5 For God, who hears the suffering poor,

and their oppression knows,
Will soon arise and give them rest,
in spite of all their foes.

6 The word of God shall still abide,
and void of falsehood be,
As is the silver, seven times try'd,
from drossy mixture free.

7 The promise of his aiding grace
shall reach its purposed end;

His servants from this faithless race he ever shall defend.

8 Then shall the wicked be perplex'd, nor know which way to fly;

When those whom they despised and vex'd, shall be advanced on high.

2 How long shall anxious thoughts my soul, and grief my heart oppress? How long my enemies insult,

and I have no redress?

3 Oh! hear, and to my longing eyes restore thy wonted light,

And suddenly, or I shall sleep
in everlasting night.

4 Restore me, lest they proudly boast
'twas their own strength o'ercame;
Permit not them that vex my soul
to triumph in my shame.

5 Since I have always placed my trust
beneath thy mercy's wing,

Thy saving health will come; and then my heart with joy shall spring.

6 Then shall my song, with praise inspired, to thee my God ascend,

Who to thy servant in distress

such bounty didst extend.

URE

PSALM 14.

wicked fools must needs suppose, that God is nothing but a name; Corrupt and lewd their practice grows;

no breast is warm'd with holy flame.

2 The Lord look'd down from Heaven's high

and all the sons of men did view,

To see if any own'd his power;

if any truth or justice knew.

[tower,

3. But all, he saw, were gone aside, all were degenerate grown and base; None took religion for their guide, not one of all the sinful race. 4 But can these workers of deceit be all so dull and senseless grown, That they, like bread, my people eat, and God's almighty power disown? 5 How will they tremble then for fear, when his just wrath shall them o'ertake? For to the righteous God is near,

and never will their cause forsake. 6 Ill men, in vain, with scorn expose those methods which the good pursue; Since God a refuge is for those

whom his just eyes with favour view.

7 Would he his saving power employ

to break his people's servile band, Then shouts of universal joy

should loudly echo through the land.
PSALM 15.

LORD, who's the happy man that may

to thy blest courts repair,

Not stranger-like, to visit them, but to inhabit there?

2 'Tis he, whose every thought and deed by rules of virtue moves;

Whose generous tongue disdains to speak the thing his heart disproves.

3 Who never did a slander forge, his neighbour's fame to wound; Nor hearken to a false report,

by malice whisper'd round.

4 Who vice, in all its pomp and power,
can treat with just neglect;
And piety, though clothed in rags,
religiously respect.

5 Who to his plighted vows and trust
has ever firmly stood;

And though he promise to his loss,
he makes his promise good.

6 Whose soul in usury disdains
his treasure to employ ;
Whom no rewards can ever bribe
the guiltless to destroy.

7 The man, who by his steady course
has happiness insured,

When earth's foundation shakes, shall stand, by providence' secured.

PSALM 16.

PROTECT me from our forms,

ROTECT me from my cruel foes,

Because my trust I still repose on thy Almighty arm.

2 My soul all help but thine does slight, all gods but thee disown;

Yet can no deeds of mine requite

the goodness thou hast shown.

3 But those that strictly virtuous are, and love the thing that's right,

To favour always, and prefer,

shall be my chief delight.

4 How shall their sorrows be increased, who other gods adore!

Their bloody offerings I detest,

their very names abhor.

5 My lot is fall'n in that blest land
where God is truly known;
He fills my cup with liberal hand,
'tis he supports my throne.

6 In nature's most delightful scene
my happy portion lies;

The place of my appointed reign

all other lands outvies.

7 Therefore my soul shall bless the Lord, whose precepts give me light; And private counsel still afford in sorrow's dismal night.

8 I strive each action to approve to his all-seeing eye;

No danger shall my hopes remove, because he still is nigh.

9 Therefore my heart all grief defies, my glory does rejoice;

My flesh shall rest, in hope to rise, waked by his powerful voice.

10 Thou, Lord, when I resign my breath, my soul from hell shalt free; Nor let thy Holy One in death

the least corruption see.

11 Thou shalt the paths of life display,
which to thy presence lead;
Where pleasures dwell without allay,
and joys that never fade.

PSALM 17.

To my just plea and sad complaint

attend, O righteous Lord;

And to my prayer, as 'tis unfeign'd, a gracious ear afford.

2 As in thy sight I am approved,

so let my sentence be;

And with impartial eyes, O Lord,

my upright dealing see.

3 For thou hast search'd my heart by day, and visited by night;

And, on the strictest trial, found

its secret motions right.

Nor shall thy justice, Lord, alone my heart's designs acquit ;

For I have purposed that my tongue shall no offence commit.

4 I know what wicked men would do, their safety to maintain;

But me thy just and mild commands from bloody paths restrain.

5 That I may still, in spite of wrongs,
my innocence secure,

O guide me in thy righteous ways,
and make my footsteps sure.
6 Since, heretofore, I ne'er in vain
to thee my prayer address'd;
O! now, my God, incline thine ear
to this my just request.

7 The wonders of thy truth and love
in my defence engage;

Thou, whose right hand preserves thy saints from their oppressor's rage.

PART II.

8, 9 O! keep me in thy tenderest care ;
thy sheltering wings stretch out,
To guard me safe from savage foes,
that compass me about:

10 O'ergrown with luxury, enclosed
in their own fat they lie;

And, with a proud blaspheming mouth, both God and man defy.

11 Well may they boast, for they have now my paths encompass'd round; Their eyes at watch, their bodies bow'd, and couching on the ground;

12 In posture of a lion set, when greedy of his prey;

Or a young lion, when he lurks within a covert way.

13 Arise, O Lord, defeat their plots, their swelling rage control;

From wicked men, who are thy sword, deliver thou my soul:

14 From worldly men, thy sharpest scourge, whose portion's here below;

Who, fill'd with earthly stores, aspire

no other bliss to know.

15 Their race is numerous, that partake
their substance while they live;
Their heirs survive, to whom they may
the vast remainder give.

16 But I, in uprightness, thy face
shall view without control;
And, waking, shall its image find
reflected in my soul.

No

PSALM 18.

"O change of time shall ever shoek my firm affection, Lord, to thee; For thou hast always been my rock, a fortress and defence to me.

Thou my deliverer art, my God;

my trust is in thy mighty power; Thou art my shield from foes abroad,

at home my safeguard and my tower. 3 To thee I will address my prayer,

to whom all praise we justly owe; So shall I, by thy watchful care,

be guarded from my treacherous foe. 4, 5 By floods of wicked men distress'd, with seas of sorrow compass'd round, With dire infernal pangs oppress'd,

in death's unwieldy fetters bound;

6 To heaven I made my mournful prayer,
to God address'd my humble moan;
Who graciously inclined his ear,

and heard me from his lofty throne.
PART II.

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 dispersed abroad, ensigns of wrath before him came; Devouring fire around him glow'd,

that coals were kindled at its flame.

9 He left the beauteous realms of light, whilst heaven bow'd down its awful head; 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.

11, 12 Black watery mists and clouds conspired, with thickest shades his face to veil ;

But at his brightness soon retired,

and fell in showers of fire and hail.

13 Through heaven's wide arch a thunderingpeal
God's angry voice did loudly roar;
While earth's sad face with heaps of hail
and flakes of fire was covered 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 finished their defeat.
15 The deep its secret stores disclosed,
the world's foundations naked lay;

By his avenging wrath exposed,
which fiercely raged that dreadful day

2 The dawn of each returning day fresh beams of knowledge brings; And from the dark returns of night divine instruction springs.

3 Their powerful language to no realm or region is confined;

'Tis nature's voice, and understood Alike by all mankind.

4 Their doctrine does its sacred sense through earth's extent display; / Whose bright contents the circling sun does round the world convey.

5 No bridegroom on his nuptial day
has such a cheerful face;
No giant does like him rejoice
to run his glorious race.

6 From east to west, from west to east,
his restless course he goes;
And, through his progress, cheerful light
and vital warmth bestows.

PART II.

7 God's perfect law converts the soul; reclaims from false desires;

With sacred wisdom his sure word the ignorant inspires.

8 The statutes of the Lord are just, and bring sincere delight;

His pure commands in search of truth assist the feeblest sight.

9 His perfect worship here is fix'd, on sure foundations laid;

His equal laws are in the scales of truth and justice weigh'd;

10 of more esteem than golden mines, or gold refined with skill; More sweet than honey, or the drops that from the comb distil.

11 My trusty counsellors they are,* and friendly warnings give; Divine rewards attend on those who by thy precepts live,

12 But what frail man observes how oft he does from virtue fall?

O cleanse me from my secret faults,
thou God that know'st them all!
13 Let no presumptuous sin, O Lord,
dominion have o'er me;
That, by thy grace preserved, I may
the great transgression flee.

14 So shall my prayer and praises be
with thy acceptance blest; »
And I secure on thy defence,
my strength and Saviour, rest.
PSALM 20.

15 To thy salvation, Lord, for aid we cheerfully repair,

With banners in thy name display'd; "the Lord accept thy prayer."

6 Our hopes are fix'd, that now the Lord, our sovereign will defend; From heaven resistless aid afford,

and to his prayer attend.

7 Some trust in steeds for war design'd; on chariots some rely;

Against them all we'll call to mind the power of God most high.

8 But from their steeds and chariots thrown, behold them through the plain, Disorder'd, broke, and trampled down, whilst firm our troops remain.

9 Still save us, Lord, and still proceed our rightful cause to bless;

Hear, King of heaven, in times of need, the prayers that we address.

PSALM 21.

THE king, O Lord, with songs of praise shall in thy strength rejoice;

With thy salvation crown'd, shall raise to heaven his cheerful voice.

2 For thou, whate'er his lips request, not only dost impart;

But hast, with thy acceptance, blest the wishes of his heart.

3 Thy goodness and thy tender care have all his hopes outgone;

A crown of gold thou mad'st him wear, and sett'st it firmly on.

4 He pray'd for life; and thou, O Lord, didst to his prayer attend,

And graciously to him afford

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 with majesty and fame.

6 Eternal blessings thou bestow'st, and makest his joys increase; Whilst thou to him unclouded show'st the brightness of thy face.

PART II.

7 Because the king on God alone for timely aid relies;

His mercy still supports his throne, and all his wants supplies.

8 But, righteous Lord, thy stubborn foes shall feel thy heavy hand;

Thy vengeful arm shall find out those that hate thy mild command.

9 When thou against them dost engage, thy just but dreadful doom Shall, like a glowing oven's rage,

their hopes and them consume. 10 Nor shall thy furious anger cease,

or with their ruin end;

But root out all their guilty race, and to their seed extend.

11 For all their thoughts were set on ill, their hearts on malice bent;

But thou with watchful care didst still the ill effects prevent.

12 While they their swift retreat shall make to 'scape thy dreadful might, Thy swifter arrows shall o'ertake,

and gall 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.

PSALM 22.

MY God, my God, why leav'st thou me

when I with anguish faint? O! why so far from me removed, and from my loud complaint? 2 All day, but all the day unheard, to thee do I complain;

With cries implore relief all night,
but cry all night in vain.

3 Yet thou art still the righteous Judge
of innocence oppressed;
And therefore Israel's praises are
of right to thee addressed.

4, 5 On thee our ancestors rely'd,
and thy deliverance found;
With pious confidence they pray'd,
and with success were crown'd.
6 But I am treated like a worm;
like none of human birth;
Not only by the great reviled,

but made the rabble's mirth.

7 With laughter all the gazing crowd

my agonies survey;

They shoot the lip, they shake the head, and thus deriding say:

8 "In God he trusted, boasting oft "that he was heaven's delight;

"Let God come down to save him now, "and own his favourite."

PART II.

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.

10 Thou, guardian-like, didst shield from wrongs my helpless infant days;

And since hast been my God, and guide, through life's bewilder'd ways.

11 Withdraw not then so far from me,
when trouble is so nigh;

O send me help! thy help, on which
I only can rely.

12 High-pamper'd bulls, a frowning herd,
from Basan's forest met,

With strength proportion'd to their rage,
have me around beset.

13 They gape on me, and every mouth
a yawning grave appears;
The desert lion's savage roar
less dreadful is than theirs.
PART III.

14 My blood like water's spill'd, my joints
are rack'd and out of frame;
My heart dissolves within my breast,
like wax before the flame."

15 My strength, like potter's earth, is parch'd, my tongue cleaves to my jaws;

And to the silent shades of death
my fainting soul withdraws.

16 Like blood-hounds, to surround me, they
in pack'd assemblies meet:
They pierced my inoffensive hands;
they pierced my harmless feet.

17 My body's rack'd, till all my bones
distinctly may be told;

Yet such a spectacle of wo

as pastime they behold.

18 As spoil, my garments they divide, lots for my vesture cast;

19 Therefore approach, O Lord, my strength, and to my succour haste.

20 From their sharp swords protect thou me, `, of all but life bereft ;

Nor let my darling in the power

of cruel dogs be left.

21 To save me from the lion's jaws, thy present succour send;

As once, from goring unicorns, thou didst my life defend.

22 Then to my brethren I'll declare the triumphs of thy name;

In

presence of assembled saints thy glory thus proclaim:

23 "Ye worshippers of Jacob's God, "all you of Israel's line,

"O praise the Lord, and to your praise "sincere obedience join.

24 "He ne'er disdain'd on low distress "to cast a gracious eye; "Nor turn'd from poverty his face, "but hears its humble cry."

PART IV.

25 Thus, in thy sacred courts, will I my cheerful thanks express;

In presence of thy saints perform the vows of my distress.

26 The meek companions of my grief shall find my table spread;

And all that seek the Lord shall be with joys immortal fed.

27 Then shall the glad converted world to God their homage pay;

And scatter'd nations of the earth
one sovereign Lord obey.

28 'Tis his supreme prerogative
o'er subject kings to reign;
'Tis just that he should rule the world,
who does the world sustain.

29 The rich, who are with plenty fed,
his bounty must confess;
The sons of want, by him relieved,
Their generous Patron bless.

With humble worship to his throne
they all for aid resort;

That power, which first their beings gave, can only them support.

30, 31 Then shall a chosen spotless race, devoted to his name,

To their admiring heirs his truth, and glorious acts, proclaim.

PSALM 23.

HE Lord himself, the mighty Lord,

Touchsafes to be my guide;