'Tis just that he should rule the world, who does the world sustain. 29 The rich, who are with plenty fed, The sons of want, by him reliev'd, 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 XXIII. 1HE Lord himself, the mighty Lord, vouchsafes to be my guide; The Shepherd, by whose constant care my wants are all supply'd. 2 In tender grass he makes me feed, and gently there repose; Then leads me to cool shades, and where refreshing water flows. 3 He does my wand'ring soul reclaim, and, to his endless praise, Instruct with humble zeal to walk in his most righteous ways. 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 through all my life extend, 1 That life to him I will devote, PSALM XXIV. THE spacious earth is all the Lord's, the Lord's her fulness is; The world, and they that dwell therein, by sov'reign right are his. 2 He fram'd and fix'd it on the seas; Upon inconstant floods, has made 3 But for himself, this Lord of all O! who shall to that sacred hill deserv'd admittance find? 4 The man, whose hands and heart are pure, whose thoughts from pride are free; Who honest poverty prefers to gainful perjury. 5 This, this is he, on whom the Lord shall shower his blessings down; Whom God, his Saviour, shall vouchsafe with righteousness to crown. 6 Such is the race of saints, by whom the sacred courts are trod; And such the proselytes that seek the face of Jacob's God. 7 Erect your heads, eternal gates; unfold, to entertain The King of Glory: see! he comes with his celestial train. 8 Who is the King of Glory? who? the Lord, for strength renown'd; In battle mighty; o'er his foes eternal victor crown'd. 9 Erect your heads, ye gates; unfold in state to entertain The King of Glory: see! he comes 10 Who is the King of Glory? who? PSALM XXV. O God, in whom I trust, 3 Those who on thee rely, let no disgrace attend; Be that the shameful lot of such as wilfully offend. 4, 5 To me thy truth impart, and lead me in thy way; For thou art he that brings me help; 6 Thy mercies and thy love, 7 Let all my youthful crimes And, for thy wondrous goodness' sake. in mercy think on me. 8 His mercy, and his truth, And in his sacred paths shall lead PART II. 11 Since mercy is the grace, 12 Whoe'er, with humble fear, Shall find the Lord a faithful guide, 13 His quiet soul with peace shall be for ever bless'd; And by his num'rous race the land 14 For God to all his saints his secret will imparts, And does his gracious cov'nant write in their obedient hearts. 15 To him I lift my eyes, and wait his timely aid, Who breaks the strong and treach'rous snare, which for my feet was laid. 16 O! turn, and all my griefs, in mercy, Lord, redress; For I am compass'd round with woes, and plung'd in deep distress. 17 The sorrows of my heart to mighty sums increase; O! from this dark and dismal state 18 Do thou, with tender eyes, my sad affliction see; Acquit me, Lord, and from my guilt entirely set me free. 19 Consider, Lord, my foes, how vast their numbers grow ! What lawless force and rage they use, what boundless hate they show! 20 Protect, and set my soul from their fierce malice free; Nor let me be asham'd, who place my steadfast trust in thee. 21 Let all my righteous acts to full perfection rise; Because my firm and constant hope on thee alone relies. 22 To Israel's chosen race 1 continue ever kind; And, in the midst of all their wants, let them thy succour find. PSALM XXVI. [UDGE me, O Lord, for I the paths of righteousness have trod; I cannot fail, who all my trust repose on thee, my God. 2, 3 Search thou my heart, whose innocence will shine the more 'tis try'd; For I have kept thy grace in view, and made thy truth my guide. 4 I never for companions took the idle or profane; No hypocrite, with all his arts, could e'er my friendship gain. 5 I hate the busy plotting crew, who make distracted times; And shun their wicked company, as I avoid their crimes. 6 I'll wash my hands in innocence, and bring a heart so pure, That when thy altar I approach, my welcome shall secure. 7, 8 My thanks I'll publish there, and tell how thy renown excels; That seat affords me most delight, in which thy honour dwells. 9 Pass not on me the sinners' doom, who murder make their trade; 10 Who others' rights, by secret bribes, or open force, invade. 11 But I will walk in paths of truth, and innocence pursue; Protect me, therefore, and to me thy mercies, Lord, renew. 12 In spite of all assaulting foes, I still maintain my ground; And shall survive among thy saints, thy praises to resound. 1 WH PSALM XXVII. WHOM should I fear, since God to me is saving health and light? Since strongly he my life supports, what can my soul affright? 2 With fierce intent my flesh to tear, when foes beset me round, They stumbled, and their haughty crests were made to strike the ground. 3 Through him my heart, undaunted, dares with mighty hosts to cope; Through him, in doubtful straits of war, for good success I hope. 4 Henceforth, within his house to dwell I earnestly desire; His wondrous beauty there to view, and of his will inquire. 5 For there I may with comfort rest, in times of deep distress; And safe, as on a rock, abide in that secure recess: 6 Whilst God o'er all my haughty foes PART II. 7 Continue, Lord, to hear my voice, In mercy my complaints receive, 8 When us to seek thy glorious face "Thy glorious face I'll always seek," 9 Then hide not thou thy face, O Lord, My God and Saviour, leave not him 10 Though all my friends, and kindred too, their helpless charge forsake, Yet thou, whose love excels them all, 11 Instruct me in thy paths, O Lord, my ways directly guide; Lest envious men, who watch my steps, should see me tread aside. 12 Lord, disappoint my cruel foes; Whose lying lips, and bloody hands, 13 I trusted that my future life should with thy love be crown'd; Or else my fainting soul had sunk, with sorrow compass'd round. |