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The Lord hath spoke, the mighty God
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #L (1767) Topics: Description of Fear and Service of the Lord; Description of Hyprocisy; Description of Judgment; Description of Slander and Backbiting Lyrics: 1 The Lord hath spoke, the mighty GOD
Hath sent his Summons all abroad,
From dawning Light, till Day declines;
The list'ning Earth his Voice has heard,
And he from Sion hath appear'd,
Where Beauty in Perfection shines.
2 Our GOD shall come, and keep no more
Misconstru'd Silence as before;
But wasting Flames before him send:
Around shall Tempests fiercely rage,
While he does Heaven and Earth engage,
His just Tribunal to attend.
3 "Assemble all my Saints to me,
(Thus runs the great divine Decree,}
"That in my lasting Cov'nant live;
"And Off'rings bring with constant Care."
The Heav'n's his Justice shall declare,
For GOD himself shall Sentence give.
4 Attend my People, Israel hear,
Thy strong Accuser I'll appear;
Thy GOD, thy only GOD, am I,
'Tis not of Off'rings I complain,
Which, daily in my Temple slain,
My sacred Altar did supply.
5 Will this alone Atonement make?
No Bullocks from thy Stall I'll take,
Nor He-Goat from thy Fold accept:
The Forest Beasts that range alone,
The Cattle too are all my own,
That on a thousand Hills are kept.
6 I know the Fowls that build their Nests,
In craggy Rocks; and Savage Beasts,
That loosely haunt the open Fields:
If seiz'd with Hunger, I could be,
I need not seek Relief from thee;
Since the World's mine, and all it yields.
7 Think'st thou, that I have any need
On slaughter'd Bulls and Goats to feed,
To eat their Flesh and drink their Blood?
The Sacrifices I require,
Are Hearts which Love and Zeal inspire,
And Vows with strictest Care made good.
8 In Times of Trouble, call on me,
And I will set thee safe and free;
And thou Returns of Praise shall make;
But to the Wicked, thus saith GOD,
How dar'st thou teach my Laws abroad,
Or in thy Mouth my Cov'nant take?
9 For stubborn thou, confirm'd in Sin,
Hast Proof against Instruction been,
And of my Word didst lightly speak:
When thou a subtle Thief did'st see,
Thou gladly did'st with him agree,
And with Adult'rers didst partake.
10 Vile Slander is thy chief Delight;
Thy Tongue, by Envy mov'd and Spite,
Deceitful Tales does hourly spread;
Thou dost with hateful Scandals wound,
Thy Brother, and with Lies confound,
The Offspring of thy Mother's Bed.
11 These Things didst thou, whom still I strove
To gain, with Silence, and with Love;
'Till thou did'st wickedly surmise,
That I was such a one as thou;
But I'll reprove and shame thee now,
And set thy Sins before thy Eyes.
12 Mark this, ye wicked Fools, lest I
Let all my Bolts of Vengeance fly,
Whilst none shall dare your Cause to own.
Who praises me, due Honour gives;
And to the Man that justly lives,
My strong Salvation shall be shown. Scripture: Psalm 50 Languages: English Tune Title: [The Lord hath spoke, the mighty God]
The Lord hath spoke, the mighty God
Bless'd is he, who fears the LORD
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXII (1767) Topics: Description of Blessings promised to the Pious and Charitable; Description of Confidence of Believers at all Times; Description of Happiness of Man Lyrics: 1 Bless'd is he, who fears the LORD,
And does his Laws obye,
Great his Seed shall be on Earth,
His Race shall not decay.
Crown'd with Wealth his House shall be,
To Mercy still inclin'd;
Though in Trouble, he shall shine,
The Blessing of Mankind.
2 Ort he lendeth to the Poor,
His Words are always just;
And his Glory shall survive,
Though he should sleep in Dust.
Him ill Tidings shall not move,
Whose Heart on GOD relies;
But in Safety see the Fall
Of all his Enemies.
3 To the Needy he bestows,
And doth their Wants supply;
Thus his Righteousness shall last,
His Horn be rais'd on high.
This the Wicked shall behold,
And gnash their Teeth in Pain;
Whilst their Hopes but fruitless prove,
And all their Wishes vain. Scripture: Psalm 112 Languages: English Tune Title: [Bless'd is he, who fears the Lord]
Bless'd is he, who fears the LORD
Brother, dear brother
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #X (1767) Topics: Description of Hyprocisy; Description of Impiety; Description of Slander and Backbiting First Line: Why dost thou now withdraw thy Presence, LORD! Lyrics: 1 Why dost thou now withdraw thy Presence, LORD!
Why hidest thou thy Face in my Distress?
Why wilt thou not thy wonted Aid afford,
When Sorrows deep my trouble Soul oppress?
Behold the Heathen, swell'd with Haughtiness,
Have with deceitful Wiles the Poor annoyed;
But in their Treach'ry let them be destroyed.
2 Triumphant they rejoice, with Pride elate,
To see Success their ill Designs attend:
And still the sordid Wretch, whom thou dost hate,
With Insolence perversly they commend,
And for supreme Authority contend:
Their stubborn Minds all higher Pow'r disdaining,
And in their Hearts no Thoughts of GOD retaining.
3 Oppressive Ways they eagerly pursue,
And with contemptuous Scorn their Foes they slight;
Because thy Judgments, tho' for ever true
Are unobserv'd, and far above their Sight:
Deluded, still they think their Actions right;
And as thy Vengeance hath not yet distress'd them,
They think no Troubles ever shall molest them.
4 Their Words are nought but Treach'ry and Deceit;
Their Mouths with Curses fill'd and sland'rous Lies;
The wicked Purposes they would compleat,
Are always cover'd with a fair Disguise;
Near publick Roads they lurk, that by Surprize
The Poor and Innocent may be destroyed;
Thus is their Art and Malice still employed.
5 Not watchful Lions, lurking in their Den,
With greater Fierceness catch their heedless Prey
Than these Deceivers take unwary Men;
Or threat them, taken, with more Rage than they:
Sometimes a deeming Homage they will pay,
A humble Look and harmless Aspect wearing;
Thus are the Poor deceiv'd, no Danger fearing.
6 They in their Hearts have said, "God hath forgot;
"The LORD will not our wicked Actions see:
"He doth not heed our deep designed Plot;
"So shall the Innocent ensnared be."
Arise, O LORD, the Poor from Danger free!
Thy mighty Arm against thy Foes extending,
Thy humble People from all Harm defending.
7 But why is GOD contemn'd by wicked Men?
Because in Pride presumtuously they say,
"The LORD regards us no; he never can
"Call to account, and our Misdeeds repay:"
But thou wilt try all those who go astray:
And when the Poor and Orphans are distressed,
They look to thee alone to be redressed.
8 Defenceless let the Evil-minded fall,
While all their boasted Strength proves but in vain;
Ev'n in their dark Designs destroy them all,
Till none of all their num'rous Race remain:
Thy just Dominion, LORD, assert again;
That from thy chosen Land may be expelled,
All those who have against thy Pow'r rebelled.
9 Thou always dost thos humble Suppliants hear,
That prostrate fall before thy sacred Throne:
Thou dost at first incline their Hearts to Pray'r,
Then grantest what thy ask; for thou alone
Canst help the Fatherless and Poor undone:
So shall the earthly Tyrants be destroyed.
Who have their Craft against thy Saints employed.
Scripture: Psalm 10 Tune Title: [Why dost thou now withdraw thy presence, Lord]
Brother, dear brother
My Soul for Help on GOD relies
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LXII (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers at all Times; Description of Hyprocisy; Description of Vanity of earthly Goods and Benefits Lyrics: 1 My Soul for Help on GOD relies,
On GOD, who daily Strength supplies.
To his blest Will I am resigned;
From Him alone my Courage flows,
To bear the Shock of all my Foes,
When they against me are combined.
2 How long will ye my Fall contrive?
How long will ye against me strive,
And hasten on your own unding?
You'll totter like a bending Wall,
Like uncemented Stones shall fall,
And lie involv'd in sudden Ruin.
3 They daily Lies against me frame,
With Falshoods wound my spotless Name,
In secret still my Fall designing:
They strive to make my Honours less,
Though with their Mouths they seem to bless,
Their hearts to Curses are inclining.
4 But thou, my Soul, on GOD rely,
Who does continual Strength supply;
To his blest Will be thou resigned:
From him alone my Courage flows,
To bear the Shock of all my Foes,
When they against me are combined.
Part II
5 GOD does His saving Health dispense,
He is my Fortress and Defence;
My Soul on him alone depending:
In him ye People always trust,
For GOD, the merciful and just,
His timely Aid is ever sending.
6 The Vulgar fickle are and frail;
The great Ones oft in Judgment fail,
Or else are treach'rously betraying:
If in the Scale of Truth they're laid,
'Tis seen how lightly both are made,
The smallest Trifles them outweighing.
7 Then trust not in oppressive Ways,
Nor strive by lawless Force to raise,
Your growing Heaps of ill-got Treasure:
By Spoil and Rapine grow not vain,
Nor let your Hearts on worldly Gain,
Be fixt with such Delight and Pleasure.
8 For GOD has oft his Will express'd,
And is of boundless Pow'r possess'd;
In him are Grace and Truth united:
Belongs, of Right, to God alone.
Though Mercy is his Works takes Place,
Yet for their Deeds, the human Race,
Shall by his Justice be requited. Scripture: Psalm 62 Languages: English Tune Title: [My soul for help on God relies]
My Soul for Help on GOD relies
He's bless'd whose tender Care
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XLI (1767) Topics: Description of Blessings promised to the Pious and Charitable; Description of Hyprocisy Lyrics: 1 He's bless'd whose tender Care,
Relieves the Poor distress'd,
When Troubles gather round,
The LORD shall give him Rest;
His Life with Blessings crown'd,
The LORD shall sure prolong;
And check the Will of those,
Who seek to do him Wrong.
2 If he, in low Estate,
Oppress'd with Sickness lie,
The LORD will Comfort send,
And inward Strength supply;
Secure of this, to GOD,
I thus my Pray'r address'd,
"LORD, heal my wounded Soul,
"For I have much trasgress'd!"
3 My Foes, with sland'ring Words,
Attempt to wound my Fame;
"When shall he die," say they,
"And Men forget his Name?"
Suppose they Visits make,
'Tis all but empty Show;
They gather Mischief then,
And vent it when they go.
4 With Whispers, such as these,
To hurt me they devise,
"His Doom a length is come,
"He's fall'n, no more to rise."
My own familiar Friend,
On whom I most rely'd,
Has me, whose Guest he was,
With open Scorn defy'd.
5 But thou, my wretched State,
In Mercy, LORD, regard,
And raise me up, that they
May meet their just Reward.
Thou suffer'st not my Foes,
To triumph in my Fall.
Therefore I know thine Ear,
Is open when I call.
6 My Life thou dost secure,
From Danger and Disgrace;
And thou shalt set me still,
Before thy glorious Face:
Let therefore Israel's LORD
From Ages to Age be blest,
And all the People's Joy
With loud Amen's exprest Scripture: Psalm 41 Languages: English Tune Title: [He's bless'd whose tender care]
He's bless'd whose tender Care
Since Godly Men are eve'ry Day decreasing
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XII (1767) Topics: Description of Glory of the Law; Description of Hyprocisy Lyrics: 1 Since Godly Men are ev'ry Day decreasing,
Do thou, O LORD, my righteous Cause defend;
These wretched Times are to my Soul displeasing,
They scarce afford one just and faithful Friend.
2 One Neighbour now can scarce believe another
Or trust in any Thing he doth impart;
With flatt'ring Lips each Man deceives his Brother,
And oft ensnares him with a double Heart.
3 But faithless Lips with treach'rous Words abounding,
The LORD will not permit to prosper long;
His awful Vengeance them with Fear confounding,
Shall sudden strike the proud blaspheming Tongue.
4 In vain are still those foolish Boasters saying,
"We'll freely talk, our Tongues are sure our own?
"With doubtful Words the Innocent betraying,
"We'll still go on and be controul'd by none."
5 For GOD, who always hears the Poor distressed,
And all their Sorrow and Affliction knows,
Shall soon arise, their Wrongs shall be redressed;
He gives them Rest in spite of all their Foes.
6 Their Hopes are sure who have on GOD relied,
His Word shall stand, and void of Falshood be;
Like Silver, sev'n times in the Furnace tried,
Still pure remains from drossy Mixture free.
7 GOD keeps the Righteous from this Generation;
Thou for their Safety ever will provide;
When vilest Man rise to the highest Station,
The Wicked then exult on ev'ry Side.
Scripture: Psalm 12 Languages: English Tune Title: [Since godly men are every day decreasing]
Since Godly Men are eve'ry Day decreasing
The Man is bless'd who fears the LORD
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXXVIII (1767) Topics: Description of Blessings promised to the Pious and Charitable; Description of Happiness of Man Lyrics: 1 The Man is bless'd who fears the LORD,
Nor only Worship pays;
But keeps his Steps confin'd with Care,
To his appointed Ways.
2 He shall upon the sweet Returns
Of his own Labour feed;
Without Dependance live, and see
His Wishes all succeed.
3 His Wife, like a fair fertile Vine,
Her lovely Fruit shall bring;
His Children, like young Olive-Plants,
About his Table spring.
4 Who fears the LORD, shall prosper thus,
Him Sion's GOD shall bless;
And grant him all his Days to see
Jerusalem's Success.
5 He shall live on, till Heirs from him
Descend with vast Increase:
Much bless'd in his own prosp'rous State,
And more in Israel's Peace. Scripture: Psalm 128 Languages: English Tune Title: [The Man is bless'd who fears the Lord]
The Man is bless'd who fears the LORD
Who hath his dwelling made, beneath th' Almighty's Shade
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XCI (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers; Description of Mortality Lyrics: 1 Who hath his Dwelling made, beneath th'Almighty's Shade,
Shall securely there abide:
Thus to my Soul I'll say, He is my Tow'r and Stay,
In thee, LORD, I will confide.
His tender Love and Care, Shall free thee from the Snare,
And the noisome Pestilence;
His shelt'ring Wings he'll spread, O'er thy unguarded Head,
And his Truth is thy Defence.
2 No Terrors of the Night, Shall thy firm courage fright,
Nor the Shafts that fly by Day;
Nor secret Plague that kills, Nor those infectious Ills,
Which in hottest Season slay:
Near thee ten Thousand die, And strew'd around thee lie,
Whilst thy Health untouch'd remains;
Thou shalt look on and see, Their sad Catastrophe,
Counting still the Sinners Gains.
3 Because with Confidence, On GOD, for thy Defence,
Thou most firmly didst rely;
Therefore no Sickness shall, Upon thy Dwelling fall,
Nor shall any Plague draw nigh:
For GOD, throughout thy Days, To guard thee in thy Ways,
To his Angels gives Commands;
And they, lest thou should'st meet, Rough Stones to wound thy Feet,
Shall convey thee in their Hands.
4 In Safety he shall go; Lions and Dragons too,
Underneath his Feet shall lie;
Because he honour'd me, Saith GOD, I'll set him free,
And will place his Throne on high:
Whatever Ill befalls, I'll answer when he calls,
And increase his Pow'r and Wealth;
And when in Calm Content, His happy Life is spent,
Him I'll crown with saving Health. Scripture: Psalm 91 Languages: English Tune Title: [Who hath his dwelling made, beneath th' Almighty's Shade]
Who hath his dwelling made, beneath th' Almighty's Shade
Who place on Sion's GOD their Trust
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXXV (1767) Topics: Description of The Church: Establishment and Steadfastness; Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers Lyrics: 1 Who place on Sion's God their Trust,
Like Sion's lofty Rock shall stand;
Like her, immoveable be fix'd,
Establish'd by his mighty Hand:
Whose strong Foundations stand secure,
And shall for evermore endure.
2 Look how the Hills on ev'ry Side
The fair Jerusalem inclose;
So stands the LORD around his Saints,
To guard them from their Foes:
He shall their strong Protector be,
And from all Danger set them free.
3 The Wicked may afflict the Just,
But they shall not too long oppress,
Or force him by Despair to seek
Unrighteous Means for his Redress;
For GOD, who still remains his Friend,
From Heav'n shall speedy Succour send.
4 Do good, O righteous GOD, to those,
Who do in Goodness take Delight;
The Heart that Innocence retains,
To those thy choicest Blessings give,
Whose Hearts before thee are upright:
The LORD the Wicked shall destroy,
But crown his Saints with Peace and Joy. Scripture: Psalm 125 Languages: English Tune Title: [Who place on Sion's God their Trust]
Who place on Sion's GOD their Trust
Blest is the Man, to whom the GOD of Heaven
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XXXII (1767) Topics: Description of Fear and Service of the Lord; Description of Happiness of Man Lyrics: 1 Blest is the Man, to whom the GOD of Heaven,
All his Transgressions freely hath forgiven:
Whose Guilt is cover'd, and shall not appear;
At GOD's Tribunal to condemn him there.
Thrice bless'd is he, who as he has transgressed,
With contrite Heart hath all his Crimes confessed;
To whom the LORD will not impute his Sin,
And whose pure Soul from all Deceit is clean.
2 Whilst I concael'd my Sin, my heart was grieved,
My Bones consuming could not be relieved;
All Day, did I with Anguish roar;
But no Complaints assuag'd my fretting Sore.
Heavy, O LORD! thy Hand on me remain'd,
And I was quite of vital Moisture drained;
Like parched Lands, with Summer's Drought opprest,
And equally by Day and Night distress'd.
3 But I no sooner had my Guilt disclosed,
Than thy Forgiveness kindly interposed;
I shew'd the Wound that tortur'd me within,
And Mercy's healing Balm was poured in.
Thus with Success Repentance shall be crowned,
Whilst in the Flood the thoughtless Wretch is drowned:
To those who seek, and would thy Pardon find,
Thou art, O LORD! in mercy still inclin'd.
Part II
4 Thy Mercies never fail, when I'm distressed,
By thee, my haughty Foes are all suppressed:
Thou art my Refuge, safe I will rejoice,
And thee, my Saviour, praise with Heart and Voice.
If then my safe Instructions you confide in,
The sacred paths of Truth you will abide in;
Your Progress I securely will direct,
And with my watchful Eye your Ways protect.
5 Be ye like Men who Reason have attained,
And not like those whose Fury must be reined;
Behave not like th' ungovern'd Horse or Mule,
But yield yourselves to Wisdom's sacred Rule,
Sorrows on Sorrows ever multiplied,
Are heap'd on those who have the LORD defied;
While plenteous Mercy shall the Just surround,
Who have in him their only Refuge found.
6 Then let the Saints be glad in GOD their Saviour;
Rejoice, ye Righteous, in th' Almighty's Favour:
Ye upright ones, your chearful Voices raise,
In grateful Raptures sing JEHOVAH's Praise.
Scripture: Psalm 32 Languages: English Tune Title: [Blest is the man, to whom the God of Heaven]
Blest is the Man, to whom the GOD of Heaven
For ever bless'd be GOD, the LORD
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXLIV (1767) Topics: Description of Happiness of Man; Description of Misery and Vanity of human Life Lyrics: 1 For ever bless'd be GOD, the LORD,
Who does his needful Aid impart,
At once both Strength and Skill afford
To wield my Arms with warlike Art;
He is my Fort, my Tow'r and shield,
And makes fierce Nations to me yield.
2 LORD, what's in Man that thou should'st love,
Of him such tender Care to take?
What in his Offspring could thee move,
Such great Account of him to make?
Man's Thoughts are vain, his Life doth fade,
And passeth like a flying Shade.
3 In solemn State, O GOD, descend,
Whilst Heav'n it's lofty Head inclines;
The smoking Hills in sunder rend,
Of thy Approach the awful Signs,
With Lightnings fierce thy foes defeat,
With Arrows make their Fall compleat.
4 Do thou, O LORD, from Heav'n engage
Thy boundless Pow'r my Foes to quell;
And snatch me from the stormy Rage
Of threat'ning Waves that proudly swell;
From Foes, whose Speeches all are vain,
Whose right Hand Wickedness maintain.
5 So I to thee, O King of Kings,
In new-made Hymns my Voice shall raise,
And Instruments of various Strings
Shall help me thus to sing thy Praise,
"GOD does to Kings his Succour send,
"His Servant David he'll defend."
6 Fight thou against my foreign Foes,
Who utter Speeches false and vain;
Who, though in solemn Leagues they close,
Their sworn Engagements ne'er maintain;
Our Sons shall then like Fruit-Trees grow,
Our Daughters like fair Pillars show.
7 Our Garners fill'd with various Store,
Shall us and ours with Plenty feed;
Our Sheep, encreasing more and more,
Shall Thousands and Ten thousands breed;
Strong shall our lab'ring Oxen grow,
Whilst we no War or Slav'ry know.
8 Our Wealth shall never feel Decay,
No Sorrow in our Streets be found;
Our Days in Peace shall glide away,
Whilst we in ev'ry Good abound;
Thrice happy is that Peoples Case,
Whose various Blessing thus abound:
Who GOD's true Worship still embrace.
Scripture: Psalm 144 Languages: English Tune Title: [For ever bless'd be God, the Lord]
For ever bless'd be GOD, the LORD
Have mercy, Lord, on me
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #IV (1767) Topics: Description of Duty of the Ministers of God's Word; Description of Fear and Service of the Lord Lyrics: 1 Have mercy, Lord on me,
for thou my Judge shalt be,
My Hopes in thee remaining,
Oh! to my humble Pray'r
bow down thy gracious Ear.
Be thou my Cause sustaining;
How long with vain Design,
will ye my foes combine,
In wrathful Indignation?
How long destructive Lies
maliciously devise,
To blot my Reputation.
3 Consider that the Just,
who place in God their Trust,
Are still by him protected;
The Lord my voice will hear,
and grant my humble pray'r,
Whene'er to him directed.
Oh! stand ye then in Awe
of his most sacred Law,
Reflect with deep Contrition;
Flee ev'ry Thing that's Ill,
and humble to his Will,
Your Hearts in low Submission.
3 Amidst thine anxious Cares,
and Soul distressing Fears,
To GOD pray without ceasing;
Sue for his heav'nly Grace,
and offer Righteousness,
A Sacrifice well pleasing.
While Sinners restless grow,
more prosp'rous Times to know,
In Discontent complaining;
LORD, let thy Face divine,
on me with Glory shine,
Thy Mercy me sustaining.
4 So to my grateful Heart,
thy Goodness shall impart,
More true and lasting Pleasure
Than theirs who seek to find
their Joy and Peace of Mind,
In Stores of worldly Treasure.
With thy Protection blest,
I'll teak my needful Rest,
My Head in Peace reclining;
Securely I'll repose,
not fear, tho' all my Foes,
Against me are combining. Scripture: Psalm 4 Languages: English Tune Title: [Have mercy, Lord, on me]
Have mercy, Lord, on me
How bless'd are they, who always keep
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXIX (1767) Topics: Description of Glory of the Law; Description of Happiness of Man Lyrics: I Aleph:
1 How bless'd are they who always keep
The pure and perfect Way!
Who never from the sacred Paths
Of GOD's Commandments stray!
2 How blest, who to his righteous Laws
Have still obedient been;
And have with fervent humble Zeal
His Favour sought to win.
3 Such Men their utmost Caution use
To shun each wicked Deed;
But in the Path, which he directs,
With constant Care proceed.
4 Thou strictly hast enjoin'd us, Lord,
To learn thy sacred Will;
And all our Diligence employ
Thy Statutes to fulfill.
5 O! then that thy most holy Will
Might o'er my Ways preside,
And I the Course of all my Life,
By thy Direction guide!
6 Then with Assurance should I walk,
From all Confusion free,
Convinc'd with Joy, that all my Ways
With thy Commands agree.
7 My upright Heart shall my glad Mouth
With chearful Praises fill;
When by thy righteous Judgments taught,
I shall have learnt thy Will.
8 So to thy sacred Law shall I
All due Observance pay;
O! then forsake me not, my GPD,
Mor cast me quite away.
II Beth:
9 How shall the Young preserve their Ways
From all Pollution free?
By making still their Course of Life
With thy Commands agree.
10 With hearty Zeal for thee I seek,
To thee for Succour pray;
O! suffer not thy careless Steps
From thy right Paths to stray.
11 Safe in my Heart, and closely hid,
Thy Word, my Treasure, lies;
To succour me with timely Aid,
When sinful Thoughts arise.
12 Secur'd by that, my grateful Soul
Shall ever bless thy Name:
O! teach me then, by thy just Laws,
My future Life to frame.
13 My Lips, unlock'd by pious Zeal,
To others have declar'd,
How well the Judgments of thy Mouth
Deserve our best Regard.
14 Whilst in the Way of thy Commands
More solid Joy I found,
Than had I been with vast Increase
Of envy'd Riches crown'd.
15 Therefore thy just and upright Laws
Shall always fill my Mind,
And those sound Rules, which thou prescrib'st,
All due Respect shall find.
16 To keep thy Statues undefac'd,
Shall be my constant Joy;
The strict Remembrance of thy Word,
Shall all my thoughts employ.
III Gimel:
17 Be gracious to thy Servant, LORD,
Do thou my Life defend,
That I, according to thy Word
My future Time may spend.
18 Enlighten both my Eyes and Mind,
That so I may discern
The wond'rous Things, which they behold,
Who thy just Precepts learn.
19 Though like a Stranger in the Land,
From Place to Place I stray,
Thy righteous Judgments from my Sight
Remove not thou away.
20 My fainting Soul is almost pin'd,
With earnest Longing spent;
Whilst always on the eager Search
Of thy just Will intent.
21 The sharp Rebuke shall crush the Proud,
Whom still thy Curse pursues;
Since they to walk in thy right Ways
Presumptuously refuse.
22 But, far from me, do thou, O LORD,
Contempt and Shame remove;
For I thy sacred Laws affect
With undissembled Love.
23 Though Princes oft in Council met,
Against thy Servant spake;
Yet I, thy Statutes to observe,
My constant Bus'ness make.
24 For thy Commands have always been
My Comfort and Delight;
By them I learn with prudent Care,
To guide my Steps aright.
IV Daleth:
25 My Soul, oppress'd with deadly Care,
Close to the Earth doth cleave;
Revive me, LORD, and let me now
Thy promis'd Aid receive.
26 To thee I still declar my Ways,
And thou inclin'st thine Ear;
O teach me then my future Life
By thy just Laws to steer.
27 If thou wilt make me know thy Laws,
And by their Guidance walk,
The wond'rous Works, which thou hast done,
Shall be my constant Talk.
28 But see, my Soul within me sinks,
Press'd down with weighty Care;
Do thou, according to thy Word,
My wasted Strength repair.
29 Far, far from me be all false Ways,
And lying Arts remov'd;
But kindly grant I still may keep
The Path by thee approv'd.
30 Thy faithful Ways, thou GOD of Truth,
My happy Choice I've made;
Thy Judgment, as my Rule of Life,
Before me always laid.
31 My Care has been to make my Life,
With thy Commands agree;
O then preserve thy Servant, LORD,
From Shame and Ruin free.
32 So in the Way of thy Commands
Shall I with Pleasure run,
And with a Heart enlarg'd with Joy,
Successfully go on.
V He:
33 Instruct me in thy Statutes, LORD,
Thy righteous Paths display;
And I from them, through all my Life,
Will never go astray.
34 If thou true Wisdom from above
Wilt graciously impart,
To keep thy perfect Laws I will
Devote my zealous Heart.
35 Direct me in the sacred Ways,
To which thy Precepts lead;
Because my chief Delight has been
Thy righteous Paths to tread.
36 Do thou to thy most just Commands
Incline my willing Heart;
Let no Desire of worldly Wealth
From Thee my Thoughts divert.
37 From those vain Objects turn my Eyes
Which this false World displays,
But give me lively Pow'r and Strength
To keep thy righteous Ways.
38 Confirm the Promise, which thou mad'st,
And give thy Servant Aid;
Who to transgress thy sacred Laws
Is awfully afraid.
39 The foul Disgrace I justly fear,
In Mercy, LORD, remove;
For all the Judgments thou ordain'st,
Are full of Grace and Love.
40 Thou know'st, how after thy Commands
My longing Heart does pant,
O then make haste to raise me up,
And promis'd Succour grant.
VI Vau:
41 Thy constant Blessing, LORD, bestow
To cheer my drooping Heart;
To me, according to thy Word,
Thy saving Health impart.
42 So shall I, when my Foes upbraid,
This ready Answer make;
"In GOD I trust, who never will
"His faithful Promise break.
43 Then let not quite the Word of Truth
Be from my Mouth remov'd;
Since still my Ground of stedfast Hope,
Thy just Decrees have prov'd.
44 So I to keep thy righteous Laws,
Will all my Study bend;
From Age to Age, my Time to come
In their Observance spend.
45 E'er long I trust to walk at large,
From all Incumbrance free;
Since I resolv'd to make my Life
With thy Commands agree.
46 Thy Laws shall be my constant Talk;
And Princes shall attend,
Whilst I the Justice of thy Ways
With Confidence defend.
47 My longing Heart and ravish'd Soul
Shall both o'erflow with Joy;
When in thy lov'd Commandments I
My happy Hours employ.
48 Then will I to thy just Decrees
Lift up my willing Hands;
My Care and Bus'ness then shall be,
To study thy Commands.
VII Zain:
49 According to thy promis'd Grace,
Thy Favour, LORD, extend;
Make good to me the Word, on which
Thy Servant's Hopes depend.
50 That only Comfort in Distress
Did all my Griefs controul;
Thy Word, when Troubles hemm'd me round,
Reviv'd my fainting Soul.
51 Insulting Foes did proudly mock,
And all my Hopes deride;
Yet from thy Law, not all their Scoffs,
Could make me turn aside.
52 Thy Judgments then of ancient Date,
I quickly call'd to Mind;
'Till ravish'd with such Thoughts, my Soul
Did speedy Comfort find.
53 Sometimes I stand amaz'd, like one
With deadly Horror struck,
To think how all my sinful Foes
Have thy just Laws forsook.
54 But I thy Statutes and Decress
My chearful Anthems made;
whilst thro' strange Lands and Desarts wild
I like a Pilgrim stray'd.
55 Thy Name, that chear'd my Heart by Day,
Has fill'd my Thoughts by Night;
I then resolv'd by thy just Laws,
To guide my Steps aright.
56 That Peace of Mind, which has my Soul
In deep Distress sustain'd,
By strict Obedience to thy Will,
I happily obtain'd.
VIII Cheth:
57 O LORD, my GOD, my Portion thou
And sure Possession art;
Thy Word I stedfastly resolve
To treasure in my Heart.
58 With all the Strength of warm Desires
I did thy Grace implore;
Disclose, according to thy Word,
Thy Mercies boundless Store.
59 With due Reflection and strict Care,
On all my Ways I thought;
And so reclaim'd to thy just Paths,
My wandring Steps I brought.
60 I lost no Time, but made great haste,
Resolv'd, without Delay,
To watch, that I might never more
From thy Commandments stray.
61 Thoigj num'rous Troops of sinful Men,
To rob me have combin'd;
Yet I thy pure and righteous Laws
Have ever kept in Mind.
62 In dead of Night I will arise,
To sing thy solemn Praise;
Convinc'd how much I always ought
To love thy righteous Ways.
63 To such as fear thy holy Name,
Myself I closely join;
To all who their obedient Wills
To thy Commands resign.
64 O'er all the Earth, thy Mercy, LORD,
Abundantly is shed;
O make me then exactly learn,
Thy sacred Paths to tread.
IX Teth:
65 With me, thy Servant, thou hast dealt,
Most graciously, O LORD,
Repeated Benefits bestow'd,
According to thy word.
66 Teach me the sacred Skill by which
Right Judgment is attain'd,
Who in Belief of thy Commands
have stedfastly remain'd.
67 Before Affliction stopt my Course,
My Footsteps went astray;
But I have since been disciplin'd,
Thy Precepts to obey.
68 Thou art, O LORD, supremely good,
And all thou dost is so;
On me thy Statutes to discern,
Thy saving Skill bestow.
69 The Proud have forg'd malicious Lies,
My spotless Fame to stain;
But my fix'd Heart without Reserve,
Thy Precepts shall retain.
70 While pamper'd they, with prosp'rous Ills,
In sensual Pleasures live;
My Soul can relish no Delight,
But what thy Precepts gave.
71 'Tis good for me that I have felt
Affliction's chast'ning Rod;
That I might duly learn, and keep
The Statues of my GOD.
72 The Law that from thy Mouth proceeds,
Of more Esteem I hold,
Than untouch'd Mines, than thousand Mines
Of Silver and of Gold.
X Jod:
73 To me, who am the Workmanship
Of thy Almighty Hands,
The heav'nly Understanding give
To learn thy just Commands.
74 My Preservation to thy Saints
Strong Comfort will afford,
To see Success attend my Hopes,
Who trusted in thy Word.
75 That right thy Judgments are, I now,
By sure Experience see,
And in that Faithfulness, O LORD,
Thou hast afflicted me.
76 O let thy tender Mercy now
Afford me needful Aid;
According to thy Promise, LORD,
To me, thy Servant, made.
77 To me thy saving Grace restore,
That I again may live;
Whose Soul can relish no Delight,
But what thy Precepts give.
78 Defeat the Proud, who unprovok'd,
To ruin me have sought;
Who only on thy sacred Laws
Employ my harmless Thought.
79 Let those that fear thy Name, espouse
My Cause,and those alone,
Who have by strict and pious Search
Thy sacred Precepts known.
80 In thy blest Statutes let my Heart
Continue always sound,
That Guilt and Shame, the Sinner's Lot,
May never me confound.
XI Caph:
81 My Soul with long Expectance faints
To see thy saving Grace;
Yet still on thy unerring Word
My confidence I place.
82 My very Eyes consume and fail
With waiting for thy Word;
O! when wilt thou thy kind Relief
And prromis'd Aid afford?
83 My Skin like shrivel'd Parchment shows,
That long in Smoke is set;
Yet no Affliction me can force
Thy Statutes to forget.
84 How many Days must I endure
Of Sorrow and Distress?
When wilt thou Judgment execute
On them who me oppress?
85 The Proud have digg'd a Pit for me,
That have no other Foes,
But such as are averse to thee,
And thy just Laws oppose.
86 With sacred Truth's eternal Laws
All thy Commands agree;
Men persecute me without Cause,
Thou, LORD, my Helper be.
87 With close Designs against my Life,
They had almost prevail'd;
But in Obedience to thy Will,
My Duty never fail'd.
88 Thy wonted Kindness, LORD, restore,
My drooping Heart to chear;
That by thy righteous Statutes I
My Life's whole Course may steer.
XII Lamed:
89 For ever and for ever, LORD,
Unchang'd thou dost remain;
Thy Word, establish'd in the Heav'ns,
Does all their Orbs sustain.
90 Through circling Ages, LORD, thy Truth
Immoveable shall stand:
As does the Earth which thou uphold'st
By thy Almighty Hand.
91 All Things the Course by thee ordain'd,
Ev'n to this Day fulfil;
They are thy faithful Subjects all,
And Servants of thy Will.
92 Unless thy sacred Law had been
My Comfort and Delight,
I must have fainted and expir'd
In dark Affliction's Night.
93 Thy Precepts therefore from my Thoughts
Shall never, LORD, depart;
For thou, by them, hast to new Life
Restor'd my dying Heart.
94 As I am thine, entirely thine,
Protect me, LORD, from Harm;
Who have thy Precepts sought to know,
And carefully perform.
95 The Wicked have their Ambush laid
My guiltless Life to take;
But in the midst of Danger, I
Thy Word my Study make.
96 I've seen an End, of what we call
Perfection here below;
But thy Commandments, like thyself,
No Change or Period know.
XIII Mem:
97 The Love that to thy Laws I bear,
No Language can display;
They with fresh Wonders entertain
My ravish'd Thoughts all Day.
98 Through thy Commands I wiser grow
Than all my subtle Foes;
For thy sure Word doth me direct,
And all my Ways dispose.
99 From me my former Teachers now
May abler Counsel take;
Because thy sacred Precepts I
My constant Study make.
100 In Understanding I excel
The Sages of our Days;
Because by thy unerring Rules,
I order all my Ways.
101 My Feet with Care I have refrain'd
From ev'ry sinful Way,
That to thy sacred Word I might
Entire Obedience pay.
102 I have not from thy Judgment stray'd,
By vain Desires misled;
For, LORD, thou hast instructed me,
Thy righteous Paths to tread.
103 How sweet are all thy Words to me;
O! what divine Repast!
How much more grateful to my Soul,
Than Honey to my Taste.
104 Taught by thy sacred Precepts, I
With heav'nly Skill am bless'd,
Thro' which the treach'rous Ways of Sin
I utterly detest.
XIV Nun:
105 Thy word is to my Feet a Lamp,
The Way of Truth to show;
A Watch-light to point out the Path,
In which I ought to go.
106 I swear, (and from my solemn Oath
Will never start aside)
That in thy righteous Judgments I
Will stedfastly abide.
107 Since I with Griefs am so oppress'd,
That I can bear no more;
According to thy Word do thou
My fainting Soul restore.
108 Let still my Sacrifice of Praise
With Thee Acceptance find;
And in thy righteous Judgments, LORD,
Instruct my willing Mind.
109 Though ghastly Dangers me surround,
My Soul they cannot awe,
Nor with continual Terrors keep
From thinking on thy Law.
110 My wicked and invet'rate Foes
For me their Snares have laid;
Yet I have kept the upright Path,
Nor from thy Precepts tray'd.
111 Thy Testimonies I have made
My Heritage and Choice;
For they, when other Comforts fail,
My drooping Heart rejoice.
112 My Heart with early Zeal began
Thy Statutes to obey;
And 'till my Course of Life is done,
Shall keep thy upright Way.
XV Samech:
113 Deceitful Thoughts and Practices
I utterly detest;
But to thy Law Affection bear,
Too great to be express'd.
114 My Hiding-Place, my Refuge-Tow'r,
And Shield art thou, O LORD;
I firmly anchor all my Hopes
On thy unerring Word.
115 Hence ye that trade in Wickedness,
Approach not my Abode;
For firmly I resolve to keep
The Precepts of my GOD.
116 According to thy gracious Word,
From Danger set me free;
Nor make me of those Hopes asham'd,
That I repose in Thee.
117 Uphold me, so shall I be safe,
And rescu'd from Distress;
To thy Decrees continually
My just Respect address.
118 The Wicked thou hast trod to Earth,
Who from thy Statutes stray'd;
Their vile Deceit the just Reward
Of their own Falshood made.
119 The Wicked from thy holy Land
Thou dost, like Dross, remove;
I therefore, with such Justice charm'd,
Thy Testimonies love.
120 Yet with that Love they make me dread,
Lest I should so offend,
When on Transgressors I behold,
Thy Judgments thus descend.
XVI Ain:
121 Judgment and Justice I have lov'd;
O therefore, LORD, engage
In my Defence, nor give me up
To my Oppressors Rage.
122 Do thou be Surety, LORD, for me,
And so shall this Distress
Prove good for me; nor shall the Proud
My guiltless Soul oppress.
123 My Eyes, alas! begin to fail,
In long Expectance held;
'Till thy Salvation they behold,
And righteous Word fulfill'd.
124 To me, thy Servant in Distress,
Thy wonted Grace display,
And discipline my willing Heart,
Thy Statutes to obey.
125 On me, devoted to thy Fear,
Thy sacred Skill bestow,
That of thy Testimonies I
The full Extent may know.
126 'Tis Time, high Time for thee, o LORD,
Thy Vengeance to employ;
When Men with open Violence
Thy sacred law destroy.
127 Yet their Contempt of thy Commands
But makes their Value rise
In my Esteem, who purest Gold
Compar'd with them despise.
128 Thy Precepts therefor I account,
In all respects, divine;
They teach me to discern the Right,
And all false Ways decline.
XVII Pe:
129 Thy Wonders which thy Laws contain,
No Words can represent;
Therefore to learn and practice them,
My zealous Heart is bent.
130 The very Entrance to thy Word
Celestial Light displays;
And Knowledge of true Happiness
To simplest Minds conveys.
131 With eager Hopes I waiting stood,
And fainted with Desire,
That of thy wise Commands I might
The sacred Skill acquire.
132 With Favour, LORD, look down on me,
Who thy Relief implore;
As thou art wont to visit those
That thy bless'd Name adore.
133 Directed by thy heav'nly Word,
Let all my Footsteps be;
Nor Wickedness of any kind
Dominion have o'er me.
134 Release, entirely set me free
From persecuting Hands,
That unmolested, I may learn,
And practise thy Commands.
135 On me, devoted to thy Fear,
LORD, make thy Face to shine:
Thy Statutes both to know and keep,
My Heart with Zeal incline.
136 My Eyes to weeping Fountains turn,
Whence briny Rivers flow,
To see Mankind against thy Laws
In bold Defiance go.
XVIII Tsaddi:
137 Thou art the righteous Judge, in whom
Wrong'd Innocence may trust;
And like Thyself, thy Judgments, LORD,
In all respects are just.
138 Most true and just those Statutes were,
Which thou didst first decree;
And all with Faithfulness perform'd,
Succeeding Times shall see.
139 With Zeal my Flesh consumes away,
My Soul with Anguish frets,
To see my Foes contemn at once
Thy Promises and Threats.
140 Yet each neglected Word of thine
(Howe'er by them despis'd)
Is pure, and for eternal Truth
By me, thy Servant priz'd.
141 Brought for thy sake, to low Estate,
Contempt from all I find;
Yet no Affronts or Wrongs can drive
Thy Precepts from my Mind.
142 Thy Righteousness shall then endure,
When Time itself is past;
Thy Law is Truth itself, that Truth,
Which shall for ever last.
143 Tho' Trouble, Anguish, Doubts and Dread
To compass me unite,
Beset with Danger, still I make
Thy Precepts my Delight.
144 Eternal and unerring Rules
Thy Testimonies give:
Teach me the Wisdom that will make
My Soul for ever live.
XIX Koph:
145 With my whole Heart to God I call'd,
LORD, hear my earnest Cry;
And I, thy Statutes to perform
Will all my Care apply.
146 Again, more fervently I pray'd,
O save me, that I may
Thy Testimonies throughly know,
And stedfastly obey.
147 My earlier Pray'r the dawning Day
Prevented, while I cry'd
To him, on whose engaging Word
My Hope alone rely'd.
148 With Zeal have I awak'd before
The Midnight Watch was set,
That I, of thy mysterious Word
Might perfect Knowledge get.
149 LORD, hear my supplicating Voice,
And wonted Favour shew;
O quicken me, and so approve,
Thy Judgment ever true.
150 My persecuting Foes advance,
And hourly nearer draw;
What Treatment can I hope from them,
Who violate thy Law?
151 Though they draw nigh, my Comfort is
Thou, LORD, art yet more near;
Thou, whose Commands are righteous all,
Thy Promises sincere.
152 Concerning thy Divine Decrees,
My Soul has known of old,
That they were true, and shall their Truth
To endless Ages hold.
XX Resc:
153 Consider my Affliction, LORD,
And me from Bondage draw;
Think on thy Servant in Distress,
Who ne'er forgets thy Law.
154 Plead thou my Cause; to that and me
Thy timely Aid afford;
With Beams of Mercy quicken me
according to thy Word.
155 From harden'd Sinners thou remov'st
Salvation far away:
'Tis just thou should'st withdraw from them,
Who from thy Statutes stray.
156 Since great thy tender Mercies are,
To all who Thee adore,
According to thy Judgments, LORD,
My fainting Hopes restore.
157 A num'rous Host of spiteful Foes
Against my Life combine;
But all too few to force my Soul
Thy Statues to decline.
158 Those bold Transgressors I beheld,
And was with Grief oppress'd,
To see with what audacious Pride
Thy Statutes they transgress'd.
159 Yet while they slight, consider, LORD,
How I thy Precepts love;
O therefore quicken me with Beams
Of Mercy from above.
160 As from the Birth of Time, thy Truth,
Has held through Ages past,
So shall thy righteous Judgments, firm,
To endless Ages last.
XXI Schin:
161 Tho' mighty Tyrants, without Case,
Conspire my Blood to shed,
Thy sacred Word has Pow'r alone,
To fill my Heart with Dread.
162 And yet that Word my joyful Breast
With heav'nly Raptue warms,
Nor Conquests, or the Spoils of War,
Have such transporting Charms.
163 Perfidious Practices and Lies
I utterly detest;
But to they Laws Affection bear,
Too great to be express'd.
164 Sev'n Times a Day, with grateful Voice,
Thy Praises I resound;
Because I find thy Judgments all
With Truth and Justice crown'd.
165 Secure, substantial Peace have they,
Who truly love thy Law;
No smiling Mischief them can tempt,
Nor frowning Danger awe.
166 For thy Salvation I have hop'd,
And though so long delay'd,
With chearful Zeal and strictest Care
All thy Commands obey'd.
167 Thy Testimonies I have kept,
And constantly obey'd;
Because the Love I bore to them,
Thy Service easy made.
168 From strict Observance of thy Laws
I never yet withdrew;
Convinc'd that my most secret Ways
Are open to thy View.
XXII Tau:
169 To my Request and earnest Cry
Attend, O gracious Lord;
Inspire my Heart with heav'nly Skill,
According to thy Word.
170 Let my repeated Pray'r at last
Before thy Throne appear;
According to thy plighted Word,
For my Relief draw near.
171 Then shall my grateful Lips return
The Tribute of their Praise,
When thou thy Counsels hast reveal'd,
And taught me thy just Ways.
172 My Tongue the Praises of thy Word
Shall thankfully resound;
Because thy Promises are all
With Truth and Justice crown'd.
173 Let thy Almighty Arm appear,
And bring me timely Aid;
For I the Laws thou hast ordain'd,
My Heart's free Choice have made.
174 My Soul has waited long to see
Thy saving Grace restor'd;
Nor Comfort know, but what thy Laws,
Thy heav'nly Laws afford.
175 Prolong my Life, that I may sing
My great Restorer's Praise,
Whose Justice from the Depth of Woes
My fainting Soul shall raise.
176 Like some lost Sheep I've stray'd, till I
Despair my Way to find:
Thou therefore, LORD, thy Servant seek,
Who keeps thy Laws in Mind.
Scripture: Psalm 119 Languages: English Tune Title: [How bless'd are they, who always keep]
How bless'd are they, who always keep
In deep Distress I oft have cry'd
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXX (1767) Topics: Description of Hyprocisy; Description of Slander and Backbiting Lyrics: 1 In deep Distress I oft have cry'd
To GOD, who never yet deny'd,
To rescue me, oppress'd with Wrongs;
Once more, O LORD, Deliv'rance sned,
From lying Lips my Soul defend,
And from the Rage of sland'ring Tongues;
Which daily strive to wound my Fame,
And blest the Credit of my Name.
3 What little Profit can accrue,
And yet, what heavy Wrath is due,
O thou perfidious Tongue, to thee?
Thy Sting upon thyself shall turn;
Of lasting Flames, that fiercely burn,
The constant Fuel thou shalt be:
Thus shall the Vengeance of the LORD
Thy Torment be and dread Reward.
3 But O! how wretched is my Doom,
Who am a Sojourner become,
In barren Mesech's desart Soil!
With Kedar's wicked Tents inclos'd,
To lawless Savages expos'd,
Who live on nought but Theft and Spoil:
Oh, when shall I Deliv'rance find,
From such as grieve my troubled Mind!
4 My hapless Dwelling is with those,
Who Peace and Amity oppose,
And Pleasure take in others Harms:
Sweet Peace is all I court and seek;
But when to them of Peace I speak,
They straight cry out, to Arms, to Arms.
My Soul is overwhelm'd with Care,
Whilst for the Battle they prepare. Scripture: Psalm 120 Languages: English Tune Title: [In deep Distress I oft have cry'd]
In deep Distress I oft have cry'd
Let David, LORD, for evermore
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXXXII (1767) Topics: Description of The Church: Establishment and Steadfastness; Description of The Church: Happiness under the Government of the Messiah Lyrics: 1 Let David, LORD, for evermore
A Place in thy Remembrance find;
Let all the Sorrows he endur'd,
Be ever present in thy Mind.
2 Remember what a solemn Oath
To thee, his LORD supreme, he swore;
How to the mighty GOD he vow'd,
The GOD, whom Jacob's Sons adore.
3 I will not go into my House;
I will not to my Bed ascend;
No soft Repose shall close my Eyes,
No Sleep my drowsy Eye-Lids bend;
4 'Till for the LORD's design'd Abode
I mark the destin'd Ground;
'Till I a decent Place of Rest
For Jacob's GOD have found.
5 Th'appointed Place with Shouts of Joy,
At Euphrata at length we found;
And made the Wood and neighb'ring Fields
Our Songs of Triumph loud resound.
6 Oh! with due Rev'rence, let us then
To his most bless'd Abode repair;
And prostrate at his Footstool fall,
and offer up our humble Pray'r.
7 Arise, O mighty LORD, and now
Possess thy sacred Place of Rest;
Be that not only with thy Ark,
But with thy constant Presence bless'd.
8 Clothe thou thy Priests with Righteousness,
And make thy happy Saints rejoice;
And for thy Servant David's sake,
Attend to thine Anointed's Voice.
9 GOD sware to David in his Truth,
Nor shall his solemn Oath be vain,
One of thy Offspring, after thee,
Upon thy righteous Throne shall reign.
10 And if thy Seed my Cov'nant keep,
And to my holy Laws submit,
Their Children too upon thy Throne
In Safety shall for ever sit.
11 For Sion does, in GOD's Esteem,
All other happy Seats excell;
His Place of everlasting Rest,
The Place where he delights to dwell.
12 Her Store, says he, I will increase,
Her Poor I will with Plenty bless;
Her Saints shall shout aloud for Joy,
Her Priests my saving Health confess.
13 'Tis there that David's Pow'r shall long
Remain, in his successive Line;
And my anointed Servant there,
Shall with perpetual Glory shine.
14 The Faces of his vanquish'd Foes,
Shame and Confusion shall o'erspread;
Whilst, with confirm'd Success, his Crown
Shall flourish on his Royal Head. Scripture: Psalm 132 Languages: English Tune Title: [Let David, Lord, for evermore]
Let David, LORD, for evermore
My chearful Mind a good Design shall frame
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XLV (1767) Topics: Description of The Church: Happiness under the Government of the Messiah; Description of The Church: Union with Jesus Christ Lyrics: 1 My chearful Mind a good Design shall frame,
Whilst I the King's loud Praise proclaim;
My Tongue directed by my joyful Heart,
Is like the Pen that's us'd with ready Art.
How matchless is thy Form, O King renown'd!
With beaming Glories are thy Temples crown'd,
Thy Mouth with Grace continually o'erflows;
Because fresh Blessings GOD on thee bestows.
2 Gird on thy Sword, O Prince! in Might excel,
Gird on that Sword which doth thy Foes repel;
And clad in Ornaments and rich Array,
Majestic Pomp, resistless Pow'r display:
Ride on in State, and still the Meek protect,
Thy dreadful Wrath against thy Foes direct:
Let thy right Hand with swift Revenge pursue,
All those who strive against the Just and True.
3 The sharpen'd Weapons which thy Hands direct,
Thy humbled Foes shall to thy Will subject;
Down, down they fall, who dare thy Pow'r oppose,
Whilst thro' their Hearts the feather'd Arrow goes;
But thou, O God! shall firmly be enthron'd,
And thy just Rule by all Mankind be own'd;
Thy Sceptre's Sway for ever to endure,
Shall always make thy righteous Laws secure.
4 Because thy Heart hath upright Ways approv'd;
The purest Truth and strictest Justice lov'd;
And hated still in crooked Paths to move,
Where wand'ring Sinners ever thoughtless rove;
Therefore, thy GOD, did thee to reign appoint,
And with the Oil of Joy thy Head anoint:
With Cassia, Aloes and Myrrh abound,
Thy royal Robes, and spread their Odours round.
5 Amongst the honourable Women plac'd,
Do princely Virgins stand, with Beauty grac'd;
The glorious Queen herself in State did stand,
Array'd in golden Robes, at thy right Hand.
But to my Words, O Royal Bride, give Ear,
And my Instructions with Attention hear;
Forget thy Country, and each former Friend,
And on the King alone, with Hope depend.
6 So shall thy Beauty more inviting be;
So shall his constant Love encrease to thee;
Since he's thy LORD, to him thy Homage pay,
And his Affections ne'er shall know decay.
The Tyrian Matrons shall rich Presents make,
And daily strive thy Favours to partake:
The King's fair Daughter inward Graces fill,
Her Raiment is of Gold, adorn'd with Skill.
7 She with her nuptial Garments, wide display'd,
In costly Robes of Needle Work array'd;
While Virgin Trains, attending, stand around,
Shall to the King be brought with Glory crown'd.
With all the State of solemn Pomp can show,
With all the Lustre Riches can bestow;
The grand Procession slowly moves along,
'Till the wide Gates receive the pompous Throng.
8 Then, in the Room thy royal Father grac'd,
Expect to see thy princely Offspring plac'd;
Whom thou in State to diff'rent Realms mayst send,
To govern there, and Justice to defend.
Whilst this my Song, to future Times preserv'd,
Shall tell the Praises, thy great Name deserv'd.
And make the World with one Consent proclaim,
Thy lasting Glory and perpetual Fame. Scripture: Psalm 45 Languages: English Tune Title: [My chearful Mind a good Design shall frame]
My chearful Mind a good Design shall frame
No Glory, LORD, we claim
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXV (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers; Description of Idols Lyrics: 1 No Glory, LORD, we claim;
But to thy sacred Name
Be all the Praise addressed;
Thou, who dost ever prove
The GOD of Truth an dLOVE,
Hath us in Mercy blessed.
2 Why should the Heathen say,
"Where doth their GOD delay?
"Why are they not released?"
Our GOD, who dwells on high,
The Sov'reign of the Sky,
Hath done whate'er him pleased.
3 Their golden Idol stands,
The Work of mortal Hands,
It's Mouth no Words expressing;
It hath both Eyes and Ears,
Yet neither sees nor hears;
It's Nose no Smell possessing.
4 Its Hands but useless prove,
It's Feet can never move,
To one fix'd Place confined;
Though Idols senseless are,
As stupid they appear,
Who them for Gods designed.
5 Israel, on GOD depend,
Who only can defend,
And succour the Distressed;
Priests, Levites, him alone
Your GOD and Saviour own;
To him be Praise addressed.
6 All ye that fear the LORD,
Trust in his holy Word,
On him with Faith relying:
'Tis he doth Comfort yield,
He is your Help and Shield,
Your Wants he's still supplying.
7 We have his Goodness seen,
And GOD hath mindful been,
Of Israel; he hath blessed
Priest, Levites, great and small,
His Proselytes, ev'n all,
Who hath his Name confessed.
8 For you, and for your Heirs,
His Blessing he prepares,
Who made both Earth and Heaven;
The Skies are all his own,
This World he fran'd alone,
Which he to us hath given.
9 The Dead, O righteous LORD!
To thee no Praise afford,
In silent Shades confined:
But we will evermore,
Thy glorious Name adore,
With Hearts to thee resigned. Scripture: Psalm 115 Languages: English Tune Title: [No Glory, Lord, we claim]
No Glory, LORD, we claim
Though wicked Men grow rich or great
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XXXVII (1767) Topics: Description of Blessings promised to the Pious and Charitable; Description of Vanity of earthly Goods and Benefits Lyrics: 1 Though wicked Men grow rich or great,
Yet let not their successful State,
Thy Anger or thy Envy, raise;
Howe'er they boast of blissful Days:
For they cut down like tender Grass,
Shall find their Glories quickly pass;
Or like a Flow'r that droops its Head,
Whose Beauty soon begins to fade.
2 Depend on GOD, and Him obey,
So thou within the Land shalt stay;
Secure from Danger, and from Want,
And he shall thy Petitions grant:
Make His Commands thy chief Delight,
And then thy Duty to requite;
To thee in Mercy he'll impart,
The secret Wishes of thy Heart.
3 In all thy Ways trust thou the Lord,
And he will needful Help afford;
All thy Concerns to him resign,
Who'll perfect ev'ry just Design:
He'll make, as Light, serene and clear,
Thy clouded Innocence appear;
And will thy Righteousness display,
Bright as the Sun's meridian Ray.
4 With quiet Mind on GOD depend,
And patiently for him attend;
Nor let it e'er thy Anger raise,
When those who follow sinful Ways,
With large Possessions still abound,
And with Prosperity are crown'd;
But let thy Soul at once despise
Them and the Plots which they devise.
5 From Anger cease, and Wrath forsake;
Let no ungovern'd Passion make
Thy wav'ring Heart espouse their Crime.
But trust in GOD, and wait his Time;
For he shall sinful Men destroy;
Whilst only they the Land enjoy,
Who humbly seek the LORD most high,
And with firm Hope on him rely.
6 How soon shall wicked Men decay!
Their Place shall vanish quite away;
Nor shall, by the strictest Search, be seen,
The Traces where thy once have been:
Whilst humble Souls possess the Earth,
Rejoicing still with Godly Mirth;
With Plenty they shall still abound,
With gentle Peace be ever crown'd.
Part II
7 While sinful Crouds, with false Design,
Against the righteous few combine,
And gnash their Teeth, and daring stand,
To shake the vengeful threat'ning Hand;
GOD shall their empty Plots deride,
And laugh at their defeated pride;
And while his Justice they defy,
He sees their utter Ruin nigh.
8 They draw the Sword, and bend the Bow,
The Poor and Needy to o'erthrow;
They practise Mischief ev'ry Day,
The Men of upright Lives to slay:
But their strong Bows shall soon be broke,
Their sharpen'd Weapon's mortal Stroke,
Shall back to their own Bosoms turn,
And make their Hearts with Anguish burn.
9 A little, with God's Favour bless'd,
That's by a righteous Man possess'd,
Is always to be valued more
Than all the Sinner's costly Store:
For GOD supports the just Man's Cause;
But as for those that break his Laws,
On them he will his Vengeance show'r
And quell their unsuccessful Pow'r.
10 His constant Care the Upright guides,
And over all their Life presides;
Their Portion shall for ever last;
Their Fruits of Plenty they shall taste;
And when Distress o'erwhelms the Earth,
Shall be unmov'd; and ev'n in Dearth,
The LORD shall all their Wants supply,
And make their Hearts o'erflow with Joy.
11 Not so the wicked Men, and those,
Who proudly dare GOD's Will oppose:
Destruction is their certain Lot;
Their very Names shall be forgot:
Like Fat of Lambs, their Hopes and they
Shall in an Instant melt away;
Like Smoke, that vanishes in Air,
So shall they quickly disappear.
Part III
12 While Sinners, brought to sad Decay,
Still borrow on, and never pay;
The Just have Pow'r and Will to give,
And shall in flowing Plenty live:
For such as GOD vouchsafes to bless,
Shall peaceably the Earth possess;
And those he curses, shall not stand,
But fall by his Almighty Hand,
13 The good Man's Way is GOD's Delight;
He orders all the Steps aright,
Of him, who moves by his Command,
And still upholds him with his Hand:
Though he sometimes may be distress'd,
Yet shall he ne'er be quite oppress'd;
Since GOD with Help is always nigh,
For those who on his Pow'r rely.
14 Though Age doth o'er my Youth prevail,
Yet saw I ne'er the Righteous fail,
Or Want o'ertake his num'rous Race;
GOD made his offspring's Wealth increase;
Because Compassion fill'd his Heart,
And he did chearfully impart,
Thus GOD in Mercy is inclin'd;
To those who keep a gen'rous Mind.
15 With Caution shun each wicked Deed,
In virtuous Ways with Zeal proceed,
For GOD, who Judgment loves, does still
Preserve his Saints secure from Ill;
And never will forsake the Just,
Who place in him their only Trust;
But wicked Men shall soon decay,
And like vain Shadows pass away.
16 The Upright shall possess the Land,
His Portion shall for ever stand;
The Lord shall his Protection be,
And he shall walk from Danger free;
His Tongue by Rules of Judgment moves;
His Heart the Law of God approves;
His Mouth with Wisdom is supply'd,
And his sure Steps shall never slide.
Part IV
17 In wait the watchful Sinner lies,
In Hopes the Righteous to surprize;
But all his Schemes must prove in vain,
For he shall not his Purpose gain;
God will not him defenceless leave,
But when he's judged will reprieve;
His Faults in Mercy he will see,
And From Destruction set him free.
18 Still on the LORD with Hope rely,
And he shall all thy Wants supply;
Wait thou on him, keep his Command,
And then exalted in the Land,
A large Possession thou shalt gain,
And from thy Foes secure remain:
While wicked Men destroy'd shall be,
And thou their dismal Fall shalt see.
19 The Wicked I in Pow'r have seen,
And like a Bay-Tree fresh and green,
That spreads its pleasant Branches round,
Ev'n so was he with Plenty crown'd;
But he was gone as quick as Thought,
And, tho' I diligently fought,
Yet could I, by no Sign or Trace,
Or any Mark, find out his Place.
20 Observe the perfect Man with Care,
And mark all such as upright are;
Their roughest Days in Peace shall end,
And happy Hours on them attend:
Whilst on the latter End of those,
Who dare GOD's holy Will oppose,
A common Ruin, soon or late,
Shall surely be their dismal Fate.
21 GOD, to the Just will Help afford,
Their only Safe-guard is the LORD;
Their Strength in Time of Need is he,
Who will from Danger set them free:
Because on him they still depend,
The LORD will timely Succour send:
The Wicked thus shall ne'er prevail,
Nor shall the Righteous ever fail. Scripture: Psalm 37 Languages: English Tune Title: [Though wicked Men grow rich and great]
Though wicked Men grow rich or great
With ever restless, and ungovern'd Rage
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #II (1767) Topics: Description of Duty of the Ministers of God's Word; Description of Fear and Service of the Lord Lyrics: 1 With ever restless, and ungover'd Rage,
Why are the Heathen ill Designs contriving?
Why thus in rash and vain Attempts engage,
Which they can ne'er complete, tho; boldly striving?
The earnly Kings, in council close combined,
Their utmost Pow'r, their various Forces bring;
In Union join'd, in compact all designed,
Against the LORD, and his anointed King.
2 "Must we submit," presumptuously they say,
"And yield, obedient, whilst they keep us under?
"No, let us cast their slavish Bands away.
"Shake off their Chains, and break their Cords asunder.'
But on his Throne the LORD in Glory seated,
Knows their Intent, and sees how they combine;
And while their bold Attempts are all defeated,
Laughs them to Scorn, and mocks their vain Design.
3 His waken'd Wrath shall shake his guilty Foes,
In great Displeasure he shall sore distress them;
And thus while yet they dare hi Will oppose,
The LORD himself in Thunder shall address them;
"Tho' madly thus you have my Pow'r disowned,
"Yet be assur'd, the King whom I ordain,
"On Sion’s holy Hill shall sit enthroned,
"And there securely shall for ever reign."
4 Let all attend and hear GOD's fixt Decree
On which he made to me this Declaration,
“Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee
"This Day, be Sov'regin LORD of ev'ry Nation;
“Ask, and receive, 'tis yielded to thy Pleasure;
"The Heathen thine Inheritance shall be;
"Lands far remote, whose Limits know no Measure,
"Shall be eternally posses'd by thee.
5 "Thy awful threatning Sceptte thou shalt shake
"O'er all the guilty Foes, and keep them under;
"Just as the massy Bars of Iron break
"The Potter’s weak and brittle Ware asunder."
Learn then, ye Princes, hear with due Attention,
And be ye wise, ye judges of the Earth;
His sacred Name with humble Rev'rence mention,
And joy before him with a godly Mirth.
6 Before the Son bow down with due Respect,
Strive to appease him by a low Submission,
Lest he in Wrath revenge the bold Neglect,
And doom you, helpless, to a swift Perdition.
If but in Part, his Anger be inflamed,
What Mortal can the fatal stroke withstand?
He soon shall see his daring Foes ashamed,
And crush'd at once by his Almighty Hand.
7 Then blest are they, who on our GOD rely,
With constant Hope on his strong Arm depending,
Who humbly strive to serve the LORD most high,
With grateful Hearts and Fervour never ending. Scripture: Psalm 2 Languages: English Tune Title: [With ever restless and ungoverned rage]
With ever restless, and ungovern'd Rage
With joint Consent let all the World attend
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XLIX (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Death; Description of Vanity of earthly Goods and Benefits Lyrics: 1 With joint Consent let all the World attend,
And let my Precepts in their Hearts descend,
Let high and low, and rich and poor, give Ear,
And my Instructions with Attention hear:
My Mouth supply'd with Wisdom from my Heart,
Shall sacred Oracles to you impart;
The sound Result of prudent Contemplation
And Thoughts digested for your Information.
2 Mine Ear I will to Parables incline;
Whilst to my Harp I sing the deep Design.
In dang'rous Times why should my courage fail,
Tho' wicked Men against me would prevail:
Those Men, who all their Hope in Treasure place,
And boast to see their ill-got Wealth increase,
Cannot from Death, their Dearest Friend deliver.
Or change the Will of GOD; that's fix'd forever.
3 In this, their vain Endeavours they must quit,
The Mark is far too high for them to hit;
No Sums of Wealth a Grant so large can buy;
That Man, by Nature mortal, should not die;
No Wisdom can secure the Wise from Death,
Nor Fools by Folly stay their fleeting Breath;
But both must fall, their Wealth must be resigned,
And in the Grave their mould'ring Dust confined.
4 For tho' they think their Names will have no End,
But unto distant Ages shall extend;
That all their stately Seats shall still endure,
And that their Lands and Treasures are secure:
Yet shall they fall, how great so e'er their State,
And with the Beasts shall meet one common Fate;
Their transient Glory shall be disrespected,
Their Memory forgot, and quite neglected.
But their Remembrance last in lands
Part II
5 How greatly then, their Folly's, to be blam'd
Who walk in Error ever unreclaim'd;
Whose Children still repeat repeat their gross Mistake,
And like their Sires, absurd Conclusions make;
They all like Sheep, when to the Slaughter led,
The Prey of all devouring Death are made:
Their Beauty (whilst the Righteous are protected,)
Within the dreary Tomb shall be neglected.
6 But GOD shall snatch me from th'expecting Grave,
And shall my Soul unto himself receive:
Then fear not thou, tho' worldly Men abound,
In envy'd Wealth, and are with Honour crown'd;
Nor let their prosp'rous State disturb thy Peace,
Altho' their large Possessions still encrease;
For when they die, their Wealth must be resigned,
And all their Glory in the Grave confined.
7 And yet, enticed in the Flatt'rers Snare,
They tho't their State was blest, and took no Care;
Their Fathers Steps they tread, and when they die,
In endless Darkness, like their Father lie;
For Man, how great so-e'er his State may be,
Unless he walks from Vice and Folly free,
As like a Beast, he hath his Life directed,
So shall he perish like a Beast neglected. Scripture: Psalm 49 Languages: English Tune Title: [With joint Consent let all the World attend]
With joint Consent let all the World attend
Ye Princes who in Might excel
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XXIX (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers; Description of Storms and Stress of Weather Lyrics: 1 Ye Princes who in Might excel,
Your grateful Sacrifice prepare;
God's glorious Actions loudly tell,
His wond'rous Pow'r to all declare;
To him alone your Homage pay;
To him alone devoutly pray.
2 To His great Name fresh Altars raise;
And humbly due Respect afford;
Him in his sacred Temple praise,
Where he's with solemn State ador'd.
To him continual Pray'rs address,
His Name with constant Praises bless.
3 'Tis He that with amazing Noise
The wat'ry Clouds in sunder breaks:
The Ocean trembles at his Voice,
When he from Heav'n in thunder speaks;
His Voice loud echoes through the Hills,
And all the Earth with Terror fills.
4 How full of Pow'r His Voice appears!
With what majestick Terror crown'd!
Which from the Roots tall Cedars tears,
And strews their scatter'd Branches round.
Whene'er the LORD in Thunder speaks,
The Trees of Libanus he breaks.
5 They, and the Hills on which they grow,
Are sometimes hurried far away,
And leap, like Hinds that bounding go,
Or Unicorns in youthful Play:
the Cloud-topp'd Hills themselves will quake,
And from their firm Foundations shake.
6 When God in Thunder loudly speaks,
And scatter'd Flames of Lightning sends,
The Forest nods, the Desart quakes,
And stubborn Kadesh lowly bends,
To see his pointed Lightnings fly,
While Thunder rends the vaulted Sky.
7 He makes the Hinds to cast their Young,
And lays the Beasts dark coverts bare;
While those that to His Courts belong,
Securely sing His Praises there:
His Saints in Safety there attend,
And at his awful Footstool bend.
8 God rules the angry Floods on high,
His boundless Sway shall never cease;
His People He'll with Strength supply,
And bless His own with constant Peace;
On them he sends his Blessings down,
And will his Saints with Glory crown. Scripture: Psalm 29 Languages: English Tune Title: [Ye Princes who in might excel]
Ye Princes who in Might excel
O thou in whose presence
Hymnal: Social and Camp-meeting Songs, for the Pious (9th ed. enl.) #26 (1827) Meter: Irregular Topics: Description of Christ
O thou in whose presence
What poor despised company
Hymnal: Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Original and Selected, for the Use of Christians. (5th ed.) #B110 (1838) Meter: 8.6.8.6 Topics: A brief description of the Children of God Languages: English
What poor despised company
Against all those that strive with me
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XXXV (1767) Topics: Description of Hyprocisy Lyrics: 1 Against all those that strive with me,
Assert my Right, and set me free!
Be thou, O LORD! my sure Protection,
And bring my Foes to thy Subjection.
Put on thy Buckler and thy Shield;
Stand up, O GOD, in my Defence;
Bring forth thy Spear, and to my Soul,
Say, "I am still thy Confidence."
2 Let them with sudden Shame be brought,
Who have my Soul's Destruction sought;
Let them who Mischief have devised,
Be with Confusion soon surprised:
Then shall they fly, dispers'd like Chaff
Before the furious driving Wind;
And from GOD's Minister of Wrath
They, no where, shall a Refuge find.
3 But when, his dreadful Rage to shun,
Thro' dark and slipp'ry Paths they run,
The Angel of the LORD pursuing,
Shall urge them on to speedy Ruin;
Since unprovok'd by any Wrong,
They laid for me their treach'rous Snare,
And, for my harmless Soul, a Pit,
Did without any Cause prepare.
4 Let them in Mischiefs be surpris'd,
Which for my Soul they had devis'd;
Their feet in their own Snares betrayed,
So shall their Treach'ry be repayed;
Whilst my glad Soul shall GOS's great Name,
For this his kind Deliv'rance bless;
And by His saving Health secur'd,
Her grateful Joy in Songs express.
Part II
5 My Bones shall say, from Anguish free,
"Oh LORD! who can compare with thee?
"Thou hast reliev'd the poor distressed,
"And all their heavy Wrongs redressed,"
"Who sett'st the poor and helpless Man
False Witnesses, with forg'd Complaints,
Against my Honour have combin'd;
And to my Charge unjustly laid.
Such Things as I had ne'er design'd.
6 For all the Good for them I wrought,
My Life they have with Malice sought;
My Soul to Danger still betraying,
My Kindnesses with Wrong repaying.
But as for me, when they were sick,
In Sack-cloth I sincerely mourn'd;
I pray'd and fasted, but my Pray'r
Again to my own Breast return'd.
7 Not to my Friends or Brethren dear,
Could I have shewn more tender Care;
Or for a Mother more deplored,
Whose Loss can never be restored.
How diff'rent did their Conduct prove,
To me in Times of deep Distress;
When they in Crouds together met,
And did their savage Joy express?
8 The Rabble too, in num'rous Throngs,
Came round, insulting me with Wrongs;
With Flatt'rers, busy Scoffers joined,
Against my Peace of Mind combined:
But, LORD, how long wilt thou look on?
Do thou on my Behalf appear!
And save my guiltless Soul, which they,
Like Beasts, would into Pieces tear.
Part III
9 So I, before the World will raise,
To thee, my GOD, loud Songs of Praise;
Thy Name in great Assemblies blessing,
My Thanks with humble Joy expressing:
LORD, suffer not my causeless Foes,
Who me do most unjustly hate;
With open Joy, or secret Signs,
To triumph in my sad Estate.
10 In framing Lies they never cease
With wicked Hearts averse to Peace;
Against the Just they have combined,
Who are to Quiet still inclined:
Nor with these private Arts content,
They vent their Spite aloud to all,
And say, "At last we have our Wish,
"With Pleasure we behold him fall."
11 But thou, O Lord, who dost survey,
Both them and me, keep not away;
But let thy Servant be defended,
And in his Innocence befriended:
LORD! as my Heart has upright been,
Let me thy Justice ever find;
Nor let my cruel Foes obtain
The Triumphs which they have design'd.
12 Oh let them not exulting say,
"At length he is become our Prey;
"Our fondest Wishes are compleated,
There - there he lies by us defeated."
Let such as in my Hurt rejoic'd,
With Shame confus'd, their Faces hide;
Dishonour be their Lot, who have
Themselves against me magnified.
13 Whilst constant Blessings shall attend,
On those who my just Cause befriend;
By them, O LORD, shalt thou be praised,
To thee shall all their Songs be raised:
So shall my Tongue thy Judgments sing,
Inspir'd with a grateful Joy;
And chearful Hymns in Praise of thee,
My GOD! shall all my Days employ. Scripture: Psalm 35 Languages: English Tune Title: [Against all those that strive with me]
Against all those that strive with me
At length, by certain proofs, 'tis plain
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LXXIII (1767) Topics: Description of Vanity of earthly Goods and Benefits Lyrics: 1 At length, by certain Proofs, 'tis plain
That GOD will to his Saints be kind;
That all whose Hearts are pure and clean,
Shall his protecting Favour find.
'Till this sustaining Truth I knew,
My stagg'ring Feet had almost fail'd;
I griev'd, the Sinner's Wealth to view,
And envy'd when the Fools prevail'd.
2 They to the Grave in Peace descend,
And, whilst they live, are hale and strong;
No Plague of Troubles them offend,
Which oft to other Men belong.
With Pride, as with a Chain, they're held,
And Rapine seems their Robe of State;
Their Eyes stand out, with Fatness swell'd;
They grow, beyond their Wishes, great.
3 With Hearts corrupt and lofty Talk,
Oppressive Methods they defend;
Their Tongue thro' all the Earth does walk,
Their Blasphemies to Heav'n ascend,
And yet admiring Crouds are found,
Who servile Visits duly make;
Because with Plenty they abound,
Of which their flatt'ring Slaves partake.
4 Their fond Opinion these pursue,
'Till they, with them, profanely cry
"How should the LORD our Actions view?
"Can He perceive, who dwells so high"?
Behold the Wicked, these are they,
Who openly their sins profess;
And yet their Wealth's encreas'd each Day,
And all their Actions meet Success.
5 "Then have I cleans'd my Heart, said I,
"And wash'd my Hands from Guilt in vain,
"If all the Day oppress'd I lie,
"And ev'ry Morning suffer Pain."
Thus did I once to speak intend,
But if such Things I rashly say,
Thy Children, LORD, I must offend,
And basely should their Cause betray.
Part II
6 To fathom this my Thoughts I bent;
But found the Case too hard for me,
'Till to the House of GOD I went,
Then I their End did plainly see.
How high soe'er advanc'd, they all
On slipp'ry Places loosely stand;
Thence into Ruin headlong fall,
Cast down by thy avenging Hand.
7 How dreadful and how quick their Fate!
Despis'd by thee, when they're destroy'd;
As waking Men, with Scorn do treat
The Fancies that their Dreams employ'd.
Thus was my Heart with Grief oppress'd,
My Reins were rack'd with restless Pains;
So stupid was I, like a Beast,
Who no reflecting Thought retains.
8 Yet still thy Presence me supply'd,
And thy Right-Hand Assistance gave;
Thou first shalt with thy Counsel guide
And then to Glory me receive.
Whom then in Heaven, but thee alone,
Have I, whose Favour I require?
Throughout the spacious Earth, there's none
That I besides thee can desire.
9 My trembling Flesh, and aching Heart,
May often fail to succour me;
But GOD shall inward Strength impart,
And my eternal Portion be.
For they that far from thee remove,
Shall into sudden Ruin fall,
If after other GODS they rove,
Thy Vengeance shall destroy them all.
10 But as for me, 'tis good and just,
That I should still to GOD repair;
In him I always put my Trust,
And will His wond'rous Works declare. Scripture: Psalm 73 Languages: English Tune Title: [At length, by certain proffs, 'tis plain]
At length, by certain proofs, 'tis plain
From distant Times thou hast remained
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XC (1767) Topics: Description of Misery and Vanity of human Life Lyrics: 1 From distant Times thou hast remained,
O LORD, our sure abiding Place;
And by thy mighty Arm sustained,
From Age to Age, thy chosen Race.
Before the lofty Hills appeared,
Or e'er thy Pow'r the Earth did frame,
Thou wert as LORD supreme revered;
And thou art evermore the same.
2 Frail Man, at thy fierce Indignation,
Is turn'd to Dust, of which he's made;
And when thou wouldst renew his Station,
Thy Will is instantly obey'd.
A Thousand Years to thee not seeming,
Longer than as a fleeting Day,
Or Midnight Watch, to Men when dreaming,
Whose Hours in Silence waste away.
3 Thou sweep'st us off by thy great Power,
We vanish hence like airy Dreams;
At first we grow like some fair Flower
That feels the Sun's refreshing Beams:
But howsoever fresh and blooming,
Its Beauty in the Morning shows,
'Tis soon cut down, and Flames consuming,
Destroy it e'er the Ev'ning close.
4 We by thine Anger are distressed,
And at thy Wrath we are dismay'd;
Our Crimes, whene'er we have transgressed,
Are all before thy Presence laid.
Thy dreadful Indignation lasting,
Our drooping Days in Grief we spend;
Our Years in pining Sorrow wasting,
Break off like Tales that quickly end.
5 Our Term in Sev'nty Years is ended,
An Age which very few survive;
But if that Term should be extended,
And we at Eighty should arrive;
Yet then our boasted Vigour failing,
We waste away in Grief and Pain,
The Hand of Death is soon prevailing,
And we no longer may remain.
Part II
6 But who, O LORD, thy sore Displeasure
Does with a due Regard revere?
And yet thou dost thine Anger measure,
As more or less we learn to fear.
LORD! let us be by thee respected,
And teach us our short Date to mind;
That, by true Wisdom still directed,
Our Hearts may be to GOD inclin'd.
7 Turn thee, O GOD, to us distressed,
And to thy Servants gracious be;
Let us with Mercy soon be blessed,
And make us still rejoice in thee.
Since thou hast us with Sorrows vexed,
LORD, wipe away our former Tears;
And let us be no more perplexed,
But comfort us with happier Years.
8 Let this thy wond'rous Work displayed,
To all thy Servants, LORD< be shown;
And, down to distant Times conveyed,
O let thy glorious Pow'r be known!
Be thy bright Rays to us inclined,
And kindly give our Work Success;
The glorious Work we have designed,
Do thou, O LORD, vouchsafe to bless. Scripture: Psalm 90 Languages: English Tune Title: [From distant Times thou hast remained]
From distant Times thou hast remained
Give Ear, thou Judge of all the Earth
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LV (1767) Topics: Description of Hyprocisy Lyrics: 1 Give Ear, thou Judge of all the Earth,
And listen when to thee I pray;
Nor from thy humble Suppliant turn,
Thy glorious Face, O LORD, away;
Do thou bow down thy gracious Ear,
Whilst I my mournful Case declare.
2 Hark, how the Foe insults aloud,
And how my fierce Oppressors rage;
Whose sland'ring Tongues against my Fame,
With growing Malice still engage.
My Soul's with trembling Fears distress'd,
My Heart with Horror quite oppress'd.
3 How often wish I then, that I
The Dove's swift soaring Wings could get;
That I might take my speedy Flight,
And find out some secure Retreat:
Then would I through wild Desarts stray,
'Till this fierce Storm had pass'd away.
4 Destroy, O LORD, their ill Designs,
Do thou their Counsels soon divide;
For through the City my griev'd Eyes,
Have nought but Strife and Rapine spy'd:
Within her Walls they walk their round,
Where Grief and Mischief still is found.
5 Whoe'er through every Part shall roam,
Shall ever fresh Disorders meet;
Deceit and Guile their constant Posts,
Have still maintain'd in ev'ry Street:
Daily their wicked Plots encrease,
Their treach'rous Actions never cease.
6 'Twas not my open Foe profess'd
Who these severe Reflections made;
For then I could with Ease have borne,
The many bitter Things he said:
And when he did against me rise,
Have hid from his malicious Eyes.
7 But 'twas ev'n thou, my Guide my Friend,
Whom tend'rest Love to me did join;
Whose sweet Advice I valued most,
Whose Pray'rs were always mix'd with mine:
Ev'n thou, whose Converse I approv'd,
My Bosom Friend, whom most I lov'd.
8 Sure Vengeance, equal to their Crimes,
Such faithless Traitors must surprise;
And sudden Death requite those Ills,
Which they with wickedly Hearts devise:
But GOD shall in my Aid appear,
And Night and Day my Voice shall hear.
9 GOD has releas'd my Soul from those,
That did against my Life contend;
And made a num'rous Host of Friends,
At length my righteous Cause defend:
The LORD my mournful Voice shall hear,
And punish those who know no Fear.
10 Whom can I trust, if faithless Men,
With secret Treachery devise
To ruin me, their peaceful Friend,
And basely break the strongest Ties:
21 Tho' soft and melting are their Words,
Their Hearts with War and Strife abound,
Their Words though smooth like Daggers wound.
and yet like Swords they wound.
11 Do thou, my Soul, on GOD depend,
And he shall thy Life sustain;
He aids the Just, whom to supplant,
The Wicked ever strive in vain:
My Foes shall all untimely die;
Whilst I for Health on GOD rely. Scripture: Psalm 55 Languages: English Tune Title: [Give Ear, thou Judge of all the Earth]
Give Ear, thou Judge of all the Earth
God in the great Assembly sits
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LXXXII (1767) Topics: Description of Duty of Judges and Magistrates Lyrics: 1 God in the great Assembly sits,
Enthron'd, where his impartial Eye
In State surveys the Earthly Gods,
and does their weaker Judgments try.
How can ye then unjustly judge;
And be to daring Sinners kind?
Strive ye the Orphans to defend,
And let the Poor your Justice find.
2 Protect the humble helpless Man,
When he's reduc'd to deep Distress,
And let not him become a Prey.
To such as would his Soul oppress.
They neither know, nor will they learn,
But blindly roving, go stray;
Justice and Truth, the World's Support,
Are now beginning to decay.
3 Well then may GOD, in Anger, say,
"I've call'd you by my sacred Name,
"I've said ye're GOD's, the Sons and Heirs
"Of Glory and immortal Fame,
"But ne'ertheless, your unjust Deeds,
"To strict Account I'll surely call;
"You all shall die like common Men,
"like other haughty Tyrants fall.
4 Arise, and thy just Judgments, LORD,
Throughout th'astonish'd World display,
And all the Nations of the Earth,
Shall own thy everlasting Sway. Scripture: Psalm 82 Languages: English Tune Title: [God, in the great Assembly sits]
God in the great Assembly sits
God is our Refuge in Distress
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XLVI (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers Lyrics: 1 GOD is our Refuge in Distress,
A present Help when Dangers press;
On him for Safety we reyl'd,
And in his Strength we will confide:
Tho' Earth were from her Centre tost,
And Mountains in the Ocean lost;
Or lofty Hills from their Abode,
Torn Piece-Meal by the roaring Flood.
2 Let angry Waves together roll'd,
Rage on with Fury uncontroul'd;
We will not fear, whilst we depend
On GOD, who is our constant Friend:
A gentler Stream that ever flows,
And Joy to all around bestows,
The City of our Lord shall fill,
The City where he's worship'd still.
3 God dwells in Sion, whose strong Tow'rs
Shall mock th'Assault of earthly Pow'rs,
And his Almighty Aid is nigh,
To those who on his Strength rely.
In Tumults when the Heathen rag'd,
And Kingdoms War against us wag'd,
In Thunders loud his Voice was heard,
And soon their Forces disappear'd.
Part II
4 The LORD of Hosts conducts our Arms,
Our Tow'r of Refuge in Alarms;
Our Fathers Guardian he hath been,
And we his tender Love have seen.
Come see what Pow'r he hath display'd,
His People ne'er shall be dismay'd;
For them he hath these Wonders wroght,
And on the Earth Destruction brought.
5 Abroad he hath his Vengeance hurl'd,
And aw'd to Peace the jarring World;
He doth destroy the Spear and Bow,
And into Flames their Chariots throw:
With Rev'rence be the LORD address'd;
The Earth her Sov'reign hath confess'd;
The Heathen shall his Pow'r obey,
And yield to his Almighty Sway.
6 The God of Hosts, conducts our Arms,
Our Tow'r of Refuge in Alarms,
Our Father's Guardian he hath been,
And we his wond'rous Love have seen. Scripture: Psalm 46 Languages: English Tune Title: [God is our refuge in distress]
God is our Refuge in Distress
GOD's Temple crowns the holy Mount
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LXXXVII (1767) Topics: Description of The Church: Glory and Renown Lyrics: 1 GOD's Temple crowns the holy Mount,
The LORD there condescends to dwell;
His Sion's Gates, in his Account,
Our Israel's fairest Tents excell.
Fame, glorious Things of thee shall sing,
O City of th' Almighty King!
2 I'll mention Rahab with due Praise,
In Babylon's Applauses join,
The Fame of Ethiopia raise,
With that of Tyre and Palestine;
And grant that some, amongst them born,
Their Age and Country did adorn.
3 But still of Sion I'll aver,
That many such from her proceed;
Th' Almighty shall establish her;
His gen'ral Lift shall shew when read,
That such a person there was born,
And such did such an Age adorn.
7 He'll Sion find with Numbers fill'd
Of such as merit high Renown,
For Hand and Voice Musicians skill'd,
And (her transcending Fames to crown)
Of such she shall Successions bring,
Like Waters from a living Spring. Scripture: Psalm 87 Languages: English Tune Title: [God's Temple crowns the holy Mount]
GOD's Temple crowns the holy Mount
How blest is he who ne'er consents to walk
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #I (1767) Topics: Description of Happiness of Man Lyrics: 1 How blest is he, who ne'er consents to walk
By ill Advice nor dares to stand and talk
In Sinners' Way, their Vice and Cause maintaining
Nor sits with Scorners, Things divine profaning:
But in GOD's sacred Law takes great Delight,
Still reads by Day and meditates by Night.
2 Like some fair Tree, fix'd by the River's Side,
Which bends with Fruit, and spreads its Foliage wide;
So shall he flourish, Heav'n his Cause defending,
And sweet Success his good Designs attending:
In vain the Tempest strives to shake his Leaf,
The Son of Joy breaks thro' the clouds of Grief.
3 Not to the Wicked; they no Root shall find,
But fly like Chaff before the rapid Wind.
The Lord hath not their evil Ways approved,
Their Race shall therefore from the Earth be moved.
They shall not stand in GOD's most holy Sight,
Who only loves the Man that seeketh Right.
4 When GOD with Glory shall in Judgment come,
A conscious Guilt shall strike the Sinner dumb;
Nor to the Wicked will he grant a Station,
Among the pure and righteous Congregation:
The Ways of Justice, thus, to Bliss shall tend,
Whilst Sinners' Paths must in their Ruin end. Scripture: Psalm 1 Languages: English Tune Title: [How blest is he, who ne'er consents to walk]
How blest is he who ne'er consents to walk
How many, Lord, there be
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #III (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers Lyrics: 1 How many, Lord, there be,
that strive to trouble me,
My Peace of Mind destroying!
And as their Numbers grow
so does their Hatred too,
In my Afflictions joying.
They do my Soul upbraid,
thought GOD himself's my Aid,
Yet know they not to fear him;
Insultingly they cry,
let him on GOD rely,
The LORD now more will hear him.
3 But thou art my Defence,
my Hope and Confidence,
In thee alone are placed;
My glory thou shalt raise,
and to thy endless Praise,
My Foes shall be disgraced.
When like Distress was nigh,
my sad and mournful Cry,
Was to the LORD addressed;
And from his holy Hill,
he did my Wish fulfill,
And all my Wrongs redressed.
3 In thy Protection blest,
secure I take my Rest,
No kind of Danger fearing;
When Morning gilds the Skies,
refresh'd again I rise,
Sweet Sleep my Spirit cheering.
Not all my Foes combin'd,
disturb my Peace of Mind,
Their Rage shall ne'er confound me.
To thee I lift my Voice,
and in thy Strength rejoice,
Tho' thousands should surround me.
4 Arise, O GOD, arise!
Disperse those Enemies,
That are my Life pursuing;
Let thy Almighty Hand,
their utmost Pow'r withstand,
And guard me safe from Ruin.
To GOD, who is my Song,
Salvation doth belong;
And they shall be defended;
Who hat lift up on high,
their supplicating Cry,
And on the LORD depended.
Scripture: Psalm 3 Languages: English Tune Title: [How many, Lord, there be]
How many, Lord, there be
How vast must their Advantage be
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXXXIII (1767) Topics: Description of The Church: Unity of its Memebers Lyrics: 1 How vast must their Advantage be,
How very great their Pleasure prove?
Who live like Brethren, and consent,
In tender Offices of Love.
2 True Love is like that precious Oil,
Which, pour'd on Aaron's sacred Head,
Ran down his Beard, and o'er his Robes,
Its costly fragrant Moisture shed.
3 'Tis like refreshing Dew, which does
On Hermon's lofty Top distill;
Or like the early Drops, that fall
On sacred Sion's fruitful Hill.
4 For Sion is the chosen Seat,
The Seat, where the Almighty King
The promis'd Blessing has ordain'd,
And fixed Life's eternal Spring. Scripture: Psalm 133 Languages: English Tune Title: [How vast must their Advantage be]
How vast must their Advantage be
In Vain, O Man of lawless Pow'r
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LII (1767) Topics: Description of Slander and Backbiting Lyrics: 1 In Vain, O Man of lawless Pow'r,
Thou boast'st thyself in Ill;
Since GOD, who is my Strength and Tow'r,
Vouchsafes his Favour still:
Secur'd by his Almighty Hand,
Your Malice I withstand.
2 Thy Tonge to Mischief still inclin'd,
Doth sland'rous Tales devise;
Thy Heart in malice hath design'd,
To wound with treach'rous Lies;
Thy Thoughts thou dost in Schemes employ,
The Righteous to destroy.
3 Thy Tongue delights in Words, whereby
The Guiltless are oppress'd;
But GOD shall all thy Pow'r defy,
And thou shalt be suppress'd;
The LORD shall not permit thy Stay,
But snatch thee soon away.
4 The Just, who wait with pious Fear
Thy sudden Fall to see;
At last shall find thee quite o'erthrown,
And from thy Ruin flee;
They at the Downfal of thy Pride,
Shall thus thy Joy deride:
5 "See there the Man who GOD defy'd;
"Despis'd his Holy Will,
"And on his Wealth and Art rely'd,
"To be protected still:
"His Pride, which more and more did grow,
"Is now at last brought low."
6 But I am like those Olive Plants,
Which shade GOD's Temple round;
And hope with his refreshing Grace,
To be for ever crown'd:
In his Indulgence I'll rejoice,
And shout with chearful Voice.
7 So shalt thou still, O GOD, be prais'd,
For all thy wond'rous Love,
And thy great Name in Anthems rais'd,
For this thy Saints approve:
While on thy Word I rest secure,
Which stands forever sure. Scripture: Psalm 52 Languages: English Tune Title: [In Vain, O Man of lawless Pow'r]
In Vain, O Man of lawless Pow'r
Jehovah reigns, let all
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XCIX (1767) Topics: Description of Fear and Service of the Lord Lyrics: 1 Jehovah reigns, let all
The guilty Nations quake;
On Cherubs Wings he sit, enthron'd:
Let Earth's Foundations shake:
In Sion he is great,
Above all People high;
O Praise his holy Name,
Who dwells above the Sky,
In awful Majesty.
2 For Truth and Justice still,
Or Strength and Pow'r take Place;
His righteous Judgments are,
Dispens'd to Jacob's Race:
Therefore exalt the LORD,
Before his Footstool fall
In Adoration low;
And with his Pow'r, let all
His Holiness extol.
3 Moses and Aaron thus,
Amongst the Priestsador'd
Samuel his Prophet too,
He heard, when they implor'd:
Before the Camp, their Guide
The cloudy Pillar mov'd;
They kept his Laws, and they
Obedient Servants prov'd,
His Ordinance they lov'd.
4 He heard, and oft forgave
His People for their Sake;
And those who them oppos'd,
Did sad Examples make;
Then, in his sacred Courts,
Due Praise to him afford,
For he who holy is,
Alone should be ador'd:
Ye Saints, praise ye the LORD. Scripture: Psalm 99 Languages: English Tune Title: [Jehovah reigns, let all]
Jehovah reigns, let all
LORD, let thy just Decrees the King
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LXXII (1767) Topics: Description of The Church: Happiness under the Government of the Messiah Lyrics: 1 LORD, let thy just Decrees the King
In all his Ways direct;
And let his Son, throughout his Reign,
Thy righteous Laws respect.
So shall he still thy People judge,
With pure and upright Mind;
Whilst all the helpless Poor shall him,
Their just Protector find.
2 Then Hills and Mountains shall bring forth,
The happy Fruits of Peace;
Which all the Land shall own to be,
The work of Righteousness;
Whilst he the poor and needy Race.
Shall rule with gentle Sway,
And from their humble Necks, shall take
Oppressive Yoaks away.
3 In ev'ry Heart, thy awful Fear
Shall then be rooted fast,
As long as Sun and Moon endure,
Or Time itself shall last.
He shall descend like Rain, that chears
The Meadow's second Birth;
Or like war Show'rs, whose gentle Drops,
Refresh the thirsty Earth.
4 In his blest Days the Just and Good
Shall be with Favour crown'd;
The happy Land shall every where
With endless Peace abound.
His uncontroul'd Dominion shall
From Sea to Sea extend;
Begin at proud Euphrates' Stream,
At Nature's Limits end.
5 To him the Savage Nations round,
Shall bow their servile Heads;
His vanquish'd Foes shall lick the Dust
Where he his Conquest spreads.
The Kings of Tarshish, and the Isles,
Shall costly Presents bring;
From spicy Sheba Gifts shall come,
And wealthy Saba's King.
6 To him shall ev'ry King on Earth
His humble Homage pay;
And diff'ring Nations gladly join,
To own his righteous Sway.
For he shall set the needy free,
When they for Succour cry;
Shall save the Helpless, and the Poor,
And all their Wants supply.
Part II
7 His Providence, for needy Souls
Shall due Supplies prepare;
And over their defenceless Lives,
Shall watch with tender Care.
He shall preserve and keep their Souls
From Fraud and Rapine free;
And in his Sight, their guiltless Blood
Of mighty Price shall be.
8 Therefore shall GOD his Life and Reign
To many Years extend;
Whilst Eastern Princes Tribute pay,
And golden Presents send.
For him shall constant Pray'rs be made,
Thro' all his prosp'rous Days;
His just Dominion shall afford
A lasting Theme of Praise.
9 Of useful Grain thro' all the Land,
Great Plenty shall appear;
A Handful sown on Mountain Tops,
A mighty Crop shall bear.
Its Fruit, like Cedars shook by Winds,
A rattling Noise shall yield;
The City too shall thrive, and vie
For Plenty, with the Field.
10 The Mem'ry of his glorious Name,
Thro' endless Years shall run;
His spotless Fame shall shine as bright
And lasting as the Sun.
In him the Nations of the Earth
Shall be completely blest,
And his unbounded Happiness
By ev'ry Tongue confest.
11 Then bless'd be GOD, the mighty LORD,
The GOD whom Israel fears;
Who only wond'rous in his Works,
Beyond Compare, appears.
Let Earth be with His Glory fill'd;
Forever bless his Name;
Whilst to his Praise the list'ning World,
Their glad Assent proclaim. Scripture: Psalm 72 Languages: English Tune Title: [Lord, let thy just Decrees the King]
LORD, let thy just Decrees the King
Lord, who shall to thy courts repair
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XV (1767) Topics: Description of A Citizen of Heaven Lyrics: 1 LORD! who shall to thy Courts repair,
And, crown'd with Bliss, inhabit there?
Oh! who shall find that late Retreat?
Not Stranger-like awhile to stay,
As, those who transient Visits pay;
But fix with thee a lasting Seat?
2 'Tis he whose pure unspotted Heart,
Doth pure and spotless Thoughts impart,
Whose Deeds by Rules of Virtue move:
'Tis he whose Words are soft and meek,
Whose gen'rous Tongue disdains to speak
The Thing his Heart doth not approve.
3 Who never Slander whisper'd round,
His Neighbour's spotless Fame to wound,
Or wrapt his Thoughts in mean Disguise;
Who never lent a list'ning Ear,
The keen provoking Strokes to hear,
Of bold Reproach or secret Lies.
4 Who Vice in all her Pomp array'd,
With Wealth and Honours full display'd,
Can nobly treat with just Neglect;
And Piety, tho' set aside,
For scornful Sinners to deride,
Doth with religious Zeal respect.
5 Who to his plighted Vows and Trust,
With Heart inviolably just,
Hath evermore unshaken stood;
Whose Soul by Usury disdains
To heap up ill-acquired Gains,
Nor hath, for Bribes, sought guiltless Blood.
6 The Man, who by this steady Course,
Hath shunn'd the Sting of keen Remorse,
And inward Happiness insur'd;
Tho' Earth's from her Foundation shake,
And troubled Nature loudly quake,
Shall stand by Providence secur'd. Scripture: Psalm 15 Languages: English Tune Title: [Lord, who shall to thy courts repair]
Lord, who shall to thy courts repair
Lord, with thy wonted mercy hear
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #V (1767) Topics: Description of Hyprocisy Lyrics: 1 Lord, with thy wonted Mercy hear,
The Voice of my Distress;
To my complaint bow down then Ear,
And all my Wrongs redress.
To thee my King and God,
I will direct my mournful Cry,
Accept my secret Pray'r,
For on thee alone rely.
2 Soon as the Morn with cheerful Light,
Shall paint the floating Skies,
To thee I will my Pray'r address;
To thee my Voice shall rise:
Ev'n when the early Dawn,
Shall shoot abroad it's timed Ray,
To thee i will look up,
To thee my GOD, devoutly pray.
3 In Men to Folly still inclin'd,
The LORD takes not Delight;
Nor will permit the sinful wretch,
To stand before his Sight.
The Wrongs which I sustain,
The GOD of Truth will not approve,
Who from his holy Place,
Will all Unrighteousness remove.
4 The stubborn Fool, who still with Scorn,
Rejects his proffer'd Grace,
He will reject with just Disdain,
And banish from his Face;
Those who unrighteous Things,
Do still with wicked Hearts pursue,
His Vengeance will not leave,
To stand unpunish'd in his View.
Part 2d:
5. The sland'ring Tongue, oh GOD of Truth!
Thou surely wilt destroy;
In lying Lips and faithless Hearts,
Thy Spirit finds no Joy;
So likewise dost thou hate,
The Man who is to Blood inclin'd;
And his deceitful Race,
From thee shall no Protection find.
6 But when thy heav'nly Grace, shall me
To thy blest courts restore,
On thee I'll fix my longing Eyes,
And humbly there adore;
Ev'n at thy Temple Gate,
With constant Zeal I will attend,
And thence my Pray'r direct,
To GOD, on whom I still depend.
7 Conduct me by thy righteous Laws,
To me in mercy show,
That sacred path of Truth, oh Lord!
In which I ought to go.
My Foes stand watching round,
In Hopes my sudden Fall to see;
Oh guard my heedless Steps,
And from their Snares deliver me.
8 Their Mouths vent nothing but Deceit,
To Slander still inclin'd;
Their wicked Hearts against my Life,
Have treach'rously design'd;
Their Throat is like a Grave,
That ever yawning to devour;
They flatter with their Tongue,
And still exult in lawless Pow'r.
9 In their own Counsels let them fall,
By Loads of Guilt opprest;
And as they others would have wrong'd,
So let them be distrest.
For they against thy Laws,
Have ever harden'd Rebels been,
They daily thee provok'd,
By still persisting in their Sin.
10 But let all those, who trust in thee,
Shout with triumphant Joy;
And all their Hours in Songs of praise,
Delightfully employ.
Let those whom thou preserv'st,
Thy Goodness all abroad proclaim;
And tell what Bliss awaits,
Those who revere thy holy Name.
11 To righteous men, the bounteous LORD,
His Blessing will impart;
Protection he affords to all,
Who have an upright Heart.
The LORD to all his Saints,
His Grace and Favour will extend;
And from approaching Harm,
Their Lives as with a Shield defend.
Scripture: Psalm 5 Languages: English Tune Title: [Lord, with thy wonted mercy hear]
Lord, with thy wonted mercy hear
O come, loud Anthems let us sing
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XCV (1767) Topics: Description of Fear and Service of the Lord Lyrics: 1 O come, loud Anthems let us sing,
Loud Thanks to our Almighty King:
For we our Voices high should raise,
When our Salvation's Rock we praise.
2 Into his Presence let us haste
To thank him for his Favours past;
To him address in joyful Songs,
The Praise that to his Name belongs.
3 For GOD the LORD, enthron'd in State,
Is with unrivaled Glory great;
A King superior far to all,
Whom Gods the Heathen falsely call.
4 The Depths of Earth are in his Hand,
Her secret Wealth at his Command;
The Strength of Hills that threat the Skies,
Subjected to his Empire lies.
5 The rolling Ocean's vast Abyss
By the same sov'reign Right is his:
'Tis mov'd by his Almighty Hand,
That form'd and fix'd the solid Land.
6 O let us to his Courts repair,
And bow with Adoration there:
Down on our Knees devoutly, all,
Before the LORD our Maker fall.
7 For he's our GOD, our Shepherd he,
His Flock and Pasture Sheep are we;
If then you'll (like his Flock) draw near,
To Day if you his Voice will hear.
8 Let not your harden'd Hearts renew,
Your Fathers' Crimes and Judgments too;
Nor here provoke my Wrath, as they,
In desart Plains of Meribah.
9 When thro' the Wilderness they mov'd,
And me with fresh Temptations prov'd,
They still, thro' Unbelief, rebell'd,
While they my wond'rous Works beheld.
10 They forty Years my Patience griev'd,
Tho' daily I their Wants reliev'd:
Then--'Tis a faithless Race, I said,
Whose Hearts from me have always stray'd;
11 They ne'er will tread my righteous Path,
Therefore to them in settled Wrath,
Since they despis'd my Rest, I sware,
That they should never enter there. Scripture: Psalm 95 Languages: English Tune Title: [O come, loud Anthems let us sing]
O come, loud Anthems let us sing
O GOD, whose former Mercies make
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CIX (1767) Topics: Description of Slander and Backbiting Lyrics: 1 O GOD, whose former Mercies make
My constant Praise thy Due,
Hold not thy Peace, but my sad State,
With wonted Favours view.
For sinful Men, with lying Lips,
Deceitful Speeches frame,
And with their study'd Slander seek
To wound my spotless Fame.
2 Their restless Hatred prompts them still
Malicious Lies to spread;
And all against my Life combine,
By causeless Fury led.
Those whom with tender'st Love I us'd,
My chief Opposers are;
Whilst I, of other Friends bereft,
Resort to thee by Pray'r.
3 Since Mischief, for the Good I did,
Their strange Reward does prove,
And Hatred's the Return they make
For undissembled Love,
Their guilty Leaders shall be made
To some ill Man a Slave;
And, when he's try'd, his mortal Foe
For his Accuser have.
4 His Guilt, when Sentence is pronounc'd,
Shall meet a dreadful Fate,
Whilst his rejected Pray'r but serves
His Crimes to aggravate,
He, snatch'd by some untimely Fate,
Sha'n't live out half his Days:
Another, by divine Decree,
Shall on his Office seize.
5 His Seed shall Orphans be, his Wife
A Widow, plung'd in Grief;
His vagrant Children beg their Bread,
Where none can give Relief.
His ill-got Riches shall be made
To Usurers a Prey;
The Fruit of all his Toil shall be
By Strangers borne away.
6 None shall be found that to his Wants
Their Mercy will extend,
Or to his helpless Orphan Seed
The least Assistance lend.
A swift Destruction soon shall seize
On his unhappy Race;
And the next Age his hated Name
Shall utterly deface.
7 The Vengeance of his Father's Sins,
Upon his Head shall fall;
GOD on his Mother's Crimes shall think,
And punish him for all.
All these. in horrid Order rank'd,
Before the LORD shall stand,
Till his fierce Anger quite cuts off
Their Mem'ry from the Land.
Part II
8 Because he never Mercy shew'd,
But still the Poor oppress'd;
And sought to slay the helpless Man,
With heavy Woes distress'd.
Therefore the Curse he lov'd to vent,
Shall his own Portion prove;
And Blessings, which he still abhorr'd,
Shall far from him remove.
9 Since he in cursing took such Pride,
Like Water it shall spread
Through all his Veins, and stick like Oil,
With which his Bones are fed.
This, like a poison'd Robe, shall still
His constant Cov'ring be,
Or an envonom'd Belt, from which
He never shall be free.
10 Thus shall the LORD reward all those,
That ill to me design,
That with malicious false Reports
Against my Life combine.
But for thy glorious Name, O GOD,
Do thou deliver me;
And for thy gracious Mercy's sake,
Preserve and set me free.
11 For I, to utmost Straits reduc'd,
Am void of all Relief;
My Heart is wounded with Distress,
And quite pierc'd through with Grief.
I, like an Ev'ning Shade, decline,
Which vanishes apace:
Like Locusts up and down I'am toss'd,
And have no certain Place.
12 My Knees with Fasting are grown weak,
My body lank and lean;
All that behold me, shake their Heads,
And treat me with Disdain.
But for thy Mercy's sake, O LORD,
Do thou my Foes withstand;
That all may see 'tis thy own Act,
The Work of thy Right-Hand.
13 Then let them curse, so thou but bless;
Let Shame the Portion be
Of all that my Destruction seek,
While I rejoice in thee.
My Foe shall with Disgrace be cloath'd;
And, spite of all his Pride,
His own Confusion, like a Cloke,
The guilty Wretch shall hide.
14 But I to GOD, in grateful Thanks,
My chearful Voice will raise;
And where the great Assembly meets,
Set forth his noble Praise.
For him the Poor shall always find
Their sure and constant Friend;
And he shall from unrighteous Dooms
Their guiltless Souls defend. Scripture: Psalm 109 Languages: English Tune Title: [O God whose former Mercies make]
O GOD, whose former Mercies make
O LORD, how lovely is the Place
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #LXXXIV (1767) Topics: Description of Happiness of Man Lyrics: 1 O LORD, how lovely is the Place
Where thou, vouchsaf'st to shew thy Face,
In Glory, ever bright array'd;
My Soul faints for thy blest Abode,
My Heart cries out to see her GOD
With Lustre unobscur'd display'd.
The Birds around thy Temple throng;
And there they build and hatch their Young.
2 O LORD of Hosts! how blest are they,
Who in thine House thy Praise display,
Whose Hopes in thee are firmly plac'd;
Who with a pious Zeal do tread
The Ways that to thy Temple lead,
For they shall never be disgrac's.
In parched Vales they know no Want,
For thou refreshing Rain shall grant.
3 Thus they proceed, free from all Fear,
From Strength to Strength, 'till all appear
On Sion's Mount, for ever bless'd.
LORD let my humble Pray'r be heard,
My Soul's sincere Desires regard;
To thee, O Jacob's GOD! address'd;
To us thy sure Protection bring,
And look on thine anointed King.
4 For in thy Courts one Day to dwell,
In solid Pleasure, doth excell
A Thousand Days, wherever spent.
A Habitation of my GOD,
I choose to be my fix'd Abode;
And, dwelling there, would be content,
Rather to keep his Temple Gate,
Than live with wicked Men in State.
5 For GOD, our great Defence and Light,
To guide us in the Way that's right,
His Grace and Glory still bestows;
And to all those who justly live,
The LORD shall ev'ry Blessing give;
His plenteous Mercy ever flows.
O GOD, how highly blest ishe,
Whose Trust is still repos'd in thee!
Scripture: Psalm 84 Languages: English Tune Title: [O Lord, how lovely is the Place]
O LORD, how lovely is the Place
O LORD, I am not proud of Heart
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXXXI (1767) Topics: Description of Humility and Trials of Believes Lyrics: 1 O LORD, I am not proud of Heart,
Nor do I cast a scornful Eye;
And my aspiring Thoughts. I ne'er
Employ in Things for me to high.
2 With infant Innocence, thou know'st
I always have my self demean'd;
Compos'd to Quiet, like a Babe,
That from it's Mother's Breast is wean'd.
3 Like me, let Israel hope in GOD,
Let them his Aid alone implore;
Both now and ever trust in him,
Who lives and reigns for evermore. Scripture: Psalm 131 Languages: English Tune Title: [O Lord, I am not proud of Heart]
O LORD, I am not proud of Heart
O render Thanks to GOD above
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CVI (1767) Topics: Description of Unthankfulness and Rebellion of the Israelites Lyrics: 1 O render Thanks to GOD above,
The Fountain of eternal Love;
Whose Mercy firm through Ages past
Has stood, and shall for ever last:
What mortal Eloquence can raise
Of his great Deeds th'immortal Praise?
2 Happy are they, and only they,
Who from thy Judgments never stray:
Extend to me that Favour, LORD,
Thou to thy Chosen dost afford:
When thou return'st to set them free,
Let thy Salvation visit me.
3 Oh! may I worthy prove, to see
Thy Saints in full Prosperity!
That I the joyful Choir may join,
And count thy People's Triumph mine:
But how can we expect such Grace,
Of Parents vile, the viler Race!
4 Ingrateful, they no longer thought
On all his Works in Egypt wrought;
The Red Sea they no sooner view'd,
But they their base Distrust renew'd;
Yet GOD, to vindicate his Name,
Once more to their Deliv'rance came.
5 To Right and Left, at his Command,
The prating Deep disclos'd her Sand;
Where firm and dry the Passage lay,
As through some parch'd and desart Way;
Thus rescu'd, by his Hand, they were,
And freed from Danger and from Fear.
6 Their Foes pursu'd them to the Waves,
Which prov'd the rash Pursuers Graves;
The watry Mountain's sudden Fall,
O'erwhelm'd proud Pharaoh, Host and all;
This Proof did stupid Israel move,
To own GOD's Truth, and praise his Love.
Part II
7 But soon these Wonders they forgot,
His Counsels they regarded not;
But lusting in the Wilderness,
Did him with fresh Temptations press:
Strong Food at their Request he sent,
But made their Sin their Punishment.
8 Yet still his Saints they did oppose,
The Priest and Prophet, whom he chose:
But Earth, the Quarrel to decide,
Her vengeful Jaws extended wide,
Rash Dathan to her Centre drew,
And Flames destroy'd Abiram's Crew.
9 Near Horeb's Mount, a Calf they made,
And to the molten Image pray'd;
Adoring what their Hands did frame,
They chang'd their Glory to their Shame:
Their GOD and Saviour they forgot,
And all his Works, in Egypt wrought.
10 Nor thought they on his pow'rful Hand;
Who spread such Wonders through the Land,
Nor on the fearful Things, which he
Had done for them, when at the Sea,
Proud Pharaoh, and his num'rous Host,
Were in o'erwhelming Billows lost.
11 Thus urg'd, his vengeful Hand he rear'd;
But Moses in the Breach appear'd:
The Saint did for the Rebels pray,
And turn'd Heav'n's kindled Wrath away.
Yet they his pleasant Land despis'd,
Nor his repeated promise priz'd,
12 GOD's Voice they would not yet obey,
But when he said, Go up, would stay;
This seal'd their Doom without Redress,
To perish in the Wilderness;
Or else to be, by Heathen Hands,
O'erthrown and scatter'd through the Lands.
Part III
13 Yet unreclaim'd, this stubborn Race
Baal-Peor's Worship did embrace;
Became his impious Guests, and fed
On Sacrifices to the Dead:
Thus they perished to provoke
GOD's Vengeance to the final Stroke.
14 'Tis come: - the deadly Pest is come,
To execute their gen'ral Doom;
But Phineas fir'd with holy Rage,
Th'Almighty's Vengeance to asswage,
Did, by two bold offenders Fall,
Th'Atonement make, that ransom'd all.
15 As him a heav'nly Zeal had mov'd,
So GOD the zealous Act approv'd;
In him 'twas counted Righteousness,
The LORD did therefore Phineas bless;
To him confirming, and his Race,
The Priesthood, he so well did grace.
16 At Meribah, GOD's Wrath they mov'd,
Who Moses for their Sakes reprov'd;
Whose patient Soul they did provoke,
'Till rashly the meek Prophet spoke:
Nor did they, though desir'd employ
Their Swords the Heathen to destroy.
17 Nor only spar'd the Pagan Crew,
But, mingling, learnt their Vices too;
And Worship to those Idols paid,
Which them to fatal Snares betray'd:
To Devils they did sacrifice,
Their Children with relentless Eyes.
18 They stain'd their Altars with a Flood,
Of their own Sons and Daughters Blood;
No cheaper Victims would appease,
Canaan's remorseless Deities:
No Blood her Idols reconcile,
But that which did the Land defile.
Part IV
19 Thus after their Hearts Lusts they went,
And daily did new Crimes invent;
But Sins of such infernal Hue,
GOD's Wrath against his People drew:
'Till he, their once indulgent LORD,
His own Inheritance abhor'd.
19 He them, defenceless, did expose
To their insulting Heathen Foes;
And made them on the Triumphs wait,
Of those who bare them greatest Hate:
To Tyrants they were subject made,
Who on them heavy Burdens laid.
21 Yet when, distress'd, they did repent,
His Anger did as oft relent;
Implacable he never prov'd,
Nor heard their wretched Cries unmov'd:
But did to mind his Promise bring,
And Mercy's inexhausted Spring.
22 Compassion too he did impart,
Ev'n to their Foes obdurate Heart;
And Pity for their Suff'rings bred,
In those, who them to Bondage led:
He did their Enemies dispose,
To ease the Burden of their Woes.
23 Still save us, LORD, and Israel's Bands
Together bring from Heathen Lands;
So to thy Name our Thanks we'll raise,
And ever triumph in thy Praise.
Let all thy saints, with full Accord,
Sing loud Amena - Praise ye the LORD! Scripture: Psalm 106 Languages: English Tune Title: [O render Thanks to God above]
O render Thanks to GOD above
O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXXII (1767) Topics: Description of The Church: Establishment and Steadfastness Lyrics: 1 O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear
Our num'rous Tribes devoutly say,
Up, Israel, to the Temple haste,
And keep your solemn festal Day:
At Salem's Courts we must appear,
With all our congregated Pow'rs;
In strong and beauteous Order rang'd,
Like her united Tow'rs.
2 'Tis hither, by Divine Command,
That all the Tribes of GOD repair;
Before his Ark, to celebrate
His holy Name with Praise and Pray'r.
Tribunals stand erected there,
Where Truth and Equity take place;
There stand the Courts and Palaces
Of holy David's Royal Race.
3 O, pray we then for Salem's Peace;
For they shall ever prosp'rous be,
(Thou holy City of our GOD!)
Who true Affection bear to thee:
May Peace within thy sacred Walls
For evermore a Guest be found;
With Plenty and Prosperity,
May all thy Palaces be crown'd!
4 For my dear Brethren's sake, and Friends,
To me no less than Brethren dear,
I'll pray, may Peace in Salem's Tow'rs
An everlasting Guest appear!
My Soul shall ever seek thy Good,
My Heart shall ever wish thee well;
For Sion and the Temple's sake,
Where GOD himself vouchsafes to dwell. Scripture: Psalm 122 Languages: English Tune Title: [O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear]
O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear
Our Fathers, LORD, repeatedly
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XLIV (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers Lyrics: 1 Our Fathers, LORD, repeatedly
Have told in our attentive Ears,
The mighty Wonders, thou hast done
In Times more ancient far than theirs:
How thou didst plant them by thy Hand,
And drove the Heathen from the Land.
2 For not their Courage, nor their Sword,
To them this great Possession gave;
Nor Strength that from unequal Force,
Their fainting Troops could ever save;
But thy right Hand, which they implor'd,
Thy Presence which they still ador'd.
3 As thee their GOD our Fathers own'd,
So thou art now our sov'reign King;
Oh therefore, as thou didst to them,
To us thy kind Deliv'rance bring;
For thro' thy Name, our Foes we quell,
Whene'er against us they rebel.
4 I'll neither trust my Bow, nor Sword,
When I in Battles fierce engage;
But thee, who hast our Foes subdu'd,
And put to shame their spiteful Rage:
In GOD, from whom the Conquest came,
We will rejoice and bless his Name.
5 But thou hast cast us off, and now
Most shamefully we're forc'd to yield;
For Thou no more vouchsaf'st to lead,
Our vanquish'd Armies to the Field;
To ev'ry Foe we turn in Fight,
And with our Spoil they feast their Spite.
6 To Slaughter doom'd, we fall like Sheep
Into their butch'ring Hands;
Or what's more wretched yet, survive
Dispers'd throughout the Heathen Lands;
Thy People thou valu'd low,
That their Disgrace may greater grow.
7 Reproach'd by all the Neighbours round,
The Heathen's By-word we are grown,
Whose Scorn of us, is both in Speech,
And in provoking Gestures shewn:
My Face in conscious Shame I hide,
Whilst they blaspheme in haughty Pride.
8 On us this Heap of Woes is fall'n,
All this Disgrace we have endur'd,
Yet have not, LORD, renounc'd thy Name,
Or Faith to thee, out GOD abjur'd;
But in thy Paths have kept with Care;
Tho' brought to Danger and Despair.
9 Could we, forgetting thy great Name,
Oh LORD, on other GODs rely,
And not the Searcher of all Hearts,
The treach'rous Crime at once descry?
For thee we daily Wrongs sustain,
And are like Sheep doom'd to be slain.
10 Awake, arise, let seeming Sleep
No longer thee, our GOD, detain;
Nor let us, LORD, who sue for Aid,
Forever sue to thee in vain;
But hasten thou to our Relief,
And let thy Presence banish Grief.
11 Oh wherefore hidest thou thy Face,
From our afflicted ruin'd State?
Whose Souls and Bodies sink to Earth,
Beneath our Grief's oppressive WeightL
Up, LORD, and us in Safety take!
Oh help us for thy Mercie's Sake! Scripture: Psalm 44 Languages: English Tune Title: [Our Fathers, Lord, repeatedly]
Our Fathers, LORD, repeatedly
Praise the LORD with one Consent
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXXXV (1767) Topics: Description of Idols Lyrics: 1 Praise the LORD with one Consent,
Magnify his holy Name;
Let the Servants of the LORD
Still his worthy Praise proclaim.
2 Praise him, ye that in his House,
Wait with never-ceasing Care;
Praise him, ye that to his Courts
With religious Zeal repair.
3 This our truest Int'rest is
Joyful Hymns of Praise to sing;
With loud Songs to bless his Name,
Is a most delightful Thing.
4 GOD his own peculiar Choice
Doth the Sons of Jacob make;
Israel's num'rous Offspring too,
For his Treasure he doth take.
5 That he's great, we often have
By our glad Experience found;
We have seen that he with Pow'r,
Far above all Gods, is crown'd.
6 For with unresisted Strength,
He performs his sov'reign Will;
Thro' Heav'n, Earth, and the Stores
Which the deepest Caverns fill.
7 Vapours from the Ground he lifts,
Which, though poiz'd in liquid Air,
Fall at last in Show'rs through which
His tremendous Lightnings glare.
8 From his Stores he brings the Wind;
And with his avenging Hand,
Smote at once, of Man and Beast,
The First-born through Egypt's Land.
9 He dread Signs and Wonders shew'd,
Throughout stubborn Egypt's Coast;
Plagues on haughty Pharaoh sent,
And on all his num'rous Host.
10 He the Heathen Nations smote,
Mighty Monarchs he suppress'd;
Sihon, Og, and all besides,
Who rich Canaan's Land possess'd.
11 Then, upon his chosen Race,
All their Land he did entail;
Therefore shall his Glory last,
And his praise shall never fail.
12 For the LORD his People's Cause
Shall with pitying Eyes survey;
And, repenting of his Wrath,
Turn his kindled Rage away.
13 Idols, whose false Worship spreads
Over all the Heathen Lands,
Made of Silver and of Gold,
Are the Work of human Hands.
14 They have Tongues, but cannot speak,
Useless are their polish'd Eyes;
They have Ears, and yet they're deaf,
And no Breath their Moth supplies.
15 Senseless, as themselves, are they,
Who their utmost Skill apply,
First to frame them, and when fram'd,
On their Work for Aid rely.
16 But their just Returns to GOD,
Still let grateful Israel pay;
Let the Priests of Aaron's Race,
Bless the LORD without Delay.
17 Of his Love, let Levi's House,
Their most pious Sense express;
Let all those that fear the LORD,
His great Name for ever bless.
18 Oh, let all in Sin's Courts
His amazing Works proclaim;
And in Salem, where he dwells,
Still exalt his holy Name. Scripture: Psalm 135 Languages: English Tune Title: [Praise the Lord with one consent]
Praise the LORD with one Consent
Praise ye the LORD, our GOD to praise
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXI (1767) Topics: Description of Glory of the Law Lyrics: 1 Praise ye the LORD, our GOD to praise,
My Soul her utmost Pow'r shall raise;
With private Friends, and in the Throng
Of Saints, his Praise shall be my Song:
Great are his Works, and sought aright
By those, who in them take Delight.
2 His Works are all of matchless Fame,
And universal Glory claim;
His Truth, confirm'd, through Ages past,
Shall to eternal Ages last.
The gracious LORD hath us enjoin'd,
To keep his wond'rous Works in Mind.
3 His Bounty, like a flowing Tide,
Has all his Servants Wants supply'd;
And he will ever keep in Mind,
His Cov'nant with our Fathers sign'd:
For us he did his Pow'r display,
To us the Heathen Lands convey.
4 Just are the Dealings of his Hands,
Immutable are his Commands;
He set his Saints from Bondage free,
And then establish'd his Decree,
For ever to remain the same;
Holy and Rev'rend is his Name!
5 Who Wisdom's sacred Prize would win,
Must with the Fear of GOD begin;
Good Understanding, heav'nly Skill
Have they, who know and do his Will:
The Praise thereof is fixed sure,
And shall for evermore endure. Scripture: Psalm 111 Languages: English Tune Title: [Praise ye the Lord, our God to praise]
Praise ye the LORD, our GOD to praise
Preserve me, LORD from crafty Foes
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXL (1767) Topics: Description of Slander and Backbiting Lyrics: 1 Preserve me, LORD, from crafty Foes
Of base and treacherous Intent;
And from the Sons of Violence,
On Strife and open Mischief bent.
2 Their sland'ring Tongues the Serpent's Sting,
Though keen, in Sharpness does exceed:
Between their Lips the Gall of Asps
And Adder's mortal Venom breed.
3 Preserve me, LORD, from wicked Hands,
Nor leave my helpless Soul forlorn,
A Prey to Sons of Violence,
Who have my utter Ruin sworn.
4 The Proud for me have laid their Snare,
And spread abroad their wily Net;
With Traps and Gins, where e'er I move,
I find my dang'rous Steps beset.
5 But thus, environ'd with Distress,
Thou art my only GOD, I said;
LORD, hear my supplicating Voice,
That calls to thee for Aid.
6 O LORD, the GOD, whose saving Strength,
Kind Succour did to me convey;
And cover'd my advent'rous Head,
In the fierce Battle's doubtful Day.
7 Permit not their unjust Designs
To answer their base Heart's Desire;
Lest they, encourag'd by Success,
Should yet to bolder Crimes aspire.
8 Let first their Chiefs the sad Effects
Of their unjust Oppression mourn;
The Blast of their envenom'd Breath,
Do thou upon themselves return.
9 Let them, who kindled first the Flame,
The first it's Sacrifice become;
The Pit Which they design'd for me,
Be made their own untimely Tomb.
10 Though Sland'rer's Breath may raise a Storm,
That fleeting Breath will quick decay;
Their Rage does but the Torrent swell,
That bears themselves by Force away.
11 GOD will assert the poor Man's Cause,
And speedy Help and Succour give;
The Just shall celebrate his Praise,
And in his Presence ever live. Scripture: Psalm 140 Languages: English Tune Title: [Preserve me, Lord, from crafty Foes]
Preserve me, LORD from crafty Foes
Resolv'd to watch o'er all my Ways
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XXXIX (1767) Topics: Description of Misery and Vanity of human Life Lyrics: 1 Resolv'd to watch o'er all my Ways,
I strove to keep my Tongue in Awe;
And curb'd with Care, my hasty Words,
When I the prosp'rous wicked saw;
From good Discourse I did refrain,
But that increas'd my inward Pain.
2 My Heart did glow, which working Thoughts,
Did in my Bosom restless make;
And warm Reflection fann'd the Fire,
'Till with my Tongue at last I spake:
And thus with eager Zeal express'd,
The Thought that labor'd in my Breast.
3 LORD, let me know my Term of Days,
And show how soon my Life will end;
The num'rous Train of Ills disclose,
Which still on this frail State attend:
A Span will measure all my Years,
My Life but Vanity appears.
4 Man, like a Shadow, vainly walks,
With fruitless Cares opprest;
He heaps up Wealth, but cannot tell,
By whom 'twill be possess'd'
Why should I then on Toys attend,
My Hopes on thee shall still depend.
Part II
5 Forgive my Sins, nor let me scorn'd,
By proud disdainful Sinners, be;
I silent was, and murmur'd not,
Because I saw 'twas done by thee.
The Burden of thy Wrath remove,
Lest my frail Flesh too weak should prove.
6 For when thou chast'nest Man for Sin,
Thou mak'st his Beauty soon to fade;
It wastes away ev'n like a Cloth,
That is by fretting Moths decay'd:
So vain in ev'ry earthly Joy,
And Life itself is but a Toy.
7 LORD, hear my Cry, accept my Tears,
And listen to my humble Pray'r,
Who sojourn like a Stranger here,
As all my Fore-fathers likewise were.
Oh spare me, and my Strength restore,
Before I shall be seen no more! Scripture: Psalm 39 Languages: English Tune Title: [Resolv'd to watch o'er all my Ways]
Resolv'd to watch o'er all my Ways
Since in the LORD my Hope secure is plac'd
Hymnal: The Psalms of David #XI (1767) Topics: Description of Confidence of Believers in Dangers Lyrics: 1 Since in the LORD my Hope secureis plac'd,
Who is to me a Refuge ever nigh:
Why say ye to my Soul, "Away, make haste!
"And like a Bird to distant Mountains fly?"
Behold, the Wicked hath his Bow prepar'd,
And lurking doth in secret Places lie,
That so th' upright in Heart may be enshar'd.
2 When once the firm Assurance fail,
Which publick Faith should to the Just impart;
'Tis Time for Innocence, which can't avail,
To fly in Haste from such deceitful Art;
But GOD his Seat of Judgment will erect;
He hates the wicked Man, and knows his Heart,
And will his secret crafty Wiles detect.
3 If GOD, the Just, in whom his Soul is pleas'd,
With heavy Trials often doth correct;
How shall his waken'd Vengeance be appeas'd?
What must the Sinful from his Wrath expect?
With Fire and Brimstone shall they be distress'd,
And dreadful Storms shall punish their Neglect,
While righteous Men are with his Favour bless'd.
Scripture: Psalm 11 Languages: English Tune Title: [Since in the Lord my Hope secure is plac'd]
Since in the LORD my Hope secure is plac'd
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