variety  of 
 resting-places  for  the  weary  in  body  or  mind,  such 
 as  may  be  found  in  some  pleasant  shade,  where  the 
 eye  gazes  on  rapids  and  waterfalls,  as  well  as  near 
 the  streams  that  sleep  along  their  flow. 
 
 The  present  writer  feels  more  difficulty  in  speak- 
 ing of  a  Version  of  higher  character  than  any 
 hitherto  mentioned,  by  a  distinguished  living  Poet 
 and  Divine,  published  in  1839  under  the  title  of 
 '  The  Psalter  or  Psalms  of  David  in  English  Verse, 
 by  a  Member  of  the  University  of  Oxford.'  But 
 as  a  period  of  fifteen  years  has  elapsed  since  the 
 appearance  of  this  learned  and  able  "Work,  without 
 its  having  made  much  progress  towards  general 
 acceptance,  it  may  be  allowed  to  enquire  why  it 
 has  not  become  more  popular.  Por  it  may  well  be 
 supposed,  that  there  would  have  been  a  predis- 
 position on  the  part  of  very  many,  to  welcome  such 
 a  "Work  from  the  Author  of  those  admirable  Sacred 
 
XIV  PEEFACE. 
 
 Poems,  which  are  likely  to  endure  as  treasures  of 
 meditation  for  pious  souls  to  ages  yet  to  come.  It 
 appears  to  the  writer,  that  its  want  of  success  has 
 been  owing  to  a  cause,  which  should  rather  in- 
 crease than  diminish  the  respect  on  so  many  ac- 
 counts due  to  the  Author  of  this  Version.  His 
 reverential  regard  to  the  Hebrew  verity  has  been 
 such  as  to  induce  him  to  sacrifice  his  own  poetical 
 liberty  and  powers  of  diction  in  a  rigid  adherence 
 to  the  ancient  and  foreign  idioms  of  the  Original. 
 Consequently  this  Version  will  retain  its  value  as  a 
 help  to  private  study  of  the  Book  of  Psalms ;  but 
 it  will  not  abide  the  test  of  all  poetical  Transla- 
 tions, to  be  read  as  an  Original  Wort  To  take 
 one  of  the  first  passages  which  occurs  in  the  volume, 
 Ps.  v.  3  : 
 
 "  Lord,  Thou  shalt  hear  my  voice  at  morn, 
 
 For  Thee  at  break  of  day 
 I  keep  my  watch,  and  set  my  heart 
 
 In  order  and  array." 
 
 Milton  had  rendered  the  verse  before,  with  the 
 same  regard  to  the  Hebrew, 
 
 "  I'  the  morning  I  to  Thee  with  choice 
 "Will  rank  my  pray'rs  and  watch  till  Thou  appear." 
 
 But  the  original  word  is  often  used  of  "  setting  in 
 order''  without  this  military  sense.  See  Gen.  xxii. 
 9.  Lev.  i.  7  ;  xxiv.  S.  And  perhaps  if  any  allusion 
 is  implied,  it  is  rather  with  a  reference  to  the  offer- 
 ing of  incense  that  the  word  is  here  used.     See  Ps. 
 
PEEEACE.  XV 
 
 cxli.  2.  At  least  the  phrase  of  either  Poet  needs 
 a  note  to  make  its  meaning  clear  to  the  English 
 reader. 
 
 Again,  in  Ps.  lxxvi.  10.  our  Bible-Translation 
 is,  "  Surely  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise  Thee : 
 the  remainder  of  wrath  shalt  Thou  restrain."  If 
 this  is  rather  obscure,  yet  a  reader  by  a  little  con- 
 sideration may  arrive  at  the  meaning.  It  is  doubt- 
 ful whether  an  English  reader  will  succeed  equally 
 well,  if  he  has  only  the  words  of  the  Oxford  Psalter 
 before  him : 
 
 "  Man's  wrath  must  praise  Thee,  Lord,  till  Thou 
 Have  girt  the  last  wrath  on  Thee." 
 
 The  Hebrew  word  may  contain  this  figure,  and 
 the  passage  may  mean,  that  God  shall  so  utterly 
 subdue  the  wrath  of  His  enemies,  as  to  make  it 
 like  the  spoil  of  a  vanquished  foe,  which  a  victor  in 
 battle  girds  round  him  as  a  grace  and  trophy  of 
 his  victory.  It  might  be  well  to  preserve  the 
 figure,  but  not  to  leave  it  in  its  brief  obscurity. 
 
 In  the  meantime,  the  state  of  our  Metrical 
 Psalmody  being  so  imperfect,  another  change  had 
 been  introduced  into  practice  by  the  substitution 
 of  Hymns,  chiefly  of  very  modern  origin  and  com- 
 position, in  the  place  of  either  the  Old  or  New 
 Versions.  This  change  at  first  met  with  opposi- 
 tion, and  those  who  resisted  it  said,  with  some 
 justice,  that  the  Metrical  Psalms  were  at  all  events 
 exercises  on  those  sacred  Songs,  which  the  Almighty 
 had  inspired  and  approved  for  the  service  of  His 
 
XVI  PREFACE. 
 
 Temple ;  whereas  these  were  uninspired  composi- 
 tions, and  uncontrouled  by  any  reference  either  to 
 Scriptural  or  Ecclesiastical  model.  But  the  mean- 
 ing of  the  Sacred  Text  had  been  so  little  regarded, 
 or  so  erroneously  represented,  in  the  Versions 
 sung  during  the  eighteenth  century,  that  it  was 
 only  a  slight  step  to  discard  these  Versions  alto- 
 gether, or  to  give  them  a  very  subordinate  place  in 
 comparison  with  the  fast-increasing  stock  of  Hymns 
 furnished  by  the  Wesleys,  Newton,  Toplady,  and 
 their  imitators  or  allies.  For  the  Hymns,  as  they 
 followed  no  rule,  so  they  were  confined  by  no 
 limits;  and  it.  is  supposed  that  there  are  at  the 
 present  time  near  a  hundred  thousand  of  these 
 compositions  in  use  in  various  congregations  within 
 or  without  the  pale  of  the  Church  of  England. 
 Among  such  a  multitude  it  may  well  be  supposed, 
 that  while  a  few  are  good,  and  many  are  of  a  kind 
 neither  to  be  much  approved  nor  rigorously  con- 
 demned, a  very  large  proportion  are  faulty  alike  in 
 sentiment  and  expression. 
 
 The  sanction  or  permission  of  the  Diocesan  for 
 the  use  of  a  Selection  of  such  Hymns  in  the  Churches 
 of  their  Diocese  was  sought  and  obtained  in  a  few 
 instances :  and  it  was  certainly  in  accordance  with 
 the  episcopal  rule  of  discipline  not  to  proceed  in 
 such  a  matter  without  the  Bishop's  consent.  But 
 in  varying  a  practice  originally  allowed  rather  than 
 authorized,  this  might  not  always  have  appeared 
 necessary  ;    and  where  no  penalty  was  likely  to 
 
PEEFACE.  XVII 
 
 await  the  exercise  of  greater  liberty,  it  is  not  sur- 
 prising if  the  liberty  was  taken.  The  practical 
 result  now  is,  that  almost  every  Clergyman  who 
 has  the  care  of  a  Town-Church,  and  many  in  country 
 villages,  either  print  a  Selection  of  their  own,  or 
 adopt  one  that  is  approved  by  themselves  or  their 
 congregation. 
 
 The  natural  dissatisfaction  now  felt  at  this  mul- 
 titudinous variety  has  of  late  years  begun  to  shew 
 itself  in  a  reaction  towards  something  more  in 
 harmony  with  the  system  of  the  English  Prayer- 
 Book.  "  Under  the  Statutes  of  the  Eeformation," 
 as  it  was  observed  by  Lord  Stowell  in  one  of  his 
 well-considered  judgments,  "it  is  recommended 
 that  the  ancient  Hymns  should  be  used  in  the 
 Liturgy,  or  rather  that  they  should  be  preferred  to 
 any  others'."  In  conformity  with  this  opinion 
 many  accomplished  members  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
 land have  of  late  years  employed  their  leisure  in 
 English  Versions  of  the  Latin  Metrical  Hymns  used 
 in  different  portions  of  the  Western  Church.  This 
 may  be  worth  trying.  There  is  great  beauty  and 
 simplicity  in  some  of  these  time-honoured  composi- 
 tions, such  as  the  Coelestis  O  Jerusalem,  O  Splendor 
 JEterni  Patris,  and  many  of  those  which  are  col- 
 lected by  Mr.  Trench  into  his  instructive  and  ele- 
 gant volume  of  '  Sacred  Latin  Poetry.'  But  the 
 task  will  require  some  discrimination.  The  copies 
 of  several  of  these  Hymns,  as  now  used  in  Italy  and 
 
 f  Case  of  Hutchins  v.  Denziloe. 
 
 b 
 
XV111  PREFACE. 
 
 other  southern  parts  of  Europe,  differ  materially 
 from  the  more  ancient  copies,  as  they  stand  in  our 
 old  Anglo-Saxon  Hymnals,  and  in  the  writings  of 
 some  of  the  Latin  Fathers.  This  is  particularly 
 the  case  with  the  famous  Vexilla  Regis,  a  hymn 
 composed  by  Venantius  Fortunatus,  an  old  Bishop 
 of  Poitiers  in  France  about  a.d.  569.  In  the  most 
 ancient  Service-books  used  in  our  own  country,  the 
 questionable  stanza,  complained  of  by  Bishop  Jeremy 
 Taylor,  beginning  with  the  line,  "  0  crux,  ave,  spes 
 unica,"  does  not  appear  ;  nor  is  it  to  be  found  in 
 the  latest  and  best  edition  of  the  works  of  Venan- 
 tius, printed  at  Koine  near  the  close  of  the  last 
 century.  It  appears  to  have  been  inserted  or 
 rather  substituted  for  one  which  Yenantius  really 
 wrote,  some  time  between  the  date  of  Gregory  VII. 
 and  the  age  of  Thomas  Aquinas,  who  is  the  earliest 
 author  the  writer  has  met  with  in  whom  the  stanza 
 is  quoted^.  It  is  therefore  not  at  all  to  be  desired, 
 that  this  stanza,  written  full  five  hundred  years 
 later  than  the  original  hymn,  should  find  its  place 
 in  any  Version  introduced  into  the  use  of  the  Church 
 of  Englandh. 
 
 There  is  another  extreme,  to  which  some  of  the 
 
 e  See  a  Saxon  Hymnal  publ.  by  the  Surtees  Society  of  Durham.  Venant. 
 Fortunat.  Opp.  ed.  Luchi,  vol.  i.  p.  46.  Romae,  1786.  Aquin.  Opp.  vol.  xxiv, 
 p.  127.  Venet.  1787.  Jer.  Taylor,  ed.  Heber.  vol.  xii.  p.  3S9.  Daniel  Thesaur. 
 Hymnolog.,  vol.  i.  p.  160.  Halis,  1841. 
 
 h  For  further  information  on  this  subject,  the  reader  may  consult 
 '  Arevali  Hymnodia  Hispanica,  Romae,  1786,'  and  the  work  of  Daniel  just 
 referred  to.    See  Mr.  Trench's  '  Sacred  Latin  Poetry,'  Introd.,  p.  15. 
 
PKEFACE.  XIX 
 
 patrons  of  this  revival  appear  to  be  tending.  They 
 seem  to  wish  to  get  rid  of  Metrical  Psalmody,  as 
 if  it  were  a  practice  altogether  of  too  late  an  intro- 
 duction to  be  of  good  precedent.  It  must  be  con- 
 fessed, that  many  of  the  advocates  for  Psalms  in 
 metre  have  given  them  too  much  reason  to  think 
 so ;  for  they  constantly  speak,  as  if  the  Church  of 
 England  had  never  heard  of  Psalm-singing  before 
 the  appearance  of  Miles  Coverdale's  '  Ghostly 
 Psalms  and  Spirituell  Songs'  about  a.d.  1538 ;  or 
 as  if  Sternhold  and  Hopkins  had  taken  the  hint 
 from  Theodore  Beza  and  his  friend  Clement  Marot 
 in  Prance.  Now  it  cannot  but  appear  highly  pro- 
 bable to  those  who  will  read  what  is  said  by  St. 
 Basil  and  St.  Chrysostom  on  this  subject1,  that  the 
 ancient  Greek  Christians  had  one  or  more  Metrical 
 Versions  of  the  Psalms  set  to  Music,  which  they 
 sang,  as  our  pious  country-people  do,  at  home  or 
 in  the  field,  "  making  melody  in  their  hearts  to  the 
 Lord."  The  Hexameters  of  Apollinaris  were  com- 
 posed with  a  different  purpose,  and  it  is  probable 
 that  the  supposed  Versions  were  nearer  in  character 
 to  what  Bp.  Pearson  calls  "the  exquisitely  sweet 
 Hymns  of  Synesiusk:"  but  it  has  not  been  sug- 
 gested, nor  does  it  seem  likely,  that  these  Fathers 
 here  speak  of  the  antiphonal  hymns  or  ch aunts 
 which  we  know  to  have  been  anciently  used  in  the 
 public  Service  of  God,  the  origin  of  which  is  attri- 
 
 •  S.  Basil.  Horn,  in  Psalm  i.  1.    S.  Chrysostom  in  Psalm  xli.  1. 
 k  Vindic.  S.  Ignatii,  p.  ii.  c.  5. 
 
XX  PREFACE. 
 
 buted  by  the    Cliurcli  Historian  Socrates  to   St. 
 Ignatius. 
 
 However,  if  any  doubt  may  exist  as  to  the  prac- 
 tice of  other  Churches,  none  ought  to  be  enter- 
 tained as  to  our  own  ;  since  not  only  have  we  the 
 testimony  of  Bede  to  the  musical  and  poetical 
 labours  of  Aldhelm  of  Malmsbury  ;  but  by  a  happy 
 discovery  within  the  last  few  years,  aided  by  the 
 discerning  liberality  of  the  Delegates  of  the  Oxford 
 University  Press,  the  greater  portion  of  Aldhelm's 
 Anglo-Saxon  Metrical  Version  has  been  made 
 public1.  The  Manuscript,  from  which  the  volume 
 has  been  printed,  appears  to  have  been  written  by 
 a  scribe  a  little  before  the  jSTorman  Conquest,  who 
 had  two  imperfect  older  Manuscripts  before  him. 
 Hence  he  gives  a  Prose  Version  or  Paraphrase  of 
 the  first  fifty-one  Psalms,  breaking  off  in  the  middle 
 of  the  fifty-first,  and  continues  with  a  Metrical 
 Version  beginning  in  the  middle  of  the  fifty-second, 
 and  continuing  with  one  or  two  slight  deficiencies 
 to  the  end.  But  that  this  last  portion,  which  we 
 may  confidently  believe  to  be  Aldhelm's,  is  part  of 
 a  complete  Version,  is  evident,  because  we  find  the 
 Anglo-Saxon  Service-Books,  which  contain  verses 
 taken  from  the  latter  Psalms  agreeing  with  this 
 last  portion,  contain  also  Metrical  quotations  from 
 the  earlier  Psalms,  where  the  scribe's  copy  was  de- 
 fective"1.  We  have  therefore  the  very  words,  which 
 
 1  Liber  Psalmorum,  Lat.  and  Anglo-Saxon.  Oxon.  1835.        Z 
 m  Elstob's  Anglo-Saxon  Hours.  Lond.  1715. 
 
PBEFACE.  XXI 
 
 our  English  forefathers  sang,  however  rudely,  to 
 David's  own  instrument  the  harp,  from  the  age  of 
 Bede  and  Aldhelm,  or  about  a.d.  700,  almost  from 
 the  time  of  their  first  conversion  to  the  Christian 
 Faith. 
 
 It  is  not  likely  that  the  practice,  when  once  be- 
 gun, was  ever  entirely  lost.  There  are  many  vary- 
 ing copies  of  Metrical  Versions,  which  were  current 
 in  the  Middle  Ages,  keeping  pace  in  some  degree 
 with  the  changes  which  the  language  underwent 
 from  the  time  of  the  Norman  Conquest  to  the  Re- 
 formation11. One  of  these,  arranged  from  three 
 Manuscripts,  has  lately  been  printed  by  the  Durham 
 Surtees  Society0.  It  is  supposed  to  be  of  the  age 
 of  King  Edward  II.  It  is  in  a  style,  which  may  be 
 characterized  more  truly  than  even  Sternhold's  as 
 one  of  "rough  yeomanlike  simplicity;"  and  is  of 
 little  other  value  than  as  illustrating  the  progress 
 of  the  language.  This  rude  verse  strongly  marks 
 the  depression  and  low  state  of  education  of  the 
 English  under  the  Norman  rule,  as  contrasted  with 
 their  former  days  of  liberty  :  for  Aldhelm' s  Version 
 is  the  work  of  a  man  of  refined  discernment  and  a 
 poet ;  and,  what  is  of  more  consequence  to  the  pre- 
 sent argument,  it  shews  that  the  first  writer  of 
 Metrical  Psalmody  in  our  language  had  too  much 
 taste  and  judgment  to  attempt  a  Version  on  the 
 literal  system.     It  is  true  that  the  old  Bishop  of 
 
 n  Warton's  Hist,  of  Poetry,  sect.  i. 
 
 0  In  two  vols,  with  an  old  Anglo-Saxon  Linear  Translation.  1843. 
 
xxn 
 
 PliEFACE. 
 
 Sherburn  was  guided  to  the  sense  of  the  Psalmist 
 chiefly  by  the  aid  of  an  old  Latin  Translation:  but 
 this  is  a  disadvantage  which  he  shares  in  common 
 with  most  of  the  Latin  Fathers.  His  own  sagacity 
 in  bringing  out  and  illustrating  the  meaning  is 
 often  remarkable  ;  and  he  had  no  want  of  power  in 
 expressing  it. 
 Thus  his  Version  of  Psalm  lxi.  1,  2,  is  as  follows : 
 
 Gehyr,  halig  God, 
 Hrathe  mine  bene  ; 
 Beheald  min  gebed 
 Holde-mode : 
 Nu  ic  of  eorthan 
 Ut-gemaerum 
 Cleopige  to  The  ; 
 Nu  ine  caru  beateth 
 Heard  set  heortan  ; 
 Help  min  nu  tha, 
 Ahefe  me  holdliee 
 On  halne  stan. 
 
 Hear,  holy  God, 
 Speedily  my  petition  ; 
 Regard  my  faithful  prayer. 
 
 Now  that  I  from  earth's 
 
 Far-borders 
 
 Call  to  Thee  ; 
 
 Now  that  care  beateth 
 
 Hard  upon  my  heart  ; 
 
 Now  most  of  all  my  Helper, 
 
 Uplift  me  firmly 
 
 On  the  sacred  rock. 
 
 Again,  this  is  his  Version  of  Psalm  cxx.  5  : 
 
 Wa  me  thaere  wyrde, 
 Thaet  min  wynn  alaeg, 
 And  min  bigenges  gewat 
 Bryce  on  feor-wseg. 
 Sceal  ic  eard  niman, 
 Swa  me  ethe  nis, 
 Mid  Cedaringum  ? 
 Nis  niin  cyth  thser. 
 
 Woe  is  with  me  here, 
 Which  has  laid  low  my  joy, 
 And  my  delight  of  worship 
 Has  departed  far  away. 
 Shall  I  take  a  dwelling-place, 
 As  is  little  to  my  ease, 
 With  the  sons  of  Kedar  ? 
 My  kindred  is  not  here. 
 
PREFACE.  XX111 
 
 The  truth  and  beauty  of  this  passage  will  be  ac- 
 knowledged by  the  judicious  reader.  The  addition 
 of  the  last  line,  full  of  simple  pathos  as  it  is,  is  no 
 extraneous  insertion,  but  only  serves  to  fix  the 
 sense  of  what  had  preceded. 
 
 It  should  be  added,  that  this  ancient  Version 
 is  a  work,  which,  as  a  storehouse  of  the  language, 
 greatly  deserves  the  attention  of  the  student  of 
 Anglo-Saxon,  and  all  who  wish  to  draw  from  the 
 fountains  of  "  English  undefiled."  It  abounds  with 
 those  expressive  compounds  of  our  old  native  tongue, 
 the  power  of  which  was  so  well  understood  by  Shak- 
 speare,  and  which  will  be  better  imitated  from  these 
 sources,  than  from  the  examples  to  be  found  in  any 
 more  modern  Teutonic  Dialect.  For  the  present 
 writer,  he  wishes  to  acknowledge,  that  this  vener- 
 able monument  of  our  Christian  Antiquities  has 
 been  to  him  a  material  help,  in  the  choice  of  words, 
 and  something  more. 
 
 He  has  also  used  without  scruple  a  licence  often 
 taken  by  other  Translators,  of  embodying  many 
 lines  and  phrases,  and  sometimes  more  than  one 
 stanza  consecutively,  from  those  who  have  been 
 over  the  same  ground  before  him.  The  Versions, 
 which  have  been  of  most  frequent  service,  have 
 been  those  of  the  poet  Sandys,  the  friend  of  Falk- 
 land, and  of  the  accomplished  Author  of  the  Oxford 
 Psalter.  He  has  also  found  some  satisfaction, 
 particularly  in  the  LXXYinth  and  CLth  Psalms,  in 
 consulting  the   Version   of    Miles   Smyth,   whose 
 
XXIV  PREFACE. 
 
 work  appeared  some  years  before  the  New  Version, 
 in  1668.  The  Author  was  private  Secretary  to 
 Archbishop  Sheldon :  he  wrote  with  some  force  of 
 expression,  but  with  little  study  of  harmony,  and 
 seems  to  have  entertained  an  opinion,  too  common 
 in  that  age,  that  the  old  English  stanza,  in  which 
 he  wrote,  was  a  rude  and  barbarous  measure. 
 
 Some  little  use  has  also  been  made  of  versions  of 
 single  Psalms  by  our  earlier  poets  ;  as  the  para- 
 phrases of  the  Earl  of  Surrey  and  Sir  Thomas 
 Wyatt :  and,  in  one  instance,  of  Sir  Philip  Sidney's 
 Version.  The  writer  regrets  that  the  scarcity  of 
 this  work  has  prevented  him  from  perfecting  his 
 acquaintance  with  it.  He  is  so  far  from  thinking 
 his  own  attempt  likely  to  suffer  by  the  adoption 
 of  any  thing  that  has  been  well  said  by  others, 
 that  he  only  wishes  he  could  have  found  more  to 
 adopt.  But  should  any  reader  suppose  that  this 
 has  been  done  so  far  as  to  affect  the  character  of 
 the  present  Version,  as  distinct  from  those  which 
 have  preceded  it,  or  to  make  it  a  mere  compilation, 
 such  a  supposition  will  be  removed  on  a  slight 
 inspection  of  the  following  pages. 
 
 It  may  be  right  to  add  a  few  words  on  the  prin- 
 ciples, on  which  this  Translation  has  proceeded. 
 Following  the  ancient  models,  it  aims  to  be  a 
 Metaphrase  rather  than  a  Paraphrase  of  the  Psalms, 
 observing  the  caution  of  the  ingenious  Eobert  Boyle : 
 u  Paraphrases,  though  handsome,  do  as  much  wrong 
 the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  a  mixture  of  silver,  though 
 
PBEFACE.  XXV 
 
 no  ignoble  metal,  does  wrong  an  ingot  of  gold." 
 The  variation  of  phrase  and  order  has  been  made 
 with  no  other  view,  than  to  express  the  meaning  of 
 the  sacred  Text  in  the  language  of  English  people, 
 and  in  the  rhythm  and  now  of  English  poetry. 
 Even  this  liberty  has  been  used  sparingly,  where 
 the  Psalm  is  grave  and  penitential.  A  little  more 
 expansion  has  been  permitted  in  Psalms  of  praise, 
 and  in  interpreting  the  sacred  breathings  of  prayer 
 in  Psalm  cxix ;  which  others  have  not  success- 
 fully attempted  to  convey  with  a  brevity  more 
 nearly  approaching  the  original.  If,  after  all,  the 
 Version  sometimes  transgresses  these  limits,  it  is 
 hoped  that  the  liberty  has  been  restricted  to  obscure 
 passages,  such  as  could  not  be  rendered  literally 
 without  increasing  their  obscurity ;  as  for  instance, 
 some  portions  of  the  LXYinth  Psalm.  And  it 
 should  seem  that  there  is  no  absolute  law  against 
 expansion  of  the  original  in  a  Translation,  unless 
 where  the  sense  is  needlessly  diluted,  or  matter  is 
 introduced  inconsistent  with  the  mind  and  meaning 
 of  the  first  Author. 
 
 Neither  is  it  beyond  this  law  to  use  an  easy 
 figurative  expression  in  turning  a  plain  phrase  of 
 the  Original,  or  to  render  in  plain  language,  where 
 it  may  be  expedient,  what  in  the  Original  is  figura- 
 tive ;  or  else,  if  the  figurative  word  is  obscure,  to 
 expand  it  into  a  short  similitude.  "When  the  late 
 accomplished  Bishop  Heber,  in  making  his  Trans- 
 lations  of  Pindar,  found  the   bold   metaphor  by 
 
XXVI  PREFACE. 
 
 which  the  Greek  Poet  speaks  of  the  dew-drops  on 
 the  blossoms  of  Spring,  calling  them  "yellow  and 
 purple  rays  of  the  violets,"  he  saw  that  this  could 
 hardly  be  presented  to  the  English  reader  except 
 by  a  free  expansion ;  and  accordingly  he  rendered 
 it, 
 
 11  Where  Morn  her  watery  rad:ance  threw, 
 Now  golden-bright,  now  deeply  blue, 
 Upon  the  violet-flower." 
 
 This  is  a  faithful  translation,  though  the  five 
 words  of  the  original  are  represented  by  nearly 
 three-times  their  number:  and  something  analogous 
 to  this  may  occasionally  be  expedient  in  rendering 
 the  figurative  terms  of  Hebrew  Poetry. 
 
 But  of  course  there  are  liberties  assumed  by 
 Translators  of  uninspired  or  secular  Poems,  which 
 are  excluded  from  a  Version  of  any  kind,  meant  to 
 convey  the  meaning  of  Holy  Scripture.  For  in- 
 stance, our  Elizabethan  Translator  of  Tasso,  Edward 
 Fairfax,  has  the  following  noble  stanza,  where  the 
 Poet  describes  the  triumphant  act  of  the  leader  of 
 the  Crusaders,  in  planting  the  Christian  Standard 
 on  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  :  B.  xviii.  100. 
 
 u  About  his  head  he  toss'd,  he  turn'd,  he  cast 
 
 That  glorious  Ensign  with  a  thousand  twines ; 
 
 Thereon  the  wind  breathes  with  his  sweetest  blast, 
 Thereon  with  golden  rays  glad  Phoebus  shines; 
 
 Earth  laughs  for  joy,  the  streams  forbear  their  haste, 
 Floods  clap  their  hands,  on  mountains  dance  the  pines  j 
 
 And  Sion's  tow'rs  and  sacred  temples  smile 
 
 For  their  deliverance  from  that  bondage  vile." 
 
PREFACE.  XXV11 
 
 Let  this  be  compared  with  the  corresponding 
 stanza  in  the  Italian;  it  will  be  seen  that  it  contains 
 a  conception  comparatively  cold,  that  outward  na- 
 ture seemed  reverently  to  adore  the  emblem,  and 
 the  darts  and  arrows  of  the  enemy  were  turned 
 from  it,  or  fell  short  of  the  mark,  by  some  invisible 
 agency.  Our  old  countryman  turns  the  attention 
 from  the  standard,  to  the  deliverance,  of  which  it 
 was  the  sign ;  and  substitutes,  for  the  fancies  of 
 the  southern  Poet,  language  of  higher  grace  and 
 dignity,  which  he  had  learnt  from  the  sacred  songs 
 of  Palestine. 
 
 To  return,  there  is  one  further  licence,  of  which 
 the  writer  has  availed  himself  in  one  doubtful 
 passage.  The  mysterious  beauty  of  the  verse, 
 Ps.  ex.  3,  is  understood  by  the  ancients  to  speak 
 of  the  Nativity  of  our  Blessed  Saviour,  ordained  in 
 the  eternal  counsels  of  God  the  Father,  "  His  birth 
 in  the  womb  of  His  holy  Mother,"  as  Bp.  Taylor 
 explains  the  passage,  "pure  and  virginal  like  the 
 morning-dew."  By  Luther  and  others  it  is  under- 
 stood of  the  new  birth  of  the  children  of  Messiah's 
 kingdom.  "It  is,"  says  Luther,  "with  the  birth 
 of  the  children  of  this  kingdom,  as  it  is  with  the 
 lovely  dew,  which  falls  in  the  early  mornings  of 
 Spring; — no  man  can  say  how  it  is  formed,  or 
 whence  it  comes,  yet  still  it  lies  every  morning  on 
 the  grass."  The  writer  sees,  that  there  are  pro- 
 bable reasons  from  the  context  to  be  urged  for 
 both  these  interpretations;  and  has  therefore  en- 
 
XXY1U  PBEFACE. 
 
 deavoured  to  combine  both,  in  the  generous  liberty 
 of  the  rule  acknowledged  by  St.  Augustin,  that 
 there  can  be  no  opposition  between  one  and  the 
 other,  when  both  are  true  P. 
 
 In  the  measures  regard  has  been  had  to  the  pre- 
 vailing laws  of  Sacred  Music  and  Church  Psalmody. 
 It  is  known  that  several  of  the  tunes  in  common 
 use  were  composed  by  no  vulgar  Musicians;  Tye 
 and  Tallis  lent  their  early  aid  to  the  task;  and 
 among  others  John  Dowland,  the  inventor  of  the 
 melody,  which  has  contributed  so  much  to  keep  up 
 the  popularity  of  the  Old  Hundredth  Psalm,  ap- 
 pears in  his  life -time  to  have  been  famous,  as 
 Luther  also  was,  for  his  admirable  skill  upon  the 
 lute*!.  For  the  sake  both  of  the  tune  and  the  pious 
 simplicity  of  the  words,  this  Psalm  is  retained  in 
 its  place  in  the  present  Volume  ;  but  a  second 
 Version  has  been  subjoined  in  honour  to  so  noble 
 a  Psalm,  and  in  a  metre  alike  suited  to  the  solemn 
 words  of  praise.  The  style  and  argument  of  each 
 Psalm,  whether  Prophetic,  Didactic,  or  Historical, 
 whether  of  Prayer  or  Praise,  or  humble  Confession, 
 has  throughout  influenced  the  choice  of  metres. 
 Nearly  a  third  of  the  whole  Book  has  been  rendered 
 into  the  Common  Measure,  as  it  is  called,  the  plain 
 Iambic  of  the  Ballad-Stanza ;  a  metre,  which  in  its 
 form  and  cadence  answers  best  to  the  simple  paral- 
 lels of  Hebrew  Poetry,  and  is  available  both  for 
 plaintive  and  more  joyous  melodies.     About  one 
 
 p  Confess,  xii.  c.  13.  *  Poems  by  Rich.  Barnfield.  1598. 
 
PKEFACE.  XXIX 
 
 fifth  of  the  Psalms  are  in  Long  Measure,  the 
 English  Elegiac,  which  is  also  capable  of  express- 
 ing either  cheerful  praise  or  mourning;  and  thir- 
 teen, chiefly  those  of  a  penitential  character,  are  in 
 Short  Measure.  A  few  have  been  given  in  Iambic 
 couplets,  a  few  in  stanzas  of  six  lines,  and  two  or 
 three  in  what  is  called  the  Darwell  Measure,  or 
 other  varieties  ;  but  none  without  precedent. 
 
 There  is  only  one  kind  of  Iambic  stanza,  which 
 may  be  looked  upon  as  a  novelty  ;  but  if  it  is  so,  it 
 is  one  which  will  not  create  much  difficulty  in  the 
 way  of  musical  arrangement.  Seven  of  the  Psalms 
 are  in  stanzas  of  five  lines,  one  of  the  changes  on 
 the  older  and  simpler  forms,  introduced  by  our 
 Poets  who  lived  nearest  to  the  age  of  the  revival  of 
 learning,  and  with  more  varied  effect  than  has  been 
 tried  by  their  followers  in  the  art.  It  is  indeed  a 
 measure  well  adapted  to  express  the  language  of 
 devout  affection ;  as  will  be  conceded  by  those  who 
 are  acquainted  with  the  Qirintillas  of  the  Spanish 
 Poets  of  the  same  period,  and  particularly  the 
 sacred  Poems  of  Luis  de  Leon,  who  translated  the 
 xinth,  the  cxxxvnth,  and  perhaps  other  Psalms  into 
 this  kind  of  stanza,  though  in  a  measure  more 
 nearly  resembling  Milton's  Ode  on  the  Nativity. 
 The  different  arrangements  of  the  stanza,  which 
 will  be  found  in  the  following  pages,  are  all  founded 
 on  good  English  precedents.  Psalm  xvn,  and 
 lxxix,  are  in  a  metre  of  Sir  Thomas  Wyatt's. 
 Psalm  xxn,  lvii,   and  lxix,   are   arranged  after 
 
XXX  PEEFACE. 
 
 a  stanza  of  Ben  Jonson's.  Of  Psalm  xlix,  and 
 lyi,  it  is  almost  needless  to  say,  that  the  examples 
 are  frequent  in  English  Poetry,  down  to  the  time 
 of  "William  Wordsworth.  A  little  musical  skill 
 will  serve  to  adapt  all  these  stanzas  to  different 
 tunes  of  the  usual  Long  Measure. 
 
 The  present  Version  contains  also  many  Psalms 
 in  Trochaic  Measure,  as  more  suited  for  Psalms  of 
 joy  and  praise.  It  is  hoped  that  they  will  not 
 deserve  to  be  hastily  condemned  as  a  repetition  of 
 what  a  severe  Critic  has  called  "  the  tripping  pas- 
 toral style"  of  Merrick.  The  metre  is  as  capable  of 
 grandeur  in  our  native  tongue  as  it  was  in  the 
 language  of  Greek  Tragedy ;  and  the  examples  of 
 several  Hymns  of  the  Latin  Church,  including  the 
 Dies  ircE,  the  Salve,  Jesu,  Bex  sanctorum,  and  others 
 commonly  attributed  to  St.  Bernard,  are  sufficient 
 to  vindicate  its  Ecclesiastical  use.  That  in  some 
 of  its  varieties  it  is  well  suited  to  the  expression  of 
 the  deeper  emotions,  may  be  seen  from  the  Trochaic 
 Quintilla  of  Sir  Philip  Sidney,  a  measure  which 
 has  attracted  the  approving  notice  of  good  Critics, 
 and  in  which  the  present  writer  has  endeavoured  to 
 represent  the  xxTinth,  cxLiid,  and  cxLind  Psalms. 
 For  this  particular  measure  a  friend  has  furnished 
 him  with  appropriate  Music,  which  may  be  obtained 
 on  application  from  the  publisher  of  this  Volume. 
 The  other  Trochaic  Psalms  can  easily  be  sung  to 
 tunes  already  in  use. 
 
 Lastly,  two  Psalms,  the  xxxnd  and  civth,  are 
 
PREFACE.  XXXI 
 
 in  the  Anapaestic  Metre  of  the  Old  ciyth.  The 
 Lxxyith,  from  the  similarity  of  its  character  to  the 
 *  Song  of  Miriam,'  has  been  rendered  in  a  Version 
 adapted  to  that  familiar  melody. 
 
 With  regard  to  the  interpretation  of  the  Sacred 
 Text,  the  writer  has  not  neglected  to  consult  Trans- 
 lations in  many  languages,  and  the  commentators 
 ancient  and  modern,  as  far  as  his  acquaintance  with 
 them  extended,  from  the  Latin  and  Greek  Fathers 
 to  the  works  of  Bp.  Home  and  Bp.  Horsley. 
 Among  the  latest  he  has  frequently  found  much 
 good  critical  aid  from  the  pious  German  Divine, 
 whose  Commentary  has  recently  been  made  public 
 and  translated  into  English,  Dr.  Hengstenberg  of 
 Berlin.  But  in  doubtful  cases  he  has  wished  to 
 adhere  as  much  as  possible  to  the  sense  of  our  own 
 Prayer-Book  or  Bible-Yersion. 
 
 Such  as  it  is,  the  Translation  is  now  submitted 
 to  the  judgment  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  it 
 may  be  pronounced  by  those  whose  sentence  will 
 have  weight  in  the  decision.  That  there  was  need 
 for  such  an  effort,  was  the  writer's  earnest  con- 
 viction when  he  undertook  the  task,  which  has 
 occupied  a  large  space  of  his  leisure-hours  for  the 
 last  three  years.  If  he  should  in  any  degree  have 
 succeeded,  it  will  be  a  source  of  lasting  thankful- 
 ness to  the  Giver  of  all  good  gifts  :  and  equally  so, 
 if  he  succeeds  only  so  far  as  to  excite  a  more 
 worthy  hand  and  pen  to  execute  the  same  labour 
 more  ably ;  for  it  is  one,  in  which  few  persons  will 
 
XXX11  PREFACE. 
 
 rejoice  more  than  himself  to  see  himself  outdone. 
 In  one  case  it  will  be  his  duty  to  reprint  the  work 
 in  a  cheaper  edition  for  congregational  use :  in  the 
 other  he  will  console  himself  with  the  reflection, 
 that  it  has  given  him  rest  from  outward  controver- 
 sies, and  intervals  of  no  unprofitable  meditation ; 
 thus  satisfying  the  feeling,  with  which  it  was  under- 
 taken, and  which  may  be  expressed  in  the  verse 
 of  an  ancient  bard,  but  in  a  sense  beyond  his 
 thoughts : 
 
 "  Yet  still  the  trembling  harp  I'll  take, 
 Altho'  no  crown  before  me  lies ; 
 True  toil  its  own  reward  shall  make, 
 And  wisdom's  flow'r  shall  be  its  prize." 
 
€\)t  Bo o It   of  ^sfalmsu 
 
 IN   ENGLISH    VERSE. 
 
 I. 
 
 1.  Blest  is  tlie  man,  who  ne'er  hath  stray' d 
 
 "Where  godless  counsels  guide, 
 Xor  stood  in  sinners'  path,  nor  sat 
 "With  scornful  sons  of  pride  : 
 
 2.  But  in  the  law  of  God  hath  found 
 
 His  stedfast  soul's  delight, 
 Eirm  strength  to  cheer  his  day  of  toil, 
 And  restful  thoughts  at  night. 
 
 3.  Like  some  fair  tree,  whose  roots  are  spread 
 
 "Where  constant  waters  flow, 
 Whose  boughs,  that  fear  no  summer's  drought a, 
 Their  timely  fruit  bestow, 
 
 a  Jer.  xvii.  8. 
 B 
 
TII£    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 So,  by  those  healing  waters  fed, 
 
 With  dews  of  grace  to  aid, 
 His  life  shall  bear  its  fruits  of  good, 
 
 His  leaf  shall  never  fade. 
 
 Par,  far  unlike  the  godless  race, 
 Who  know  no  strength  nor  stay, 
 
 Like  chaff,  which  every  wand'ring  wind 
 Sweeps  from  the  floor  away. 
 
 "[Inconstant  souls !  they  shall  not  stand, 
 "When  God  in  judgment  tries  ; 
 
 'Nor  with  the  saints  before  His  throne 
 In  glad  assembly  rise. 
 
 For  God,  Who  knows  each  heart's  desire, 
 Shall  bless  the  just  man's  way  : 
 
 But  the  lost  sinner's  life  and  hope 
 In  sorrow  shall  decay. 
 
13S   ENGLISH    VERSE. 
 
 II. 
 
 1.  How  are  tlie  Gentiles  all  on  fireb ! 
 
 What  dream  of  pride  their  rage  conlcl  move 
 
 2.  Against  th'  Almighty  to  conspire, 
 
 Against  th'  Anointed  of  His  love  ? 
 
 3.  Earth's  haughty  kings  have  joined  their  hn 
 
 And  leagued  in  rude  rebellion,  say  : 
 Up,  let  us  rend  in  twain  their  bands, 
 And  cast  those  galling  cords  away. 
 
 4.  But  He  "Who  sits  on  heav'n's  high  throne 
 
 Shall  mock  their  threats  with  scornful  eye. 
 And  strike  with  wild  confusion  down 
 The  rebels  who  His  pow'r  defy. 
 
 5.  His  voice  of  wrath  with  sore  affright 
 
 Their  trembling  guilt-sick  hearts  shall  wring : 
 
 6.  Yet  on  My  Zion's  holy  height 
 
 Have  I  enthron'd  My  glorious  King. 
 
 7.  I  will  th'  Eternal's  word  make  known 
 
 To  all  the  listening  world  abroad : 
 This  day  He  said,  Thou  art  My  Son, 
 New-born  in  all  the  pow'r  of  God : 
 
 b  Sandys. 
 
THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 S     Desire  of  Me  ;  and  I  will  give 
 
 The  scatter' d  nations  for  Thine  own  ; 
 All  that  on  earth's  far  borders  live 
 Shall  bow  before  Thy  awful  throne : 
 
 9.    O'er  those  who  shall  Thy  yoke  refuse 
 Thou  shalt  an  iron  sceptre  sway, 
 Of  power  their  stubborn  force  to  bruise, 
 And  dash  to  earth  like  potter's  clay. 
 
 10.  Xow  learn,  ye  kings,  true  wisdom's  lore, 
 
 Te  judges,  tame  your  thoughts  of  pride  : 
 
 11.  "With  reverent  fear  the  Lord  adore, 
 
 That  fear  with  holy  joy  allied : 
 
 12.  And  kiss  the  Son,  ere  anger  glows, 
 
 And  lost  in  ruin's  path  ye  stray : 
 For  brief  His  hour  of  wrath  to  those 
 "Who  trust  His  love,  and  blest  are  they. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   YEKSE. 
 
 III. 
 
 1.  My  God,  how  are  my  foes  increas'd! 
 
 What  multitudes  against  me  rise, 
 
 2.  "Who  say,  Give  we  his  soul  no  rest, 
 
 Whom  God  forsakes,  and  men  despise0 ! 
 
 3.  But  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  my  defence, 
 
 Thy  glorious  shield  is  o'er  me  spread, 
 j  The  shelter  of  my  innocence, 
 
 The  strength  that  rears  my  fainting  head, 
 
 4.  To  Him  I  cried  in  my  distress, 
 
 I  sought  Him  by  His  heav'nly  name  ; 
 And  from  His  mount  of  holiness 
 His  word  of  answering  mercy  came. 
 
 5.  Then  down  in  peace  I  laid  my  head, 
 
 And  rose,  sustain' d  by  pow'r  divine  : 
 (J.      ISro  more  those  countless  foes  I  dread, 
 
 That  leagued  against  my  peace  combine. 
 
 7.  Arise  and  save  me,  0  my  God, 
 
 Whose  arm  hath  crush' d  those  beasts  of  pre 
 
 8.  Thy  health,  bright-beaming  o'er  the  cloud, 
 
 Still  guides  Thy  saints  in  life's  dark  way. 
 
 c  Sandys. 
 
THE   BOOK    OF    PS  < 
 
 IT. 
 
 0  God,  the  guardian  of  my  truth7 
 
 Whose  succour  ever  near, 
 Enlargement  gave  in  every  strait, 
 
 Have  mercy,  Lord,  and  hear. 
 
 Tain  great  ones,  ye  whose  pride  denies 
 
 My  name  its  honour  due, 
 "What  end  awaits  your  empty  hopes, 
 
 To  men  and  God  untrue  ? 
 
 O  turn  and  know ;  the  meek  of  hearty 
 Th'  Almighty  Lord  defends ; 
 
 And  to  my  pray'r  His  answering  love 
 Unfailing  succour  sends. 
 
 O  stand  in  awe,  and  fear  to  sin 
 Against  His  sovereign  will; 
 
 With  your  own  heart  on  bed  of  rest 
 Take  counsel,  and  be  still. 
 
 O  let  your  heai*t  be  right  with  God, 
 To  Whom  your  offerings  rise  : 
 
 And  rest  your  hope  and  trust  above, 
 Beyond  the  glorious  skies. 
 
IX    ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 There  are,  who  mourn  with  sick  desires, — 
 
 For  good  denied  repine  ; 
 But,  Lord,  grant  only  that  Thy  love 
 
 May  beam  on  me  and  mine. 
 
 Yea,  while  I  pray,  my  heart  hath  felt 
 
 New  joys  within  me  born, 
 More  gladd'ning  than  the  vintage  brings, 
 
 Or  garners  stor'd  with  corn. 
 
 And  I  will  lay  me  down  to  rest, 
 And  Peace  shall  spread  her  wings, 
 
 To  calm  my  spirit,  where  I  dwell 
 Kept  by  the  King  of  kings. 
 
TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 V. 
 
 1.  Loed,  hear  the  voice  of  my  complaint, 
 
 Accept  my  secret  pray'r ! 
 
 2.  To  Thee  alone,  my  King,  my  God, 
 
 Will  I  for  help  repair d. 
 
 3.  Thou  in  the  dawn  my  voice  shalt  hear, 
 
 To  Thee  my  wakeful  eyes 
 Shall  turn,  and  order  d  vows  ascend, 
 Before  the  day-star  rise. 
 
 4.  For  Thou  hast  joy  in  saints  alone, 
 
 No  evil  dwells  with  Thee ; 
 
 5.  The  boastful  scorner,  proud  and  vain, 
 
 Shall  from  Thy  presence  flee. 
 
 6.  Thou  shalt  destroy  the  false  of  heart, 
 
 With  faithless  words  made  vile ; 
 And  with  Thy  righteous  hatred  quell 
 The  men  of  blood  and  guile. 
 
 7.  But  I  will  come,  where  in  Thy  house 
 
 Thy  countless  mercies  flow : 
 Upon  Thy  mount  of  holiness, 
 With  fear  will  meekly  bow. 
 
 d  New  Version* 
 
tN   EKGLISH    TEESE, 
 
 S.     Lord,  guide  me  in  Thy  righteous  truth, 
 For  foes  beset  my  way : 
 If  Thou  make  plain  the  path  I  seek, 
 I  cannot  go  astray. 
 
 9.     Men  false  of  tongue,  of  hollow  heart, 
 For  my  destruction  rave  ; 
 Fair-spoken,  while  their  wolfish  throat 
 Is  like  the  hungry  grave. 
 
 10.  By  their  own  counsel  let  them  fall, 
 
 In  fulness  of  their  sin, 
 Cast  forth  in  wrath,  who  dar'd  with  Thee 
 Their  impious  war  begin e. 
 
 11.  But  let  the  true,  who  hope  in  Thee, 
 
 "With  shouts  their  joy  proclaim  ; 
 
 0  gladden  with  Thy  sheltering  wing 
 
 The  saints  that  love  Thy  name. 
 
 12.  Yea,  Lord,  upon  the  righteous  souls 
 
 Thy  blessing  shall  descend ; 
 And  Thy  free  mercy  their  sure  state 
 As  with  a  shield  defend. 
 
 e  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
10 
 
 THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 VI 
 
 1.  Lord,  chide  not  in  Thy  wrath, 
 
 Tho'  I  deserve  it  all, 
 Nor  let  Thy  full  displeasure's  weight 
 On  me  in  terror  fall. 
 
 2.  Have  mercy,  gracious  Lord, 
 Ere  yet  my  strength  expire : 
 
 Heal  me ;  my  bones  with  anguish  ache 
 Beneath  Thy  wasting  ire. 
 
 3.  My  troubled  heart  is  faint, 
 With  racking  sorrows  worn ; 
 
 4.  How  long  wilt  Thou  my  soul  forsake  ? 
 
 0  pity,  and  return  ! 
 
 5.  0  let  Thy  mercy  come 
 To  visit  and  to  save  ! 
 
 AYho  will  in  death  remember  Thee, 
 Or  praise  Thee  in  the  grave  ? 
 
 6.  The  livelong  night  in  groans 
 
 1  waste,  till  morn  appears ; 
 The  fountains  of  my  streaming  eyes 
 
 Bathe  all  my  couch  in  tears. 
 
IX   ESTGLISH   YEESE.  H 
 
 7.  My  wear j  sight  grows  old, 
 Enfeebled  by  my  woes  ; 
 
 Bedimm'd  with  age  before  its  time, 
 In  terror  of  my  foes. 
 
 8.  Yet  shall  not  they  rejoice, 
 Or  make  my  soul  their  prey : 
 
 For  God  hath  heard  my  sorrowing  sighs, 
 And  turn'd  my  guilt  away. 
 
 9.  My  God  hath  heard  my  pray'r ; 
 The  boon  my  soul  doth  crave, 
 
 His  bounteous  grace  accords,  and  waits 
 To  succour  and  to  save, 
 
 10.  Then  let  me  faint  no  more  ; 
 The  foes  that  could  affright 
 
 "Vnth  sudden  shame  and  overthrow 
 Shall  vanish  from  my  sight. 
 
12  the  book  or  PSALMS 
 
 Til. 
 
 0  Lord  my  God,  my  only  hope, 
 
 I  rest  my  trust  on  Thee  ; 
 From  foes  whose  wrath  pursues  my  life, 
 
 O  save  and  set  me  free. 
 
 Lest  he,  whose  malice  dooms  me  dead, 
 
 "Who  waits  to  see  me  die. 
 Should  tear  me  with  a  lion's  strength, 
 
 And  none  to  rescue  nigh. 
 
 Just  God,  if  Thou  hast  seen  in  me, 
 
 The  guilt  that  I  abhor, 
 If  I  the  friend  who  meant  me  peace 
 
 Have  recompens'd  with  war, 
 
 And  have  not  rather  sought  his  good, 
 Who  strove  to  work  me  woe, 
 
 And  rescued  him  whom  wrath  had  made 
 Without  all  cause  my  foe : 
 
 Then  let  my  foe  pursue  my  soul, 
 
 And  take  it ;  let  him  tread 
 My  life  to  earth,  and  low  in  dust 
 
 Defile  my  glory  dead. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   TERSE,  13 
 
 6.  Else,  Lord,  in  wrath  avenge  my  cause 
 
 Against  th'  oppressors  rage ; 
 As  Thou  for  judgment  didst  Thy  word 
 Of  righteous  truth  engage. 
 
 7.  Then  shall  th'  assembled  tribes  Thy  truth 
 
 And  strong  deliverance  own ; 
 0  for  their  sakes  be  Thou  again 
 Exalted  on  Thy  throne. 
 
 8.  The  Lord  shall  judge  the  tribes  of  men ; 
 
 All  judgment,  Lord,  is  Thine  : 
 And  I  to  Thy  all-righteous  doom, 
 My  innocence  resign. 
 
 9.  Let  harmful  wrong  for  ever  cease  : 
 
 Be  Thou  the  just  man's  Guide, 
 
 10.  Thou  God,  by  Whom  the  heart's  desires 
 
 And  inmost  thoughts  are  tried. 
 
 11,  12.    All-patient  Judge,  Whom  sins  of  men 
 
 Provoke  from  day  to  day, 
 Strong  refuge  of  the  true  in  heart, 
 Thou  art  my  help  and  stay. 
 
 Let  sinners  turn  to  seek  His  grace, 
 Ere  yet  His  wrath  shall  flame, 
 
 Ere  yet  He  whet  His  sword,  and  speed 
 His  bow's  resistless  aim : 
 
14  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 13.  Sharp  weapons  wing'd  with  death  await 
 
 In  heav'n's  high  judgment-hall : 
 Where  God's  avenging  arrows  light, 
 The  tyrants'  pride  must  fall. 
 
 14.  Behold,  with  toil  the  child  of  sin 
 
 Prepares  his  counsels  vain, 
 In  pain  conceiving,  doom'd  to  bear 
 More  bitter  fruit  of  pain. 
 
 15.  In  that  deep  snare  for  others  spread, 
 
 Himself  past  help  is  laid : 
 
 16.  On  his  own  head  the  woe  recoils, 
 
 His  own  destruction  made. 
 
 17.  0  let  me  praise  the  righteousness 
 
 Of  heav'n's  eternal  King, 
 
 And  with  adoring  love  untir'd 
 
 His  truth  and  justice  sing. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   TEKSE.  ]5 
 
 VIII. 
 
 First  Version,,  altered  from  the  Old  Version. 
 
 1.  O  Lord,  our  Lord,  in  all  the  world 
 
 All  glories  that  we  see, 
 The  majesty  of  earth  and  heav'n, 
 In  silence  speak  of  Thee. 
 
 2.  E'en  by  the  mouths  of  suckling  babes 
 
 Thou  wilt  confound  Thy  foes  ; 
 For  in  those  babes  Thy  might  is  seen, 
 Thy  graces  they  disclose. 
 
 3.  "When  I  behold  the  heav'ns  above, 
 
 The  wonders  of  Thy  hand, 
 The  moon  and  stars  ordain' d  by  Thee 
 In  order  as  they  stand ; 
 
 4.  0  what  is  man,  for  Thee  to  bear 
 
 In  memory  or  in  mind  ? 
 "Why  should' st  Thou  visit  with  Thy  love 
 The  offspring  of  mankind  ? 
 
 5.  For  Thou  hast  made  him  little  less 
 
 Than  angels  in  degree  ; 
 With  honour  and  with  glory  crown' d, 
 As  next  to  them  and  Thee. 
 
16  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 a.         All  other  creatures  of  Thy  hand, 
 And  all  Thy  works  below, 
 To  him  Thy  ruling  word  hath  giv  n, 
 And  at  his  feet  they  bow : 
 
 7.         The  flocks  by  dales  or  mountains  fed, 
 
 The  kine  on  every  lea ; 
 S.         The  birds  on  wing,  and  tribes  that  range 
 
 The  pathways  of  the  sea. 
 
 9,         0  Lord,  our  Lord,  Thy  care  for  man 
 All  these  Thy  works  proclaim  : 
 How  excellent  in  all  the  world 
 The  glories  of  Thy  Xaine  ! 
 
IN    ENGLISH    VERSE.  17 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Second  Version. 
 
 Loed  of  earth's  wide  realms,  alone 
 Rich  in  mercy,  great  in  might, 
 
 Thon  hast  set  Thy  glory -throne 
 High  above  the  heav'nly  height. 
 
 •  In  the  weakest  Thon  art  strong  : 
 
 Tender  babes  with  upward  gaze, 
 Stilling  each  injurious  tongue, 
 
 Turn  to  Thee  their  voiceless  praise. 
 
 Y\Then  I  view  Thy  heav'ns  outspread 
 In  their  tracks  of  beauty  bright, 
 
 Moon  and  stars  as  sentries  made 
 Duteous  watch  to  keep  by  night, 
 
 Then  my  thoughts  within  me  burn : 
 "What  is  man  Thy  grace  to  move  ? 
 
 "What  can  child  of  man  return 
 For  his  God's  immortal  love  ? 
 
 Thou  hast  made  his  state  to  be 
 Next  Thine  own  angelic  train, 
 
 High  in  honour  rais'd  by  Thee 
 O'er  Thy  lower  works  to  reign, 
 c 
 
18  THE    BOOK    OP   PSALMS 
 
 6.  Other  creatures  of  Thy  hand 
 
 All  to  hiin  their  service  yield ; 
 
 7.  Beasts  that  dwell  by  stream  or  strand, 
 
 Flocks  in  fold,  or  herds  in  field  ; 
 
 8.  Birds  on  wing,  and  tribes  that  glide 
 
 Thro'  the  pathways  of  the  deep, 
 Or  beneath  the  sounding  tide 
 Haunts  in  caves  of  coral  keep. 
 
 9.  Lord,  how  excellent  Thy  might, 
 
 "Which  Thy  wond'rous  works  proclaim  ! 
 "Who  can  speak  the  depth  or  height 
 Of  Thy  boundless  glory's  Name  ! 
 
IN    ENGLISH   VEKSE.  19 
 
 IX. 
 
 1.  Lord,  with  full  praise  of  heart  and  voice 
 
 Will  I  declare  Thy  wonders  done ; 
 
 2.  In  Thee,  my  God,  will  I  rejoice, 
 
 My  song  shall  seek  Thy  glorious  throne. 
 
 3.  My  foes  in  terror  turn'd  to  flight, 
 
 Before  Thy  face  shall  fall  and  die : 
 
 4.  For  Thou  maintain' st  my  cause  and  right 
 
 From  Thy  just  judgment's  seat  on  high. 
 
 5.  Before  Thy  chiding,  awful  Lord, 
 
 Fairn  are  the  proud,  their  threats  are  o'er  ; 
 Their  name  as  a  forgotten  word 
 Tor  ever  and  for  evermore. 
 
 6.  Destruction,  0  thou  Enemy, 
 
 Is  now  in  endless  death  o'erthrown; 
 Low,  as  in  cold  oblivion  lie 
 
 The  realms  in  thy  fierce  wrath  undone. 
 
 7.  But  Grod,  the  Judge  of  heav'n  and  earth, 
 
 Thron'd  high  with  state  unmov'd  shall  reign, 
 
 8.  And  to  all  tribes  of  mortal  birth 
 
 Pure  laws  of  righteous  truth  ordain. 
 
20  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 And  when  Oppression  walks  abroad, 
 His  Name,  a  tow'r  of  refuge  nigh, 
 
 10.  Shall  move  each  soul  that  knows  its  God 
 
 To  His  unfailing  strength  to  fly ; 
 
 His  strength,  who  ne'er  His  own  forsook ; — 
 
 11.  Ye  saints,  to  Him  your  songs  prepare, 
 Who  dwells  on  Zion's  sacred  rock, 
 
 Thro'  all  earth's  tribes  His  deeds  declare. 
 
 ]  2.     When  Guilt  has  shed  the  guiltless  blood, 
 He  bids  th'  avenging  spirit  fly ; 
 In  vain  to  man  the  wrong' d  one  sued, 
 Eut  God  had  heard  and  mark'd  his  cry. 
 
 13.  Lord,  leave  me  not  with  foes  forlorn, 
 
 Whose  hate  wonld  make  my  life  their  prey  : 
 Have  mercy  now,  who  help  hast  borne 
 When  near  to  Death's  dark  gate  I  lay  : 
 
 14.  That  I  within  fair  Zion's  port 
 
 In  songs  of  praise  may  lift  my  voice, 
 May  tell  of  Thee  my  Eock  and  Port, 
 And  in  Thy  saving  health  rejoice. 
 
 15.  The  heathen  in  the  pit  they  made 
 
 Are  caught,  in  nets  themselves  prepar'd; 
 
 16.  His  righteous  doom  hath  God  display' d, 
 
 And  in  their  works  His  foes  ensnar'd. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   TERSE.  21 
 
 17.  Hell  waits  to  seize  the  proud  of  thought, 
 
 The  scorners  who  all  law  defy ; 
 All  who  their  God  remember  not 
 Shall  deep  in  equal  ruin  lie. 
 
 18.  But  not  in  His  recording  book 
 
 Forgotten  shall  the  poor  complain  ; 
 The  meek,  who  for  His  mercy  look, 
 Shall  never  hope  or  ask  in  vain. 
 
 1 9.  Eise,  Lord  :  let  man  no  more  prevail ; 
 
 20.  Beneath  Thine  eye's  all-piercing  ken 
 Let  heathens  proud  in  judgment  quail, 
 
 And  know  that  they  are  dying  men. 
 
22  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 1.  Thou  righteous  God,  why  far  away 
 
 Dost  Thou  Thy  needful  presence  hide, 
 
 2.  When  Thy  poor  saints  are  made  a  prey 
 
 To  tyrants  in  their  godless  pride  ? 
 
 O  let  them  in  their  own  false  guile 
 
 Be  caught,  destruction  seize  their  stores, 
 
 3.  Who  boast  their  lustful  fancies  vile, 
 
 And  praise  the  wretch  whom  God  abhors  ! 
 
 4.  Disdainful  souls,  who  think  it  scorn 
 
 To  tread  where  humble  saints  have  trod, 
 "Who  proudly  mock  when  meek  ones  mourn, 
 And  live  without  a  thought  of  God ! 
 
 5.  Rais'd  to  oppression's  prosperous  height, 
 
 They  see  not  waiting  in  the  sky 
 
 Thy  secret  judgments  out  of  sight, 
 
 And  thus  all  pow'r  of  man  defy. 
 
 0.     "  No,  never  shall  our  state  remove, 
 
 No  harm  shall  come  to  lay  it  low :" 
 
 7.     Thus  mount  their  vaunts  to  heav'n  above, 
 And  baleful  mischief  lurks  below. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  23 
 
 8.  No  murderer  on  his  midnight  stand, 
 
 That  waits  in  corners  for  his  prey, — 
 No  thief  hath  readier  eye  or  hand 
 In  dens  the  guiltless  poor  to  slay, 
 
 9.  Yea,  like  a  lion  on  the  watch, 
 
 In  secret  dens  they  spread  their  toil ; 
 
 10.  There  wait  th'  unguarded  poor  to  catch, 
 
 And  rend  them  in  the  lust  of  spoil. 
 
 11.  Lowly  they  crouch  in  humble  guise, 
 
 But  crouch,  like  mountain  pards,  to  spring : 
 Thus  all  o'erpower'd  in  strange  surprise 
 The  poor  their  captains  captive  bring. 
 
 1 2.  Their  hearts  have  said  amidst  their  wrong, 
 
 "  God  heeds  not ;  God  will  never  see." 
 
 13.  Arise,  avenge,  O  Lord!  how  long 
 
 Shall  mourners  plead  in  vain  to  Thee  ? 
 
 14.  "Why  should  the  scorner  swoll'n  with  pride 
 
 In  heart  blaspheme  Thy  judgment-throne, 
 And  say,  that  Thou  Thy  face  dost  hide, 
 And  hast  no  care  for  evil  done  ? 
 
 15.  This  Thou  hast  seen  :  Thine  eyes  behold 
 
 All  wrong  that  godless  sinners  do  : 
 
 16.  The  poor  man's  refuge,  fort  and  hold, 
 
 Lie  in  that  thought,  that  God  is  true. 
 
24  THE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 Thou  art  the  friendless  sufferer's  Friend : 
 17.  O  quench  the  lawless  thirst  of  ill ; 
 
 Cease  not,  till  hateful  discord  end, 
 And  not  one  foe  resists  Thy  will. 
 
 IS.     Tis  done,  'tis  done !     For  evermore, 
 For  evermore  our  God  shall  reign  : 
 The  heathen's  short -liv'd  boast  is  o'er  ; 
 They  ne'er  shall  vex  our  land  again. 
 
 19.  Thou,  Lord,  hast  heard  the  poor  man's  pray'r. 
 
 His  meek  desire,  his  humble  fear : 
 Thou  dost  with  grace  his  heart  prepare, 
 And  then  his  gracious  suit  dost  hear. 
 
 20.  Thou  wilt  assert  the  orphan's  right. 
 
 And  bid  the  strife  of  wrong  to  cease  : 
 The  lawless  sons  of  earth-born  might 
 Xo  more  shall  rise  to  vex  our  peace. 
 
IN    ENGLISH    TERSE.  25 
 
 XI. 
 
 "Why  speak  ye  words  of  fear  to  me, 
 To  whom  my  God  is  known  ? 
 
 Why  bid  me  flee,  like  trembling  bird, 
 To  waste  or  mountain  lonef  ? 
 
 What  tho'  the  false  ones  wait  unseen, 
 Close-fenc'd  from  mortal  view, 
 
 And  aim  their  arrows  on  the  string 
 At  upright  hearts  and  true  ? 
 
 Shall  then  the  resting-place  of  Truth, 
 The  good  man's  corner-stone, 
 
 The  strong  abode  of  Righteousness, 
 Be  evermore  o'erthrown  ? 
 
 No,  God  is  in  His  holy  home, 
 
 He  rules  enthron'd  on  high ; 
 The  ways  of  every  child  of  man 
 
 His  watchful  eyelids  try. 
 
 He  tries  the  righteous  soul  for  good, 
 
 But  hearts  in  evil  strong 
 His  Spirit  evermore  abhors, 
 
 And  those  that  love  the  wrong5. 
 
 f  Anglo  Saxon  Paraphrase.  g  Oxfo  d  Psalter. 
 
26  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.  The  day  will  come,  when  on  their  heads 
 
 His  wrath  in  storms  shall  rain, 
 And  like  a  snare  bring  to  their  lips 
 The  fiery  cup  of  painh. 
 
 7.  For  gracious  is  the  living  Lord 
 
 To  them  that  love  His  grace ; 
 And  to  the  righteous  soul  unveils 
 The  brightness  of  His  face. 
 
 &  Hebrew. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 27 
 
 XII. 
 
 1.  0  help  me,  Lord  :  the  godly  few 
 
 Are  vanished  and  decay' d  ; 
 And  all  o'erborne  by  fraud  and  wrong 
 The  faithful  fail  and  fade. 
 
 2.  With  guileful  words  to  friend  and  mate 
 
 They  act  a  treacherous  part ; 
 Smooth  flattery  flowing  from  their  tongue 
 Hides  close  their  double  heart. 
 
 3.  God  shall  those  flattering  lips  confound, 
 
 Those  tongues  so  false  and  vain, 
 That  would  usurp  this  nether  world 
 With  boasts  of  proud  disdain  ; 
 
 4.  That  say,  "  The  words  we  speak  shall  be 
 
 Of  strength  for  good  or  ill : 
 Free  choice  is  ours  :  what  lord  is  he 
 That  shall  control  our  will  r" 
 
 5.  Lo  !  Grod  hath  answer'd  :  "  Now,  e'en  now, 
 
 For  My  poor  servants'  woe, 
 For  their  deep  sighs,  that  find  no  rest, 
 In  sadness  as  they  go  ; 
 
2S  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 (3.     "  I  will  arise,  and  bring  redress  : — 
 The  reign  of  fraud  shall  cease  ; 
 The  swelling  hopes  of  pride  shall  fall ; 
 The  weary  soul  find  peace." 
 
 7.  0  pure,  most  pure,  the  words  of  God ! 
 
 Bright  silver  from  the  mine, 
 Sev'n  times  refin'd,  was  never  known 
 With  such  fair  light  to  shine. 
 
 8.  Yes,  Thou  wilt  keep  Thy  servants,  Lord ; 
 
 Thou  shalt  their  state  restore : 
 Each  guiltless  soul  against  the  world 
 Shall  stand  for  evermore. 
 
 9.  The  proud,  who  grasp  the  world's  wide  pow'r, 
 
 Shall  see  with  wond'ring  eyes,  • 
 That  he,  whom  men  had  made  their  scorn, 
 Had  only  fall'n  to  rise1. 
 
 i  There  is  a  difficulty  in  the  closing  verse  of  this  Psalm,  as  has  been  felt 
 both  by  ancient  and  modern  interpreters ;  and  it  has  occasioned  a  great 
 variety  of  interpretations.  The  version  given  above  follows  one  out  of 
 several  old  interpreters  quoted  by  St.  Clirysostom  ;  which  is  also  the  sense 
 given  by  Hammond,  and  not  unlike  the  meaning  assigned  to  the  passage 
 by  Bishop  Horseley,  and  by  Dr.  Hengstenberg.  If  the  Psalm  were  to 
 close  with  nothing  but  a  repeated  complaint  of  the  power  of  the  ungodly, 
 as  Hengstenberg  observes,  it  would  be  an  unsatisfactory  conclusion,  and 
 scarcely  consistent  with  the  expression  of  confidence  in  the  preceding 
 verse. 
 
13"    ENGLISH    TERSE. 
 
 XIII, 
 
 1.  How  long  wilt  Thou  forget  me,  Lord  ? 
 
 Shall  life's  brief  span  decay, 
 Whilst  Thou  from  my  grief- darken' d  soul 
 Dost  hide  Thy  face  away  ? 
 
 2.  How  long  with  counsels  unresolv'd 
 
 Desponding  shall  I  go  ? 
 How  long  the  pain  that  racks  my  heart 
 Add  triumph  to  my  foe  ? 
 
 3.  Consider,  Lord,  and  hear  my  pray'r, 
 
 Revive  my  fainting  breath  ; 
 
 Enlighten  my  dim  eyes,  ere  yet 
 
 I  sleep  the  sleep  of  death. 
 
 4.  Let  not  my  haughty  foe  prevail, 
 
 And  boast  his  conquest  won  ; 
 jSTor  those,  who  vex  my  soul,  rejoice 
 To  see  my  hope  o'erthrown, 
 
 5.  Since  I  have  plac'd  my  stedfast  trust 
 
 Beneath  Thy  mercy's  wing, 
 Thy  saving  health  I  yet  shall  see, 
 My  joy  once  more  shall  spring ; 
 
SO  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.     And  my  glad  tongue  its  grateful  songs 
 To  Thee,  my  God,  shall  raise ; 
 Thy  boundless  love,  Thy  glorious  Name, 
 Shall  be  my  endless  praise. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  31 
 
 XIV. 
 
 The  fool  in  his  false  heart  hath  said, 
 
 That  God  is  but  a  name  : 
 0  hateful  are  their  deeds,  impure, 
 
 Pollute  with  sinful  blame. 
 
 The  Lord  on  all  the  sons  of  men      ' 
 
 Look'd  from  His  high  abode, 
 If  haply  one  wise  heart  were  left, 
 
 That  own'd  the  fear  of  God. 
 
 But  no  !  together  all  are  lost, 
 
 In  hateful  sins  undone  ; 
 Not  one  is  left  who  mourns  for  guilt, 
 
 Or  strives  for  good, — not  one. 
 
 Is  then  their  sense  and  reason  fled, 
 
 Their  knowledge  all  astray, 
 Who  feed  on  crimes  like  daily  food, 
 
 And  make  My  saints  their  prey  ? 
 
 They  pray  not ;  yet  they  quake  with  fear ; 
 
 Such  terror  conscience  lends  : 
 For  God's  own  presence  watching  nigh 
 
 His  righteous  flock  defends. 
 
32  TUE    BOOK    Or    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Te  mock  the  poor,  whom  God  exalts, 
 
 And  with  disdainful  eye 
 Reject  his  counsel  taught  of  God, 
 His  hope  that  rests  on  high. 
 
 7.  Lord,  who  shall  change  our  captive  state, 
 
 And  raise  our  longing  eyes 
 To  see  from  Zion's  holy  mount 
 The  Hope  of  Israel  rise  ? 
 
 O  then  no  more  shall  tyrants  reign, 
 
 Or  foes  our  peace  destroy  : 
 But  Jacob's  sons  shall  change  their  tears 
 
 To  lasting  songs  of  joy. 
 
Iff   ENGLISH    TERSE. 
 
 33 
 
 XV. 
 
 1.  Lord,  who  shall  rest  on  that  bright  hill 
 
 Of  holiness  divine, 
 "Within  the  tabernacle's  gate, 
 
 Where  Thou  dost  dwell  with  Thine  ? 
 
 2.  Plain  is  the  way  for  him,  whose  life 
 
 Is  clear  from  stain  of  wrong  ; 
 
 Truth  is  the  treasure  of  his  heart, 
 
 Pare  faith  is  on  his  tongue  : 
 
 Who  guards  by  slander  undefil'd 
 His  speeches  as  they  flow  ; 
 
 K"or  with  close  guile,  or  rash  reproach, 
 Will  work  his  neighbour  woe  : 
 
 4.  Who,  lowly  in  his  self-esteem k, 
 
 Loves  those  who  fear  the  Lord ; 
 Who  keeps,  though  to  his  hurt  or  loss, 
 LTnchang*d  his  plighted  word: 
 
 5.  IS" or  usury  seeks,  nor  innocence 
 
 Por  gold  would  e'er  betray  : — 
 Who  lives  this  life  shall  stand  secure 
 E'en  at  the  world's  last  day. 
 
 k  Prayer-Book  Version. 
 D 
 
THE   BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Lord,  keep  me,  for  I  trust  in  Thee ; 
 
 Be  Thou  my  Guard  and  Guide : 
 Securely  may  I  walk  or  rest, 
 
 If  Thou  art  on  my  side. 
 
 My  soul  the  faithful  word  hath  said  : 
 Thou,  Lord,  my  Lord  shalt  be  : 
 
 Ko  good  of  mine  I  boast :  all  good 
 Descends  alone  from  Thee. 
 
 But  with  Thy  saints  I  fain  would  dwell, 
 The  strong  in  virtue's  might ; 
 
 There  may  my  soul  communion  hold 
 With  pureness  of  delight. 
 
 "Woe  shall  be  theirs,  who  other  gods 
 
 With  vows  or  gifts  adore  : 
 1  loathe  their  idol-sacrifice, 
 
 Their  idol-names  abhor. 
 
 .     Thou  art  my  portion,  Lord  :  from  Thee 
 My  cup  with  joy  o'erflows : 
 The  safety  of  my  guarded  home 
 Thy  strong  defence  bestows. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 €.     Amidst  a  pleasant  land  was  cast 
 For  me  the  bounding  line, 
 The  goodly  land  of  Jacob's  God, 
 And  Jacob's  God  is  mine. 
 
 1 fv  soul  shall  ever  bless  the  Lord, 
 "Whose  precepts  give  me  light ; 
 
 "Whose  warnings  fill  my  silent  thought: 
 In  watches  of  the  night, 
 
 8.  Before  me,  wheresoe'er  I  walk, 
 
 I  still  behold  Him  near ; 
 While  He  upholds  each  step  I  tread, 
 ]S"o  danger  will  I  fear. 
 
 9.  Therefore  my  heart  is  glad ;  my  tongue 
 
 In  songs  His  Xame  hath  blest ; 
 ~2t.Lv  flesh,  from  death's  worst  fear  set  free, 
 In  constant  hope  shall  rest. 
 
 Thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell, 
 Wliere  darkness  has  the  power ; 
 
 Xor  doom  Thy  Holy  One  to  feel 
 Corruption's  mortal  hour. 
 
 II.     The  path  of  endless  life  and  light 
 Thy  mercy  shall  make  known, 
 And  bid  me  taste  the  joy  that  beams 
 From  Thy  eternal  throne. 
 
xii2  book  or  rSALJTS 
 
 XVII 
 
 Loed,  hear  the  right :  when  I  complain, 
 And  pray  with  lips  untaught  to  feign, 
 
 O  hearken  to  my  humble  pray'r  : 
 My  sentence  in  Thy  truth  ordain, 
 
 And  make  my  upright  heart  Thy  care. 
 
 Lord,  in  thehours  of  darkness  lone, 
 When  toils  and  cares  of  clay  were  gone, 
 
 Thou  hast  my  thoughts  in  silence  tried: 
 But  dross  of  false  deceit  was  none, 
 
 No  utter' d  word  my  heart  belied. 
 
 Whate'er  the  deeds  that  men  might  do, 
 Led  on  by  Thee  in  counsels  true, 
 
 I  shunn.'d  the  fell  destroyer's  way  : 
 0  still  my  feet  with  strength  endue, 
 
 Secure' in  Thy  blest  paths  to  stay. 
 
 Lord,  I  have  call'd  on  Thee ;  for  Thou 
 Wilt  hear  Thy  servant's  humble  vow, 
 
 Thy  grace  my  heart's  desire  will  give  : 
 0  with  Thy  willing  mercy  now 
 
 My  uudissembled  words  receive. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   VEHSE. 
 
 7.     Shew  forth  the  wonders  of  Thy  love, 
 "Whose  healthful  succour  from  above 
 
 Still  waits  to  set  Thy  captives  free  ; 
 Whose  arm  from  every  foe  that  strove 
 
 Hath  sav'd  the  souls  that  hop'd  in  Thee. 
 
 8, 9.   Keep  me  from  wasting  tyrants  nigh, 
 As  crystal  mirror  of  the  eye 
 
 Within  its  fringed  curtain  laid  : 
 Let  me  their  deadly  malice  fly 
 
 Beneath  Thy  wings'  o'ercovering  shade, 
 
 1 0.  Wrapt  in  gross  caul  of  sensual  pride 
 They  have  Thy  righteous  truth  defied  ; 
 
 11.  And  while  their  toils  beset  me  round, 
 They  scheme  their  treason  undescried, 
 
 Their  false  eyes  fixing  on  the  ground. 
 
 12.  Each  ambush' d  foe,  that  lurks  to  slay, 
 Like  lion  grim  that  scents  his  prey, 
 
 Is  set  his  hateful  watch  to  hold ; 
 Like  lion's  whelp  in  covert-way, 
 
 Late  wean'd,  with  life's  first  hunger  bold. 
 
 13.  Rise,  Lord,  and  disappoint  my  foe  ; 
 
 Let  him,  who  would  my  hopes  o'erthrow, 
 By  Thee  be  down  in  ruin  hurl'd  : 
 
 To  Thee  alone  their  sword  they  owe, 
 The  men  that  rule  this  nether  world. 
 
THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 14.     Thine  is  the  hand  that  rais'd  them  high, 
 Thou  dost  their  heart's  desires  supply ; 
 
 Life  and  life's  wealth  they  count  for  theirs 
 1«).     "With  children  to  their  wish  they  die, 
 
 And  leave  the  good  they  sought  to  heirs. 
 
 16.     Save  me  from  them.     My  pray'r  shall 
 Thy  presence,  Lord  of  life,  to  see ; 
 
 And,  after  sleep  from  mortal  pain, 
 To  wake  to  Thee,  and  like  to  Thee 
 
 In  Thy  full  joy  to  live  and  reig 
 
Or   ENGLISH   YEBSE,  39 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 1.  0  God,  my  strength  and  fortitude, 
 
 Of  force  I  must  love  Thee  ; 
 Thou  art  my  castle  and  defence 
 In  my  necessity : 
 
 2.  My  God,  my  rock,  in  Whom  I  trust, 
 
 The  worker  of  my  wealth  ; 
 My  hope,  my  refuge,  and  my  shield, 
 The  horn  of  all  my  health1. 
 
 3.  Whene'er  to  Thy  all-glorious  Name 
 
 My  humble  suit  I  made, 
 In  all  the  perils  of  my  foes 
 Thy  grace  was  nigh  to  aid. 
 
 4.  Pierce  sorrows,  strong  as  bonds  of  death, 
 
 Beset  and  clos'd  me  round  ; 
 And  lawless  rage  with  torrent  flood™ 
 My  soul  had  well-nigh  drown' d. 
 
 5.  Sharp  anguish  bow'd  me  clown  with  dread  ; 
 
 As  in  the  hunter's  snare 
 My  life  drew  near  the  gloomy  grave 
 In  bondage  of  despair. 
 
 '-  Old  Version.  m  LXX. 
 
40  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALM3 
 
 6.  In  deep  distress  I  call'd  on  God  ; 
 
 My  voice  of  woe  and  fear 
 Pierc'd  to  His  holy  temple's  court, 
 And  reach' d  His  pitying  ear. 
 
 7.  Then  was  the  solid  earth  all  mov'd, 
 
 The  rocks  and  mountains  lone 
 In  tremblings  told  of  wrath  gone  forth, 
 Prom  heav'n's  eternal  throne. 
 
 8.  Then  gloom  and  smouldering  clouds  out-brake 
 
 In  token  of  His  ire  ; 
 The  red  flame  glow'd  before  His  face, 
 And  darting  brands  of  fire. 
 
 9.  The  Lord  descended  from  above 
 
 He  bow'd  the  welkin  high, 
 And  underneath  His  feet  He  cast 
 The  darkness  of  the  sky  : 
 
 10.  Upon  the  rushing  Cherubim  n 
 
 Full  royally  He  rode  ; 
 And  on  the  wings  of  mighty  winds 
 Came  flying  all  abroad0. 
 
 11.  Close-curtain' d  in  the  deepest  gloom 
 
 His  secret  place  He  made, 
 Black  waters  veil'd  in  thickest  clouds 
 Hung  round  their  sullen  shade  : 
 
 »  Plural  in  LXX.  °  Old  Version. 
 
IX    ENGLISH    VEESE.  H 
 
 12.  Till  with  the  brightness  of  His  face 
 
 He  bade  the  clouds  retire, 
 And  from  their  rifts  descending  pour'd 
 Sharp  sleet  and  brands  of  fire. 
 
 13.  Then  gave  the  Highest  forth  His  voice, 
 
 In  thunder  spake  His  ire, 
 Heard  high  in  heav'n,  while  clouds  outpour'd 
 Sharp  sleet  and  brands  of  fire. 
 
 14.  Before  His  arrows'  gleaming  show'r 
 
 His  foes  fled  fast  and  far : 
 "Where'er  His  darting  lightnings  fell, 
 All  broken  was  their  war. 
 
 15.  Before  Thy  wrath,  dread  Lord  of  might, 
 
 The  depths  let  in  the  day, 
 The  pillars  of  the  firm-set  earth 
 Before  Thee  naked  lay. 
 
 16.  He  sent  His  succour  from  above 
 
 To  still  that  flood  of  woes, 
 To  bear  me  safe,  when  round  my  head 
 The  waste  of  waters  rose  : 
 
 17.  And  from  my  fiercest  enemy 
 
 His  mercy  gave  me  re^t, 
 From  all  the  hateful  band,  whose  strife 
 My  labouring  soul  oppress' d. 
 
*2  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 18.  Their  hate  well-nigh  my  life  surpris'd 
 
 In  trouble's  evil  day  ; 
 But  in  their  height  of  pride  and  pow'r 
 The  Lord  was  still  my  stay. 
 
 19.  He  led  me  from  each  narrow  strait 
 
 To  where  my  steps  were  free  p  : 
 He  led  me  ;  for  in  all  my  griefs 
 His  favour  beanrd  on  me. 
 
 20.  As  I  was  true  of  heart,  my  hand 
 
 With  foul  deceit  unstaind, 
 Such  mercy  from  my  gracious  God 
 My  simple  truth  obtain' d^. 
 
 21.  For  I  have  kept  the  laws  of  God, 
 
 Have  walk'd  the  perfect  way, 
 Nor  ever  with  unstedfast  souls 
 Have  madly  gone  astray. 
 
 22.  His  judgments  and  His  righteous  laws 
 
 "Were  still  before  mine  eyes ; 
 
 23.  With  upright  will  I  shunn'cl  the  sin 
 
 That  would  my  heart  surprise. 
 
 24.  For  this,  as  I  was  true  of  heart, 
 
 My  hands  with  guilt  unstain'cl, 
 The  grace  of  my  discerning  God 
 My  simple  truth  obtain' d; 
 
 p  Anglo-Saxon  Psalter.  ri  Miles  Smith. 
 
IS   ENGLISH    VEESE. 
 
 25.  Just  Lord,  the  soul  that  mercy  loves 
 
 Thy  mercy-gifts  shall  see  : 
 The  upright  heart  shall  find  the  fount 
 Of  upright  truth  in  Thee. 
 
 26.  To  saints  that  walk  in  pure  desires, 
 
 Thy  pureness  Thou  shalt  shew  : 
 The  breakers  of  their  vows,  from  Thee 
 Shall  breach  of  promise  know. 
 
 27.  Thy  help  is  near  th'  afflicted  poor, 
 
 To  save,  to  guard  and  guide  : 
 But  Thy  strong  terrors  dash  to  earth 
 The  lofty  looks  of  pride. 
 
 28.  Thou  art  my  light  amidst  the  gloom, 
 
 "When  quench'd  is  moon  and  star : 
 
 29.  Through  Thee  I  scatter  hosts,  and  force 
 
 The  fenced  walls  of  war. 
 
 30.  How  perfect  is  the  way  of  God  ! 
 
 His  word  how  purely  tried  ! 
 How  sure  His  strong  defence  to  those 
 Who  in  His  faith  abide r ! 
 
 31.  Tor  who  is  Grod,  except  the  Lord  ? 
 
 What  strength  of  rock  or  tow'r, 
 
 32.  Save  His,  "Who  makes  my  way  unblam'd, 
 
 And  girds  me  round  with  pow'r  ? 
 
 r  Old  Version . 
 
 43 
 
**  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 S3.     Through  Him  my  feet,  endued  with  speed, 
 In  chace  outstrip  the  hind  : 
 Where  mountain-heights  like  altars  rise3, 
 I  there  His  presence  find. 
 
 3  k     Through   Him    my   hands    are    nerv'd    with 
 
 strength, 
 Their  arms  of  war  to  wield, 
 And  bend  the  battle-bow  of  steel 
 In  trial  of  the  field. 
 
 35.     The  buckler  of  Thy  saving  health 
 
 2sly  soul  with  strength  sustain" d  : 
 Taught  by  Thy  loving  discipline 
 My  greatness  I  have  gaiii'd*. 
 
 -36.     Thou  mad'st  me  room  ;  I  freely  pass'd, 
 
 No  step  with  faintness  fail'd  ; 
 37.     I  followed  and  o"ertook  my  foe, 
 
 And  in  Thy  strength  prevail' d. 
 
 -38.     I  turn'd  not,  till  they  lay  o'erthrown  ; 
 With  wounds  of  bitter  pain 
 Beneath  my  feet  they  press'd  the  ground, 
 jS"o  more  to  rise  again. 
 
 39.     Girt  round  with  Thy  victorious  strength 
 I  learnt  my  arms  to  wield  : 
 Thy  pow'r  subdued  those  rebel  hosts 
 That  dar'd  the  battle-field. 
 
 s  Hebrew.  *  il>les  Smith. 
 
IX   ENGLISH    TERSE. 
 
 40.  Thy  pow'r  to  me  tlieir  stubborn  necks 
 
 O'erthrown  in  ruin  gave  ; 
 
 41.  They  cried,  to  God  they  cried  in  woe. 
 
 But  there  was  none  to  save. 
 
 42.  Scatter' d  as  dust  before  the  wind 
 
 I  saw  their  strength  decay ; 
 Down-trodden  as  in  miry  streets 
 The  unregarded  clay. 
 
 43.  Lard,  from  each  envious  son  of  strife 
 
 Of  those  I  call'd  my  own, 
 And  o'er  the  tribes  of  heathen  lands, 
 Strange  tribes  to  me  unknown, 
 
 44      Thine  arm  hath  sav'd  and  rais'd  me  high 
 They,  when  my  name  they  hear, 
 Pleas' d  shall  obey,  and  aliens  bend 
 Low  feigning  in  their  fear  : 
 
 45.     False  aliens  with  their  hopes  shall  fade, 
 And  in  their  souls'  despair 
 In  vain  to  secret  forts  shall  fly, 
 And  find  no  safety  there. 
 
 46.     My  fortress  is  the  living  God  : 
 Be  He  for  ever  blest, 
 My  strong  deliverer,  help,  and  praise, 
 My  rock  of  health  and  rest  ! 
 
46  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 17.     My  sure  avenger,  by  Whose  arm 
 To  me  the  nations  bow, 
 
 48.  Who  quells  the  lawless  sons  of  pride, 
 
 Whose  strength  exalts  me  now. 
 
 49.  For  this,  before  the  heathen,  Lord, 
 
 My  tongue  in  songs  shall  raise 
 Thy  mighty  Name,  and  evermore 
 Prolong  the  voice  of  praise  ; 
 
 50. 
 
 To  Him,  Whose  strong  deliverance  lives, 
 Whose  mercy  still  shall  spring 
 
 To  David,— still  shall  bless  the  line 
 Of  His  anointed  King. 
 
IX    ENGLISH   TEESE. 
 
 47 
 
 XIX. 
 
 1.  Loud,  the  realms  of  light  are  telling 
 
 How  from  Thee  their  brightness  came  ; 
 Heav'n's  wide  welkin,  glory's  dwelling, 
 Doth  its  Maker's  hand  proclaim. 
 
 2.  Day  to  day  the  tidings  sending 
 
 Tokens  new  of  wisdom  brings  ; 
 Night  to  night,  its  course  attending, 
 Wafts  the  message  on  its  wings. 
 
 3.  Lands,  which  differing  tongues  dissever, 
 
 All  alike  have  heard  the  sound ; 
 l.     Every  where  it  speaks,  and  ever, 
 
 To  the  wide  earth's  furthest  bound  : 
 
 Where  the  sun,  at  dawn  appearing, 
 Makes  this  fairest  world  more  fair, 
 
 High  his  burnished  tent  uprearing 
 In  the  brightest  fields  of  air  : 
 
 5.     "Where  he  comes  with  speed  untiring, 
 As  with  giant's  strength  new-born, 
 Joyous  in  his  new  attiring, 
 
 From  his  bride-bowl'  of  the  morn  : 
 
48  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Where  lie  soars  in  glory  riding 
 
 O'er  his  steclfast  path  on  high, 
 Light  and  heat  to  all  dividing 
 Underneath  the  vaulted  sky. 
 
 7.  Lord,  Thy  law  all-perfect  turneth 
 
 Souls  to  truth  that  erring  stray  ; 
 
 There  the  child-like  spirit  learneth 
 
 Guidance  pure  in  wisdom's  way. 
 
 8     And  Thy  statutes,  rules  of  rightness, 
 Hearts  with  joyful  strength  supply  ; 
 Thy  commands,  as  rays  of  brightness, 
 Cheer  with  light  the  mind's  dim  eye. 
 
 9.     God's  pure  fear  endureth  ever, 
 Ever  shall  its  fruit  remain  ; 
 God's  decrees  are  truth,  that  never 
 Change  can  mar,  or  error  stain. 
 
 10.  Dearer  far  than  gold  their  treasure, 
 
 Purest  gold,  in  ingots  stor'd; 
 Sweeter  to  the  taste  their  pleasure, 
 Than  the  wild-bee's  mountain-hoard. 
 
 11.  Warn'd  by  them,  each  faithful  saying 
 
 Shall  my  watchful  soul  record  ; 
 For  to  keep  them  by  obeying 
 Is  both  duty  and  reward 
 
IN   ENGLISH    TERSE.  19 
 
 12.  "Who  can  count  kis  secret  errors  ? 
 
 Lord,  the  unknown  guilt  I  feel 
 
 Visit  not  with  judgment's  terrors, 
 
 But  with  cleansing  mercy  heal : 
 
 13.  And  let  no  presumptuous  madness 
 
 O'er  my  soul  dominion  gain ; 
 Then  my  course  shall  end  with  gladness, 
 UndenTd  by  deeper  stain. 
 
 14.  Let  my  words  and  meditation, 
 
 "While  in  heart  I  walk  with  Thee, 
 God  and  rock  of  my  salvation, 
 In  Thy  sight  accepted  be. 
 
50  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XX. 
 
 1.  The  God  of  comfort  hear  thy  vows 
 
 In  time  of  thy  distress"  ; 
 The  mighty  Name  to  Jacob  known 
 Thy  soul  with  comfort  bless : 
 
 2.  Prom  Zion,  where  His  Spirit  rests, 
 
 His  present  succour  send ; 
 And  watch  thee  from  His  holy  courts, 
 Thy  weakness  to  defend : 
 
 3.  Eemember  how  thy  vows  were  wont 
 
 With  offerings  due  to  rise, 
 And  with  His  glad  acceptance  meet 
 Thy  constant  sacrifice  : 
 
 4.  Grant  thee  thy  heart's  desire,  whate'er 
 
 This  troublous  life  may  crave  : 
 Each  cherish' d  counsel,  be  it  thine 
 To  ask  it  and  to  have ! 
 
 5.  In  joy  for  thy  deliverance  wrought 
 
 The  triumph  we  will  share  : 
 And  He,  Whose  Name  to  victory  leads, 
 Accomplish  all  thy  pray'r  ! 
 
 u  This  Psalm,  as  is  observed  by  St.  Athanasius,  appears  to  have  been 
 sung  by  the  friends  of  David,  who  added  their  prayers  to  his,  as  he  was 
 offering  sacrifice. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  51 
 
 6.  E'en  now  I  know,  th*  Anointed  King 
 
 In  God's  own  strength  shall  stand : 
 God  hears  in  heav'n,  and  hears  to  save 
 With  His  almighty  hand. 
 
 7.  Let  others  trust  in  battle-steeds, 
 
 Or  boast  their  chariots  strong : 
 But  we  will  speak  of  God  alone, 
 Our  glory  and  our  song. 
 
 8.  Lo  !  they  are  falTn ;  we  stand  unharm'd, 
 
 To  dare  what  man  may  dare : 
 
 9.  Lord,  save  us  still ;  just  King  of  heav'n, 
 
 For  ever  speed  our  pray'r. 
 
52  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 XXI. 
 
 1.  Loed,  in  Thy  salvation  won, 
 
 In  the  strength  Thine  arm  hath  shewn, 
 With  the  joy  of  heart  and  voice 
 Shall  Thy  faithful  King  rejoice. 
 
 2.  Thou  his  heart's  desire  hast  blest ; 
 Thou  hast  heard  his  lips'  request ; 
 
 3.  ShowYd  unask'd  Thy  mercies  down, 
 Firm  hast  set  his  glory's  crown. 
 
 4.  Oft  he  pray'd,  with  foes  at  strife, 
 To  Thy  pow'r  to  shield  his  life  : 
 Thou  a  greater  grace  didst  send, 
 Granting  life  that  ne'er  shall  end. 
 
 5.  By  Thy  safeguard  glorious  made, 
 With  high  majesty  array' d, 
 
 6.  He  the  endless  joys  shall  know 
 "Which  from  Thy  blest  presence  flow 
 
 7.  For  in  God  he  builds  his  trust : 
 God,  the  merciful  and  just, 
 Guards  him,  whence  no  foe  can  move, 
 In  the  fortress  of  His  love. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  53 
 
 8.  Foes  who  seek  his  mortal  harm 
 Shall  not  'scape  the  Almighty's  arm  ; 
 By  a  pow'r  they  cannot  shun 
 Caught,  o'ermaster'd,  and  undone. 
 
 9.  Like  a  furnace  hot  with  flame, 
 
 God's  fierce  wrath  their  pride  shall  tame  ; 
 
 Wither' d,  like  to  fuel  dry, 
 
 Shall  their  force  burn  out  and  die. 
 
 10.  Like  a  tree,  which  storms  uproot, 
 Shall  they  perish,  branch  and  fruit : 
 Never  shall  their  seed  again 
 Bloom  among  the  race  of  men. 
 
 11.  For  they  plann'd  with  souls  untrue 
 What  their  malice  could  not  do ; 
 Schem'd  in  vain  to  seize  the  prey, 
 Lost  in  tangled  mischief's  way. 
 
 12.  When  Thy  terror  shall  affright, 
 They  shall  turn  in  shameful  flight  ; 
 When  Thine  arrows  arm'd  with  wrath 
 Gleam  with  vengeance  on  their  path. 
 
 13.  Lord  of  grace  and  majesty, 
 In  Thy  strength  exalted  be : 
 So  in  each  victorious  hour 
 
 We  will  sing  and  praise  Thy  power. 
 
5*  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 XXII. 
 
 1.1  My  God,  my  God,  O  look  on  me ! 
 Why  thus  forsaken  and  forlorn 
 Do  I  in  vain  seek  help  of  Thee  ? 
 And  Thou  art  silent,  as  in  scorn 
 Unheeding  how  with  groans  I  mourn  ? 
 
 My  God,  from  morn  till  latest  eve 
 With  voice  of  loud  lament  I  cry, 
 
 With  sad  unrest  I  watch  and  grieve, 
 While  the  still  hours  of  night  pass  by  ; 
 Nor  peace  may  close  my  sleepless  eye. 
 
 3.  But  Thou  art  holy,  ever  wont 
 
 To  dwell  where  saints  Thy  praise  renew, 
 Within  Thy  temple's  hallow' d  haunt ; 
 
 4.  Our  fathers'  hope,  who  weak  and  few 
 
 Yet  sought  Thy  Name,  and  found  Thee  true. 
 
 5.  They  cried  to  Thee,  and  Thou  didst  aid, 
 
 They  sought  Thee,  and  Thy  help  they  found  : 
 
 6.  But  I  am  fall'n  and  lowly  laid, 
 
 Like  the  poor  worm  press' d  down  to  ground, 
 The  scorn  of  all  that  watch  me  round. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE. 
 
 7.  Their  heads  with  mocking  signs  they  nod, 
 
 And  with  their  darting  tongues  upbraid  : 
 
 8.  Where  now,  they  say,  thy  trust  in  God, 
 
 And  where  the  promise  of  His  aid, 
 If  thou  His  choice  and  joy  art  made  ? 
 
 9.  But  Thou  art  He  that  took  me  forth, 
 
 When  on  the  verge  of  life  I  clung  ; 
 ]().     Thou  wast  my  succour  from  my  birth, 
 When  yet  a  feeble  infant  young 
 Upon  my  mother  s  breasts  I  hung. 
 
 11.  0  go  not  from  me  far  away  ; 
 
 Grief  comes,  and  there  is  none  to  save  : 
 
 12.  My  foes,  like  bulls  that  stand  at  bay, 
 
 Where  Bashan's  wildest  pastures  wave, 
 
 13.  Or  angry  lions,  glare  and  rave. 
 
 14.  My  strength,  like  water,  flows  away, 
 
 My  shatter'd  bones  asunder  start : 
 Like  wax  before  the  melting  ray, 
 The  ebbing  life-blood  at  my  heart 
 Seems  from  its  very  fount  to  part. 
 
 15.  Yea,  like  the  shard  in  furnace  flung, 
 
 My  feeble  frame  is  shrunk  and  dry  ; 
 Close  to  my  jaws  my  clammy  tongue 
 Is  cleaving,  and  the  hour  is  nigh, 
 When  I  in  dust  with  death  must  lie. 
 
.-)  i  THE    BOOK   OP    PSALMS 
 
 K3.     For  dogs  that  wait  for  blood  are  round, 
 They  press  me  close,  a  godless  band : 
 With  pointed  steel  my  feet  they  wound, 
 Their  iron  rends  each  suff'ring  hand, 
 
 17.  While  gaziug  on  my  pangs  they  stand. 
 
 Beneath  my  strain' d  and  tortur'd  skin 
 The  eve  may  count  each  several  bone ; 
 
 18.  They  share,  as  proud  such  spoils  to  win, 
 
 My  parted  garments  one  by  one ; 
 Their  dice  are  on  my  vesture  thrown. 
 
 19.  But  go  not  Thou  far  from  me,  Lord, 
 
 0  let  my  soul,  by  Thee  renew' d, 
 2  >.     Find  rescue  from  the  tyrant's  sword, 
 
 My  life's  dear  treasure  from  the  brood 
 Of  godless  men,  that  hunt  for  blood. 
 
 21.  0  save  me,  ere  I  faint  and  fall, 
 
 By  ruthless  foes,  like  lions,  torn  ;— 
 Tea,  Thou  hast  heard  me,  while  I  call, 
 
 Where  round  they  thrust,  with  pointed  horn 
 As  gores  the  rushing  unicorn. 
 
 22.  I  will  declare  Thy  mighty  Name 
 
 Where'er  my  brethren  meet  in  pray'r  ; 
 The  praises  of  Thy  truth  proclaim, 
 Where  Israel's  full  assemblies  are  ; 
 My  thankful  voice  shall  bless  Thee  there. 
 
IIS"   ENGLISH   VEKSE.  57 
 
 23.     All  Israel's  sons  who  fear  the  Lord 
 
 Shall  there  His  glorious  pow'r  confess  ; 
 
 2i.     For  He  hath  not  my  grief  abhorr'd, 
 Nor  hid  His  face  from  my  distress, 
 But  heard  my  pray'r,  and  turn'd  to  bless. 
 
 25.  There  shall  my  praise  His  presence  seek, 
 
 Where  the  full  choir  their  voices  raise  ; 
 
 26.  There,  with  His  fulness  fed,  the  meek 
 
 Shall   speak   their   heart's  glad   thanks   in 
 
 praise, 
 Bless'd  with  His  peace,  and  length  of  days. 
 
 27.  From  the  wide  world's  remotest  end 
 
 The  willing  tribes  their  gifts  shall  bring  ; 
 All  kindreds  in  His  courts  shall  bend, 
 Bestor'd  to  holy  truth,  and  sing 
 
 28.  Their  only  Potentate  and  King. 
 
 29.  The  rich,  in  plenty  wont  to  fare, 
 
 Shall  then  a  purer  banquet  crave  ; 
 And  the  poor  sons  of  want  and  care 
 
 Shall  bow  to  Him,  whose  grace  could  save 
 From  peril  of  the  darksome  grave. 
 
 30.  And  a  new  seed  in  strength  and  youth 
 
 Shall  rise,  to  fill  their  fathers'  room  ; 
 
 31.  And  tell  from  heav'n  His  righteous  truth 
 
 To  later  children  yet  to  come, 
 JN"ew  pillars  in  God's  holy  home. 
 
58  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 1.  Mi  Shepherd  is  the  gracious  Lord, 
 
 Amidst  His  flock  I  feed : 
 While  I  am  His,  and  He  is  mine, 
 I  cannot  suffer  need. 
 
 2.  He  leads  me,  where  on  Judah's  hills 
 
 The  pastures  spring  and  blow, 
 
 And  welling  from  the  eternal  fount 
 
 Glad  streams  of  comfort  flow. 
 
 3.  He  gives  my  troubled  spirit  rest, 
 
 Bestor'd  from  sin  and  shame, 
 To  paths  of  righteousness  and  peace 
 For  His  most  holy  Name. 
 
 4.  Tea,  tho'  I  walk  in  dreary  vale 
 
 Of  death's  o'ercovering  shade, 
 No  evil  will  I  fear,  whilst  Thou 
 Art  near  to  bring  me  aid : 
 
 Thy  rod  and  staff  sustain  my  soul 
 To  tread  the  dangerous  way ; 
 
 Thy  rod,  in  love  to  chasten  me, 
 Thy  staff,  to  be  my  stayx. 
 
 *  Anglo-Saxon  Paraphrase  ;  and  Jeremy  Taylor. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  59 
 
 Before  the  foes  who  seek  my  harm, 
 
 My  table  Thou  hast  spread  ; 
 With  wine  hast  crown' d  my  cup,  and  pour'd 
 
 Sweet  odours  on  my  head. 
 
 Thy  mercy  and  Thy  goodness,  Lord, 
 
 My  help  through  life  shall  be, 
 Till  in  Thy  house  I  find  a  home 
 
 For  evermore  with  Thee. 
 
GO  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 1.  God  the  Lord  unchanging  reigns 
 
 To  the  wide  world's  furthest  bound ; 
 He  with  light  and  life  sustains 
 
 All  within  the  green  earth's  round. 
 
 2.  He  hath  laid  its  groundworks  deep, 
 
 Where  the  restless  sea-streams  flow, 
 There  its  stedfast  state  to  keep 
 O'er  the  wat'ry  depths  below. 
 
 3.  "Who  shall  gain  His  presence  blest, 
 
 Where  He  makes  His  choice  abode ? 
 Who  ascend  His  hill,  and  rest 
 In  the  joy  that  dwells  with  God  ? 
 
 4.  He  who,  pure  of  hand  and  heart, 
 
 Innocence  for  arms  hath  worn  ; 
 In  whose  words  no  guile  hath  part, 
 Who  in  oath  was  ne'er  forsworn. 
 
 5.  He  shall  bring  the  blessing  down, 
 
 All  that  faithful  pray'r  may  crave, 
 Crown' d  with  goodness  not  his  own, 
 But  from  God.  Who  hears  to  save. 
 
IX   ENGLISH   YEESE.  Gl 
 
 6.  Such  are  Jacob's  truest  race, 
 
 They  who  know  their  fathers'  God, 
 They  who  seek  His  glorious  face, 
 Where  He  makes  His  choice  abode. 
 
 7.  Lift  your  heads,  eternal  gates  ; 
 
 He,  "Who  could  the  conquest  win, 
 At  your  golden  threshold  waits  ; 
 Let  the  King  of  glory  in. 
 
 8.  Tell  us,  Who  is  glory's  King; 
 
 We  but  wait  to  hear  the  word  : — 
 He,  Whom  we  in  triumph  bring, 
 God  of  hosts,  and  mighty  Lord. 
 
 9.  Lift  your  heads,  eternal  gates  ; 
 
 He,  Who  could  the  conquest  win, 
 At  your  golden  threshold  waits  ; 
 Let  the  King  of  glory  in. 
 
 10.     Tell  us,  Who  is  glory's  King ; 
 
 AVe  would  hear  again  the  word : — 
 
 He,  Whom  heav'n's  bright  armies  sing, 
 
 Glory's  King,  and  mightiest  Lord. 
 
l>2  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 XXV. 
 
 I  lift  mine  heart  to  Thee, 
 My  God,  my  Hope  and  Stay ; 
 0  shame  me  not,  nor  leave  my  life 
 To  scornful  foes  a  prey. 
 
 The  souls  that  wait  on  Thee 
 
 Defend,  just  Lord,  from  shame  : 
 Let  shame  be  theirs,  who  unprovok'd 
 Are  bold  to  deeds  of  blame. 
 
 Enlighten,  Lord,  mine  eyes 
 Thy  gracious  ways  to  see ; 
 0  guide  me  where  in  paths  of  life 
 The  faithful  walk  with  Thee, 
 
 When  lost  in  gloom  I  tread, 
 Thy  star  of  truth  display ; 
 Thou  art  my  Saviour  and  my  God, 
 On  Thee  I  wait  all  day. 
 
 Forget  not,  Lord,  Thy  love, 
 Thy  pitying  care  of  man, 
 The  thoughts  of  peace  that  dwelt  with  Thee, 
 Ere  time  on  earth  began. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 7.  The  errors  of  my  youth, 
 
 And  every  deeper  stain, 
 Forgive  them,  Lord,  and  let  them  ne'er 
 To  memory  rise  again. 
 
 8.  His  mercy  and  His  truth 
 
 The  righteous  Lord  displays, 
 In  bringing  wandering  sinners  home, 
 And  teaching  them  His  ways?. 
 
 9.  The  lowly  and  the  meek 
 
 He  waits  to  guard  and  guide ; 
 And  where  the  gentle  walk  with  truth, 
 Is  ever  at  their  side. 
 
 10.  The  souls,  whose  good  desires 
 
 His  faithful  statutes  move, 
 Shall  find  in  His  blest  paths  of  peace 
 The  God  of  Truth  and  Love. 
 
 11.  Lord,  for  Thy  mercy's  sake 
 
 I  sue  for  grace  to  Thee ; 
 Tho'  great  my  guilt,  more  great  Thy  grace, 
 "Which  sets  the  guilty  free. 
 
 12.  What  man  is  he,  that  knows 
 
 The  holy  fear  of  God  ? 
 Him  shall  He  teach  that  chosen  path, 
 In  which  the  just  have  trod  : 
 
 y  New  Version. 
 
64 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 1  •>.         "Within  his  quiet  soul 
 
 Shall  lasting  joys  increase  ; 
 And  children  of  his  race  shall  hold 
 The  happy  land  of  peace. 
 
 14.         To  saints  that  walk  in  fear 
 
 Will  God  His  counsels  shew : 
 The  bond  of  His  blest  truth  is  pledg'd 
 To  guard  them  as  they  go. 
 
 1-5.         Mine  eyes  are  fix'd  on  God  ; 
 
 From  Him  my  help  is  found. 
 To  walk  unharm'd.  while  snares  of  death 
 Beset  my  paths  around. 
 
 l  -J.         Have  mercy,  Lord,  and  hear  ; 
 Behold  me  where  I  moan : 
 For  I  am  poor  and  desolate, 
 If  left  by  Thee  alone2. 
 
 17.         The  troubles  of  my  heart 
 Upon  me  are  enlarg'd : 
 O  save  me  from  the  woes  whose  weight 
 My  soul  hath  overcharg'd. 
 
 is.         0  let  Thine  eyes  regard 
 
 My  anguish  and  my  pain : 
 Forgive  me,  and  restore  my  soul 
 To  innocence  again. 
 
 *  Old  Version. 
 
I>~    ENGLISH    TERSE. 
 
 19.  Consider,  Lord,  my  foes, 
 
 How  many  and  how  strong ; 
 How  fierce  in  hate  they  watch  my  steps, 
 How  sworn  to  work  me  wrong. 
 
 20.  Preserve  my  labouring  soul ; 
 
 From  evil  keep  me  free  : 
 Let  me  not  sink  in  shame  o'erthrown. 
 Whose  trust  is  still  in  Thee. 
 
 21.  Thou  know'st  my  heart  sincere, 
 
 My  truth  to  Thee  is  known : 
 O  let  it  be  my  safeguard,  Lord, 
 AYho  wait  on  Thee  alone. 
 
 22.  And  every  pray'r  I  pray, 
 
 Lord,  hear  for  me  and  mine : 
 Save  from  all  woe  Thine  Israel's  sons. 
 And  keep  them  ever  Thine. 
 
 65 
 
M  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 1.  Lobd,  judge  my  cause  ;  for  I  have  walked 
 
 With  upright  heart  sincere : 
 In  Thee  I  trust ;  I  cannot  fall, 
 "While  Thy  strong  help  is  near. 
 
 2.  Lord,  in  Thy  righteous  balance  try 
 
 The  wishes  of  my  heart : 
 
 3.  Thy  love  shall  guide  me  ;  from  Thy  truth 
 
 My  steps  shall  ne'er  depart. 
 
 4.  The  vain  have  ne'er  my  counsel  shard, 
 
 Nor  men  of  double  tongue  ; 
 
 5.  I  shun  the  bands  of  strife  and  spoil, 
 
 The  league  of  fraud  and  wrong. 
 
 6.  Lord,  when  I  worship  in  Thy  courts, 
 
 And  heap  Thine  altar's  fire, 
 Pure  hands  111  bring,  by  harm  unstain'd, 
 And  pure  each  heart's  desire ; 
 
 7.  That  so  the  inward  joy  of  praise 
 
 My  willing  lips  may  move, 
 And  I  to  list'ning  saints  may  tell 
 The  wonders  of  Thy  love. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEBSE.  67 
 
 8.  Lord,  I  have  lov'd  Thy  chosen  home, 
 
 That  doth  all  homes  excel ; 
 The  place,  where  Thy  fair  majesty, 
 And  awful  beauty  dwell. 
 
 9.  O  leave  not  Thou  my  life  a  spoil 
 
 To  men  of  cruel  tribes, 
 l  o.     "Whose  hands  are  prompt  to  deeds  of  blood, 
 Their  right-hand  full  of  bribes. 
 
 11.  Still  will  I  walk  with  heart  sincere  ; 
 
 Do  Thou,  whene'er  I  stray, 
 Restore  me,  and  with  mercy  guide 
 In  Thine  eternal  way. 
 
 12.  'Tis  done  :  my  feet  on  even  ground 
 
 Stand  firm,  by  Thee  restor'd: 
 And  with  Thy  saints  my  place  shall  be 
 To  bless  the  living  Lord. 
 
68  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 God  is  rny  light :  I  will  not  fear, 
 Tho'  all  around  be  dark  and  drear : 
 God  is  my  health  :  while  He  is  nigh, 
 Far  off  shall  harm  and  danger  fly. 
 
 God  is  my  strength,  my  safety's  tow'r : 
 The  foes,  who  raging  to  devour 
 Came  near,  my  life  and  hope  to  quell, 
 Struck  down  in  wild  disorder  fell. 
 
 Tho'  camping  hosts  my  home  invade, 
 My  heart  shall  wait  them  undismay'd: 
 Tho'  war's  loud  terrors  range  abroad, 
 My  soul  shall  rest  its  hope  on  God. 
 
 One  boon  alone  my  need  requires, 
 One  grace  from  God  my  heart  desires,  \ 
 Since  I  have  known  the  joy  of  pray'r, 
 And  stood  within  Thy  temple  fair, 
 
 That  in  those  courts  I  still  may  live,  ^ 
 "While  Thou  the  breath  of  life  shalt  give, 
 In  beauty  there  and  sanctity 
 To  meditate  and  walk  with  Thee. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  G9 
 
 5.    There  bid  in  Thy  pavilion  blest 
 My  troubled  soul  shall  find  its  rest, 
 Close  hid,  and  proof  to  every  shock, 
 As  on  th'  unseen  eternal  Bock. 
 
 0.    And  now  Thy  love  shall  raise  my  head 
 Above  the  foes  around  me  spread ; 
 And  I  will  joyful  offerings  bring, 
 And  in  Thy  courts  glad  praises  sing. 
 
 7.  Hear,  Lord,  my  pray'r,  in  mercy  hear : 
 
 8.  "Whene'er  I  heard  Thy  warning  near, 
 
 "  Seek  ye  My  face,"  I  caught  the  word ; 
 Lo !  now  I  seek  Thy  face,  O  Lorda. 
 
 9.  Hide  not  that  face,  whose  grace  I  pray  ; 
 Cast  not  my  pray'r  in  wrath  away  ; 
 Let  not  my  soul  forsaken  be, 
 
 God  of  my  help  and  health,  by  Thee. 
 
 1  0.     When  my  dear  father,  mother  dear 
 Forsake  me,  Thou  wilt  be  more  near, 
 And  Thine  eternal  arms  above 
 Spread  o'er  me  with  a  mightier  love. 
 
 11.     O  let  Thy  truth  with  me  be  found 
 
 To  guard  my  steps  ;  for  foes  are  round  : 
 Plain  be  my  path,  nor  let  me  stray 
 Lur'd  from  true  wisdom's  simple  way. 
 
 a  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
70  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 l 2.     O  leave  me  not,  like  captive  tlirall, 
 Beneath  imperious  foes  to  fall ; 
 False  witness  they  suborn,  and  breathe 
 Against  my  soul  fierce  words  of  death. 
 
 l  •».     Faint  had  I  fall'n  with  dread  dismay'd  ; 
 But  one  blest  hope  all  fear  outweigh' d, 
 The  hope  Thy  goodness,  Lord,  to  see, 
 Where  dwells  undying  life  with  Thee. 
 
 ]  4.     0  patient  wait  on  God ;  be  strong, 
 Tho'  righteous  judgment  tarry  long : 
 The  comfort  of  His  healing  pow'r 
 Thine  heart  shall  cheer;  but  wait  His  hourb. 
 
 t  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
I>-    ENGLISH    VEESE.  71 
 
 XXTIII. 
 
 Loed,  my  Bock,  to  Thee  I  cry : 
 
 Hear  the  voice  of  my  complaining  : 
 
 Lest,  if  Thou  my  suit  deny, 
 
 Thro*  rebuke  of  Thy  disdaining 
 
 I  become  as  those  that  die. 
 
 Hear  me,  ere  my  life  be  gone, 
 
 "Where  I  kneel,  my  heart  out-pouring, 
 In  the  place  where  Thou  art  known, 
 
 "Where  the  cherub-forms  adoring 
 Bend  around  Thy  mercy-throne. 
 
 Bid  me  not  with  those  depart, 
 
 "Whom  no  fear  of  doom  restraineth, 
 
 Godless  men,  whose  treacherous  art 
 Fairest  friendship  falsely  feigneth, 
 
 "While  revenge  is  in  their  heart. 
 
 Lord,  do  Thou  their  deeds  repay, 
 
 All  their  mischief  backward  turning  ; 
 
 Let  Thy  truth  their  actions  weigh, 
 That,  their  fraud's  just  wages  earning, 
 
 Thev  may  with  their  wrongs  decav. 
 
i  -  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 5.     They  have  BCorn'd  in  proud  disdain 
 
 God's  great  acts.  His  truth  forsaking  : 
 
 Therefore  God  shall  prove  them  vain, 
 
 Their  false  hopes  in  anger  breaking. 
 Never  to  be  built  again. 
 
 (>.     Lord,  on  Whom  my  hope  relied, 
 
 When  I  pour'd  my  heart  before  Thee, 
 Be  Thy  mercy  magnified ; 
 
 Let  my  grateful  songs  adore  Thee 
 For  the  help  Thy  love  supplied. 
 
 7.     Mighty  God.  my  shield  in  war, 
 
 Strength  in  weakness,  hope  in  sadness. 
 
 Great  as  Thy  dear  mercies  are 
 Is  my  heart's  exulting  gladness, 
 
 Hymning  forth  Thy  praise  afar. 
 
 8,9.    Lord,  our  strong  salvation's  tow'r, 
 Thine  anointed' s  life  defending, 
 
 Bless  Thy  people,  as  of  yore, 
 
 With  a  Shepherd's  faithful  tending, 
 
 Feed  and  guard  them  evermore. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VERSE,  73 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 1.  Sons  of  God,  ye  peers  of  light, 
 Mighty  in  your  Maker's  might, 
 To  the  God,  by  Whom  ye  live, 
 "Worship,  strength,  and  glory  give : 
 
 Give  to  Him,  the  Good  and  True, 
 Honour,  praise,  and  service  due, 
 Where  for  ever,  as  ye  bless, 
 Beauty  waits  on  holiness. 
 
 Hark !  His  voice  is  sounding  loud 
 From  the  labouring  thunder-cloud ; 
 O'er  the  floods  and  dark'ning  lakes 
 Lo  !  the  God  of  glory  speaks. 
 
 4.  'Tis  the  voice  of  God  Most  High, 
 Voice  of  pow'r  and  majesty  : 
 
 5.  Cedars  by  that  voice  o'erthrown 
 Strew  the  vales  of  Lebanon. 
 
74  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.         Tea,  the  mountains,  at  the  sound, 
 Like  young  steers  in  pasture  bound, 
 Lebanon  and  Sirion's  horn 
 Like  the  startled  unicorn  c. 
 
 c  It  is  scarcely  possible  that  the  reem,  or  unicorn  of  Scripture, 
 can  be  the  rhinoceros,  or  wild  buffalo,  as  some  late  interpreters 
 have  supposed.  There  is  much  agreement  in  the  ancient  and  mo- 
 dern accounts,  from  Aristotle  and  Cosmas  Indicopleustes,  to  Sir 
 John  Barrow  and  Mr.  Galton,and  the  modern  travellers  in  Chinese 
 Tartary,  which  describe  a  strong  kind  of  antelope  with  a  single 
 born  in  the  forehead,  as  still  existing  in  the  tropical  deserts  of 
 Africa,  and  the  mountain-region  of  central  Asia.  It  is  said  that 
 a  living  unicorn  was  lately  to  be  seen  in  a  menagerie  of  the  king  of 
 Nepaul ;  and  the  people  of  Tibet  and  bushmen  of  Africa  equally 
 attest  its  existeiLce  in  their  respective  countries.  And  such  was 
 the  description  given  by  early  Portuguese  and  Spanish  travellers, 
 as  Luis  de  Urreta  in  his  Hist,  of  Ethiopia,  Valencia,  1610,  p.  247. 
 See  Purchas's  Pilgrimage,  and  Southey's  Life  and  Correspond,  ii. 
 241.  So  also  it  is  represented  in  a  fine  Collection  of  Dutch  Sacred 
 Engravings,  Pfeffer  and  Scheuchzer,  plate  315.  Amsterd.  1732: 
 and  so  it  was  credited  by  our  Elizabethan  poets,  Spenser,  Fairy  Q. 
 II.  v.  10  ;  Shakspeare,  Jul.  C.  ii.  1. 
 
 The  animal  rudely  represented  in  an  ancient  Assyrian  piece  of 
 sculpture,  and  called  by  Mr.  Layard  a  rhinoceros,  vol.  ii.  435,  is 
 much  more  like  an  old  heraldic  unicorn,  or  those  described  by 
 iElian  or  Strabo.  He  has  himself  observed  that  the  word  raim  is 
 inscribed  in  some  Egyptian  sculptures  over  a  figure  of  this  kind  of 
 antelope.     lb.,  p.  429. 
 
 There  is  little  force  in  the  objection  of  Gesenius,  that  the  reem 
 here  must  be  of  the  same  genus  with  the  calf  or  steer  in  the 
 same  verse,  and  in  what  he  says  of  the  rarity  of  the  unicorn.  Wild 
 animals  go  on  diminishing,  as  the  dominion  of  man  is  extended. 
 There  is  no  reason  why  it  should  not  have  been  anciently  common 
 in  Palestine  ;  as  even  when  Aristotle  wrote,  it  does  not  seem  to 
 have  been  an  uncommon  animal:  and  it  is  evident  that  in  the 
 early  times  of  the  Old  Testament  the  borders  of  Canaan  abounded 
 with  "beasts  of  the  field,"  dangerous  and  destructive  to  human 
 life.     Lev.  xxvi.  22  :  Deut.  vii.  22  :  Job  v.  22,  3  ;  xl.  20. 
 
IIS"   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 75 
 
 7.  At  His  voice  the  clouds  are  riven, 
 Where  the  flashing  fires  are  driven ; 
 
 8.  At  His  voice  the  desert  shakes, 
 Kadesh,  thy  vast  desert  quakes. 
 
 9.  Hinds  all  trembling,  when  they  hear, 
 Cast  their  young  in  pangs  of  fear : 
 Ancient  forests,  dark  with  shade, 
 Bare  before  His  voice  are  laid. 
 
 10.  In  the  temple  of  heav'n's  King 
 Thousand  tongues  His  glory  sing : 
 He,  Whose  pow'r  the  flood  restrains, 
 God  as  King  for  ever  reigns. 
 
 11.  Yea,  He  lives  and  reigns  alone  ; 
 From  His  firm  abiding  throne 
 He  His  people  shall  increase, 
 
 Arm  with  strength,  and  bless  with  peace d. 
 
 d  Sandys,  whose  version  has  been  consulted  on  some  of  the  previous 
 verses. 
 
76  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 XXX. 
 
 1.  I  will  extol  Thee,  Lord,  "Whose  aid 
 
 Hath  rais'd  my  head  from  deeps  of  woe, 
 And  my  proud  enemy  forbade 
 To  triumph  in  my  overthrow. 
 
 2.  I  cried  to  Thee  :  Thine  arm  did  save, 
 
 Thou  drew'st  me  from  the  shades  of  death ; 
 
 3.  When  faint  and  verging  to  the  grave, 
 
 Thy  word  recall' d  my  parting  breath. 
 
 4.  Ye  saints,  His  praise  with  gladness  tell ; 
 
 Such  songs  His  faithful  mercies  claim : 
 For  ever  in  your  memory  dwell 
 His  holy  Truth's  eternal  £same. 
 
 5.  One  moment  may  His  wrath  abide ; 
 
 His  grace  to  man  is  life  new-born  : 
 The  heart,  that  mourn' d  at  eventide, 
 "Wakes  up  to  joy  and  songs  at  morn. 
 
 (i.     Strong  in  my  prosperous  hour  I  said, 
 
 For  ever  shall  I  stand  secure ; 
 7.     So  firm  my  God  my  hill  hath  made, 
 
 With  His  dear  favour  fix'd  and  sure. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEUSE.  n 
 
 But  Thou  didst  check  my  thought  too  proud, 
 Thy  look  of  love  in  love  didst  hide  : 
 
 8.  Then  straight,  with  inward  anguish  bow'd, 
 
 To  Thee  in  humble  fear  I  cried : 
 
 9.  "What  gain  is  Thine,  if  Thou  shalt  bring 
 
 My  life  to  earth,  past  mortal  care  ? 
 Shall  senseless  dust  give  thanks  and  sing  ? 
 Shall  death  Thy  living  Truth  declare  ? 
 
 10.  0  hear  me,  Lord  !  great  as  my  need 
 
 Let  Thy  sweet  mercy's  succour  be  : 
 To  Thee  my  suppliant  hands  I  spread, 
 Who  have  no  other  help  but  Thee. 
 
 11.  Lo  !  my  weak  frame,  with  woe  unstrung, 
 
 Now  chang'd  with  inward  joy  is  light ; 
 My  loins,  with  painful  sackcloth  hung, 
 Are  girt  with  robes  of  gladness  bright. 
 
 12.  This  God  hath  done,  that  in  His  praise 
 
 My  tongue  may  never  silent  be : 
 O  Lord  my  God,  my  heart  shall  raise 
 Glad  songs  of  endless  thanks  to  Thee. 
 
ft  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 In  Thee,  0  Lord,  I  trust ; 
 
 Defend  my  truth  from  shame  : 
 Redeem  me  with  Thy  love  and  pow'r, 
 For  Thy  most  righteous  Xame. 
 
 Bow  down  Thy  gracious  ear, 
 And  speedy  succour  send : 
 Be  Thou  my  rock  and  fortress-tow' r, 
 To  shelter  and  defend e. 
 
 Thou  art  my  fort  and  rock, 
 My  strength  in  danger  tried : 
 Thou,  for  Thy  great  and  glorious  Xame, 
 My  steps  wilt  ever  guide. 
 
 O  draw  me  from  the  snare, 
 Which  foes  have  closely  laid  ; 
 Thou  art  my  might  and  fortitude, 
 My  only  hope  and  aid. 
 
 To  Thy  protecting  hand 
 My  spirit  I  resign ; 
 Thou  hast  redeem'd  me,  Lord  of  Truth, 
 And  I  am  wholly  Thine. 
 
 e  New  Version. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  79 
 
 6.  I  loathe  those  idols  vain, 
 
 That  draw  men's  hearts  from  Thee, 
 From  Thee,  in  Whom  my  trust  hath  been, 
 And  shall  for  ever  be. 
 
 7.  I  joy  to  tell  Thy  praise, 
 
 "Who  hast  such  mercy  shewn, 
 Who  would' st  not  cast  me  off  in  grief, 
 As  one  to  Thee  unknown ; 
 
 8.  Who  would' st  not  close  me  in 
 
 My  foeman's  thrall  to  be  ; — 
 But  bad'st  me  live  like  lambs  that  range 
 The  mountain-pastures  freef. 
 
 9.  Dread  Lord,  have  mercy  now : 
 
 Mine  eyes  for  sadness  fail, 
 
 My  trembling  heart  and  aching  flesh 
 
 Beneath  Thy  terrors  quail. 
 
 1 ).         My  life  with  sighing  spent 
 
 Is  wither'd,  past,  and  gone ; 
 Sharp  sorrow  for  remember' d  sin 
 Hath  worn  me  to  the  bone. 
 
 11.         The  cruel  scorn  of  foes 
 
 With  kinsmen's  scorn  I  shar'd ; 
 And  they  who  knew  me  fled  my  face, 
 As  if  with  terror  scar'd. 
 
 '  Hos.  iv.  16. 
 
80 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 12.  I  seem  as  one  long  dead, 
 
 From  mind  and  memory  flown : 
 Or  like  a  broken  shard,  past  use, 
 A  wreck  in  corners  thrown. 
 
 13.  Beset  with  sland'rous  tongues, 
 
 A  horror  haunts  my  way, 
 "While  thronging  foes  in  league  conspire 
 To  make  my  life  their  prey. 
 
 14.  Yet  still  my  hope  in  Thee 
 
 Found  rest  from  sorrow's  load  ; 
 One  thought  reviv'd  my  soul,  that  Thou 
 Art  evermore  my  Grod. 
 
 15.  My  times  are  in  Thy  hand, 
 
 My  sorrows  and  my  joy  : 
 Eedeem  me,  for  Thou  can'st,  from  those 
 That  would  my  peace  destroy. 
 
 16.  0  let  me,  gracious  Lord, 
 
 Thy  beams  of  mercy  see  : 
 
 17.  0  leave  me  not  in  shame  to  mourn, 
 
 Who  still  have  call'd  on  Thee. 
 
 Such  shame  be  on  my  foes ; 
 
 18.  The  silence  of  the  grave 
 
 Be  theirs,  who  dare  in  proud  disdain 
 Against  Thy  saints  to  rave. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VERSE.  81 
 
 19.  O  God  of  truth  and  love, 
 
 Let  every  tongue  confess 
 To  them  that  fear  and  trust  in  Thee 
 Thy  mercies  numberless ! 
 
 20.  Thy  secret  wings  o'erspread 
 
 Ward  off  the  world's  proud  wrongs  ; 
 They  hear  not,  in  Thy  tent  secure, 
 The  strife  of  angry  tongues. 
 
 21.  0  blessings  on  Thy  Name, 
 
 Since  I  Thy  truth  have  found, 
 Thy  strength  of  wond'rous  love,  more  strong 
 Than  fenced  ramparts  round ! 
 
 22.  In  haste  of  fear  I  thought 
 
 Cut  off  from  Thee  to  die  ; 
 But  Thou  didst  look  on  me  and  hear 
 My  supplication's  cry. 
 
 23.  ]      Ye  saints,  whom  mercy  moves, 
 
 Tell  forth  with  love  His  praise, 
 Who  saves  the  true,  but  sternly  just 
 The  sons  of  pride  repays. 
 
 24.  And  all,  who  hope  in  Grod, 
 
 Take  up  the  cheerful  song ; 
 Be  strong,  and  He  shall  keep  your  heart 
 In  His  protection  strong. 
 
THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 0  blest  the  man,  redeem' d 
 From  anguish  and  from  fear, 
 Whose  sins  are  pardon' d,  never  more 
 In  judgment  to  appear ! 
 
 0  blest  the  man,  to  whom 
 Just  God  imputes  no  sin ; 
 And  no  close  guile,  resisting  truth, 
 Is  found  his  heart  within. 
 
 For  while  in  silent  grief 
 I  kept  my  pain  untold, 
 Consum'd  away  with  daily  moan 
 My  bones  grew  faint  and  old. 
 
 Thy  heavy  hand  laid  load 
 Upon  my  feeble  might 
 From  morn  till  eve  ;  as  heat  devo  urs 
 The  dew  in  summer's  night. 
 
 Then  I  my  sin  disclos'd, 
 And  calPd  on  Thee  to  save : 
 While  yet  I  spake,  Thy  mercy  heard, 
 And  while  it  heard,  forgave. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  83 
 
 6.  For  this  with  early  vow 
 
 To  Thee  Thy  saints  shall  come, 
 Before  the  floods  of  wrath  o'erflow, 
 And  heav'n  is  dark  with  gloom. 
 
 7.  Thou  art  my  sheltering  Bock 
 
 From  trouble  and  from  woe ; 
 Thou  bidst  me  feel  such  joy  of  song, 
 As  ransom'd  captives  know. 
 
 8.  Thy  warning  voice  I  hear  : 
 
 Thy  guiding  hand  is  nigh, 
 To  lead  me  in  Thy  path  of  truth, 
 And  watch  me  with  Thine  eye. 
 
 f).        I  hear,  and  I  obey. 
 
 I  strive  not,  as  the  vain, 
 Doom'd  still  to  champ,  like  horse  or  mule, 
 Their  iron  curb  of  pain. 
 
 10.  To  godless  sons  of  pride 
 
 Such  sorrows  shall  abound  : 
 But  him,  who  builds  his  hope  on  God, 
 Shall  mercy  shield  around. 
 
 11.  Eejoice,  ye  righteous  saints, 
 
 Whose  Fort  is  found  so  strong : 
 Exult  and  sing,  ye  true  of  heart, 
 To  God  your  joyous  song. 
 
84  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 Ye  righteous,  rejoice  ;  rejoice  in  the  Lord : 
 To  men  true  of  heart  how  comely  is  praise ! 
 
 Let  lutes  and  soft  psalt'ries  in  joyous  accord, 
 And  harps  of  ten  strings  swell  the  anthems 
 ye  raise. 
 
 Eaise,  raise  your  new  song  for  mercy  still  new : 
 Sweet  skill  rule  each  voice ;  their  sound  be 
 as  one ; 
 
 Still  praising  the  word  of  your  God  ever  true, 
 Adoring  His  works  all  in  faithfulness  done. 
 
 How  rightful  His  rule,  in  equity  sway'd ! 
 
 His  mercy  the  earth  with  blessing  supplies : 
 The  word  of  the  Lord  the  wide  heavens  hath 
 made, 
 The  breath  of  His  Spirit  the  hosts  of  the 
 skies. 
 
 He  gathers  the  waves  heap'd  high  on  the  main, 
 
 Clos'd  in  as  with  bars  their  waters  are  stay'd; 
 
 The  depths  which  the  plummet  may  fathom  in 
 
 vain 
 
 Like  treasures  of  darkness  before  Him  are 
 
 laid. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEKSE.  '<  r> 
 
 Let  earth  fear  the  Lord !  "With  awe  and  with  fear 
 Before  Him  the  world's  inhabitants  stand ! 
 
 He  spake,  and,  as  waiting  His  summons  to  hear 
 It  rose  in  its  beauty,  the  work  of  His  hand. 
 
 10.  The  heathen  in  vain  against  Thee  have  plann'd, 
 
 Their  counsel  and  might  pass  quickly  away ; 
 
 11.  But,  Lord,  Thy  blest  will  shall  eternally  stand, 
 
 And  rule  the  world's  changes  of  time  and  decay. 
 
 1 2.     That  nation  is  blest,  whose  God  is  the  Lord ; 
 The  people  by  Him  His  heritage  made ; 
 "Whose  song  is  His  glory,  whose  law  is  His  word, 
 "Who  wait  on  His  promise  to  shield  and  to  aid. 
 
 1 3.  God  looks  from  His  throne  ;  He  scans  from  on  high 
 
 14.  Earth's  numberless  tribes :  so  piercing  His  sight, 
 Men's  hearts  can  no  darkness  conceal  from  His  eye, 
 
 15.  The  God  of  their  spirits  beholds  them  in  light. 
 
 16.  No  king  in  his  host  for  safety  may  trust ; 
 
 No  champion  of  pride  in  strength  of  his  arm  : 
 
 17.  The  horse  with  his  rider  falls  low  in  the  dust, 
 
 His  speed  is  all  feeble  to  rescue  from  harm. 
 
86  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 The  eye  of  the  Lord,  a  safeguard  more  sure 
 To  them  who  in  fear  His  mercy  adore, 
 1  l        Shall  watch,  in  death's   terror  their  soul  to 
 secure, 
 In  famine  their  garners  with  plenty  to  store. 
 
 Tn   Thee,  mighty  Lord,    our  Help  and    our 
 Shield, 
 Our  heart's  only  trust,  our  gladness  shall  be; 
 22.       To  us  be  the  light  of  Thy  mercy  reveal* d, 
 
 As  ever  our  hope  builds  its  refuge  in  Thee  ! 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  87 
 
 XXXIY. 
 
 l  •    For  ever  will  I  bless  the  Lord, 
 For  ever  shall  my  tongue 
 Declare  the  wonders  of  His  praise 
 With  unexhausted  song. 
 
 2.  In  G-od  my  soul  shall  make  her  boast ; 
 
 Meek-hearted  saints  shall  hear, 
 And  joy  with  holy  joy,  to  know 
 Their  strong  Deliverer  near. 
 
 3.  0  magnify  the  Lord  with  me, 
 
 Join  heart  and  voice  to  sing, 
 And  praise  the  Name,  above  all  praise, 
 Of  heav'n's  eternal  King. 
 
 4.  I  sought  the  Lord  :  my  zealous  pray'r 
 
 His  favouring  mercy  bless' d; 
 He  snatch'd  me  from  the  storm  of  fear, 
 And  gave  my  spirit  rest. 
 
 5.  The  meek  who  look'd  to  Him  in  grief, 
 
 Have  never  look'd  in  vain : 
 Their  faces  sad  with  gloom  have  glow'd 
 "With  light  and  joy  again. 
 
SS  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Lo,  where  the  poor  to  God  hath  cried, 
 
 And  God  hath  bent  His  ear, 
 And  sav'd  hirn  from  heart-wearying  straits, 
 From  anguish  and  from  fear. 
 
 7.  The  home  of  saints  who  fear  the  Lord 
 
 Is  holy  guarded  ground, 
 Where  angels  for  their  rescue  watch, 
 And  camp  unseen  around. 
 
 8.  0  taste  and  see,  how  good  is  God ; 
 
 O  seek  the  blessings  stor'd 
 For  trustful  hearts,  whose  hope  hath  found 
 The  safeguard  of  the  Lord. 
 
 9.  Ye  saints  of  God,  your  service  pay 
 
 With  filial  humble  fear  ; 
 No  want  is  theirs,  whose  stedfast  souls 
 His  majesty  revere. 
 
 10.  The  roving  lions,  strong  for  spoil, 
 
 May  faint  with  hungry  pain : 
 But  they  who  seek  of  God  their  good 
 Shall  never  seek  in  vain. 
 
 11.  Come  near,  my  children ;  let  your  hearts 
 
 A  father's  counsels  hear ; 
 And  learn  of  me  the  perfect  way 
 Th'  eternal  Lord  to  fear. 
 
IN  ENGLISH  VERSE.  89 
 
 12.  What  man  is  he  that  fain  would  live, 
 *  And  days  in  joy  prolong  ? 
 
 1 3.  Eefrain  thy  tongue  from  words  of  blame, 
 
 Thy  lips  from  guile  and  wrong. 
 
 14.  Depart  from  ill;  let  deeds  of  good 
 
 Grow  with  thine  years'  increase  ; 
 And  with  unfaltering  steps  pursue 
 The  paths  of  holy  peace. 
 
 1 5.  The  watchful  eyes  of  God  above 
 
 Are  on  the  just  men's  way ; 
 His  willing  ear  is  ever  bent 
 To  hear  the  pray'rs  they  pray. 
 
 16.  But  on  the  sons  of  guile  He  looks 
 
 "With  terror  from  on  high, 
 To  root  their  budding  hopes  from  earth, 
 And  bid  their  memory  die. 
 
 17.  God  hears  His  saints,  and  bears  their  souls 
 
 From  trouble's  angry  waves ; 
 
 18.  His  mercy  heals  the  broken  heart, 
 
 The  contrite  spirit  saves. 
 
 19.  Full  many  a  tide  of  darksome  grief 
 
 The  righteous  may  endure ; 
 But  in  the  Lord's  redeeming  might 
 His  portion  rests  secure : 
 
•  °  THE  BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 20.  (rod's  love  his  soul's  frail  dwelling-house 
 
 Shall  keep  with  guardian  care  : 
 No  maim  shall  wound  it, — not  one  bone 
 Be  bruis'd  or  broken  there. 
 
 21.  The  wicked,  when  misfortune  comes, 
 
 O'erthrown  shall  sink  to  dust, 
 And  not  a  hope  remain  to  cheer 
 The  haters  of  the  just.   ■ 
 
 22.  But  God  preserves  His  servants'  souls  ; 
 
 No  terror  brooding  round 
 Shall  break  the  heart,  whose  constant  trust 
 In  God  its  strength  hath  found. 
 
IX   ENGLISH    TEESE.  91 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Plead  Thou  my  cause,  O  righteous  Lord, 
 With  men  who  strive  my  truth  to  wrong : 
 
 And  save  me  from  the  lawless  sword 
 Of  foes  in  impious  battle  strong. 
 
 Hold  firm  Thy  buckler,  raise  Thy  spear, 
 And  check  the  fierce  pursuer's  road ; 
 
 And  let  my  soul  Thy  watchword  hear, 
 "  I  am  thy  Saviour  and  thy  God." 
 
 Let  those,  who  seek  to  wound  my  life, 
 In  flight  their  own  confusion  find, 
 
 Borne  backward  in  their  pow'rless  strife, 
 Like  chaff  before  th'  inconstant  wind. 
 
 Let  angel-ministers  of  wrath 
 
 Beat  down  their  strength  and  bid  them  fly 
 And  dark  and  slippery  be  their  path, 
 
 While  Heav'n's  avenging  hosts  are  nigh. 
 
 For  they  with  causeless  wrath  have  sought 
 To  make  my  soul  their  prize  of  spoil : 
 
 0.  be  the  unpitying  traitor  caught 
 E?en  in  his  own  unheeded  toil. 
 
W  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 9.     Then  shall  my  soul  rejoice  in  Thee, 
 
 Whose  arm  such  glad  deliverance  gave ; 
 Whose  mercy,  like  a  fountain  free, 
 Flows  forth  unspent  to  heal  and  save. 
 
 10.  My  shattered  bones  shall  find  a  voice 
 
 To  praise  Thy  help  with  strength  renew' d, 
 Who  bidst  the  rescued  poor  rejoice, 
 Sav'd  from  the  sons  of  spoil  and  blood. 
 
 11.  False  witnesses  against  me  stood, 
 
 To  charge  my  soul  with  guilt  unknown  : 
 
 12.  With  evil' they  return'd  my  good, 
 
 Till  all  my  spirit's  joy  was  gone. 
 
 13.  Tet  had  I  made  their  sorrows  mine ; 
 
 And  when  they  lay  in  sickness  low, 
 I  taught  my  soul  in  fasts  to  pine, 
 
 My  flesh  hard  sackcloth's  pain  to  know. 
 
 The  pray'rs,  with  which  my  heart  had  yearn' d, 
 Not  unremember'd  shall  they  be ; 
 
 But,  to  my  bosom  back  return'd, 
 Tho'  lost  to  them,  shall  live  for  me. 
 
 14.  For  I  had  pray'd,  as  if  my  vows 
 
 A  brother's  life  had  sought  to  save ; 
 As  sad  at  heart,  as  one  who  bows 
 Low  mourning  o'er  a  mother's  grave. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  98 
 
 15.     But  now  with  fiery  joy  on  flame 
 
 They  met  to  wound  my  spirit's  peace ; 
 Base  sons  of  men  without  a  name 
 
 Gor'd  me  with  gibes,  and  would  not  cease. 
 
 1G.     The  tribes,  who  sell  their  jests  for  bread, 
 
 "Whose  taunts  with  feasts  their  patrons  pay, 
 On  me  their  heartless  mockery  fed, 
 And  gnash'd  upon  me  where  I  lay. 
 
 1 7.  And  wilt  Thou  not,  just  Judge  of  right, 
 
 Regard  these  spoilers  where  they  rave  ? 
 O  from  the  lions'  wrathful  might 
 
 My  soul,  my  life's  dear  treasure,  save. 
 
 18.  So  will  I  praise  Thy  glorious  Name, 
 
 Where'er  Thy  saints  their  songs  prepare ; 
 With  thankful  voice  Thy  truth  proclaim, 
 Where  Israel's  full  assemblies  are. 
 
 19.  Let  not  their  false  accusing  tongue 
 
 Upbraid  me  when  o'erthrown  I  lie, 
 IS;  or  malice,  proud  with  prosp'rous  wrong, 
 Look  triumph  from  their  glancing  eye. 
 
 20.  For  they  are  foes  to  words  of  peace, 
 
 And  tales  of  treacherous  fraud  have  plann'd 
 Against  the  sons  of  quietness, 
 
 The  patient  meek  ones  of  the  land. 
 
■'[  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 21.  Yea,  oft  with  voices  loud  and  high 
 
 They  made  my  loss  their  gibe  and  jeer;  — 
 
 22.  Lord  God  of  truth,  Thy  watchful  eye 
 
 Hath  seen  it : — speak,  be  with  me  near. 
 
 23.  Be  with  me,  wake  to  judge  my  cause  : 
 
 My  God,  my  Lord,  I  fly  to  Thee ; 
 
 24.  Truth  reigns  in  Thy  all-righteous  laws, 
 
 And  waits  to  set  the  guiltless  free. 
 
 25.  Let  them  not  say,  their  cherish' d  will, 
 
 Their  heart's  close  wish,  is  sought  and  won ; 
 Or,  prospering  in  the  spoiler's  skill, 
 Gloat  o'er  me  prostrate  and  undone. 
 
 26.  Shame  be  their  portion,  shame  and  scorn, 
 
 "Who  in  my  loss  base  joy  have  found  ; 
 Like  a  familiar  garment  worn, 
 
 May  close  dishonour  wrap  them  round. 
 
 27.  The  just,  whose  favour  aids  my  right, 
 
 Let  gladness  keep  unharm'd  by  woes  ; 
 Oft  let  their  voice  with  joy  recite 
 
 "What  gifts  of  peace  the  true  heart  knows  : 
 
 Yea,  let  them  bless  the  God  of  peace ; 
 
 28.  And  with  them,  Lord,  inspire  my  tongue 
 To  speak  Thy  righteous  praise,  nor  cease, 
 
 "While  life  shall  yield  the  pow'r  of  song. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   VERSE.  °  > 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 "When  the  bold  sinner,  void  of  fear, 
 Urging  his  godless  bent,  is  near, 
 
 And  dares  God's  wrathful  doom ; 
 What  thoughts  within  my  heart  arise, 
 "While  in  the  refuge  of  his  lies 
 
 He  mocks  at  ill  to  come ! 
 
 His  words  are  vain  and  full  of  guile, 
 To  wisdom  lost  in  counsels  vile ; 
 
 The  thoughts  that  vex  his  mood 
 Wake  him  to  plot,  while  others  rest ; 
 Fix'd  is  his  choice  in  ways  unblest, 
 
 And  evil  made  his  good. 
 
 But  Thy  long-suffering  mercy,  Lord, 
 And  truth  that  guides  Thy  faithful  word 
 
 For  evermore  remain : 
 Unseen  by  men,  yet  ever  nigh, 
 Wide  as  the  far-surrounding  sky, 
 
 In  heav'n  and  earth  thev  reign. 
 
SN)  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 6.     Thy  righteous  will,  Thy  judgment-doom, 
 From  ages  past  to  years  to  come 
 
 Men's  hearts  shall  try  and  rule, 
 Strong  as  the  hills  where  streams  have  birth, 
 Secret  as  hidden  caves  of  earth, 
 
 Or  deep's  unfathom'd  pool. 
 
 Great  God,  how  precious  is  Thy  care ! 
 Both  man  and  beast  Thy  pity  share : 
 
 The  trustful  heart  shall  sing, 
 And  find  an  inborn  rest,  more  sweet 
 Than  shadowing  cloud  in  noontide  heat, 
 
 Beneath  Thy  Mercy's  wing. 
 
 They,  who  Thy  bounteous  love  have  tried. 
 With  that  free  plenty  satisfied 
 
 Within  Thy  house  shall  dwell ; 
 The  gladness,  where  Thy  pleasures  flow, 
 Is  more  than  thirsty  travellers  know, 
 
 "Who  taste  the  desert-well. 
 
 9.     Tor  Thine  is  life's  eternal  spring ; 
 Thou  to  the  source  of  light  wilt  bring 
 The  souls  that  wait  on  Thee : 
 10.     O  still  Thy  gifts  of  love  renew  ; 
 
 The  pure  in  heart,  the  good  and  true, 
 Let  them  Thy  goodness  see, 
 
IN  ENGLISH  TERSE.  97 
 
 11.  O  save  me  from  disdainful  pride ; 
 Let  no  false  hands  in  fraud  allied 
 
 My  guileless  soul  surprise  : — 
 
 12.  'Tis  done  ;  th'  ungodly  and  the  proud 
 Are  fall'n  like  meteors  from  the  cloudy 
 
 Cast  down,  no  more  to  rise. 
 
 g  Sandys. 
 
98  THE   BOOK:   OF   PSALMS 
 
 XXXYII. 
 
 Vex  not  thy  soul  for  men  of  pride ; 
 Tho'  long  their  earthly  bliss  abide/ 
 
 Let  not  thine  envy  rise  : 
 As  grass  in  summer's  fresh  array, 
 Or  flow'r  that  fades  ere  close  of  day, 
 
 Man's  glory  blooms  and  dies. 
 
 Rest  thou  on  God :  with  Him  to  guide, 
 Do  good ;  and,  all  thy  wants  supplied, 
 
 Untroubled  shalt  thou  live  : 
 So  may  thy  days  on  earth  be  long, 
 And  He  Whose  mercies  fill  thy  song, 
 
 Thy  heart's  desires  shall  give. 
 
 5.  Cast  on  the  Lord  thy  load  of  care ; 
 The  burden  which  thou  canst  not  bear 
 
 His  succour  shall  sustain : 
 
 6.  Thy  righteous  Judge  shall  guard  the  right, 
 Make  clear  thy  truth  as  morning  light, 
 
 Thy  faith  as  noon-day  plain. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TEESE.  99 
 
 In  silence  wait  the  hour  of  grace, 
 When  He  shall  turn  to  thee  His  face, 
 
 The  hope  of  all  thy  pray'r ; 
 Let  nought  thy  stedfast  soul  dismay, 
 No  thought  of  sinner's  gainful  way 
 
 Betray  thee  to  despair. 
 
 Leave  off  from  wrath,  bid  anger  part ; 
 Let  no  impatience  fire  thy  heart 
 
 To  act  what  thou  shalt  rue ; 
 Be  sure,  the  vile  from  earth  shall  cease ; 
 But  God  shall  bless  with  large  increase 
 
 The  patient  soul  and  true. 
 
 10.  Abide  a  little  while  ;  fall  soon 
 The  sinner  shall  be  past  and  gone, 
 
 And  not  a  trace  remain : 
 
 11.  Meek  souls  with  glad  enlargement  blest 
 Shall  find  a  heritage  of  rest, 
 
 "Where  peace  shall  with  them  reign. 
 
 12.  Tea,  let  the  foe  vain  warfare  wage, 
 And  gnash  his  teeth  in  impious  rage 
 
 The  just  one  to  consume ; 
 
 13.  Back  shall  the  Judge  his  mischief  turn, 
 Wlio  marks  where  vengeance  long  forborne 
 
 Speeds  on  the  hour  of  doom. 
 
100 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 1 4.  Let  tliem  their  blood-stain' d  brands  unsheathe, 
 And  aim  their  arrows  wing'd  with  death, 
 
 To  lay  God's  poor  ones  low ; 
 
 1 5.  At  upright  innocence  to  dart ; — • 
 
 Their  swords  shall  pierce  their  own  false  heart, 
 And  broken  lie  their  bow. 
 
 16.  One  little  portion  of  the  good 
 
 Is  more  than  all  th'  unrighteous  brood 
 Hold  in  their  golden  hoard  : 
 
 17.  Those  arms  shall  loose  their  grasp  in  death, 
 "VTbile  firm  the  upright  stand  beneath 
 
 The  safeguard  of  the  Lord. 
 
 18.  To  God  upon  His  heavenly  throne 
 The  days  of  all  His  saints  are  known, 
 
 Their  state  shall  ne'er  decay ; 
 
 19.  In  perils  they  shall  know  no  fear, 
 
 And  food  then  fainting  strength  shall  rear 
 In  famine's  dismal  day. 
 
 20.    But  God's  false  foes  away  shall  pass, 
 As  wanton  lambs  on  richest  grass, 
 
 That  only  feed  to  die : 
 As  the  dumb  beast  on  altars  doom'd, 
 Whose  life  in  smoky  clouds  consum'd 
 Melts  in  the  empty  sky. 
 
IN   ENGLISH    TERSE. 
 
 21.  They  borrow,  to  repay  no  more ; 
 But  pity  rules  the  good  man's  store, 
 
 Abounding  still  to  give  : 
 
 22.  The  bless'd  of  God  possess  the  land ; 
 The  curs' d,  uprooted  by  His  hand, 
 
 No  more  with  men  shall  live. 
 
 23.  The  Lord  is  still  the  good  man's  guide, 
 God's  love,  still  watching  at  his  side, 
 
 Gives  gladness  on  his  wray  ; 
 
 24.  Gives,  tho'  he  fall,  new  strength  to  rise ; 
 His  arm  that  every  need  supplies 
 
 Is  still  the  good  man's  stay. 
 
 25.     Old  am  I  now,  who  once  was  young, 
 And  life  thro'  years  that  men  call  long 
 
 Sees  change  of  joy  and  moan : 
 Yet  ne'er  the  good  without  redress, 
 Or  good  man's  heirs  in  lone  distress 
 Forsaken  have  I  known. 
 
 26.  Prom  him,  whose  righteous  pity  lends, 
 A  blessing  to  his  seed  descends, 
 
 A  blessing  guards  their  store  : 
 
 27.  O  flee  then,  flee  the  guiles  of  wrong, 
 Do  good,  in  mercy's  cause  be  strong, 
 
 And  dwell  for  evermore. 
 
 101 
 
102 
 
 THE   BOOK   OF  PSALM3 
 
 28,29.For  evermore,  with  God  to  aid, 
 
 His  saints  and  servants  undismay'd, 
 
 With  His  protection  nigh, 
 Shall  dwell  in  homes  Qf  ^  ^  ^^ 
 
 While  root  and  branch,  a  race  unblest, 
 The  sinner's  hope  shall  die. 
 
 30. 
 31. 
 
 32. 
 
 33. 
 
 34. 
 
 The  just  man's  speech  of  wisdom  tells 
 His  tongue  on  deeds  of  judgment  dwells; 
 
 His  heart,  with  Truth  to  guide, 
 Fix'd  on  th'  eternal  law  of  God,  ' 
 Still  leads  his  feet  where  saints  have  trod 
 
 Where  faith  can  never  slide. 
 
 The  sinner  waits  with  busy  pain 
 To  work  the  just  man's  fall,  in  vain ; 
 
 Tor  God  is  still  his  stay : 
 He  will  not  leave  His  saint  to  quail 
 In  tyrant's  hateful  hand,  or  fail 
 In  judgment's  solemn  day. 
 
 Wait  thou  on  God ;  abide  that  doom 
 To  which  the  faithful  hope  to  come; 
 
 The  righteous  path  hold  on : 
 Then  shall  thy  Judge  exalt  thee  high, 
 And  thou  shalt  see  with  awful  eye 
 
 His  foes  for  aye  undone. 
 
IN  ENGLISH   YEESE.  105 
 
 35.  Time  was,  when  I  the  proud  had  seen 
 Wearing  his  honours  fresh  and  green, 
 
 Like  laurels  ever  new : 
 
 36.  I  pass'd  again, — the  place  was  bare, 
 And  not  a  sign  to  guide  me,  where 
 
 Those  transient  glories  grew. 
 
 37.  Go,  mark  the  perfect  man,  and  gaze 
 In  silence  on  the  closing  days 
 
 Of  the  meek  son  of  peace ; 
 
 38.  For  peace  is  there :  but  sunk  in  woe, 
 Cut  off  in  final  overthrow, 
 
 The  sinner's  strife  shall  cease. 
 
 39.  Health  to  the  just  from  God  shall  spring) 
 In  grief  His  comfort  help  shall  bring ; 
 
 40.  And  when  fierce  foes  assail, 
 Because  to  Him  their  souls  are  true, 
 His  might  shall  quell  that  impious  crew, 
 
 And  save,  and  never  fail. 
 
10*  THE  BOOK  OP  PSALMS 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 Spaee,  Lord,  nor  break  in  wrath 
 A  soul  bow'd  down  in  thrall, 
 Let  not  Thy  hot  displeasure's  weight 
 On  me  in  terror  fall. 
 
 For,  oh,  Thine  arrows  pierce 
 "With  anguish  deep  and  long, 
 And  pressing  sore  my  feeble  might, 
 Thy  hand  is  wondrous  strong. 
 
 The  joy  of  health  is  fled, 
 Since  once  Thy  terror  came ; 
 No  peace  my  spirit  finds,  nor  rest 
 Restores  my  wasted  frame. 
 
 My  sins  above  my  head, 
 Like  rushing  billows  roll, 
 And  with  a  load  too  great  to  bear 
 Press  down  my  struggling  soul. 
 
 The  scars  that  guilt  hath  made 
 Are  festering  o'er  the  wound ; 
 My  reckless  days  in  folly  spent 
 Such  recompense  have  found. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  105 
 
 6.  Enfeebled  sore  and  bent, 
 "With  palsied  steps  I  go, 
 
 From  morn  till  dewy  eve  return, 
 In  deepest  gloom  of  woe. 
 
 7.  For  with  a  foul  disease 
 
 My  loins  are  compass' d  round  ; 
 My  fainting  flesh  past  cure,  past  help, 
 "Where  not  a  part  is  sound. 
 
 8.  Spent,  bruis'd,  without  relief, 
 My  heart  no  more  could  bear ; 
 
 Worn  out  with  agony  I  pour'd 
 The  moanings  of  despair. 
 
 9.  Lord,  my  sick  soul's  desire 
 To  Thee  is  all  confess'd : 
 
 No  deep-drawn  sigh  unheard  by  Thee, 
 That  speaks  my  heart's  unrest11 ; — 
 
 10.  My  heart  that  throbs  within, — 
 My  strength  that  prostrate  lies, — 
 
 The  dimness  that  forbids  the  light 
 To  visit  these  sad  eyes. 
 
 11.  My  lovers,  neighbours,  friends, 
 Who  once  each  counsel  shar'd, 
 
 Stand  off,  by  such  prodigious  woe 
 From  very  pity  scar'd. 
 
 *>  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
!06  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 12.  While  they  that  seek  my  life 
 Task  well  their  art  to  slay, 
 
 And  talk  of  harmful  fraud  and  guile 
 Throughout  the  livelong  day. 
 
 13.  But  I,  as  one  who  ne'er 
 
 The  sounds  of  morning  heard, 
 
 Whose  voice  imprison' d  from  his  birth 
 
 Could  speak  no  utter'd  word ; 
 
 14.  In  dumbness  seal'd  my  lips, 
 Nor  hearken' d  or  replied, 
 
 Content  to  bear  reproach,  as  one 
 "With  tongue  untaught  to  chide. 
 
 15.  For  why?  my  spirit's  hope, 
 Just  God,  finds  rest  in  Thee : 
 
 And  humbled  let  me  wait,  for  Thou 
 Shalt  answer,  Lord,  for  me. 
 
 1 6.  Yet  hear  me,  lest  they  boast, 
 "Who  count  my  fall  their  joy, 
 
 And  watch  each  erring  step  I  make, 
 As  eager  to  destroy. 
 
 17.  Eor  now  the  lot  is  mine 
 The  penal  scourge  to  bear, 
 
 And  wheresoe'er  I  gaze,  the  form 
 Of  Sorrow  haunts  me  there. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  107 
 
 18.  I  own  it,  Lord,  all  due, 
 The  sadness  and  the  scorn ; 
 
 For  my  transgressions  past  I  ought 
 In  heaviness  to  mourn. 
 
 19.  Tet,  Lord,  regard  my  foes ; 
 They  nourish  and  are  strong ; 
 
 And  in  their  multitude  they  boast, 
 "Who  hatred  join  with  wrong. 
 
 20.  And  they,  who  good  with  ill 
 Eequite,  are  all  allied 
 
 To  work  my  downfal,  since  my  choice 
 Is  fix'd  on  virtue's  side. 
 
 21.  Forsake  me  not,  dear  Lord ; 
 
 0  go  not  far  from  me : 
 
 22.  For  help  and  strength,  and  saying  health, 
 
 1  look  alone  to  Thee. 
 
108  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 In  sad  and  silent  thought  I  said, 
 
 Fearful  of  words  that  lead  to  wrong : 
 
 Let  stedfast  sufferance  be  my  aid, 
 
 Let  patience  arm  my  guarded  tongue : 
 
 And  while  the  bad,  who  mock  at  fear, 
 In  pride  and  impious  scorn  are  nigh, 
 
 A  bridle  on  my  lips  I'll  wear, 
 TJnmov'd  to  challenge  or  reply. 
 
 'Twas  done ;  and  silence  held  me  still 
 E'en  from  good  words  that  pleas'd  before; 
 
 But  grief  and  pain  were  mine,  and  ill 
 My  soul  that  voiceless  passion  bore. 
 
 A  fire  within  my  breast  was  pent, 
 The  flame  in  secret  smoulder' d  long, 
 
 Till  at  the  last  I  gave  it  vent, 
 
 And  thus  it  kindled  on  my  tongue  : 
 
 Lord,  let  me  know  my  time  and  end, 
 Reveal  the  measure  of  my  days, 
 
 That  I  may  see  to  what  they  tend, 
 And  how  this  fleeting  life  decays. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  *09 
 
 5.    My  years,  by  Thy  appointment  made, 
 
 Are  like  a  hand-breadth,  grasp'd  and  gone, 
 And  hasten  to  that  evening  shade 
 
 "When  life  and  life's  brief  task  is  done. 
 
 6.    Man  walks  as  in  a  cheating  cloud, 
 
 Beguil'd  with  shows,  and  toils  in  vain, 
 Nor  knows  what  hand,  where  he  hath  plough' d, 
 Shall  reap  the  harvest  of  his  pain. 
 
 7.  And  now  what  hope,  dread  Lord,  for  me, 
 
 Except  in  Thy  dear  grace  alone  ? 
 
 8.  Save  me,  nor  leave  a  soul  set  free 
 
 Beneath  the  scorner's  taunts  to  groan. 
 
 9.  Lord,  I  was  dumb  beneath  Thy  will, 
 
 In  mute  obedience  held  my  breath : 
 
 10.  Withdraw  Thy  hand,  nor  chastening  still 
 
 Bring  down  my  sorrowing  soul  to  death. 
 
 11.  For  when  in  visitings  of  wrath 
 
 Thy  rod  afflicts  him,  man  decays, 
 
 Like  robes  beneath  the  fretting  moth, 
 
 And  not  a  wrack  of  beauty  stays. 
 
 For  frailty  is  the  name  he  bears, 
 A  short-lived  stranger,  born  to  die : 
 
 12.  Then  hear  me,  Lord ;  with  Thy  meek  ears 
 
 O  hearken  to  my  sorrowing  cry. 
 
110  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 Turn  not  away,  but  let  Thy  peace 
 Speak  comfort  to  the  tears  I  shed : 
 
 A  little  while,  and  I  shall  cease, 
 
 And  lay  me  down  in  earth's  cold  bed. 
 
 A  pilgrim,  as  my  fathers  were, 
 I  wait  my  summons  at  the  door : 
 13.     A  little  strength  in  mercy  spare, 
 Ere  I  depart,  and  am  no  more. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE.  HI 
 
 XL. 
 
 1.  I  waited  long  and  sought  the  Lord, 
 
 Till  He  inclin'd  His  list'ning  ear; 
 At  length  He  spake  the  gracious  word, 
 He  heard  my  cry,  and  calin'd  my  fear. 
 
 2.  He  brought  me  from  the  hollow  pit, 
 
 "Where  weltering  deep  in  mire  I  lay : 
 Firm  on  a  rock  He  set  my  feet, 
 
 And  turn'd  my  steps  to  safety's  way. 
 
 3.  And  my  glad  lips  He  tun'd  to  praise 
 
 With  words  and  songs  unheard  before ; — 
 New  worshippers  their  voice  shall  raise, 
 And  God's  great  love  with  fear  adore. 
 
 4.  O  blessings  on  his  lot  secure, 
 
 Whose  hope  and  trust  with  God  abide, 
 Unheeding  flattery's  guileful  lure, 
 Unshaken  by  the  taunts  of  pride  ! 
 
 5.  0  Lord  my  God,  how  great  and  high 
 
 The  wonders  which  Thine  arm  hath  wrought ! 
 How  far  remov'd  from  mortal  eye 
 The  secrets  of  Thy  deep  of  thought ! 
 
112  TIIE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 I  cannot  speak  their  sum,  or  count 
 Thy  mercies'  number  numberless  : 
 
 All  mortal  reckoning  they  surmount, 
 All  words  that  mortal  lips  express. 
 
 6.  No  offer' d  gift  or  sacrifice 
 
 Didst  Thou  for  sin  of  man  desire, 
 No  victim  slain  could  pay  that  price, 
 No  beast  consum'd  with  altar-fire : 
 
 But  Thou  didst  pierce  my  secret  ear, 
 
 And  mad'st  me  know  Thy  counsel's  will; 
 
 7.  Then  said  I,  Lord,  behold  me  here, 
 
 I  come  Thy  purpose  to  fulfil. 
 
 8.  The  law  Thy  book  prescribes  for  me 
 
 Shall  never  from  my  soul  depart, 
 With  joy  I  read  Thy  truth's  decree, 
 I  bear  it  graven  in  my  heart. 
 
 9.  And  where  the  full  assemblies  throng 
 
 Amidst  Thy  courts,  I  will  not  spare, 
 In  flowing  words,  or  voice  of  song, 
 Thy  righteous  goodness  to  declare. 
 
 10.     In  silent  heart  I  will  not  seek 
 
 To  hide  unseen  Thy  truth  alone ; 
 Thy  saving  health  my  tongue  shall  speak, 
 And  make  Thy  constant  mercy  known. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  US 
 
 11.  O  let  that  mercy  round  me  shine, 
 
 In  sorrow  beaming  like  the  dawn ; 
 For  troubles  numberless  are  mine, 
 If  Thy  strong  love  be  once  withdrawn. 
 
 12.  The  crowding  thoughts  of  sins  o'erpast, 
 
 My  soul's  recording  pow'r  confound; 
 In  silent  dread  I  stand  aghast, 
 My  sad  gaze  fixing  on  the  ground. 
 
 The  hairs  that  grow  upon  my  head 
 Could  memory  number  one  by  one, 
 
 More  quickly  were  the  reckoning  made, 
 Than  of  the  ill  that  I  have  done. 
 
 13.  Lord,  pity  Thou  my  heart's  distress, 
 
 0  haste  to  shew  Thy  succouring  arm ; 
 
 14.  Let  them  with  shame  Thy  pow'r  confess, 
 
 "Who  doom  my  soul  to  endless  harm. 
 
 O  turn  them,  Lord,  to  hasty  flight, 
 That  wait  my  fall  with  longing  eye ; 
 
 15.  "With  shame  reward  their  fell  despite, 
 
 Who  shout  with  joy  when  low  I  lie. 
 
 16.  But  let  Thy  gladness  from  above 
 
 Beam  on  the  saints  who  seek  Thy  ways ; 
 Let  them  who  Thy  salvation  love, 
 
 Still  hymn  to  Thee  their  grateful  praise. 
 
 I 
 
■  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 17.     With  anguish  though  my  spirit  bow, 
 Yet  God  on  me  hath  care  bestow'd  : 
 My  Helper  and  Deliverer  Thou, 
 Make  no  long  tarrying,  0  my  God. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  I15 
 
 XLI. 
 
 Blest  is  the  man,  whom  wisdom  guides 
 
 To  aid  the  child  of  need ; 
 In  grief  and  trouble's  evil  day 
 
 His  God  shall  be  his  speed : 
 
 God's  peace  his  earthly  home  shall  bless, 
 From  strife  and  danger  free  ; 
 
 And  from  each  foe  that  seeks  his  harm 
 Shall  God  his  safeguard  be : 
 
 And  when  on  bed  of  languishing 
 
 His  spirit  faints  with  pain, 
 God's  love  shall  watch  the  weary  hours 
 
 To  comfort  and  sustain. 
 
 Thus,  Lord,  to  Thee  in  grief  I  cried : 
 
 Have  mercy,  Lord,  on  me ; 
 And  heal  a  soul  with  sorrow  pierc'd, 
 
 That  I  offended  Thee. 
 
 My  foes,  exulting  in  my  woe, 
 
 Speak  proudly,  Let  him  die, 
 And  be  the  record  of  his  name 
 
 No  more  in  memory. 
 
H6  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  Or  if  with  fair  disguise  they  come 
 
 To  see  me  where  I  mourn, 
 With  gather' d  malice  arm'd,  they  speak, 
 "When  back  their  feet  they  turn. 
 
 7.  "Whispering  their  mischief,  where  they  meet, 
 
 My  ruin  they  devise : 
 
 8.  So  let  him  waste,  abhorr'd,  and  falTn, 
 
 Fall'n  never  more  to  rise. 
 
 9.  Tea,  he,  whose  soul  with  mine  wa3  one, 
 
 My  friend,  whom  peace  had  made 
 To  share  my  bread,  forswore  that  peace, 
 And  scornfully  betray' d. 
 
 10.  But,  Lord,  do  Thou  Thy  mercy  keep, 
 
 Though  men  are  faithless  all ; 
 That  I  to  them  may  shew  Thy  pow'r, 
 Restore  me  when  I  fall. 
 
 1 1.  By  this  to  my  afflicted  state 
 
 Thy  love  Thou  dost  express, 
 That  no  fierce  foe  with  heart  of  pride 
 Prevails  in  my  distress. 
 
 12.  In  safety  now  upheld,  Thy  face 
 
 Beholding  I  adore, 
 And  to  the  name  of  Israel's  God 
 Give  glory  evermore. 
 
IX   ENGLISH   TERSE.  117 
 
 13.     Tor  ever  bless'd  be  Israel's  God: 
 O  let  the  choir  again 
 Take  up  the  pray'r  of  endless  praise, 
 And  shout  the  loud  Amen ! 
 
H8  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 XLIU 
 
 As  the  loud-panting  hart,  that  hastes 
 To  gushing  fountains  free  ; 
 
 So  pants  my  eager  soul,  O  God, 
 To  find  its  rest  with  Thee. 
 
 For  Thee,  O  God,  my  living  Well, 
 My  thirsting  soul  doth  pine  : 
 
 O  when  shall  I  behold  Thy  face, 
 And  walk  with  Thee  and  Thine  ? 
 
 Tears  are  my  food  by  night  and  day, 
 While  foes,  by  fear  unaw'd, 
 
 Heproach  me  daily,  Where  are  now 
 The  succours  of  Thy  God  ? 
 
 I  This  beautiful  Psalm  was,  as  it  may  be  supposed,  highly  prized 
 among  the  primitive  Christians.  St.  Augustine  tells  us  it  was  usually 
 sung  or  chanted,  when  catechumens,  or  converts  from  heathenism, 
 were  hastening  to  the  font  for  holy  Baptism.  "  Tell  me  not,"  says  St. 
 Chrysostom  to  the  poor  hearer,  "  that  your  poverty  deprives  you  of 
 books,  or  that,  if  you  have  books,  you  want  leisure  to  read.  If  you 
 have  only  taught  yourself  to  say,  Like  as  the  hart  dcsireth  the  water- 
 brooks,  this  Psalm  alone  is  enough  to  teach  you  the  ♦beginning  of  all 
 wisdom." 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEBSE.  H9 
 
 4.  In  musings,  faint  with  hope  deferr'd, 
 
 I  pour  my  soul  alone, 
 More  sad,  when  memory  calls  to  mind 
 The  times  of  gladness  gone  ; 
 
 When  joyous  in  the  joyful  crowd 
 
 Along  the  sacred  way 
 I  sought  Thy  house,  with  harp  and  song 
 
 To  keep  Thy  festal  day. 
 
 5.  Why  thus  cast  down,  my  dreary  soul, 
 
 With  sorrow's  weight  oppress' d  ? 
 Why  thus  on  waves  of  trouble  toss'd, 
 Forgetting  peace  and  rest  ? 
 
 0  hope  in  God ;  keep  firm  thy  trust ; 
 
 And  He,  Who  guards  the  right, 
 Shall  turn  these  tears  to  songs  of  praise, 
 
 And  make  thy  darkness  light. 
 
 6.  Where'er  with  anguish  faint  I  stray, 
 
 That  hope  my  heart  shall  fill, 
 From  Jordan's  vale  to  Hermon's  side, 
 And  Mitzar's  humble  hillk. 
 
 k  It  is  probable  that  David  in  these  words  speaks  of  the  places  of  his  so- 
 journ beyond  Jordan,  when  he  fied  fro.n  Absalom.  See  Hammond  o.i  this 
 Psalm,  and  Hengstenlerg. 
 
120  TIIE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 7.  Tea,  though  I  hear,  like  deep  on  deep, 
 
 Thy  sounding  terrors  roll, 
 And,  like  the  storm-cloud  on  the  wave, 
 Thy  dread  o'erwhelm  my  soul: 
 
 8.  Yet  still  to  Thee,  from  Whom  my  joys, 
 
 Like  cheerful  day-spring,  flow'd, 
 In  woe's  dim  night  my  song  shall  rise, 
 My  life's  unchanging  God. 
 
 9.  My  pray'r  to  Thee  shall  still  ascend 
 
 In  all  the  ills  I  mourn : 
 My  God,  my  Eock,  O  leave  me  not 
 To  my  oppressors'  scorn. 
 
 10.  Their  keen  reproaches  like  a  sword 
 
 Pierce  deep  :  by  fear  unaw'd 
 They  daily  taunt  me,  Where  is  now 
 The  promise  of  thy  God  ? 
 
 11.  0  why  cast  down,  my  soul  ?  0  why 
 
 With  sorrow's  weight  oppress'd? 
 "Why  thus  in  trouble's  cheerless  waste 
 An  exile  from  thy  rest  ? 
 
 Hope  still  in  God ;  and  thou  shalt  yet 
 His  sure  deliv'rance  sing, 
 
 And  praise  the  fount  of  all  thy  health, 
 Thy  Saviour  and  thy  King. 
 
in  EXGLisn  yebse.  l-l 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 1.  Just  God,  against  a  godless  race 
 
 Do  Thou  my  cause  befriend  ; 
 From  sons  of  mischief  arm'd  with  guile 
 O  save  me  and  defend. 
 
 2.  Thou  art  alone  my  saving  Strength : 
 
 O  leave  me  not  forlorn, 
 Cast  off  in  lonely  heaviness 
 To  feel  the  oppressors'  scorn. 
 
 3.  Send  forth  from  heav'n  Thy  light  and  truth, 
 
 And  let  them  guide  me  still, 
 Till  where  Thy  presence  dwells  I  rest, 
 High  on  Thy  holy  hill. 
 
 4.  And  I  will  press  Thine  altar  near, 
 
 And  harp  and  voice  employ, 
 To  tell  Thy  praise,  0  God,  my  God, 
 Thou  gladness  of  my  joy. 
 
 5.  0  why  cast  down,  my  soul  ?  why  faint 
 
 "With  sorrow's  restless  load  ? 
 Hope  still  in  Him,  my  joy,  my  praise, 
 My  Saviour  and  my  God, 
 
122  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 Loed,  we  have  heard  our  fathers  tell, — 
 The  deeds  in  mind  and  memory  dwell, 
 
 Thy  wond'rous  work  in  ages  gone  ; 
 How  planted  by  Thy  mighty  hand, 
 The  root  of  Jacob  fill'd  the  land 
 
 From  scatter' d  heathens  sought  and  won. 
 
 For  not  by  sword,  or  arm  of  might, 
 They  turn'd  those  alien  hosts  to  flight, 
 
 No  mortal  strength  was  there  to  save : 
 The  presence  of  Thy  glorious  arm 
 Did  all  th'  opposing  pow'rs  disarm, 
 
 Thy  grace  the  light  of  victory  gave. 
 
 My  God,  my  King,  in  "Whom  I  live, 
 Once  more  the  saving  mandate  give, 
 
 To  Jacob  speed  Thy  succours  now : 
 In  Thee,  whilst  Thou  art  on  our  side, 
 We  trust  to  stem  war's  surging  tide, 
 
 Not  in  our  sword  or  battle-bow. 
 
nr    ENGLISH    VERSE.  123 
 
 No  bow  of  steel  can  help  afford, 
 
 No  strength  of  spear  or  burnish' d  sword  ; 
 
 Thy  word  alone  the  proud  can  tame ; 
 Thy  might  confounds  th*  oppressors'  wrong ; 
 For  this  to  Thee  the  victor's  song 
 
 AVe  sing,  and  praise  Thy  glorious  name. 
 
 10.  But  now  from  Thee  we  stand  afar, 
 Xo  more  Thy  presence  leads  our  war, 
 
 Our  scatter' d  hosts  are  backward  borne  : 
 
 11.  Our  vengeful  foes  have  all  their  will, 
 And  all  their  lust's  desire  fulfil 
 
 With  spoils  that  from  our  homes  are  torn. 
 
 12.  Like  the  dumb  sheep  beneath  the  knife, 
 We  fall,  to  yield  our  forfeit  life, 
 
 Or  into  heathen  lands  are  driv'n : 
 
 13.  Unpriz'd  by  Thee,  and  cast  away, 
 Like  vile  and  unregarded  prey, 
 
 For  which  no  worth  of  gold  is  giv'n. 
 
 14.  Our  neighbours  turn  our  grief  to  scorn, 
 Their  malice  mocks  to  see  us  mourn ; 
 
 Id.       Our  very  name  a  by-word  now, 
 We  hear  the  heathen's  taunting  jest, 
 Blaspheming  where  the  Lord  hath  bless' d 
 With  Bcurril  words  and  haughty  brow. 
 
124  THE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 16.  "With  grief  my  face  is  bow'd  to  earth, 
 
 17.  While  slandering  foes  in  frantic  mirth 
 
 Ponr  forth  their  threats  of  vengeful  pride  : 
 
 18.  Yet  not  in  depths  of  anguish  laid 
 Have  we  from  Thee  forgetful  stray' d, 
 
 Or  God's  eternal  oath  belied. 
 
 19.  Our  hearts  unchang'd  their  purpose  keep  ; 
 O'er  tangled  wild,  or  weary  steep, 
 
 Our  steps  right  onward  urge  their  way : 
 
 20.  Right  onward,  though  by  dale  and  fell 
 "We  tread  where  fiery  dragons  dwell, 
 
 And  sullen  shades  of  death  dismay. 
 
 21.  Should  we  to  God  forget  our  vow, 
 And  false  and  vain  to  idols  bow, 
 
 As  aliens  to  our  faith  and  name ; 
 O  shall  not  He,  before  whose  sight 
 The  heart's  dark  thoughts  lie  bare  in  light, 
 
 Chastise  our  secret  sin  with  shame  ? 
 
 22.  Yea,  for  Thy  sake  we  yield  our  life, 
 As  the  dumb  sheep  beneath  the  knife ; 
 
 From  day  to  day  we  count  our  slain: 
 
 23.  All-gracious  God,  awake,  arise, 
 
 24.  0  turn  at  length  Thy  pitying  eyes 
 
 On  our  dim  grief  and  bondage-pain. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  125 
 
 25.  Our  vital  strength  in  dust  overthrown, 
 Our  frame  with  anguish  bending  down 
 
 Our  bitter  captive  woes  proclaim  : 
 
 26.  All-gracious  Lord,  arise,  awake, 
 Redeem  us  for  Thy  mercies'  sake, 
 
 And  for  Thy  truth's  eternal  Name. 
 
12G  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 XLY. 
 
 1.  My  heart  is  as  a  fount  of  song, 
 
 The  words  of  praise  break  forth  and  spring ; 
 Like  a  quick  writer's  pen,  my  tongue 
 Speeds  its  glad  task  to  greet  my  King. 
 
 2.  0  fairer  far  than  sons  of  earth, 
 
 The  grace  that  on  Thy  lips  doth  rest 
 Betokens  One  of  heavenly  birth, 
 
 "Whom  God's  eternal  love  hath  blest1. 
 
 3.  Gird,  gird  Thy  sword  upon  Thy  side, 
 
 In  glory  of  dominion  worn  ; 
 
 4.  Ride  forth,  in  prosp'rous  triumph  ride  ;  — 
 
 Thy  way  shall  meek-eyed  Truth  adorn. 
 
 5.  Strange  deeds  of  dread  Thine  arm  shall  shew, 
 
 And  heart-struck  to  Thy  feet  shall  bring, 
 Where'er  Thy  piercing  arrows  go, 
 
 The  foes  that  would  withstand  our  King. 
 
 6.  Thy  glory-throne,  O  God  of  might, 
 
 Stands  fast,  for  ever  to  remain ; 
 A  sceptre  that  defends  the  right, 
 
 The  sceptre  of  Thy  changeless  reign. 
 
 1  Compare  the  words  in  St.  Luke  iv.  22.     St.  Basil. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   YEESE.  127 
 
 7.  "Wrong  didst  Thou  loathe,  and  truth  didst  love  ; 
 
 For  this  Thy  righteous  God's  decree 
 Gives  that  blest  unction  from  above, 
 
 Whose  jo j  no  mate  must  share  with  Thee. 
 
 8.  Thy  robes,  that  breathe  of  rich  perfumes, 
 
 Strong  myrrh,  pure  aloes,  cassia  sweet, 
 Shall  gladness  waft  from  ivory  rooms, 
 "Where  Thou  shalt  turn  Thy  sacred  feet. 
 
 9.  In  jewels  from  Thy  treasures  told 
 
 Kings'  daughters  near  Thy  throne  are  seen : 
 At  Thy  right  hand  in  Ophir's  gold 
 
 Stands  glorious  Thy  betrothed  Queenm. 
 
 10.  0  daughter,  to  my  speech  give  ear; 
 
 Regret  not  now  thy  father's  home ; 
 The  things  thy  childhood  held  most  dear, 
 Let  them  no  more  in  memory  come. 
 
 11.  In  thy  new  life  be  all  things  new ; 
 
 Thy  beauty  then  His  eyes  shall  see  : 
 He  is  thy  Lord ;  with  worship  true 
 Be  His,  and  He  shall  joy  in  thee. 
 
 12.  Lo,  Tyre's  rich  daughter  waits  to  bring 
 
 Her  off 'ring ;  earth's  rich  tribes  are  there  : 
 They  wait,  till  thou  before  thy  King 
 
 With  favouring  look  shalt  speed  their  pray'r : 
 
 *  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
128  THE    BOOK    OF   PSALMS 
 
 3  3.     But  thy  true  glory  dwells  within, 
 
 Not  such  as  outward  eyes  behold, 
 Tho'  well  thy  beauty  praise  may  win, 
 
 Deck'd  with  bright  gems  and  purned  gold. 
 
 14.  In  broider'd  robes  before  the  King 
 
 They  bear  thee  with  thy  virgin  train ; 
 The  maidens  thy  compeers  they  bring 
 "With  joy  and  every  pleasant  strain", 
 
 15.  They  enter  thro'  the  palace  gate: 
 
 16.  O  bride,  what  happy  lot  is  thine, 
 Not  in  thy  sires,  but  children,  great, 
 
 Mother  of  many  a  royal  line  ! 
 
 17.  Lord,  to  Thy  Name  our  praise  we  turn, 
 
 And  with  remembering  fear  adore ; 
 Till  every  tribe  the  song  shall  learn, 
 And  tell  Thy  truth  for  evermore. 
 
 »  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 XLYI. 
 
 129 
 
 God,  our  spirit's  hope  and  aim, 
 Comfort  in  each  grief  and  care ; 
 
 "Where  we  name  Thy  glorious  Name, 
 Help  and  present  strength  are  there. 
 
 God  is  with  us  ;  and  no  fear 
 Shall  our  stedfast  hearts  confound, 
 
 Though  the  mountains  disappear, 
 In  the  sea's  dark  centre  drown' d ; 
 
 Though  the  solid  earth  remove, 
 
 And  the  wild  floods  beat  the  shore, 
 
 Till  the  rifted  rocks  above 
 
 Tremble  to  their  wrathful  roar. 
 
 There  is  near  a  peaceful  spring ; 
 
 And  its  waters  borne  abroad 
 Health  and  calm  and  gladness  bring 
 
 To  the  city  of  our  God. 
 
 God  is  in  the  midst  of  her ; 
 
 Vainly  shall  her  foes  assail : 
 Help  shall  dawn,  as  morning  fair 
 
 Dawns  to  chase  night's  shadows  pale. 
 
 K 
 
130  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Though,  the  nations  rise  afar, 
 
 And  their  battle-force  array, 
 God's  dread  voice  shall  quell  the  war, 
 Melting  all  earth's  pride  away. 
 
 7.  He,  Who  combats  on  our  side, 
 
 Is  the  King  of  heaven's  high  pow'r ; 
 He,  Whom  Jacob  glorified, 
 Is  our  Kefuge  and  our  Tow'r. 
 
 8.  Come,  behold  what  God  hath  done : 
 
 They,  who  rul'd  in  boastful  state, — 
 They,  with  all  their  might  are  gone, 
 And  their  thrones  lie  desolate. 
 
 9.  Wars,  that  fill'd  the  world  with  woe, 
 
 Part,  and  leave  their  tokens  dire, 
 Shiver' d  spear  and  broken  bow, 
 Chariots  heap'd  in  blood  and  fire. 
 
 10.  God  hath  spoken :  earth,  be  still, 
 
 Know  Him  for  thy  Lord  alone ; 
 Yield  before  tV  Almighty  Will, 
 Worship  at  th'  Eternal  throne. 
 
 11.  He,  who  combats  on  our  side, 
 
 Is  the  King  of  heav'n's  high  power; 
 He,  Whom  Jacob  glorified, 
 Is  our  Kefuge  and  our  Tower. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 XL  VII. 
 
 131 
 
 1.  Sons  of  men,  with  adoration 
 
 Songs  of  joy  and  triumph  sing; 
 
 2.  Let  the  tribes  of  every  nation 
 
 Praise  with  fear  earth's  awful  King. 
 
 3.  He  shall  reign,  in  might  excelling, 
 
 Till  His  sway  all  kingdoms  own, 
 Every  foe  in  silence  quelling, 
 At  His  people's  feet  o'erthrown. 
 
 4.  Prom  His  hand  our  lot  abideth  ; 
 
 Here  His  glory  haunts  the  ground ; 
 Here  no  foe  the  spoil  divideth, 
 
 Where  His  love  is  watching  round. 
 
 5.  Lo  !  He  goes  in  pow'r  ascending ; 
 
 Hark,  the  joy,  the  shout  is  there  ; 
 Hark,  the  trumpet's  voice  is  rending 
 All  the  silent  deep  of  air ! 
 
 6.  Sing,  O  sing  our  King  victorious  ! 
 
 Eaise  your  chaunt,  your  anthems  raise ! 
 
 7.  Tell  His  Name  all-great,  all-glorious  ; 
 
 Bid  each  heart  discern  His  praise0. 
 
 o  1  Cor.  xiv.  15. 
 
132  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 8.  God  is  King  ;  His  glory  reign eth, 
 
 "Where  His  truth  is  yet  unknown : 
 He  a  changeless  state  retaineth 
 On  His  high  and  holy  throne. 
 
 9.  Soon  all  kings  shall  throng  before  Him, 
 
 Lord  of  all  the  pow'r  they  wield : 
 And  with  Abraham's  sons  adore  Him, 
 Earth's  Eternal  Strength  and  Shield. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 133 
 
 XLVIIL 
 
 1.  Gee  at  is  God,  in  pow'r  excelling ; 
 
 Great  the  praise  His  mercies  claim, 
 In  the  city  of  His  dwelling, 
 
 On  the  mount  that  bears  His  JName : 
 
 2.  Fairest  hill  that  earth  enfoldeth, 
 
 Whence  to  earth  all  gladness  springs, 
 "Where  His  court  the  Mightiest  holdeth, 
 Fortress  of  the  King  of  kings. 
 
 On  the  North  her  halls  are  lyiug, 
 
 3.  There  is  God  a  refuge  known ; 
 
 4.  Banded  kings,  His  might  defying, 
 
 5.  Came  and  saw,  and  they  are  gone. 
 
 6.  Vain  their  strength  and  hosts  assembled  ; 
 
 Lost  in  terror  and  in  gloom 
 With  a  woman's  fear  they  trembled, 
 When  her  travail's  hour  is  come. 
 
 7.  God,  as  ships  by  tempests  shatter'd, 
 
 Bound  for  Tarsis'  golden  shore, 
 With  His  wind  their  threats  hath  scatter"  d 
 And  their  voice  is  heard  no  more. 
 
,34,  TIIE    BOOK   OP   PSAL^IS 
 
 8.    We  of  old  have  heard,  that  ever 
 God  upholds  His  holy  home  : 
 Now  our  eyes  have  seen  it ;  never 
 Hither  shall  the  spoiler  come. 
 
 9. 
 
 To  Thy  temple's  holy  station 
 
 When  with  duteous  steps  we  move, 
 
 Still  in  solemn  meditation 
 "We  will  muse  upon  Thy  love. 
 
 10.  Be  Thy  Name  in  praise  extended, 
 
 Lord,  to  each  remotest  land ; 
 With  the  song  the  deeds  be  blended 
 Of  Thy  strong  and  righteous  hand ! 
 
 11.  Zion  to  new  joys  awaking 
 
 Of  Thy  righteous  truth  shall  hear ; 
 Judah's  maids,  their  timbrels  taking, 
 Own  their  Judge  and  Saviour  near. 
 
 12.  Gaze  on  Zion,  gaze,  and  measure 
 
 Tow'rs  that  laugh  the  foe  to  scorn : 
 
 13.  Keep  them  stor'd  in  memory's  treasure 
 
 For  your  children  yet  unborn. 
 
 14.  Tokens  of  our  King  Immortal, 
 
 Meet  our  eyes  where'er  they  range  ; 
 He  will  guide  us  thro'  the  portal 
 
 "Where  we  part  with  death  and  change ! 
 
IK   ENGLISH   TERSE.  135 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 1,2.    O  heae,  and  let  the  words  go  forth 
 To  rich  and  high,  or  poor  and  low : 
 To  all  the  tribes  of  mortal  birth 
 That  dwell  upon  the  spacious  earth, 
 Let  the  deep  stores  of  wisdom  flow. 
 
 Wisdom  shall  prompt  the  words  I  say ; 
 
 My  heart,  as  from  a  living  spring, 
 Shall  sacred  proverbs  bring  to  day ; 
 My  hand  the  solemn  harp  shall  play, 
 
 My  voice  shall  truth's  dark  counsels  sing. 
 
 Why  should  I  fear  for  lack  of  store, 
 When  treacherous  sin  and  death  are  nigh 
 
 To  dog  my  steps,  till  life  be  o'er  ? 
 
 The  proud  have  cause  to  tremble  more, 
 Who  on  their  countless  hoards  rely. 
 
13(5  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 7.  For  none,  a  brother's  life  to  save, 
 
 May  with  the  righteous  God  atone : 
 
 8.  Their  souls  a  costlier  ransom  crave, 
 There  is  no  power  against  the  grave 
 
 In  treasur'd  gold  or  glittering  stone. 
 
 9.  Ko  !  tho'  they  live  full  many  a  day 
 
 Bepriev'd,  nor  see  the  opening  tomb : 
 
 10.  One  changeless  lot  of  sure  decay 
 Bears  fools  and  wise  alike  away, 
 
 Another  holds  their  wealth  and  home. 
 
 1 1.  And  yet  with  hearts  beguiPd  they  dream 
 
 Those  homes  shall  last  to  countless  heirs, 
 Their  halls  for  ever  be  the  same ; 
 And  bid  their  lands  to  bear  their  name, 
 
 As  tho'  that  word  could  make  them  theirs. 
 
 ]  2.     But  man  in  bliss  may  not  abide  ; 
 
 Full  soon  in  dust  his  honours  fail : 
 The  beast,  that  fed  at  morn,  and  died 
 At  eve,  was  not  more  weak  than  pride, 
 More  brief  than  glory's  boastful  tale. 
 
 13.  How  gross  the  cheat!  yet  sons  as  vain 
 
 Succeed,  and  praise  their  idle  thought : 
 
 14.  How  soon,  like  sheep  in  shambles  slain, 
 Death's  silent  prey,  past  mortal  pain, 
 
 They  moulder  with  the  things  of  nought ! 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 137 
 
 O'er  their  fall'n  state,  when  morn  shall  rise* 
 
 The  just  shall  hold  a  holier  sway : 
 While  in  the  tomb  their  beauty  dies, 
 Far  from  the  gilded  roofs  that  rise 
 Unconscious  of  their  lords'  decay. 
 
 15.     God  hath  redeem'd  my  soul  from  woe, 
 And  calls  me  to  His  realm  of  peace  : 
 
 J  6.     Then  fear  not,  tho'  with  glorious  show 
 Another  rule  this  world  below, 
 
 And  see  his  sumptuous  piles  increase. 
 
 17.  For  when  he  dies,  his  hope  must  end ; 
 
 Earth's  pride  in  death  no  more  may  bloom, 
 Nor  glory  to  the  dead  descend, 
 Nor  flattery's  voice  its  greeting  send 
 
 To  break  the  silence  of  the  tomb  : 
 
 18.  Tho'  while  he  liv'd  his  gladsome  days, 
 
 He  seem'd  in  life  to  find  his  rest : 
 And,  such  the  breath  of  mortal  praise, 
 While  yet  thy  joyous  fortune  stays, 
 
 Men's   tongues   will   speak   thee   rich   and 
 blest. 
 
 19.  Soon  darkling  hence  his  soul  shall  pass, 
 
 And  with  his  dead  forefathers  be ; 
 
 20.  Fond  fool !  how  great  soe'er  he  was, 
 The  beast,  that  crops  the  dewy  grass, 
 
 Is  now  of  more  account  than  he. 
 
138  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 The  Lord,  the  God  of  glory,  calls, 
 To  earth  His  mandate  sending, 
 
 From  the  sun's  rise,  to  where  it  falls 
 In  western  waves  descending : 
 
 He  shines  reveal' d  from  Zion's  seat, 
 
 "Where  glory  and  fair  beauty  meet, 
 Upon  His  state  attending. 
 
 Our  God  shall  come,  not  silent  now, 
 
 In  meekness  long  forbearing ; 
 But  fiercest  fire  shall  round  Him  glow, 
 
 With  storm  His  way  preparing : 
 His  voice  the  heav'ns  and  earth  shall  hear, 
 When  He  shall  call  His  people  near, 
 
 His  righteous  doom  declaring : 
 
 u  Stand  forth,  My  saints,  with  whom  renew'd 
 
 My  bond  of  truth  abideth  ; 
 Whom  My  pure  vow,  confirm'd  with  blood, 
 
 From  heathen  tribes  divideth." 
 
IS   ENGLISH    VEESE.  139 
 
 Sucli  righteous  summons  from  His  throne 
 Shall  heavenly  hosts  to  earth  make  known, 
 "When  God  in  judgment  chideth. 
 
 7.  "  Hear,  Israel,  hear :  thy  God  am  I, 
 
 The  Lord  of  might  unfading, 
 Who  need  no  other  witness  nigh 
 To  speak  thy  sin's  upbraiding ; 
 
 8.  Not  for  neglected  sacrifice, 
 
 Or  lack  of  guiltless  beast  that  dies 
 Mine  altar  vainly  lading. 
 
 9.     I  claim  not  thine  un-render'd  vow, 
 If  thou  no  blood  outpourest 
 Of  goat  in  fold,  or  steer,  which  thou 
 In  homestead  safe  securest : 
 10.     The  flocks  on  countless  mountains  fed 
 Are  Mine,  and  wildest  cattle  bred 
 Amid  the  trackless  forest. 
 
 11.     Each  fowl  that  dwells  by  waste  or  glen, 
 In  rocky  coverts  hiding, — 
 The  wild  deer  far  from  haunts  of  men p,- 
 I  know  their  lone  abiding : 
 
 p  Aldbelm. 
 
140  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 12.     The  wide  world's  fulness  all  is  Mine : 
 How  then  should  I  with  hunger  pine, 
 Or  need  for  man's  providing  ? 
 
 ]  3.     On  the  torn  flesh  of  slaughter' d  beast, 
 The  debt  of  sin  foreshewing, 
 Say,  shall  the  God  of  spirits  feast, 
 Or  drink  its  life-blood  flowing  ? 
 14.     Nay,  but  to  Me  thanksgivings  pay, 
 Thine  heart  upon  Mine  altar  lay*, 
 And  I  will  bless  thy  vowing. 
 
 15.     Then,  when  in  trouble's  evil  day, 
 Before  My  footstool  kneeling, 
 Thou  to  thine  highest  God  shalt  pray, 
 
 Thy  sad  heart's  grief  revealing  ; 
 I  will  not  scorn  thy  earnest  pray'r, 
 And  thou  with  gladness  shalt  declare 
 The  hand  that  brought  thee  healing." 
 
 16.     But  the  false-hearted  God  shall  chide, 
 "With  righteous  anger  moved : 
 "Why  speak  of  laws  in  heart  denied, 
 Of  truth  thou  ne'er  hast  loved  ? 
 
 n  Sandys. 
 
LN"   ENGLISH   TERSE.  HI 
 
 17.     Who  ne'er  correction's  joke  hast  borne, 
 And  turnest  from  those  words  in  scorn, 
 That  have  thy  deeds  reproved  ? 
 
 18.  Thou  with  false  thieves,  as  soon  as  seen, 
 
 Wast  found  in  heart  consenting ; 
 And  with  adulterous  souls  unclean 
 Base  arts  of  lust  inventing : 
 
 19.  And  thou  hast  edg'd  thy  tongue  to  frame 
 
 20.  The  words  that  wound  a  brother's  name, 
 
 Unkind,  and  unrepenting. 
 
 Thus  didst  thou  wrong  the  bond  of  blood ; 
 21.         Whilst  I,  My  wrath  restraining, 
 Kept  silence,  till  thy  scornful  mood, 
 
 All  purer  truth  disdaining, 
 Defied  high  heav'n  with  shameless  brow, 
 As  tho'  thy  God  were  such  as  thou, 
 
 All  falsehood  and  all  feigning. 
 
 But  I  will  bring  to  light  thy  shame, 
 Thy  secret  frauds  declaring, 
 
 How  oft  thy  lips  prof  an' d  My  Name, 
 To  cloke  thy  guilty  daring : 
 22.     Hear  ye,  whose  hearts  forget  your  God, 
 
 Hear,  lest  He  send  His  wrath  abroad, 
 Your  lives  in  terror  tearing : 
 
142  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 Turn  to  that  Judge,  from  Whose  award 
 Help  can  no  more  deliver : 
 23.     The  thankful  spirit  pays  its  Lord 
 Accepted  service  ever, 
 In  ways  of  order' d  duty  free, 
 Knit  in  that  bond  of  life  with  Me, 
 Which  Time  shall  ne'er  dissever." 
 
IN   ENGLISH  YEESE.  143 
 
 LI. 
 
 Hate  mercy,  0  my  God ; 
 By  all  Thy  pitying  care, 
 By  Thy  mild  love  surpassing  bound, 
 
 0  cast  not  out  my  pray'r. 
 
 The  leprous  stains  of  guilt 
 My  burden' d  soul  dismay; 
 0  let  Thy  pardon  flowing  free 
 "Wash  my  deep  fault  away. 
 
 Dread  Lord,  I  own  it  all ; 
 A  terror  dwells  within, 
 And  sets  before  my  trembling  sight 
 The  foulness  of  my  sin. 
 
 Not  for  my  wrong  to  man 
 
 1  make  my  saddest  moan ; 
 But  that,  forgetful  of  my  God, 
 
 I  sinn'd  to  Thee  alone. 
 
 Thee,  Thee,  my  God,  alone, 
 
 I  wrong' d,  my  Strength  and  Guide ; 
 And  now  must  wait  Thy  doom,  Thy  word 
 In  truth's  just  balance  tried. 
 
1**  THE    3300K    OF    PSALMS 
 
 5.  Behold,  in  sin  conceiv'd, 
 
 Brought  forth  the  lieir  of  sin, 
 I  grew,  and  from  my  mother's  breast 
 The  mortal  taint  suck'd  in. 
 
 6.  But  Thou  dost  inward  truth, 
 
 "Without  disguise,  require ; 
 0  with  Thy  wisdom's  purest  light 
 My  secret  heart  inspire. 
 
 7.  Thy  cleansing  hyssop  bring, 
 
 And  I  its  pow'r  shall  know : 
 "Wash  out  my  stain,  and  each  dark  spot 
 Shall  be  more  white  than  snow. 
 
 8.  0  turn,  and  make  me  hear 
 
 Thy  mercy's  gladd'ning  voice  ; 
 That  the  vex'd  bones  Thy  judgment  brake 
 May  yet  again  rejoice. 
 
 9.  Hide,  Lord,  Thy  piercing  eyes  ; 
 
 Too  keen  their  angry  ray : 
 Blot  out,  as  with  the  veil  of  night, 
 The  guilt  too  deep  for  day. 
 
 10.         Make  clean  this  heart  denTd, 
 My  spirit's  strength  renew, 
 Bestore  it,  ne'er  to  start  from  Thee 
 Unstable  and  untrue. 
 
IN   ENGLISH  YEBSE.  14?5 
 
 11.  Nor  from  Thy  presence,  Lord, 
 
 An  outcast  bid  me  die  ; 
 Deny  me  not  Thy  light  of  life, 
 Thy  Spirit's  succour  nigh. 
 
 12.  Kestore  Thy  saving  health, 
 
 The  joy  that  with  it  lives  ; 
 The  freedom  of  a  heart  redeem' d, 
 Which  Thy  free  Spirit  gives. 
 
 13.  Then  will  I  lead  to  right 
 
 Lost  sinners  far  astray ; 
 Their  wandering  souls  shall  turn  to  Thee, 
 And  learn  of  me  Thy  way. 
 
 14.  God  of  my  life  and  health, 
 
 Remove  the  stain  of  blood, 
 And  I  will  sing  Thy  righteous  truth, 
 How  just,  how  great  and  good  ! 
 
 15.  Do  Thou  unlock  my  lips  ; 
 
 And  I  my  voice  will  raise 
 To  publish  to  the  list'ning  world 
 Thine  high  exalted  praise. 
 
 16.  Choice  offerings  would  I  bring, 
 
 Didst  Thou  the  gift  desire : 
 But  flocks  and  herds  delight  Thee  not, 
 Nor  smoke  of  altar-fire. 
 
 L 
 
H6  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 17.  A  lowly  sorrowing  soul 
 
 Is  God's  true  sacrifice; 
 A  broken  and  a  contrite  heart 
 Thou,  Lord,  wilt  not  despise. 
 
 18.  Dread  Lord,  on  Zion's  hill 
 
 Thy  wonted  blessings  show'r ; 
 Defend  Thy  Salem's  peace,  and  build 
 Her  bulwarks,  wall  and  tow'r. 
 
 19.  Thy  favour  then  shall  meet 
 
 The  righteous  vows  we  pay, 
 And  we  with  joy  our  choicest  herds 
 Will  on  Thine  altar  lay. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEKSE. 
 
 147 
 
 LH.r 
 
 1.  Man  of  might,  in  mischief  strong, 
 Boast  no  more  thy  pow'r  to  wrong : 
 God  is  good,  whose  mercy  still 
 Shields  His  suff'ring  saints  from  ill. 
 
 2.  Though  thy  tongue  be  keen  to  wound, 
 Keen  as  edge  of  steel  new-ground ; 
 
 3.  And  in  thy  malicious  mood 
 Evil  thou  hast  made  thy  good ; 
 
 4.  Though  thy  heart  with  falsehood  stor'd 
 Hates  to  speak  a  truthful  word ; 
 
 And  it  triumphs  now  in  joy 
 That  thy  treason  could  destroy  ; 
 
 5.  God,  who  hears  thy  vaunts,  shall  soon 
 Beat  thy  mounting  malice  down, 
 Take  thee  hence,  uproot  thee,  tear 
 From  thy  home,  and  upper  air. 
 
 T  A  Psalm  of  David,  when  Doeg  the  Edomite  came  and  told  Saul,  David 
 i3  come  to  the  house  of  Abimelech.  See  the  title  in  the  Bible.  A  Psalm 
 prophetic  of  the  destruction  of  persecutors. 
 
148  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  When  the  just  thy  fall  shall  see, 
 They,  with  fear,  shall  mock  at  thee : 
 u  This  is  he,"  their  songs  shall  say, 
 "  He  who  made  not  God  his  stay. 
 
 7.  "  This  is  he,  whom  wealth's  excess, 
 And  the  lust  of  wickedness 
 
 Led  from  his  true  hope  aside  : 
 Lo,  the  end  of  faithless  pride!" 
 
 8.  But  for  me,  God's  saints  among, 
 Like  an  olive  green  and  young, 
 Shall  my  hope  take  root  and  bear 
 Fruit  in  God's  blest  house  of  pray'r. 
 
 Evermore  Thy  mercy,  Lord, 
 In  my  songs  shall  be  ador'd; 
 
 9.  Ever  what  Thine  arm  hath  done 
 Shall  my  tongue  in  praises  own. 
 
 I  will  wait  till  I  receive 
 All  Thy  words  of  promise  give ; 
 And  before  Thy  saints  proclaim 
 My  strong  Eefuge  in  Thy  Name. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  149 
 
 MIL 
 
 1.  The  fool  in  his  false  heart  hath  said, 
 
 That  God  is  but  a  name : 
 O  hateful  are  their  deeds,  impure, 
 Pollute  with  sinful  blame. 
 
 2.  The  Lord  on  all  the  sons  of  men 
 
 Look'd  from  His  high  abode, 
 If  haply  one  wise  heart  were  found 
 To  own  the  fear  of  God. 
 
 3.  But  no !  together  all  are  lost, 
 
 In  hateful  sins  undone  : 
 Not  one  is  left,  who  mourns  for  guilt, 
 Or  strives  for  good, — not  one. 
 
 4.  Is  then  their  sense  and  reason  fled, 
 
 Their  knowledge  all  astray, 
 Who  feed  on  crimes  like  daily  food, 
 And  make  My  saints  their  prey  ? 
 
 They  have  not  call'd  on  God,  or  known 
 His  arm  in  terror  near  : 
 
 5.  But  oft  amidst  their  vaunts  of  pride 
 
 Their  souls  have  quak'd  for  fear. 
 
I50  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 They  fear'd,  where  cause  of  fear  was  none ; 
 
 For  God  hath  dash'd  to  ground 
 The  foes  that  camp  against  the  just : 
 
 Them  shall  His  scorn  confound. 
 
 6.     Lord,  who  shall  change  our  captive  state, 
 And  raise  our  longing  eyes 
 To  see  from  Zion's  holy  mount 
 The  Hope  of  Israel  rise  ? 
 
 O  then  no  more  shall  tyrants  threat, 
 
 Or  foes  our  peace  destroy  : 
 But  Jacob's  sons  shall  change  their  tears 
 
 To  lasting- songs  of  joy. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 151 
 
 LIV. 
 
 1.  Arise,  0  God,  and  judge  my  cause, 
 
 Defend  my  soul  from  shame  : 
 O  save  me  in  this  hour  of  need, 
 Tor  Thy  most  righteous  Name. 
 
 2.  Hear,  Lord,  and  to  the  pray'r  I  pray 
 
 Incline  Thy  gracious  ear : 
 With  danger  round  0  let  me  find 
 My  strong  Avenger  near. 
 
 3.  For  strangers  to  Thy  truth  and  me 
 
 Against  my  life  combine  ; 
 And  tyrants  league  to  work  me  woe, 
 Who  mock  at  Thee  and  Thine. 
 
 4.  Lo !  Thou  hast  heard :  their  pow'r  to  harm 
 
 Thy  presence  shall  control ; 
 Thy  strength  sustains,  Thy  mercy  shields 
 The  helpers  of  my  soul. 
 
 5.  The  malice  of  my  foes  shall  turn 
 
 To  work  their  own  annoy : 
 Thy  truth,  just  God,  alone  has  pow'r 
 To  save  or  to  destroy. 
 
152  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  To  Thee  my  willing  heart  shall  bring 
 
 The  vow  my  duty  pays, 
 And  praise  Thy  Name  ;  for  comfort  lives 
 In  acts  of  love  and  praise. 
 
 7.  For  Thou  hast  seen  and  judg'd  the  wrong, 
 
 Hast  with  deliverance  bless' d ; 
 And  my  sad  spirit  disenthrall' d 
 Eeturns  to  peace  and  rest. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   YEKSE.  15S 
 
 LY. 
 
 1.  Lokd,  hear  me ;  grant  my  sorrow's  boon ; 
 
 Turn  not  Thy  face  in  wrath  away  : 
 
 2.  0  heed  me,  how  with  grief  foredone 
 
 In  sad  unrest  I  mourn  and  pray. 
 
 3.  Around,  as  in  some  field  of  flight, 
 
 The  threat'ning  foes  my  soul  alarm, 
 In  treachery  leagued  with  fell  despite 
 They  come  to  seek  my  mortal  harm. 
 
 4.  A  dimness  o'er  my  sight  is  spread, 
 
 A  terror  as  of  coming  doom  : 
 
 5.  My  trembling  spirit  faints  with  dread, 
 
 And  brooding  horror's  deepest  gloom. 
 
 6.  And  Oh,  I  said,  that,  like  the  dove, 
 
 I  might  escape  these  strifes  unblest, 
 Mount  the  free  tracks  of  air  above, 
 And  flee  away,  and  be  at  rest : 
 
154  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 7.  Then  would  I  haste  on  wings  afar, 
 
 And  safe  abide  in  desert  lone, 
 
 8.  There  shelf  ring  from  the  bitter  war, 
 
 As  glad  as  bird  of  tempest  gone8. 
 
 9.  Divide  their  tongues,  O  God,  as  when 
 
 The  sons  of  impious  Babel  strove ; 
 Destroy  the  league  of  godless  men, 
 
 Sworn  foes  to  peace  and  brethren's  love. 
 
 10.  For  strife  and  wrath  are  in  their  halls, 
 
 And  faction's  rage  that  cannot  sleep  ; 
 
 11.  Deceit  and  guile  still  haunt  those  walls, 
 
 And  there  their  dreary  night-watch  keep. 
 
 12.  For  Oh,  it  was  no  open  foe 
 
 With  hatred  undisguis'd  and  strong  ; 
 For  then  I  might  have  shunn'd  the  blow, 
 Or  patient  borne  th'  expected  wrong : 
 
 13.  But  thou,  my  friend,  compeer,  and  guide, 
 
 "Whose  heart  was  wont  with  mine  to  meet ; 
 
 14.  "With  whom  in  counsel  side  by  side 
 
 I  sought  God's  house  in  converse  sweet1. 
 
 9  Spenser,  F.  Q.  III.  vii.  10. 
 
 *  David  speaks  of  Ahitophel.    2  Sam.  xvi.  23.    The  words  are  prophetic 
 of  the  treason  of  Judas. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  -15 
 
 15.     Let  death  tlieir  guilty  wiles  arrest, 
 And  in  the  pit  of  darkness  quell ; 
 For  in  their  homes  and  in  their  breast 
 Deceit  and  lurking  mischief  dwell. 
 
 16,17.  But  as  for  me,  at  eve  and  morn, 
 
 And  hour  of  labour's  rest  at  noon, 
 To  God  my  voice  shall  still  be  borne  ; 
 And  He  shall  hear  and  grant  my  boon ; 
 
 18.  He  shall  my  hunted  soul  release, 
 
 And  the  fierce  waves  of  battle  stem  : 
 The  hosts  that  come  to  bring  me  peace 
 
 Are  more  than  they  who  camp  with  themu. 
 
 19.  Tea,  He  shall  hear,  and  bring  them  down, 
 
 The  Potentate  from  times  of  old  : — 
 Because  they  have  no  changes  known, 
 They  stand  in  godless  daring  bold. 
 
 20.  The  false  at  heart  hath  broken  truce, 
 
 Profaning  friendship's  holy  name, 
 And  on  the  sons  of  peace  let  loose 
 
 The  hand  no  plighted  faith  could  tame. 
 
 21.  More  smooth  than  milk  his  accents  now'd, 
 
 Close  pent  the  war  his  bosom  bare : 
 
 More  soft  than  oil  the  vows  he  vow'd, 
 
 And  yet  a  hidden  sword  was  there. 
 
 n  2  Chron.  xxxii.  7,  8. 
 
15(5  the   EOOK   OP    PSALMS 
 
 22.  The  burden  of  thy  cares,  my  soul, 
 
 Thy  God  shall  lighten  or  sustain ; 
 Cherish  His  saints,  their  foes  control, 
 And  bid  them  share  His  stedfast  reign. 
 
 23.  The  blood-stain' d  sons  of  guile,  their  life 
 
 Half-spent,  shall  find  destruction's  grave : 
 In  Thee  I  trust  to  end  their  strife, 
 Just  God,  whose  arm  alone  can  save. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEKSE.  157 
 
 LVI. 
 
 1,2.    Have  mercy,  Lord  ;  be  Thou  my  stay 
 From  foes  who  would  my  life  devour : 
 The  bauded  wolves,  who  scent  their  prey, 
 Are  not  more  keen  for  blood  than  they, 
 "Who  vex  my  soul  from  hour  to  hour. 
 
 3.  Yet,  O  Most  High,  for  ever  true, 
 
 These  terrors  root  my  trust  in  Thee  : 
 
 4.  Since  first  Thy  glorious  word  I  knew, 
 I  fear  not  what  weak  flesh  can  do  ; 
 
 Thy  truth  shall  answer,  Lord,  for  me. 
 
 5.  Daily  my  simple  words  they  wrest, 
 
 Their  thoughts  on  deeds  of  mischief  brood ; 
 
 6.  Leagued  in  dark  plots  of  guile  unblest, 
 They  give  my  weary  feet  no  rest, 
 
 "Watching  to  shed  my  guiltless  blood. 
 
 7.  Shall  then  their  wrongs  preserve  them  free  ? 
 
 Thou  shalt  o'erthrow  them ;  Thou,  dear  Lord, 
 
 8.  Dost  all  my  toilsome  wand'rings  see ; 
 My  tears  are  number' d  all  by  Thee, 
 
 Like  drops  in  precious  vials  stor'd. 
 
15S  THE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 9.     "Whene'er  to  Thee  I  make  my  pray'r, 
 My  foes  Thy  fear  shalL  scatter  wide  ; 
 
 10.  "Where  Thy  true  word  is  with  me,  there 
 Is  joy  to  still  all  grief  and  care  ; 
 
 The  strength  of  God  is  on  my  side. 
 
 11.  I  will  not  fear  what  flesh  can  do ; 
 
 In  God  I  trust  to  end  the  wrong : 
 
 12.  Thy  vows,  O  God  Most  High,  Most  True, 
 Are  on  me  ;  and  Thy  praises  due 
 
 Shall  ever  fill  my  thankful  song. 
 
 13.  Thy  grace  my  soul  from  death  redeems, 
 
 And  sets  my  feet  in  safety's  way ; 
 That  from  the  world's  unquiet  dreams 
 I  may  awake,  to  drink  the  beams 
 
 Of  light  and  life's  eternal  day. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  159 
 
 LVII. 
 
 Great  God,  from  "Whom  all  mercy  springs, 
 My  hope  hath  rest  in  Thee  alone  : 
 
 In  the  glad  shelter  of  Thy  wings 
 I'll  wait,  till  storms  be  overblown, 
 And  my  fell  tyrant's  fury  gone. 
 
 My  voice  shall  to  His  throne  ascend, 
 And  He,  who  hears  to  work  my  good, 
 
 His  ministering  help  shall  send, 
 And  save  me  from  the  frantic  mood 
 Of  that  fierce  foe  who  seeks  my  blood. 
 
 His  mercy  and  His  trnth  are  nigh, 
 
 They  come  with  mighty  succour  stor'd, 
 
 Though  as  in  lions'  den  I  lie, 
 
 Midst  fiery  men,  whose  every  word 
 Is  keen  as  darting  spear  or  sword. 
 
 0  God,  before  Thy  heav'nly  throne 
 Let  angel-hosts  adoring  bow  ; 
 
 And  be  on  earth  Thy  glory  shewn, 
 Till  to  Thy  name  from  men  below 
 One  mingled  song  of  praise  shall  flow. 
 
160  THE    BOOK   OF   PSAMS 
 
 6.  Their  snares  were  in  my  footpath  spread  ; 
 
 My  soul  had  sunk  with  fear  dismay 'd  : 
 Tet  little  did  their  arts  bestead ; 
 
 Lo  !  in  the  grave  which  they  had  made 
 Themselves  in  death  are  lowly  laid. 
 
 7.  0  God,  my  heart  attun'd  to  song 
 
 All  ill  at  rest  its  task  delays  ; 
 
 8.  Awake,  my  glory  ;  let  my  tongue 
 
 "With  psaltery  wake  its  hymn  of  praise 
 Before  the  dawning' s  earliest  rays. 
 
 9.  Thee  will  I  sing,  Eternal  Lord, 
 
 Among  the  nations  wide  and  far ; 
 
 10.  Thy  truth  and  love  in  sweet  accord 
 
 Are  brighter  than  heav'n's  brightest  star, 
 Above  all  height  Thy  mercies  are. 
 
 11.  Then  Oh,  before  Thy  heavenly  throne 
 
 Let  angel-hosts  adoring  bow  ; 
 And  let  Thy  truth  on  earth  be  shewn, 
 Till  to  Thy  name  from  man  below 
 One  mingled  song  of  praise  shall  flow. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  161 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 1.  Sat  ye,  whose  tongues  can  speak  so  fair, 
 And  laws  of  rightful  truth  declare, 
 
 Say,  do  ye  act  with  equal  faith, 
 Remembering  mortal  change  and  death  ? 
 
 2.  Nay,  but  the  deeds  in  heart  ye  do, 
 Are  all  unrighteous  and  untrue  ; 
 
 And  where  your  hands  by  might  prevail, 
 Force  strikes  the  weights,  and  turns  the  scale. 
 
 3.  These  godless  souls,  since  first  to  light 
 They  came,  have  ever  scorn' d  the  right ; 
 Estrang'd  from  truth,  they  lov'd  to  lie 
 E'en  from  the  milk  of  infancy. 
 
 4,5.  Their  tongues  with  angry  venom  swell, 
 Like  the  deaf  asp,  that  from  its  cell 
 No  charmer's  note  can  lure  away, 
 How  well  soe'er  he  pipe  and  play. 
 
 6.     Just  God,  behold  their  wrath,  restrain 
 The  madness  of  their  fierce  disdain  : 
 Ereak  their  fell  teeth,  and  tame  the  mood 
 Of  the  grim  lions  savage  brood. 
 
362  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 7.  Their  flowing  pride  shall  shrink  as  fast 
 As  runnel- streams  in  summer's  waste  ; 
 And  when  their  pow'rless  bows  they  draw, 
 Their  broken  shafts  shall  fall  like  straw. 
 
 8.  Their  strength  shall  faint  with  toil  fore  done, 
 Like  the  dull  snail  in  noontide  sun ; 
 
 Like  an  untimely  birth's  decay, 
 That  may  not  see  the  cheerful  day. 
 
 9.  Swifter  than  flame  from  wither' d  briar, 
 That  wraps  the  caldron's  sides  with  fire, 
 The  whirlwind-wrath  of  God  shall  come 
 To  bear  them,  strong  with  life,  to  doom. 
 
 10.  Then  shall  the  just  with  joy  behold 
 The  hour  of  vengeance  long  foretold  ; 
 And  pass  unharm'd  the  dangerous  road, 
 "Where  late  the  sinner's  life-blood  flow'd. 
 
 11.  And  every  son  of  man  shall  say, 
 God  will  the  good  man's  deeds  repay  : 
 There  is,  there  is  a  day  to  come, 
 
 "When  the  just  Judge  the  earth  shall  doom* 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 163 
 
 LIX. 
 
 I-      Lord,  shield  me  from  my  foes, 
 
 To  Th  y  defence  I  flee  : 
 
 O  bid  me  stand  upon  the  rock, 
 
 "Where  safety  dwells  with  Thee. 
 
 O  shield  me  from  the  wrong 
 Of  tyrants  fierce  and  proud  ; 
 From  men  whose  unrelenting  wrath 
 "Would  slake  its  thirst  in  blood. 
 
 The  mighty  of  the  earth 
 Beset  my  steps  around, 
 For  no  offence  of  mine.  O  God, — 
 In  me  no  fault  is  found. 
 
 They  run,  they  stand  array' d, 
 Without  offence  of  mine  : 
 My  God,  arise,  behold  the  cause ; 
 To  guard  the  right  is  Thine. 
 
 Lord  God,  our  fathers'  hope, 
 Their  alien  hearts  reprove ; 
 Nor  let  them  know  Thy  mercy  mild, 
 Who  know  not  truth  or  love. 
 
164  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  E'en  now  their  day  shall  fade, 
 
 And  wandering  in  defeat 
 Their  sonls  shall  pine,  like  dogs  at  eve, 
 That  howl  in  every  street. 
 
 7.  Their  angry  threats  bnrst  ont, 
 
 As  fierce  as  flashing  swords, 
 
 As  tho'  they  deem'd  no  God  was  near 
 
 To  judge  their  bitter  words. 
 
 8.  Yet,  Lord,  their  words  of  pride, 
 
 By  Thee  in  patience  borne, 
 Are  like  the  heathen's  empty  boasts, 
 Thy  laughter  and  Thy  scorn. 
 
 9.  On  Thee,  my  God,  alone 
 
 I  wait,  and  I  shall  be 
 In  Thy  strong  refuge  unremov'd, 
 In  Thy  deliverance  free. 
 
 10.  Thy  favour,  Lord,  so  great 
 
 Shall  my  glad  soul  surprise, 
 "When  victory's  light  long-sought  shall  dawn 
 To  bless  my  fainting  eyes. 
 
 1 1.  Tet  spare  them,  lest  too  soon 
 
 Their  sin  from  memory  die ; 
 But  let  them  live  as  exiles  live, 
 And  low  in  sorrow  lie. 
 
EK    EJNfcflilBH   VEESE.  165 
 
 12.  0  God,  our  shield,  whose  truth 
 
 Their  slanders  have  belied, 
 Let  them  in  terror  taste  the  pain, 
 The  snare,  of  wrathful  pride. 
 
 13.  And  let  Thy  wasting  doom 
 
 Consume  their  strength  away ; 
 So  shall  they  know  how  Israel's  God 
 The  world's  far  ends  obey, 
 
 14.  E'en  now  their  day  is  past, 
 
 And  smarting  from  defeat 
 Their  souls  shall  pine,  like  dogs  at  eve 
 That  howl  in  every  street. 
 
 15.  In  lonely  terror  lost, 
 
 With  hunger  wan  and  pale, 
 
 Still  restless  shall  they  roam  for  prey, 
 
 Till  light  and  hope  shall  fail. 
 
 16.  But  I,  ere  yet  at  dawn 
 
 Day's  eastern  star  shall  spring, 
 "Will  praise  Thy  earlier  mercy  shewn, 
 And  of  Thy  goodness  sing  : 
 
 Tor  Thou  hast  scatter' d  far 
 All  troublous  clouds  away, 
 My  Eefuge  and  Protector  still 
 In  sorrow's  evil  day. 
 
166  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 17.     Thou  art  my  spirit's  strength, 
 To  Thee  my  lips  shall  sing, 
 And  hymn  my  succour  found  in  God, 
 My  Hope,  and  mercy's  King. 
 
IK  ENGLISH   TERSE.  16? 
 
 LX. 
 
 Lord,  Thou  hast  scatter  d  us  afar, 
 And  broken  all  our  strength  for  war ; 
 
 O  let  Thy  wrath  to  mercy  turn : 
 Our  land,  beneath  our  troubles  past, 
 Is  rent,  as  with  an  earthquake's  blast, 
 
 Lord,  heal  the  wounds  for  which  we  mourn. 
 
 Thy  tribes  in  heaviness  and  gloom 
 Are  trembling  as  in  dread  of  doom, 
 
 Amaz'd  as  with  some  deadly  wine : 
 Yet  Thou  hast  oft,  Thine  own  to  aid, 
 The  banner  of  Thy  love  display' d, 
 
 Thy  faithful  truth's  victorious  sign. 
 
 Let  Thy  right  hand  from  heav'n  above 
 Still  guard  the  people  of  Thy  love  ; 
 
 O  save  them  for  Thy  mercy's  name  : — 
 Tea,  Thou  hast  heard ;  Thy  answering  voice 
 Hath  made  my  inmost  soul  rejoice, 
 
 As  from  Thy  holiest  place  it  came. 
 
168  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 For  me  the  land  each  portion  yields, 
 Shechem,  and  Succoth's  tented  fields, 
 7.         Manasseh,  Gilead,  East  and  West ; 
 In  Ephraim  is  my  kingdom's  might, 
 In  Judah  laws  that  guard  the  right 
 As  in  their  seat  of  council  rest. 
 
 The  warlike  sons  of  Moab  now, 
 To  lowest  bondage  forc'd  to  bow, 
 
 Bring  water  for  their  conqueror's  feet ; 
 Fierce  Edotn  fall'n  must  brook  the  scorn 
 To  bear  the  task  by  foot-slaves  borne ; 
 
 Philistia,  learn  thy  lord  to  greet. 
 
 9.  And  who  shall  lead  our  host  along 
 To  gain  that  city  fam'd  for  strong, 
 
 Or  break  the  strength  of  Edom's  tow'r  ? 
 
 10.  O  who  but  Thou,  who  late  so  far 
 Didst  scatter  all  our  ranks  of  war, 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  alone  our  Head  of  pow'r  ? 
 
 11.  0  help  us  still,  when  griefs  oppress, 
 Be  Thou  our  succour  in  distress  ; 
 
 For  vain  the  help  that  man  bestows  : 
 
 12.  No  danger  shall  our  soul  affright, 
 While  Grod  sustains  and  guards  our  right, 
 
 And  lays  in  dust  our  fiercest  foes. 
 
IK  ENGLISH   TERSE.  169 
 
 LXI. 
 
 Lokd,  to  my  sad  voice  attending, 
 
 Grant  my  pray'r ; 
 See  me  lost  in  exile,  bending 
 
 Low  with  care  : 
 Bid  me  to  my  rock  ascending 
 Find  my  wonted  shelter  there. 
 
 Thou  hast  been  a  Strength  and  Tower, 
 Lord,  to  me  ; 
 
 Thou  hast  from  the  foe's  fierce  power 
 Set  me  free  : 
 
 Still  in  danger's  dreariest  hour 
 I  have  cast  my  care  on  Thee. 
 
 Thou,  in  love  my  footsteps  guiding, 
 
 Still  wast  near ; 
 
 In  Thy  dwelling's  covert  hiding 
 
 Safe  from  fear, 
 
 Underneath  Thy  wings  abiding x 
 
 I  will  wait  Thy  voice  to  hear. 
 
 *  "By  the  name  of  icings  he  means  the  power  of  God's  providence. 
 The  friend  of  God,  sheltering  under  them,  never  departs  from  the  taber- 
 nacle of  God,  but  dwells  therein  for  ever."    St.  Athanasius. 
 
170  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 o.       Thou,  my  vows  in  mercy  hearing, 
 Help  didst  give  ; 
 "With  Thy  saints,  in  holy  fearing 
 Bad'st  me  live  ; 
 Thou  with  them  at  Thy  appearing 
 Shalt  my  soul  to  rest  receive. 
 
 6.  To  Thy  King  Thy  glory  giving 
 
 Thou  didst  say, 
 He  all  mortal  date  outliving 
 
 Shall  bear  sway  ; 
 
 With  the  blest  a  crown  receiving, 
 
 He  shall  live  and  reign  as  they. 
 
 7.  Lord,  in  love  and  truth  before  Thee 
 
 Shield  him  well : 
 
 8.  So  each  day  where  saints  adore  Thee, 
 
 WTiere  they  tell, 
 How  Thy  Name  of  praise  is  worthy, 
 Shall  my  voice  their  anthems  swell. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEKSE.  171 
 
 LXII. 
 
 *•    Mt  soul  in  silence  waits  on  God  : 
 
 He  is  my  Rock,  my  Strength  alone ; 
 
 2.  My  saving  health,  my  hope's  abode, 
 
 That  ne'er  by  man  shall  be  o'erthrown, 
 
 3.  Trust  not  your  pow'r  for  mighty  Throng : 
 
 Such  force  is  but  a  tott'ring  wall, 
 
 A  bulging  bulwark,  seeming  strong, 
 
 But  hollow,  trembling  to  its  fall. 
 
 4.  Te  fain  would  cast  me  down  full  low, 
 
 Whom  God  hath  rais'd  to  rule  on  high, 
 False  hearts,  who  bless  in  outward  show, 
 While  in  your  hearts  close  curses  lie. 
 
 5.  My  soul,  be  still,  and  wait  on  God ; 
 
 He  is  my  Rock,  my  Strength  alone ; 
 
 6.  My  saving  health,  my  hope's  abode, 
 
 That  ne'er  by  man  shall  be  o'erthrown. 
 
 7.  He  is  my  Glory,  Strength,  and  Tower, 
 
 Health  of  my  life,  and  Refuge  high : 
 
 8.  Te  people,  trust  His  saving  pow'r, 
 
 Seek  His  strong  succour  ever  nigh. 
 
^2  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 Withhold  not  from  His  sight  your  grief, 
 Pour  out  your  hearts  before  His  throne ; 
 
 He  is  our  Eefuge,  our  Eelief, 
 Who  can  protect  and  heal  alone. 
 
 9.  Trust  not  in  man,  who  cannot  aid  ; 
 
 The  mighty  like  the  mean  decays : 
 In  trial  of  the  balance  laid 
 
 Their  worth  the  emptiest  breath  outweighs. 
 
 10.  Boast  not  the  prize  of  guilty  spoil ; 
 
 The  wealth  that  Eapine  builds  is  vain : 
 If  riches  crown  your  peaceful  toil, 
 
 Yet  guard  your  heart's  desires  from  gain. 
 
 11.  Once  spake,  yea  twice,  th'  Almighty  Lord, 
 
 And  by  His  awful  voice  made  known, — 
 With  tingling  ears  I  caught  the  word, — 
 That  pow'r  and  might  are  His  alone. 
 
 12.  And  Thine,  0  Lord,  is  love  with  might  : 
 
 And  when  the  day  and  hour  shall  come. 
 Thou  wilt  each  deed  of  man  requite, 
 And  equity  shall  guide  the  doom. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VERSE.  173 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 1.  Lord,  my  faithful  God,  to  Thee, 
 
 Ere  the  wakeful  dawn's  return, 
 
 2.  Tain  my  eager  soul  would  flee 
 
 From  this  land  of  drear  sojourn  : 
 From  this  realm  of  drought  and  fear, 
 "Where  no  gladd'ning  waters  come  ; 
 
 3.  Tet  I  trace  Thy  glory  here, 
 
 As  within  Thy  holy  home. 
 
 4.  Life  is  sweet ;  yet  sweeter  far 
 
 Than  the  joy  of  lengthen' d  days, 
 Lord,  Thy  faithful  mercies  are  : 
 
 Lo  !  they  fill  my  lips  with  praise. 
 5,6-    Let  me  live  to  praise  Thee  still ; 
 
 Fed  with  love  that  cannot  cloy, 
 I  will  feast,  and  take  my  fill, 
 
 Rapt  in  songs  of  thankful  joy. 
 
 7.       Still  my  thoughts  have  soar'd  to  Thee, 
 When  I  sought  my  lowly  bed, 
 Soar'd,  in  meditation  free, 
 
 While  the  night's  dull  watches  sped : 
 
174 
 
 THE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 8,9.     For  I  knew  my  Help  was  nigh  ; 
 
 Where  Thy  mercy's  wing  enfolds, 
 I  will  rest ;  I  cannot  die, 
 
 While  Thy  strong  right-hand  upholds. 
 
 10,11.  Foes,  who  seek  to  work  me  woe, 
 Soon  to  ruin's  pit  shall  haste 
 Soon  the  sword  shall  lay  them  low, 
 Soon  their  homes  shall  foxes  waste. 
 12.     But  the  King  in  God  shall  boast : 
 Praise  to  subjects  true  shall  be : 
 Dumbness  seize  the  faithless  host, 
 False  alike  to  God  and  me. 
 
IN  ENGLISH   VERSE.  175 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 Loud,  hear  Thy  servant's  pray'r ; 
 My  cries  to  Thee  ascend : 
 From  fear  and  danger  of  my  foes 
 Do  Thou  my  life  defend. 
 
 "Whate'er  their  hate  may  do, 
 From  league  of  fraud  conceal'd, 
 Or  the  blind  rage  of  lawless  might, 
 Thy  love  my  soul  can  shield. 
 
 What  tho'  their  angry  tongues 
 Be  keen  as  whetted  swords : 
 And  wing'd  with  death  their  arrows  fly, 
 Their  wrath-embitter' d  words. 
 
 "What  tho'  in  close  disguise 
 They  aim  amidst  the  gloom, 
 And  wound  the  saints  whom  God  approves, 
 Uncheck'd  by  dread  of  doom  : 
 
 Tho'  strong  in  fence  of  guile 
 They  commune  how  to  hide 
 Their  hateful  snares,  and  boast  their  art 
 To  triumph  undescried : 
 
176 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Tho'  stern  and  dark  of  mood 
 
 They  lay  their  mines  so  deep, 
 Deep  as  the  treacherous  heart's  abyss 
 Its  guilty  thoughts  may  keep  ; 
 
 7.  Yet  God  beholds  from  far  ; 
 
 The  bolt  is  on  His  bow, 
 Arm'd  with  the  lightning- wings  of  wrath, 
 That  thro'  their  souls  shall  go. 
 
 8.  O'er-raught  by  subtle  guile 
 
 In  their  triumphant  wrong, 
 Tell  Discord  on  themselves  shall  turn 
 Their  own  death- working  tongue  ?. 
 
 9.  Then  men  shall  fear  and  flee 
 
 The  way  these  sinners  trod, 
 By  warier  wisdom  taught  to  trace 
 The  secret  hand  of  God. 
 
 10.  And  hope  in  faithful  men 
 
 Shall  spring  for  ever  new, 
 And  fill  with  joyful  trust  in  God 
 Each  faithful  heart  and  true. 
 
 y  See  Lord  Clarendon's  Contemplations  on  this  Psalm,  in  his  Essays, 
 p.  532,  3. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEBSE.  177 
 
 LXVS 
 
 Lokd,  we  wait,  nor  think  it  long, 
 
 In  Thy  courts  our  voice  to  raise  ; 
 Praise  in  silence,  praise  in  song, 
 
 Turns  to  Thee,  whose  name  is  Praise z 
 
 Thine  the  hymn,  and  Thine  the  vow, 
 "Which  to  Zion's  hill  we  bear  : 
 Soon  earth's  furthest  tribes  shall  bow 
 To  the  God  that  heareth  pray'r. 
 
 Lord,  forgive  my  past  misdeeds, 
 Let  the  load  no  more  increase  : 
 This  my  broken  spirit  needs  ; 
 
 Speak  the  word,  and  give  it  peace. 
 
 Blest,  thrice  blest,  the  man,  whom  Thou 
 In  Thy  courts  shalt  choose  to  live : 
 There  Thy  mercies,  as  they  now, 
 Peace,  and  health,  and  gladness  give . 
 
 Just  and  righteous  God,  Thy  dooms 
 E'en  in  terror  speak  to  save, 
 Hope  of  wide  earth's  furthest  homes, 
 And  amidst  the  broad  sea-wave. 
 
 z  Deut.  x.  21. 
 N 
 
]"8  THE    BOOK   OP   PSALMS 
 
 0.     Mountains,  where  the  tempests  beat, 
 At  Thy  will  so  proudly  tow'r  ; 
 Thou  hast  fix'd  their  stedfast  seat, 
 Bob"d  with  majesty  and  pow'r. 
 
 7.  "When  vex'd  Ocean's  voice  is  loud, 
 
 "When  it  roars  with  all  its  waves, 
 Thou  canst  still  it,  and  the  crowd, 
 That  with  noisier  madness  raves. 
 
 8.  Men  from  earth's  extremest  bound 
 
 Fear  Thy  signs,  Thy  pow'r  they  see : 
 Songs  in  all  the  sun's  wide  round 
 Rise  at  morn  and  eve  to  Thee. 
 
 9.  "Where  Thy  steps  on  earth  are  seen, 
 
 Gladness  comes  to  bless  the  soil ; 
 Fruitful  slopes  and  valleys  green 
 Cheer  the  sons  of  want  and  toil. 
 
 Bains,  the  river-stores  of  God, 
 In  their  mist-clad  fountains  born, 
 
 Soften  in  the  furrow' d  clod, 
 Ere  it  grow,  the  kindly  corn. 
 
 10.     Tea,  Thy  blessing,  Lord,  is  there  ; 
 
 "Where  the  timely  rain-drops  show'r, 
 Earth,  in  all  her  vales  more  fair, 
 Joys  to  feel  Thy  mercy's  pow'r. 
 
IN  ENGLISH   TERSE.  179 
 
 11.  Thou  art  bounteous,  Lord,  for  good  ; 
 
 Circling  seasons  wear  Thy  crown  : 
 Thou  art  in  the  labouring  cloud, 
 "When  it  drops  with  fatness  down. 
 
 12.  "Where  it  drops,  the  pastures  smile ; 
 
 Lonely  pastures,  wild  and  wide, 
 Hills,  that  know  no  mortal  toil, 
 Wake  to  joy  on  every  side. 
 
 13.  There  the  nocks  at  large  may  stray, 
 
 Where  the  slopes  with  herbage  spring  ; 
 While  in  dales  in  thick  array 
 Waving  harvests  laugh  and  sing. 
 
180 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 LXVI. 
 
 1.  Earth,  with  all  thy  thousand  voices 
 
 Praise  in  songs  th'  Eternal  King : 
 
 2.  Praise  His  Name,  whose  praise  rejoices 
 
 Ears  that  hear,  and  tongues  that  sing. 
 
 3.  "  Mighty  God,  with  dread  surrounded," 
 
 Thus  your  wondering  song  shall  flow  ; 
 "  By  Thy  mighty  pow'r  confounded 
 
 Eoes  that  feign  with  fear  shall  bow." 
 
 4.  Eor  from  each  far-peopled  dwelling 
 
 Earth  shall  raise  the  glad  acclaim  ; 
 All  shall  kneel,  Thy  greatness  telling, 
 Sing  Thy  praise  and  bless  Thy  Name. 
 
 5.  Come,  and  hear  the  wondrous  story, 
 
 How  our  mighty  God  of  old 
 In  the  terrors  of  His  glory 
 
 Back  the  flowing  sea-streams  roll'd : 
 
 6.  "Wall'd  within  the  threat'ning  waters, 
 
 Eree  we  pass'd  the  fetter' d  wave : 
 Then  was  joy  to  Israel's  daughters, 
 Loud  they  sang  His  pow'r  to  save. 
 
IX   ENGLISH   TERSE.  181 
 
 7.  He,  a  pow'r  eternal  wielding, 
 
 Earth's  wide  nations  sees  and  tries  : 
 Rebel  pride,  to  grace  unyielding, 
 Falls,  and  ne'er  may  hope  to  rise. 
 
 8.  Bless  the  Lord,  who  ever  liveth, 
 
 Sound  His  praise  thro'  every  land  ; 
 
 9.  Who  our  dying  souls  reviveth, 
 
 By  Whose  arm  upheld  we  stand. 
 
 10.  Thou,  as  silver  in  th'  assaying, 
 
 Fiery  trials  bad'st  us  bear, 
 
 11.  Snares  around  our  footsteps  laying, 
 
 "Weakening  our  faint  loins  with  care. 
 
 12.  "We  have  crouch' d  to  foes  o'erriding, 
 
 We  have  toil'd  thro'  fire  and  flood  ; 
 But  to  homes  Thy  love  was  guiding, 
 Where  the  soil,  the  rest,  was  good. 
 
 13.  Now  upon  this  cheerful  morrow 
 
 I  Thine  altars  will  adorn, 
 
 14.  And  the  gifts  I  vow'd  in  sorrow 
 
 Pay  in  joy's  returning  morn. 
 
 15.  I  will  bring  each  choice  oblation, 
 
 Fatlings  fed  by  strand  or  stream, 
 Lambs  from  Sharon,  calves  from  Bashan, 
 Rich  as  incense  shall  they  steam. 
 
182 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 16.  Come,  each  faithful  soul,  who  fearest 
 
 Him  who  holds  th'  eterual  throue : 
 Hear,  rejoicing  while  thou  nearest, 
 What  my  God  for  me  hath  done. 
 
 17.  "When  I  made  my  supplication, 
 
 When  my  voice  in  pray'r  was  strong, 
 Straight  I  found  His  glad  salvation, 
 And  His  mercy  fill'd  my  tongue. 
 
 18.  Had  my  heart's  desire  regarded 
 
 Thought  of  sin,  or  deed  of  blame, 
 Then  had  God's  just  wrath  rewarded 
 My  dissembling  words  with  shame. 
 
 19.  But  His  willing  ear  attended, 
 
 Still  He  hears  the  pray'rs  I  pray : 
 
 20.  Praise  be  His,  whose  love  befriended, 
 
 His,  whose  mercies  ne'er  decay. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 LXVIL 
 
 183 
 
 1.  Lokd,  since  Thy  love  hath  made  us  Thine, 
 
 From  heav'n  Thy  mercy  send  ; 
 And  let  Thy  light,  which  cheers  us  now, 
 Shine  brightly  to  the  end : 
 
 2.  That  so  Thy  way  of  righteous  Truth 
 
 May  thro'  the  world  be  known, 
 Thy  saving  health  in  every  realm 
 Th'  accordant  nations  own. 
 
 3.  All  praise  be  Thine,  All-faithful  Goda  ! 
 
 Beneath  the  sun's  wide  rays, 
 In  every  kindred,  tribe,  and  tongue, 
 Be  told  Thy  mercy's  praise ! 
 
 4.  0  fain  will  they  rejoice,  to  whom 
 
 Thy  saving  health  is  known, 
 Secure  that  Thou,  the  righteous  Judge, 
 Wilt  rule  them  for  Thine  own. 
 
 5.  Then  praise  be  Thine,  All-faithful  God ! 
 
 Beneath  the  sun's  wide  rays, 
 In  every  kindred,  tribe,  and  tongue, 
 Be  told  Thy  mercy's  praise. 
 
 a  Aldhelm. 
 
184<  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  Then  peace  shall  cheer  our  fruitful  toil, 
 
 Our  land  with  plenty  flow ; 
 And  God,  our  own  true  God,  from  heav'n 
 His  blessing  shall  bestow. 
 
 7.  Tea,  God  His  blessing  shall  bestow ; 
 
 And  when  His  truth  they  hear, 
 Earth's  furthest  tribes  shall  seek  His  grace, 
 Bow'd  down  with  love  and  fear. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  185 
 
 1. 
 
 LXVII. 
 
 Second  Version. 
 
 God  of  grace,  0  let  Thy  light 
 Bless  our  dim  and  blinded  sight ; 
 Like  the  dayspring  on  the  night, 
 
 Bid  Thy  grace  to  shine : 
 
 To  the  nations  led  astray 
 Thine  eternal  love  display ; 
 Let  Thy  truth  direct  their  way, 
 
 Till  the  world  be  Thine. 
 
 3.  Praise  to  Thee,  All-faithful  Lord ! 
 Let  all  tongues  in  glad  accord 
 Learn  the  good  thanksgiving  word, 
 
 Ever  praising  Thee : 
 
 4.  Let  them  mov'd  to  gladness  sing, 
 Owning  Thee  their  Judge  and  King ; 
 Righteous  Truth  shall  bloom  and  spring, 
 
 AVhere  Thy  rule  shall  be. 
 
 5.  Praise  to  Thee,  All-faithful  Lord ! 
 Let  all  tongues  in  glad  accord 
 Speak  the  good  thanksgiving  word, 
 
 Heart-rejoicing  praise : 
 
1S6  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  So  the  fruitful  earth's  increase, 
 Bounty  of  the  God  of  peace, 
 Never  in  its  course  shall  cease, 
 
 Thro'  the  length  of  days : 
 
 7.  While  His  grace  our  life  shall  cheer, 
 Furthest  lands  shall  own  His  fear, 
 Brought  to  Him  in  worship  near, 
 
 Taught  His  mercy's  ways. 
 
IN   ENGLISH  TERSE.  187 
 
 LXVIII. 
 
 1,2.    Let  God,  the  God  of  hosts,  arise, 
 And  fast  as  thro'  the  morning  skies 
 
 The  smoke  on  winds  is  borne  abroad, 
 So  let  His  scatter' d  foes  fly  far, 
 And  those,  whom  hatred  arms  to  war, 
 
 Perish  before  their  angry  God : 
 As  wax  before  the  scorching  fire, 
 So  let  their  ill-sped  vaunts  expire. 
 
 3.  But  let  the  just  before  their  King 
 Their  ceaseless  songs  of  gladness  sing, 
 
 Exulting,  while  His  name  they  bless ; 
 
 4.  "With  songs  their  great  Deliverer  praise, 
 "Who  rode  in  triumph  thro'  the  ways 
 
 Of  Elim's  barren  wilderness  : 
 Extol  Him,  and  with  joy  proclaim 
 The  mighty  God's  mysterious  Name  : 
 
 5.  The  Father  of  the  fatherless, 
 
 Who  doth  the  widow's  wrongs  redress, 
 The  Dweller  on  the  holy  throne ; 
 
 6.  AVhose  pity  leads  the  wretch  to  dwell 
 In  home  of  peace,  the  prisoner's  cell 
 
 Unbars,  and  stills  the  captive's  moan : 
 Only  the  rebels'  pride  must  toil 
 With  portion  scant  in  cheerless  soil. 
 
1SS  THE  BOOK  OF  PSALMS 
 
 7.  Lord,  when  Thy  presence  led  our  host, 
 As  thro'  the  barren  wild  we  cross' d, 
 
 8.  The  trembling  earth  its  Maker  knew, 
 The  heavens  all  dark'ning  overhead 
 
 In  drops  their  watery  fulness  shed, 
 And  Sinai,  melting  at  the  view, 
 Bow'd  down,  with  wondering  terror  aw'd, 
 Before  the  face  of  Israel's  G-od. 
 
 9.    Then  on  Thy  chosen  heritage, 
 Their  toil  and  hunger  to  assuage, 
 
 Thy  gifts  descended  like  the  rain ; 
 The  freshness  of  that  strengthening  show'r 
 Endued  the  weary  souls  with  pow'r 
 And  nerv'd  them  for  their  task  again : 
 10.     In  desert  wild  Thy  pilgrims  poor 
 Dwelt  as  in  homes  of  rest  secure. 
 
 11.  The  Lord  of  hosts  gave  forth  the  word, 
 And  Israel's  maids  the  tidings  heard  ; 
 
 "With  timbrels  in  the  dance  they  sung, 
 
 12.  How  kings,  with  mighty  armies,  fled, 
 In  all  their  might  discomfited  ; 
 
 And  how  their  princely  spoils  were  flung 
 On  the  low  earth,  a  captive  prey 
 For  feeble  hands  to  bear  away. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  189 
 
 13.  Te,  who  amidst  the  kilns  had  lain, 
 
 And  wrought  the  tyrant's  task  with  pain, 
 
 Bedimm'd  with  toil,  with  bondage  worn, 
 Then  saw  fair  Peace  her  wings  unfold, 
 Her  silvery  wings  bedropt  with  gold, 
 Fair  as  the  dove  in  rays  of  morn, 
 
 14.  Pair  as  the  snow  on  Salmon's  height, 
 "When  God  had  turn'd  those  kings  to  night. 
 
 15.  The  hill,  where  God  hath  set  His  love, 
 Is  high  all  other  hills  above  ; 
 
 Not  pleasant  Bashan's  heights  excel : 
 
 16.  "What  envy  moves  the  mountains  near? 
 In  vain  their  rival  fronts  they  rear  ; 
 
 'Tis  here  our  God  delights  to  dwell. 
 Bow  your  tall  crests,  and  vail  your  pride  ; 
 Here  ever  shall  our  God  abide. 
 
 17.     Here  watch  around,  or  soar  on  wing, 
 The  legions  of  our  heavenly  King, 
 
 More  strong  than  battle-chariots  far, 
 The  countless  seraphs,  glittering  bright ; 
 And  with  them  comes  in  peerless  might 
 
 The  God  of  glory  and  of  war ; 
 As  when  reveal' d  in  lightning-flame 
 To  Sink's  holy  mount  He  came. 
 
190  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 IS.     Thou  art  on  high  ascended,  Thou 
 Hast  led  our  captors  captive  now, 
 
 Thou  hast  on  man  Thy  gifts  bestow'd: 
 E'en  hearts,  that  once  in  rebel  pride 
 Thy  yoke  of  love  had  cast  aside, 
 Are  now  Thy  Spirit's  blest  abode. 
 19.     Praise  we  in  songs,  as  praise  we  may, 
 That  weight  of  blessings  day  by  day. 
 
 2  ).     He  is  our  God,  Salvation's  Lord, 
 And  life  and  deatli  on  His  award, 
 As  servants  of  His  will,  attend  : 
 21.     Only  the  foes  that  will  not  bow 
 Shall  sink  in  hideous  ruin  low, 
 
 "Whose  sins  hold  onward  to  the  end  : 
 Dash'd  down  to  earth  their  strength  shall  yield, 
 Like  batter" d  ranks  in  battle-field. 
 
 22.  The  Lord  hath  spoken:  Yet  once  mors 
 I  will  My  ransom  ?d  flock  restore, 
 
 As  when  from  Bashan's  hills  they  came, 
 As  when  they  pass"d  the  deep  sea's  flood; 
 
 23.  Their  feet  shall  tread  in  tyrants'  blood, 
 
 Shed  in  a  death  of  fear  and  shame  : 
 And  where  the  corpses  press  the  ground, 
 The  dogs  shall  lap  the  flowing  wound. 
 
Iff   ENGLISH   TERSE.  191 
 
 24.  Behold  the  solemn  train  of  God, 
 How  in  the  place  of  His  abode 
 
 His  saints  their  order' d  service  keep  ; 
 
 25.  The  singers  first,  whose  warbled  voice 
 Answers  the  minstrels'  stringed  noise 
 
 With  measured  pause,  or  cadence  deep ; 
 And  Israel's  maids  their  choirs  among 
 Beat  timbrels  to  th'  accordant  song. 
 
 26.  0  bless  the  Lord,  adore  with  dread, 
 Whoe'er  from  Israel's  fouu tain-head, 
 
 Tour  life's  ancestral  source,  are  born  : 
 
 27.  Lo  !  rulers  of  our  state  begin 
 To  rise  from  youngest  Benjamin, 
 
 Our  council  Judah's  chiefs  adorn  ; 
 Princes  and  noble  peers  draw  nigh 
 Prom  Zebulun  and  Naphtali. 
 
 28.  Lord,  in  our  cause  Thine  hosts  have  fought ; 
 O  strengthen  what  Thine  arm  hath  wrought^ 
 
 29.  Por  Salem  and  Thy  temple'  sake ; 
 So  far  and  wide  each  Gentile  king 
 Shall  to  Thy  courts  his  offering  bring  ; 
 
 30.  And  Thy  rebuke  their  threats  shall  break, 
 And  scatter  each  fierce  tribe  afar, 
 
 That  love  the  madd'ning  joy  of  war. 
 
192  the    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 Tea,  the  swart  tribes  so  fierce  ere  while, 
 The  dwellers  by  the  reeds  of  Nile, 
 
 To  Thee  shall  tribute-silver  pay ; 
 And  those,  who  wild  as  mountain-bull, 
 Or  steer  from  richest  pasture  full, 
 
 Have  scorn' d  all  law,  shall  Thee  obey : 
 31.     Dark  Egypt's  chiefs  Thou  shalt  command, 
 And  Cushites  stretch  the  suppliant  hand. 
 
 32.  Sing  then  to  God,  each  tribe  and  tongue, 
 In  every  land  His  praise  be  sung, 
 
 O  praise  the  everlasting  Lord  : 
 
 33.  0  tell  of  Him,  whose  way  unknown 
 In  highest  heav'n  tho'  ages  gone 
 
 No  thought  can  reach,  or  speech  record  : 
 At  the  dread  voice  that  speaks  His  will 
 Let  all  the  list'ning  world  be  still. 
 
 34.  Ascribe  in  songs  to  God  alone 
 
 The  praise  of  Israel's  conquests  won, 
 To  Him  whom  clouds  and  storms  obey : 
 
 35.  O  God,  in  wonder  and  in  fear 
 
 "We  tread  the  courts  where  Thou  art  near, 
 
 And  see  Thy  signs  Thy  pow'r  display : 
 Thy  strength  and  pow'r  on  Israel  rest : 
 O  be  Thy  Name  for  ever  bless' d  ! 
 
IIS"  ENGLISH   YEESE.  193 
 
 LXIX. 
 
 Sate  me,  0  God  :  to  Thee  I  cry, 
 "Who  canst  this  flood  of  woe  control : 
 
 Lo !  where  the  waters  deep  and  high, 
 Near  and  more  near  their  surges  roll, 
 And  haste  to  whelm  my  struggling  soul. 
 
 Low  in  the  mire  I  sink  dismay' d, 
 
 My  plunging  feet  no  hold  have  found  : 
 
 The  horrid  depths  my  life  invade, 
 I  hear  the  welt'ring  billows  round, 
 And  death  appals  in  sight  and  sound. 
 
 With  weary  heart  I  make  my  plaint, 
 O'erborne  with  sorrow's  heaviest  load  ; 
 
 My  throat  is  parch' d,  my  sight  is  faint, 
 "While  long  beneath  th'  afflicting  rod 
 I  wait  for  my  returning  God. 
 
 The  foes,  whose  malice  dooms  me  dead, 
 In  pow'r  to  harm  are  wond'rous  strong : 
 
 More  than  the  hairs  upon  my  head 
 Are  they,  who,  unprovok'd  by  wrong, 
 In  league  against  the  guiltless  throng. 
 o 
 
19*  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 5.  The  spoil  I  ne'er  had  reft  away, 
 
 I  yielded  to  their  threat'ning  pride ; 
 So  humbled  in  reproach  I  lay : 
 
 But,  Lord,  by  Thee  is  all  descried ; 
 My  fault  my  folly  cannot  hide. 
 
 6.  0  let  not  them  that  wait  on  Thee, 
 
 Thou  God,  ^whom  heav'n's  bright  armies  dread. 
 Be  brought  to  grief  and  shame  for  me  ; 
 Do  Thou  uplift  their  drooping  head, 
 "Whose  arm  the  tribes  of  Israel  led, 
 
 7.  For  Thee  in  this  deep  shame  I  bow, 
 
 For  Thee  my  face  is  sad  with  gloom ; 
 
 8.  Each  brother's  eye  avoids  me  now, 
 
 Cast  off  to  bear  an  alien's  doom 
 From  children  of  one  mother's  womb. 
 
 9.  My  zeal  for  Thy  lov'd  house  and  Thee 
 
 Hath  all  my  spirit's  strength  outworn; 
 And  they  have  pour'd  their  scorn  on  me, 
 Who  on  Thy  Name  have  pour'd  their  scorn: 
 It  is  the  meed  my  truth  hath  borne. 
 
 10.  I  wept,  with  fastings  tam'd  my  soul ; 
 
 My  penance  to  reproach  they  turn'd  : 
 
 11.  As  one  whose  joy  is  chang'd  to  dole, 
 
 In  sackcloth,  garb  of  pain,  I  mourn'd ; 
 That  silent  grief  with  jests  they  spurn'd. 
 
IN  ENGLISH   YEBSE.  195 
 
 12.     In  seats  of  judgment  at  the  gate 
 
 Grave  elders  meet  my  truth  to  wrong : 
 And  where  the  drunkard  meets  his  mate, 
 And  madd'ning  mirth  lets  loose  the  tongue. 
 My  name  is  in  their  drunken  song. 
 
 U.     But  Lord,  I  make  my  pray'r  to  Thee, 
 To  Thee  in  this  accepted  hour ; 
 Let  me  Thy  plenteous  goodness  see, 
 Thou  Eock  of  Truth,  Salvation's  Tower 
 To  all  who  trust  Thy  mercy's  power. 
 
 14.  0  save  me,  as  in  sheltering  ark, 
 
 From  hateful  men  of  cruel  pride, 
 From  storm  of  waters  deep  and  darkb, 
 
 15.  From  mire  unsafe,  and  whirling  tide, 
 That  in  its  grave  my  life  would  hide. 
 
 16.  Hear,  Lord;   for  when  Thy  mercy  hears, 
 
 Men's  drooping  hearts  with  comfort  glow ; 
 
 17.  Scorn  not  Thy  servant's  humble  tears, 
 
 But  Thy  transcendent  goodness  shew, 
 Thy  look  that  scatters  mortal  woe. 
 
 18.  Haste  and  redeem  my  captive  life, 
 
 Ere  yet  by  foes  the  prey  is  borne : 
 
 19.  Thou  know'st  my  suffering  spirit's  strife, 
 
 And  how  their  words  my  soul  have  torn 
 "With  piercing  gibe  and  haughty  scorn. 
 
 b  Aldhelm,  and  Early  English. 
 
196  TIIE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 20.  My  inmost  heart  is  rent  in  twain, 
 
 Pierc'd  through  with  sorrow's  deepest  wound; 
 I  look'd  for  pity's  glance,  in  vain ; 
 Tor  comforters,  but  none  I  found, 
 Ko  friend  in  all  who  hemm'd  me  round. 
 
 21.  They  heard  my  voice  in  torture  call, — 
 
 Strange  hands  did  strange  relief  prepare ; 
 For  food  they  gave  me  bitter  gall, 
 And  mock'd  my  parched  lips'  despair 
 With  cheerless  draught  of  vinegar. 
 
 22.  O  be  their  table  never  more 
 
 For  them  a  board  of  peace  or  joy ; 
 In  their  glad  fare  that  pleas' d  before 
 Let  lurking  sadness  still  annoy  ; 
 Their  wealth  itself  their  mirth  destroy. 
 
 23.  Quench'd  be  their  eyes  in  endless  night, 
 
 Let  their  bow'd  backs  with  terror  cower ; 
 
 24.  Expected  vengeance  still  affright 
 
 Their  troubled  souls  from  hour  to  hour, 
 
 And  Thy  stern  wrath  their  strength  o'erpow'r. 
 
 25.  0  be  their  dwelling  desolate, 
 
 Xor  home  be  there  by  wand'rer  found ; 
 
 26.  For  in  their  unrelenting  hate 
 
 They  press  Thy  wounded  saints  to  wound, 
 And  with  their  vexing  words  confound. 
 
IN  ENGLISH  YEBSE.  19? 
 
 27.  Tea,  let  them,  fall  in  sin  and  shame, 
 
 Nor  Thy  sweet  mercy's  comfort  see  ; 
 
 28.  Nor  in  Thy  book  of  life  their  name 
 
 Be  written,  as  the  just  shall  be, 
 Ordain' d  to  reign  in  bliss  with  Thee. 
 
 29.  But  as  for  me,  by  misery  worn, 
 
 Yet  shall  I  find  Thy  succour  nigh ; 
 Thy  strength  shall  raise  me  when  I  mourn, 
 
 30.  And  themes  of  thankful  songs  supply, 
 Songs  of  Thy  pow'r  so  great  and  high. 
 
 31.  Those  songs  Thy  service  more  adorn, 
 
 Than  bulls  prepar'd  for  sacrifice, 
 Pride  of  the  herd  with  hoofs  and  horn  ; 
 
 32.  Ye  meek  ones,  hear,  and  lift  your  eyes, 
 Heirs  of  a  life  that  never  dies. 
 
 33.  Seek,  seek  your  God,  who  hears  the  poor, 
 
 "Who  marks  His  saints  with  bondage  tried  ; 
 
 34.  That  mighty  Lord  let  heav'n  adore, 
 
 And  earth,  and  waters  rolling  wide, 
 And  all  that  moves  in  Ocean's  tide. 
 
 35.  For  God  will  guard  His  holy  hill, 
 
 And  Judah's  cities  rear  again ; 
 Our  streets  shall  peaceful  dwellers  fill  : 
 His  saints  who  love  Him  there  shall  reign, 
 And  see  their  seed  in  joy  remain. 
 
198  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 LXX. 
 
 1.  Lokd,  haste  to  shield  me  in  distress, 
 
 Uplift  me  with  Thy  succouring  arm ! 
 
 Let  them  with  shame  Thy  pow'r  confess, 
 
 "Who  doom  my  soul  to  endless  harm. 
 
 2.  O  turn  them,  Lord,  to  hasty  flight, 
 
 That  watch  my  ill  with  longing  eye  ; 
 
 3.  "With  shame  reward  their  fell  despite, 
 
 Who  shout  with  joy  when  low  I  lie. 
 
 4.  But  let  Thy  gladness  from  above 
 
 Beam  on  the  saints  who  seek  Thy  ways  ; 
 Let  them,  who  Thy  salvation  love, 
 
 Still  hymn  to  Thee  their  thankful  praise. 
 
 5.  WTith  anguish  tho'  my  spirit  bow, 
 
 Tet  God  on  me  hath  care  bestow' d ; 
 My  Helper  and  Deliverer  Thou, 
 Make  no  long  tarrying,  0  my  God. 
 
IN  ENGLISH  VEBSE.  199 
 
 LXXI. 
 
 In  Thee,  0  Lord,  I  trust ; 
 Defend  my  truth  from  shame ; 
 Eedeem  me,  grant  my  spirit  rest, 
 For  Thy  most  righteous  Name. 
 
 Incline  Thy  gracious  ear, 
 And  speedy  succour  send ; 
 Be  Thou  my  Hock  and  Strong  Abode, 
 To  shelter  and  defend. 
 
 Thy  promise  Thou  hast  pledg'd  ; 
 Thou  art  my  Eock  and  Tower : 
 O  let  me  dwell  secure  with  Thee 
 Prom  tyrants'  cruel  power. 
 
 For  Thou  hast  been  my  Hope 
 From  youth  to  manhood's  prime, 
 And  when  a  helpless  babe  I  lay, 
 Unheeding  life  or  time. 
 
 E'en  from  my  mother's  womb 
 Thy  mercy  set  me  free  ; 
 Thy  arm  upholds  me  ;  gracious  God, 
 My  praise  waits  still  on  Thee. 
 
200  THE   BOOK   OF  PSALMS 
 
 7.  Amazement  at  my  griefs 
 
 Has  seiz'd  the  careless  throng  ; 
 But  Thou  art  still  unchang'd,  with  Thee 
 I  know  my  Eefuge  strong. 
 
 8.  0  let  my  full  heart  speak 
 
 Thy  glorious  power  to  save 
 In  songs  at  dawn,  till  day  shall  set 
 Beneath  the  western  wave. 
 
 9.  O  cast  not  off  Thy  care 
 
 In  life's  uncheerful  days, 
 Forsake  me  not  in  weary  age, 
 
 "When,  man's  brief  strength  decays. 
 
 10.  For  why  ?  my  busy  foes 
 
 Are  watching  for  my  fall  : 
 One  hateful  spirit  guides  their  speech, 
 One  counsel  sways  them  all : 
 
 11.  "  Abandon' d  by  his  God," 
 
 They  say,  "  behold  him  lie  : 
 Come,  let  us  make  his  life  our  spoil, 
 While  none  to  help  is  nigh." 
 
 12.  My  God,  be  near  me  now ; 
 
 0  shield  me  with  Thine  arm  : 
 
 13.  Let  shame  and  ruin  seize  the  foes, 
 
 Who  seek  my  mortal  harm. 
 
IN  ENGLISH  VEESE.  201 
 
 14.  Hope  still  shall  stay  my  soul, 
 
 My  songs  unspent  shall  tell 
 
 15.  Thy  truth,  Whose  deeds  of  mercy  done 
 
 All  number's  pow'r  excel. 
 
 16.  Thy  strength,  Eternal  Name, 
 
 Shall  guard  and  guide  me  on  : 
 Where'er  I  go,  my  praise  shall  tell 
 Thy  righteous  truth  alone. 
 
 17.  My  soul  was  taught  by  Thee 
 
 In  childhood's  wondering  hour : 
 I  keep  the  lesson  yet,  and  live 
 To  speak  Thy  endless  pow'r. 
 
 18.  And  hear  me,  O  my  God, 
 
 O  hear  me,  when  I  pray, 
 That  ne'er  my  unregarded  age 
 May  feel  Thy  love's  decay  ; 
 
 But  with  my  hoary  hairs 
 
 Give  grace  to  praise  Thee  more, 
 Till  children's  children  learn  the  song, 
 And  Thy  dread  pow'r  adore. 
 
 19.  Thy  righteous  truth,  0  Lord, 
 
 As  heav'n,  Thy  throne,  is  high  : 
 With  Thy  Almighty  wonders  done 
 What  mortal  strength  may  vie  ? 
 
202 
 
 THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 20.  The  woes  Thou  bad'st  me  bear, 
 
 The  dying  spirit's  pain, 
 Were  harbingers  of  life  restor'd 
 From  earth's  dark  caves  again : 
 
 21.  Tea,  Thou  shalt  bid  me  live 
 
 As  souls  that  dwell  in  joy, 
 With  honours  from  Thy  hand,  and  peace 
 That  time  shall  ne'er  destroy. 
 
 22.  With  psaltery  and  with  harp 
 
 Thy  truth  my  voice  shall  sing, 
 And  hymn  the  holy  power  of  God, 
 The  might  of  Israel's  King. 
 
 23.  Glad  mercy  shall  unlock 
 
 My  lips  with  praise  to  flow ; 
 And  my  free  soul  shall  feel  more  joy 
 Than  ransom'd  captives  know. 
 
 24.  My  tongue  shall  tell  Thy  truth 
 
 From  morn  to  setting  day ; 
 For  shame,  o'erwhelming  shame,  is  theirs, 
 Who  seek  my  hope's  decay. 
 
IN  ENGLISH   YEKSE.  203 
 
 LXXII. 
 
 God,  to  whom  all  hearts  are  known, 
 To  the  King  Thy  judgments  give  ; 
 
 Arm  with  grace  th'  anointed  Son 
 In  Thy  truth  to  reign  and  live. 
 
 Then  with  godlike  righteousness 
 He  shall  give  Thy  people  laws, 
 
 Eight  defend,  and  wrong  redress, 
 Guard  the  needy  sufFrer's  cause. 
 
 Thro'  the  mountain-holds  of  war, 
 Lawless  discord  then  shall  cease  : 
 
 Hills  their  quiet  fronts  shall  rear, 
 Beacons  of  the  reign  of  peace. 
 
 He  shall  save  the  sons  of  woe, 
 
 Shield  the  simple  souls  from  wrong, 
 
 Lay  th'  oppressor's  fury  low, 
 Tho'  his  arm  of  pride  be  strong. 
 
 Men  shall  fear  Thee,  while  the  sun, 
 And  the  moon  with  dewy  ray, 
 
 To  long  ages,  as  they  run, 
 
 Bring  returning  night  and  day. 
 
204  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  Welcome  shall  His  coming  be, 
 
 "Welcome,  as  the  suminer-show'r, 
 Dropping  where  the  new-shorn  lea 
 Droops  beneath  the  noontide's  pow'r. 
 
 7.  Righteous  Truth  shall  flourish  then, 
 
 While  He  holds  His  stedfast  reign : 
 
 Plenteous  Peace  shall  dwell  with  men, 
 
 Long  as  moons  shall  wax  and  wane. 
 
 8.  Ocean's  shores  shall  all  be  won, 
 
 Furthest  lands  His  realm  shall  be, 
 Where  the  ancient  rivers  run 
 From  their  fountains  to  the  sea. 
 
 9.  Tribes  that  dwell  in  desert  wild 
 
 Bending  low  their  Lord  shall  greet : 
 Foes  bj  mercy  reconciTd 
 
 Kiss  the  dust  beneath  His  feet. 
 
 10.  Kings  from  Tarsis'  golden  shore, 
 
 Island-kings,  their  gifts  shall  bring ; 
 Sheba's  spice,  Arabia's  ore, 
 
 Borne  by  kings  shall  grace  our  King. 
 
 11.  Tea,  to  Him  all  kings  shall  bow 
 
 At  His  high  and  solemn  throne  ; 
 All  earth's  tribes  their  Lord  shall  know, 
 All  His  rightful  service  own. 
 
IN  ENGLISH   VEKSE.  205 
 
 12,13.  He  shall  save  the  sons  of  want, 
 
 Hear  the  helpless  sufferers'  pray'r ; 
 With  the  grace  His  love  shall  grant 
 Turn  to  joy  their  hearts'  despair. 
 
 14.  He  shall  scatter  fraud  and  wrong, 
 
 Simple  souls  shall  guard  with  right ; 
 Keep  their  lives  with  safeguard  strong, 
 Dear  in  their  Deliverer's  sight. 
 
 15.  Living  Lord!  to  Him  be  paid 
 
 Blest  Arabia's  sands  of  gold  : 
 Pray'r  to  speed  His  reign  be  made  ! 
 Daily  be  His  glories  told ! 
 
 16.  High  upon  the  mountain-brow, 
 
 "Where  the  scantiest  crops  had  grown, 
 Waving  fields  shall  spring  and  blow 
 Thick  as  trees  on  Lebanon  : 
 
 And  the  cities,  rich  with  peace, 
 Shall  with  peopled  streets  abound, 
 
 Joyous,  as  in  Spring's  increase 
 
 Elow'ring  grass  that  clothes  the  ground. 
 
 17.  He  shall  reign  from  East  to  West, 
 
 With  the  sun  the  world  possess : 
 Tribes  and  tongues,  whom  He  hath  bless'd, 
 Him  with  answering  praise  shall  bless. 
 
206 
 
 THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 18.  Ever  blest  be  Israel's  Lord, 
 
 Who  alone  hath  wonders  done ! 
 Be  His  glorious  Name  ador'd, 
 "While  unnumber'd  ages  run  ! 
 
 19.  Blest  for  ever  be  our  God  ! 
 
 Be  His  glory  shewn  to  men 
 Wide  as  earth  is  spread  abroad  ! 
 Speed  the  pray'r,  Amen,  Amen ! 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEBSE.  207 
 
 LXXIII. 
 
 1.  Thy  goodness,  Lord,  to  Israel's  sons 
 
 For  ever  honour' d  be  ; 
 Thy  goodness  to  the  souls  that  trust 
 "With  pure  intent  in  Thee  ! 
 
 2.  Tet  while  the  faith  was  faint  and  frail, 
 
 That  should  have  been  my  guide, 
 Like  men  that  walk  in  slipp'ry  paths, 
 My  feet  began  to  slide0. 
 
 3.  For  why  ?  I  grudg'd  to  see  the  proud 
 
 Their  prosp'rous  state  prolong, 
 
 4.  Unharm'd  by  binding  pains  of  death, 
 
 In  life's  firm  fulness  strong. 
 
 5.  The  troubles  of  our  mortal  state 
 
 Have  pass'd  them  harmless  by ; 
 The  plagues  that  light  on  other  men 
 To  them  approach  not  nigh. 
 
 6.  For  this  their  dazzling  chains  of  pride 
 
 Around  their  necks  they  bear  : 
 The  mien  of  haughty  violence 
 Is  in  the  garb  they  wear. 
 
 e  From  the  Paraphrase  of  Lord  Surrey. 
 
208  TIIE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 7.    Their  full  eyes  swoln  with  wild  excess 
 All  modest  truth  outbrave  : 
 TJncheck'd  their  thoughts  rush  out,  wkate'er 
 Their  tyrant  lusts  may  crave. 
 
 8._  They  vaunt  their  base  corruptions  loud 
 With  gestures  bold  and  high, 
 And  threat,  as  tho'  the  thunder  spoke 
 Beneath  the  troubled  sky. 
 
 9.    Against  the  highest  throne  of  heav'n 
 Defiance  they  have  hurl'd  ; 
 And  with  their  fierce  imperious  tongue 
 Usurp  this  nether  world. 
 
 10.  And  thus  are  simple  souls  beguiTd, 
 
 In  fraudful  arts  untried, 
 And  drink  with  all  their  eager  thirst 
 The  flowing  draughts  of  pride  : 
 
 11.  Till,  passing  on  to  bolder  guilt, 
 
 God's  care  their  lips  deny  ; 
 How  should  our  acts  engage  His  thoughts, 
 Whose  home  is  far  on  high  ? 
 
 12.  Such  is  the  prosperous  state  of  men, 
 
 Sworn  foes  to  truth  and  peace ; 
 Their  course  they  hold  hxease  secure, 
 Their  guilty  stores  increase. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  209 
 
 IS.     Then  said  I,  Yain  is  all  my  care, 
 That  would  my  heart  sustain 
 In  strength  of  pure  desires,  and  wash 
 My  hands  from  sinful  stain  : 
 
 14.  Still  am  I  scourg'd,  without  offence, 
 
 "With  daily  griefs  out-worn  ; 
 And  chastisements  unceasing  come 
 With  each  return  of  morn. 
 
 15.  But  then  I  school' d  my  soul's  unrest : 
 
 If  such  my  thought  should  be, 
 My  hasty  murmurings,  O  my  God, 
 Had  wrong' d  Thy  saints  and  Thee. 
 
 16.  Thus,  Lord,  my  harass'd  soul  was  toss'd 
 
 In  musings  to  and  fro  ; 
 Ko  wit  of  mine  could  pierce  so  far 
 Thy  secret  dooms  to  knowd  : 
 
 17.  Till  to  Thy  holy  place  I  came ; 
 
 Thy  Spirit  then  my  Guide 
 Unveil' d  Thy  awful  judgments'  depths, 
 And  taught  the  end  of  pride  : 
 
 18.  How  all  the  guilty  wealth  they  rear 
 
 Is  like  the  dangerous  wall, 
 That  on  the  shelving  precipice 
 Stands  trembling  to  its  fall : 
 
 d  Surrey. 
 P 
 
210  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 19.  And  when  Thy  voice  the  sentence  gives, 
 
 Before  a  moment's  thought 
 The  terror  comes,  and  they  are  left 
 Among  the  things  of  nought. 
 
 20.  As  when  some  fond  deluding  dream 
 
 Has  with  the  senses  play'd, 
 So  from  the  peopled  haunts  of  men 
 Their  shadowy  glories  fade. 
 
 21.  So  did  I  with  consuming  thoughts 
 
 My  goaded  spirit  load, 
 
 22.  Like  the  dumb  beast  to  reason  lost, 
 
 In  presence  of  my  God. 
 
 23.  Yet  still  I  held  on  Thee,  and  Thou 
 
 Wast  near,  my  Hope  and  Stay, 
 Thy  right  hand  strengthening  still  my  steps 
 In  life's  entangled  way. 
 
 24.  Tea,  Thou  with  wisdom's  light  serene 
 
 Wilt  ever  guide  me  on, 
 And,  all  my  trials  past,  wilt  greet 
 Before  Thy  glory-throne. 
 
 25.  For  whom  have  I  in  heav'n,  but  Thee, 
 
 On  whom  my  hope  may  rest  ? 
 What  help  on  earth  to  seek,  if  once 
 With  Thy  protection  blest  ? 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  211 
 
 26.     My  trembling  flesh  and  aching  heart 
 Their  weakness  still  deplore  : 
 But  Thou,  Lord,  art  my  weak  heart's  strength, 
 3Iv  portion  evermore. 
 
 27".     The  proud  and  vain,  who  stray  from  Thee, 
 Shall  soon  in  death  descend ; 
 Divided  in  their  spirit's  love, 
 Deep  ruin  waits  their  end : 
 
 28.     Whilst,  taught  by  Thee  my  own  true  good, 
 I  seek  Thy  holy  place, 
 And  my  full  heart  shall  speak  in  songs 
 The  wonders  of  Thy  grace. 
 
212  THE    BOOK   OP   PSALMS 
 
 LXXIY. 
 
 1 .  A^d  are  we,  Lord,  cast  off  to  die, 
 
 Whom  once  Thy  pitying  Spirit  led  ? 
 To  pine,  as  flocks  in  desert  dry, 
 
 "Who  in  Thy  bounteous  pastures  fed  ? 
 
 Shall  Thy  fierce  wrath  for  ever  burn  ? 
 
 2.  Shall  they,  whom  once  Thine  arm  set  free, 
 Again  in  iron  bondage  mourn, 
 
 In  anguish,  unredeeni'd  by  Thee  ?, 
 
 Eemember,  when  of  yore  Thy  hand 
 Put  on  its  strength  our  tribes  to  save, 
 
 Thy  lore  to  Jacob  gave  this  land, 
 Thine  own  great  Kame  to  Zion  gave. 
 
 •3.     Haste,  haste  Thy  steps,  ere  all  be  laid 
 In  ruin'd  heaps  to  rise  no  more : 
 Thy  house  Thy  foes  their  spoil  have  made, 
 
 4.  And  there  like  famish'd  lions  roar. 
 
 There  o'er  Thy  temple-courts  they  rear 
 For  signs  their  conquering  standards  high : 
 
 5.  And  reckless,  as  in  forest  drear, 
 
 Their  craft  the  busy  woodmen  ply, 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VERSE.  213 
 
 G.     So  break  they  down  with  axe  and  mace 
 The  carved  cedar  wrought  so  fair : 
 
 7.  Strange  fire  defiles  the  holy  place, 
 
 And  heaps  the  walls  in  ruin  bare. 
 
 8.  "  Let  all  be  waste,"  the  spoilers  cry ; 
 
 Fierce  are  the  hearts  that  prompt  the  words  : 
 Through  all  our  land  in  ashes  lie 
 
 The  houses  that  were  once  the  Lord's. 
 
 9.  The  signs,  which  told  that  God  was  near, 
 
 The  prophets'  visions,  all  are  past ; 
 No  knowledge  guides  the  heaven-taught  seer 
 To  warn  how  long  these  woes  shall  last. 
 
 10.  Just  God,  how  long  shall  foes  to  peace 
 
 Oppress  our  suffering  souls  with  shame  ? 
 When  shall  their  proud  revilings  cease, 
 
 Their  taunts  that  wound  Thy  sacred  Name  ? 
 
 11.  Why,  as  within  his  vestment's  fold 
 
 His  arm  a  resting  warrior  lays, 
 Dost  Thou  Thine  arm's  defence  withhold, 
 While  all  around  the  spoiler  preys  ? 
 
 1 2.  For  Thou  art  King :  we  felt  of  yore 
 
 Thy  saving  strength  amidst  our  land; 
 
 13.  And  where  the  seas  with  sudden  roar 
 
 Were  parted  by  Thy  mighty  hand ; 
 
16. 
 
 \1. 
 
 18. 
 
 19. 
 
 THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 Where  men,  like  dragons  fierce  of  mood, 
 Struck  down  amidst  the  waters  died   ' 
 
 Those  crested  heads  of  serpent's  brood^ 
 Who  Thine  almighty  wrath  defied. 
 
 14.     Leviathan,  his  pride  defac'd, 
 
 Lay  stranded  with  the  nameless  dead  • 
 The  hungry  tribes  that  roam  the  waste  ' 
 Upon  those  batter'd  corpses  fed. 
 
 1 5.     Thy  grace  unbarr'd  the  fountain-head, 
 And  floods  unseen  by  mortal  eve :  ' 
 When  Thy  dread  voice  the  mandate  gave, 
 The  rain-swoln  river's  bed  was  dry". 
 
 The  day  is  Thine,  the  night  is  Thine; 
 
 The  light,  the  sun,  Thy  voice  obey  • 
 Thy  bounds  the  sea-girt  earth  confine, 
 
 The  winter-night,  and  summer's  day. 
 
 Just  God,  the  Judge  of  all  below, 
 Regard  the  scorner's  hateful  tongue, 
 
 Regard  the  vain  and  impious  foe, 
 
 Bold  in  rash  words  Thy  truth  to  wrong. 
 
 Thy  turtle-dove,  that  knew  Thy  voice 
 Taught  near  Thy  hallow'd  home  to  stay 
 
 0  save  her  life  amidst  the  noise 
 Of  ruthless  fowlers  arm'd  to  slay. 
 
 '  Jos.  iii.  15. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VERSE.  215 
 
 20.  Forget  not,  Lord,  the  poor  too  long ; 
 
 Thy  plighted  truth,  O  guard  it  well ; 
 
 For  earth's  abodes  are  dark  with  wrone, 
 
 "WTiere  cruel  men  and  tyrants  dwell. 
 
 21.  Let  not  th'  oppress' d  return  with  shame, 
 
 Let  souls  enthrall' d  Thy  mercy  know : 
 
 22.  Maintain  Thine  Own  eternal  Name, 
 
 And  still  the  mad  blaspheming  foe. 
 
 23.  Forget  not,  Lord,  their  cries  of  rage, 
 
 Their  thoughts  of  pride  to  fear  unknown : 
 The  tumult  of  the  fools,  that  wage 
 Wild  war  against  th*  Eternal  Throne. 
 
215  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 LXXV.f 
 
 1.  Befoke  Thy  presence,  Lord,  we  come, 
 
 For  Thee  our  praise  prepare ; 
 The  near  defence  of  Thy  great  Name 
 Thy  mighty  works  declare. 
 
 2.  I  wait  th'  appointed  time  from  Thee, 
 
 It  shall  not  linger  long, 
 "When  I  shall  judge  the  righteous  cause, 
 And  shield  the  meek  from  wrong. 
 
 3.  Earth  melts  away,  earth's  dwellers  faint, 
 
 Their  strength  is  all  o'erthrown  ; 
 Earth's  solid  pillars  trembling  stand, 
 Upheld  by  me  alone. 
 
 4.  I  spake  unto  the  mad  ones,  Check 
 
 The  madness  of  your  scorn ; 
 And  to  the  proud  ones,  Bend  your  pride, 
 That  rears  its  angry  horn ; 
 
 5.  Bow  down  that  sullen  pride,  that  rears 
 
 Its  haughty  crest  so  high ; 
 [Restrain  that  neck  untam'd,  so  prompt 
 To  question  and  reply. 
 
 *  This  Psalm  is  probably,  like  the  next  following,  of  the  time  of  Heze- 
 kiah,  and  he  speaks  in  it,  but  with  words  to  be  understood  prophetically, 
 of  One  greater  than  himself. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  217 
 
 6.  For  not  from  Eastern  climes,  or  isles 
 
 Beyond  the  Western  tide, 
 Or  where  the  Southern  sun-beams  fall 
 On  moorlands  waste  and  wide, 
 
 7.  Comes  height  of  pow'r  and  mast'ring  sway  : 
 
 Just  God  is  Judge  alone ; 
 His  doom  appoints  the  captive's  cell, 
 Or  builds  the  conqueror's  throne. 
 
 8.  A  cup  is  in  the  hand  of  God ; 
 
 Eed  glows  the  wine  within : 
 His  doom  for  sinners'  lips  prepares 
 The  penal  draught  of  sin. 
 
 The  madness  of  their  triumph  past, 
 
 The  grief  and  fear  remain  : 
 "With  trembling  heart  condemn' d  they  drink 
 
 The  palling  dregs  of  pain. 
 
 9.  But  I,  while  time's  long  years  shall  flow, 
 
 Will  tell  His  truth  abroad, 
 
 And  with  unwearied  lips  declare 
 
 The  praise  of  Jacob's  God. 
 
 10.     And  I  will  break  the  horn  of  pride, 
 That  would  all  law  defy  : 
 The  horn  of  righteous  pow'r  alone 
 Shall  rise  and  rule  on  high. 
 
218  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 LXXVL* 
 
 I-         Judah,  the  God  whom  thy  fathers  ador'd, 
 He  is  the  Conqueror,  He  is  the  Lord. 
 
 2.  Great  is  His  glcry,  all  glory  excelling, 
 
 Declare  it  in  Salem,  the  home  of  His  rest, 
 Declare  it  in  Zion,  the  mount  of  His  dwelling, 
 The  fort  that  His  love  hath  with  victory 
 
 blest. 
 Judah,  the  God  whom  thy  fathers  ador'd, 
 He  is  the  Conqueror,  He  is  the  Lord. 
 
 3.  Where  are  the  spoilers  ?     O  where  is  their 
 
 pride  ? 
 Theirs,  who  the  might  of  His  glory  defied  ? 
 Far  o'er  the  field  their  dead  corpses  are  lying, 
 All  scatter' d  their  arrows,  and  broken  their 
 bow; 
 Where  sword  and  bright  buckler  were  grasp'd 
 by  the  dying, 
 The  voice  of  the  night-wind  breathes  lonely 
 
 and  low. 
 God  of  our  fathers,  our  Eefuge  alone, 
 Thine  is  the  praise  of  the  victory  won. 
 
 h  A  Psalm  of  Thanksgiving  on  the  overthrow  of  Sennacherib. 
 
IS   E^GLISn   YEBSE.  219 
 
 Lord,  in  the  day  of  Thy  glory  and  power, 
 How  vain  is  the  strength  of  the  robbers' 
 hill-tow'r ! 
 "W~here   the  stout-hearted  ?  the  host  without 
 number  ? 
 The  hands  never  weary  in  grasping  the  prey  ? 
 All  spoil'd   of  their  spoils,  Death  has  lull'd 
 them  in  slumber, 
 ]STo  more  to  awake  at  the  dawning  of  day. 
 Lord,  at  Thy  chiding  their  vaunts  were  dis- 
 
 may'd, 
 And  rider  and  steed  in  Death's  slumber  are 
 laid. 
 
 7.  God  of  our  fathers,  we  praise  Thee  in  fear  : 
 O    who   in   Thy  wrath   shall   before   Thee 
 
 appear  ? 
 
 8.  "Wliere  the  fierce  heathen  Thine  anger  was 
 
 scorning, 
 On  high  the  dread  voice  of  Thy  judgment 
 was  heard  ; 
 Earth  trembling  in  silence  lay  hush'd  at  the 
 warning, 
 
 9.  Joy  mov'd  the  meek  hearts  that  had  watch'd 
 
 for  Thy  word. 
 10.         Lord,  to  Thy  glory  man's  fierceness  shall 
 turn, 
 Like  spoils  of  the  vanquish'd  by  conquerors 
 worn. 
 
220  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 11.  Ye,  who  to  God  in  His  dwelling  draw  near, 
 0  pay  your  glad  vows,  when  our  tidings  y  e 
 
 hear. 
 
 12.  Lo!   howT   the   threats   of  proud   princes   re- 
 
 straining, 
 As  vine-dressers  tame  the  wild  growth  of 
 
 the  vine, 
 His  arm  is  exalted  in  majesty  reigning, 
 
 And   kings  to  His  might  all  their  glories 
 
 resign. 
 Bring  your  glad  presents,  for  judgment  is 
 
 near, 
 And  worship  the  God  Who  is  worthy  your 
 
 fear. 
 
13"   ENGLISH   VERSE.  221 
 
 LXXVII. 
 
 1.  My  voice  to  God  with  earnest  cries 
 
 Shall  tell  the  grief  I  bear  ; 
 My  voice  shall  rise  before  His  throne, 
 And  He  shall  hear  my  pray'r, 
 
 2.  In  anguish  I  have  sought  the  Lord  ; 
 
 My  hands  all  weak  with  woe 
 All  night  in  ceaseless  pray'r  I  raise ; 
 My  soul  no  rest  can  know. 
 
 3.  I  think  of  God  ;  but  pain  o'erwhelms 
 
 The  thoughts  that  heav'nward  rise ; 
 My  spirit  only  speaks  in  moans, 
 My  hope  within  me  dies. 
 
 4.  A  terror  of  Thy  chast'ning  wrath 
 
 "Withholds  mine  eyes  from  sleep  ; 
 And  sorrows,  passing  pow'r  of  words, 
 My  lips  in  silence  keep. 
 
 5.  I  ponder  on  the  days  long  past, 
 
 Which  stor'd  in  memory  dwell, 
 Those  ancient  years,  whose  records  old 
 Our  sires  to  children  tell. 
 
222  TUE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 0.     I  cull  to  mind,  how  once  in  joy- 
 By  night  I  pour'd  my  song : 
 I  commune  with  my  heart,  and  search 
 The  thoughts  that  in  me  throng. 
 
 7.  Will  God  for  ever  cast  away 
 
 The  souls  He  once  held  dear? 
 Xo  more  with  His  returning  love 
 Our  sad  entreaties  hear? 
 
 8.  "What !  is  His  mercy  number' d  now 
 
 "With  things  for  ever  past  ? 
 And  shall  His  faithful  promise  fail, 
 Whose  days  the  world  outlast  ? 
 
 9.  Hath  He,  the  God  of  endless  grace, 
 
 Left  off  His  grace  to  shew  ? 
 Or  in  His  anger  seal'd  the  fount 
 From  whence  all  mercies  flow  ? 
 
 10.  My  soul  makes  answer,  This  my  doubt 
 
 From  mortal  weakness  springs  : 
 Time  cannot  change  th'  Eternal's  years, 
 Th'  unchanging  King  of  kings. 
 
 11.  His  wond'rous  acts  and  works  of  old 
 
 Shall  in  my  memory  dwell : 
 
 12.  On  them  my  heart  shall  meditate, 
 
 Their  praise  my  tongue  shall  tell. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   VEESE.  223 
 
 13.  In  all  Thy  counsels,  God  of  truth, 
 
 Thy  holy  tokens  shine  : 
 0  where  shall  man  a  helper  find, 
 Whose  arm  is  like  to  Thine  ? 
 
 14.  Thou  didst  of  old  Thy  glorious  might 
 
 To  heathen  tribes  make  known ; 
 
 15.  The  seed  of  Jacob,  Joseph's  sons, 
 
 Safe  guarding  for  Thine  own. 
 
 16.  The  waters  saw  and  knew  their  God; 
 
 In  haste  they  fled  afraid  ; 
 The  weltering  floods  in  Ocean's  bed 
 Their  floor  all  naked  laid. 
 
 1 7.  The  clouds  rush'd  down  in  echoing  show'rs ; 
 
 A  deep  and  solemn  sound 
 Was  heard,  while  thro'  the  welkin  fell 
 Thy  gleaming  arrows  round. 
 
 18.  Thy  voice  in  eddying  thunders  roll'd, 
 
 The  ligli  tilings  far  and  near 
 Lit  up  the  wide  earth's  breast,  and  shook 
 The  solid  world  with  fear. 
 
 19.  Thy  way  is  in  th'  unfathom'd  sea  ; 
 
 Their  Maker's  steps  alone 
 Can  walk  th'  abyss  of  mighty  waves, 
 To  mortal  gaze  unknown. 
 
224  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 20.     There  didst  Thou  guide  Thy  chosen  flock 
 To  cross  th'  untrodden  sand, 
 By  Moses  and  by  Aaron  led 
 Beneath  their  Shepherd's  hand. 
 
IS  ENGLISH   TERSE.  225 
 
 LXXVIIL* 
 
 1.  Hear,  O  my  people ;  to  my  words 
 
 In  Kst'ning  silence  bend: 
 
 Let  doctrine,  like  a  law  of  life, 
 
 Into  your  hearts  descend. 
 
 2.  Deep  wisdom  veiFd  in  parables 
 
 My  tongue  shall  now  unfold ; 
 And  pour,  as  from  a  welling  fount, 
 Dark  riddles  heard  of  old, 
 
 3.  The  stories  of  an  age  long-past, 
 
 Which  we  have  heard  and  known, 
 The  witness  our  old  fathers  gave 
 Of  God's  deliverance  shown. 
 
 4.  "We  will  not  hide  the  mighty  truth, 
 
 But  tell,  from  sire  to  son, 
 The  praises  of  the  Lord  our  Strength, 
 The  wonders  He  hath  done. 
 
 5.  Our  God  hath  will'd,  that  of  His  works 
 
 The  record  should  abide, 
 And  bade  our  fathers  by  that  lore 
 Their  children's  steps  to  guide : 
 
 1  A  Psalm  of  the  age  of  David,  and  composed,  as  the  title  implies,  by 
 the  famous  Asaph,  not,  as  some  which  have  the  name  prefixed,  by  a  later 
 Psalmist.— Hengstenberg. 
 
 Q 
 
228  THE    BOOK   OP    PSALMS 
 
 6.  That  so  their  heirs  in  time  to  come 
 
 Like  wisdom  might  adorn  ; 
 And  they  too  hand  the  doctrine  down 
 To  offspring  yet  nnborn. 
 
 7.  That  they  in  God  might  fix  their  hope, 
 
 Obey  whate'er  He  bade, 
 2s  or  let  His  wondrous  works  o'erpast 
 From  their  remembrance  fade  : 
 
 8.  "Nov  be  as  their  forefathers  were, 
 
 Of  faithless  stubborn  mood, 
 Of  hearts  unready,  unresolv'd, 
 Unstedfast  to  their  God. 
 
 1).     Like  Ephraim's  sons,  who,  arm'd  for  war, 
 And  train' d  to  bend  the  bow, 
 In  day  of  battle  turn'd  their  back, 
 And  fled  the  coming  foe. 
 
 10.  They  brake  their  holy  league  with  God, 
 
 Eejected  His  command; 
 
 1 1.  Forgat  His  wondrous  signs,  and  deeds 
 
 Of  His  almighty  hand  : 
 
 1 2.  "What  marvels  in  their  fathers'  sight 
 
 His  arm,  in  pow'r  reveal" d, 
 Had  wrought  in  Egypt's  hateful  land, 
 And  Zoaii's  palmy  field. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  227 
 
 13.     He  cleft  the  sea,  and  bade  the  waves 
 
 Before  their  feet  retire  ; 
 Ih     Led  them  by  day  with  pillar' d  cloud, 
 
 By  night  with  light  of  fire  : 
 
 15.     Riv'd  the  hard  rocks  amidst  the  waste, 
 
 And  from  their  stony  urn 
 10.     Gave  rills  to  cool  His  people's  thirst, 
 
 As  from  a  flowing  bourn. 
 
 17.  Tet  heap'd  they  sins  on  sins,  ere  yet 
 
 Those  desert  sands  were  past, 
 Provoking  His  majestic  might, 
 AVho  led  them  thro*  the  waste. 
 
 18.  They  sought  for  flesh  to  glut  their  lust, 
 
 And,  lost  to  holy  dread, 
 
 19.  "  Shall  God,"  they  said,  "  in  hungry  wilds 
 
 The  plenteous  table  spread  ? 
 
 20.  "  'Tis  true,  He  smote  the  rock,  and  streams 
 
 Gush'd  down  its  flinty  side : 
 But  can  He  give  His  people  bread, 
 Or  flesh  for  food  provide  ?" 
 
 21.  God  heard  it,  and  on  Jacob's  sons 
 
 His  fury  glow'd  like  flame ; 
 And  fierce  on  Israel's  faithless  tribes 
 His  wrath  in  terror  came : 
 
22S  THE    BOOK   OF   PSAI/MS 
 
 22.  Because,  untaught  by  mercies  shown, 
 
 Their  fearful  hearts  misgave, 
 Kor  trusted  His  all-ruling  strength 
 To  succour  still  and  save. 
 
 23.  He  bade  the  welkin  from  above 
 
 Unbar  its  secret  doors, 
 And  rolling  clouds  from  heav'n  to  earth 
 
 Bain  down  their  living  stores. 
 
 24.  The  manna  dropp'd  like  dew,  and  brought 
 
 To  men  the  bread  of  heav'n  : 
 
 25.  Food  from  the  realm  where  angels  dwell 
 
 To  feed  their  want  was  giv'n. 
 
 26.  Forth  at  His  call  the  east-wind  blew, 
 
 The  south- wind  felt  His  pow'r ; 
 
 27.  Flesh  rain  d  like  dust,  and  fowls  on  wing 
 
 Fell  round  like  sandy  show'r. 
 
 28.  "Within  their  camp,  about  their  tent 
 
 The  plenteous  fare  was  strown ; 
 
 29.  They  ate  to  full  contentment  fed, 
 
 Their  heart's  desire  was  won. 
 
 30,31.     But  while  they  fed,  God's  speedy  wrath 
 Chastis'd  those  souls  untrue, 
 Struck  down  the  pride  of  Israel's  youth, 
 Their  doughtiest  champions  slew. 
 
I1ST   ENGLISH   TERSE.  229 
 
 32.  Yet  still  they  sinn'd,  unwarn'd  by  ill, 
 
 JSTor  gave  His  works  belief: 
 
 33.  Till  God  in  helpless  toil  consum'd 
 
 Their  days,  their  years  in  grief. 
 
 34.  Then,  when  He  slew  them,  they  return' d, 
 
 And  rais'd  to  Him  their  cry, 
 
 35.  Kemember'd  their  Salvation's  Eock, 
 
 Their  Helper,  God  most  high. 
 
 36.  But  'twas  lip-flattery  all ;  their  heart 
 
 Their  faithless  tongue  belied : 
 
 37.  Unstable,  in  His  holy  truth 
 
 Unpractis'd  to  abide. 
 
 38.  Oft  full  of  mercy,  He  forgave 
 
 Their  sins,  and  did  not  slay ; 
 
 39.  Oft  pass'd  His  anger  by,  and  bade 
 
 His  rising  fury  stay. 
 
 40.  His  love  bethought,  how  frail  their  flesh, 
 
 Their  breath  of  life,  how  vain, 
 Like  passing  wind,  that  flits  away, 
 And  ne'er  returns  again. 
 
 41.  Amidst  the  howling  wilderness 
 
 In  many  an  evil  hour 
 They  turn'd  to  tempt  the  living  God, 
 The  Might  of  Israel's  pow'r: 
 
230  TIIE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 42.  Forgetful  how  His  glorious  hand 
 
 Had  been  their  strength  and  shield, 
 
 43.  "With  wonders  wrought  in  Egypt's  land, 
 
 And  Zoan's  palmy  field  : 
 
 4 1.     How  He  had  made  His  terrors  known 
 In  Xile's  deep-rolling  flood, 
 And  turn'd  those  waters  sweet  to  taste 
 To  rankest  streams  of  blood. 
 
 45.  Devouring  flies  He  sent  in  swarms, 
 
 And  frogs  to  plague  their  soil ; 
 
 46.  The  harmful  worm  and  locust  ate 
 
 The  increase  of  their  toil. 
 
 47.  Storms  broke  their  vines,  sharp  frosts  destroy'd 
 
 The  shady  sycamore ; 
 43.     Hail  smote  their  herds,  their  flocks  in  field 
 His  fiery  thunders  tore. 
 
 49.  He  bade  the  fierceness  of  His  wrath 
 
 Uncheck'd  its  course  to  keep ; 
 And  sent  to  vex  their  troubled  souls 
 Dark  angels  from  the  deep. 
 
 50.  He  gave  the  reins  to  anger's  force, 
 
 Nor  spard  their  souls  from  death  : 
 
 But  closed  them  in,  a  prey,  to  breathe 
 
 The  red  Plague's  wasting  breath. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  231 
 
 51.  And  smote  wide  Egypt's  eldest-born; 
 
 Struck  down  at  dead  of  night 
 Cold  in  the  tents  of  Mizraim  lay 
 The  hope  of  all  their  might. 
 
 52.  But  with  the  morn  His  own,  like  sheep, 
 
 He  led  from  their  distress  ; 
 His  flock  with  Him  their  Shepherd  cross'd 
 The  pathless  wilderness. 
 
 53.  Safely  He  led  them  on  their  way 
 
 From  fear  and  danger  free  ; 
 And  whelm'cl  the  foes  that  sought  their  harm 
 Beneath  the  surging  sea. 
 
 54.  He  brought  them  to  His  holy  bound, 
 
 His  sacred  mount  and  throne, 
 The  ground  which  His  victorious  hand 
 Had  purchas'd  for  His  own. 
 
 55.  His  pow'r  the  heathen  dispossess'd ; 
 
 The  homes  that  once  were  theirs, 
 Their  tents  and  lands,  by  lot  assign  d 
 To  rest  with  Israel's  heirs. 
 
 56.  Yet  tempted  they  their  Mightiest  God, 
 
 Thought  scorn  His  truth  to  know  ; 
 
 57.  Chang* d  from  their  bent,  as  chang'd  their  sires, 
 
 Talse  as  a  warping  bow. 
 
232  THE    BOOK    OT    PSALMS 
 
 58.     Their  altars  on  the  mountains  rear'd, 
 Fed  with  unhallow'd  fire, 
 Their  idol-gods  of  wood  and  stone, 
 Provok'd  His  jealous  ire. 
 
 59,60.     He  heard  their  idol-vows  ;  His  truth, 
 With  deep  abhorrence  mov'd, 
 Abandon* d  to  profaning  war 
 The  tents  He  once  had  lov'd. 
 
 61.  From  Shilo's  hill  He  doom'd  His  Ark 
 
 A  captive  spoil  should  go, 
 
 62.  His  sacred  strength  to  heathen  hands, 
 
 His  glory  to  the  foe. 
 
 63.  He  laid  His  people  low  in  death 
 
 Beneath  the  conqueror's  sword, 
 And  on  His  chosen  heritage 
 His  wrathful  vengeance  pour'd. 
 
 64.  Fire  took  their  youth  ;  no  songs  were  heard 
 
 In  maiden's  wedding-train : 
 
 65.  Their  priests  had  fall'n;  nor  widows  mourn' d 
 
 The  funerals  of  the  slain. 
 
 66.  Then  wak'd  the  Lord  of  hosts  in  strength 
 
 Of  majesty  divine  : 
 No  giant  springs  so  strong  from  sleep, 
 Or  reinforc-d  by  wine. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   VEESE.  233 
 
 67.  His  foes,  embolden' d  in  their  pride, 
 
 His  arm  of  vengeance  found, 
 And  smote  them,  where  perpetual  shame 
 Might  fix  the  rankling  wound. 
 
 68.  Thenceforth  no  more  with  Joseph's  sons 
 
 He  found  a  place  approv'd; 
 
 69.  But  chose  in  Judah  Zion's  hill, 
 
 The  mount  which  He  hath  lov'd. 
 
 70.  And  there  His  Temple's  walls  He  rear'd, 
 
 And  built  His  palace  high, 
 On  groundworks  deep,  as  firmly  set 
 Earth's  strong  foundations  lie. 
 
 71.  And  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  one 
 
 He  chose  the  crown  to  wear, 
 E'en  David,  while  the  fleecy  flocks 
 AVere  yet  his  youthful  care. 
 
 72.  Thence,  while  the  teeming  ewes  he  watch' d, 
 
 He  brought  him  forth  to  feed 
 His  own  inheritance,  the  flocks 
 Of  Jacob's  chosen  seed. 
 
 73.  He  fed  them,  God's  own  shepherd-king, 
 
 Erom  God's  appointed  hour; 
 And  rul'd  with  faithful  heart  and  true, 
 "While  prudence  temper' d  pow'r. 
 
234  THE   BOOK   Or   PSALMS 
 
 LXXIX. 
 
 0  God,  the  heathen  close  us  round ; 
 TJnaw'd  they  overleap  the  bound, 
 
 "Where  Thou  Thy  holiest  home  hast  made : 
 Sad  Salem,  once  with  glory  crown' d, 
 
 Is  now  in  wrecks  and  ruin  laid. 
 
 The  bodies  of  Thy  servants  slain 
 Are  strown  amidst  the  battle-plain 
 
 To  gorge  the  vulture's  famish' d  brood  : 
 Thy  slaughter' d  saints,  0  sight  of  pain  ! 
 
 Are  torn,  the  wolves'  and  foxes'  food. 
 
 The  blood  of  dying  and  of  dead, 
 Like  unregarded  water  shed, 
 
 Thro'  Salem's  streets  is  streaming  far  : 
 Hard  is  their  flinty  funeral-bed, 
 
 No  pitying  hands  their  grave  prepare. 
 
 Our  name  is  now  a  word  of  scorn ; 
 With  bitter  taunts  our  souls  are  torn, 
 
 Eeproach  is  in  each  neighbour's  eye: 
 Lord,  in  Thy  fiery  wrath  o'erborne 
 
 Shall  we  in  endless  anguish  lie  ? 
 
IN  ENGLISH   YEESE."  235 
 
 6.  O  pour  Thine  anger's  burning  show'r 
 On  tribes  that  never  own'd  Thy  pow'r, 
 
 Nor  knew  Thy  Name,  nor  fear'd  Thy  doom  ; 
 
 7.  The  heathen,  who  in  rage  devour 
 
 The  land  of  faithful  Jacob's  home. 
 
 8.  Nor  in  Thy  memory,  Lord,  retain 
 The  record  of  our  wand'rings  vain, 
 
 Our  fathers'  wand'rings,  or  our  own : 
 
 9.  But  let  Thy  mercy  cleanse  the  stain, 
 
 And  heal  the  guilt  for  which  we  moan. 
 
 Lord,  for  Thy  Name  avert  the  woe  : 
 
 10.  "Why  asks  in  scorn  the  alien  foe, 
 
 "Where  is  the  God  the  Hebrews  fear  ? 
 O  let  them,  taught  by  judgment,  know 
 Our  God,  His  saints'  Avenger,  near. 
 
 Avenge,  dread  Lord,  Thy  servants'  blood, 
 
 11.  And  let  the  souls  in  bondage  bow'd 
 
 "With  Thee  find  comfort  when  they  sigh  : 
 Preserve,  O  Helper  great  as  good, 
 The  sons  of  misery  doom'd  to  die. 
 
 12.  And  to  our  neighbour- foes  requite 
 With  sev'nfold  pow'r  their  angry  spite** 
 
 And  tauntings  of  Thy  glorious  Name  : 
 
 13.  So  we,  Thy  flock,  Thy  grace  and  might 
 
 To  unborn  ages  will  proclaim. 
 
23<3  TIIE   BOOK   OP   PSALMS 
 
 LXXX. 
 
 Shepherd  of  Israel's  flock,  and  Guide, 
 Who  didst  the  sons  of  Joseph  lead, 
 
 Like  sheep,  in  Elim's  desert  wide, 
 O  hear  in  this  our  hour  of  need  : 
 
 Shew  forth  Thy  strength,  as  Thou  wast  wont 
 On  cherubim  enthron'd  to  shine, 
 
 Before  strong  Ephraim's  battle-front, 
 Manasseh's  host,  and  Benjamin. 
 
 Turn  us  again,  dread  Lord  of  might, 
 Let  our  glad  eyes  Thy  mercy  see  ; 
 
 And  we  will  walk  in  joy  and  light, 
 Bestor'd  to  life  and  health  in  Thee. 
 
 Dread  Lord,  whom  heav'n's  bright  hosts  obey, 
 How  long  shall  Thy  fierce  anger  burn  ? 
 
 How  long  Thy  sorrowing  people  pray, 
 And  wait  in  vain  their  pray  Ys  return  ? 
 
 Tkou  bidst  them  for  their  food  to  take 
 The  bread  of  misery  steep'd  in  tears, 
 
 With  plenteous  tears  their  thirst  to  slake, 
 "While  sorrow's  toil  the  heart  outwears. 
 
Itf   ENGLISH   YEESE.  23? 
 
 6.  Yea,  Thou  Last  made  each  bord'rer  round 
 
 Beset  us  as  the  prize  of  strife  : 
 The  voice  of  scorn  is  in  the  sound 
 
 Of  threats  that  chase  our  hunted  life. 
 
 7.  Turn  us  again,  dread  Lord  of  might, 
 
 Let  our  glad  eyes  Thy  mercy  see ; 
 And  we  will  walk  in  joy  and  light, 
 Redeem' d  to  life  and  health  in  Thee. 
 
 8.  Thy  care  a  vine  from  Egypt  brought 
 
 To  nourish  here  beneath  Thine  hand ; 
 
 9.  Thou  didst  the  heathen  plants  uproot, 
 
 And  bad'st  it  rise  and  fill  the  land  :- 
 
 Thou  gav'st  it  room,  and  strength  to  grow, 
 It  struck  its  roots,  its  leaves  out-spread : 
 
 10.  The  mountain- sides  and  slopes  below 
 
 Were  cover' d  with  its  fruitful  shade. 
 
 Boughs,  like  the  cedar's  goodly  beams, 
 
 Grew  round  her  where  in  strength  she  stood  : 
 
 11.  Westward  she  reach'd  the  salt  sea-streams, 
 
 Eastward,  Euphrates'  rolling  flood. 
 
 12.  O  why  hast  Thou  her  fence  o'erthrown, 
 
 That  each  way-wanderer  strips  her  fruit  ? 
 
 13.  Wild  deer  her  clusters  trample  downk, 
 
 And  savage  boars  her  stem  uproot. 
 
 k  Aldhelm. 
 
23S  the    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 14.  Turn  Thee  again,  dread  Lord  of  might, 
 
 Thy  gracious  look  from  heav'n  incline ; 
 Visit,  and  save  from  rude  despite 
 The  remnant  of  this  wasted  vine. 
 
 15.  Regard  the  vineyard  once  by  Thee 
 
 Secur'd,  and  planted  by  Thy  hand ; 
 The  Branch,  by  Thee  ordain' d  to  be 
 The  Strength  and  Glory  of  the  land. 
 
 16.  It  falls, — the  flames  its  life  devour, 
 
 Sharp  steel  its  boughs  on  earth  has  strown ; 
 They  lie  in  ruin,  Lord  of  power, 
 Before  Thy  terror's  glance  undone. 
 
 17.  0  grant  us  yet  Thy  help  to  see, 
 
 Eegard  the  Man  of  Thy  right  hand, 
 The  Son,  by  Thee  ordain' d  to  be 
 
 The  Strength  and  Glory  of  the  land. 
 
 18.  So  shall  we  keep  the  perfect  way, 
 
 Secur'd  from  recreants'  sin  and  shame : 
 O  bid  us  live,  and  we  will  pay 
 
 Our  vows  in  blessing  to  Thy  iSaine. 
 
 19.  Turn  us  again,  dread  Lord  of  might, 
 
 Let  our  glad  eyes  Thy  mercy  see ; 
 And  we  will  walk  in  joy  and  light, 
 Redeem' d  to  life  and  health  in  Thee. 
 
IN   ENGLISH  TERSE.  239 
 
 LXXXI. 
 
 1.  Sing  we,  sing  we  merrily ; 
 
 To  our  Rock  of  Strength  on  high 
 Sing  we,  sing  we  merrily  : 
 
 To  the  G-od  of  Jacob  sing ; 
 
 2.  Take  the  psalm,  the  tabret  bring, 
 Strike  the  harp  of  pleasant  string. 
 
 3.  Let  the  breathing  trumpet  call 
 Israel's  children  one  and  all, 
 To  our  solemn  festival. 
 
 4.  'Tis  the  joyful  time,  the  day, 
 "When  the  moon's  returning  ray 
 Doth  th'  appointed  sign  display. 
 
 5.  'Tis  the  law  of  Jacob's  Lord 
 Still  by  Israel's  tribes  ador'd; 
 Joseph's  sons  receiv'd  the  word, 
 
 "When  they  came,  a  wondering  throng, 
 'Scap'd  from  foes  of  foreign  tongue, 
 'Scap'd  from  Egypt's  fraud  and  wrong. 
 
 6.  God  recounts  His  deeds  of  yore  : 
 "  I  remov'd  that  burthen  sore, 
 "Which  in  pain  thy  fathers  bore : 
 
240 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 "  I  in  that  afflicting  day, 
 
 When  they  trod  the  toilsome  clay, 
 
 Cast  their  tyrant's  yoke  away. 
 
 7.  "  Israel,  in  that  hour  of  gloom 
 To  Mine  ears  thy  cry  did  come 
 In  My  thunder's  secret  home. 
 
 "  Then  again  I  sought  to  prove, 
 
 If  My  truth  their  hearts  might  move 
 
 At  the  waters  where  they  strove : 
 
 8.  "  '  Hear,  my  people,  blest  and  free, 
 This  the  faithful  bond  shall  be 
 Evermore  'twixt  Me  and  thee : 
 
 9.  " c  Heathen  gods  of  wood  and  stone 
 Thou  shalt  ne'er  adore  or  own ; 
 
 10.  I  am  thine,  thy  God  alone  : 
 
 "  '  I,  Who  led  with  cloud  and  fire 
 From  the  house  of  bondage  dire, 
 I  will  meet  thine  heart's  desire.' 
 
 11.  "  But  My  people  turn'd  astray, 
 Scorn' d  My  voice,  forsook  My  way  ; 
 Israel  would  no  more  obey. 
 
 12.  "So  they  found  the  ill  they  crav'd, 
 Lost  to  Me,  Whose  arm  had  sav'd, 
 To  their  hearts'  fond  lusts  enslav'd. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE.  241 
 
 13.  "  0  that  they  had  heard,  nor  known 
 How  the  disobedient  groan, 
 
 Lost  in  error  and  undone  ! 
 
 14.  "  Then  in  hasty  ruin  low 
 Had  I  laid  each  haughty  foe, 
 "Who  now  triumphs  in  their  woe. 
 
 15.  "  Then  on  haters  of  the  Lord, 
 Shunn'd,  detected,  and  abhorr'd, 
 Had  the  showers  of  vengeance  pour'd  : 
 
 "  But  for  them,  with  large  increase 
 Had  I  built  their  state  in  peace, 
 ^Nevermore  to  fail  or  cease. 
 
 16.  "  Tea,  their  God,  Whose  arm  hath  led 
 Thro'  the  desert  wilds  outspread, 
 Still  their  hungering  souls  had  fed  : 
 
 "  Still  had  sent  them  bread  from  heav'n, 
 Still  the  honey' d  draught  had  given 
 From  the  Rock  in  mercy  riven." 
 
&42  THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 LXXXIL 
 
 1.  God  stands  where  judges  doom  for  God; 
 
 For  Him  the  sword  they  bear : 
 God  marks  those  earthly  gods,  and  tries 
 The  sentence  they  prepare  : 
 
 2.  "  How  long  will  ye  pervert  the  right, 
 
 And  make  th'  oppressor  strong  ? 
 How  long  with  partial  favour  aid 
 The  sons  of  fraud  and  wrong  ? 
 
 3.  "  Defend  the  weak  and  fatherless  ; 
 
 Assert  the  poor  man's  cause  : 
 
 Hold  firm,  to  guard  the  desolate, 
 
 The  shield  of  righteous  laws. 
 
 4.  "  To  needy  souls  in  deep  distress 
 
 Be  as  a  sheltering  tow'r, 
 A  refuge  strong  for  innocence 
 From  tyrants  arm'd  with  pow'r." 
 
 5.  They  will  not  heed ;  beset  they  stray 
 
 With  gloom  of  darkness  pale : 
 Those  pillars  of  this  world  below 
 In  strange  disorder  fail. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TEESE.  243 
 
 6.  I  said  that  ye  were  gods  on  earth, 
 
 And  sons  of  God  Most  High  : 
 
 7.  But  ye  shall  fall  like  common  men, 
 
 Like  mortal  princes  die. 
 
 8.  Arise,  dread  God,  and  judge  the  world, 
 
 Till  every  realm  and  throne 
 
 Thy  portion'd  heritage  shall  be, 
 
 And  all  be  made  Thine  own. 
 
244  the    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 LXXXIII.1 
 
 1,2.    All-patient  God,  awake,  arise; 
 
 For  lo  !  Thy  foes  Thy  pow'r  despise  : 
 While  Thou  art  still,  their  cries  are  strong, 
 And  pride  uplifts  their  hateful  throng. 
 
 3.  "With  artful  guile  their  trains  are  laid, 
 Their  league  against  Thy  saints  is  made, 
 Thy  saints,  who  innocent  and  free 
 Have  dwelt  unseen  in  peace  with  Thee. 
 
 4.  '  Come/  say  they,  '  let  our  arms  o'erthrow, 
 And  lay  their  doom'd  dominion  low  : 
 
 Let  Israel's  glory  rais'd  so  high 
 Sink  down,  and  lost  to  memory  die.' 
 
 5.  One  is  their  aim  ;  their  heart  is  one  ; 
 Against  our  God  their  threats  are  thrown : 
 
 6.  This  Edom's  tented  warriors  boast, 
 And  the  wild  crew  of  Ishinael's  host. 
 
 The  race  of  Hagar's  servile  blood, 
 Sons  of  the  foes  our  sires  subdued, 
 
 7.  Moab  and  Ammon,  re-appear, 
 
 And  Gebal's  mountain-tribes  are  there. 
 
 1  This  Psalm  is  probably  of  the  time  of  Jehoshaphat.   See  the  history 
 2  Chron.  xx. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   TERSE.  24J 
 
 There  Amalek's  fierce  remnant  stands, 
 Tyre  and  Philistia  join  their  bands  : 
 
 8.  Assur  sustains  the  cruel  plot, 
 And  aids  the  alien  sons  of  Lot. 
 
 9.  Lord,  let  them  know  Thy  wrathful  might, 
 As  erst  the  spoiling  Midianite  ; 
 
 As  Jabin's  host,  that  dy'd  with  blood 
 The  breadth  of  Kishon's  ancient  flood  : 
 
 10.  As  Sisera,  when  with  battle-car 
 And  prancing  steeds  he  led  the  war, 
 Fled,  while  his  thousands  left  a  prey 
 At  Endor  mouldering  corpses  lay. 
 
 11.  Make  Thou  their  nobles  so  to  fare, 
 As  Oreb  and  as  Zeb  whilere ; 
 And  let  their  vaunting  princes  all 
 Like  Zeba  and  Zalmunna  fall. 
 
 12.  They  vaunted  how  their  arms  should  come 
 To  seize  th'  Almighty's  cherish'd  home. 
 
 13.  My  God,  as  dust  by  whirl-blast  driv'nm, 
 As  stubble  borne  on  winds  of  heav'n, 
 
 m  The  Hebrew  word  here  is  variously  interpreted.  The  writer  fol- 
 lows a  suggestion  of  an  observant  Traveller  in  the  East.  "To-day,  at 
 noon,  we  saw  to  our  right  under  the  sun  a  column  of  whirled  sand, 
 forming  a  tall  pillar  perhaps  one  hundred  feet  high  in  the  air,  close  and 
 somewhat  compact  at  first,  but  afterwards  more  thin  and  dispersed. 
 Another,  but  more  thin  and  lower,  passed  close  behind.  Such  pro- 
 bably is  the  wheel  spoken  of  Ps.  lxxxiii.  13.  See  Isaiah  xvii.  13." 
 '  Land  of  the  Morning,'  by  H.  B.  W.  Churton,  p.  163.  This  appear- 
 ance was  seen  in  the  Arabian  Desert. 
 
246  mE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 14.  Or,  as  in  drought  of  summer- days, 
 AYhen  by  chance-fire  the  mountains  blaze, 
 The  moorland-heath  and  forest  fair 
 Vanish  on  wings  of  fiery  air ; 
 
 15.  So  with  Thine  anger's  whirlwind-sound 
 Pursue  them,  and  with  storms  confound : 
 
 16.  Bow  down  their  face  with  deepest  shame, 
 That  they  may  fear  and  seek  Thy  Name. 
 
 17.  Or,  if  they  scorn  to  yield,  forlorn 
 Let  them  to  cureless  woe  be  borne ; 
 
 IS.     That  men  Thy  peerless  pow'r  may  own, 
 Earth's  Highest  God  and  Lord  alone. 
 
in  English  yebse.  247 
 
 LXXXIV. 
 
 Geeat  God,  how  pleasant  is  the  place, 
 "Where  Thou  Thy  saints  dost  bless  ! 
 
 How  fair  Thy  gracious  porches  rise 
 In  awful  loveliness ! 
 
 My  spirit  faints  with  keen  desire 
 
 To  view  Thy  blest  abode ; 
 My  panting  heart  and  flesh  cry  out 
 
 For  Thee,  the  living  God. 
 
 There  hath  the  sparrow  found  a  home ; 
 
 No  fowler  there  will  wrong ; 
 The  swallow,  free  of  flight,  builds  there, 
 
 And  rears  her  callow  young. 
 
 Safe-shelter' d  by  Thine  altars  near 
 They  rest  each  weary  wing : 
 
 Thou  art  the  Eefuge  in  distress, 
 My  faithful  God  and  King. 
 
 0  bless' d  are  they,  who  in  Thy  house 
 Still  spend  their  peaceful  days, 
 
 Still  raisiug  in  the  solemn  choir 
 Their  happy  songs  of  praise. 
 
21-3  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 5.  And  bless'd  are  they,  whose  secret  strength, 
 
 Where'er  their  journey  be, 
 Is  Thy  pure  law,  the  stedfast  heart 
 Up-guiding  still  to  Thee  : 
 
 6.  "Who  journeying  thro'  the  vale  of  woe, 
 
 Where  all  is  drear  and  dry, 
 Pind  cisterns  fill'd  with  rain  from  heav'n, 
 And  living  fountains  nigh. 
 
 7.  Thus  on  they  pass  from  strength  to  strength, 
 
 And  still  approach  more  near, 
 Till  all  on  Zion's  holy  mount 
 Before  their  God  appear. 
 
 8.  Thou  God,  at  Whose  unerring  will 
 
 The  heav'nly  armies  move, 
 O  hearken  to  my  pray'r,  and  send 
 An  answer  from  above. 
 
 9.  Thou,  Who  didst  shew  Thy  shield  of  pow'r, 
 
 When  Abraham  walk'd  alone", 
 Look  down  on  Thine  Anointed' s  face, 
 And  guard  him  for  Thine  own. 
 
 10.    For  in  Thy  courts  a  single  day 
 'Tis  better  far  to  bide, 
 Than  seek  a  thousand  days  for  rest 
 In  all  the  world  beside. 
 
 a  Gen.  xy.  1. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  249 
 
 Fain  would  I  wait,  where  bedesmen  poor 
 
 Thy  outmost  threshold  press0, 
 Ere  dwell  in  curtain' d  halls  of  pride, 
 
 And  their  false  happiness. 
 
 11.  For  God,  our  Sun  and  Shield,  will  here 
 
 His  grace  and  glory  give ; 
 No  blessing  will  His  hand  withhold 
 From  them  that  purely  live. 
 
 12.  Dread  Lord,  "Whom  heav'nly  hosts  obey, 
 
 Thrice  blest  alone  is  he, 
 AVhose  hope  finds  anchor  unremov'd 
 For  evermore  in  Thee. 
 
 °  Seethe  Version  of  the  LXX.  ,Ege\e£d[j.r)VTrapappi7rTe'icr6ai,  k.t.K. 
 And  compare  Acts  iii.  2.  This  is  the  sense  given  in  the  marginal  note 
 of  our  Bible. 
 
250  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 LXXXV. 
 
 GrEACious  Lord,  with  mercy  yearning 
 Thou  hast  heard  Thy  people's  moan ; 
 
 Thou,  Thy  captives  homeward  turning, 
 Art  with  them  once  more  at  one  : 
 
 Thou  hast  cleans' d  their  guilty  stain, 
 
 2sVer  to  charge  their  souls  again. 
 
 Thou  hast  turn'd  Thee  from  Thine  anger, 
 Made  Thy  fiercest  wrath  to  cease ; 
 
 "Where  we  walk'd  in  dread  and  danger, 
 Thou  hast  sent  us  calm  and  peace  : 
 
 Thou,  whose  grace  hath  set  us  free, 
 
 Turn  and  stay  our  hearts  on  Thee. 
 
 Wilt  Thou  still,  Thy  wrath  retaining, 
 Lengthened  wrath  from  age  to  age, 
 
 While  our  mortal  lives  are  waning, 
 Xe'er  with  joy  our  grief  assuage  ? 
 
 Lord,  revive  our  life  again, 
 
 Let  Thy  joy  repair  our  pain. 
 
ITT   ENGLISH  TERSE.  251 
 
 7.  Grant  us,  Lord,  Thy  strong  salvation, 
 
 Shew  Thy  beams  of  mercy  near  : 
 
 8.  Lo  !  I  bend  in  adoration, 
 
 Waiting  Thy  mild  voice  to  hear  : 
 Thou  wilt  soon  from  doubt  release, 
 Thou  wilt  speak  Thy  word  of  peace : 
 
 Peace  to  all  whose  souls  are  holy, 
 Peace  to  all  who  own  Thy  fear : 
 Let  them  turn  no  more  to  folly, 
 
 9.  "With  Thy  saving  health  so  near, 
 When  Thy  glory  comes  to  reign 
 In  our  happy  land  again. 
 
 10.  Mercy  now  and  Truth  are  meeting, 
 
 Never  shall  their  union  cease ; 
 Righteousness  in  joyous  greeting 
 Gives  to  Peace  the  kiss  of  peace. 
 
 11.  Truth  shall  make  earth's  roughness  even, 
 Righteousness  shall  beam  from  heaven*3. 
 
 12.  Tea,  our  God,  all  good  bestowing, 
 
 Shall  our  land  with  plenty  bless  : 
 
 13.  Righteousness,  before  Him  going, 
 
 While  our  following  feet  shall  press, 
 Shall  its  guiding  signs  display, 
 Marking  out  the  heav'nward  way. 
 
 p  Compare  Isaiah  xlv.  8. 
 
252 
 
 TIIE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 LXXXYI. 
 
 1.  Bow  down  Thine  ear,  All-gracious  Lord, 
 
 For  I  am  weak  and  poor  : 
 No  other  help,  no  grace  but  Thine, 
 Can  work  mj  sorrow's  cure. 
 
 2.  Preserve  my  soul,  for  I  am  Thine, 
 
 Whose  hi  ere  j  made  me  free  : 
 
 O  grant  me  life  to  serve  Thee  still, 
 
 Whose  trust  is  built  on  Thee. 
 
 3.  Have  mercy,  Lord  ;  to  Thee  in  pray'r 
 
 Each  day  my  spirit  flies  : 
 
 4.  Grant  comfort  to  the  labouring  soul, 
 
 That  fain  to  Thee  would  rise. 
 
 5.  Thou  art  the  good  and  gracious  God, 
 
 The  Help  in  grief  and  care  : 
 
 Whoe'er  in  trouble  cries  to  Thee, 
 
 Thy  mercy  meets  the  pray'r. 
 
 6.  0  listen  to  the  meek  desires 
 
 That  move  my  lips  to  pray : 
 
 7.  Still  have  I  found  Thy  answering  word 
 
 In  trouble's  needful  day. 
 
IN    ENGLISH    YEBSE.  253 
 
 8.  Among  the  lords  whom  heathens  fear, 
 
 O  who  is  like  to  Thee  ? 
 How  may  their  works  compare  with  Thine 
 In  heaven  and  earth  and  sea  ? 
 
 9.  The  time  shall  come,  when  tribes  and  tongues 
 
 From  every  clime  and  shore 
 Shall  own  Thy  glory,  and  with  vows 
 Their  Maker's  Name  adore. 
 
 10.  For  Thou  art  great,  majestic  dread 
 
 Surrounds  Thy  peerless  throne  ; 
 Thou,  Thou  dost  work  with  wond'rous  power, 
 Eternal  and  alone. 
 
 11.  Teach  me  Thy  way ;  and  I  will  walk 
 
 "Where  Thou  with  truth  shalt  guide, 
 Bound  in  heart-bonds  of  holy  fear, 
 Which  time  shall  ne'er  divide. 
 
 12.  With  all  my  heart,  0  Lord  my  God, 
 
 Thy  praise  I  will  proclaim  ; 
 For  ever  speak  in  thankful  songs 
 Thy  glory's  changeless  Name. 
 
 13.  The  greatness  of  Thy  mercy  shown 
 
 Is  more  than  words  can  tell, 
 Who  didst  my  struggling  soul  set  free 
 From  snares  of  death  and  hell. 
 
2'54  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 11     Lo  !    aliens  to  Thy  truth  and  fear 
 Against  my  life  arise : 
 And  tyrants  league  to  work  me  woe, 
 Whose  pride  Thy  pow'r  defies. 
 
 15.  But  Thou,  Eternal  God,  art  true, 
 
 The  gracious  King  of  kings, 
 From  "Whom,  as  from  its  Fount  unspent, 
 Long- suffering  mercy  springs. 
 
 16.  0  let  that  mercy  flow  to  me, 
 
 That  strength  in  troubles  known ; 
 That  love  that  beam'd  in  sorrows  past 
 To  cheer  Thine  handmaid's  son. 
 
 i; 
 
 Shew  forth  some  happy  sign  of  good, 
 That  foes  with  shame  may  see, 
 
 Taught  by  that  token  sure,  that  Thou 
 Wilt  help  and  comfort  me. 
 
IN   ENGLISH    YEKSE.  255 
 
 LXXXVIL 
 
 1.  High  rais'd  upon  the  holy  hills 
 
 Her  sure  foundations  stand, 
 
 2.  Belov'd  of  God  above  all  homes 
 
 Of  Jacob's  happy  land. 
 
 3.  0  Zion,  glorious  things  to  come 
 
 Of  thee  thy  prophets  sing, 
 Thou  dwelling-place  and  earthly  rest 
 Of  heav'n's  eternal  King. 
 
 4.  Dark  Egypt's  sons  and  Babylon 
 
 To  thee  shall  soon  be  known ; 
 The  Tyrian  and  the  Philistine 
 Be  number' d  with  thine  own. 
 
 Lo  !  from  Arabia's  shores  afar, 
 
 The  region  of  the  morn, 
 New  names  to  Zion's  mount  are  come, 
 
 New  souls  to  God  are  born. 
 
 5.  The  birthright  of  thy  citizens 
 
 Glad  strangers  now  shall  share, 
 All  born  anew  to  God,  Who  builds 
 Their  home  of  comfort  there. 
 
25(5  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.  And  in  the  records  of  His  book 
 
 Each  name  shall  be  enroll'd, 
 And  of  each  soul  to  life  new-born 
 The  faithful  number  told. 
 
 7.  The  children  of  the  song  shall  come, 
 
 The  pipe  and  tabret  bring, 
 And  living  founts  of  health  and  joy 
 In  thee  shall  ever  spring. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 LXXXYIIL* 
 
 257 
 
 1.  Loed  God  my  Saviour,  night  and  day 
 
 To  Thee  I  cry,  nor  cease  or  spare ; 
 O  turn  not  Thy  meek  ear  away, 
 But  bend  in  mercy  to  my  pray'r. 
 
 2.  0  hear,  ere  life  and  hope  be  past ; 
 
 My  soul  bows  down  o'ercharg'd  with  woe ; 
 The  dreaded  hour  approaches  fast 
 To  bear  me  to  the  dead  below. 
 
 3.  They  count  me  now  in  earth's  dark  bed 
 
 Laid  low,  and  past  all  mortal  pain, 
 A  man,  whose  manly  strength  is  fled, 
 At  large,  but  rank'd  among  the  slain  : 
 
 4.  Like  those,  who  wounded  and  o'erthrown 
 
 In  anguish  wait  their  last  decay r, 
 By  Thee  cast  off,  as  never  known, 
 
 Rent  from  Thy  succouring  hand  away. 
 
 5.  Thou  in  the  darksome  pit  profound 
 
 Hast  bid  my  soul  forlorn  to  lie, 
 
 6.  Where  Thy  dread  wrath  besets  me  round, 
 
 And  all  Thy  terror's  waves  are  nigh. 
 
 q  In  this  Psalm  some  use  has  been  made  of  Lord  Surrey's  paraphrase 
 and  Milton. 
 r  Bp.  Horsley. 
 
THE    BOOK    OF   PSALMS 
 
 ~.     My  faithful  friends,  whose  sweet  accord 
 Once  cheer' d  me,  now  in  terror  flee ; 
 
 8.  In  prison-gloom  I  lie  abhorr'd, 
 
 Past-bound,  nor  hoping  to  be  free. 
 
 9.  In  helpless  sorrow  my  dim  eye 
 
 Hath  failed  me : — Lord,  each  rising  day 
 To  Thee  I  stretch  my  hands  on  high, 
 To  Thee  with  constant  duty  pray. 
 
 Id     Wilt  Thou  shew  wonders  on  the  dead  ? 
 
 The  slain,— shall  they  to  life  up-spring  ? 
 II.     The  grave,  and  cold  destruction's  bed, 
 
 Shall  they  Thy  truth  and  mercy  sing  ? 
 
 12.     Say,  shall  the  marvels  of  Thy  hand 
 
 In  death's  dark  mansions  be  display'd  ? 
 Thy  justice,  in  the  gloomy  land 
 
 O'ercast  with  dull  Oblivion's  shade  ? 
 
 13 
 
 Nay,  but  on  Thee,  ere  life  be  spent 
 My  daily  pray'r  shall  still  attend  ; 
 
 My  cries  the  dawn  of  morn  prevent, 
 And  to  Thy  mercy-throne  ascend. 
 
 And  wilt  Thou  cast  me  off  in  wrath  ? 
 
 For  ever  turn  Thy  face  away  ? 
 Still  shall  Thy  terrors  haunt  my  path 
 
 From  youth  to  manhood's  latest  day  ? 
 
IN    ENGLISH    VERSE.  259 
 
 16.  Thine  anger's  fire  hath  o'er  me  past ; 
 
 I  shrink  beneath  the  withering  wound  : 
 
 17.  Like  wave  on  wave  when  roars  the  blast, 
 
 Thy  threats  my  fainting  soul  confound. 
 
 18.  Lover  and  friend  Thou  hast  remov'd, 
 
 Who  once  spake  comfort  in  my  woes  : 
 They  fly  me  now  whom  I  have  lov'd, 
 And  shades  of  darkness  round  me  close. 
 
260  THE    BOOK   OP    PSALMS 
 
 LXXXIX. 
 
 1.  Thil  mercies  of  the  Eternal  Lord 
 
 For  evermore  shall  fill  my  song ; 
 The  praises  of  His  faithful  word 
 I  will  from  age  to  age  prolong. 
 
 2.  My  heart  believes,  my  tongue  declares  : 
 
 Thy  truth  and  mercy,  fix'd  above, 
 Are  constant  as  the  starry  spheres, 
 That  in  their  duteous  circles  move. 
 
 3.  For  Thou  hast  said :  "  My  lips  have  sworn, 
 
 And  made  my  stedfast  purpose  known ; 
 
 4.  In  the  sure  seed  from  David  born 
 
 For  ever  will  I  build  His  throne.' ■ 
 
 5.  For  this  Thy  truth,  with  wondering  love 
 
 The  heav'ns  thro'  all  their  hosts  shall  glow ; 
 And  from  the  choir  of  saints  above 
 Songs  of  adoring  praise  shall  flow. 
 
 6.  For  who  in  all  those  realms  of  light 
 
 May  God's  supreme  dominion  share  ? 
 What  son  of  glory  or  of  might 
 
 May  with  His  peerless  pow'r  compare  ? 
 
IS   ENGLISH    TERSE. 
 
 261 
 
 7.  The  spirits  blest,  who  first  in  grace 
 
 Gaze  on  His  secret  presence  near, 
 With  reverence  throng  that  holy  place, 
 And  their  meek  eyes  withdraw  with  fear. 
 
 8.  Lord  God  of  hosts,  Thy  glorious  might 
 
 Let  heaven  and  earth  adoring  own ; 
 Thy  truth  is  as  the  beaming  light 
 Around  Thine  everlasting  throne. 
 
 9.  The  raging  of  the  wide  wild  sea 
 
 Thy  ruling  pow'r  can  wield  at  will : 
 The  mounting  billows  stoop  to  Thee, 
 And  the  loud  surge  is  calm  and  still : 
 
 10.  And  broken,  like  a  batter' d  corse, 
 
 By  Thee  was  Pharaoh's  wrathful  pride ; 
 And  scatter'd  with  resistless  force 
 Each  foe  that  Thy  strong  arm  defied. 
 
 11.  By  Thee  the  beauteous  earth  was  made, 
 
 For  Thee  the  heav*n's  bright  glories  shine ; 
 Thou  hast  the  world's  foundations  laid, 
 Its  strength,  its  fulness,  all  is  Thine. 
 
 12.  Thou  bad'st  the  Xorth  in  clouds  to  rest, 
 
 The  South  witli  fires  of  noon  to  blaze ; 
 Tabor  and  Ilermon,  East  and  West, 
 Kise  as  glad  beacons  of  Thy  praise. 
 
262  TnE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 13.  Great  God,  we  praise  Thy  arm  of  might 
 
 Still  seen  in  strong  protection  nigh : 
 We  praise  Thy  hand,  that  rules  in  right 
 Above  all  pow'r  exalted  high. 
 
 14.  It  is  a  place  of  judgment  pure, 
 
 Where  Thou  hast  set  Thy  stedfast  throne : 
 Mercy  and  truth,  in  union  sure, 
 
 Like  heralds,  make  Thy  presence  known. 
 
 15.  0,  blessings  on  their  heads,  who  hear 
 
 The  solemn  trumpet's  stirring  call ; 
 A  brightness  as  of  God  is  there 
 Gladd'ning  the  joyous  festival. 
 
 16.  In  God  all  day  shall  they  delight, 
 
 His  righteous  truth  their  boast  shall  be: 
 
 17.  Thou,  Lord,  art  still  our  Tow'r  of  might, 
 
 Our  horn  of  strength  is  firm  in  Thee. 
 
 IS.     It  is  our  stedfast  confidence, 
 
 Our  hope  that  still  anew  shall  spring : 
 The  Holy  One  is  our  defence, 
 The  God  of  Israel  is  our  King. 
 
 19.     Thy  saints  of  old  have  heard  Thy  voice 
 
 In  visions,  when  dark  night  was  round : 
 "  Amidst  the  people  of  My  choice 
 I  have  a  help  for  Israel  found ; 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  253 
 
 "  A  champion,  whom  no  foe  shall  spoil, 
 
 20.  My  servant  David,  long  foreknown ; 
 His  head  My  consecrating  oil 
 
 Hath  bless'd  to  grace  him  for  My  own. 
 
 21.  "  My  hand  shall  all  his  pow'r  sustain ; 
 
 The  shield  of  My  unwearied  arm 
 
 22.  Shall  make  his  foe's  fierce  onset  vain, 
 
 And  all  th'  oppressor's  rage  disarm. 
 
 23.  "  Before  his  face  the  sons  of  strife 
 
 Shall  fall  with  plagues  of  death  o'erborne  ; 
 
 24.  My  truth  and  love  shall  shield  his  life, 
 
 My  Name  shall  raise  his  glory's  horn. 
 
 25.  "  His  sceptre  shall  command  the  flood, 
 
 The  river- streams,  and  broad  sea- wave  ; 
 
 26.  His  pray'r  shall  call  Me,  Father,  God, 
 
 And  Rock  of  Strength  to  guard  and  save. 
 
 27.  "  He,  in  My  Firstborn's  godlike  might, 
 
 Above  the  kings  of  earth  shall  reign  : 
 
 28.  My  mercy  shall  defend  his  right, 
 
 My  oath  of  peace  his  state  maintain. 
 
 29.  "  For  evermore  his  seed  shall  live, 
 
 Till  earth's  brief  date  of  change  be  past ; 
 The  years  that  to  his  throne  I  give 
 
 Like  heaven's  unnumber'd  days  shall  last. 
 
264 
 
 THE    BOOK   OP   PSALMS 
 
 30.  "But  if  his  sons  My  law  forsake, 
 
 And  from  My  patli  of  judgment  stray  ; 
 
 31.  If  the)-  My  righteous  statutes  break, 
 
 And  will  not  My  commands  obey  ; 
 
 32.  "  Not  unrebuk'd  their  sin  shall  be, 
 
 Nor  shall  they  'scape  th'  avenging  rod  ; 
 Caught  in  their  guilt,  they  shall  not  flee 
 The  scourge  of  their  offended  God. 
 
 33.  "  Yet  the  firm  kindness  of  My  love 
 
 I  will  not  in  My  wrath  belie  ; 
 
 34.  Nor  My  pledg'd  word  of  truth  remove,' 
 
 Like  words  of  men  to  change  and  die. 
 
 35.  "  My  firm  unchanging  oath  is  past, 
 
 To  faithful  David  have  I  sworn : 
 
 36.  For  evermore  his  seed  shall  last, 
 
 For  evermore  his  crown  be  worn. 
 
 37.  "His  throne  enduring  as  the  sun, 
 
 Or  like  the  moon  in  heav'n  shall  be ; 
 And  while  unnumbered  ages  run, 
 Bear  witness  to  My  truth  and  Me." 
 
 38.  But  now,  as  one  despis'd,  abhorr'd, 
 
 Thou  dost  th'  anointed  heir  confound  : 
 
 39.  Thou  hast  withdrawn  Thy  promise,  Lord, 
 
 His  crown  hast  humbled  on  the  ground. 
 
IZST   ENGLISH   TERSE.  265 
 
 40.  Like  an  unguarded  vineyard's  wall, 
 
 His  broken  forts  in  ruins  lie : 
 
 41.  "With  scorn  his  foes  behold  him  fall 
 
 A  spoil  to  each  that  passes  by. 
 
 42.  Thy  pow'r  hath  nerv'd  the  adverse  host ; 
 
 They  joy  to  see  him  faintly  yield  : 
 
 43.  His  battle -sword  its  edge  hath  lost, 
 
 And  stems  no  more  the  doubtful  field. 
 
 44.  The  lustre  of  his  kingly  state, 
 
 Bedimm'd  with  woe,  is  past  and  gone. 
 And  dash'd  to  earth,  all  desolate 
 Is  laid  his  unregarded  throne. 
 
 45.  Thou,  Lord,  hast  spoiPd  him  of  his  youth, 
 
 And  quench' d  in  shame  his  prime  of  days 
 
 46.  Still  wilt  Thou  hide  Thee,  God  of  truth  ? 
 
 Still  bid  Thy  fiercest  wrath  to  blaze  ? 
 
 47.  Still  wilt  Thou  doom  to  cureless  grief 
 
 My  life's  brief  hours,  that  yet  remain  ? 
 Still  shall  we  pine  without  relief, 
 As  tho'  Thy  gifts  of  life  were  vain  ? 
 
 48.  Eemember,  Lord,  how  short  our  span ; 
 
 How  speeds  the  hour,  when  noue  can  save ! 
 0,  where  the  pow'r  or  art  of  man 
 
 To  ransom  from  the  darksome  grave  ? 
 
2(55  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 49.  Forget  not,  Lord,  Thine  ancient  love, 
 
 Thy  word  of  truth  to  David  sworn : 
 
 50.  0  let  our  griefs  Thy  pity  move, 
 
 The  scorns  we  long  in  heart  have  borne : 
 
 51.  The  scorns  that  vex  Thy  chosen' s  path, 
 
 The  sland'rous  shafts  of  haughty  men  :— 
 
 52.  Blest  be  our  Help  from  mortal  wrath, 
 
 The  living  Lord !     Amen,  Amen ! 
 
IN    ENGLISH   TERSE.  267 
 
 xc. 
 
 1.  Loed,  Thou  art  evermore 
 
 Our  strong  defence  and  stay, 
 While  man's  brief  ages,  one  by  one, 
 Arise  and  pass  away. 
 
 2.  Ere  in  its  mountain-seats 
 
 The  stedfast  earth  abode, 
 Lord  of  unchanging  majesty, 
 For  ever  Thou  art  God. 
 
 3.  But  man  is  as  a  flower 
 
 "Whose  root  is  in  the  grave, 
 
 Who  waits  Thy  word  to  render  back 
 
 The  breath  Thy  Spirit  gave. 
 
 4.  With  Thee  a  thousand  years 
 
 Are  like  a  day's  swift  flight, 
 Or  like  unheeded  hours  that  pass 
 In  silence  of  the  night. 
 
 5.  Thy  power  as  with  a  flood 
 
 Bears  man's  brief  state  away, 
 Or  bids  it  like  a  morning  dream 
 Depart  before  the  day : 
 
2(38  TIIE    BOOK   Or    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Or  like  the  flowering  grass, 
 
 That  green  at  morning  blows, 
 But  withers  from  the  mower's  scythe 
 Cut  down  ere  evening  close. 
 
 7.  For  faint  before  Thy  wrath 
 
 Our  feeble  spirits  wane, 
 Our  life  wears  onward  to  its  end 
 In  terror  and  in  pain. 
 
 8.  To  Thee  our  guilty  deeds, 
 
 In  night  and  darkness  done, 
 Are  all  reveal' d  in  piercing  light 
 More  clear  than  mid- day  sun. 
 
 9.  If  Thy  fierce  anger  burn, 
 
 Our  clays  grow  dim  and  old, 
 The  sum  of  years  is  number' d  out, 
 The  weary  tale  is  told. 
 
 10.  Our  mortal  date  is  fix'd 
 
 At  threescore  years  and  ten ; 
 If  to  fourscore  we  labour  on, 
 Life  is  but  sorrow  then. 
 
 11.  0,  wlio  regards  Thy  power  ? 
 
 If  men  Thy  warnings  hear, 
 
 Thy  wrath  relents  to  see  them  bow 
 
 In  reverent  awe  and  fear. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 12.  0  teach  us,  Lord,  to  count 
 
 Life's  sum,  how  fast  it  flies : 
 How  all  too  brief  to  learn  Thy  truth, 
 The  wisdom  of  the  wise. 
 
 13.  How  long,  0  Gracious  Lord, 
 
 Shall  we  Thy  mercy  pray  ? 
 0  turn  again,  relenting  turn, 
 And  cleanse  our  guilt  away. 
 
 14.  Early,  0  Lord,  we  come 
 
 Before  Thy  mercy-throne, 
 0  let  Thy  mercy-streams  restore 
 Our  souls  with  thirst  foredone. 
 
 15.  And  for  those  evil  days, 
 
 "When  sorrow  still  was  nigh, 
 0  let  Thy  comfort  holy  joys 
 In  double  share  supply. 
 
 16.  And  let  the  peace  that  springs 
 
 On  this  Thy  healing  morn 
 L^nfailing  of  Thy  glory  tell 
 To  children  yet  unborn. 
 
 17.  The  beauty  of  our  God 
 
 O  let  it  round  us  shine, 
 Our  life's  whole  work  to  consecrate, 
 And  make  our  spirits  Thine. 
 
 269 
 
270 
 
 THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 XCI. 
 
 1.  Who  makes  the  Highest  his  retreat, 
 
 His  refuge  with  the  King  of  kings, 
 Shall  bide  secure  in  storm  or  heat 
 O'ershadow'd  by  th'  Almighty  wings. 
 
 2.  And  this  the  vow  my  soul  hath  made : 
 
 My  God  my  Tower  of  Strength  shall  be : 
 No  terror,  Lord,  shall  make  afraid 
 
 The  heart  whose  hope  finds  rest  in  Thee. 
 
 3.  "Where  fowlers  spread  their  train  to  kill, 
 
 Or  slander  waits  with  venom'  d  breath, 
 
 4.  Those  outstretch'd  wings  shall  hide  thee  still, 
 
 That  Truth  shall  shield  thy  soul  from  death. 
 
 5.  No  terror  in  the  dead  of  night, 
 
 No  shaft  that  flies  in  light  of  day, 
 
 6.  No  pestilence  in  gloom  shall  smite, 
 
 Or  fiery  stroke  of  noontide-ray. 
 
IN"  ENGLISH   YEKSE.  271 
 
 7.  Tho'  thousands  and  ten  thousands  near 
 
 On  either  side  shall  fall  and  die, 
 At  home  in  safety  shalt  thou  hear 
 
 The  rushing  plague  come  sweeping  by. 
 
 8.  Only  thine  eyes  shall  see  what  end 
 
 O'ertakes  the  sinner's  faithless  way, 
 
 9.  While  God  thy  weakness  shall  defend, 
 
 And  on  that  Eock  thy  hope  shall  stay. 
 
 10.  And  therefore  shall  no  evil  thing 
 
 Approach  thee  on  thy  guarded  path ; 
 No  harm  that  flies  on  secret  wing 
 
 Come  near  thy  home  to  work  thee  scathe. 
 
 11.  For  of  thy  life  is  care  in  heaven, 
 
 And  angels  watch  thy  footsteps  round, 
 
 12.  To  bear  thee  thro'  the  ways  uneven, 
 
 Lest  the  rude  flint  thy  foot  should  wound. 
 
 13.  Thou  on  the  venom' d  asp  shalt  tread, 
 
 The  beasts  of  spoil  shalt  boldly  meet, 
 Crush  the  fell  dragon's  prostrate  head, 
 And  lay  the  lion  at  thy  feet. 
 
 14.  Tea,  God  hath  said  :  Because  on  Me 
 
 Is  fix'd  My  faithful  servant's  love, 
 In  danger  I  will  set  him  free, 
 And  raise  him  to  My  rest  above : 
 
272  TIIE    HOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 15.     In  trouble  to  his  pray'p  will  lend 
 A  willing  ear,  with  succour  nigh 
 Still  prompt  to  rescue  and  defend. 
 And  with  My  grace  exalt  him  high. 
 
 16. 
 
 Long  shall  he  live,  and  calm  content 
 Shall  ripen  with  his  years'  increase, 
 
 And  to  his  age- worn  eyes  be  sent 
 My  vision  of  perpetual  peace. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   YEESE.  273 
 
 XCII. 
 
 Jot  and  blessing  wait  on  praise : 
 0  my  God,  with  joyful  tongue 
 
 To  Thv  Highest  Xame  I  raise 
 This  my  glad  thanksgiving  song. 
 
 Joy  it  is  at  dawning  light 
 
 Still  to  tell  Thy  mercies  new : 
 
 Joy,  to  muse  in  silent  night, 
 How  my  Guardian  God  is  true. 
 
 Joy,  whene'er  with  solemn  words 
 Tones  of  harps  and  psalteries  meet ; 
 
 Tones  that  wake  the  tenfold  chords, 
 Tones  from  lute-strings  low  and  sweet. 
 
 For  Thy  deeds  of  mercy  done 
 All  my  pow'rs  of  song  employ ; 
 
 Deeds,  whose  wonders  far  outrun 
 Words  of  praise  or  thoughts  of  joy, 
 
 Glorious  Lord,  what  pow'r  is  Thine  ? 
 
 Who  can  pierce  the  secret  deep, 
 Where,  as  gold  in  pathless  mine, 
 
 God's  unfathom'd  counsels  sleep s  ? 
 
 ■  Job  xxviii. 
 T 
 
274  TIIE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Men  to  heav'nly  knowledge  blind, 
 
 Dark  amidst  the  blaze  of  day, 
 Feeble  fools  of  empty  mind, 
 Cast  Thy  pearls  of  truth  away. 
 
 7.  "When,  as  meadows  in  spring-tide, 
 
 Godless  men  their  glories  wear ; 
 
 When  their  hopes  are  in  their  pride, 
 
 Like  the  bloom  of  gardens  fair ; 
 
 Yet  no  fruit  the  bud  shall  give1, 
 
 Eoot  and  branch  their  hope  shall  die : 
 
 8.  But  Thy  word,  dread  Lord,  shall  live, 
 
 Like  Thy  changeless  throne  on  high. 
 
 9.  They  shall  perish  all,  undone, 
 
 Scatter'd,  never  more  to  meet, 
 Scatter' d,  where  their  course  they  run, 
 In  the  mazes  of  deceit. 
 
 10.     But  Thy  arm  my  glory's  horn 
 
 High  shall  raise,  in  power  to  be 
 As  the  crested  unicorn 
 
 In  his  mountain-fastness  free  : 
 
 Oil  of  joy  shall  cheer  my  face, 
 Beaming  forth  in  gladness  bright, 
 
 Symbol  of  the  dews  of  grace 
 From  the  God  of  truth  and  light u. 
 
 ■  Hos.  viii.  7.  .  i  John  iL  27> 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE.  275 
 
 11.  What  mine  eye  desir'cl  with  pain, 
 
 While  my  foes  were  gathering  renin d, — 
 What  mine  ear  had  sought  in  vain, 
 In  their  fatal  fall  is  found. 
 
 12.  Like  the  palms  that  never  fade, 
 
 Saints  shall  live,  till  time  be  gone ; 
 Like  the  cedars'  lasting  shade 
 In  the  bowers  of  Lebanon. 
 
 13.  They,  whose  root  is  firm  below, 
 
 Boughs  of  health  shall  spread  abroad, 
 In  the  Lord's  own  house  to  grow, 
 In  the  courts  of  Israel's  God. 
 
 14.  Fruits  in  age  their  strength  shall  bear, 
 
 Undecay'd  by  change  or  time, 
 Ever  green  and  fresh  and  fair, 
 As  in  years  of  life's  sweet  prime. 
 
 15.  God,  my  stedfast  Eock  and  Tower, 
 
 Thus  Thy  truth  is  seen  to  reign, 
 Eighteous  Truth  of  changeless  power, 
 UndenTd  by  shade  of  stain. 
 
270  THE    BOOK    01    PSALMS 
 
 XCIII. 
 
 God  rules  in  realms  of  light, 
 Enrob'd  with  glory  round, 
 "With  majesty  of  might, 
 As  with  a  girdle,  bound : 
 He  shall  restrain 
 The  world  He  made, 
 Nor  change  invade 
 His  stedfast  reign.  \ 
 
 Thy  throne,  more  old  than  Time, 
 
 Stands  fast,  as  long  of  yore, 
 Above  earth's  stormy  clime 
 Firm-fix' d  for  evermore : 
 Tho'  men  may  rise 
 In  wrathful  mood, 
 Like  Ocean's  flood 
 That  threats  the  skies. 
 
 Tho'  round  us  fierce  and  loud 
 The  madd'ning  tumult  roar, 
 Loud  as  vex'd  Ocean's  flood, 
 That  shakes  the  sounding  shore ; 
 Tho'  earth  may  fly 
 Before  the  noise, 
 More  dread  Thy  voice, 
 0  Lord  Most  High ! 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  277 
 
 Thy  voice  in  chiding  heard 
 Shall  bid  the  discord  cease ; 
 5.       Thy  true  and  glorious  word 
 
 Shall  bring  perpetual  peace  : 
 And  saints  shall  see 
 Fair  Holiness 
 For  ever  bless 
 Their  home  with  Theex. 
 
 *  "  The  beginning  of  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  was  attended  with  a 
 tossing  of  the  waves  :  but  now  the  Lord  of  the  sea  has  rebuked  the  rush- 
 ing wind,  and  it  has  sunk  to  a  gentle  breeze  ;  the  waves  are  silent,  and 
 there  is  a  great  calm." — Theodoret. 
 
THE    BOOK    OF    PSAL^IS 
 
 XCIV. 
 
 EiGHTEors  Lord,  to  Whom  belongs 
 Recompense  of  mortal  wrongs, 
 
 Righteous  God,  awake,  arise : 
 Judge  of  all  the  earth  appear  ; 
 Let  the  proud  Thy  sentence  hear, 
 
 Who  Thy  truth  and  pow'r  despise. 
 
 0  how  long,  all-patient  God, 
 Shall  the  sinner  scorn  Thy  rod, 
 
 Fenc'd  in  guile,  in  mischief  strong  ? 
 0  how  long  Thy  saints  oppress, 
 With  imperious  wickedness 
 
 Boasting  of  triumphant  wrong  ? 
 
 Lo  !  Thy  people  mourn  o'erthrown, 
 Pierce  oppression  strikes  them  down, 
 
 Where  the  land,  the  throne,  is  Thine  : 
 Widows  mourn,  and  strangers  cry : 
 Not  an  arm  to  shield  is  nigh, 
 
 "Where  the  dying  orphans  pine. 
 
IN   ENGLISH    TEESE.  279 
 
 7.     Tet  they  say,  in  impious  thought, 
 Jacob's  God  regards  it  not, 
 Unreprov'd  our  deeds  shall  be  : 
 8, 9.  Vain  and  blind  !  Shall  He  not  hear, 
 Who  in  wisdom  fram'd  the  ear  ?  "" 
 He,  who  made  the  eye,  not  see  ? 
 
 10.  He,  whose  warnings  strike  with  dread 
 Heathen  tribes  in  error  bred, 
 
 Shall  He  not  chastise  His  own  ? 
 He,  from  whom  the  heav'n-born  flame, 
 Heart-enlight'ning  knowledge  came?, 
 
 Are  your  hearts  to  Him  unknown  ? 
 
 1 1.  Nay,  He  knows  how  vain  is  man ; 
 Vain  the  sinner's  thoughts  that  plan 
 
 To  disturb  His  righteous  sway : 
 
 12.  Blest  is  he,  and  blest  alone, 
 
 Who  Thy  chast'ning  love  hath  known, 
 Taught  by  pain  true  wisdom's  way. 
 
 13.  He  shall  find  His  rest  in  Thee, 
 Till  the  suffering  souls  are  free, 
 
 Till  the  days  of  grief  are  flown ; 
 Till  the  dangerous  snare  below, 
 "Where  secure  the  godless  go, 
 
 Unawares  shall  drag  them  down. 
 
 y  Prov.  xx.  27. 
 
280  TIIE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 14.  For  our  God  will  ne'er  disown 
 Those  whom  once  His  love  had  known, 
 
 Them  His  grace  shall  still  sustain  ; 
 
 15.  Till  in  judgment's  kingly  seat 
 Truth  with  pow'r  again  shall  meet, 
 
 And  true  hearts  shall  share  her  reign. 
 
 16.     "Who  is  on  the  rightful  side  ? 
 
 Who  will  stem  the  shock  of  pride, 
 
 Arrmd  with  me  in  day  of  strife  ? 
 "Who  will  stand  with  single  heart, 
 Bold  on  truth's  unfriended  part, 
 
 Trusting  to  his  hand  his  life2  ? 
 
 17.  Lord,  Thy  present  help  alone 
 For  my  soul  the  rescue  won : 
 
 Darkness  soon  my  light  had  quell' d, 
 Silent  death  my  voice  had  tied  ; 
 
 18.  But  Thy  mercy  at  my  side 
 
 My  unstedfast  steps  upheld. 
 
 19.  When  the  crowding  throngs  of  care 
 Urge  my  spirit  to  despair, 
 
 When  the  waves  of  sorrow  roll, 
 Then,  as  peaceful  morning  bright 
 Dawns  to  still  the  troubled  night, 
 
 Dawns  Thy  comfort  on  my  soul. 
 
 1  Judg.  xii.  3. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  28 1 
 
 20.  Can  Thy  righteous  Truth  be  won 
 To  maintain  th'  oppressor's  throne, 
 
 His,  who  evil  makes  his  good  ? 
 
 21.  Lo  !  array' d  his  armies  stand, 
 Truth  to  banish  from  the  land, 
 
 And  condemn  the  guiltless  blood. 
 
 22.  Eest,  my  fears  ;  my  sorrows  cease  : 
 God  hath  set  my  chair  of  peace 
 
 On  His  Eock  of  Eefuge  high  a  : 
 
 23.  In  their  own  false  mischiefs  caught, 
 In  the  woes  that  they  have  wrought, 
 
 He  shall  bid  the  tyrants  die. 
 
 a  Aldhelm. 
 
2S2  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 xov. 
 
 1.  0  come,  rejoice  in  God,  and  sing, 
 
 On  high  your  voices  raise  ; 
 Send  up  to  your  Salvation's  Eock 
 The  gladness  of  your  praise. 
 
 2.  "With  early  service  seek  His  face 
 
 Within  His  blest  abode, 
 And  tell  in  psalms  of  joyful  sound 
 Your  gladness  in  your  God. 
 
 3.  Let  the  loud  harp  its  strains  ring  out 
 
 Accordant  to  the  words  : 
 Great  is  our  God,  th'  Eternal  King,' 
 The  Sovereign  Lord  of  lords. 
 
 4.  Earth's  secret  caves  and  centre  deep 
 
 His  hand  fix'd  fast  and  made, 
 And  the  strong  mountains  where  they  stand 
 With  stedfast  might  array' d. 
 
 5.  The  sea  is  His  :  His  word  call'd  forth 
 
 W^ide  Ocean's  watery  store, 
 And  for  its  firm-set  barrier  spread 
 The  dry  and  sandy  shore. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEKSE.  283 
 
 6.  O  come,  and  let  us  humbly  bow 
 
 With  fear  and  reverence  meet ; 
 Low  bending  let  us  fall,  and  kneel 
 At  our  Creator's  feet. 
 
 7.  He  is  our  God ;  and  we  are  His ; 
 
 The  flock  His  hand  hath  led  : 
 He  is  our  Shepherd,  we  His  sheep, 
 In  His  free  pastures  fed. 
 
 8.  And  now  this  day  His  mercy  pleads : 
 
 If  ye  His  voice  will  hear, 
 O  harden  not  your  wandering  hearts 
 Against  His  holy  fear. 
 
 9.  Hemember  well  the  day  of  strife 
 
 When  wrath  was  seen  to  lower, 
 And  your  old  fathers  tempted  Me, 
 And  saw  My  works  of  power : 
 
 10.  When  forty  years  they  griev'd  their  God, 
 
 And  erring  went  astray, 
 Till  judgment  wak'd  against  a  race 
 That  would  not  learn  My  way  ; 
 
 11.  And  in  My  hour  of  wrath  I  sware, 
 
 Hncontrite  and  unblest, 
 They  shall  not  see  the  land  of  joy, 
 Nor  share  My  promis'd  rest. 
 
284 
 
 THE    BOOK   Or   PSALMS 
 
 XCVL 
 
 1.  Raise  the  psalm  :  let  Earth's  adoring, 
 
 Through  each  kindred,  tribe,  and  tongue, 
 To  her  God  His  praise  restoring, 
 Eaise  the  new  accordant  sons: : 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 2.  Bless  His  Name,  each  furthest  nation, 
 
 Sing  His  praise,  His  truth  display ; 
 Tell  anew  His  high  salvation 
 With  each  new  return  of  day. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 3.  To  the  heathen  far  asunder 
 
 Tidings  of  His  glory  bear  ; 
 Let  them  hear  His  deeds  of  wonder, 
 And  adore  the  love  they  share. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 4.  5.  Idol-gods,  the  brood  of  error, 
 
 Cannot  hear,  or  lend  their  aid : 
 His  alone  are  strength  and  terror, 
 
 Who  the  heav'ns  and  earth  hath  made. 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  285 
 
 6.  Majesty  and  grace  before  Him 
 
 "Wait  to  guard  His  holy  seat ; 
 In  His  courts,  where  saints  adore  Him, 
 Peerless  strength  and  beauty  meet. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 7.  Tea,  ascribe  to  God,  each  kindred, 
 
 Pow'r  and  strength  and  honour  due : 
 Let  your  gifts  no  more  be  hind'red 
 To  the  Only  Good  and  True. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 8, 9.  In  His  courts  of  fairest  splendour, 
 Beauteous  in  their  holiness, 
 Holy  be  the  vows  ye  render, 
 
 Tear  be  with  you,  while  ye  bless. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 10.     Tell  it  out  beneath  the  heaven 
 
 To  each  kindred,  tribe,  and  tongue, 
 Tell  it  out  from  morn  till  even, 
 In  your  unexhausted  song, 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 Tell,  that  God  for  ever  reigneth, 
 He  Who  set  the  world  so  fast, 
 
 He  Who  still  its  state  sustaineth, 
 Till  the  day  of  doom  to  last. 
 
 Hallelujah !  Amen. 
 
2S6  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 11.  Tell  them,  that  the  day  is  coming, 
 
 When  that  righteous  doom  shall  be : 
 Then  shall  heav'n  new  joys  illumine, 
 Gladness  shine  o'er  earth  and  sea. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 Tea,  the  far-resounding  Ocean 
 Shall  its  thousand  voices  raise ; 
 
 All  its  waves  in  glad  commotion 
 Chaunt  the  fulness  of  His  praise  : 
 
 Hallelujah !  Amen. 
 
 12.  And  Earth's  fields,  with  herbs  and  flowers, 
 
 Shall  put  on  their  choice  array, 
 And  in  all  their  leafy  bowers 
 Shall  the  woods  keep  holiday b  : 
 
 Halleluj ah !  Amen . 
 
 13.  When  the  Judge  to  Earth  descending 
 
 Righteous  judgment  shall  ordain ; 
 Fraud  and  wrong  shall  then  have  ending. 
 Truth,  immortal  Truth,  shall  reign. 
 
 Hallelujah !  Amen. 
 
 b  Aldhelm. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   YEESE.  287 
 
 XCVIL 
 
 1.  The  Lord  is  King :  let  earth  be  glad : 
 
 Let  the  wide  sea  and  every  isle 
 "With  their  great  Maker's  glory  clad 
 In  light  and  joy  look  up  and  smile. 
 
 2.  Dark  clouds  His  secret  place  enfold, 
 
 To  sight  of  mortal  eyes  unknown  : 
 Pure  righteousness  and  truth  uphold 
 His  unremov'd  eternal  throne. 
 
 3.  Swift  fire,  His  harbinger  of  wrath, 
 
 Is  ready,  where  He  bids,  to  fly, 
 And  ever  on  its  burning  path 
 
 His  shrinking  foes  must  fall  and  die. 
 
 4.  0,  who  hath  seen  His  lightnings  hurl'd, 
 
 That  flashing  gleam,  so  wide,  so  clear, — 
 "When  the  low  earth  and  solid  world 
 In  pangs  proclaim  their  Maker  near  ? 
 
 5.  The  stedfast  hills,  like  melting  wax, 
 
 In  rolling  torrents  down  are  pour'd : 
 Amaz'd  the  eye  adoring  tracks 
 
 The  footsteps  of  earth's  mightiest  Lord. 
 
2S*>  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.  Yea,  the  wide  heav'ns  high  overspread 
 
 The  righteous  pow'r  of  God  declare : 
 Earth's  tribes,  in  all  her  regions  bred, 
 May  read  His  constant  tokens  there. 
 
 7.  Woe  then  to  those,  who  blindly  tow 
 
 To  idol-gods  of  wood  or  stone  : — 
 0  let  the  godlike  angels  bow 
 
 Before  their  Lord  and  ours  alone. 
 
 8.  Zion  hath  heard  the  solemn  song, 
 
 "With  joy  hath  heard  :  and  where  they  meet, 
 Judalrs  glad  daughters  haste  and  throng 
 With  timbrels  and  with  anthems  sweet : 
 
 9.  For  they  have  known  that  Thou  art  King, 
 
 And  humbly  to  Thy  judgment-throne 
 Their  psalm  of  praise  in  duty  bring, 
 And  Thy  unguestion'd  glory  own. 
 
 10.  AVhere  is  the  soul  that  loves  the  Lord, 
 
 That  loves  the  light  His  mercy  gave  ? 
 Abhor  the  sin  by  God  abhorr'd ; 
 And  trust  His  succour  still  to  save. 
 
 11.  Light  sown  in  hearts,  where  Truth  holds  sway, 
 
 In  fruit  of  gladd'ning  joy  shall  spring  : 
 
 12.  Ye  righteous  keep  your  joyous  way 
 
 And  your  high  God  adoring  sing. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 XCVIII. 
 
 289 
 
 Raise  the  psalm  to  God  all-glorious, 
 Tell  the  wonders  He  hath  done ; 
 
 How  His  holy  arm  victorious 
 Hath  a  deathless  conquest  won : 
 
 Hallelujah !  Amen. 
 
 He,  His  mightiest  grace  declaring, 
 Bids  the  nations  hear  the  sound ; 
 
 Bighteous  Truth,  the  tidings  bearing, 
 Shines  to  earth's  remotest  bound. 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 Love,  foreshown  in  ancient  token, 
 
 He  to  Israel  hath  renew'd : 
 He  the  heathen's  bonds  hath  broken, 
 
 And  their  eyes  with  light  endued. 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 Sing  to  God,  "Whose  praise  rejoices 
 
 Faithful  hearts,  and  tunes  each  tongue : 
 Earth,  with  all  thy  choir  of  voices, 
 Raise  aloud  the  duteous  song. 
 
 Hallelujah !  Amen. 
 tr 
 
290  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 5.  Now,  your  notes  with  harp-strings  blending, 
 
 Psalms  in  softer  concert  sing ; 
 
 6.  Now,  the  air  with  trumpets  rending, 
 
 Shout  your  joy  in  God  your  King. 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 7.  Let  the  far-resounding  ocean 
 
 All  its  thousand  voices  raise  ; 
 "Waves,  that  throng  in  glad  commotion, 
 Chaunt  the  fulness  of  His  praise. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 8.  Let  each  shore  repeat  the  story  ; 
 
 Tell  your  joy,  ye  floods  and  rills  ; 
 And  as  beacons  of  His  glory, 
 
 Rise,  ye  firm  and  sunbright  hills. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
 9.  [  For  your  Judge  in  glory  cometh, 
 
 Turning  earth's  sad  loss  to  gain; 
 
 Back  restoring,  while  He  doometh, 
 
 Righteous  Truth's  eternal  reign. 
 
 Hallelujah!  Amen. 
 
IN   ENGLISH    YEHSE.  291 
 
 XCIX. 
 
 God  is  King :  ye  nations,  tremble, 
 While  your  awful  Lord  ye  greet ; 
 
 In  His  courts,  where  saints  assemble, 
 While  He  holds  His  solemn  seat, 
 
 Thron'd  on  cherubs, 
 Bow,  thou  earth,  beneath  His  feet. 
 
 God  is  great,  in  Zion  reigning 
 
 High  above  all  tribes  and  tongues, 
 
 Unremov'd  His  state  maintaining ; 
 To  His  Name,  that  fills  our  songs, 
 
 Great  and  awful, 
 Holy  fear  with  praise  belongs. 
 
 Pow'r  is  Thine,  O  King  Most  Holy, 
 Pow'r  with  judgment  firm  array'd, 
 
 Pow'r,  that  loves  to  right  the  lowly ; 
 Truth  in  purest  balance  weigh'd 
 
 Thou  for  ever 
 Hast  Thy  law  for  Israel  made. 
 
 Praise  ye  then  our  God,  and  lowly 
 At  His  footstool  bending  down, 
 
 Bless  His  Name  ;  for  He  is  holy : 
 Thus  of  old  His  truth  was  known 
 
 To  His  chosen; 
 Thus  His  strength  did  Moses  own : 
 
292  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 Thus  His  priests,  His  ephod  wearing, 
 
 Aaron  and  his  sons,  ador'd ; 
 Thus  His  seer,  His  message  bearing, 
 
 Samuel,  call'd  th'  Eternal  Lord ; 
 Ever  near  them, 
 
 Answering  by  His  gracious  word. 
 
 7.  From  the  pillar' d  cloud  that  led  them, 
 
 To  the  tribes  that  sought  His  Name, 
 He,  "Whose  love  in  deserts  fed  them, 
 Did  His  laws  of  peace  proclaim  : 
 
 Words  of  gladness 
 To  each  faithful  soul  they  came. 
 
 8.  And  Thy  pity,  Lord,  relenting 
 
 Heard  them,  when  they  made  their  moan, 
 Of  their  idol-sins  repenting, 
 Vain  devices  of  their  own, 
 
 Vain  inventions, 
 Which  had  call'd  Thy  judgments  down. 
 
 9.  Praise  our  God,  His  greatness  telling, 
 
 Praise  His  mercy's  endless  store: 
 On  the  mount,  His  holy  dwelling, 
 His  eternal  truth  adore. 
 
 King  of  glory, 
 Thou  art  holy  evermore ! 
 
IN    ENGLISH   YEESE.  293 
 
 c. 
 
 From  the  Old  Version, 
 
 1.  All  people  that  on  earth  do  dwell, 
 
 Sing  to  the  Lord  with  cheerful  voice : 
 Him  serve  with  fear,  His  praise  forth  tell, 
 Come  ye  before  Him  and  rejoice. 
 
 2.  The  Lord,  ye  know,  is  God  indeed, 
 
 "Without  our  aid  He  did  us  make : 
 We  are  His  flock,  He  doth  us  feed, 
 And  for  His  sheep  He  doth  us  take. 
 
 3.  0  enter  then  His  gates  with  praise, 
 
 Approach  with  joy  His  courts  unto  ; 
 Praise,  laud,  and  bless  His  Xaine  always, 
 For  it  is  seemly  so  to  do. 
 
 4.  For  why  ?  the  Lord  our  Grod  is  good, 
 
 His  mercy  is  for  ever  sure ; 
 His  truth  at  all  times  firmly  stood, 
 And  shall  from  age  to  age  endure. 
 
294  the    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 c. 
 
 Second  Version. 
 
 L         Let  all  the  peopled  earth 
 
 To  God  their  voices  raise  ; 
 All  tribes  of  mortal  birth, 
 
 With  gladness  tell  His  praise ; 
 To  Him  alone 
 
 Tour  offerings  bring, 
 Rejoice  and  sing 
 Before  His  throne. 
 
 2.  0  turn,  your  God  to  own, 
 
 The  Lord,  by  Whom  ye  live  ; 
 Not  man,  but  God  alone 
 The  gift  of  life  could  give  : 
 Beneath  His  care 
 "We  feel  no  need, 
 Like  flocks  we  feed 
 In  pastures  fair. 
 
 3.  0  hasten  to  His  gates, 
 
 Where  saints  with  praises  meet, 
 The  courts,  where  blessing  waits 
 The  living  Lord  to  greet : 
 
 Your  thanks  proclaim, 
 And  tell  aloud, 
 How  good  is  God, 
 How  great  His  Name ! 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  295 
 
 For  0,  the  Lord  is  good ; 
 His  mercy,  as  of  yore, 
 Ere  ocean  heav'd  its  flood, 
 Stands  firm  for  evermore : 
 
 His  truth  shall  reign 
 With  lasting  peace, 
 "When  time  shall  cease 
 To  wax  and  wane. 
 
296  TnE    BOOK   Or   PSALMS 
 
 CI. 
 
 1.  My  song  shall  be  of  mercy  mild, 
 Mercy  with  judgment  reconciFd : 
 Just  Lord  of  truth  and  grace,  by  Thee 
 O  let  my  words  accepted  be. 
 
 2.  Let  heavenly  wisdom  at  my  side 
 My  way  in  true  obedience  guide  : 
 O  visit,  Lord,  my  home,  and  prove 
 My  vow  of  undivided  love. 
 
 No  lure  that  tempts  to  deeds  unright 
 Shall  lead  astray  my  wand' ring  sight : 
 No  faithless  sin  in  secret  plann'd 
 With  guilty  gain  defile  my  hand. 
 
 4.  Far  be  from  me  the  froward  will, 
 By  me  disown' d  each  lust  of  ill : 
 
 5.  Close-working  slander,  and  the  eye 
 Of  pride,  shall  ne'er  approach  me  nigh. 
 
US   ENGLISH   YEESE.  297 
 
 But  faithful  sons  of  peace  shall  come, 
 To  bless  my  peaceful  court  and  home : 
 The  good,  who  keep  the  perfect  way, 
 Shall  there  a  happy  service  pay. 
 
 7.  No  harbour  there  be  left  for  guile, 
 
 Or  tongues  that  treacherous  lies  defile  : 
 
 8.  0  perish  far  their  impious  brood 
 From  realm  and  city  of  our  God  ! c 
 
 c  This  Psalm,  which  is  entitled  in  the  Hebrew  a  Psalm  of  David, 
 appears  to  have  perplexed  some  modern  Commentators,  as  if  the  holy 
 resolutions  were  scarcely  borne  out  by  the  royal  Psalmist  in  those  days 
 when  "the  sons  of  Zeruiah  were  too  hard  fur  him."  It  is  a  go  )d  solu- 
 tion which  is  offered  by  Theodoret,  that  David  spoke  by  prophecy  in 
 the  spirit  of  Josiah,  to  whose  character  the  prayers  and  vows  seem 
 admirably  to  correspond. 
 
2^8  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 CII. 
 
 1,2.     Lord,  hear  my  mournful  pray'r ; 
 With  answering  mercy  soon 
 Bow  down  Thine  ear  to  my  complaint, 
 And  grant  my  sorrow's  boon. 
 
 3.  My  days  of  joy,  like  smoke, 
 
 Have  flown  in  air  away  ; 
 
 And  like  a  brand  upon  the  hearth, 
 
 My  fever' d  bones  decay. 
 
 4.  My  heart  is  smitten  down, 
 
 Like  herbage  parch' d  and  dead  ; 
 And  my  sick  soul,  bereft  of  hope, 
 Forgets  its  needful  bread. 
 
 5.  My  feeble  strength  is  gone  ; 
 
 So  worn,  so  pale,  and  thin, 
 I  scarce  retain  the  bones  that  strive 
 To  pierce  their  fence  of  skin. 
 
 6.  "Withdrawn  from  sight  of  men 
 
 In  solitude  I  moan, 
 Like  pelican  in  wilderness, 
 Or  owl  in  desert  lone  : 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  299 
 
 7.  And  oft  before  the  dawn 
 
 My  lonely  watch  prolong, 
 Like  the  sad  bird  that  sings  on  roofs 
 Its  solitary  songd. 
 
 8.  My  foes  with  wrathful  hate 
 
 Against  my  peace  are  sworn  ; 
 Their  fierce  reproaches  all  day  long 
 Oppress  my  name  with  scorn. 
 
 9.  No  bread  or  joyons  wine 
 
 My  weary  spirit  cheers  ; 
 I  feed  on  ashes  now,  and  drink 
 The  bitter  cup  of  tears. 
 
 10.       And  why  ?     Because  on  me 
 
 Thy  wrath's  sore  burden  lies, 
 More  hard,  since  Thou  hast  overthrown, 
 AVhose  love  had  made  me  rise. 
 
 d  In  the  Prayer-Book  and  Bible-Translation  this  bird  is  called 
 "a  sparrow."  But  the  Hebrew  word  is  one  that  denotes  any  kind 
 of  bird  that  flies.  See  Gen.  vii.  14,  ad  f.  and  Psalm  cxlviii.  10. 
 And  the  habits  of  the  sparrow  are  not  solitary,  but  gregarious  :  it 
 is  not  apt  to  sit  still,  but  is  restlessly  in  motion,  in  whatever  part 
 of  the  world  it  is  found.  A  late  observant  Naturalist  supposes 
 the  bird  here  described  to  be  the  solitary  thrush,  a  species  not 
 found  in  this  country,  but  common  in  more  southern  climates, 
 where  it  frequents  the  roofs  of  buildings,  and  often  makes  its  nest 
 in  old  walls  or  ruins.  The  song  of  this  bird  may  be  heard  at  early 
 hours,  and  resembles  the  mellow  tones  of  a  fl  ute,  with  much  variety 
 of  notes,  and  expressive  of  melancholy.  Hence  the  Spaniards  call 
 it  Tordo  loco,  the  mad,  or  melancholy,  thrush  ;  and  it  is  perhaps 
 indicated  by  an  old  Spanish  Translator  of  the  Bible,  who  renders 
 the  verse,  "  Fuy  como  paxaro  solitario  sobre  techo."  Paxaro  loco, 
 or  paxaro  solitario,  in  Spanish,  is  a  name  given  to  this  species  of 
 thrush  ;  and  proverbially  to  a  lover  of  solitude. 
 
300 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 11.  My  days  with  swift  decline 
 
 Are  hast'ning  to  their  fall, 
 Like  shades  that  post  at  eve,  or  grass 
 That  withers  on  the  wall. 
 
 12.  But  Thou,  Almighty  Lord, 
 
 Unchanging  is  Thy  sway : 
 The  memory  of  Thy  ]S  ame  shall  last 
 To  ages  far  away. 
 
 13.  And  Thou  wilt  yet  arise 
 
 To  change  sad  Zion's  doom : 
 E'en  now  the  days  of  woe  are  past, 
 The  hour  of  mercy  come, 
 
 14.  For  her  Thy  servants  mourn, 
 
 To  see  her  walls  o'erthrown ; 
 A  voice  that  pleads  for  pity  speaks 
 Prom  every  mould'ring  stone. 
 
 15.  The  heathen  and  their  kings, 
 
 Thy  glory,  Lord,  shall  fear, 
 lti.  When  once  reveal" d  from  Zion's  tow'rs 
 That  glory  shall  appear  : 
 
 17.       When  to  the  poor's  complaint 
 He  turns  with  pitying  care ; 
 Nor  with  averted  face  rejects 
 
 The  lone  one's  faithful  pray'r. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  301 
 
 18.        Then  history  evermore 
 
 Shall  tell  our  state  restor'd  ; 
 New  nations,  call'd  by  Him  to  life, 
 Shall  rise  and  praise  the  Lord, 
 
 19,20.  For  He  in  heav'n  hath  heard 
 The  captive's  groaning  cry, 
 And  waits  to  loose  the  sons  of  woe 
 In  thraldom  laid  to  die  ; 
 
 21.  That  they  in  Salem's  courts 
 
 His  mercies  may  declare, 
 
 22.  When  earth's  far  kingdoms  come  to  serve 
 
 The  God  of  Israel  there. 
 
 23.  Yet,  Lord,  Thou  bid'st  my  hope 
 
 To  struggle  long  with  fears  : 
 Thine  arm  hath  bow'd  my  strength  to  dust, 
 Cut  off  my  life's  short  years. 
 
 24.  Too  soon  on  man's  brief  days 
 
 The  shades  of  evening  haste  ; 
 Lord,  bid  me  not  to  die,  ere  yet 
 My  noon  of  life  be  past. 
 
 Thou  art  for  evermore  : 
 
 Long  time,  that  all  outwears, 
 Approaches  not  Thy  changeless  reign, 
 Thy  countless  sum  of  years. 
 
302  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 25.  Of  old  the  solid  earth 
 
 Thy  pow'r  in  beauty  laid ; 
 Thy  hands  the  vaulted  heav'n  above 
 In  majesty  array' d  : 
 
 26.  Tet  they,  when  comes  their  end, 
 
 Shall  perish,  as  they  rose  : 
 Eut  Thou  shalt  last ;  no  tide  or  time 
 Thy  glorious  rule  shall  close. 
 
 Like  garments  old  and  worn 
 
 Their  frame  shall  shrink  decay'd : 
 
 27.  But  Thou  dost  sway  all  change,  Thy  years 
 
 Shall  never  fail  or  fade. 
 
 28.  And  saints  Thy  state  shall  share, 
 
 "Who  now  Thy  truth  adore ; 
 In  Thy  blest  presence  they  and  theirs 
 Shall  dwell  for  evermore. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  303 
 
 cm. 
 
 1.  My  soul,  with  all  thy  pow'rs  to  God 
 
 Thy  love  and  praise  unwearied  give ; 
 
 2.  O  let  His  mercy-gifts  bestow'd 
 
 For  ever  in  thy  memory  live : 
 
 3.  "Who  hears  thy  pray'r,  and  grants  relief, 
 
 Removes  each  stain  of  guilt  away, 
 And  heals  the  spirit's  secret  grief, 
 
 That  wastes  its  strength  with  slow  decay. 
 
 4.  "Who  sav'd  thee  from  the  darksome  grave, 
 
 The  baleful  bonds  of  Death  unbound ; 
 And,  greater  grace;  the  life  He  gave 
 "With  love  and  endless  mercy  crown' d. 
 
 5.  Who  bade  thy  fainting  soul  be  strong, 
 
 And  gave  thee,  in  His  bounteous  might, 
 Such  joys  as  when  thy  days  were  young, 
 Such  strength  as  bears  the  eagle's  flight. 
 
 6.  He  is  the  Avenger  of  all  harm, 
 
 Who  rights  the  righteous  cause  alone ; 
 
 7.  Who  made  His  truth  with  mightiest  arm 
 
 To  Moses  and  to  Israel  known. 
 
304 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 8.  He  is  the  Lord,  Whose  name  is  Love, 
 
 Still  slow  to  wrath,  and  swift  to  spare  : 
 
 9.  His  voice  of  chiding  from  above 
 
 Still  speaks  a  Father's  pitying  care. 
 
 10.  He  would  not  cast  us  off,  abhorr'd, 
 
 "Who  watch' cl  to  call  His  wand'rers  in ; 
 Our  guilt  with  equal  pain  reward, 
 Or  match  the  sorrow  with  the  sin. 
 
 11.  As  high  as  heaven,  Thy  bright  abode, 
 
 Is  o'er  our  place  of  sojourn  here, 
 So  high  and  deep,  all-gracious  God, 
 Thy  love  to  souls  who  own  Thy  fear. 
 
 12.  Far  as  the  region  of  the  East 
 
 From  chambers  of  the  setting  day, 
 So  far  Thy  grace  from  souls  releas'd 
 Hath  borne  the  load  of  guilt  away. 
 
 13.  The  yearning  pity,  wont  to  move 
 
 A  father  to  his  erring  child, 
 
 Is  like  our  God's  all-pitying  love, 
 
 To  contrite  sinners  reconcil'd. 
 
 14.  He  knows  how  soon  our  lives  decay ; 
 
 How  soon  this  weary  mortal  frame 
 Must  join  again  its  kindred  clay, 
 
 Laid  low  in  earth  from  whence  it  came. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEBSE.  305 
 
 15.  Our  fleeting  days  that  come  and  pass, 
 
 And  soon  to  Death  their  glories  yield, 
 Are  but  as  spring-time  with  the  grass, 
 Or  wild-flower  in  the  blooming  field : 
 
 16.  The  summer- wind  that  o'er  it  blew 
 
 Away  its  short-hVd  blossoms  bore ; 
 And  where  it  late  in  beauty  grew, 
 The  place  remembers  it  no  more. 
 
 17.  But  Thine  unchanging  mercy,  Lord, 
 
 Our  children  yet  unborn  shall  see, 
 
 18.  While  they  and  theirs,  with  blest  accord, 
 
 In  glad  obedience  walk  with  Thee. 
 
 19.  The  Lord  in  heaven,  His  highest  home, 
 
 Hath  fix'd  His  seat  of  peerless  sway: 
 
 Whate'er  His  righteous  counsels  doom, 
 
 The  pow'rs  of  heav'n  and  earth  obey. 
 
 20.  Praise  Him  in  your  rejoicing  song, 
 
 Ye,  who,  whene'er  His  voice  is  heard, 
 Swift  angels,  excellently  strong, 
 
 Speed  the  glad  errands  of  His  word. 
 
 21.  Praise  His  high  ]Vame,  rejoice  and  sing, 
 
 Ye  hosts  in  heavenly  beauty  bright ; 
 And  ye  that  wait  or  serve  on  wing, 
 Delighting  in  your  God's  delight. 
 x 
 
30(5  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 22.  Praise  Him  all  ye  His  works,  that  fill 
 
 The  realm  His  righteous  sceptre  sways ; 
 And  thou,  my  soul,  unceasing  still 
 Send  up  the  duteous  song  of  praise. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   TEUSE.  3°7 
 
 CIY. 
 
 1.  My    soul,  praise  the  Lord;  speak  good  of  His 
 
 Name  : 
 O  Lord,  our  great  God,  with  love  and  with  fear 
 Our  psalm  shall  Thy  greatness  adoring  proclaim, 
 "Where  might  and  fair  beauty  in  concord  appear. 
 
 2.  The  glory  of  heav'n  at  noontide  display' d, 
 
 The  vesture  of  light  attiring  the  morn, 
 Eeveal  with  what  lustre  Thy  throne  is  array' d, 
 The  beams  which  Thy  presence  with  brightness 
 adorn. 
 
 3.  His  chambers  in  air,  the  floors  of  the  sky, 
 
 The  rains,  ere  they  fall,  in  fastnesses  bind : 
 The  clouds  are  His  coursers ;  He  speaks,  and  they 
 fly; 
 He  walks  in  His  swiftness  on  wings  of  the  wind. 
 
 4.  His  errands  were  sped  by  angels  of  light, 
 
 Fleet-wing'd  as  the  flame  His  mandates  to  beare; 
 
 5.  "When  earth's  solid  groundworks  He   laid  in  their 
 
 might, 
 The  waste  and  the  changes  of  Time  to  outwear. 
 
 e  Hengstenberg,  feeling  here  the  difficulty  of  connecting  this  verse  with  the  con- 
 text, proposes  to  translate  it,  "He  maketh  the  winds  His  angels,  and  the  flaming 
 fire  His  servants."  He  is  aware  of  the  objection  to  be  made  from  the  use  of  this 
 text  by  St.  Paul,  Heb.  i.  7.  May  not  the  mention  of  the  angels  have  been  suggested 
 to  the  sacred  poet  by  a  recollection  of  their  presence  at  the  work  of  the  Creation  ? 
 Job  xxxviii.  4 — 7. 
 
308 
 
 THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.  The  deep-rolling  flood  Thy  mandate  obey'd; 
 
 The  tide  in  its  flow  o'er  earth  was  outpour' d : 
 There,  spread  like  a  shroud,  the  still  waters  were 
 stay'd 
 On  heights  of  the  mountains  awaiting  Thy  word. 
 
 7.  Thy  voice  of  rebuke  in  thunder  spoke  forth ; 
 
 They  shrank  fast  away,  afraid  at  the  sound, 
 
 8.  And  sought  the  hill-springs,  hid  in  caves  of  the  earth, 
 
 And  flow'd  at  Thy  sending  down  valleys  profound. 
 
 0.       Thou  gav'st  the  command;  their  uproar  was  still ; 
 
 The  bound  fix'd  by  Thee  they  might  not  pass 
 
 o'er: 
 
 They  kept  their  deep  channels  restrain1  d  at  Thy  will, 
 
 And  earth  with  dark  waters  was  cover* d  no  more. 
 
 io.       In  high  mountain-dales  they  run,  as  they  ran 
 
 AVhen  first  from  their  springs  new-born  they 
 arose : 
 11.  There  beasts  roam  that  know  not  the  dwellings  of 
 man, 
 There  drink  the  wild  asses  the  wave  as  it  flows. 
 
 '  12.       Hard  by  the  clear  flood  the  birds  of  the  grove 
 
 Sing  joyous  in  shade  :  how  glad  is  their  voice  ! 
 13.  He  waters  the  hills  from  His  rain-stores  above, 
 
 And  bless'dwith  His  bounty  earth's  borders  rejoice. 
 
Of   ENGLISH   VEKSE. 
 
 209 
 
 14.  For  cattle  His  care  bids  pastures  to  grow, 
 
 And  herbs  made  for  man  fair  gardens  adorn : 
 
 15.  For  man  the  vine's  clusters  tlieir  gladness  bestow, 
 
 Joy  shines  in  the  olive,  strength  springs  in  the  corn. 
 
 16.  Ye  trees  of  the  Lord,  unnurtur'd  by  men, 
 
 Still  green  is  your  sap,  your  years  are  unknown. 
 Ye  Lebanon-cedars,  that  rise  in  the  glen, 
 
 "Where  first  your  great  Planter  your  birth-seed 
 had  sown. 
 
 17.  There  safe  are  the  birds  that  build  on  the  bough, 
 
 The  stork  finds  a  home  imharm'd  on  the  pine ; 
 
 18.  The  wild  goat  hath  rest  on  the  chill  mountain-brow f, 
 
 The  coneys  in  rocks  where  they  burrow  and  mine. 
 
 19.  Thou  madest  the  moon  her  seasons  to  keep, 
 
 The  sun  knows  his  hour  to  darkness  to  yield : 
 
 20.  Then  fierce  from  their  lairs,  where  at  noontide  they 
 
 sleep, 
 The  beasts  of  the  forest  roam  forth  o'er  the  field. 
 
 f  The  animals  here  mentioned  seem  to  be  introduced  as  indicating  the  wonders 
 of  Divine  Providence  in  making  the  most  cold  and  barren  regions  of  the  earth  sub- 
 servient to  the  use  and  support  of  some  species  of  living  creatures.    "  II  y  a  dans  la 
 
 partie  la  plus  haute  de  Caucase  trois  especes  de  chevres  sauvages L'  espece, 
 
 qui porte chez  les  Georgiens  le  nom  de  dj'uJaci,  erre  en  troupeaux  sur  les  montagnes ; 
 elle  ressemble  a  la  chevre  commune,  sinon  qu'  elle  est  beaucoup  plus  grande  :  elle  a 
 les  cornes  tres-longues.  Ces  chevres  grimpent  sur  les  rochers  les  plus  escarpes,  ou 
 aucun  autre  animal  ne  saurait  atteindre.  Dans  l'hiver,  elles  se  placent  sur  les  plus 
 hautes  cimes  des  montagnes,  leurs  naseaux  tournes  au  vent ;  car  elles  sont  in- 
 sensibles  au  froid  le  plus  rigoureux."    Klaproth.  Voyage  au  Caucase.  ii.  453. 
 
310  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 21.  The  lion's  wild  brood  roam  darkling  for  prey ; 
 
 They  roar,  and  to  God  their  cravings  are  known: 
 
 22.  But  hiish'd  are  their  cries  with  the  first  rising  ray, 
 
 And  they  to  their  caverns  departed  and  gone. 
 
 2o.       "When  back  to  their  brakes  the  spoilers  are  fled, 
 And  calm  in  the  dawn  the  fields  are  at  peace, 
 Man's  turn  comes  to  rise  from  the  rest  of  his  bed, 
 To  toil  in  the  morning,  at  evening  to  cease. 
 
 24.  How  infinite,  Lord,  the  works  of  Thy  hand, 
 
 With  beauty  and  might  in  wisdom  array'd ! 
 Thy  riches  alike  fill  the  breadth  of  the  land, 
 
 25.  And  shine  in  the  w^ide-rolling  Ocean  display" d. 
 
 26.  Ships  glide  on  the  wave  :  the  deep  water's  brood 
 
 Beneath  them  in  shoals  all  numberless  stray ; 
 Leviathan,  hugest,  the  lord  of  the  flood, 
 
 Kolls,  spouting  the  surge  in  his  pastime  of  play. 
 
 27.  All  wait  on  Thy  hand  their  needs  to  supply  ; 
 
 28.  They  feed,  and  are  filTd  ;  the  bounty  is  Thine  : 
 
 29.  TJncheer'd  by  Thy  favour  in  trouble  they  lie  ; 
 
 Their  breath  Thou  withdrawest ;    their  lives  they 
 resign. 
 
 30.  Thou  sendest  abroad  Thy  Spirit  once  more, 
 
 Whose  succours  with  life  all  creatures  sustain : 
 Earth  wakes  up  in  gladness  and  strength  as  before, 
 And  all  teems  with  freshness  and  fulness  again 
 
IN    ENGLISH    TERSE.  311 
 
 31.  These  glories  unspent  shall  never  grow  old ; 
 
 Thro'  all  His  wide  reign,  in  depth  and  in  height, 
 His  excellent  greatness  in  wonders  is  told ; 
 For  ever  our  God  in  His  works  shall  delight. 
 
 32.  One  look  of  His  pow'r  the  earth  might  remove, 
 
 One  touch  wrap  the  hills  in  smould'ring  and 
 flame, 
 As  when,  with  His  terror's  dread  signs  from  above, 
 In  sight  of  our  fathers  to  Horeb  He  came. 
 
 33.  As  long  as  I  live,  my  song  to  His  praise 
 
 Shall  rise  ever  new,  His  gifts  to  record : 
 
 34.  "While  memory  delights  me,  or  language  obeys, 
 
 Each  word  and  each  thought  be  of  joy  in  the  Lord. 
 
 35.  The  sinners,  whose  hearts  no  faithfulness  know, 
 
 Uprooted  from  earth  shall  perish  in  shame  : 
 But  ever  my  song  shall  in  thankfulness  flow, 
 
 My  soul  praise  the  Lord;  O  speak  good  of  His 
 Names. 
 
 s  No  Christian,  who  meditates  upon  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God  de- 
 clared in  the  wonders  of  Creation,  will  conclude  without  such  a  prayer  as  that 
 of  Lord  Hatton  or  Bishop  Taylor  on  this  Psalm  :  "  0  Lord  God,  when  all  Thy  crea- 
 tures praise  Thee  in  their  manner,  let  not  us,  whom  Thou  hast  made  in  dignity 
 next  to  angels,  disturb  the  blessed  order  of  creation  by  our  sins  and  irregular 
 disobedience." 
 
312 
 
 THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 cv. 
 
 1.  0  pat  your  vows  to  Israel's  God, 
 
 And  where  beneath  the  sun 
 Are  tribes  that  know  not  Israel's  God, 
 Proclaim  His  mercies  done. 
 
 2.  O  be  not  silent  in  His  praise  ; 
 
 Let  psalms,  with  harpings  sung, 
 And  words  that  tell  His  wondrous  pow'r, 
 Be  ever  on  jour  tongue. 
 
 3.     Praise  ye  the  holy  Name,  whose  praise 
 Gives  gladness  to  the  voice : 
 Let  trusting  hearts  in  weal  or  woe 
 Firm-knit  in  God  rejoice. 
 
 1     Search  the  true  annals  of  your  state, 
 Till  sons  from  fathers  learn 
 The  records  of  their  Eock  of  Strength, 
 And  ancient  love  return. 
 
 r 
 
 5.  Eemember  all  His  mighty  deeds, 
 
 His  pow'r  in  judgments  shown, 
 
 6.  0  Abraham's  seed,  and  Jacob's  sons, 
 
 Made  by  His  choice  His  own. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEKSE.  313 
 
 7.  He  is  the  Lord  our  God,  whose  pow'r 
 
 In  judgment-deeds  afar 
 Beams  forth  from  eastern  climes  to  realms 
 Beneath  the  western  star. 
 
 8.  For  ever  hath  He  kept  His  truth, 
 
 His  word  no  change  can  stain : 
 His  blest  command  from  sire  to  son 
 For  ever  shall  remain  h 
 
 9.  That  word,  which  He  to  Abraham  gave, 
 
 His  oath  to  Isaac  sworn  ; 
 
 10.  His  law  that  Jacob  heard  and  held, 
 
 Ere  Israel's  sons  were  born1. 
 
 11.  God  spake  :  To  thee  a  home  of  rest 
 
 In  Canaan  will  I  give  ; 
 The  land's  wide  border  shall  be  yours, 
 And  here  your  heirs  shall  live  : 
 
 12.  When  they  were  feeble  yet  and  few, 
 
 13.  And  roam'd,  as  strangers  roam, 
 From  land  to  land,  from  realm  to  realm, 
 
 A  tent  their  only  home  : 
 
 h  "  The  uord  which  He  commanded  to  a  thousand  generations. 
 The  round  number  is  used  for  all  generations.  As  long  as  one 
 generation  of  man  shall  succeed  another,  so  long  is  it  commanded 
 that  man  must  live  by  faith."     St.  Augustin. 
 
 >  The  Psalmist  appears  to  speak  of  God's  promise  as  a  command 
 and  a  law,  as  is  well  explained  by  St.  Augustin,  because  every 
 promise  implies  a  law  or  precept.  And,  as  he  says,  "  the  precept 
 or  command  is  faith,  that  the  just  may  live  by  faith  ;  and  to  this 
 faith  is  promised  an  eternal  inheritance." 
 
31*  TIIE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 14.  He  suffer' d  none  to  work  them  wrong, 
 
 But  bade  high  kings  beware : 
 
 O  CD 
 
 15.  Touch  not  My  saints,  and  harm  not  those 
 
 AYhose  lips  My  truth  declare. 
 
 16.  He  call'd  for  dearth  :  man's  feeble  strength 
 
 Beneath  that  wrathful  sign 
 Bow'd  low,  its  staff  of  bread  now  lost, 
 In  penury  to  pine  : 
 
 17.  But  one  His  care  had  sent  before, 
 
 That  men  His  grace  might  know, 
 His  servant  Joseph,  falsely  sold, 
 And  doom'd  to  dwell  in  woe. 
 
 18.  His  feet  the  baleful  fetters  bound, 
 
 And  in  that  house  of  dole 
 The  galling  links,  that  bruis'd  his  flesh, 
 Sent  bondage  to  his  soul : 
 
 19.  Until  th'  appointed  hour  was  come, 
 
 The  captive's  cause  was  heard, 
 A  captive  tried,  as  gold  in  fire, 
 By  God's  prophetic  wordk. 
 
 20.  Then  went  he  free  :  the  people's  king 
 
 Unbarr'd  his  cell  of  pain, 
 
 21.  And  bade  him,  next  in  kingly  grace, 
 
 In  palace-halls  to  reign ; 
 
 k  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   VERSE.  315 
 
 To  rule  his  household  and  his  store, 
 
 22.  His  princely  train  at  will 
 
 To  bind,  and  make  his  ancients  wise 
 "With  truth's  diviner  skill1. 
 
 23.  Then  Israel  too  to  Egypt  came  ; 
 
 A  pilgrim's  home  he  found, 
 Where  first  the  wand'ring  sons  of  Ham 
 By  lot  had  mark'd  the  ground. 
 
 24.  There  God  increas'd  the  patriarch's  race, 
 
 And  strong  their  numbers  grew, 
 
 25.  Till  the  false  aliens'  hearts  were  chang'd, 
 
 And  prompted  deeds  untrue. 
 
 2G.     Then  once  again  our  God  of  grace 
 New  guides  to  Israel  gave, 
 Moses  and  Aaron,  chosen  saints, 
 With  wond'rous  might  to  save. 
 
 27.  They  came,  and  shew'd  His  works  of  pow'r, 
 
 And  dealt  His  signs  around 
 Amidst  the  wrathful  sons  of  Ham 
 On  their  ancestral  ground. 
 
 28.  He  bade  the  thickest  pall  of  night 
 
 The  sun  at  noon  o'ershade  ; 
 The  gloomy  darkness  heard  His  voice, 
 And  when  it  heard,  obey'd™. 
 
 1  Oxford  Psalter.  »  See  Bishop  Horseley  on  this  verse. 
 
31(5 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 29.  The  teeming  waters,  full  of  life, 
 
 He  turn'd  to  streams  of  blood  : 
 The  finny  shoals  lay  floating  dead 
 High  on  the  purple  flood. 
 
 30.  He  call'd  to  life  the  reptile  swarms  ; 
 
 Foul  frogs  in  noisome  throng 
 Leap'd  on  the  beds  where  princes  slept, 
 And  croak' d  their  tuneless  song. 
 
 31.  Devouring  flies  obey'd  His  call, 
 
 And  lice  with  vexing  pow'r  ; 
 
 32.  The  fiery  thunders  roll'd,  and  hail 
 
 Fell  fast  in  stony  show'r. 
 
 33.  Storms  smote  their  vines ;  the  juicy  fig 
 
 Died  on  the  shatter' d  bough  ; 
 The  summer-orchards,  bright  of  bloom, 
 Lay  bare  in  ruin  now. 
 
 34.  He  spake  the  word  :  the  locusts  came 
 
 In  ranks  unnumber'd  round  ; 
 
 35.  The  wasteful  worm  their  garden's  pride 
 
 Chang' d  to  a  desert  ground. 
 
 36.  He  smote  proud  Egypt's  eldest-born  ; 
 
 His  arm  at  dead  of  night 
 Struck  down  in  Mizraim's  trembling  tents 
 The  hope  of  all  their  might : 
 
IS  ENGLISH   YEESE.  317 
 
 37.  And  not  as  feeble  slaves  led  forth 
 
 The  flock  He  call'd  His  own ; 
 But  with  high  hand ;  their  camp  with  gold 
 And  gleaming  silver  shone. 
 
 38.  Those  alien  lords,  that  once  oppressed 
 
 Now  joy'd  to  bid  them  go  : 
 Faint  were  the  hearts  so  fierce  erewhile, 
 Down-fall  n  with  fear  and  woe. 
 
 39.  He  spread  His  tented  cloud  by  day, 
 
 Lest  heat  at  noon  should  tire  ; 
 And  for  His  people's  march  at  night 
 Lit  up  His  pillar' d  fire. 
 
 40.  They  pray'd  for  food  :  the  show'ring  quails 
 
 Fell  like  the  dew  at  even  ; 
 And  ere  the  dawn,  like  frost  on  ground, 
 Was  pour'd  the  bread  of  heaven. 
 
 41.  He  clave  the  rock;  the  gushing  rills 
 
 Burst  from  its  flinty  side  ; 
 The  sounding  streams  ran  fast  and  far 
 Thro'  deserts  wild  and  wide. 
 
 42.  For  why  ?     His  oath  to  Abraham  pass'd 
 
 Time's  change  could  ne'er  destroy : 
 
 43.  For  Abraham's  sake  He  bless' d  his  sons, 
 
 Kejoicing  in  their  joy. 
 
318  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 44.  He  led  them  forth  :  the  heathen's  realm, 
 
 Their  Sovereign's  grant,  they  trod  ; 
 
 45.  For  service  bound  to  keep  His  laws, 
 
 The  statutes  of  their  God. 
 
IN   ENGLISH  YEKSE. 
 
 319 
 
 CVI. 
 
 1.  O  praise  the  Lord,  for  He  is  good, 
 
 O  thank  the  King  of  kings, 
 From  Whom,  unchang'd  from  age  to  age, 
 Long-suffering  Mercy  springs. 
 
 2.  "What  tongue  may  tell  His  noble  acts  ? 
 
 Life's  years  would  pass  away 
 Ere  skill  of  man  the  sum  could  count, 
 Or  all  His  praise  display. 
 
 3.  Bless'd  are  the  pure,  who  keep  unstain'd 
 
 The  law  of  truth  He  gave  : 
 
 4.  "With  them,  O  Lord,  remember  me, 
 
 And  with  Thy  pity  save. 
 
 5.  So  shall  I  see  what  bliss  shall  crown 
 
 The  people  of  Thy  choice  ; 
 "With  them  give  glory  to  my  God, 
 And  in  then  joy  rejoice. 
 
 6.  But,  holy  Lord,  our  lips  that  pray 
 
 In  sorrow  speak  and  fear : 
 AVe  too  are  sinful  men,  impure, 
 As  all  our  fathers  were. 
 
520  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 7.  Our  fathers  wrong' d  Thy  truth,  Whose  arm 
 
 Sucli  help  in  Egypt  gave, 
 Eebellious  in  their  faithless  fear 
 E'en  at  the  Red  sea's  wave : 
 
 In  fear  before  those  waters  broad 
 They  rais'd  their  wayward  moan  : 
 
 8.  But  God,  for  His  eternal  Name, 
 
 His  mighty  pow'r  made  known : 
 
 9.  His  voice  rebuk'd  the  Red  sea's  wave : 
 
 The  coral  depths  profound 
 Lay  bare,  as  though  their  feet  were  led 
 On  dry  and  desert  ground. 
 
 10.  He  sav'd  them  from  the  treacherous  hand 
 
 Of  those  that  work'd  them  woe  ; 
 Redeem' d  their  souls  from  toil  and  pain, 
 And  terror  of  their  foe. 
 
 11.  Deep,  deep  the  weltering  billows  drown'd 
 
 Th'  oppressors'  dying  wail : 
 "Where  thousands  march' d  at  night  in  arms, 
 None  liv'd  at  morning  pale. 
 
 J  2.     O  who  could  think,  that  they  who  now 
 With  songs  His  truth  ador'd, 
 
 13.     Would  change  so  soon,  and  tempt  the  doom 
 Of  recreants  to  their  Lord  ? 
 
IN    ENGLISH    VEESE.  321 
 
 14.  Their  lustful  fancy  unrestrain'd 
 
 Despis'd  the  grace  that  shed 
 The  food  of  heav'n  amid  the  waste, 
 And  pin'd  for  bondmen's  bread. 
 
 15.  God  heard  their  plaints,  and  what  they  sought 
 
 In  wrath  consenting  gave  ; 
 But  sent  lean  death  to  mar  the  feast, 
 And  lust  was  laid  in  grave. 
 
 lfi.     Pale  envy  in  their  hollow  tents 
 Rebellious  discord  bred 
 Against  the  saints,  who,  mov'd  by  heav'n, 
 Their  steps  to  Canaan  led ; 
 
 Against  meek  Moses,  man  of  God, 
 And  Aaron,  saintly  sire ; 
 
 17.  Till  the  firm  ground  asunder  cleft, 
 
 And  judgment  glow'd  in  fire. 
 
 Presumptuous  Dathans  pride  went  down, 
 Earth  clos'd  Abiram  in; 
 
 18.  The  lightning-flames  of  vengeance  quench'd 
 
 Rash  Koran's  stubborn  sin. 
 
 19.  They  dar'd  at  Horeb's  awful  rock 
 
 Their  sculptur'd  calf  to  rear, 
 E'en  there,  where  trembling  earth  had  own'd 
 Her  Sovereign  Lord  so  near : 
 
 T 
 
322  TnE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 20.  There  did  they  change  their  glorious  God, 
 
 And  bade  an  idol  rise 
 Like  the  dumb  beast  in  pastures  bred, 
 That  labours,  feeds,  and  dies : 
 
 21.  Their  God's,  their  Saviour's,  mercies  past, 
 
 They  cherish'd  now  no  more, 
 
 22.  His  wonders  seen  in  Mizraim's  coasts, 
 
 And  on  the  Red  sea's  shore. 
 
 23.  Then  spake  His  wrath,  and  all  their  race 
 
 In  death  o'erthrown  had  laid  ; 
 Save  that  His  holy  champion  fill'd 
 The  breach  that  sin  had  made ; 
 
 His  servant  Moses  stood  alone ; 
 
 24.  The  rest  all  faith  abjur'd, 
 Despis'd  the  pleasant  promis'd  land, 
 
 And  scorn' d  His  truthful  word. 
 
 25.  In  sullen  sloth  within  their  tents 
 
 They  wept  with  mad  despair, 
 "When  now  He  bade  them  bold  in  field 
 His  conquering  ensigns  bear. 
 
 26.  Then  by  His  own  dread  Name  He  sware, 
 
 By  His  uplifted  hand, 
 The  race  from  Egypt  sav'd  should  die 
 Par  from  that  pleasant  land : 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TEESE. 
 
 27.  And  their  doom'd  sons  thro'  alien  tribes, 
 
 In  sadness  and  in  fear, 
 Homeless  amidst  a  thousand  homes, 
 Should  wander  far  and  near. 
 
 28.  Their  lustful  crime  to  Moab's  god 
 
 Their  souls  all  captive  led ; 
 The j  shar'd  the  wizards'  pray'rs,  and  ate 
 The  offerings  of  the  dead11. 
 
 29.  Thus  did  they  mock  th'  Almighty's  pow'r, 
 
 And  brav'd  His  plagues  of  pain, 
 Till  wrath  o'ertook  them  in  their  sin, 
 And  heap'd  their  hearths  with  slain: 
 
 30.  And  more  had  faU'n :  but  Phinehas  rose,— 
 
 Such  fervour  zeal  could  give, — 
 To  execute  the  doom  of  God, 
 And  bid  the  dying  live. 
 
 31.  He  felt  not  then  the  ties  of  blood0, 
 
 When  heav'n's  sharp  sword  he  bore: 
 For  this  we  bless  his  name,  enroll"  d 
 With  saints  for  evermore. 
 
 32.  Again,  beside  the  fount  of  strife 
 
 They  rose  with  rebel  cry : 
 Unhappy  day !  when  Judgment  spake, 
 That  Moses  too  must  die ! 
 
 »  Isaiah  viii.  19.  °  Deut.  xxxiii.  0, 
 
 323 
 
$24 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 33.     Their's  was  the  offence,  0  their's  the  sin, 
 That,  vex'd  to  bear  the  load, 
 His  soul  in  hasty  words  profan'd 
 The  patient  pow'r  of  God. 
 
 34,35.  Then,  when  the  land  was  their's,  they  spar'd 
 The  tribes  of  heathens  wild, 
 Regardless  of  the  Almighty's  will, 
 And  were  with  them  defiTd. 
 
 36,37.  Caught  in  the  toils  of  sin,  they  rear'd 
 The  heathen's  sculpt  ur'd  stone, 
 And  heard  in  demons'  altar-flames 
 Their  dying  children  moan: 
 
 38.  Or  in  low  vale  by  rifted  rock p 
 
 Their  hands  with  gore  imbrued, 
 "With  gore  of  sons  and  daughters  slain 
 To  Canaan's  idol-brood. 
 
 39.  So  mourn' d  the  land  with  murder  foul ; 
 
 The  guiltless  victims  slain 
 Cried  out  to  heav'n  against  the  lust, 
 That  wanton' d  in  their  pain. 
 
 40.  Then  woke  the  jealous  wrath  of  God, 
 
 His  judgment  bar'd  the  sword  ; 
 Averse  He  view'd  His  chosen  flock, 
 His  heritage  abhorr'd. 
 
 p  Is.  lvii.  5. 
 
IN   ENGLISH    TERSE.  325 
 
 41.  He  gave  them  to  their  foes  a  prey ; 
 
 Their  haters  rul'd  their  land : 
 
 42.  Eeneath  th'  oppressors'  yoke  they  stoop' d, 
 
 And  felt  their  iron  hand. 
 
 43.  Oft  did  He  turn  to  save  ;  as  oft 
 
 Their  rebel  lusts  return' d  : 
 Till  feeble,  faint,  and  few,  their  souls 
 In  guilt  and  sorrow  mourn'd. 
 
 44,45.  Yet  e'en  in  misery's  abject  grief 
 "With  ruth  He  saw  them  lie ; 
 And  for  His  oath  and  mercies'  sake 
 He  heard  their  bitter  cry. 
 
 46.  Not  yet  His  long-remembering  love 
 
 Had  ceas'd  its  watch  to  keep  : — 
 Lo !  mov'd  with  pity  for  their  woe 
 Their  captors  turn'd  to  weep. 
 
 47.  Great  God  of  gods,  "Whose  arm  of  pow'r 
 
 Alone  the  fall'n  can  raise, 
 
 Say,  may  the  exiles  yet  return 
 
 To  triumph  in  Thy  praise  ? 
 
 "We  pray  that  grace,  Eternal  Lord, 
 Though  stain' d  with  sinful  blame, 
 
 Save,  save  us  yet  from  heathen  realms, 
 For  Thine  Immortal  Name. 
 
326  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 48.     Bless'd,  ever  bless'd  be  Israel's  God: 
 O  let  the  choir  again 
 Bepeat  th'  Eternal's  endless  praise, 
 And  raise  the  lond  Amen ! 
 
I>~   ENGLISH   TERSE.  327 
 
 CVII. 
 
 1.  0  thank  and  bless  the  living  Lord, 
 
 The  Fount  of  endless  Grace  above  ; 
 For  ever  be  in  songs  ador'd 
 
 The  pow'r  of  His  protecting  love. 
 
 2.  Thank  Him,  ye  exiles  gather'd  home, 
 
 Ye  captives  of  the  conqueror's  sword, 
 Bedeem'd  from  dread  of  wrathful  doom, 
 And  bondage  of  your  tyrant-lord  : 
 
 3.  By  bitter  thraldom  forc'd  afar 
 
 To  East  or  utmost  "West  to  flee, 
 To  climes  beneath  the  northern  star, 
 Or  sands  that  bound  the  southern  sea. 
 
 4.  ]S"o  lodge  for  rest  their  steps  could  find 
 
 In  burning  waste  or  trackless  heath  ; 
 
 5.  Their  souls,  with  thirst  and  famine  pind, 
 
 Hung  fainting  in  the  grasp  of  death. 
 
 6.  Then,  when  to  God  they  made  their  pray'r 
 
 He  sav'd  them  from  that  deep  distress, 
 
 7.  Gave  paths  amidst  those  deserts  bare, 
 
 And  homes  instead  of  wilderness. 
 
328  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 8.  O  praise  with  grateful  heart  and  tongue 
 
 The  goodness  of  our  God  above  ; 
 By  every  ransom' d  soul  be  sung 
 The  deeds  of  His  protecting  love. 
 
 9.  The  soul  that  felt  sharp  hunger's  pain. 
 
 Despairing  late  of  needful  food, 
 Now  lives  to  taste  of  joy  again, 
 
 And  tell  in  songs  that  God  is  good. 
 
 10.  They  who,  in  baleful  fetters  bound, 
 
 "With  anguish  drew  their  weary  breath, 
 By  prison-walls  encompass'd  round, 
 In  darkness  and  the  gloom  of  death ; 
 
 11.  Because  in  vain  rebellious  pride 
 
 They  heard  not  when  His  voice  forewarn'd, 
 The  terrors  of  His  law  defied, 
 
 His  grace  abhorr'd,  His  counsel  scorn' d  ; 
 
 12.  Therefore  their  hearts  He  tam'd  with  woe, 
 
 And  wisdom  by  affliction  gave, 
 By  misery  taught  their  need  to  know, 
 When  none  but  God  could  help  or  save  ; 
 
 13.  These,  when  to  Him  they  made  their  pray'r, 
 
 He  heard  amidst  their  worst  distress ; 
 
 14.  Sav'd  from  death's  gloom  and  deep  despair, 
 
 And  broke  the  bonds  of  bitterness. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  329 
 
 15.  O  praise  with  grateful  heart  and  tongue 
 
 The  goodness  of  our  God  above  ; 
 By  every  ransom' d  soul  be  sung 
 The  pow'r  of  His  protecting  love  : 
 
 16.  His  arm  hath  burst  the  gates  of  brass, 
 
 The  bars  of  steel  asunder  riven, 
 And  made  the  captives  forth  to  pass 
 To  freedom  and  the  light  of  heaven. 
 
 17.  The  sons  of  folly,  led  astray 
 
 In  rebel  passion's  mad  career, 
 By  slow  diseases  worn  away, 
 
 In  anguish  learn  to  mourn  and  fear  : 
 
 18.  Their  soul  in  faintness  loathes  their  food, 
 
 The  joyous  pulse  of  life  is  fled, 
 And  near  and  nearer  seems  to  brood 
 The  sullen  shade  that  wraps  the  dead. 
 
 19.  Tet  when  to  God  they  make  their  pray'r, 
 
 He  saves  them  from  their  deep  distress  ; 
 
 20.  Bids  health  once  more  their  strength  repair, 
 
 And  fell  destruction's  pow'r  repress. 
 
 21.  Then  praise  with  grateful  heart  and  tongue 
 
 The  goodness  of  our  God  above  ; 
 By  every  ransom' d  soul  be  sung 
 The  wonders  of  His  shelt'ring  love  : 
 
330 
 
 THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 22.  0  let  the  sacrifice  of  praise 
 
 At  morn  and  eve  each  tongue  employ ; 
 And  each  still  heart  its  altar  raise, 
 Lit  up  with  quick'ning  fire  of  joy. 
 
 23.  And  they,  who  on  the  toiling  sea 
 
 Their  trade  thro'  mighty  waters  keep, 
 
 24.  These  too  His  secret  glories  see, 
 
 His  wonders  on  the  rolling  deep  9. 
 
 25.  If  He  command,  the  wild  winds  rise, 
 
 And  toss  the  billows  where  they  blow, 
 
 26.  Now  mounting  to  the  troubled  skies, 
 
 Now  sinking  to  the  depths  below. 
 
 Then  bold  hearts  melt  with  fear  aghast, 
 
 27.  Like  drunkards  on  the  planks  they  reel ; 
 The  helmsman  quails  before  the  blast, 
 
 Nor  more  can  rule  the  labouring  wheel. 
 
 28.  But  when  to  God  they  make  their  pray'r, 
 
 He  saves  them  in  hard  toil  distress' d  ; 
 
 29.  In  calmness  stills  the  stormy  air, 
 
 And  lulls  the  raging  waves  to  rest. 
 
 q  Aldhelm :  Hi  Drihtnes  weorc=digul  gesawon,=and  His 
 wundra-wearn=on  waeter-grundum.  These  have  seen  the  Lord's 
 secret  work,  and  His  croicding  wonders  in  the  watery  depths.  On 
 the  Anglo-Saxon  word,  wearn,  or  worn,  see  the  Poem  of  Judith, 
 xi.  84.    Cffidmon,  175, 12. 
 
rN"   ENGLISH   YEESE.  331 
 
 SO.     0  then  what  joy  is  their' s  to  see 
 
 The  sun  return,  the  clouds  retire ! 
 God's  guiding  hand  hath  set  them  free 
 To  reach  their  port,  their  heart's  desire. 
 
 31.  O  praise  with  grateful  heart  and  tongue 
 
 The  goodness  of  our  God  above  : 
 By  every  rescued  soul  be  sung 
 
 His  arm  of  pow'r,  His  sheltering  love. 
 
 32.  Praise  Him,  where'er  th'  assemblies  meet, 
 
 Thro'  all  your  tribes  exalt  His  JS'ame  ; 
 And  by  your  elders'  reverend  seat 
 His  mercy  and  His  truth  proclaim. 
 
 33.  At  His  command  the  fountains  cease, 
 
 The  joyous  rills  to  dryness  turn, 
 
 34.  The  fruitful  soil  to  barrenness, 
 
 Where  lands  for  man's  transgression  mourn. 
 
 35.  Again,  He  makes  the  waste  a  pool, 
 
 And  thro'  wild  deserts,  parch'd  and  bare, 
 Calls  running  brooks  from  well-springs  cool, 
 
 36.  And  bids  the  poor  find  refuge  there  : 
 
 There  bids  the  hungry  souls  take  rest, 
 And  safe  their  peaceful  dwellings  rear, 
 
 37.  "With  clustering  vines  and  harvests  bless' d 
 
 And  increase  of  the  bounteous  year. 
 
.332  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 38.  With  blessings  from  the  heav'ns  above 
 
 He  heaps  their  store  in  garners  high  ; 
 Their  herds  in  wealthy  pastures  rove, 
 And  none  of  wasting  sickness  die. 
 
 39.  Again,  when  low  they  droop  with  grief, 
 
 And  fierce  oppression  makes  them  mourn, 
 His  mercy  waits  to  bring  relief, 
 
 And  break  the  yoke  in  anguish  borne. 
 
 40.  Their  tyrants  from  their  place  of  pride 
 
 He  drives  with  shame  and  woe  to  stray, 
 As  banish' d  men  in  wastes  to  hide, 
 
 Where  lonely  terror  haunts  their  way, 
 
 41.  But  His  poor  saints  His  comfort  fills 
 
 With  peace  more  deep  from  past  annoy, 
 And  free  as  flocks  that  range  the  hills, 
 Leads  forth  their  little  sons  in  joyr. 
 
 42.  With  wondering  awe  and  love,  the  just 
 
 Shall  read  God's  ways  of  mercy  plain  ; 
 The  wicked,  silent  in  the  dust, 
 
 Shall  own  their  impious  counsels  vain. 
 
 43.  Where  is  the  wise  and  true,  whose  mind 
 
 These  marvels  keeps  in  memory  stor'd  ? 
 Still  in  each  change  his  heart  shall  find 
 The  goodness  of  th'  Eternal  Lord. 
 
 *  Job  xxi.  11. 
 
I>-    ENGLISH    TERSE.  333 
 
 CVIII. 
 
 0  God,  my  heart  is  hVd  :  to  Thee 
 My  song  of  praise  shall  offer*  d  be, 
 
 The  glorious  gift  of  song  is  Thine : 
 Awake  the  harp,  and  psaltery's  string; 
 
 1  too  with  them  will  wake,  and  sing, 
 
 Before  the  sun  at  dawn,  shall  shine. 
 
 Thro'  the  wide  world  my  thankful  song 
 Shall  tell  Thy  praise  to  tribe  and  tongue, 
 
 And  bid  the  nations  learn  the  word : 
 More  bright  than  heav'ns  that  beam  so  fair, 
 High  as  the  soaring  clouds  of  air, 
 
 The  truth  and  love  of  Israel's  Lord. 
 
 0  God,  be  now  Thy  glory  shown ; 
 Before  Thine  high  and  heavenly  throne 
 
 Let  angel-hosts  adoring  bow  ; 
 And  let  Thy  power  be  seen  on  earth, 
 Till  from  all  tongues  of  mortal  birth 
 
 One  mingled  song  of  praise  shall  flow. 
 
 Let  Thy  right  hand  from  heav'n  above 
 Still  guard  the  people  of  Thy  love, 
 
 O  save  them  for  Thy  mercy's  name  : — 
 Yea,  Thou  hast  heard  ;  Thine  answering  voice 
 Hath  made  my  inmost  soul  rejoice, 
 
 As  from  Thy  holiest  place  it  came. 
 
33i  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 For  me  the  land  each  portion  yields, 
 Shechem,  and  Succoth's  tented  fields, 
 
 8.  Manasseh,  Gilead,  East  and  West ; 
 In  Ephraim  is  my  kingdom's  might, 
 In  Jndah  laws,  that  guard  the  right, 
 
 As  in  their  seat  of  council  rest. 
 
 9.  The  warlike  sons  of  Moab,  now 
 To  lowest  bondage  forc'd  to  bow, 
 
 Bring  water  for  their  conqueror's  feet ; 
 Eierce  Edom  fall'n  must  brook  the  scorn 
 To  bear  the  task  by  foot-slaves  borne ; 
 
 Philistia,  learn  thy  Lord  to  greet. 
 
 10.  And  who  shall  lead  our  host  along 
 To  win  the  city  fam'd  for  strong, 
 
 To  break  the  strength  of  Edom's  tow'r  ? 
 
 11.  0  who  but  Thou,  Who  late  in  scorn 
 Didst  seem  to  cast  us  off  to  mourn, 
 
 Thou,  Lord,  alone  our  Head  of  pow'r  ? 
 
 12.  O  help  us  still:  when  griefs  oppress, 
 Be  Thou  our  refuge  in  distress ; 
 
 For  vain  the  help  that  man  bestows : 
 
 13.  No  danger  shall  our  soul  affright, 
 While  God  sustains  and  guards  our  right, 
 
 And  lays  in  dust  our  fiercest  foes. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE.  335 
 
 CIX. 
 
 1.  Hold  not  Thy  peace,  my  God,  my  praise  : 
 For,  while  Thy  righteous  sentence  stays, 
 
 2.  The  slanders  of  the  treacherous  tongue 
 Are  loud  my  patient  truth  to  wrong. 
 
 3.  "With  hateful  cries  they  close  me  round ; 
 All  unprovok'd  they  watch  to  wound ; 
 
 4.  And  pay  with  scorn  the  love  I  bear : 
 But,  Lord,  I  give  my  heart  to  pray'r. 
 
 5.  Evil  for  good  is  all  my  meed, 
 Hatred  for  loving  word  or  deed  : 
 
 6.  Lord,  let  the  man,  who  seeks  my  woe, 
 Thy  doom  of  righteous  vengeance  know  : 
 
 Him  let  a  stronger  arm  command, 
 A  foe  outwork  with  mightier  hand : 
 
 7.  His  trial, — let  it  end  in  blame, 
 
 His  faithless  pray'r  in  sin  and  shame. 
 
 8.  Short  be  his  term  ere  life  be  o'er, 
 Another  take  the  charge  he  bore  : 
 
 9.  His  children,  be  they  fatherless  : 
 His  wife  in  widow'd  loneliness. 
 
336 
 
 TILE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 10.  Yea.  let  his  orphans  outcast  roam, 
 And  beg  around  some  happier  home  ; 
 While,  where  its  rest  their  childhood  found, 
 Pale  famine  guards  tbe  lonely  ground. 
 
 11.  And  let  the  ruthless  usurer  spoil 
 The  fruit  of  all  his  care  and  toil ; 
 AVhate'er  he  stor'd,  let  alien  bands 
 Divide,  and  deal  to  strangers'  hands. 
 
 12.  No  pity  let  his  ruin  move, 
 
 None  shield  his  orphan* d  babes  with  love  : 
 
 13.  But  let  him,  root  and  branch,  undone 
 Pass  hence,  and  never  more  be  known. 
 
 14.  Tea,  let  his  father's  deeds  unright 
 Live  in  just  God's  recording  sight ; 
 Nor  be  as  though  it  had  not  been 
 
 His  guilt-stain'd  mothers  shame  and  sin. 
 
 15.  Let  the  dread  record  ever  be, 
 
 My  God,  in  memory  stor'd  with  Thee : 
 His  name  be  like  a  plant  up-torn, 
 And  none  be  left  his  loss  to  mourn. 
 
 16.  Because  in  stern  unpitying  mood 
 His  wrath  the  child  of  need  pursu'd, 
 And  work'd  its  mischief  to  confound 
 The  wounded  heart  with  deadlier  wound. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 17.  Cursing  he  lov'd,  then  let  it  come 
 And  dwell  as  in  its  proper  home  : 
 He  who  ne'er  found  his  joy  or  rest 
 In  blessing,  let  him  ne'er  be  blest. 
 
 18.  "With  hateful  scorn  he  fenc'd  him  round, 
 As  with  a  belted  vesture  bound  : 
 
 Deep  let  it  work  his  frame  within, 
 And  with  his  sin  chastise  his  sin. 
 
 His  heart,  like  water,  curses  drank ; 
 Like  oil  into  his  bones  they  sank : 
 
 19.  Let  him  the  load  for  ever  bear, 
 As  men  their  daily  garments  wear. 
 
 20.  Be  such  their  wages,  righteous  Lord, 
 Be  such  my  slanderous  foes'  reward : 
 
 21.  But  let  my  ransom' d  soul  proclaim 
 The  praise  of  Thy  sweet  Mercy's  Name. 
 
 22.  Lord,  I  am  poor,  I  need  relief ; 
 
 My  inmost  heart  is  pierc'd  with  grief: 
 
 23.  My  wasted  life  speeds  fast  away, 
 Like  the  swift  shade  at  parting  day. 
 
 As,  when  by  winds  its  flight  is  cross'd, 
 The  locust's  feeble  strength  is  toss'd; 
 
 24.  My  knees  unnerv'd  with  fasting  fail, 
 And  my  worn  frame  grows  wan  and  pale. 
 
 z 
 
 337 
 
33S  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 25.  My  name  is  now  their  bye-word  made ; 
 At  me  with  scorn  they  shake  the  head  : 
 
 26.  Lord,  let  Thy  saving  health  appear : 
 O  bring  Thy  helping  comfort  near. 
 
 27.  Grant  me  Thy  aid,  that  each  proud  foe 
 The  Guardian  of  my  life  may  know ; 
 And  in  their  heart's  deep  anguish  own 
 "What  Thy  omconquer'd  arm  hath  done. 
 
 28.  Tho'  curs' d  by  them,  yet  bless  Thou  me  ; 
 Let  shame  their  pride's  due  portion  be  : 
 But  let  Thy  mercy  on  me  shine, 
 
 And  peace  and  joy  of  heart  be  mine. 
 
 29.  The  shame  that  mantles  in  their  cheek, 
 Let  it  their  soul's  confusion  speak  ; 
 
 30.  Wrhile  I  will  praise  my  God  in  song, 
 Wliere  to  Thy  courts  Thy  people  throng. 
 
 31.  For  Thou  art  near  the  poor  man's  side, 
 To  shield  him  from  th'  oppressor's  pride, 
 To  quell  false  judgment's  hateful  breath, 
 And  save  from  foes  that  seek  his  death. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VERSE. 
 
 239 
 
 ex. 
 
 1.  The  Lord  unto  my  Lord  hath  said, 
 
 At  My  right-hand  exalt  Thy  throne, 
 Till,  prostrate  at  Thy  footstool  laid, 
 Thy  foes  Thy  firm  dominion  own. 
 
 2.  From  Zion,  where  He  loves  to  dwell, 
 
 Thy  rod  of  strength  the  Lord  shall  send, 
 Rebellious  tribes  of  Earth  to  quell, 
 Till  all  before  Thy  sceptre  bend. 
 
 3.  And  willing,  in  Thy  day  of  pow'r, 
 
 Thy  people  to  Thy  courts  shall  press, 
 Subdued,  in  that  accepted  hour, 
 To  feel  Thy  mercy's  holiness. 
 
 The  secret  of  Thy  heav'nly  birth, 
 
 And  of  Thy  saints  to  Thee  new-born, 
 
 Is  like  the  dew  that  cheers  the  earth, 
 Sprung  from  the  secret  womb  of  morn. 
 
 4.  The  Lord,  "Who  ne'er  did  promise  break, 
 
 A\7hose  truthful  word  no  change  can  stain, 
 Hath  sworn :  Thou,  like  Melchizedec, 
 A  Priest  shalt  save,  a  King  shalt  reign, 
 
340  TIIE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 5.  The  Lord,  the  Strength  of  Thy  right  hand, 
 
 When  vengeance  brings  th'  appointed  day, 
 Shall  strike  thro'  Kings  in  every  land, 
 Whose  pride  resists  Thy  rightful  sway. 
 
 6.  Tea,  thro'  the  heathen's  furthest  coasts 
 
 The  mighty  Judge  shall  ride  afar. 
 And  strew  the  ground  with  slaughter' d  hosts, 
 And  bruise  the  head  that  leads  the  wars. 
 
 7.  A  pilgrim  now  He  bows  to  taste 
 
 The  troubled  stream  of  mortal  pain  ; 
 But  soon  shall  rise,  with  glory  grac'd, 
 Above  immortal  thrones  to  reign, 
 
 ■  Rom.  xvi.  20. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 341 
 
 CXI. 
 
 1.  Praise  the  Lord!  The  call  of  praise 
 Gladly  my  full  heart  obeys, 
 "Where,  as  seen  by  God  alone, 
 Just  ones  meet  before  His  throne. 
 
 2.  Lord,  Thy  works,  by  true  hearts  tried, 
 All  their  hopes  have  satisfied, 
 
 All,  who  led  by  love  have  sought 
 "Well  to  know  what  Love  hath  wrought. 
 
 3.  Deeds  of  godlike  glory  bright 
 Mark  Thy  reign  of  stainless  right ; 
 Like  to  Thee  those  deeds  endure, 
 Ever  faithful,  ever  sure. 
 
 4.  Thou  hast  strange  memorials  given, 
 Teaching  men  by  signs  from  heav'n, 
 Signs,  where  might  with  goodness  strove, 
 Full  of  mercy,  full  of  love. 
 
 5.  "Where,  amidst  the  desert  ground, 
 Hunter  ne'er  his  prey  had  found1, 
 Thou  didst  drop  Thy  food  like  dew, 
 Ever  to  Thy  promise  true. 
 
 *  Hebrew. 
 
3*2  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 (i.     Thou  didst  shew  Thy  works  of  might 
 In  Thy  people's  wond'ring  Bight, 
 
 Conquering  from  the  heathen's  hand 
 This  their  good  and  pleasant  land. 
 
 7.  Stedfast  Thy  just  works  endure, 
 Changeless  Thy  commandments  sure : 
 
 8.  Truth  preserves  their  concord  fast 
 Ne'er  with  Time  to  wane  or  waste. 
 
 9.  Thou,  with  mild  redeeming  love 
 Keeping  plighted  faith  above, 
 Bad'st  Thy  saints  Thy  promise  claim: 
 Holy  fear  surrounds  Thy  Name. 
 
 JO.     Te,  who  Wisdom's  gate  would  win, 
 God's  true  fear  must  guide  you  in : 
 Truth  to  know  is  to  obey : 
 Thus  is  gain'd  the  eternal  way. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEBSE.  343 
 
 CXII. 
 
 1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord.     The  man  is  blest, 
 "Whose  heart  in  holy  fear  finds  rest, 
 Whose  ways  in  glad  obedience  bright 
 Eeflect  the  Law  of  Trnth  and  Eight. 
 
 2.  0  blest  his  offspring  from  above, 
 The  sons  of  Faithfulness  and  Love  ; 
 
 3.  Yaliant  for  Truth  his  house  shall  stand, 
 And  wealth  shall  fill  their  bounteous  hand. 
 
 4.  His  righteousness  shall  ne'er  decay  : 
 Fair  light  shall  bless  in  darkest  day 
 His  zeal,  in  concord  taught  to  move 
 Writh  gentleness  and  pitying  love. 
 
 5.  O  blest  the  good  and  mild  of  heart, 
 Who  can  to  other's  need  impart, 
 By  wise  discerning  prompt  to  lend 
 Where  judgment  guides  to  mercy's  end. 
 
 6.  His  God  his  pilgrim  feet  shall  stay 
 From  guileful  Error's  treacherous  way : 
 A  blest  remembrance  shall  he  find 
 
 On  earth,  and  in  th'  Eternal  Mind. 
 
THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 7.  No  baleful  tidings  shall  surprise 
 His  heart  that  fix'd  on  God  relies, 
 
 8.  Unshrinking,  till  his  faith  control 
 Each  foe  that  threats  his  constant  soul. 
 
 &     He  hath  dispers'd  his  bounteous  store, 
 His  deeds  of  alms  have  bless"d  the  poor : 
 His  goodness  times  unborn  shall  hear, 
 And  high  his  honour's  ensigns  rear. 
 
 10.     The  bad  shall  see  it  with  despite, 
 Gnashing  and  pining  at  the  sight ; 
 As  mists  before  the  noontide  ray, 
 They  and  their  hopes  shall  melt  away. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 345 
 
 CXIII. 
 
 1.  Ye  who  serve  the  living  Lord, 
 Praise  His  Name  with  glad  accord ; 
 
 2.  That  high  Name,  which  saints  adore, 
 Praise  and  bless  for  evermore. 
 
 3.  Praise  it,  wheresoe'er  the  sun 
 O'er  the  earth  his  course  doth  run, 
 
 4.  High  above  all  heathen  far, 
 Higher  than  the  highest  star. 
 
 5.  Who  is  like  unto  our  God, 
 In  His  unapproach'd  abode 
 
 6.  Deigning  with  His  care  to  bless 
 Heav'n,  and  earth's  low  humbleness  ? 
 
 He  with  pity  hears  the  plaint 
 Of  the  lowly  child  of  want ; 
 Prom  the  dust  to  honour  brings, 
 Bids  him  stand  as  peer  with  kings  : 
 
346  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 9.     He  regards  the  lonely  life 
 
 Of  the  sorrowing  childless  wife  ; 
 Bids  new  joys  around  her  bloom 
 In  a  fruitful  mother's  home. 
 
 Praise  then,  ye  who  serve  the  Lord, 
 Praise  His  Name  with  glad  accord : 
 Praise  the  Name  which  saints  adore 
 In  your  songs  for  evermore. 
 
IT*   ENGLISH  TERSE.  347 
 
 CXIV. 
 
 1.  "When  Israel's  God  redeem'd  His  own 
 
 From  Egypt's  realm  of  danger, 
 Prom  the  fierce  foe  of  speech  unknown, 
 The  proud  and  guileful  stranger ; 
 
 2.  Then  seem'd  their  wond'rous  Guide,  renown'd 
 
 In  their  old  fathers'  story, 
 To  reign  among  them,  hovering  round 
 Within  the  cloud  of  glory. 
 
 3.  The  sea,  that  saw  His  presence,  fled 
 
 With  waves  asunder  riven  : 
 Swift  Jordan  left  his  channel' d  bed, 
 Back  to  his  fountains  driven. 
 
 4.  The  mountains,  skipping  high  like  rams, 
 
 From  their  firm  bases  parted : 
 The  little  hills,  like  frighten' d  lambs, 
 In  strange  disorder  started. 
 
 5.  What  ail'd  thee,  0  thou  sea,  to  fly  ? 
 
 Why  were  thy  deep  waves  riven  ? 
 Why,  Jordan,  leave  thy  channel  dry, 
 Back  to  thy  fountains  driven  ? 
 
34S 
 
 THE    BOOK   Or   PSALMS 
 
 Why,  mountains,  did  ye  skip  like  rams, 
 From  your  firm  bases  parting  ? 
 
 And  why,  ye  hills,  like  frighten'd  lambs, 
 In  strange  disorder  starting  ? 
 
 0  quake,  thou  firm-set  earth,  with  fear ; 
 
 Wide  earth,  and  all  creation, 
 Confess  the  God  of  Jacob  near 
 
 With  trembling  adoration ; 
 
 The  God,  Who  to  a  standing  lake 
 Could  turn  the  rocky  mountain, 
 
 And  bade  the  fiery  flint-stone  break 
 Into  a  gushing  fountain11. 
 
 u  See  Milton's  Paraphrase. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  349 
 
 cxv. 
 
 1.  0  NOT  to  us,  Lord,  not  to  us, 
 
 The  praise  or  glory  give  ; 
 But  gather' d  to  Thy  holiest  Name 
 Tor  ever  bid  it  live. 
 
 Thy  loving  mercy  and  Thy  truth, 
 O  bid  them  shine  abroad ; 
 
 2.  And  still  the  heathen's  taunt,  who  ask, 
 
 Where  now  is  Israel's  God  ? 
 
 3.  Our  God,  of  Whoni  ye  ask,  in  heav'n 
 
 Eeigns  on  His  stedfast  throne ; 
 And  what  His  counsel  wills,  His  pow'r 
 In  all  the  world  hath  done. 
 
 4.  But  ye  adore  vain  idol-forms, 
 
 Where  from  the  glitt'ring  clod, 
 Of  beaten  gold,  or  silver  ore, 
 The  workman  makes  the  god. 
 
 5.  Mouths  have  they,  but  no  word  can  speak, 
 
 Eyes  blind  in  blaze  of  day, 
 
 6.  Dull  ears,  cold  nostrils,  though  around 
 
 Sweet  sounds  or  odours  play  : 
 
350  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 7.  Hands  that  no  touch  can  wake  to  feel, 
 
 Feet  fix'd  in  helpless  rest ; 
 No  lively  spirit  stirs  their  lips, 
 Or  dwells  their  body's  guest. 
 
 8.  And  ye,  who  rais'd  with  empty  pain 
 
 Those  idol-gods  on  high, 
 Are  vain  as  they,  most  vain  are  all, 
 Who  on  their  help  rely. 
 
 9.  But  Thou,  0  Israel,  trust  in  God, 
 
 "Who  can  deliverance  send ; 
 
 10.  Trust  Him,  ye  house  of  Aaron,  prompt 
 
 To  succour  and  defend. 
 
 11.  Trust  Him,  ye  saints  who  fear  His  Name  ! 
 
 And  He  in  all  distress 
 "Will  with  His  presence  aid  your  vows, 
 And  with  protection  bless. 
 
 12.  Tea,  God's  remembering  love  with  us 
 
 Shall  dwell ;  His  blissful  grace 
 Shall  beam  on  Israel's  sons  to  bless, 
 Shall  beam  on  Aaron's  race  ; 
 
 13.  His  grace  shall  beam  to  bless  the  souls 
 
 That  fear  His  holy  Name, 
 The  greatest  or  the  least ;  in  God 
 Their  portion  rests  the  same. 
 
IIS"   ENGLISH   YEESE.  351 
 
 14.  God  shall  increase  you  more  and  more, 
 
 Shall  bless  your  children's  birth  : 
 
 15.  He  is  the  Fount  of  Blessedness, 
 
 "Who  made  the  heav'n  and  earth. 
 
 16.  The  heav'ns  are  His,  the  foodful  earth 
 
 His  loving  care  assign' d 
 To  be  His  servants'  dwelling  place, 
 The  home  of  human-kind. 
 
 17.  The  dead,  dear  Lord,  no  more  can  speak 
 
 Thy  pow'r  to  shield  or  save  ; 
 No  voice  of  hymns  is  heard  to  pierce 
 The  chill  and  silent  grave  : 
 
 18.  But  we  who  live  will  still  to  Thee 
 
 Our  hallelujahs  raise, 
 And  speak  the  bounty  of  our  God 
 With  never-ceasing  praise. 
 
352  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXVI. 
 
 1.  I  feel  within  my  secret  heart 
 
 A  joy  that  cannot  fade, 
 Since  God  in  His  eternal  love 
 Hath  heard  the  pray'r  I  pray'd. 
 
 2.  Since  He  hath  bent  to  me  His  ear, 
 
 For  snch  all-pitying  care 
 His  bedesman  ever  will  I  be, 
 And  live  to  Him  in  pray'r. 
 
 3.  The  snares  of  death  were  ronnd  me  spread  ; 
 
 Pale  terrors  yet  unknown 
 Had  seiz'd  me,  like  a  hunted  prey 
 O'ertaken  and  o'erthrown. 
 
 4.  In  trouble  and  in  heaviness, 
 
 No  help  or  comfort  near, 
 I  call'd  on  God's  eternal  Name, 
 "  Have  mercy,  Lord,  and  hear : 
 
 "  Hear  and  restore  my  suffering  soul, 
 "Redeem  me  from  the  grave  :" 
 
 5.  O  gracious  is  the  Lord,  and  true, 
 
 Whose  mercy  waits  to  save. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   YEESE.  353 
 
 6.  The  humble  soul  and  innocent 
 
 His  love  delights  to  shield  : 
 The  succour  of  His  endless  grace 
 My  pining  anguish  heal'd. 
 
 7.  Return,  return,  my  weary  soul, 
 
 Thy  God  prepares  thy  rest : 
 
 Untroubled  be  thy  spirit's  peace, 
 
 With  His  free  bounty  blest. 
 
 8.  For  Thou  hast  sav'd  my  trembling  life 
 
 From  deeps  of  deadly  fears  ; 
 Stay'd  on  the  brink  my  tottering  feet, 
 And  dried  mine  eyes  from  tears. 
 
 9.  And  I  will  walk  in  peace  and  joy, 
 
 Where  Thou  Thy  light  dost  give, 
 Where  Thy  free  Spirit  life  imparts, 
 And  Thy  true  servants  live. 
 
 10.  I  trust  my  God,  and  therefore  speak? 
 
 But  sorely  did  I  mourn, 
 Alarm'd,  lest  Truth  had  ceas'd  from  earth, 
 And  would  no  more  return. 
 
 11.  How  shall  I  render  to  my  God 
 
 The  gifts  His  mercies  claim  ? 
 
 12.  His  cup  of  blessing  I  will  seek, 
 
 And  praise  His  gracious  Name : 
 a  a 
 
354  TIIE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 13.  And  where  the  full  assembly  meet, 
 
 His  saints,  whose  hearts  are  one, 
 Shall  press  to  hear  my  willing  vows, 
 And  bless  His  mercy  shown. 
 
 The  death  by  which  His  servants  die 
 
 Is  ever  in  His  care  : 
 Sweet  comfort,  like  a  beacon-light x, 
 
 Reveals  His  presence  there. 
 
 14.  I  am  Thy  servant,  0  my  God  ; 
 
 An  handmaid  of  Thine  own 
 Led  up  my  infant  steps  to  kneel ? 
 Before  Thy  mercy -throne. 
 
 15.  And  now  Thy  gracious  love  hath  burst 
 
 The  bonds  of  my  distress, 
 My  heart  shall  thankful  offerings  bring, 
 My  songs  Thy  Name  shall  bless. 
 
 16.  My  vows  His  saints  who  tread  His  courts 
 
 Shall  witness  and  record, 
 0  Salem,  where  thy  children  meet, 
 To  praise  the  living  Lord. 
 
 »  Aldhelm.  y  See  Vatablus. 
 
Itf   ENGLISH   TERSE.  355 
 
 CXVII. 
 
 1.  Praise  the  Lord  ;  ye  heathen,  raise 
 To  our  God  the  voice  of  praise  : 
 Every  kindred,  tribe,  and  tongue, 
 Join  our  new  thanksgiving-song : 
 
 2.  For  His  love,  of  old  foreshown, 
 Now  by  mightiest  signs  is  known : 
 And  His  truth,  from  changes  pure, 
 Ever  faithful  stands  and  sure. 
 
 Then  take  up  th'  accordant  song, 
 Every  kindred,  tribe  and  tongue  ; 
 Learn  the  joy,  and  bless  the  word, 
 First  and  last,  0  praise  the  Lord z. 
 
 z  The  ancients  understood  this  short  Psalm  as  a  prophetic 
 thanksgiving  for  the  gifts  of  the  day  of  Pentecost.  See  Rom.  xv. 
 10,  11.  So  Theodoret,  and  the  Psalter  among  the  works  of  St. 
 Jerome. 
 
$5«  TnE       OOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXVIII. 
 
 1.     Praise  the  Lord  with  glad  thanksgiving, 
 For  His  mercies  aye  endure, 
 Praise  the  Hope  of  all  the  living, 
 Ever  faithful,  ever  sure. 
 
 2.  Israel,  tell  with  heart  believing 
 
 That  His  mercies  aye  endure ; 
 
 3.  Aaron's  sons,  the  song  receiving, 
 
 Speak  His  goodness  ever  sure. 
 
 4.  Tea,  proclaim  it,  ye  that  fear  Him, 
 That  His  mercies  aye  endure ; 
 Strangers,  brought  to  worship  near  Him, 
 Speak  His  goodness  ever  sure. 
 
 When  in  straits  I  bow'd  lamenting, 
 And  implor'd  His  pow'r  to  save, 
 
 He,  to  my  heart's  pray'r  consenting 
 Succour  and  enlargement  gave. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  357 
 
 6.  "While  my  God  His  succour  sendeth, 
 
 What  can  man's  weak  arm  avail  ? 
 
 7.  "Wliile  my  helpers  He  befriendeth, 
 
 Vainly  shall  my  foes  assail. 
 
 8.  Trust  in  God, — more  sure  reliance 
 
 Than  in  man's  brief  changeful  hour : 
 
 9.  Trust  in  God, — more  safe  affiance 
 
 Than  in  princes'  mightiest  pow'r. 
 
 10.  By  ten  thousand  foes  surrounded, 
 
 "When  the  thronging  nations  came, 
 I  beheld  their  hosts  confounded 
 Thro'  my  God's  victorious  Name. 
 
 11.  Vainly  did  their  armies  muster; 
 
 12.  Soon  they  sank,  like  thorns  in  flame, 
 Tho'  they  clos'd,  like  bees  in  cluster ; 
 
 Praise  to  God's  victorious  Name  ! 
 
 13.  Thou,  of  all  my  foes  the  fiercest, 
 
 "Who  the  sorest  thrust  would' st  give, 
 God  defends  the  life  thou  piercest ; 
 Thou  art  lost,  and  I  shall  live. 
 
 14.  God,  my  Hope  and  my  Salvation, 
 
 "Who  didst  strength  and  succour  bring, 
 Let  my  heart's  deep  adoration 
 Aid  my  tongue  Thy  truth  to  sing. 
 
358  TIIE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 15.  Lo!  redeem'd  from  heathen  madness, 
 
 In  their  tents  the  righteous  stand ; 
 Ever  and  again  their  gladness 
 Tells  of  God's  victorious  haud. 
 
 16.  God's  right  hand,  on  high  prevailing, 
 
 Doth  whate'er  His  counsel  plann'd; 
 Mighty  deeds  of  truth  unfailing 
 Grace  our  God's  victorious  hand. 
 
 17.  Tea.  I  shall  not  die,  but  living 
 
 Still  Thy  wond'rous  works  declare, 
 Still  to  Thee  all  glory  giving, 
 While  Thy  glory's  gifts  I  share. 
 
 18.  God,  in  love  my  fault  correcting, 
 
 Chasten'd,  while  He  sought  to  save, 
 In  His  love  my  life  protecting 
 On  the  threshold  of  the  grave. 
 
 19.  Open  wide  the  temple's  portal, — 
 
 Righteous  Truth  inhabits  there ; 
 
 There  Thy  praise,  my  King  Immortal, 
 
 Shall  my  thankful  songs  declare. 
 
 20.  'Tis  Thy  portal,  Lord  of  glory ; 
 
 To  Thy  glory-courts  within, 
 To  recount  Thy  mercy's  story, 
 
 Righteous  souls  shall  entrance  win. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TEESE.  359 
 
 21.  I  will  praise  Thee,  Lord,  "Who  hearest 
 
 Evermore  my  pray'r  and  vow, 
 Ever  near  to  save,  but  nearest 
 With  Thy  strong  salvation  now. 
 
 22.  Lo !  the  stone  by  men  rejected 
 
 Stands  Thy  temple's  corner-stone  : 
 
 23.  God,  Thy  choice  that  stone  elected ; 
 
 We  Thy  work  all  wondering  own. 
 
 24.  'Tis  the  day,  all  days  excelling, 
 
 Which  our  gracious  Lord  hath  made : 
 Let  our  songs,  His  mercy  telling, 
 Speak  a  joy  that  cannot  fade. 
 
 25.  Save  us  now,  dear  Lord,  we  pray  Thee ; 
 
 Now  Thy  prosp'ring  mercy  give : 
 Let  no  sin  of  ours  delay  Thee  ; 
 Speak  the  word,  and  bid  us  live. 
 
 26.  Blessings  on  the  way  shall  meet  him, 
 
 Who  in  God's  high  Name  shall  come ; 
 Voice  of  blessing  heard  shall  greet  him, 
 Welcome  from  God's  sacred  home. 
 
 27.  God  is  Lord :  His  light  is  springing 
 
 In  the  joy  this  day  new-born  : 
 Pay  your  vows,  your  off' rings  bringing, 
 Bind  them  to  His  altar's  horn. 
 
360 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 28.  Lord  my  God,  I  bow  before  Thee ; 
 
 Evermore  Thy  love  to  own, 
 To  extol  Thee,  and  adore  Thee, 
 Be  my  service  at  Thy  throne. 
 
 29.  Praise  the  Lord  with  glad  thanksgiving, 
 
 For  His  mercies  aye  endure ; 
 Praise  the  Hope  of  all  the  living, 
 Ever  faithful,  ever  sure. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TEKSE.  361 
 
 CXIX. 
 
 ALEPH. 
 
 1.  These  is  a  way,  where  blessing  meets 
 
 The  pilgrim  journeying  on  : 
 The  saints,  whose  life  was  undefiTd, 
 In  that  blest  way  have  gone. 
 
 2.  There  is  a  law,  whose  rules  of  truth 
 
 The  wand'ring  soul  reclaim  ; 
 And  blest  are  they,  whose  heart  adore  a 
 The  God  from  Whom  it  came. 
 
 3.  No  love  misplac'd  beguiles  their  souls 
 
 "With  fraud  and  wrong  to  stray : 
 They  walk  with  innocence  secure 
 In  His  all-perfect  way. 
 
 4.  It  is  Thy  pure  commandment,  Lord  : 
 
 "With  gladness  and  with  awe 
 I  hear  the  voice  that  bids  me  keep 
 The  precepts  of  Thy  law. 
 
 5.  0  grant  me  then  my  soul's  desire, 
 
 To  sojourn  unreprov'd, 
 And  keep  with  true  unswerving  faith 
 The  way  the  just  have  lov'd. 
 
362  the   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 6.     Then  shall  no  dread  of  coming  shame 
 My  stedfast  heart  confound, 
 When  each  desire  contentment  finds 
 Within  that  holy  bound. 
 
 With  words  of  faithful  thankfulness 
 My  heart  shall  ever  flow, 
 
 As  Thou  in  love  shalt  guide  me  on 
 Thy  judgments'  truth  to  know. 
 
 Thy  statutes  I  will  keep  unblam'd, 
 If  Thou  Thy  strength  supply ; 
 
 0  let  me  not,  who  seek  Thy  light, 
 By  Thee  forsaken  die. 
 
 BETH. 
 
 How  shall  the  young  with  pureness  walk 
 
 Thro'  paths  of  life  untried  ? 
 0  let  them  keep  their  guarded  steps, 
 
 "Where  Thy  blest  precepts  guide. 
 
 10.     With  my  whole  heart,  All-gracious  Lord, 
 I  seek  Thy  sacred  way : 
 0  suffer  not  my  heedless  feet 
 From  Thy  commands  to  stray. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  363 
 
 1 1.  Thy  precepts  in  my  heart  I  keep, 
 
 Like  hidden  treasures,  stor'd, 
 
 To  quell  each  rebel  thought  of  sin 
 
 With  warnings  of  Thy  word. 
 
 12.  I  bless  Thee,  Lord,  whose  favouring  love 
 
 To  me  Thy  law  hath  shown ; 
 
 Teach  me  Thy  statutes  evermore 
 
 To  guard  and  guide  me  on. 
 
 13.  My  lips  have  told,  and  still  shall  tell, 
 
 How  I  Thy  voice  have  heard : 
 The  dooms  of  equity  and  truth 
 Were  in  each  righteous  word. 
 
 14.  The  words  that  witness  Thy  pure  will, 
 
 And  Thy  just  laws  unfold, 
 With  deeper  gladness  fill  my  heart, 
 Than  countless  stores  of  gold. 
 
 15.  Thy  precepts  to  my  silent  thought 
 
 Deep  meditation  give : 
 I  school  my  heart  to  learn  the  ways 
 In  which  the  just  shall  live. 
 
 16.  Such  inward  joy  and  sure  content 
 
 Thy  statutes'  rules  afford, 
 That  never  shall  my  heart  forget 
 The  comfort  of  Thy  word. 
 
364 
 
 20. 
 
 TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 GIMEL. 
 
 Be  bounteous  to  Thy  servant,  Lord, 
 With  grace  my  strength  repair ; 
 
 So  shall  I  live,  and  keep  Thy  law 
 With  undivided  care. 
 
 18.  Enlighten  Thou  mine  eyes  to  see 
 
 The  secret  wisdom  stor'd, 
 The  wond'rous  truths  to  faith  reveal' d, 
 In  Thy  unfailing  word. 
 
 19.  A  pilgrim  here  on  earth  I  dwell: 
 
 O  let  Thy  comfort  come, 
 To  shew  the  sacred  ways  that  lead 
 To  my  eternal  home. 
 
 My  soul  is  faint,  my  spirit  shrinks 
 With  hope  deferred  outworn, 
 
 While  to  Thy  judgments  evermore 
 My  longing  eyes  I  turn. 
 
 21.     Thy  chiding  tames  rebellious  souls  : 
 A  curse  is  on  their  pride, 
 Who  think  it  scorn  to  walk  at  peace, 
 Where  Thy  blest  precepts  guide. 
 
tN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  365 
 
 22.     But  far  from  me,  All-gracious  Lord, 
 Heproach  and  shame  remove, 
 Who  keep  the  words  that  speak  Thy  truth 
 With  duteous  fear  and  love. 
 
 23.     Yain  princes  in  their  earthly  state 
 Would  work  my  soul's  annoy ; 
 But  I  am  Thine ;  Thy  laws  are  still 
 My  meditation's  joy. 
 
 24.     The  words  that  witness  Thy  pure  truth 
 Are  ever  in  my  sight : 
 My  well-tried  counsellors  they  are, 
 And  treasure  of  delight. 
 
 DALETH. 
 
 25.     Low  to  the  dust  of  kindred  earth 
 My  feeble  soul  hath  clung : 
 0  Lord,  revive  me  by  Thy  word, 
 And  I  shall  yet  be  strong. 
 
 26.     The  tenor  of  my  ways  o'erpast 
 I  have  to  Thee  made  known ; 
 And  Thou  hast  heard  :  0  let  Thy  laws 
 For  ever  guide  me  on. 
 
366  THE   BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 27.  0  let  me  learn  the  way  of  life, 
 
 Which  Thy  sure  precepts  show : 
 Then  shall  Thy  wonders  give  my  heart 
 Glad  musings  as  I  go. 
 
 28.  My  soul  like  water  to  the  earth 
 
 Sinks  down  in  grief  out-pour'd  : 
 0  Lord,  Thy  comfort  nerves  with  strength  ; 
 Revive  me  by  Thy  word. 
 
 29.  The  crooked  paths  that  error  treads, 
 
 Lord,  hide  them  far  away  ; 
 And  with  Thy  pitying  grace  to  me 
 Thy  perfect  law  display. 
 
 SO.     The  way  of  faithful  truth  my  soul 
 Its  hope  and  choice  hath  made ; 
 Thy  judgments,  as  my  rules  of  life, 
 Before  me  ever  laid. 
 
 31.  I  cling  to  those  unerring  words, 
 
 "Which  make  Thy  goodness  known : 
 0  suffer  not  my  hope  to  die 
 In  sin  and  shame  o'erthrown. 
 
 32.  And  I  will  run  in  Thy  commands, 
 
 When  Thou  shalt  grace  impart, 
 In  glad  obedience  taught  to  find 
 The  freedom  of  the  heart. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  367 
 
 HE. 
 
 33.  The  way  to  which  Thy  statutes  lead, 
 
 Lord,  let  Thy  mercy  show  : 
 And  in  that  way  my  duteous  feet 
 For  evermore  shall  go. 
 
 34.  Be  Thy  clear  light  my  spirit's  guide, 
 
 When  I  Thy  laws  explore, 
 And  I  will  train  my  heart's  desires 
 To  keep  them  more  and  more. 
 
 35.  The  path  of  Thy  divine  commands, 
 
 Lord,  make  mine  eyes  to  see ; 
 And  my  glad  feet  shall  hasten  there, 
 "Where  I  would  ever  be. 
 
 36.  Incline  my  heart  to  love  that  word, 
 
 Which  gold  can  never  buy  ; 
 And  save  me  from  each  baser  love, 
 Which  soon  on  earth  must  die. 
 
 37.  Let  me  not  see  the  world's  vain  shows, 
 
 That  natter  to  betray  : 
 But  give  me  strength  to  walk  unblam'd, 
 Where  truth  shall  guide  my  way. 
 
3G8  THE    BOOK    OF   PSALMS 
 
 38.  Speak  Thou  the  word  :  obedient  love 
 
 Shall  wait  Thy  voice  to  hear ; 
 And  evermore  Thy  servant's  heart 
 Shall  keep  Thy  holy  fear. 
 
 39.  The  shame  that  nils  my  soul  with  dread 
 
 Far  from  me,  Lord,  remove  : 
 For  all  the  words  Thy  judgments  speak 
 Are  full  of  grace  and  love. 
 
 40.  Lord,  I  have  long'd  to  see  the  light 
 
 Thy  purest  precepts  give : 
 Let  Thy  blest  truth  revive  my  strength, 
 And  I  with  truth  shall  live. 
 
 YATJ. 
 
 41.  And  let  Thy  mercies  visit  me, 
 
 O  ever-bounteous  Lord, 
 The  comfort  of  Thy  saving  health, 
 The  promise  of  Thy  word. 
 
 42.  So  shall  I  fear  no  foe's  reproach 
 
 Unholy  and  unjust, 
 Still  finding  answer  in  Thy  word, 
 There  fixing  still  my  trust. 
 
IK  ENGLISH   YEESE.  369 
 
 43.  And  let  not,  Lord,  my  lips  forget 
 
 Thy  word  of  truth  to  say  : 
 •  Thy  judgments  are  my  hope  and  strength 
 In  trouble's  doubtful  day. 
 
 44.  So  shall  I  keep  Thy  holy  law, 
 
 My  memory's  choicest  store  ; 
 There  shall  it  rest,  my  heart's  defence 
 And  succour  evermore. 
 
 45.  And  I  will  walk  as  one  who  holds 
 
 His  freedom's  charter  sure  : 
 Such  freedom  as  Thy  precepts  give 
 To  upright  hearts  and  pure. 
 
 46.  And  with  a  trustful  soul  sustain' d 
 
 TJnaw'd  by  shame  or  fear, 
 My  speech  shall  tell  Thy  righteous  truth 
 Where  list'ning  kings  may  hear. 
 
 47.  That  pure  delight  shall  dawn  on  me, 
 
 In  which  they  live  and  move, 
 Who  joy  to  cherish  Thy  commands 
 With  undivided  love. 
 
 48.  And  I  will  lift  my  hands  and  pray, 
 
 That  love  may  guide  me  on, 
 To  reach  the  spirit  of  Thy  law 
 By  meditation  won. 
 Bb 
 
s"0  TIIE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 ZAIN. 
 
 49.  Remember,  Lord,  Thy  faithful  word, 
 
 For  Thou  art  true  and  just : 
 Thy  servant  in  Thy  promise  lives, 
 My  spirit's  hope  and  trust. 
 
 50.  That  word  of  comfort  in  distress 
 
 Shall  all  my  griefs  controul ; 
 For  I  have  prov'd  its  pow'r  to  arm 
 "With  strength  the  fainting  soul. 
 
 51.  The  proud  have  mock'd  my  stedfast  hope, 
 
 Whose  source  they  cannot  see : 
 But  in  Thy  precepts  onward  still 
 My  steps  shall  turn  to  Thee. 
 
 52.  Thine  ancient  judgments,  Lord,  to  me 
 
 Have  inward  peace  rest  or' d, 
 "While  my  remembering  soul  drank  in 
 Fresh  comfort  from  Thy  word. 
 
 53.  Fierce  terrors,  as  a  scorching  wind, 
 
 My  shrinking  frame  o'erawe, 
 While  on  the  recreant's  doom  I  muse 
 Revolted  from  Thy  law. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE.  371 
 
 54.     Thy  statutes,  Lord,  Lave  been  my  songs 
 At  each  appointed  stage, 
 Where'er  my  steps  found  rest,  or  walk'd 
 Life's  toilsome  pilgrimage. 
 
 55.     And  oft  in  watchful  hours  of  night 
 Thy  Name  was  with  me  nigh ; 
 For  still  Thy  law's  fair  beauty  held 
 My  mind's  unwearied  eye. 
 
 56.     Tea,  this  hath  been  my  faith's  reward,- 
 To  Thee  be  still  the  praise, — 
 That  Thy  pure  law  was  ever  near, 
 My  guide  in  all  my  ways. 
 
 CHETH. 
 
 57.  Lord  of  my  help,  my  soul  hath  found 
 
 Its  heritage  in  Thee  : 
 Thy  laws  pure  precepts  in  my  heart 
 Shall  ever  guarded  be. 
 
 58.  With  my  whole  heart  to  Thee  I  pray'd, 
 
 Just  Lord,  Thy  favour  shew : 
 On  me,  according  to  Thy  word, 
 Let  Thy  free  mercy  flow. 
 
THE    BOOK    OP    PS.YLMS 
 
 j9.     For  I  have  search' d  my  ways  o'erpast, 
 And  turn'd  my  billing  feet 
 To  tread  tli'  appointed  path,  where  saints 
 Thy  truth  and  mercy  meet. 
 
 60.  I  dallied  not  with  fleeting  life, 
 
 Xor  linger' d  on  my  way  ; 
 But  hasten' d  where  Thy  precepts  led, 
 To  hear  and  to  obey. 
 
 61.  Tho'  bands  of  robbers  close  me  round, 
 
 And  spoilers  work  their  will, 
 I  still  am  Thine ;  in  memory  stor'd 
 Thy  law  is  with  me  still. 
 
 62.  And  at  the  peaceful  midnigh':  hour, 
 
 Beneath  the  silent  skies, 
 In  songs  to  tell  Thy  righteous  truth 
 Unwearied  will  I  rise. 
 
 03.     The  choice  companions  of  my  love 
 Are  those  who  know  Thy  fear, 
 The  saints,  who  each  behest  of  Thine 
 With  glad  obedience  hear. 
 
 6i.     Dread  Lord,  thro'  all  the  peopled  earth 
 Thy  beams  of  mercy  shine; 
 0  teach  me,  while  I  learn  Thy  truth, 
 To  make  that  mercy  mine. 
 
IN   ENGLISH    VEKSE.  373 
 
 TETH. 
 
 65.  Lord,  Thou  in  answer  to  my  pray'r 
 
 Thy  mercy's  pow'r  hast  shown ; 
 Whate'er  Thy  promise  bade  me  hope, 
 Thy  faithful  truth  hath  done. 
 
 66.  0  teach  me,  Lord,  the  sacred  skill 
 
 True  wisdom's  light  to  find  : 
 With  trustful  faith  to  Thy  commands 
 I  bow  my  willing  mind. 
 
 67.  A  stranger  yet  to  pain,  from  Thee 
 
 In  heedless  youth  I  err  d  : 
 
 But  now  by  sorrow's  discipline 
 
 I  learn  to  prize  Thy  word. 
 
 68.  0  good  and  gracious  Lord,  of  Thee 
 
 This  boon  I  ask  alone, 
 That  Thou  to  my  desiring  heart 
 Wilt  make  Thy  statutes  known. 
 
 69.     The  proud  and  false  against  my  truth 
 Have  rais'd  th'  accusing  voice  : 
 But  their  vain  threats  to  Thy  commands 
 More  firmly  bind  my  choice. 
 
374  THE    BOOK   OP   PSALMS 
 
 70.     Their  gross  heart,  wrapt  in  senseless  caul, 
 Compunction  cannot  move  : 
 But  thy  pure  law  my  spirit  nils 
 With  wondering  joy  and  love. 
 
 71.  Tis  good  that  I  have  borne  my  griefs : 
 
 Thy  mercy,  Lord,  I  own, 
 "Which  veil'd  in  kind  austereness  came 
 To  make  Thy  statutes  known. 
 
 72.  The  law,  which  once  to  erring  man 
 
 Thy  sacred  lips  have  told, 
 To  me  is  dearer  far,  than  gems, 
 Or  countless  stores  of  gold. 
 
 JOD. 
 
 73.     Thy  hands  have  made  my  mortal  frame ; 
 My  life  I  breathe  from  Thee  ; 
 Enlighten  my  dull  mind,  the  light 
 Of  Thy  commands  to  see. 
 
 74.     All  they  who  led  by  reverent  fear 
 Have  Thy  great  JSame  ador'd, 
 With  joy  shall  hail  my  hope  like  theirs 
 Fast  built  upon  Thy  word. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE.  3?5 
 
 75.  I  own  it,  Lord,  Thy  righteous  will 
 
 Can  nought  but  good  ordain  : 
 It  is  Thy  faithful  truth  that  sends 
 "Whate'er  I  know  of  pain. 
 
 76.  Thou  who  hast  made  Thy  word  the  hope 
 
 Of  souls  in  all  distress, 
 Let  Thy  mild  mercy  be  my  stay, 
 And  with  Thy  comfort  bless. 
 
 77.  0  visit  with  Thy  tender  love  ; 
 
 Draw  near,  and  bid  me  live : 
 Tor  to  my  heart  Thy  laws  alone 
 Refreshing  gladness  give. 
 
 78.  Foul  shame  befal  the  proud,  whose  guile 
 
 "Would  wrest  my  steps  aside  : 
 Still  to  those  ways  each  thought  shall  turn, 
 Where  Thy  blest  precepts  guide. 
 
 79.  And  let  me  find  companions  still, 
 
 "Who  fear  Thy  Name  alone ; 
 Let  them  with  me  communion  hold, 
 "Who  Thy  pure  truth  have  known. 
 
 80-     0  let  my  heart's  true  service  keep 
 Thy  statutes,  clear  of  blame  : 
 So  shall  I  find  that  holy  hope, 
 "Which  cannot  end  in  shame. 
 
3"6  THE  BOOK  OF  PSALMS 
 
 CAPH. 
 
 81.  My  soul  is  faint  with  ling'ring  hope 
 
 Of  saving  strength  deferr'd  ; 
 Tet  will  I  keep  my  trust  uninov'd 
 In  Thy  unfailing  word. 
 
 82.  Fore  spent  in  watching  for  Thy  truth 
 
 Mine  eyes  grow  dim  and  pale  : 
 How  long,  O  Lord,  amidst  my  griefs 
 Shall  Thy  sweet  comfort  fail  ? 
 
 83.  For  as  the  shrivell'd  wine-skin  fad?s 
 
 On  smoky  rafters  hung  ; 
 So  fade  my  years  :  but  in  Thy  laws 
 My  memory  still  is  young. 
 
 84.  O  think  how  soon  decays  the  space 
 
 Of  mortal  life  and  change  : 
 Lord,  be  not  slow  against  my  foes 
 To  shield  me  and  avenge. 
 
 The  proud,  like  pitfalls  in  my  way, 
 Their  treacherous  words  have  strown 
 
 Just  God,  Thy  righteous  law  of  life 
 Their  souls  have  never  known. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TEESE.  377 
 
 86.     Thy  statutes  are  eternal  truth  ; 
 All  guile  hast  Thou  abhorr'd : 
 Then  when  the  false  ones  work  me  wrom>\ 
 Be  Thou  my  succour,  Lord. 
 
 87.  "Well  nigh  they  had  my  life  consum'd  ; 
 
 My  strength  had  nigh  decay' d  : 
 But  I  forsook  not  Thee,— my  steps 
 In  Thy  commands  I  stay'd. 
 
 88.  O  bid  me  feel  Thy  love  that  waits 
 
 To  quicken  and  restore  : 
 And  I  will  wait  Thy  words  to  hear, 
 And  keep  them  more  and  more. 
 
 LAMED. 
 
 89.  For  ever,  Lord,  Thy  faithful  word 
 
 Endures  beyond  the  sky, 
 Unchanging  as  the  stars  that  keep 
 Their  quiet  course  on  high. 
 
 90.  From  age  to  age  Thy  truth  has  been 
 
 A  refuge  firm  and  staid, 
 As  the  strong  earth's  foundations  deep 
 By  Thee  so  stedfast  made. 
 
378  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 91.  The  order  of  the  silent  heav'n, 
 
 The  bond  of  earth  and  sea, 
 Still  hold  as  Thou  didst  fix  them  first  ; 
 They  serve  and  wait  on  Thee. 
 
 92.  Unless  Thy  law  had  been  my  joy, 
 
 And  hope  and  strength  supplied, 
 Long  since  in  earth-born  troubles  lost 
 My  spirit  must  have  died. 
 
 93.  For  ever  in  my  memory  stor'd 
 
 Thy  pure  commands  shall  live : 
 A  pow'r  that  all  my  life  revives 
 Their  gracious  counsels  give. 
 
 94.  Lord,  I  am  Thine  :  Thy  saving  strength 
 
 To  me  in  succour  send : 
 And  as  my  soul  Thy  precepts  seeks, 
 Let  them  my  life  defend. 
 
 95.  So  when  the  foes  of  God  and  mine 
 
 Are  waiting  to  destroy, 
 Thy  truth  shall  come  with  thoughts  of  peace, 
 And  I  will  walk  in  joy. 
 
 96.  My  soul  in  earth's  fast-fleeting  good 
 
 Hath  no  perfection  found  : 
 "With  Thee  it  seeks  for  rest,  whose  law 
 Surpasseth  time  or  bound. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE.  3"9 
 
 MEM. 
 
 97.     Eternal  Lord,  what  thoughts  in  me 
 Thy  law's  perfections  move  ! 
 From  morn  to  eve  with  them  I  walk, 
 And  meditate,  and  love. 
 
 98.  0  wiser  far  my  choice,  than  theirs, 
 
 "Who  from  Thy  laws  rebel ; 
 With  whom  Thy  perfect  words  in  mind 
 And  memory  ever  dwell. 
 
 99.  Those,  who  of  yore  had  taught  my  youth, 
 
 By  me  are  now  out-done ; 
 For  Thy  pure  wisdom's  aid  is  mine 
 By  meditation  won : 
 
 100.  And  more  than  length  of  days  can  give 
 To  men  in  counsel  prov'd, 
 I  boast  to  know,  who  Thy  commands 
 Have  ever  held  and  lov'd. 
 
 101.   No  evil  way  hath  e'er  from  Thee 
 My  wand' ring  feet  allur'd, 
 Taught  evermore  to  keep  the  path 
 Of  Thy  unfailing  word. 
 
380 
 
 THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 102.  Nor  have  I  with  impatient  soul 
 
 From  duty  sought  to  flee : 
 I  know  how  blest  the  lot  of  saints 
 Led  on  and  taught  by  Thee. 
 
 103.  How  sweet  Thy  gracious  words  !  on  them 
 
 My  list'ning  soul  hath  hung ; 
 Par  sweeter  to  my  spirit's  thirst, 
 Than  honey  to  my  tongue  ! 
 
 104.  The  source  of  truth,  the  soul's  pure  light, 
 
 Thy  precepts,  Lord,  display  : 
 By  them  inform' d  I  walk  unblarn'd, 
 And  loathe  each  evil  way. 
 
 105.  Thy  word  is  like  a  lamp,  that  shines 
 
 Night's  darkness  to  divide ; 
 
 Or  beacon-fire  amidst  the  waste a 
 
 My  wandering  feet  to  guide. 
 
 106.  And  I  have  vow'd  to  keep  unblam'd 
 
 The  path  Thy  judgments  show: 
 That  purpose  of  my  stedfast  soul 
 No  let  or  change  shall  know 
 
 ■  Bishop  Home. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEESE.  381 
 
 107.  Fierce  throngs  of  troubles  numberless 
 
 My  fainting  steps  pursue  : 
 0  quicken,  Lord,  my  faith  to  feel 
 Thy  word  of  promise  true. 
 
 108.  Let  my  unbidden  words  of  praise 
 
 With  Thee  acceptance  find ; 
 And  Thy  just  judgments,  Lord  of  truth, 
 "With  light  inform  my  mind. 
 
 109.  My  soul  is  ever  in  my  hand, 
 
 Death's  danger  threatening  near : 
 Yet  while  my  memory  keeps  Thy  law, 
 I  know  no  other  fear. 
 
 110.  For  me  the  wicked  and  unjust 
 
 Their  treacherous  snares  have  laid : 
 But  from  Thy  precepts'  holy  path 
 My  feet  have  never  stray' d. 
 
 111.  The  words  that  witness  Thy  pure  truth, — 
 
 I  claim  them  for  my  own, 
 My  birthright's  treasure  ; — take  them  hence, 
 And  life's  best  joy  is  gone. 
 
 112.  Tea,  to  that  law  of  life  my  heart 
 
 Obedient  will  I  bend, 
 And  pray  my  onward  course  to  keep 
 Unswerving  to  the  end. 
 
382  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 SAMECH. 
 
 113.  I  loathe  the  double  mind,  from  truth 
 
 By  each  temptation  mov'd : 
 Firm  let  me  hold  with  constant  soul 
 The  law  that  I  have  lov'd. 
 
 114.  My  hope  is  in  Thy  mighty  word : 
 
 No  arm  in  battle-field, 
 No  fortress  in  the  secret  rock, 
 Like  Thee  can  save  or  shield. 
 
 115.  Fly  far  away,  false  hearts  ;  in  vain 
 
 Tour  words  of  truce  ye  bring : 
 No  lure  shall  tempt  me  to  betray 
 The  service  of  my  King. 
 
 116.  Uphold  me,  Lord;  Thy  promised  aid 
 
 In  all  my  conflicts  give  : 
 So  shall  my  hope  be  unremov'd, 
 And  I  in  Thee  shall  live. 
 
 117.  My  soul  is  safe,  if  Thou  sustain ; 
 
 Thy  strength'ning  help  supply  ; 
 And  I  will  look  to  Thy  pure  laws 
 With  unreverted  eye. 
 
W  ENGLISH   YEESE.  383 
 
 118.    The  souls  that  to  Thy  righteous  yoke 
 Rebellious  would  not  bend, 
 Thou  hast  o'erthrown  :  they  wrought  deceit, 
 And  self-deceiv'd  they  end. 
 
 119.  Thy  doom  divides  th'  unjust  from  earth, 
 
 As  parts  the  dross  by  fire  : 
 That  doom  the  more  to  Thy  pure  truth 
 Hath  knit  my  heart's  desire. 
 
 120.  For  love  is  taught  by  reverent  fear  : 
 
 The  judgments  that  o'erawe 
 My  trembling  flesh,  in  terror  speak 
 How  holy  is  Thy  law. 
 
 AIN. 
 
 121.  Lord,  I  have  kept  the  path  of  truth, 
 By  righteousness  led  on  : 
 O  leave  me  not  to  tyrants'  pow'r 
 Deserted  and  undone. 
 
 122.  Be  Thou  my  surety,  Lord,  for  good, 
 Against  the  tyrants'  wrong, 
 Against  their  open  strife  of  force, 
 And  slanders  of  the  tongue. 
 
384  TIIE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 123.  "Wliile  for  Thy  saving  health  I  wait, 
 
 Mine  eyes  in  dimness  mourn  ; 
 Yet  to  Thy  righteous  truth  and  Thee 
 In  patient  hope  they  turn  : 
 
 124.  For  mercy.  Lord,  is  Thine  :  do  Thou 
 
 To  me  Thy  mercy  shew, 
 And  with  Thy  gracious  laws  of  life 
 Direct  me  as  I  go. 
 
 125.  I  am  Thy  servant,  sovereign  Lord  ; 
 
 To  me  Thy  trutli  display, 
 That  I  may  know  Thy  holy  will, 
 Enlighten  d  to  obey. 
 
 126.  'Tis  time,  dread  Lord; — let  now  Thine  arm 
 
 Eedress  the  mischief  done 
 
 By  rebels,  who  in  wanton  pride 
 
 Thy  laws  have  overthrown. 
 
 127.  The  brightness  of  Thy  blest  commands 
 
 Earth's  wealth  doth  far  outshine5  ; 
 It  moves  me  more  than  priceless  gems, 
 Or  ingots  from  the  mine. 
 
 128.  Therefore  with  them  my  choice  is  made 
 
 Eight  onward  to  obey, 
 Unfalt'ring  hold  the  rightful  cause, 
 And  loathe  each  faithless  way. 
 
 b  Aldhelm. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  585 
 
 PE. 
 
 129.  The  records  of  Thy  wond'rous  truth 
 
 Have  bow'd  my  soul  with  awe  ; 
 Tor  this  I  thirst  the  more  to  learn 
 The  marvels  of  Thy  law. 
 
 130.  Thy  word,  if  entrance  once  it  win, 
 
 Such  inward  light  supplies, 
 It  gives  to  babes  in  simpleness 
 The  wisdom  of  the  wise. 
 
 131.  In  silent  gladness  of  my  hope 
 
 "With  parted  lips  I  stay'd, 
 And  breath'd  not,  till  with  joy  I  heard- 
 What  Thy  blest  precepts  bade. 
 
 132.  0  look  upon  me,  Lord,  with  love ; 
 
 Let  me  that  promise  claim, 
 Which  Thy  unwearied  mercy  gives 
 To  all  who  love  Thy  Name. 
 
 133.  Guide  Thou  my  steps  ;  if  Thy  good  word 
 
 My  faltering  course  sustain, 
 The  proud  unjust  against  my  soul 
 Shall  try  their  pow'r  in  vain, 
 c  c 
 
3S6  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 134.   0  rid  me  from  their  harmful  ways, 
 Rebuke  th'  oppressor's  pride  ; 
 So  no  vain  threats  shall  turn  from  Thee 
 My  stedfast  heart  aside. 
 
 135.  Lord  of  my  life,  let  Thy  glad  light 
 On  me  Thy  servant  shine  ; 
 And  teach  me  by  Thy  precepts  led 
 To  make  their  wisdom  mine. 
 
 136.  Fast-falling  tears  my  pitying  eyes 
 To  gushing  fountains  turn, 
 "While  o'er  the  rebels  to  Thy  law 
 Alone  I  muse  and  mourn. 
 
 TSADDI. 
 
 137.  Eternal  God,  again  to  Thee 
 
 My  vows  their  song  renew ; 
 Still  would  I  speak  Thy  righteous  Name, 
 Thy  judgments  ever  true. 
 
 138.  The  faithful  records  of  Thy  will, 
 In  Thy  commandments  shown, 
 The  rules  of  perfect  right  and  truth 
 To  erring  man  made  known. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YERSE.  387 
 
 139.  My  zeal  consum'd  my  inmost  sou], 
 
 Such  searching  thoughts  it  stirr'd, 
 When  I  beheld  my  foes  in  pride 
 Cast  off  Thy  sacred  word. 
 
 140.  Thy  word  is  like  the  precious  ore, 
 
 Tried  in  refiner's  fire ; 
 Therefore  it  draws  my  spirit's  love, 
 And  fills  each  heart's  desire. 
 
 141.  Lowly  and  low-esteem'd  I  dwell, 
 
 Unsought  by  mortal  praise ; 
 But  Thy  commands  my  stedfast  soul 
 Remembers  and  obeys. 
 
 142.  Thy  righteous  Name  from  age  to  age 
 
 Unchang'd  doth  still  remain ; 
 Thy  blameless  law  is  very  truth, 
 Which  error  cannot  stain. 
 
 143.  Whene'er  I  faint  beneath  my  load 
 
 In  sadness  and  in  fear, 
 Then  Thy  remember' d  precepts  still 
 My  soul  with  gladness  cheer. 
 
 14k  The  records  of  Thy  righteous  truth 
 Eternal  wisdom  give : 
 Grant  me  an  understanding  heart, 
 That  I  by  them  may  live. 
 
388  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 COPH. 
 
 145.  Dread  Lord,  with  all  my  heart  to  Thee 
 
 I  call  to  aid  my  vow  : 
 
 For  ever  to  Thy  holy  will 
 
 Obedient  will  I  bow. 
 
 146.  Tea,  to  Thy  saving  help  I  turn  ; 
 
 Do  Thou  my  heart  prepare, 
 That  I  may  ever  keep  Thy  truth, 
 As  now  I  make  my  pray'r. 
 
 147.  Before  the  ruddy  dawn  of  day 
 
 To  Thee  my  vows  arise ; 
 On  the  sure  promise  of  Thy  word 
 My  trustful  soul  relies. 
 
 148.  Ere  the  night-watcher  sees  from  far 
 
 The  shades  of  darkness  flee, 
 Mine  eyes  have  wak'd  to  seek  Thy  word, 
 And  meditate  with  Thee. 
 
 149.  Hear  Thou  my  voice,  All-gracious  God, 
 
 In  Thy  unwearied  love  : 
 According  to  Thy  righteous  truth 
 Revive  me  from  above. 
 
lis    ENGLISH   VEESE.  389 
 
 150.  Near  and  more  near  the  tyrants  press, 
 Whose  threats  are  full  of  war  ; 
 How  near  their  malice,  and  from  them 
 Thy  holy  law  how  far ! 
 
 151.  Tet  nearer  still  art  Thou,  O  Lord; 
 Sustain'd  by  Thee  I  stand : 
 Firm  in  the  strength  of  perfect  truth 
 In  all  Thou  dost  command. 
 
 152.   The  words  that  witness  of  Thy  law 
 To  me  were  known  of  yore  : 
 Deep  are  its  strong  foundations  laid, 
 To  stand  for  evermore. 
 
 BESH. 
 
 153.  "With  pitying  eye  regard  my  griefs, 
 And  wish'd  deliverance  give  ; 
 For  in  my  memory  treasur'd  still 
 Thy  law's  true  precepts  live. 
 
 154.  Tea,  Lord,  my  Advocate  and  Hope, 
 I  trust  my  cause  with  Thee ; 
 Revive  me,  save  me  ;  let  Thy  word 
 From  evil  set  me  free. 
 
590  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 15 J.   Far  from  Thy  aid  and  saving  health 
 The  godless  sinners  stray  ; 
 Since  they  from  Thy  pure  trnth  estrang'd 
 Have  lov'd  blind  error  s  way. 
 
 156.  How  great  Thy  tender  mercies,  Lord! 
 
 Thy  countless  acts  of  love, 
 How  do  they  prompt  my  pray'r  anew ! 
 Revive  me  from  above  ! 
 
 157.  Full  many  a  tyrant  threat'ning  near 
 
 Insults  in  pow'r  and  pride  ; 
 But  those  pure  words  that  tell  Thy  truth 
 My  steps  for  ever  guide. 
 
 158.  Whene'er  the  faithless  I  behold, 
 
 My  soul  with  grief  is  stirr'd; 
 I  mourn  for  them,  whose  folly  spurns 
 Thy  holy  will  and  word. 
 
 159.  My  soul  its  happy  choice  hath  made ; 
 
 Regard  it,  Lord,  and  prove  ; 
 And  as  I  love  Thy  law,  do  Thou 
 Revive  me  with  Thy  love. 
 
 1G0.  The  fountain  of  Thy  righteous  law 
 Of  yore  was  pure  and  true  : 
 And  in  Thy  righteous  dooms  each  word 
 Breathes  life  for  ever  new. 
 
Itf   ENGLISH   YEESE.  391 
 
 SCHUS". 
 
 161.  Fierce  princes  "have  oppress'd  my  truth, 
 
 Unmeet  such  wrong  to  bear : 
 But  while  Thy  word  o'eraw'd  my  heart, 
 No  other  fear  was  there. 
 
 162.  I  find  in  that  sustaining  word, 
 
 My  speed  in  grief  and  toil, 
 More  joy,  than,  after  battle  won, 
 The  victor  finds  in  spoil. 
 
 163.  The  false  heart's  ways  of  close  deceit 
 
 My  righteous  hatred  move  : 
 I  needs  must  hate  them,  since  Thy  truth 
 Sways  all  my  spirit's  love. 
 
 164.  And  for  Thy  judgments  just  and  true, 
 
 Thro'  all  my  length  of  days, 
 Prom  morn  to  eve  my  voice  shall  hymn 
 Its  sevenfold  song  of  praise. 
 
 165.  Great  peace  is  theirs,  who  love  Thy  law, 
 
 Sweet  peace  that  cannot  cloy  ; 
 No  bitter  thing  shall  check  its  flow, 
 Or  dash  their  cup  of  joy. 
 
392 
 
 THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 166.   Trustful  I  wait  Thy  saving  health  : 
 Thy  grace  hath  made  me  bold, 
 "While  firmly  with  obedient  will 
 Thy  pure  commands  I  hold. 
 
 167.   I  keep  in  memory  stor'd  the  words, 
 That  tell  Thee  good  and  true  : 
 Within  my  soul  they  wake  that  love, 
 Which  springs  for  ever  new. 
 
 168.  The  words  that  tell  Thy  will  and  way 
 With  me  have  ever  been : 
 Thou  know'st  it,  Lord ;  for  Thou  from  far 
 My  acts  and  thoughts  hast  seen. 
 
 TATJ. 
 
 169.   Turn,  Lord,  and  let  my  earnest  cry 
 To  Thy  meek  ears  arise : 
 Grant  me  to  know  Thy  truthful  word, 
 The  wisdom  of  the  wise. 
 
 1 70.   0  let  my  suppliant  pray'r  ascend 
 Before  Thy  mercy-throne : 
 In  my  deliverance  let  me  see 
 Thy  faithful  promise  shown. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 393 
 
 171.  My  lips  shall  flow  with  praise,  as  streams 
 
 From  living  fountains  flow, 
 "When  Thou  hast  taught  me  in  Thy  laws 
 Thy  heavenly  truth  to  know. 
 
 172.  My  tongue  shall  speak  Thy  wisdom's  might, 
 
 If  Thou  such  grace  afford, 
 And  tell  what  rules  of  right  are  taught 
 In  Thy  unerring  word. 
 
 173.  Stretch  forth  Thine  arm  to  aid  me,  Lord, 
 
 And  guide  me  with  Thy  hand : 
 For  my  free  choice  is  made,  to  do 
 "What  Thy  pure  laws  command. 
 
 174.  My  longing  soul  waits  still  on  Thee ; 
 
 Thy  saving  health  make  known : 
 No  other  joy  my  spirit  finds, 
 But  in  Thy  law  alone. 
 
 175.  Be  Thou  my  Life,  0  living  Lord : 
 
 My  soul,  which  Thou  shalt  raise, 
 By  Thy  pure  law  of  life  sustain' d, 
 Shall  live  to  speak  Thy  praise. 
 
 176.  Like  a  lost  sheep  my  wand'ring  steps 
 
 From  Thy  commands  have  err'd : 
 Yet,  Lord,  reclaim  me :  still  in  mind 
 I  store  Thy  guiding  word. 
 
39±  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 cxx. 
 
 1.     "Whene'er  my  soul  besought  the  Lord, 
 In  every  grief  and  care, 
 "Whene'er  I  bow'd  with  sorrow's  load, 
 His  mercy  heard  my  pray'r. 
 
 2.     And  now,  0  God,  secure  my  truth 
 Those  guileful  foes  among, 
 Who  bear  close  gall  within  their  heart, 
 And  honey  on  their  tongue. 
 
 3.    False  flatterer,  say,  what  hope  is  thine  ? 
 The  wages  thou  shalt  earn 
 Shall  pierce  thee  like  sharp  darts,  or  coals 
 That  e'en  in  ashes  burn. 
 
 4.     Woe  worth  the  day  !  I  live  as  one 
 Who  treads  the  mountain-soil, 
 Where  Mesech's  dangerous  tribes  are  round, 
 Those  sons  of  strife  and  spoil. 
 
IN   ENGLISH  YEESE.  395 
 
 Or  where  amidst  Arabian  wastes 
 
 The  tents  that  rise  so  fair 
 Are  full  of  Kedar's  wrathful  race : — 
 
 My  kindred  is  not  there c. 
 
 Long  have  I  dwelt  with  foes  of  peace, 
 
 Whose  souls  all  love  abhor : 
 Whene'er  my  words  of  peace  I  bring. 
 
 Their  cry  is  still  for  war. 
 
 «  Aldhelm. 
 
396 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXI. 
 
 1.     I  look  for  help  to  those  strong  hills, 
 Whose  heights  in  glory  rise, 
 Where  rests,  above  the  toiling  clouds, 
 The  sunshine  of  the  skies. 
 
 2.  The  Zion,  wliere  my  soul  hath  found 
 
 Unfailing  grace  to  aid, 
 Is  the  bright  home  of  Israel's  God, 
 Who  heav'n  and  earth  has  made. 
 
 3.  Then  rest,  my  soul :  no  foe  hath  pow'r 
 
 Thy  stedfast  foot  to  move ; 
 His  wakeful  eye  that  cannot  sleep 
 Shall  guard  thee  from  above. 
 
 4.  His  wakeful  eye  that  cannot  sleep, 
 
 Nor  slumber's  power  hath  known, 
 Still  guards  the  people  of  His  love 
 From  heav'n's  eternal  throne. 
 
 5.  God  is  thy  keeper  ;  at  thy  side 
 
 His  guardian  wings  display'd 
 Shall  shield  thee  from  each  secret  harm 
 Beneath  that  mighty  shade. 
 
IN    ENGLISH  YEESE.  397 
 
 6.  No  sun  thy  fainting  strength  shall  blast 
 
 Upon  thy  noon-tide  way, 
 Nor  blight  of  dewy  vapours  cold 
 Beneath  the  pale  moon-ray. 
 
 7.  Each  evil  thing  thy  gracious  God 
 
 Shall  keep  without  thy  door, 
 
 8.  "Watch  o'er  thy  life,  and  guard  thy  steps 
 
 Henceforth  for  evermore. 
 
398 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXII. 
 
 I  he  AH  my  lov'd  companions  call : 
 
 With  gladness  I  obey : 
 Come,  let  us  seek  the  house  of  God ; 
 
 Arise,  and  come  away. 
 
 Tes,  we  will  seek  the  house  of  God ; 
 
 Our  feet  shall  never  roam, 
 But  rest  within  Jerusalem, 
 
 Our  kindred's  hope  and  home : 
 
 Jerusalem,  Jerusalem ! 
 
 The  holy  happy  ground, 
 Whose  walls  are  built  in  unity, 
 
 Where  Peace  is  watching  round ! 
 
 The  tribes  of  God  ascend  thy  mount, 
 The  tribes  that  bear  His  Name, 
 
 And  in  assembled  Israel's  sight 
 His  mercy's  praise  proclaim. 
 
 Thy  judges  bear  the  sword  of  God 
 From  Whom  all  judgment  springs  ; 
 
 Thy  princes  hold  their  rightful  throne 
 Beneath  the  Kins  of  kings. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YERSE.  399 
 
 O  peace  be  thine,  Jerusalem  ! 
 
 Thy  God  His  gift  increase ! 
 All  peace  be  tliine,  and  their's  who  love 
 
 The  dwelling-place  of  peace ! 
 
 May  Peace  within  thee  keep  in  strength 
 
 The  fortress  of  thy  walls  ; 
 And  Plenty  spread  her  constant  stores 
 
 Within  thy  palace-halls ! 
 
 For  my  dear  brethren's  sake,  and  friends, 
 
 Whose  heart  is  one  with  mine, 
 I'll  pray,  Within  these  happy  tow'rs 
 
 May  peace  be  ever  thine  ! 
 
 But  most  of  all,  Be  thine  all  good, 
 
 Each  choicest  blessing  given, 
 Since  God  with  thee  hath  dwelt,  in  thee 
 
 Hath  oped  the  gate  of  heaven  ! 
 
400  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXIII. 
 
 1.  0  Thotj,  our  fathers'  Hope  and  Shield, 
 
 To  Thee  I  lift  mine  eyes, 
 Thou,  AYho  hast  made  Thy  resting-place 
 The  mansion  of  the  skies. 
 
 2.  As  the  poor  bondmen  wait  the  hour 
 
 Their  masters'  grace  to  see ; 
 Or  maiden,  till  from  task  of  pain 
 Her  mistress  set  her  free : 
 
 E'en  so  our  spirits  wait  on  God 
 
 Beneath  all  present  woe, 
 And  patient  bear  his  rightful  doom, 
 
 Till  He  His  mercy  shew. 
 
 3.  Tet,  gracious  Lord,  Thy  mercy  grant, 
 
 0  let  it  round  us  shine ; 
 Enough,  our  ears  their  taunts  have  borne, 
 "Who  mock  at  Thee  and  Thine  : 
 
 4.  Enough,  nor  more  our  souls  can  bear 
 
 Those  goadings,  sharp  as  thorn, 
 Erom  worldlings  lapt  in  reckless  ease, 
 And  proud  oppressors'  scorn. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 CXXIV. 
 
 401 
 
 If  our  God  had  not  befriended, 
 Now  may  grateful  Israel  say, 
 
 If  the  Lord  had  not  defended, 
 "When  with  foes  we  stood  at  bay, 
 
 Madly  raging, 
 Deeming  our  sad  lives  their  prey : 
 
 Then  the  tide  of  vengeful  slaughters 
 O'er  us  had  been  seen  to  roll, 
 
 And  their  pride,  like  angry  waters, 
 Had  engulph'd  our  struggling  soul, 
 Those  loud  waters. 
 Proud  and  spurning  all  control. 
 
 But  our  God  was  watching  o'er  us, 
 "While  they  gnash' d  with  fiery  glare, 
 
 And  His  arm  in  safety  bore  us 
 From  that  terror  and  despair, 
 
 Tree  escaping, 
 As  the  bird  from  fowler's  snare. 
 
 Praise  to  God,  whose  mercy-token 
 Beam'd  to  still  that  raging  sea : 
 
 Lo,  the  snare  is  rent  and  broken, 
 And  our  captive  souls  are  free. 
 Lord  of  glory, 
 Help  can  come  alone  from  Thee. 
 
 Dd 
 
402  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 cxxv. 
 
 1.  The  souls  that  seek  their  rest  in  God, 
 
 Their  Guardian  and  their  Guide, 
 Unmov'd  as  Zion's  stedfast  hill 
 Shall  evermore  abide. 
 
 2.  The  mountain-heights  that  bear  her  walls 
 
 Our  Salem's  peace  secure  : 
 But  God's  strong  safeguard  stands  for  ave 
 More  lasting  and  more  sure. 
 
 3.  Ne'er  shall  the  sinner's  rod  in  pow'r 
 
 Possess  our  holy  land, 
 Lest  saints  in  grief  forsake  their  Godd, 
 And  guilt  defile  their  hand. 
 
 4.  Do  Thou,  0  Lord,  with  deeds  of  good 
 
 Still  meet  the  good  and  kind  ; 
 Still  let  the  true  and  upright  heart 
 "With  Thee  acceptance  find. 
 
 5.  The  froward  from  our  walls  led  forth 
 
 Like  exiles  sad  shall  die : 
 Eut  Peace  shall  shelter  Israel's  heirs, 
 The  Peace  of  God  Most  High. 
 
 d  Old  Version. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 403 
 
 CXXVI. 
 
 When  God  on  Zion's  captive  state 
 Look'd  down,  in  mercy  to  redeem, 
 
 The  sudden  joy,  so  strange,  so  great, 
 "Was  like  the  gladness  of  a  dream  : 
 
 Then  could  our  mirth  no  more  be  stay'd, 
 Aloud  our  songs  of  triumph  flow'd; 
 
 The  heathen  heard,  and  wond'ring  said, 
 Great  is  the  pow'r  of  Israel's  God. 
 
 The  truth  they  spoke  our  lips  shall  own : 
 Great  is  our  God,  and  great  His  pow'r ; 
 
 Great  deeds  His  arm  for  us  hath  done, 
 Our  theme  in  this  rejoicing  hour. 
 
 Our  remnant,  Lord,  from  bondage  bring ; 
 
 And  be  the  tide  of  their  return 
 Like  southern  floods  that  roll  in  spring 
 
 Thro'  vales  that  spent  with  dryness  mourn. 
 
404?  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 5.     Then  peace  shall  reign  where  foes  distress, 
 And  they,  who  to  their  heart's  annoy 
 Now  sow  in  tears  of  bitterness, 
 
 Henceforth  shall  reap  with  songs  of  joy. 
 
 Ev'n  he,  who  now  his  precious  seed 
 Bears  weeping  forth  in  fear  and  pain, 
 
 Shall  see  a  happier  time  succeed, 
 
 And  his  glad  sheaves  bring  home  again. 
 
IN    ENGLISH   VEESE.  *05 
 
 CXXVII. 
 
 Except  the  Lord  the  house  shall  build, 
 Lost  is  the  builder's  busy  pain ; 
 
 Except  the  Lord  the  fortress  shield, 
 The  warder  walks  his  round  in  vain. 
 
 In  vain  ye  haste  at  dawn  to  rise, 
 And  late  your  rest  at  evening  take ; 
 
 And  eat  your  needful  bread  with  sighs, 
 While  sorrow  holds  the  heart  awake. 
 
 Calm  hours  are  their' s  whom  God  befriends, 
 Calm  labour  and  unbroken  sleep  : 
 
 Their  toil  by  day  His  love  defends, 
 And  waits  their  rest  at  night  to  keep. 
 
 The  children  that  increase  our  home, 
 Our  comfort  and  our  toil's  reward, 
 
 Are  not  our  own, — from  heav'n  they  come, 
 The  prize- gifts  of  the  bounteous  Lord. 
 
406 
 
 TI1E    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 Like  arrows  in  a  warrior's  hand 
 
 Are  sons  in  youthful  vigour  grown ; 
 
 0  joy  to  him  who  can  command 
 A  quiver  stor'd  with  many  a  one ! 
 
 His  innocence  shall  fear  no  wrong, 
 
 While  these  maintain  his  rightful  state ; 
 
 Firm,  as  in  arms  the  champion  strong, 
 Who  keeps  the  leaguer'd  city's  gate. 
 
I1ST    ENGLISH    VEESE.  *W 
 
 CXXVIII. 
 
 O  blest  art  thou,  who  led  by  fear 
 
 The  better  path  hast  trod, 
 Whose  feet  unfaltering  keep  their  course, 
 
 And  walk  the  ways  of  God. 
 
 No  foe  shall  to  thy  peaceful  home 
 
 Lead  on  the  sons  of  spoil ; 
 There  shalt  thou  dwell  in  joy,  and  reap 
 
 The  labour  of  thy  toil. 
 
 Thy  wife  shall  cheer  thy  hours  of  rest, 
 
 Like  to  some  fruitful  vine, 
 Whose  boughs  around  thy  inner  courts 
 
 With  clustering  tendrils  twine. 
 
 Thy  children,  like  young  olive-plants, 
 That  grow  unmark'd  the  while, 
 
 Around  thy  board  with  childhood's  mirth 
 Life's  sadness  shall  beguile. 
 
 This,  this  the  blessing  God  bestows, 
 
 The  promise  of  His  word, 
 The  mercy-gift  unfailing  giv'n 
 
 To  him  who  fears  the  Lord. 
 
1  OS 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 From  Zion  God  shall  hear  thy  pray'r, 
 And  answering  blessings  send  ; 
 
 Grant  thee  thy  people's  good  and  thine 
 To  last  till  life  shall  end. 
 
 Yea,  thou  shalt  see,  in  length  of  days, 
 Thy  children's  children  rise, 
 
 And  peace  on  Israel  rest  like  dew 
 Beneath  the  summer  skies* 
 
IN   ENGLISH  YEKSE. 
 
 409 
 
 CXXIX. 
 
 1.  Opt  from  my  youth,  may  Israel  say, 
 
 Have  dangerous  foes  my  life  assail' d ; 
 
 2.  Oft  sought  to  make  my  soul  their  prey, 
 
 And  vex'd  me  sore,  but  ne'er  prevail' d. 
 
 Beneath  their  iron  scourge  I  bow'd, 
 And  meekly  bore  their  wrathful  mood, 
 
 "While  deep  my  suffering  back  they  plow'd 
 "With  long-drawn  furrows  track'd  in  blood. 
 
 The  righteous  God  hath  judg'd  my  cause, 
 And  sav'd  me  from  their  cruel  hands  ; 
 
 Tam'd  the  fierce  foes  who  spurn' d  His  laws, 
 Cast  down  their  yoke,  and  burst  their  bands. 
 
 5.  Shame  still  be  their' s,  and  quick  reproof, 
 
 "Who  will  not  come  to  Zion's  aid: 
 
 6.  Eade  their  brief  strength,  as  on  the  roof 
 
 The  bents  of  grass  untimely  fade : 
 
410  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 7.  The  bents  of  grass,  or  corn  that  springs 
 
 Chance-scatter'd  on  the  crevic'd  eaves, 
 Whence  mower  ne'er  his  handful  brings, 
 Or  reaper  clasps  his  golden  sheaves : 
 
 8.  Where  ne'er  hath  traveller  stayed  to  greet 
 
 The  scythesman  with  his  passing  word ; 
 Or  bless'd  his  toil  with  blessings  meet 
 In  God's  high  Name,  the  harvest's  Lord. 
 
IN    ENGLISH    VERSE.  411 
 
 cxxx. 
 
 From  whelming  depths  of  fear 
 To  God  I  sent  my  cry ; 
 There  lowly  laid  I  found  my  need 
 Of  succour  from  on  high  : 
 
 Lord,  hear  my  suppliant  pray'r, 
 Ere  yet  my  spirit  faint ; 
 O  let  Thine  ears  consider  well 
 The  voice  of  my  complaint. 
 
 Should' st  Thou  each  error  mark, 
 Who  could  Thy  sentence  bear  ? 
 But  mercy  dwells  with  Thee,  that  men 
 Thy  righteous  truth  may  feare. 
 
 For  Thee,  the  gracious  Lord, 
 I  wait  with  trustful  eyes  ; 
 On  the  sure  comfort  of  Thy  word 
 My  firm-built  hope  reliesf. 
 
 To  Thee  my  spirit  hastes, 
 On  wings  of  pray'r  upborne, 
 More  eager  than  the  guards  that  watch 
 The  coming  of  the  morn. 
 
 •  Miles  Smyth.  f  Ibid. 
 
412  THE    BOOK    OF    TSAL^IS 
 
 7.  0  Israel,  trust  in  God ; 
 
 To  Him  thy  offerings  bring, 
 
 From  "Whom,  as  from  a  living  fount, 
 
 Redeeming  mercies  spring. 
 
 8.  Return,  to  God  return  : 
 
 The  grace,  that  thou  shalt  gain, 
 Shall  with  redemption's  plenteous  streams 
 Cleanse  all  thy  guilty  stain. 
 
ITT   ENGLISH    VERSE.  413 
 
 CXXXI. 
 
 1.  Lord,  my  heart  is  with  the  lowly ; 
 
 I  do  seek, 
 With  the  meek, 
 Humble  thoughts  and  holy. 
 
 Let  me  not  by  vain  aspiring 
 Strive  to  rise, 
 But  be  wise, 
 Safer  truth  desiring. 
 
 2.  Pride  that  soars  must  fall  in  sadness  : 
 
 Lowliness 
 God  doth  bless 
 "With  an  infant's  gladness  ; 
 
 "When  it  lies  all  weak  from  weaning, 
 Yet  at  rest, 
 On  the  breast 
 In  its  gladness  leaning. 
 
 3.  Nought  my  trust  from  God  shall  sever  : 
 
 Israel,  thou 
 Pay  this  vow 
 To  thy  King  for  ever. 
 
414  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXXI. 
 
 / 
 
 Second  Version,  chiefly  from  Sir  P.  Sidney. 
 
 A  lofty  heart,  a  lifted  eye, 
 Lord,  Thou  dost  know,  I  never  bare  ; 
 
 I  ne'er  have  borne  in  things  too  high 
 A  meddling  mind,  or  climbing  care : 
 
 Look  how  the  weaned  babe  doth  fare ; 
 
 Alike  that  peaceful  babe  and  I ; 
 None  more  for  quiet  may  compare 
 
 E'en  with  the  babe  that  wean'd  doth  lie. 
 
 O  Israel,  to  thy  God  so  nigh, 
 For  Him  thy  trusting  heart  prepare, 
 
 Till  Hope  that  lives,  when  fear  shall  die, 
 Build  her  untroubled  mansion  there. 
 
IN    ENGLISH    TERSE. 
 
 CXXXII. 
 
 415 
 
 1.  Lokd,  forget  not  David's  care  ; 
 
 2.  How  in  humble  zeal  he  vow'd, 
 How  he  pledg'd  his  truth  in  pray'r 
 
 To  the  strength  of  Jacob's  God : 
 
 3.  Never  will  I  joy  at  home, 
 
 Where  my  tents  at  peace  are  spread  ; 
 Never  seeking  ease  will  come 
 To  the  quiet  of  my  bed  ; 
 
 4.  Never  shall  invited  sleep 
 
 Be  my  willing  eyelids'  guest ; 
 Nor  the  dews  of  slumber  deep 
 Bathe  my  weary  brows  in  rest ; 
 
 5.  Till  I  find  amidst  our  land 
 
 AYhere  God's  chosen  portion  lies, 
 "Where  His  holiest  home  shall  stand, 
 Where  the  temple's  walls  shall  rise. 
 
 6.  This  we  found  in  David's  town, 
 
 And  in  fields  and  forests  near, 
 To  the  simple  shepherds  known  : 
 Let  our  sons  the  record  hear. 
 
416 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 7.  Come,  arise,  and  let  us  go, 
 
 In  His  courts  our  Lord  to  meet ; 
 Let  us  worship,  bending  low 
 At  the  footstool  of  His  feet. 
 
 8.  Lord,  unto  Thy  place  of  rest 
 
 Let  Thine  ark  with  songs  ascend  : 
 There,  as  in  Thy  presence  blest, 
 
 Let  Thy  strength  Thy  saints  defend 
 
 9.  Let  Thy  priests  with  righteousness, 
 
 As  with  vesture  white,  be  clad  : 
 They  who  praise  Thy  Xame  and  bless, 
 Let  them  in  their  songs  be  glad. 
 
 10.  And  for  faithful  David's  sake, 
 
 For  his  well-remember' d  care, 
 Let  his  seed  Thy  grace  partake, 
 
 Hear  Thou  Thine  Anointed' s  pray"r. 
 
 11.  What  Thy  promise,  Lord,  decreed, 
 
 Never  shall  Thy  truth  disown : 
 I  will  raise  of  David's  seed 
 One  to  sit  on  David's  throne : 
 
 12.  "While  his  sons  with  holy  care 
 
 Keep  the  laws  I  shall  ordain, 
 Never  shall  there  fail  an  heir 
 On  that  stedfast  seat  to  reign. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  41~ 
 
 13.  For  our  Zion's  holy  steep 
 
 G-od's  unerring  choice  liath  bless'd  : 
 
 14.  Ever  shall  My  promise  keep 
 
 This  My  guarded  home  of  rest. 
 
 15.  Here,  from  My  eternal  seat, 
 
 "Will  I  multiply  her  store  ; 
 Here  with  kindly  flour  of  wheat 
 Shall  My  care  sustain  her  poor. 
 
 16.  Here,  in  saving  health  array' d 
 
 Shall  her  priests  their  ofF'rings  bring  ; 
 And  her  saints,  with  God  to  aid, 
 In  their  joy  shall  shout  and  sing, 
 
 17.  Here  the  horn  of  David's  pow'r 
 
 Late  in  time  new  strength  shall  show : 
 Here,  im quench'  d  at  darkest  hour, 
 Shall  his  lamp  in  brightness  glow. 
 
 18.  "While  his  foes  shall  strive  in  vain, 
 
 Cloth' d  with  shame,  to  earth  struck  down, 
 Hope  shall  bud  and  bloom  again 
 From  his  pure  unfading  crown. 
 
 e  e 
 
41§  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXXIII. 
 
 O  happy  state  on  earth  to  see, 
 
 And  bless' d  from  God  above, 
 Where  brethren  meet,  and  make  their  home 
 
 The  dwelling-place  of  love. 
 
 'Tis  like  the  costly  odonrs  sweet, 
 
 That  pour'd  on  Aaron's  head, 
 Down  to  his  beard  and  border' d  vest 
 
 Their  gladd'ning  fragrance  shed : 
 
 Or  like  the  fruitful  sky-born  dews 
 
 On  Hermon  gathering  still, 
 Descending  thence  in  gentlest  show'rs 
 
 On  Zion's  sacred  hill: 
 
 Like  them  it  comes  with  blessing  down 
 
 From  heav'n's  unfailing  store, 
 The  blessing  of  the  God  of  peace, 
 
 And  life  for  evermore. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  4<1J) 
 
 CXXXIV. 
 
 1.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  who  serve  the  Lord, 
 
 Who  stand  on  Zion's  guarded  steep, 
 And  in  His  courts  your  watch  and  ward 
 By  turns  in  duteous  order  keep  ; 
 
 Who  tune  your  solemn  songs  by  day, 
 Or  tend  the  lamps  that  burn  by  night, 
 
 2.  Still  raise  your  holy  hands,  and  pray, 
 
 And  bless  the  Lord's  sustaining  might. 
 
 3.  So  may  the  God,  whose  glorious  arm 
 
 Wrought  the  wide  earth,  and  heav'n  above, 
 Prom  Zion  shield  your  souls  from  harm, 
 And  watch  to  bless  you  with  His  love. 
 
420 
 
 THE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 CXXXIY. 
 
 Second  Version,  chiefly  from  Sandys. 
 
 Ye,  who  the  Lord  adore, 
 And  at  His  altars  wait, 
 Or  keep  your  watch  before 
 The  threshold  of  His  gate  ; 
 His  praises  sing 
 
 By  silent  night, 
 .     Till  cheerful  light 
 At  dawning  spring. 
 
 Before  His  mercy-seat 
 
 Your  hands  devoutly  raise ; 
 "With  words  of  blessing  meet 
 The  world's  Creator  praise. 
 So  may  He  still 
 His  own  defend, 
 And  blessing  send 
 From  Zion's  hill. 
 
IS   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 421 
 
 cxxxv. 
 
 1.     Praise  the  Lord:  with  laud  proclaim 
 Evermore  His  glorious  Name : 
 Praise  it,  ye  who  day  by  day 
 In  His  courts  your  service  pay. 
 
 2,3.    Where  the  great  assembly  throngs, 
 Praise  Him  with  unwearied  songs, 
 Songs,  whose  gracious  tones  express 
 Lowly  duty's  loveliness. 
 
 4.  Tell  the  treasures  of  His  grace 
 To  the  sons  of  Jacob's  race  ; 
 How  to  them  His  love  was  shown, 
 AVhom  His  choice  hath  made  His  own. 
 
 5.  For  I  know  that  He  is  great, 
 Peerless  in  His  high  estate, 
 Mighty  God,  all  gods  above, 
 
 At  AVhose  will  all  creatures  move. 
 
 G.     At  His  will  each  change  hath  birth 
 In  the  things  of  heav'n  and  earth, 
 In  the  ocean's  dark  abodes, 
 In  the  secret  founts  of  floods  : 
 
422  TnE    BOOK   OP   PSALMS 
 
 7.  At  His  will  the  clouds  ascend 
 Swiftly  from  the  far  earth's  end ; 
 Rains,  that  rush  on  lightning's  wings, 
 Winds,  that  from  His  stores  He  brings. 
 
 8.  At  His  word  with  sudden  blow 
 Egypt's  firstborn  hopes  lay  low : 
 
 9.  Signs  of  wrath  with  pain  o'erthrew 
 Pharaoh  and  his  impious  crew. 
 
 10.  By  His  arm  to  death  were  bow'd 
 Nations  fierce,  and  despots  proud, 
 
 11.  Sihon,  haughty  Amorite, 
 
 Og  of  giant  strength  and  height : 
 
 12.  And  He  gave  fair  Canaan's  soil, 
 Rescued  from  the  tyrants'  spoil, 
 Gave,  a  heritage  of  rest, 
 
 To  the  tribes  His  choice  had  bless'd. 
 
 13.  Thine  eternal  Name,  dread  Lord, 
 Age  to  age  shall  still  record, 
 
 14.  Judge  of  all  Thy  people's  wrongs, 
 Turning  still  their  griefs  to  songs. 
 
 15.  Vain  the  gods  the  heathen  boast, 
 Tain  their  idols'  golden  cost : 
 Helpless  in  their  place  they  stand, 
 Wrought  by  mortal  workmen's  hand. 
 
IX    ENGLISH   TERSE.  423 
 
 16.  Mouths  they  have,  but  nought  can  say ; 
 Eyes  still  blind  in  blaze  of  day ; 
 
 17.  Ears,  but  dull  as  ears  of  death  ; 
 Lips  that  breathe  no  vital  breath. 
 
 18.  They,  who  spend  on  them  their  pain, 
 Are  as  those  dull  idols  vain : 
 
 Vain,  who  vows  or  offerings  bear 
 To  the  gods  that  hear  no  pray'r. 
 
 19.  Blessings  to  our  God  ascribe, 
 Israel's  sons  in  every  tribe : 
 Bless  His  Name,  and  gifts  prepare, 
 Ye  who  Aaron's  ephod  wear : 
 
 20.  Bless  Him  in  His  sacred  place, 
 All  who  spring  of  Levi's  race  ; 
 All  who  know  and  fear  His  word, 
 Bless  and  praise  the  living  Lord. 
 
 21.  Bless  Him,  Who  in  strength  excels, 
 Where  His  constant  glory  dwells ; 
 From  His  mount  of  holiness 
 
 Still  His  Name  in  Salem  bless. 
 
124  THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXXVL* 
 
 1.  0  peaise  the  Lord  ;  for  He  is  love ; 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings  : 
 
 2.  0  thank  the  God  all  gods  above, 
 
 Prom  Whom  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 3.  0  praise  Him  on  His  glory-throne, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings : 
 -i.     "Who  doth  all  wondrous  deeds  alone, 
 From  "Whom  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 5.  "Who  by  His  wisdom  heav'n  array' d, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings  : 
 
 6.  And  earth  above  the  waters  laid ; 
 
 From  Whom  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 7.  "Who  did  the  world's  great  lights  ordain; 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings : 
 S.     "Who  gave  the  sun  o'er  day  to  reign ; 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 9.    And  bade  the  stars  with  spangled  light, — 
 The  inightv  Lord,  and  King  of  kings : 
 And  silver  moon,  to  rule  by  night : 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 £  Altered  from  Sandys,  Milton,  and  the  Oxford  Psalter. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE. 
 
 425 
 
 10.  Praise  Him,  Who  broke  the  tyrant's  sway, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings : 
 Who  did  false  Egypt's  firstborn  slay: 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 11.  Who  ransom'd  Israel  from  their  land, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings, 
 
 12.  With  strong  right  arm,  and  outstretch' d  hand 
 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 13.  Who  cleft  the  Eed  sea's  waves  in  twain, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings ; 
 11.     And  guided  Israel  thro'  the  main ; 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 15.  But  bade  the  eddying  waves  devour, — 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings  ; 
 Fierce  Pharaoh's  battle-pride  and  pow'r: 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 16.  Whose  succours  did  His  people  bless, — 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings, 
 Amidst  the  barren  wilderness  : 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 17.  Who  struck  proud  kings  in  terror  down, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings  ; 
 IS.     Those  warrior-kings  of  old  renown ; 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
426 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSA.LMS 
 
 19.  Sihon,  the  haughty  Amorite  ; — 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  aud  King  of  kings  ; 
 
 20.  And  Og  of  giant-strength  and  height11 ; 
 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 21.  And  gave  the  land  that  once  was  their' s, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings, 
 
 22.  To  be  the  lot  of  Israel's  heirs  ; 
 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 23.  "Whose  pity  rais'd  our  low  estate, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings ; 
 
 24.  And  sav'd  us  from  our  foemen's  hate ; 
 
 From  Him  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 25.  Who  feeds  all  tribes  that  live  and  move, 
 
 The  mighty  Lord,  and  King  of  kings ; 
 
 26.  Thank  Him,  Whose  heavenly  Name  is  love, 
 
 From  Whoin  eternal  mercy  springs. 
 
 h  Amos  ii.  9, 
 
IN    ENGLISH    VERSE.  427 
 
 CXXXYII. 
 
 In  thraldom's  lonely  woe, 
 By  Babel's  waters  deep 
 "We  thought  on  Zion  far  away, 
 And  sate  us  down  to  weep. 
 
 Our  tuneful  harps,  no  more 
 To  notes  of  gladness  strung, 
 "Were  there  upon  the  willow-boughs 
 
 1  o 
 
 In  speechless  sorrow  hung. 
 
 For  the}r,  whose  bonds  we  bore, 
 Had  ask'd  in  careless  wrong  : 
 Come,  wake  your  mirth,  as  ye  were  wont. 
 When  Zion  heard  your  song. 
 
 How  shall  we  tune  our  voice, 
 Or  bid  our  captive  hand, 
 To  play  or  sing  the  song  of  God 
 Far  in  a  stranger's  land  ? 
 
428 
 
 THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 O  Salem,  seat  of  peace, 
 For  aye  forgotten  be 
 All  skill  my  right  band  everknew, 
 But  while  I  think  on  thee  ! 
 
 If  I  forget  thee,  then 
 
 May  dumbness  bind  my  tongue  ; 
 If  e'er,  with  heart  to  thee  untrue, 
 I  seek  the  joy  of  song. 
 
 Eemember,  righteous  Lord, 
 In  Salem's  evil  day 
 HowTildom's  sons  unpitying  made 
 Their  brethren's  lives  a  prey1 : 
 
 How,  when  the  Assyrian  foe 
 Belay' d  our  city  round, 
 They  cried,  Lay  bare  her  walls,  lay  bare, 
 And  rase  them  to  the  ground. 
 
 3.        And  thou,  who  sit'st  a  Queen, 
 
 Lost  Babel,  on  thy  throne, 
 Thrice  blest  the  hand,  that  doth  to  thee 
 As  thou  to  us  hast  done : 
 
 i  Obad.  10.— 14. 
 
IX   ENGLISH   TERSE.  429 
 
 9.         Tea,  blest  the  hand  shall  be, 
 
 That  from  thy  rampires  high 
 Shall  dash  thy  children  on  the  rocks 
 Unpitied  there  to  diek. 
 
 k  In  this  most  pathetic  of  all  Psalms,  few  of  our  modern  Trans- 
 lators seem  to  have  remarked  the  moral  impression  of  the  scene, 
 as  pointed  out  long  ago  by  Theodoret :  "  Men  in  sorrow  are  wont 
 to  betake  themselves  to  solitary  spots,  and  there  bewail  their  own 
 calamities  :"  or,  as  they  might  have  been  reminded  by  the  words 
 of  a  master: 
 
 "  Let  us  seek  out  some  desolate  shade,  and  there 
 "Weep  our  sad  bosoms  empty." 
 For  the  rest,  the  present  writer  is  fully  conscious  how  unable  he 
 has  been  to  do  it  justice,  especially  to  the  expressive  ellipse,  "Let 
 my  right  hand  forget — "  in  v.  5.     See  Mason  and  Bernard's  Hebr. 
 Gramm.  ii.  29. 
 
430 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXXVIII. 
 
 1.  Loed,  to  Thee  my  spirit's  love 
 
 Waits  to  mount  in  praise  afar, 
 Till  it  pierce  Thy  courts  above, 
 Where  the  godlike  angels  are. 
 
 2.  I  will  kneel  and  fix  mine  eyes 
 
 On  Thy  temple's  holy  home, 
 While  my  voice  of  praise  shall  rise, 
 Since  to  me  Thy  word  hath  come : 
 
 For  I  know  Thy  truth  and  love, 
 
 Names  which  all  Thy  servants  bless  ; 
 
 Thou  hast  rais'd,  all  names  above, 
 Thy  dear  mercy's  faithfulness. 
 
 3.  When  in  straits  to  Thee  I  cried, 
 
 Thou  didst  every  fear  controul ; 
 Thy  strong  help,  my  God  and  Guide, 
 
 Arm'd  with  strength  my  struggling  soul. 
 
 4.  All  the  kings  of  widest  earth 
 
 Shall  with  lowly  praise  draw  near, 
 When  Thy  perfect  word  goes  forth, 
 When  the  world's  far  nations  hear. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 431 
 
 When  to  Thee  they  turn  their  feet, 
 In  the  paths  Thy  saints  have  trod, 
 
 Still  in  songs  their  tribes  shall  meet, 
 Songs  of  glory  to  their  God  ; 
 
 Glory  to  their  God  on  high, 
 
 High,  yet  near  the  lowly  still ; 
 But  His  truth  averts  His  eye 
 
 From  the  proud' s  unbridled  will. 
 
 When  fierce  griefs  my  path  surround, 
 Thou  wilt  inward  comfort  give : 
 
 Thou  shalt  set  my  foes  their  bound, 
 Check  their  wrath,  and  bid  me  live. 
 
 Lord,  Thy  mercy  and  Thy  love 
 JNVer  shall  fail  of  promis'd  aid ; 
 
 Can'st  Thou,  while  the  world  shall  move, 
 Spurn  the  work  Thine  hands  have  made  ? 
 
432  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 CXXXIX. 
 
 1.  Lord  of  my  life,  to  Thee  are  known 
 My  rising  up  and  lying  down ; 
 
 2.  My  thoughts  unmark'd  that  rise  and  fall, 
 All-searching  God,  Thon  know'st  them  all. 
 
 3.  "Where'er  in  sleep  I  rest*  or  stray 
 
 In  journey ings  through  the  busy  day, 
 
 4.  Thon  still  art  near  ;  by  Thee  is  heard 
 My  silent  tongue's  unutter  d  word. 
 
 5.  Thy  strong  restraining  hand  around 
 Hath  set  to  all  my  acts  their  bound : 
 
 6.  0  wond'rons  knowledge,  too  divine, 
 Too  high  for  skill  or  thought  of  mine  ! 
 
 7.  0  whither  could  I  stray,  or  where 
 Hide  me,  nor  find  Thy  Spirit  there  ? 
 O  where  escaping  hope  to  fly 
 
 The  presence  of  Thy  piercing  eye  ? 
 
 8.  Could  I  ascend  the  heavenly  height, 
 
 Thy  throne  sustains  those  realms  of  light ; 
 Or  in  the  low  grave  make  my  bed, 
 Thy  guard  is  o'er  the  silent  dead. 
 
IK   ENGLISH   YEESE.  43 3 
 
 9.     Could  I,  o'er  western  billows  borne, 
 Dart  swift  as  light  on  wings  of  morn1 
 To  lands  where  never  mortal  trod, — 
 
 10.  I  could  not  shun  the  hand  of  God. 
 
 11.  Should  I  the  veil  of  darkness  take, 
 On  me  would  day  in  darkness  break : 
 Alike  Thy  presence,  Lord,  they  own, 
 And  light  and  gloom  to  Thee  are  one. 
 
 12.  Thy  fostering  wings  were  o'er  me  laid, 
 Ere  yet  my  reins  and  heart  were  made  : 
 
 13.  Thy  Spirit  mov'd  the  quick'ning  clay, 
 When  darkling  in  the  womb  I  lay. 
 
 1 4.  To  Thee  shall  rise  my  constant  praise  ; 
 For  oh,  Thy  works  new  wonders  raise : 
 My  body's  frame  o'erpow'rs  my  thought 
 In  fearfulness  and  wonder  wrought  : 
 
 15.  The  substance  of  each  nerve  and  bone, 
 Their  secret  birth,  to  Thee  was  known ; 
 And  veins  like  broider'd  net-work  wound, 
 Like  veins  of  ore  in  earth  profound. 
 
 1 6.  The  seeds  of  life,  ere  yet  they  grew 
 To  shape  and  form,  Thy  Spirit  knew ; 
 Each  limb  with  inborn  strength  endued 
 By  Thee  each  day  recorded  stood. 
 
 Hengstenberg. 
 
 Pf 
 
434 
 
 THE   BOOK   OP   PSALMS 
 
 17.  How  dear,  how  wond'rous  past  compare, 
 O  God,  Thy  gracious  counsels  are ! 
 
 18.  More  countless  than  the  sand,  they  keep 
 My  thoughts  with  Thee  in  hours  of  sleep. 
 
 19.  And  shalt  Thou  not  in  wrath  look  down 
 On  those  who  Thy  just  pow'r  disown  ? 
 
 20.  O  far  from  me  be  that  false  brood, 
 Blasphemers  foul  and  men  of  blood. 
 
 21.  Should  I  not  hate  Thine  haters,  Lord  ? 
 Should  I  not  hold  thy  foes  abhorr'd  ? 
 
 22.  Tea,  they  that  strive,  just  God,  with  Thee, 
 Be  they  at  mortal  strife  with  me. 
 
 23.  0  try  me,  prove  me,  search  my  heart, 
 That  no  ill  passions  there  have  part ; 
 
 24.  Forbid  my  restless  thoughts  to  stray, 
 And  guide  me  in  th'  eternal  way. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEESE. 
 
 435 
 
 CXL. 
 
 1.  Lokd,  from  the  sons  of  violence, 
 
 From  hearts  that  peaceful  thoughts  abhor, 
 Do  Thou  protect  my  innocence, 
 Preserve  me  from  their  cruel  war. 
 
 2.  For  lo  !  with  each  returning  day 
 
 They  band  together,  arm'd  for  wrong ; 
 
 3.  N"o  serpent's  fang  more  keen  than  they, 
 
 No  swelt'ring  adder's  arrowy  tongue. 
 
 4.  Lord,  keep  me  from  their  lawless  force, 
 
 From  hands  that  deal  the  wrathful  blow, 
 From  Fraud  that  thwarts  the  just  man's  course, 
 And  waits  to  lay  the  guiltless  low. 
 
 5.  The  proud  their  treacherous  snares  have  laid, 
 
 They  chase  me,  like  a  hunted  prey, 
 "Where  close  conceal' d  in  covert  shade 
 The  pitfall  lurks  beneath  the  way. 
 
 6.  Still,  hid  with  Thee,  my  spirit  said, 
 
 Thou  art  my  God ;  O  hear  my  pray'r  : 
 
 7.  Still,  shielding  my  defenceless  head, 
 
 My  Strength  and  Health,  my  God,  was  there. 
 
436  THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 8.  Let  not  the  sons  of  wrong  and  fraud 
 
 Their  lust  and  fierce  desires  fulfil ; 
 Let  not  th'  ungodly  boast  unaw'd, 
 
 That  none  can  curb  their  impious  will. 
 
 9.  Let  their  own  slanders  strike  them  down, 
 
 Where  guile  no  more  their  shame  can  hide, 
 
 10.  Like  burning  coals  in  terror  thrown, 
 
 To  press  to  earth  their  mounting  pride. 
 
 The  lips,  that  evil  chose  for  good, 
 Shall  perish  in  their  sin's  disguise, 
 
 Like  wretches  whelm' d  in  fire  or  flood, 
 "WTio  never  more  in  strife  shall  rise. 
 
 11.  The  bold  of  tongue  from  earth  shall  fail ; 
 
 The  vile,  who  joy'd  in  evil  nigh, 
 Evil  shall  hunt,  till,  faint  and  pale, 
 In  horror  they  despair  and  die. 
 
 12.  For  God  shall  recompense  the  poor, 
 
 And  right  to  helpless  sufferers  give : 
 
 13.  With  thankful  songs  for  evermore 
 
 The  righteous  in  His  sight  shall  live. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  437 
 
 CXLI. 
 
 1.  To  Thee  I  cry,  All-gracious  Lord ; 
 
 O  haste  to  bring  Thy  succour  nigh : 
 O  hear,  and  to  my  voice  afford 
 Mild  answer,  when  to  Thee  I  cry. 
 
 2.  Like  the  sweet  incense  burnt  at  morn, 
 
 Let  my  due  pray'r  before  Thee  rise ; 
 My  hands  uprais'd,  and  tows  upborne, 
 Be  like  the  evening  sacrifice. 
 
 3.  The  threshold  of  my  tongue,  from  whence 
 
 The  winged  words  unheeded  dart, 
 Lord,  keep  it ;  and  with  innocence 
 Hold  firm  the  fortress  of  my  heart ; 
 
 4.  That  so  I  may  no  concert  hold 
 
 With  men  whom  impious  cares  employ, 
 Hear  them  their  close  designs  unfold, 
 Or  share  their  feast  of  lawless  joy. 
 
 5.  The  strong  reproof  the  just  man  speaks, — 
 
 In  friendship  speaks, — delights  me  more, 
 Than  balsam  of  the  fool,  that  breaks 
 The  head,  yet  lanceth  not  the  sore. 
 
438  TIIE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 Tet  I  will  pray,  while  they  despise ; 
 
 6.  In  dangerous  steeps  when  past  release 
 Their  chiefs  shall  fall  and  cannot  rise, 
 
 Then  may  they  hear  my  words  of  peace. 
 
 7.  Our  sever' d  bones  are  scatter' d  by 
 
 The  mouths  of  graves,  like  clefts  of  wood  : 
 
 8.  Lord,  still  to  Thee  I  lift  mine  eye  ; 
 
 O  save  my  soul  from  men  of  blood. 
 
 9.  "Watch  o'er  me,  lest  I  die  ensnar'd 
 
 By  foes  who  wait  my  fall  to  see : 
 10.     Be  theirs  the  net  their  guile  prepar'd, 
 While  I  pass  on  secur'd  by  Thee. 
 
IN  ENGLISH   TERSE.  439 
 
 CXLII. 
 
 1,2.    Lord,  to  Thee  my  voice  shall  come, 
 My  complaint  in  need  outpouring ; 
 
 Bearing  to  Thy  heavenly  home 
 
 "Words  that  mourn  my  life's  immuring 
 
 In  this  prison's  narrow  roomm. 
 
 3.  "Worn  with  sorrow,  faint  with  dread, 
 
 "When  my  spirit  sinks  despairing, 
 Thou  dost  know  the  path  I  tread, 
 
 Where  my  foes,  my  feet  ensnaring, 
 For  my  soul  their  nets  have  spread. 
 
 4.  Friends  from  every  side  are  gone, 
 
 Flying  far  this  place  of  danger : 
 None  prepares  a  refuge,  none 
 
 Dares  to  be  my  grief's  avenger, 
 None  regards  my  spirit's  moan. 
 
 5.  Therefore,  Lord,  to  Thee  I  cry, 
 
 Thus  alone  my  heart  relieving ; 
 To  Thy  sheltering  arms  I  fly : 
 Hope  and  portion  of  the  living, 
 
 Hear  and  save  me  ere  I  die. 
 
 m  From  the  cave  of  Engedi,  or  Adullam.    1  Sam.  xxii.  1. 
 
4±0  THE    BOOK   OF    PSALMS 
 
 6.  See  me,  Lord,  bow?d  down  and  low, 
 
 Hear  the  cry  of  my  complaining : 
 Thou,  Who  oft  Thine  arm  didst  show, 
 
 "Wrongful  pow'r  of  man  restraining, 
 Save  me  from  th'  oppressor  now. 
 
 7.  From  this  prison's  narrow  bound 
 
 Bring  me  forth  to  tell  Thy  glory : 
 Then  the  righteous  pressing  round, 
 
 Glad  of  heart  shall  hear  the  story, 
 How  Thy  bounteous  help  I  found. 
 
IS   ENGLISH    VEESE.  441 
 
 CXLIII. 
 
 God  of  truth,  all-faithful  Lord, 
 To  my  pray'r  in  mercy  bending, 
 
 Not  with  judgment's  stern  award 
 Visit  my  weak  soul's  offending, 
 
 But  with  mild  forgiving  word. 
 
 Not  with  judgment's  voice  severe 
 Call  me  forth  to  stand  before  Thee : 
 
 "Who  that  lives  that  doom  may  hear  ? 
 "Who  that  lives  be  counted  worthy 
 
 In  Thy  presence  to  appear  ? 
 
 For  before  my  wrathful  foe, 
 
 "Wearied  sore,  with  anguish  flying, 
 
 Pierc'd  as  with  a  fiery  blow, 
 Taint  I  fall,  in  darkness  lying, 
 
 Like  the  dead  that  sleep  below. 
 
 This  o'erwhelms  my  soul  with  fear, 
 Musing,  lest  no  happier  morrow 
 
 Dawn,  my  dreary  heart  to  cheer, 
 Laden  with  that  heaviest  sorrow, 
 
 "Which  deserted  spirits  bear. 
 
442  THE   BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 5.  Tet  Thy  deeds  of  mercy  done 
 
 To  my  silent  thought  returning, 
 Deeds  reveal' d  in  ages  gone, 
 
 Bid  me  know,  in  all  my  mourning, 
 That  I  shall  not  mourn  alone. 
 
 6.  As  the  glebe  in  summer  dry 
 
 Thirsts  to  drink  the  kindly  shower, 
 So  I  spread  my  hands  on  high, 
 
 Thirsting  for  Thy  mercy's  power: 
 Lord,  my  needy  soul  supply. 
 
 7.  Thou,  with  Whom  my  help  is  found, 
 
 Aid  my  soul  with  anguish  shaken, 
 Ere  I  faint  beneath  the  wound, 
 
 Like  the  dead,  by  Thee  forsaken, 
 Laid  within  the  darksome  ground. 
 
 8.  Thou,  Whose  mercy  still  is  near, 
 
 Earlier  than  the  star  of  morning, 
 Speak  and  bid  Thy  servant  hear ; 
 
 Guide  me  where  I  seek  Thy  warning, 
 In  the  paths  of  holy  fear. 
 
 9.  Lo,  my  spirit  mounts  to  Thee 
 
 On  the  wings  of  pray'r  ascending : 
 Guard  me,  shield  me,  set  me  free, 
 
 From  my  foes  my  life  defending ; 
 To  Thy  sheltering  throne  I  flee. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   VEKSE.  443 
 
 10.  "With  Thy  truth  Thy  servant  bless  ; 
 
 Other  love  shall  ne'er  divide  me 
 From  the  God  Whom  saints  confess : 
 
 Let  Thy  loving  Spirit  guide  me 
 To  the  land  of  righteousness. 
 
 11.  Life  is  Thine  :   O  grant  to  me 
 
 Life  that  in  Thy  presence  liveth ; 
 From  that  heaviest  grief  set  free, 
 
 Which  the  burden' d  spirit  grieveth, 
 Let  me  find  my  rest  in  Thee. 
 
 12.  Tea,  vrith  mercy  ever  new 
 
 Thou  my  troubled  soul  wilt  cherish : 
 Whatsoe'er  my  foes  may  do, 
 
 Soon  their  harmful  pow'r  shall  perish : 
 I  am  Thine,  and  Thou  art  true. 
 
lit  TIIE    BOOK    OP    PSALMS 
 
 CXLIV. 
 
 Blest  be  God,  my  living  Bock ; 
 
 His  all  pow'r  and  greatness  are, 
 Strength  to  meet  the  battle-shock, 
 
 Skill  to  guide  the  ranks  of  war. 
 
 God,  my  mercy's  living  Spring, 
 
 Hope,  and  Port,  and  sheltering  Tow'r, 
 
 Shield  to  Thine  anointed  king, 
 Saviour  tried  in  danger's  hour; 
 
 Lo !  I  trust  my  cause  to  Thee  ; 
 
 Thou,  in  battle  or  in  peace, 
 Bidst  my  people  turn  to  me, 
 
 Bidst  rebellious  discord  cease. 
 
 Lord  my  God,  what  worth  of  man 
 
 Thought  of  Thine  may  claim  to  share  ? 
 
 How  should  date  of  mortal  span 
 Dwell  in  Thy  immortal  care  ? 
 
 As  the  mists  of  morning  pass, 
 Scatter' d  by  the  new-born  ray, 
 
 Man  decays  ; — as  o'er  the  grass 
 Shadows  fade  at  close  of  day. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  *45 
 
 5.  Bow  Thy  heav'ns,  dread  Lord  of  might, 
 
 Come,  the  pride  of  man  to  tame, 
 At  Whose  touch  the  mountain-height 
 Trembles,  wrapt  in  clouds  and  flame. 
 
 6.  Cast  Thy  lightning  fast  and  far, — 
 
 Let  Thy  foes  before  Thee  fly ; 
 Dart  Thy  glittering  shafts  of  war, 
 Till  rebellion  fall  and  die. 
 
 7.  But  Thy  hand,  which  only  saves, 
 
 Shall  my  struggling  soul  release 
 Prom  the  flood  of  faithless  waves, 
 Hearts  estrang'd,  and  foes  to  peace  ; 
 
 8.  From  the  lips  forsworn,  that  greet, 
 
 Train' d  in  guile,  to  soothe  and  slay  ; 
 From  the  hands  that  work  deceit, 
 Pledge  their  faith,  and  faith  betray. 
 
 9.  Then  will  I,  my  Grod,  to  Thee 
 
 Eaise  a  song  unsung  before, 
 And  with  harp  and  psaltery 
 Thy  victorious  strength  adore. 
 
 10.     God  to  kings  all  victory  gives  : 
 By  His  unresisted  word 
 Sav'd  from  danger  David  lives, 
 
 Sav'd  from  treason's  harmful  sword. 
 
446 
 
 THE    BOOK   OP    PSALMS 
 
 11.  God  of  armies,  lead  me  on, 
 
 Till  rebellious  discord  cease, 
 Till  deceivers'  frauds  are  gone, 
 
 Hearts  estrang'd,  and  foes  to  peace ; 
 
 Till  no  more  in  treachery  meet 
 Hands  that  plighted  faith  betray, 
 
 Plattermg  lips  that  speak  deceit, 
 
 Words  of  guile  that  soothe  and  slay. 
 
 12.  Then  our  youth  as  plants  shall  grow ; 
 
 And  our  maidens  rise  and  bloom, 
 Pair,  as  polish' d  pillars  show, 
 
 Decking  round  some  kingly  room  : 
 
 13.  Garners  pil'd  with  hoarded  wheat 
 
 Scarce  their  treasur'd  stores  shall  hold; 
 Flocks  shall  teem  in  every  street 
 Thousands  and  ten  thousand-fold : 
 
 14.  And  our  oxen,  burden-strong, 
 
 Gladden  all  their  owners'  toil : 
 Tillage-homes  shall  fear  no  wrong, 
 Silent  from  the  cry  of  spoil. 
 
 15.  Blest  the  people,  blest  the  land, 
 
 Grac'd  of  God  with  lot  so  fair ; 
 Blest  who  trace  His  bounteous  hand, 
 Blest  who  know  their  God  is  there. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   YEBSE.  417 
 
 CXLV. 
 
 1.  GrOD,  my  Hope,  my  Strength,  my  King, 
 
 While  Thy  grace  prolongs  my  days, 
 I  Thy  glory's  praise  shall  sing, 
 
 2.  Gifts  of  praise  at  dawn  will  bring, 
 
 Eve's  return  will  close  with  praise. 
 
 3.  God  of  wonders,  great  and  high, 
 
 "Worthy  to  be  prais'd  alone, 
 Veil'd  from  sense  of  mortal  eye, 
 Ne'er  shall  end  or  change  draw  nigh 
 
 To  Thy  powYs  eternal  throne. 
 
 4.  Sons  from  fathers  old  shall  hear 
 
 How  Thy  works  in  might  excel, 
 Ne'er  shall  fail  the  list'ning  ear, 
 While  they  tell  with  reverent  fear 
 
 How  in  heav'n  Thy  glories  dwell. 
 
 5.  And  with  them  my  part  shall  be, 
 
 6.  Friends  and  brethren  to  persuade 
 To  adore  Thy  pow'r  with  me, 
 Blest  to  find  the  service  free 
 
 By  Thy  saints  in  praises  paid. 
 
448  TIIE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS 
 
 7.     Works  of  dread  in  judgment  shown 
 Shall  their  lips  with  wonder  move  : 
 But  their  hearts  shall  more  be  won 
 By  Thy  deeds  of  goodness  done 
 To  record  Thy  righteous  love. 
 
 8,9.     Gracious  is  the  Lord  and  good,1 
 
 All  His  works  His  mercy  share ; 
 Tender  mercy's  mildest  mood 
 Triumphs  o'er  His  wrath  subdued, 
 Waiting  to  forgive  and  spare. 
 
 10.  All  Thy  works  proclaim  Thy  pow'r, 
 
 All  Thy  saints  Thy  mercy  bless : 
 
 11.  They  shall  praise  Thee  more  and  more, 
 
 12.  Till  earth's  tribes  on  every  shore 
 
 Thy  all-glorious  strength  confess. 
 
 13.  Thine  is  an  enduring  throne  ; 
 
 In  Thy  firm  dominion's  height, 
 Ere  the  day  that  Time  was  known, 
 Cloth' d  wi^h  majesty  alone, 
 
 Thou  didst  rule  in  peerless  might. 
 
 14.  And  Thy  mercy's  gentle  reign 
 
 Lives  alike  without  all  bound ; 
 Thou  dost  drooping  souls  sustain, 
 Thou  the  falFn  dost  raise  again, 
 
 Healing  sorrow's  heaviest  wound. 
 
IN   ENGLISH   TERSE.  449 
 
 *5.     All  that  live  in  earth  or  sea 
 
 Wait  on  Thee  for  timely  food : 
 Every  eye  is  turn'd  to  Thee, 
 
 16.  While  Thy  hand  in  bounty  free 
 
 Fills  the  spacious  earth  with  good. 
 
 17.  Righteous  truth  prepares  His  ways, 
 
 Holiness  His  works  adorns : 
 
 18.  Pitying  love  His  sceptre  sways, 
 Succouring  every  soul  that  prays, 
 
 Seeks  His  grace,  and  trusts,  and  mourns. 
 
 19.  When,  subdued  with  holy  fear, 
 
 Contrite  hearts  in  silence  bow, 
 He  their  meek  desires  will  hear ; 
 He  will  bend  His  gracious  ear 
 
 To  the  humble  cry  of  woe. 
 
 20.  Where  the  faithful  walk  in  love, 
 
 He  with  love  their  state  shall  keep : 
 They,  whom  mercy  cannot  move, 
 Scatter' d  far  from  joy  shall  rove, 
 
 Doom'd  in  dread  to  wake  and  weep. 
 
 21.  God,  my  God,  Whom  saints  of  yore 
 
 Prais'd  since  time  its  course  began, 
 Thee  my  tongue  shall  still  adore, 
 Till  Thy  praise  from  shore  to  shore 
 
 Reach  to  every  child  of  man. 
 
450  THE    BOOK   OF   PSaLUS 
 
 CXLVI. 
 
 1.  Peaise  the  Lord,  my  soul :  in  praising, 
 
 While  I  live,  my  life  shall  flow : 
 
 2.  Still  the  song  in  gladness  raising, 
 
 While  my  God  shall  life  bestow. 
 
 3.  Kings  of  earth,  proud  sceptres  wielding, 
 
 Cannot  save,  or  help  supply, 
 
 4.  Soon  to  dust  their  glories  yielding ; 
 
 And  with  them  their  counsels  die. 
 
 5.  Blest  is  he,  who  help  secureth 
 
 Built  on  God's  unchanging  word  ; 
 He  whose  hope  unmov'd  endureth 
 In  the  strength  of  Israel's  Lord : 
 
 6.  Lord  of  heav'n  and  earth  and  ocean, 
 
 Endless  shall  His  word  endure, 
 Changeless  in  a  world's  commotion, 
 Ever  faithful,  ever  sure. 
 
 7.  They,  whom  force  hath  wrong' d,  or  treason, 
 
 Him  their  wrong's  Avenger  find ; 
 His  the  pow'r  to  burst  the  prison, 
 And  the  captive's  chain  unbind. 
 
I1ST  ENGLISn   TERSE.  4' ' 
 
 He  the  souls  with  hunger  pining 
 Cheers  again  with  joyful  bread  ; 
 
 8.  On  the  blind  His  light  is  shining ; 
 
 Eais'd  by  Him  the  drooping  head. 
 
 9.  He  the  righteous  loves  ;  the  stranger, 
 
 Those  who  know  no  father's  care, 
 Widows  sad,  in  want  and  danger 
 Find  their  sure  Defender  there. 
 
 But  the  proud  His  eye  disdaineth, 
 He  subverts  their  crooked  ways. 
 10.     Zion's  King  eternal  reigneth  ; 
 And  eternal  be  His  praise  ! 
 
452  THE   BOOK    OF   PSALMS 
 
 CXLYII. 
 
 Pkaise  the  Lord;  give  thanks,  and  sing: 
 "When,  as  one,  the  choir  obeys, 
 
 Blessing  loud  our  Mercy's  King, 
 Comely  is  the  voice  of  praise. 
 
 Praise  our  God :  the  gracious  call 
 Prom  His  mercy-throne  is  come  : 
 
 Eaise  again  fall'n  Salem's  wall, 
 
 Bring  sad  Israel's  wand'rers  home. 
 
 Praise  be  His  :  the  broken  heart, 
 Heal'd  by  Him,  forgets  its  pain : 
 
 At  His  word  its  griefs  depart, 
 Rest  and  peace  return  again. 
 
 He  regards  our  mortal  care, 
 
 He,  AVho  counts  those  hosts  of  flame, 
 Where  in  heav'n  each  constant  star 
 
 Hears  from  Him  its  rank  and  name. 
 
 Great,  0  great  in  peerless  might 
 Is  the  God  to  Israel  known  ; 
 
 Undiscern'd  the  depth  and  height 
 Of  His  Wisdom's  dazzling  throne. 
 
IX   ENGLISH   YEESE.  453 
 
 He  exalts  the  meek  and  low, 
 
 Brings  to  earth  the  rebel  proud : 
 
 Let  your  songs  with  harpings  flow, 
 Hymns  of  blessing  to  our  God. 
 
 8.    His  the  clouds,  that,  as  they  pass, 
 
 Veil  the  summer's  sultry  skyn ; 
 
 His  the  rain,  that  rears  the  grass, 
 
 Where  the  upland  pastures  lie. 
 
 9.     He  the  beast's  dumb  want  supplies, 
 And  the  raven's  clamorous  brood, 
 "Where  to  Him  their  voices  rise 
 From  their  mountain-solitude0. 
 
 10.     Not  on  strength  of  battle-steed 
 
 Doth  our  God  His  love  bestow ; 
 Not  on  men,  who  boast  their  speed 
 Fleet  in  chase  as  mountain-roe  p  : 
 
 »  Isaiah  xxv.  5.  Aldhelm. 
 
 0  "  Ascending  very  steeply  over  fragments  of  rock  for  four  or  five 
 hundred  yards,  I  found  myself  on  the  top  of  the  Karakoram  pass, 
 a  rounded  ridge  connecting  two  hills  which  rose  above  me  to  the 
 height  of  perhaps  a  thousand  feet.  The  height  of  the  pass  was 
 18,200  feet.  Vegetation  was  entirely  wanting.  Large  ravens  were 
 circling  about  overhead,  apparently  quite  unaffected  by  the  rarity 
 of  the  atmosphere,  as  they  seemed  to  fly  with  just  as  much  ease  as 
 at  the  level  of  the  sea."  Dr.  T.  Thomson's  Travels  in  Western 
 Himalaya  and  Tibet,  p.  434,  5. 
 
 p  1  Chron.  xiL  8. 
 
454 
 
 THE    BOOK   OF   PSALMS 
 
 11.  But  in  those  He  takes  delight, 
 
 Who  His  will  with  fear  obey ; 
 "Who,  as  in  His  purest  sight, 
 
 Walk  with  hope  their  faithful  way. 
 
 1 2.  Salem,  praise  the  living  Lord  ; 
 
 Zion,  praise  thy  Mercy's  King  : 
 Be  His  name  in  songs  ador'd, 
 
 While  thy  tongue  hath  pow'r  to  sing. 
 
 13.  He  thy  gates  with  strength  hath  barr'd ; 
 
 There  no  foe  shall  entrance  win : 
 There  His  grace  thy  sons  will  guard, 
 Where  His  love  hath  fenc'd  them  in. 
 
 14.  He,  as  with  a  landmark  set, 
 
 Keeps  with  peace  thy  borders  round  ; 
 And  with  richest  store  of  wheat 
 Bids  thy  trustful  toil  be  crown'd. 
 
 1".     When  He  sends  His  swift  command 
 Borne  as  on  the  lightning's  wing, 
 All  the  pow'rs  of  sea  and  land 
 
 Wake  and  rise  to  serve  their  King : 
 
 1G.     Snow,  that,  drifted  by  the  blast, 
 
 Like  a  fleece  o'er  earth  is  spread ; 
 Hoary  frost,  like  ashes,  cast, 
 
 Where  the  wintry  soil  lies  dead. 
 
IK   EKGLISH   YEESE.  45-5 
 
 17.  Who  can  bide  His  icy  show'r 
 
 Down  in  crumbling  morsels  roll'd  ? 
 Who  can  stand  before  the  pow'r 
 Of  His  numb  and  piercing  cold  ? 
 
 18.  But  again  He  speeds  His  word : 
 
 Where  He  bids,  soft  breezes  blow ; 
 From  their  secret  caves  out-pour' d 
 Free  th'  unfetter' d  waters  now. 
 
 19.  He  to  Jacob's  sons  hath  given 
 
 Words  of  truth  to  lead  them  on  ; 
 Laws  and  judgments  taught  from  heaven, 
 Making  all  His  counsels  known. 
 
 20.  Heathens  no  such  love  have  found : 
 
 They  have  tun'd  no  choirs  to  sing 
 Songs  of  praise  with  joyful  sound, 
 Songs  that  tell  of  Mercy's  King. 
 
 But  in  psalms  that  bless  His  word 
 Heart  and  voice  let  Israel  raise : 
 
 When,  as  one,  we  praise  the  Lord, 
 Grace  adorns  the  song  of  praise. 
 
456 
 
 THE    BOOK    OF   PSALMS 
 
 CXLVIIL 
 
 1.  Peatse  the  Lord  enthron'd  on  high, 
 King  of  endless  majesty  : 
 
 2.  Angel-choirs,  your  voices  raise  ; 
 Hosts  of  heav'n,  proclaim  His  praise. 
 
 3.  Praise  Him  in  your  glory  bright, 
 Sun,  and  moon  of  silvery  light ; 
 Stars,  with  your  rejoicing  rays, 
 In  your  courses  speak  His  praise. 
 
 4.  Praise  Him,  heav'n  of  heav'ns  above  ; 
 And  ye  secret  floods  that  move 
 "Wrapt  in  clouds  from  mortal  gaze, 
 Far  in  heav'n  resound  His  praise. 
 
 5.  Let  them  praise  His  mighty  Name, 
 From  "Whose  word  their  glories  came ; 
 
 6.  By  Whoso  law  unchang'd  they  stand, 
 Fix'd  by  His  sustaining  hand. 
 
 7.  Praise  Him,  pow'rs  of  earth  below  ; 
 Praise  Him,  where  the  sea-streams  flow, 
 Whales,  your  dragon-watch  who  keep 
 O'er  the  treasures  of  the  deep. 
 
HT   ENGLISH   VEESE.  457 
 
 8.  Hail  and  lightning,  mists  and  snow, 
 Storms,  that  at  His  bidding  bloAV, 
 Winds,  whose  wrath  fulfils  His  word, 
 Praise,  0  praise  your  sovereign  Lord. 
 
 9.  Mountain-heights,  and  uplands  fair, 
 Trees,  that  timely  harvest  bear  ; 
 Cedars,  where  your  masts  ye  raise  % 
 From  your  forests  sound  His  praise. 
 
 10.  Savage  beasts,  that  range  the  wold, 
 Herds  in  field,  and  flocks  in  fold  ; 
 "Worms  that  creep,  and  birds  on  wing, 
 Praise  the  universal  King. 
 
 11.  Kings,  who  awful  sceptres  sway, 
 Ye,  who  rightful  rule  obey  ; 
 Princely  sons  of  royal  birth, 
 
 Ye  who  judge  the  tribes  of  earth  ; 
 
 12.  Youths  and  maidens,  flowering  fair ; 
 Boys,  and  sires  with  hoary  hair  ; 
 
 IS.     Praise  His  Name,  His  glory  own, 
 Joy  of  heav'n  and  earth  alone. 
 
 14.     He  from  exile's  woe  and  pain 
 [Rears  our  horn  in  pow'r  again, 
 Praise  of  saints  who  near  Him  rest : — 
 Be  His  Name  in  praises  bless'd ! 
 
 i  Ezek.  xxvii.  5. 
 
458  THE   BOOK   Or   PSALMS 
 
 CXLIX. 
 
 Praise  the  Lord :  renew  the  song 
 Evermore  His  courts  among, 
 Where  before  His  glory-seat 
 Choirs  of  saints  in  praises  meet. 
 
 Israel,  raise  thy  happy  voice, 
 In  thy  Maker's  strength  rejoice : 
 Zion's  children,  wake  and  sing 
 Psalms  of  gladness  to  your  King. 
 
 Praise  Him,  virgins,  where  ye  throng, 
 Dancing  to  the  sacred  song, 
 Where  ye  beat  your  timbrels  round 
 To  the  harp's  rejoicing  sound. 
 
 He,  "Whose  choice  our  tribes  hath  bless'd, 
 Bids  His  love  with  us  to  rest ; 
 Those,  who  meekly  suffer' d  scorn, 
 Now  His  glory  shall  adorn. 
 
 Let  the  saints  their  tongues  employ, 
 Glorying  on  their  beds  with  joy, 
 "Where  erewhile  they  watch' d  to  weep, 
 Held  in  thoughts  too  glad  for  sleep. 
 
IIS"   ENGLISH   TERSE.  459 
 
 Let  their  joy  in  God  their  Lord 
 Pill  with  praise  each  utter' d  word ; 
 And  His  strength,  in  Whom  they  stand, 
 Arm  with  sharpest  sword  their  handr : 
 
 That  in  judgment's  solemn  hour 
 Heathen  tribes  may  own  its  pow'r ; 
 Kings  and  chiefs  subdued  may  feel 
 Bonds  more  close  than  clasp  of  steel s. 
 
 Such  the  glorious  doom  foretold 
 In  the  books  of  prophets  old, 
 Kept  for  saints  in  latest  days : 
 Give  to  God  the  endless  praise. 
 
 r  Heb.  iv.  12.  ■  Isaiah  xlv.  14. 
 
460      THE    BOOK    OF    PSALMS    IN    ENGLISH    TEESE. 
 
 CL. 
 
 Chiefly  from  Miles  Smyth. 
 
 Praise  God,  Who  in  the  Holiest  dwells  ; 
 Praise  Him,  Whose  pow'r  in  heav'n  excels  ; 
 
 Praise  Him,  Whose  might  all  might  outvies  : 
 Praise  Him  Whose  greatness  passeth  bound ; 
 Praise  Him  with  trumpet's  thrilling  sound, 
 
 Praise  Him  with  harps  and  psalteries. 
 
 4.  Praise  Him  with  timbrel's  measur'd  beat, 
 Praise  Him  with  pipes  where  dancers  meet ; 
 
 Praise  Him  with  cittern's  sounding  chord  : 
 
 5.  Praise  to  the  well- tun' d  cymbals  sing, 
 Praise  let  your  loudest  cymbals  ring ; 
 
 6.  Praise,  all  that  breathe,  0  praise  the  Lord. 
 
TABLE  OF  THE  PSALMS. 
 
 All-patient  God,  awake,  arise 
 All  people  that  on  earth  do  dwell 
 And  are  we,  Lord,  cast  off  to  die 
 And  let  Thy  mercies  visit  me  . 
 A  lofty  heart,  a  lifted  eye 
 Arise,  0  God,  and  judge  my  cause 
 As  the  loud-panting  hart,  that  hastes 
 
 Be  bounteous  to  Thy  servant,  Lord  . 
 Before  Thy  presence,  Lord,  we  come  . 
 Bless  ye  the  Lord,  who  serve  the  Lord 
 Blest  be  God,  my  living  Rock   . 
 
 Blest  is  the  man,  whom  wisdom  guides 
 Blest  is  the  man,  who  ne'er  hath  stray'd 
 Bow  down  Thine  ear,  all-gracious  Lord 
 
 Dread  Lord,  with  all  my  heart  to  Thee 
 
 Earth,  with  all  thy  thousand  voices 
 Eternal  God,  again  to  Thee 
 Eternal  God,  what  thoughts  in  me 
 Except  the  Lord  the  house  shall  build 
 
 Fierce  princes  have  oppress'd  my  truth 
 For  ever,  Lord,  Thy  faithful  word 
 For  ever  will  I  bless  the  Lord  . 
 From  whelming  depths  of  fear  . 
 
 Psalm 
 
 83 
 100 
 
 74 
 119,6 
 131,2 
 
 54 
 
 42 
 
 119,3 
 75 
 
 134 
 
 144 
 
 41 
 
 1 
 
 119,19 
 
 66 
 119, 18 
 119, 13 
 
 127 
 
 119,21 
 
 119, 12 
 
 34 
 
 130 
 
462 
 
 TABLE    OP    THE    PSALMS. 
 
 God  is  King :  ye  nations,  tremble 
 
 God  is  my  light :  I  will  not  fear 
 
 God,  my  Hope,  my  Strength,  my  King 
 
 God  of  grace,  0  let  Thy  light  . 
 
 God  of  truth,  all  faithful  Lord  . 
 
 God,  our  spirits'  hope  and  aim 
 
 God  rules  in  realms  of  light 
 
 God  stands  where  judges  doom  for  God 
 
 God  the  Lord  unchanging  reigns 
 
 God,  to  Whom  all  hearts  are  known    . 
 
 Gracious  God,  with  mercy  yearning 
 
 Great  God,  from  Whom  all  mercy  springs 
 
 Great  God,  how  pleasant  is  the  place 
 
 Great  is  God,  in  pow'r  excelling 
 
 P»alm 
 
 99 
 
 27 
 
 145 
 
 67,2 
 
 143 
 
 46 
 
 93 
 
 82 
 
 24 
 
 72 
 
 85 
 
 57 
 
 84 
 
 48 
 
 Have  mercy,  Lord  ;  be  Thou  my  stay 
 
 Have  mercy,  0  my  God 
 
 Hear,  0  my  people. ;  to  my  words 
 
 High  rais'd  upon  the  holy  hills 
 
 Hold  not  Thy  peace,  my  God,  my  Praise 
 
 How  are  the  Gentiles  all  on  fire 
 
 How  long  wilt  Thou  forget  me,  Lord  . 
 
 How  shall  the  young  with  pureness  walk 
 
 56 
 
 51 
 
 87 
 
 87 
 
 109 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 119,2 
 
 I  feel  within  my  secret  heart  , 
 
 If  our  God  had  not  befriended  . 
 
 I  hear  my  lov'd  companions  call 
 
 I  lift  my  heart  to  Thee 
 
 I  loathe  the  double  mind,  from  truth 
 
 I  look  for  help  to  those  strong  hills 
 
 In  sad  and  silent  thought  I  said 
 
 In  Thee,  0  Lord,  I  trust 
 
 In  Thee,  0  Lord,  I  trust 
 
 In  thraldrom's  lonely  woe 
 
 I  waited  long  and  sought  the  Lord 
 
 I  will  extol  Thee,  Lord,  Whose  aid 
 
 116 
 
 124 
 
 122 
 
 25 
 
 119, 15 
 
 121 
 
 39 
 
 31 
 
 71 
 
 137 
 
 40 
 
 30 
 
TABLE    OF    THE    PSALMS. 
 
 463 
 
 Joy  and  blessing  wait  on  praiso 
 
 Judah,  the  God  Whom  thy  fathers  ador'd 
 
 Just  God,  against  a  godless  race 
 
 Psalm 
 
 92 
 76 
 43 
 
 Let  all  the  peopled  earth 
 
 Let  God,  the  God  of  hosts,  arise 
 
 Lord,  chide  not  in  Thy  wrath  . 
 
 Lord,  forget  not  David's  care   . 
 
 Lord,  from  the  sons  of  violence 
 
 Lord  God  my  Saviour,  night  and  day  . 
 
 Lord,  haste  to  shield  me  in  distress     . 
 
 Lord,  hear  me,  grant  my  sorrow's  boon 
 
 Lord,  hear  my  mournful  pray'r 
 
 Lord,  hear  the  right :  when  I  complain 
 
 Lord,  hear  the  voice  of  my  complaint 
 
 Lord,  hear  Thy  servant's  prayer 
 
 Lord,  I  have  kept  the  path  of  truth     . 
 
 Lord,  in  Thy  salvation  won 
 
 Lord,  judge  my  cause  ;  for  I  have  walk'd 
 
 Lord,  keep  me,  for  I  trust  in  Thee 
 
 Lord,  my  faithful  God,  to  Thee 
 
 Lord,  my  heart  is  with  the  lowly 
 
 Lord,  my  Rock,  to  Thee  I  fly  . 
 
 Lord  of  earth's  wide  realms  alone 
 
 Lord  of  my  help,  my  soul  hath  found 
 
 Lord  of  my  life,  to  Thee  are  known 
 
 Lord,  shield  me  from  my  foes    . 
 
 Lord,  since  Thy  love  hath  made  us  Thine 
 
 Lord,  the  realms  of  light  are  telling    . 
 
 Lord,  Thou  art  evermore 
 
 Lord,  Thou  hast  scatter'd  us  afar 
 
 Lord,  Thou  in  answer  to  my  pray'r 
 
 Lord,  to  my  sad  voice  attending 
 
 Lord,  to  Thee  my  spirit's  love 
 
 Lord,  to  Thee  my  voice  shall  come 
 
 Lord,  we  have  heard  our  fathers  tell  . 
 
 Lord,  we  wait,  nor  think  it  long 
 
 100,2 
 
 63 
 
 6 
 
 132 
 
 140 
 88 
 70 
 55 
 
 102 
 17 
 5 
 64 
 119,  16 
 21 
 26 
 16 
 63 
 
 131 
 28 
 
 8,2 
 119,  8 
 
 139 
 59 
 67 
 19 
 90 
 60 
 119,  9 
 61 
 
 138 
 
 142 
 44 
 65 
 
464 
 
 TABLE    OF    THE    PSALMS. 
 
 Lord,  who  shall  rest  on  that  bright  hill 
 Lord,  with  full  praise  of  heart  and  voice 
 Low  to  the  dust  of  kindred  earth 
 
 Man  of  might  in  mischief  strong 
 My  God,  how  are  my  foes  increas'd 
 My  God,  my  God,  0  look  on  me 
 My  heart  is  as  a  fount  of  song 
 My  Shepherd  is  the  gracious  Lord 
 My  song  shall  be  of  mercy  mild 
 My  soul  in  silence  waits  on  God 
 My  soul  is  faint  with  ling'rmg  hope 
 My  soul,  praise  the  Lord 
 My  soul,  with  all  thy  pow'rs  to  God 
 My  voice  to  God  with  earnest  cries 
 
 O  blest  art  thou,  who  led  by  fear 
 mtn   elhOet  asb,  redeem'd 
 0  come,  rejoice  in  God,  and  sing 
 Oft  from  my  youth,  may  Israel  say 
 O  God,  my  heart  is  fix'd  :  to  Thee 
 0  God,  my  strength  and  fortitude 
 0  God,  the  Guardian  of  my  truth 
 O  God,  the  heathen  close  us  round 
 O  happy  state  on  earth  to  see 
 0  hear,  and  let  the  words  go  forth 
 •  0  help  me,  Lord  ;  the  godly  few 
 O  Lord  my  God,  my  only  Hope 
 O  Lord  our  God,  in  all  the  world 
 0  not  to  us,  Lord,  not  to  us     . 
 O  pay  your  vows  to  Israel's  God 
 0  praise  the  Lord,  for  He  is  good 
 0  praise  the  Lord,  for  He  is  Love 
 0  thank  and  praise  the  living  Lord 
 O  Thou,  our  fathers'  Hope  and  Shield 
 
 Plead  Thou  my  cause,  0  righteous  Lord 
 Praise  God,  Who  in  the  holiest  dwells 
 
TABLE   OF    THE    PSALMS. 
 
 465 
 
 Praise  the  Lord,  my  soul ;  in  praising 
 Praise  the  Lord  enthron'd  on  high 
 Praise  the  Lord  j  give  thanks  and  sing 
 Praise  the  Lord  :  renew  the  song- 
 Praise  the  Lord  !  the  call  of  praise 
 Praise  the  Lord  with  glad  thanksgiving 
 Praise  the  Lord :  with  laud  proclaim  . 
 Praise  the  Lord  :  ye  heathen,  raise     . 
 Praise  ye  the  Lord  !    The  man  is  blest 
 
 Raise  the  psalm  ;  let  earth  adoring    . 
 Raise  the  psalm  to  God  all-glorious    . 
 Remember,  Lord,  Thy  faithful  word 
 Righteous  Lord,  to  Whom  belongs 
 
 Save  me,  O  God ;  to  Thee  I  cry 
 
 Say  ye,  whose  tongues  can  speak  so  fair 
 
 Shepherd  of  Israel's  flock,  and  Guide . 
 
 Sing  we,  sing  we  merrily 
 
 Sons  of  God,  ye  peers  of  light . 
 
 Sons  of  men,  with  adoration    . 
 
 Spare,  Lord,  nor  break  in  wrath 
 
 The  fool  in  his  false  heart  hath  said    . 
 The  fool  in  his  false  heart  hath  said    . 
 The  God  of  comfort  hear  thy  vows 
 The  Lord,  the  God  of  glory,  calls 
 The  Lord  is  King  ;  let  Earth  be  glad  . 
 The  Lord  unto  my  Lord  hath  said 
 The  mercies  of  the  Eternal  Lord 
 The  records  of  Thy  wondrous  truth    . 
 There  is  a  way,  where  blessing  meets 
 The  souls  that  seek  their  rest  in  God 
 The  way  to  which  Thy  statutes  lead  . 
 Thou  righteous  God,  why  far  away  ?   . 
 Thy  goodness,  Lord,  to  Israel's  sons  . 
 Thy  hands  have  made  my  mortal  frame 
 Thv  word  is  like  a  lamp  that  shines    . 
 
 iih 
 
 Psalm 
 
 146 
 143 
 147 
 149 
 111 
 113 
 135 
 117 
 112 
 
 96 
 
 98 
 
 119,7 
 
 94 
 
 69 
 58 
 80 
 81 
 29 
 47 
 
 14 
 
 53 
 
 20 
 
 50 
 
 97 
 
 110 
 
 89 
 
 119,  17 
 
 119,  1 
 
 125 
 
 119,  5 
 
 10 
 
 73 
 
 119,  10 
 
 110,  14 
 
466 
 
 TABLE    OF    THE    PSALMS. 
 
 To  Thee  I  cry,  all-gracious  Lord 
 Turn,  Lord,  and  let  my  earnest  cry 
 
 141 
 119,  22 
 
 Vex  not  thy  soul  for  men  of  pride 
 
 37 
 
 Whene'er  my  soul  besought  the  Lord . 
 When  Israel's  God  redeem'd  His  own 
 When  God  on  Zion's  captive  state 
 When  the  bold  sinner,  void  of  fear 
 Who  makes  the  Highest  his  retreat  . 
 Why  speak  ye  words  of  fear  to  me  ?  . 
 With  pitying  eye  regard  my  giiefs     . 
 
 120 
 
 114 
 
 126 
 
 36 
 
 91 
 
 11 
 
 119,  20 
 
 Ye  righteous,  rejoice    . 
 
 Ye  who  serve  the  living  Lord 
 
 Ye  who  the  Lord  adore 
 
 33 
 
 113 
 
 134,2 
 
NOTICE  RESPECTING  THE  TUNES. 
 
 The  greater  portion  of  the  Psalms  in  this  Version 
 being  in  Measures  common  to  the  Old  or  New  Version,  it 
 is  only  necessary  for  those  who  think  proper  to  use  them 
 to  find  the  appropriate  Tune  in  Mr.  Hullah's  well-ar- 
 ranged Psalter.  Ps.  33,  and  104,*  are  in  the  Metre  of  the 
 Old  104th.     Ps.  68  is  like  the  New  96th. 
 
 Ps.  36,  and  37,  may  be  sung  to  Hexham.  Ps.  50,  to 
 Luther's  Hymn.  Ps.  17,  and  79,  to  Luther's  Hymn,  as 
 commonly  adapted  to  Long  Measure.  Ps.  22,  57,  and 
 69  ;  and  Ps.  49,  and  56,  are  capable  of  being  sung  to 
 the  tune  called  Middlesex,  or  to  Wareham,  if  the  tune  is 
 slightly  varied  in  the  concluding  notes,  and  the  last  line 
 repeated. 
 
 Ps.  114  to  a  German  Hymn,  arranged  by  Pettet. 
 
 Ps.  8,  second  version,  Ps.  24,  46,  63,  65,  72,  92,  132, 
 138,  144,  and  147;  and  Ps.  21,  29,  52,  111,  113,  117, 
 135,  148,  and  149 ;  to  the  Sicilian,  or  German  Hymn,  to 
 a  melody  of  Henry  Lawes  in  Sandys's  Version,  to  Mag- 
 dalen, and  other  tunes,  which  may  be  found  in  the 
 <  Parish  Choir.' 
 
 Ps.  19,  47,  48,  66,  96,  98,  118,  and  146,  to  Alleluia,  or 
 the  Russian  Hymn,  or  other  tunes  in  the  same  Selection. 
 
468  NOTICE   RESPECTING   THE   TUNES. 
 
 Ps.  81,  to  the  Latin  melody,  Ve?u,  Sancte  Spiritus. 
 Ps.  94,  to  Sherborne.  Ps.  85,  to  Waltham.  Ps.  67, 
 second  version,  San  Salvador.  Ps.  99,  and  124,  to  Horsley, 
 or  Helmsley.  Ps.  61,  to  a  Gr-  ek  Hymn.  Ps.  131,  to  a 
 familiar  Children's  Hymn,  ^Ere  I  sleep."    Ps.  145.  Melton. 
 
 Ps.  28,  142,  and  143,  t  r.ew  melody,  mentioned  in 
 the  Preface  to  this  Work.     Ps.  76,  to  c  Miriam's  Song.' 
 
 This  notice  may  probably  suffice  for  general  purposes  5 
 but  a  reader  of  skill  in  Music  may  easily  improve  on  the 
 instructions  given. 
 
 PRINTED  BY  MESSRS.  PARKER,  CGRX-3IABKET,  OXFORD. 
 
P.  192 
 
 -273. 
 
 -279, 
 
 -284. 
 
 -371. 
 
 -386. 
 
 •428. 
 
 E**ATA. 
 
 -  13^.  }'•*»*>**  i       hV°' 
 
 -  57  'J**  Earth*  '