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PSALM XVIII.

O change of time shall ever shock

For thou hast always been a rock, Thou, my delivʼrer art, my God; Thou art my shield from foes abroad, 3 To thee I will address my pray'r, So shall I, by thy watchful care, 4, 5 By floods of wicked men distress'd, With dire infernal pangs oppress'd,

my firm affection, Lord, to thee; a fortress and defence to me. my trust is in thy mighty pow'r; at home my safeguard and my tow'r.

to whom all praise we justly owe; be guarded from my treach'rous foe. with seas of sorrow compass'd round, in death's unwieldy fetters bound;

6 To heav'n I made my mournful pray'r, to God address'd my humble moan; Who graciously inclin'd his ear, and heard me from his lofty throne.

The Second Part.

7 When God arose my part to take, the conscious earth was struck with fear; The hills did at his presence shake, nor could his dreadful fury bear.

8 Thick clouds of smoke dispers'd abroad, ensigns of wrath,before him came; Devouring fire around him glow'd, that coals were kindled at its flame.

9 He leftthe beauteous realms of light, whilst heav'nbow'ddownits awfulhead; Beneath his feet substantial night was like a sable carpet spread. 10 The chariot of the King of kings, which active troops of angels drew, On a strong tempest's rapid wings, with most amazing swiftness flew. [veil; 11, 12 Black watery mists and clouds conspir'd, with thickest shades his face to But at his brightness soon retir'd, and fell in show'rs of fire and hail. [roar; 13 Throughheav'n's wide archathund'ring peal, God's angry voice did loudly While earth's sad face with heaps of hail, and flakes of fire, was cover'd o'er. 14 His sharpen'd arrows round he threw, which made his scatter'd foes retreat; Like darts his nimble lightnings flew, and quickly finish'd their defeat. 15 The deep its secret stores disclos'd, the world's foundations naked lay; By his avenging wrath expos'd, which fiercely rag'd that dreadful day.

The Third Part.

16 The Lord did on my side engage; from heav'n, his throne, my cause upheld; And snatch'd me from the furious rage of threat'ning waves, that proudly swell'd.

17 God his resistless pow'r employ'd my strongest foes' attempts to break; Who else with ease had soon destroy'd the weak defence that I could makc. 18 Theirsubtle rage had near prevail'd, when I distress'd and friendless lay; But still, when other succours fail'd, God was my firm support and stay. 19 From dangers that inclos'd me round, he brought me forth,and set me free; For some just cause his goodness found, 20 Because in me no guilt remains, My hands are free from bloody stains, 21, 22 For I his judgements kept in sight, in his just paths I always trod; nor loosely wander'd from my God.

I never did his statutes slight,

that mov'd him to delight in me. God does his gracious help extend: therefore the Lord is still my friend.

23, 24. But still my soul, sincerc and pure, didev'n from darling sins refrain; His favours therefore yet endure, because my heart and hands are clean.

The Fourth Part.

25,26 Thou suit'st, O Lord, thy righteous ways to various paths of human kind;
They who for mercy merit praise, with thee shall wondrous mercy find.
Thou to the just shall justice show;
Such as perversely choose to go,

the pure thy purity shall see : shall meet with due returns from thee.

27,28 Thathe the humble soul will save, and crush the haughty's boastedmight.

whose darkness he has turn'd to light and did o'er num'rous foes prevail:

In me the Lord an instance gave,
29 On his firm succour I relied,
Nor fear'd, whilst he was on my side,
30 For God's designs shall still succeed;
He's a strong shield to all that need,
31 Who then deserves to be ador'd, but
Or who, except the mighty Lord,

the best defended walls to scale. his word will bear the utmost test;

and on his sure protection rest God, on whom my hopes depend can with resistless pow'r defend

and all my just designs fulfils; and nimbly climb the steepest hills. and manly weapons learn to wield; forc'd by my stronger arms to yield

protects me from assaulting foes; and greatness from his bounty flows. till then to narrow paths confin'd; the method of my steps design'd. and flying squadrons captive take;

The Fifth Part. 32, 33 'Tis God that girds my armour on, Through him my feet can swiftly run, 34 Lessons of war from him I take, Strong bows of steel with ease I break, 35 The buckler of his saving health His hand sustains me still; my wealth 36 My goings he enlarg'd abroad, And, when in slippery ways I trod, 37 Through him I num'rous hosts defeat, Nor from my fierce pursuit retreat, till I a final conquest make. 38 Cover'd with wounds, in vain they try theirvanquish'd heads again to rear: Spite of their boasted strength, they lie beneath my feet, and grovel there, 39 God, when fresh armies take the field, recruits my strength, my courage He makes my strong opposers yield, subdu'd by my prevailing arms. [warms; 40 Through him the necks of prostrate foes my conquering feet in triumph Aided by him, I root out those, who hate and envy my success. [press; 41 With loud complaints all friends they tried; but none was able to defend; At length to God for help they cried; but God would no assistance lend. 42 Like flying dust, which winds pursue, theirbroken troops I scatter'd round; Their slaughter'd bodies forth I threw, like loathsome dirt, that clogs the ground.

The Sixth Part.

by God's appointment me obey; and foreign nations own my sway.

charm'd with respect, or aw'd by fear.

or scon in battle are dismay'd; and still in strongest holds afraid. the rock on whose defence I rest!

who me with his salvation blest!

43 Our factious tribes, at strife till now, The heathen to my sceptre bow, 44 Remotest realms their homage send, when my successful name they hear; Strangers for my commands attend, 45 All to my summons tamely yield, For stronger holds they quit the field, 46 Let the eternal Lord be prais'd, To highest heav'ns his name be rais'd, 47 'Tis God that still supports my right; 'Tis he, that, with resistless night, 48 My universal safeguard he! He made me great, and set me free 49 Therefore to celebrate his fame, And nations, strangers to his name, 50 "God to his king deliv'rance sends; "His mercy evermore extends

his just revenge my foes pursues; fierce nations to my yoke subdues. from whom my lasting honours flow;

from my remorseless bioody for. my grateful voice to heav'n I'll raise ; shall thus be taught to sing his praise:

shows his anointed signal grace; to David, and his promis'd race."

PSALM XIX.

HE heav'ns declare thy glory, Lord,

T The firmement and stars express

which that alone can fill; their great Creator's skill,

2 The dawn of each returning day
And from the dark returns of night
3 Their pow'rful language to no realm
'Tis nature's voice, and understood
4 Their doctrine does its sacred sense
Whose bright contents the circling sun
5 No bridegroom on his nuptial day,
No giant does like him rejoice
6 From east to west, from west to east,
And, through his progress, cheerful light
The Second
7 God's perfect law converts the soul;
With sacred wisdom his sure word
8 The statutes of the Lord are just,
His pure commands in search of truth
9 His perfect worship here is fix'd,
His equal laws are in the scales
10 Of more esteem than golden mines,
More sweet than honey, or the drops
11 My trusty counsellors they are,
Divine rewards attend on those,

12 But what frail man observes how oft
O cleanse me from my secret faults,
13 Let no presumptuous sin, O Lord,
That, by thy grace preserv'd, I may,
14 So shall my pray'r and praises be
And I, secure on thy defence,

TH

PSALM

fresh beams of knowledge brings;
divine instruction springs.
or region is confin'd;
alike by all mankind.
through carth's extent display;
does round the world convey.
has such a cheerful face;
to run his glorious race.
his restless course he goes;
and vital warmth bestows.
Part.

reclaims from false desires;
the ignorant inspires.
and bring sincere delight;
assist the feeblest sight.
on sure foundations laid;
of truth and justice weigh'd;
or gold refin'd with skill;
that from the comb distil.
and friendly warnings give;
who by thy precepts live.
he does from virtue fall?
thou God, that know'st them all!
dominion have o'er me;
the great transgression flee.
with thy acceptance blest;
my Strength and Saviour, rest.

XX.

HE Lord to thy request attend, The name of Jacob's God defend, 2 To aid thee from on high repair, 3 Remember all thy off'rings there, 4 To compass thy own heart's desire Make kindly all events conspire 5 To thy salvation, Lord, for aid With banners in thy name display'd; 6 Our hopes are fix'd, that now the Lord, From heav'n resistless aid afford,

7 Some trust in steeds for war design'd;
Against them ail we'll call to mind

8 But from their steeds and charicts thrown,
Disorder'd, broke, and trampled down,
9 Still save us, Lord, and still proceed
Hear, King of heav'n, in times of need,

and hear thee in distress;
and grant thy arms success.
and strength from Sion give;
thy sacrifice receive.
thy counsels still direct;
to bring them to effect.
we cheerfully repair,
"The Lord accept thy pray'r."
our sov'reign, will defend :
and to his pray'r attend.
an chariots some rely;
the pow'r of God most high.
behold them through the plain,
whilst firm our troops remain.
our rightful cause to bless;
the pray'rs that we address.

PSALM XXI.

HE king, O Lord, with songs of praise shall in thy strength rejoice;
With thy salvation crown'd, shall raise to heav'n his cheerful voice.

TH

2 For thou, whate'er his lips request,

But hast, with thy acceptance, blest

3 Thy goodness and thy tender care
A crown of gold thou mad'st him wear,
4 He pray'd for life; and thou, O Lord,
And graciously to him afford

have all his hopes outgone;
and sett'st it firmly on.
did'st to his pray'r attend,
a life that ne'er shall end.

5 Thy sure defence through nations round has spread his glorious name;

And his successful actions crown'd

6 Eternal blessings thou bestow'st, Whilst thou to him unclouded show'st The Second

7 Because the king on God alone His mercy still supports his throne, 8 But righteous Lord, thy stubborn foes Thy vengeful arm shall find out those, 9 When thou against them dost engage, Shall, like a glowing oven's rage, 10 Nor shall thy furious anger cease, But root out all their guilty race,

with majesty and fame.
and mak'st his joys increase;

the brightness of thy face.

Part.

for timely aid relics; and all his wants supplies. shall feel thy heavy hand; that hate thy mild command. thy just but dreadful doom their hopes and them consume. or with their ruin end; and to their seed extend. their hearts on malice bent; the ill effects prevent.

11 For all their thoughts were set on ill, But thou with watchful care didst still 12 While they their swift retreat shall make to 'scape thy dreadful might, Thy swifter arrows shall o'ertake, and gail them in their flight. 13 Thus, Lord, thy wondrous strength disclose, and thus exalt thy fame; Whilst we glad songs of praise compose to thy almighty name.

M

PSALM XXII.

Y God, my God, why leav'st thou me when I with anguish faint?
O! why so far from me remov'd,

2 All day, but all the day unheard,
With cries impiore relief all night,
3 Yet thou art still the righteous Judge
And therefore Israel's praises are
4, 5 On thee our ancestors relied,
With pious confidence they pray'd,
6 But I am treated like a worm;
Not only by the great revil'd,
7 With laughter all the gazing crow'd
They shoot the lip, they shake the head,
8 "In God he trusted, boasting oft
"Let God come down to save him now,

and from my loud complaint? to thee do I complain; but cry all night in vain. of innocence oppress'd; of right to thee address'd. and thy delivʼrance found; and with success were crown'd. like none of human birth ; but made the rabble's mirth. my agonies survey; and thus deriding say ; that he was Heav'n's delight; and own his favourite."

The Second Part.

9 Thou mad'st my teeming mother's womb a living offspring bear; When but a suckling at the breast,

I was thy early care.

through life's bewilder'd ways.
when trouble is so nigh;
I only can rely.
from Basan's forest met,

10 Thou,guardian iike, didst shield from wrongs my helpless infant days: And since hast been my God, and guide 11 Withdraw not then so far from me, O, send me help! thy help, on which 12 High pamper'd bulls, a frowning herd, With strength proportion'd to their rage, 13 They gape on me, and ev'ry mouth The desert lion's savage roar

have me around beset.
a yawning grave appears;
less dreadful is than theirs.

The Third Part.

14 My blood like water's spill'd, my joints My heart dissolves within my breast,

15 My strengtn,like potter's earth, is parch'd; And to the silent shades of death

are rack'd and out of frame;
like wax before the flame.
my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
my fainting soul withdraws.

16 Like blood hounds, to surround me, they in pack'd assemblies meet:

They pierc'd my inoffensive hands;
17 My Lody's rack'd, till all my bones
Yet such a spectacle of woe

18 As spoil, my garments they divide,
19 Therefore approach, O Lord, my strength;
20 From their sharp swords protect thou me;
Nor let my darling in the pow'r

21 To save me from the lion's jaws,
As once, from goring unicorns,
22 Then to my brethren I'll declare
In presence of assembled saints
23 Ye worshippers of Jacob's God,
"O praise the Lord, and to your praise
24 He ne'er disdain'd on low distress
"Nor turn'd from poverty his face,

The Fourth

they pierc'd my harmless feet.
distinctly may be told;
as pastime they behold.
lots for my vesture cast;
and to my succour haste.
of all but life bereft :
of cruel dogs be left.
thy present succour send;
thou didst my life defend.
the triumphs of thy name;
thy glory thus proclaim:
all you of Israel's line,
sincere obedience join.
to cast a gracious eye;
but hears its humble cry."

Part.

25 Thus, in thy sacred courts, will I
In presence of thy saints perform
26 The meek companions of my grief
And all that seek the Lord shall be
27 Then shall the glad converted world
And scatter'd nations of the earth
28 'Tis his supreme prerogative
'Tis just that he should rule the world,
29 The rich, who are with plenty fed,
The sons of want, by him reiiev'd,
With humble worship to his throne
That pow'r, which first their beings gave,
30, 31 Then shall a chosen spotless race,
To their admiring heirs his truth

T

my cheerful thanks express;
the vows of my distress.
shall find my table spread;
with joys immortal fed.
to God their homage pay;
one sov'reign Lord obey.
o'er subject kings to reign;
who does the world sustain.
his bounty must confess;
their gen'rous patron bless.
they all for aid resort;
can only them support.
devoted to his name,
and glorious acts proclaim.

PSALM XXIII.

HE Lord himself, the mighty Lord, vouchsafes to my Guide;
The Shepherd, by whose constant care,

2 In tender grass he makes me feed,
Then leads me to cool shades, and where
3 He does my wand'ring soul reclaim
Instruct with humble zeal to walk
4 I pass the gloomy vale of death,
For there his aiding rod and staff

5 In presence of my spiteful foes
He crowns my cup with cheerful wine,
6 Since God doth thus his wondrous love
That life to him I will devote,

my wants are all supplied.
and gently there repose;
refreshing water flows.
and, to his endless praise,
in his most righteous ways.
from fear and danger free;
defend and comfort me.
he does my table spread;
with oil anoints my head.
through all my life extend,
and in his temple spend.