A paraphrase upon the psalms of David :: :: University of Virginia Library

And by His liberal hand improve,
Let with your voice your thanks ascend,
And here begin, what you shall do above!
His Mercy like His Truth is ever sure,
And so your Praise should be, as constant, and as pure.

Versus I.

Let His Redeem'd say so, that Israel, whom

Versus I.

Their Enemys Captive led, but He brought home!
Then brought them home, when from the farthest East
They were dispers'd, and scattred to the West;
When North and South their weary steps did know,
But they, nor where they went, nor where to go;

320

Now in the Desart an untrodden way,
Where they could hardly pass, yet durst not stay;
Where they no City found, and none to tell
Which road to take, or in what Place to dwell;
Hungry and thirsty, doubtful in their mind,
Scarce knowing what they sought, or what they'd wish to find.

Chorus Minor.

Chorus Minor.

Then to the Lord in their distress they cry'd,
They cry'd aloud, and He did hear;
And though His Face He seem'd to hide,
By His great Hand declar'd that He was near;
For when in vain they had look'd round about,
And saw no help, tow'rds Him they look'd, & were brought out.

Versus Respondens.

Versus Respondens.

He led them forth Himself by the right way,
Their passage made, as their great journey lay:
A Citty founded for them, and did tell
Not only where, but made them in it dwell.

Chorus Omnium.

Let all the Earth th' Eternal Bounty praise,

Chorus O.

And talk of all that He has done:
How Truth and Mercy are His wayes
To the whole World, as well as to His Own;
For to the longing Soul He grants His Will,
And with that Goodness, which He is, do's th' hungry fill.

Versus. II.

Those who in darkness, and in Horror sit,

Versus II.

And so near death, 'tis in the shade of it,
Bound in Affliction, and in heavy chaines,
In prison, where their noyse, and silence reignes,
Feeling their sins in all they suffer there,
Whose weight more rings than th' Irons, which they bear,
Their hearts sink lower than their bodies ly,
And there's as little hope, as in their eye.

321

Chorus M.

Then to the Lord in their distress they cry'd,

Chorus M.

They cry'd aloud, and he did hear;
And though His Face He seem'd to hide,
By His great hand declar'd that He was near;
For when in vain they had look'd all about,
And saw no help, tow'rds Him they look'd, & were brought out.

Versus Resp.

He broke their Chains asunder, sett them free,

Versus R.

And made their Irons a new Bearing be;
From darkness freed them, where they once did sit,
Not from Death only, but the shade of it.

Chorus Omnium.

Let all the Earth th' Eternal Bounty praise,
And talk of all that He has done;

Chorus O.

How Truth and Mercy are His Wayes
To the whole World, as well as to His Own!
For gates of Brass against Him could not stand,
But open fell, Iron prov'd stubble to His Hand.

Versus III.

Those Foolish sinners, who in sottish Love

Versus III.

Consume their Age, neglecting that above,
Are justly punish'd for their fond disdain,
And have for all their love, no love again:
How do they pine away, and loath their meat,
Feeding their passion more, the less they eat?
To sullen rocks lament, as if the grones
Which tear their breasts, would pierce the sensless stones
But all in vain, those meanes but fruitless prove,
One Death alone can end their Lives, and Love.

322

Chorus M.

Then to the Lord, in their distress they cry'd

Chorus M.

They cry'd aloud, and he did hear;
And though His Face He seem'd to hide.
By His great hand declar'd that He was near:
For when in vain they had look'd all about,
And saw no help, tow'rds Him they look'd, & were brought out.

Versus Resp.

Versus R.

He sent His Word which did refine their love,
No more on Earth, but plac'd it all above;
'Twas a disease no longer, knew no pain,
But for the love it gave, had love again.

Chorus Omnium.

Chorus O.

Let all the Earth th' Almighty Bounty praise,
And talk of all that He has done;
How Truth, and Mercy are His Wayes
To the whole World, as well as to His Own!
And let all those, who by His Goodness live,
The hearts He thus has chang'd an Offering to Him give!

Versus IV.

Versus IV.

They who into the Sea in Ships go down,
And seek by Wayes they know not, lands unknown,
Who make the untrac'd Ocean be their Road,
Which with their keels they tear, and burdens load,
They in the Deep His dreadfull Wonders see,
(Of which themselves as great as any bee)
How He commands the stormes, and do's unbinde
The airy fetters of the strugling Winde;
Out they all tumble and the rough Sea invade,
Which now their scorn, as much as sport is made;
To Heav'n lift up its floods, as if to call
Help thence, but e're 'tis come, down let them fall,
Low is their depth, whiles the scar'd passingers
Look every wave should drown them, and their fears;

323

Stagger like drunken Men, reel to, and fro,
Their feet less steady than their Vessels go;
And in their teeth the Winds their sighs do send,
Making them e're the storms, at their Witts end.

Chorus M.

Then to the Lord, in their distress they cry'd,
They cry'd aloud, and He did hear;

Chorus M.

His Face the Tempest could not hide,
Nor raging Seas or dull, or stop His Eare:
For when in vain they had look'd round about,
And saw no help, tow'rds Him they look'd & were brought out.

Versus Resp.

He bid the Sea be calm, the Winds be still,

Versus R.

And only with brisk gales their canvass fill;
Then brought them smooth and calmy as the Sea,
To the wish'd Haven, where they long'd to be.

Chorus Omnium.

Let all the Earth th' Eternal Bounty praise,
And talk of all that He has done;

Chorus O.

How Truth, and Mercy are His Wayes
To the whole World, as well as to His Own!
And let all those, who on the Seas have been,
Sing in His Church His praise, and tell what they have seen.

Versus.

When for their sin God do's chastize a land,
Their springs He turnes into a Parched sand;

Versus.

A Wilderness, which drinks their Rivers up,
And not a Rose budd yields to crown the Cup;
But barren as the salt, which is sown there,
Nor herb for man, nor grass for beast do's bear.

Resp.

The Wilderness He turns into a Pool,
And fills the parched sand, with springs brim full;

324

Resp:

There for the hungry Soul provides His meat,
And for the Colonys He leads, a seat:
With corn they sow their fields, new Vineyards plant,
And neither Citizens, nor Cities want;
He blesses them, and makes them so increase,
Their very Cattle feel the fruits of Peace.

Versus.

Versus.

Again to punish them they are brought low,
That hand destroys them, which first made them grow;
For He on mighty Kings contempt do's lay,
And those, who His forsake, lose their own way.

Resp.

Resp.

But He the Poor from trouble sets on high,
Whence He may see His long Posterity.

Chorus Omnium.

Chorus O.

Let all the Righteous in their God rejoice,
But the Unjust, with envy break!
Those shew their triumph by their voice,
While these have neither Will, nor power to speak!
Thrice happy Man, who treasuring in his minde
These several Mercies, some one for his Use can finde.

352

Psalm CVIII. Paratum est Cor meum, &c.

I

It is resolv'd, nor will I any more

A Psalm of David.

Distrust my God, as I have done before;
No! I will praise Him, and my heart,
Which has so oft betray'd me into fear,
Its burden in the song shall bear,
And, when my Harp begins, shall sing the highest Part.

II

Awake, my Harp, 'tis time for thee to'awake,
Prevent the day, and Thy great subject take!
Put all Thy strings on, shew Thy skill;
God and my soul are ready, be not slow,
For if we should before Thee go,
Thy strings would never half way reach up Heav'ns high Hill.

III

We come, O God, and with us up will raise,
High as Thy Love, and Truth, to Heav'n Thy praise.
The World shall hear what Thou hast done,
How signally Thou hast appear'd for me,
By Thy great Power hast set me free,
And for Thy works praise Him, whose Name they have not known.

IV

Then with Thy Mercy to the Clouds we'll flie,
And take new wing to mount to the Most High:
Above the Clouds exalted be,
Lord set Thy glory far above the skies.
And if so high we cannot rise,
From Heav'n do Thou descend, when we look up to Thee

326

V

Descend, and by the way Thy Name make known,
What Thou wilt do, by what Thy hand has done;
Hear me—My God has hear'd my Cry,
Has past His Word, and in it I rejoice,
Has given me of all lands my Choice,
And on my Gods Almighty promise I rely.

VI

Sechem is Mine, I will divide its Plain,
And o're the Vale of Succoth throw my Chain;
The Tribes of Israel shall obey,
Those which ly farthest off, or nearer stand,
Shall yield themselves to my Command,
Shall serve, whilst Judah gives them lawes, & holds the sway.

VII

Moab's my Wash pot, and shall sue to be
A Vassal to my basest drudgery;
Philistia shall my Chariot meet,
Honourd enough, if she may bear the yoke
Proud Edom has so often broke,
And Edom shall submit her neck and take my Feet.

VIII

But who to Edom will direct my course,
And entrance for Me into Bozra force?
God shall direct me to the Town;
God, who of late has seem'd to disappear,
And when He comes, viewing Him there,
The Walls to make Him Way shall open, or fall down.

IX

Help us O God, for we in vain implore,
A forreign aid, which wants Our succour more!
Thou art my help, through Thee my head
With Laurel shall be crown'd, and in my Wayes
Some Enemies necks the ground shall raise,
So that my feet shall triumph too, and on them tread.

327

Psalm CIX. Deus laudem meam ne tacueris, &c.

I

Guard of my Life, and God of all my Praise,

A Psalm of David.

Who see'st the Outrage off'red me,
Thy self, and Power for my just sentence raise,
Nor let the wrongs I bear reflect on Thee!
Thou hear'st what cruel Words the wicked speak,
Let not them only, and not Thou Thy Silence break!

II

With words of hatred I am girt around,
And from all parts they with me fight:
So hard, that I am all but one great wound,
And the whole cause I give them is my Right,
With prayers for them their malice would reprove,
But those with Scorn, with hatred they reward my Love.

III

Let him some Tyrant serve, be made a Slave;
And Satan place at his right hand;
No other pitty find than what he gave,
And at his Enemies tribunal stand!
Let him be judg'd, condemn'd, and all his prayers
Be made in vain to deaf, or else to stubborn eares!

IV

Let suddain death his wretched life attend,
His office to another give!
Let on his wife and seed the curse descend,
They Fatherless and she a Widdow live!
Let them be vagabonds, and begg their bread,
And have have no certain place to hide, or rest their head?

328

V

Let the Extortioner catch all he has,
And strangers to his labours come!
Let him find none, who will resent his case,
But with new miseries encrease the summ!
None who will to him any Mercy show,
Or on his Fatherless one friendly look bestow!

VI

Let them be all cut off, and their curst Name
In the next age be quite forgot!
Or if they be remembred, let their shame
On their Atchievments be a constant blot!
Let his fore-Fathers Sins be in Thine ey,
And all his Mothers lusts afresh for vengeance cry!

VII

Let silence or reproach upon him rest,
And as it ne're was in his minde,
Either to favour, or relieve th' opprest,
Neither reliefe, nor favour let him find!
But as the Needy he with wrongs persu'd,
On his own head, Let them be all again renew'd!

VIII

As he Lov'd cursing, let him still be curst!
And hated blessing seek in vain!
With envy, which first swel'd him, let him burst,
And then like water, on him turn' it again;
Like Oyle let it to' his very marrow pierce,
And like those flames, which boyle it be, but far more fierce!

IX

Give him no other garment for his pride,
Than this, with which he was array'd;
Close with his girdle let his loines be ty'd,
To all a terror, of himself afraid!

329

And executed by the hand Divine,
Let this his ruine be, who only plotted mine!

X

But, Lord my God, for thine own great Names sake,
And for Thy Mercy rescue me!
Thou, who the poor mans cause do'st undertake,
As ready to assist the helpless be!
Look how I stooping go, and bow'd to th' ground,
But there no herb can find to ease, or heal my wound!

XI

My dayes, and age are like a shaddow gon,
That when the Sun withdraws is lost;
And as the locust driven up and down,
From field, to field, from land to land I'm tost:
My knees and flesh of strength through fasting fayl,
And those, who wounded me with scornes, my life assail.

XII

But, Lord my God, for Thine Own great Names sake,
And for Thy Mercy rescue me!
That all may know the care Thou' art pleas'd to take,
And in my sure deliverance honour Thee!
Bless Thou, and let them curse, confound their noise,
And make them all asham'd, whilst I in Thee rejoyce!

XIII

Shame, and confusion to my Enemies,
Let it their Vest and Portion be!
Whilst I to Heaven in tuneful Numbers rise,
And tell abroad what God has done for me!
How from Oppession he the Poor did save,
And what his judges had deny'd, just sentence gave!

330

Psalm CX. Dixit Dominus Domino meo, &c.

I

The Lord said to my Lord,
The Mighty God to the Eternal Word,
“Sit Thou at my Right hand,
“Till I Thine Enemies command
“To be the Foot-stool to Thy Throne,
“And freely yield their necks for Thee to tread upon!

II

Sion's that glorious Throne.
Whence with disdain Thy foes Thou look'st upon,
Thence Thou around shalt reign,
And by Thy Power new subjects gain;
Thy Enemies shall They obey,
And once return'd, none shall more Loyall be than they.

III

And as the Summer Sun,
When Winters past, and all its rage is done,
Do's every Morning view
His way all strew'd with pearly dew,
Whose Numbers cannot reck'ned be,
'Tis a faint Emblem of Thy long Posterity.

IV

His Oath God will not break,
But King and Priest Thou' art like Melchisedos:
The Lord at Thy Right hand
Shall let no Proud Usurper stand,
But Kings shall bow, and in Thy Train,
Be captive led, whilst there's made Trophies of the slain.

331

V

He the Great Head shall wound,
When it shall Queeen of all the World be crown'd:
Drink of the brook i'th' way,
And follow, till He gets the day;
But when His Cross shall death strike Dead,
Th' Eternal God Himself shall raise, and crown His head.

332

Psalm CXI. Confitebor tibi Domine, &c.

I

Hallelujah.

With my whole heart I'll praise the Lord,
And where He chose to honour it, exalt His Word,
In the Assemblies of the just,
There will I all His noble Works disclose,
His Famous Acts, sought out of those,
Who them their pleasure make, and Him their Trust.

II

His glorious Works are great, and high,
No more to be conceiv'd than seen by mortal eye,
And shall for ever so remain.
Eternity it self is scarce enough
To praise His Mercy, and His Love,
And what we now unknown admire, make plain.

III

He for His People did provide,
And never broke His Word, or Covenant deni'd;
They saw His Signes beheld His hand,
How for their sake He made His power appear,
Prepar'd them conquests by the fear,
Which He sent first into their Enemies land,

IV

Justice, and Truth are all His Wayes,
And on Eternal Faithfulness His Promise staies:
Beyond all ages they shall last,
And when Old Time it self away shall flee,
Remain as firm as now they bee,
And on their own great Basis fixt, stand fast.

333

V

Deliverance He for Israel wrought,
And to save them His greatest plagues on Egypt brought:
'Twas then they saw He was the same,
Which to their Fathers He was wont to be;
When He so strangely set them free,
The Holy God, and Reverend is His Name.

VI

To worship Him true Wisdom is,
And to observe His Laws the only way to bliss:
No guide to knowledge like His fear,
For all beside, what e're they may pretend,
Through a bad way reach a worse end,
But His Praise ever lasts, and every where.

334

Psalm CXII. Beatus Vir qui timet, &c.

I

Hallelujah.

That Man is truly blest, who feares the Lord,
And with delight His Præcepts hears,
Who therefore loves, because He fears,
Loves, and yet trembles at the Sacred Word:
His seed upon the Earth renown'd shall be,
And he himself blest in his seed shall see:
Riches and Wealth, a full encrease,
No fear of ever being Poor,
Desires contented, and a lasting Peace,
Alwayes unto his house are sure,
And ever constant, as his Righteousness endure.

II

Clear day at night do's on the Just arise,
Some gleames His Spirit to sustain,
Some cheerful hopes amids his pain,
And what he gave, he finds in others eyes:
That mercy which inclin'd His heart to lend,
In all his wants supplies do's ever send,
His works with Prudence manag'd are,
Nothing his foot shall ever move;
Both of his wayes and him God takes the Care,
And though he may his Servant prove,
He will reward his Righteousness, and Crown his love.

III

How do the wicked tremble, when the Just
Secure in all his Fears is made?
I'th' midst of fears is not afraid,
But has his heart as fixed as his Trust?

335

Fix'd on his God, nothing shall make him fear,
Though all around he should see ruine near:
For, lo, even then his just desire
Shall be fulfill'd on' his Enemies,
When in their own wild flames they all expire,
And he behold the sacrifice
To Heav'n in fire, and clouds of pitchy smoak arise.

IV

His armes shall be, what he has given away,
Or lent at any time the poor,
Whose Memory ever shall endure,
And with no fretting rust of age decay:
How he with Honour gain'd the Victory,
On Heav'ns Arch shall with'his Name be grav'd on high.
Where as it stands in sight of all,
The Wicked at it shall repine,
Shall see it fix'd, when they must lower fall:
And those, who did before combine
Against him, from their depth shall see it brighter shine.

336

Psalm CXIII. Laudate pueri Dominum, &c.

I

Hallelujah.

Praise Him, ye Servants of the Heav'nly King,
And to His Name your gratefull Praises sing:
That Name, which is so full of Power,
And from Eternity was so,
Let the whole World before it bow,
And to Eternity that Name adore!
Praise Him, for since at first the World He made,
Tis fit this Chief-Rent to Him, should by All be pai'd!

II

Above the Heav'ns He God o're all do's reign,
Nor can the Heav'n of Heav'ns His power contain:
His glory, farr above the sky,
Exceeds the Compass of frail sight,
Invisible by Mortal light,
(Those too weak means we view his greatness by)
Our eys to Him we ne're can hope to raise,
For they'll come short, but we may reach Him with our praise

III

Above He dwels, yet sometimes do's He bend,
And stoop to hear the praise we upward send.
Humbling Himself sometimes to see
Those beauties, which in the Heav'ns are,
And at this distance look so fair,
Which of his Word the great Creation be;
Nay lower, to the Earth He oft draws near,
And with His Presence makes it Heav'n, when He comes there

337

IV

In Heav'n and Earth all things obey His Will,
And though to them it be unknown, fulfill:
At pleasure He bestows the Crown,
Honour and Wealth are in His hand,
And to the poor He gives Command,
Exalting him, but throws the Mighty down:
Makes barren wombes with joy their fruit to bear,
And that which as the grave was deaf, His voice to hear.

338

Psalm CXIV. In exitu Israel de Egypto, &c.

I

When Israel had thrown off th' Egyptian yoke,
And all the Chains of servitude,
A speech like them, who us'd it, rude,
And had their tongues unloos'd, and fetters broke;
Th' Almighty Power, who did that Wonder show,
Conducting by His mighty hand
His People to the Promis'd land,
Did greater Wonders do,
Not only told them whether, but which way to go.

II

The Sea farr off the Marching Camp beheld,
Saw how the Sacred Fire made way,
Yet knew not where their journy lay,
And to look round in higher billows swel'd:
But when to' its shore it saw the Host draw nigh,
The mighty Sea began to fear,
And backward bid its floods to bear,
And those, which could not fly,
Stand up in ranks, and let the Israelites pass by.

III

Jordan fell back, and to his Spring did hast;
Alarum'd at His scare'd Floods retreat,
The Aged Spring lost all his heat,
And boil'd no more, but fainting swoon'd at last:
The mountaines saw the flood, and they ran too;
The little Hills, for Company,
Follow'd to see the Mountains flee,
Like frighted Lambs, which go
(Though unpersu'd) those wayes their trembling Mothers show.

339

IV

What ail'd the Sea, that it should backward start?
Or what made frighted Jordans Spring
Swoone and keep all his waters in,
Like spirits scarce able to secure the Heart?
Why ran the Hills? Why did the mountains fly?
Tremble, O Earth, Thy God is near,
God, who can make deaf Rocks to hear,
And when Thy Springs are dry,
From out their flinty Bowels fetch a new supply!

340

Psalm CXV. Non nobis Domine, Non nobis, &c.

I

Not unto us, Lord, not to us,
But to Thy Name give all the praise!
Thou Worthy art to be exalted thus,
For Truth and Mercy are Thy Wayes:
Why should the World deride Our trust,
And ask, “Where is the God whereof you boast?
Our God in Heav'n do's reign, and what's His Will,
Both Heav'n, and Earth obey, and Seas fulfill.

II

The Heathen Idols rule not so,
Nor by their own power can they stand;
Themselves do not their mean Original know,
Not how made Gods, nor by what hand;
And though their Votaries them adore,
They are the same vile clay they were before;
Or if of Gold, debas'd, and more can do
I'th' Ingot, e're it's a God, then once made so.

III

'T has mouth indeed, and eyes, and eares,
And the fain'd organs of quick sense,
But the dull thing nor speakes, nor sees, nor hears:
And what good can be look'd for thence?
'T has feet, 'tis true, and golden hands,
That ne're gave bribe, but to receive them stands:
And nose, that though the flames to it aspire,
Cannot the Incense smell, nor scent the Fire.

341

IV

They and their Framers are alike,
And neither sense, nor reason have;
But if they 'are gods, let's see them any strike,
Or from the curse their makers save!
Blind Deities, but blinder they,
Who knowing it, to their own work will pray!
Or think the stock, which do's its titles ow
To them, can any thing they want bestow.

V

But on Thy God, O Israel trust!
He only is Thy help, and shield,
O house of Aaron flee to Him that's Just!
For He is Thine, and help will yield.
All you, who fear th' Almighty Lord,
Upon Him trust, and flee unto His Word!
For He's your help, and He will be your shield,
And though you flee, it is to gain the field!

VI

The Lord has mindful of us been,
And He will all Our joyes restore;
The house of Israel have His blessing seen,
And He will bless them more and more:
The house of Aaron He will bless,
And all who fear Him shall by' His love encrease:
'Twixt rich, and poor He do's no difference know,
But by His blessing both in numbers grow.

VII

Bless'd of that God, who all things made,
Both Earth, and Sea and glorious Heaven:
High Heav'n's His seat, and of Him is afraid,
But He to Man the Earth has given:
'Tis there that we admire His Wayes,
Before the grave shut us up, and His Praise;
There will we bless the God, in whom we live,
And as He life to us, Him praises give.

Hallelujah.

342

Psalm CXVI. Delexi quoniam exaudivit, &c.

I

I love Thee, Lord, with my whole heart,
For Thou dost my petitions hear;
Because Thou to me hast inclin'd Thine ear.
And thus propitious to Thy servant art,
With new requests I'll ever prove Thee,
And shew by that I love Thee

II

The pains of death enclos'd me round,
Grief held my heart, and teares my eyes;
My grave stood open, and death thence did rise,
Trouble and Horror, on all sides I found;
Death it self waited underneath,
Above the pains of Death.

III

Yet to the Lord I cry'd, and said,
“My God Thy help I now implore,
“Deliver me, as Thou hast done before,
“When in my trouble I unto Thee pray'd!
Though I deserv'd to be deni'd,
Yet to the Lord I cry'd.

IV

To wrath He's slow, abounds in love,
Our sins most ready to forgive;
The Innocent upon His bounty live,
In Him they live, who reigns their God above:
He help'd me, when I was brought low,
For He to wrath is slow.

343

V

Then to Thy rest, my Soul, return!
For God has kindly dealt with Thee;
Thy feet from sliding, life from death set free,
Nor shall Thy failing eyes in sorrow mourn.
Thy dayes to praise Him are increas'd,
Return, Soul, to Thy rest!

VI

Lord, I believe, and therefore speak,
I knew I should Thy Mercy praise;
Though when afflicted, and in rugged wayes,
One sorrow did my heart and silence break:
Then I all flesh the ly did give,
And yet, Lord, I believe.

VII

What shall I bring and yield the Lord,
For all His Favours shown to me?
A thankful heart my sacrifice shall be.

Versus.

I'll praise Him, and rely upon His Word.
New songs of thanks, I'll to Him sing,
And this at least will bring.

VIII

My Vowes, which in distress I made,
Before His People will I pay:
His People shall rejoice that solemn day,
Whilst those, who are His En'mies be afraid:
When He His plagues upon them throws,
And do's accept My Vowes.

IX

Dear in His sight His servants are,
He will Himself repay their wrong;
Though in forbearing He may seem too long,
It is more deep to strike, and not to spare:

344

Nor is the death of the upright,
Less pretious, in His sight.

X

Lord, I am Thine, and thine will be,
Thy Handmaids Son, whom Thou did'st save,
My God Himself a ransome for me gave,
And to a nobler service set me free:
Thou brake'st my bonds. and made'st me mine,
And now, Lord, I am Thine.

XI

This will I bring, and yield the Lord,

Versus.

For all His Favours shown to me,
A thankful heart my sacrifice shall be,
I'll praise Him, and rely upon His Word:
New songs of thanks I'll to Him sing,
And this at least will bring.

XII

My Vowes, which in distress I made,
Before His People will I pay:
His People shall rejoice that solemn day,
And where I made them, there shall see them pai'd:
Within the Courts of the Lord's House,
There will I pay my Vowes.

Hallelujah.

345

Psalm CXVII. Laudate Dominum Omnes, &c.

I

All you, who to the Lord, your Beings ow,
All Nations, with His blessings crown'd,
All people through the World renown'd,
Sing praises to that God, who made you so!

II

To God, whose Mercy do's to all extend,
Is great to us, and good to you,
And with His Truth do's still renew,
But like Himself, knowes neither bound nor end!

Hallelujah.

346

Psalm CXVIII. Confitemini Domino quoniam, &c.

I

The People.

To God's Almighty Name sing praise,
And you, who know how good He is,
Resign to Him, what's truely His,

Versus.

And Arches of His own great Mercies raise!
For like His Word they have been sure,
And to Eternity endure!

II

Israel, the great Jehova's choice,
Who all His fearful Works have seen,
Who His great Care have alwayes been,
Let Israel now confess with thankful voice,
His Mercies have been ever sure,

Versiculus.

And to Eternity endure!

III

Let those, who by their place attend,
And at His Altar daily wait,
Their own experiences relate,
Sing as they see the sacred flame ascend,
His Mercies have been ever sure,

Versiculus.

And to Eternity endure.

IV

And to advance the Blessed King,
Let all the Righteous with them join,
And in a service thus Divine,
Bear their part too, and in the Chorus sing,
His Mercies have been ever sure,

Versiculus.

And to Eternity endure!

347

V

To God on high for help I cri'd,

The King.

Who from His Temple answer'd me,
Both heard my prayers and set me free,
The Lord of Host Himself was on my side;
I will not fear, what man can do,
Since I've a God to flee unto.

VI

With those, who help'd me, He was seen,
His Presence brought my greatest aid,
Nothing shall make me now afraid,
He'll be my sword, who has my Buckler been:
And when my Foes shall be o'rethrowne,
I'll boast of what His hand has done.

VII

Those, who their Care on God do cast,
And know no other will but His,
Of sure recruits shall never miss,
But as a Rock, i'th' midst of stormes, stand fast;
On God 'tis more secure to trust,
Than man, who must return to dust.

Versiculus.

VIII

He never yet did any fail,
Most sure, when most reli'd upon;
And though His Power subscribes to none,
He lets weak prayers o're Heav'n, and Him prevail:
On God 'tis more secure to trust,
Than Princes, who must turn to dust.

Versiculus.

IX

Let Barbarous Nations girt me round,
And for my ruine all engage,
My trust is plac'd above their rage,
And stands unshaken on the higher ground;

348

For on the Lord of Hosts I'll call,

Versiculus.

And in His Name destroy them all.

X

Round let them compass me, and round,
And for my ruine all engage,
My Trust is plac'd above their rage,
And stands unshaken, on the higher ground;
For on the Lord of Hosts I'll call,

Vers.

And in His Name destroy them all.

XI

Let them like Bees about me swarm,
And all to be my death engage,
Like fire in Thornes or stubble rage,
My head shall be defended by this Charm,
For on the Lord of Hosts I'll call,

Vers.

And in His Name destroy them all.

XII

The bloody Man thrust at me hard,
And hop'd at length to see me fall,
But when I on the Lord did call,
That sword brought death to him, which me had spar'd:
God, who's my strength shall be my song,
And whom I call'd, I'll stay upon.

XIII

The voice of Triumph, and of praise,
The just mans mouth do's ever fill,
His voice is like his trumpet shrill,
When up to Heav'n Thy Vict'ries he do's raise:
'Twas thou the Conquest didst obtain,

Versiculus.

And Thy Right hand the day did gain.

349

XIV

The Lords right hand did mighty things,
No power before His power could stand;
For when He made bare His Right hand,
Armies before Him fled, and Potent Kings;
'Twas That the Conquest did obtain,
And His Right hand the day did gain,

Versiculus.

XV

Empty Thy Quiver, Death, else where,
Be gon, and pierce some softer heart,
For I defie Thy sharpest dart,
Am both above Thy malice, and Thy fear!
I know I shall not dy, but live,
And praise Him, who my Life did give.

XVI

Low as the dust I was brought down,
To the dark Suburbs of the grave,
But He was pleas'd my life to save,
And what He up had rais'd, my Head did crown:
Open the Gates of Righteousness,
For, lo, I am return'd in Peace!

XVII

Blest gates of the Divine aboad,
Which to the Holy Place let in,
Where all the just their Offrings bring,
And haste into the Presence of their God:
There, Lord, I'll praises sing to Thee,
For Thou hast bow'd Thine eare to mee.

XVIII

The stone the Builders did refuse,

Priests.

Had often tri'd, oft thrown away,
Is now the Mighty Fabricks stay,
God chose it for the Noblest place, and use;

350

This is His doing, and when thus
God builds, His Work is marvellous.

XIX

This is the day, which He has made,
Hosannas now befit our voice;
Come, let us in Our God rejoice,
And in the day which He has made, be glad!
That He Prosperity may send,
And to Our troubles put an end.

XX

Sacred Embassador of God,
Who hither in His Name do's come,
We in His Temple make Thee room,
And bless Our King from His Divine aboade!
He is Our Saviour, Come away!
The Victims at the Altar stay.

XXI

Bind them with cords, and tye them fast,
To th' Altars horns, and make them bleed,
Then let the Flame upon them feed,
And in thick clouds to Heav'n ascend at last!

King.

My God I will sing praise to Thee,
Who art my God, and song shalt be.

XXII

To God's Almightie Name sing praise,
And you, who know how Good He is,
Resign to Him, what's truly His,

Versus.

And Arches of His Own great Mercies raise!
For like His Word they have been sure,
And to Eternity endure!

Like a lost sheep from Thee I went astray,
Nor to the fold again should come,
But seek me, Lord, and bring Thy Servant home,
For He do's yet Thy great Commands obey!
Around me let Thy Judgements shine,
And thus from danger sav'd, the Praise shall all be Thine!

373

Psalm CXX. Ad Dominum cum tribularer, &c.

I

In my distress unto the Lord I cry'd,

A song of Degrees.

And though my troubles made me fear,
That God His Face would from me hide,
Even then my God was pleas'd to hear,
And then inclin'd His Willing ear,
And answer'd me, when I most lookt to be deny'd.

II

Thou heardst me, and Thy self didst set me free,
My Enemies saw their swords were vain,
And with their tongues did strike at me,
With lyes my Innocence sought to stain;
Lord, on them turn their lyes again,
And let their tongues, weak as their swords, to hurt me be

III

But what reward, false tongue, dost Thou desire,
Or who to give't Thee dares come nigh?
Thou woundest, when Thou dost retire,
As Parthians fight most when they fly,
Thy Words then kill, when thou runn'st by,
Like Juniper Coles are sweet, but burn worse than their fire.

IV

Unhappy Man, who thus am forc'd to stay,
Exil'd from Him I love most dear!
From Thee, my God, O Come away!
Let me not be without Thee here!
But where Thou art let me appear!
Any where Lord, so Thou wilt but Thy self display.

374

V

Than Mesech can a place more savage be,
Where all to Peace sworn Enemies are,
And for Her sake are so to me?
Kedar with Mesech may compare,
I cry up Peace, They call for Warr;
Yet that were nothing, Lord, could I but there have Thee.

375

Psalm CXXI. Levavi oculos meos in Montes, &c.

I

Unto the Hills I rais'd my drooping eyes,

A song of Degrees. II.

And look'd if any help were there,
Loaded with tears I made them rise,
To watch, and give the sign, when help drew near;
I rais'd them up but all in vain,
I could not keep them so,
Their own weight press'd them to the Earth again,
On high they would not be, when I was sunk so low!

II

Up to your tops, O Hills, I'll look no more,
An unexpected help is nigh;
I overlook'd this help before,
Look'd, when I thought not high enough, too high,
For, lo, my God my part do's take,
On my side do's appear;
God whose great word, both Heav'n and Earth did make,
And what need other help, when the Almighty's near!

III

“Thy Foot, He said it, all times fixt shall stand,
And He shall watch about Thee keep;
The Lord shall lead Thee by the hand,
And never, though thou slumbrest, fall asleep:
For Israel He is still awake,
His eyes still open be;
And He, who of an Israel care can take,
Fear not, but He can well enough provide for Thee!

376

IV

Twixt Him, and Thee no cloud shall interpose,
But He shall be Himself Thy shade;
To break the Malice of Thy Foes,
The Eternall God, shall be Thy refuge made:
The Lord shall be Thy sure defence,
Thy guard both night, and day,
Shall sweeten every Planets influence,
And to serve Thee, make both the Sun, and Moon obey.

V

God shall defend Thee, and Thy life shall be
Secur'd from danger by His love;
And all things, which belong to Thee,
The Care, which He has of Thy Soul shall prove:
Without, He shall direct Thy Way,
Within, shall bless Thy store;
And all the while from Him Thou'rt forc'd to stay,
Shall what Thou hast make serve Thy turn, or give Thee more!

377

Psalm CXXII. Lætatus sum in his quæ, &c.

I

Twas the best news I wish to hear,

A song of Degrees of David. III.

My very Soul stood ravisht at my ear,
“Let's go, they say'd; Come! Let's away!
“Already we have tarried long enough,
“Now let our speed declare Our love;
“Why should we thus from Sion stay,
“And only be unhappy by our Own delay?

II

“Let's go; see at the City gates
“How God Himself to greet Our coming waits!
“We Come, O God, nor will we rest,
“Till we the place have in Jerusalem found,
“Till we have trod that Holy ground,
“Which Thou of all the World lov'st best,
“Which Thou of all the World hast with Thy Presence blest.

III

Jerusalem is strong, and fair,
Glorious above what other Cities are;
The Seat of the Eternal King,
Whose lofty Palaces approach the skies,
And to be near their God to 'Heav'n rise;
Thither the Tribes their Offerings bring,
And from their scattred Cities come His Praise to sing.

IV

There are the Thrones of Judgement set,
Her Power is large, and Her Dominion great;

378

The Thrones of David there stand fast,
The Lord Himself in Sion founded them,
Has fixt them in Jerusalem,
Subject to neither change, or Wast,
But such, as shall by Him upheld, for ever last.

V

Triumphant City; Mayst Thou be
Happy like Him, who first establisht Thee!
May He from Warrs Thy gates secure,
And like Thee Thy well-wishers ever bless,
Give Thee a long, and certain peace,
Make all His blessings to Thee sure,
And may Thy Peace, as constant as His Power endure!

VI

For Israels sake Thou hast my love,
Second to none but His who rules above;
For Sions sake I'll happiness
On all Thy Palaces, and Borders pray;
Thy Palaces shall ne're decay,
Within Thy Borders Warr shall cease,
For He, who is Thy Guardian, is the God of Peace.

376

Psalm CXXIII. Ad te Levavi oculos meos, &c.

I

To Thee, O Lord, I lift my careful eyes,
To Heav'n, where Thou sitst cloath'd with light,

A song of Degrees. IV.

And though I hopeless am to reach Thy sight,
I cannot choose but let them thither rise;
Tow'rds Heav'n they look, and seek Thee every where,
And though they see Thee not, know Thou art there.

II

As Servants on their Masters sign depend,
Know what to do, what to forbear,
From thence, though they no other language hear,
And with quick eyes unto their hands attend:
Wayting on Thee, we more dependance show,
And though Thou art invisible, do so.

III

We wait, and waiting never will give o're,
Till Thou to us Thy Mercy show;
O, on us Now Thy Mercy, Lord bestow,
And what we long have lost, again restore!
Thy Mercy, Lord; and since Thou 'rt Just, and strong,
Repeal Our miseries, and revenge Our wrong!

IV

Revenge the wrong, which we endure from those,
Who at us scoff, because We're Thine,
Against us only for Thy sake combine,
And are Our envious and malicious foes!
Their sloth, and ease make them Our pains deride,
And all Our grief's the Triumph of their pride.

380

Psalm CXXIV. Nisi quia Dominus, &c.

I

A song of Degrees of David. V.

“Had not the Lord our Cause maintain'd
“The Lord Himself, may Israel say,
“Had not the Lord the Victory for us gain'd,
“Instead of getting, We had lost the day,
“And Captives been to them, who now are made Our prey.

II

On us they came, and like a flood,
Which would within no banks be held,
They fiercer grew, the more they were withstood,
Increas'd in rage, when we their force repell'd,
And by Our opposition higher only swell'd.

III

God on the banks in view did stand,
And when the floods did Lowdest rore,
Mov'd o're the floods His All-commanding hand,
They stood awhile and gaz'd, then backwards bore,
And chid their fellow waves, which came too slow before.

IV

The Lord Himself has made Our Way,
And from their snares has set us free;
The snares are broke, which they for us did lay,
And when they look'd that we should taken be,
God who first loos'd the net, did give us wings to flee.

V

God is Our refuge, and in vain
Frail Man against Him thinks to stand;
His Word made all things, all things do's sustain,
And He deliverance for us will command,
Has past His Word to do it, and will use his Hand!

381

Psalm CXXV. Qui confidunt in Domino, &c.

I

All those, who on th' Almighty God rely,

A song of Degrees. VI.

His Wife, like to a fruitful Vine,
Shall into breadth and clusters run,
To him shall look, as to her Sun,
And still have fruit on which that Sun may shine:
Like Olive plants his children round his board,
With spreading branches garnished,
Shall with their blossoms crown his head;
And thus shall he be blest, who fears the Lord.

III

The Lord shall bless Thee, shew Thee good,
And all Thy dayes shall let Thee see
Jerusalems Prosperity,
And wonder how so long unmov'd it stood:
Thou into Childrens Children shalt increase,
Shalt see them into Children grow;
And, what will make it Heaven below,
Shalt Israel all the while behold in Peace!

387

Psalm CXXIX. Sæpe expugnaverunt, &c.

I

Up from my Youth may Israel say,

A song of Degrees VII.

From my Youth up I have great troubles seen,
Trouble, and life did at a time begin,
Bear date from the same place, and day,
Together came, together stay,
Scarce any joy appears between,
Yet through that God, who helps me, I have Conqueror been.

II

My Enemies came, and with their plough
My tender back did cruelly run o're,
My tender back with cruel furrows tore,
They plow'd, but nothing hop'd would grow,
But then God did the furrows sow,
From my fresh wounds new armes I bore,
And o're them brought the wheel, who plow'd o're me before.

III

The Righteous God has strook in two,
And broke those snares, which for Our feet they made;
Has all their plots, and mischiefs open lai'd,
And though they thought He did not know,
Discover'd what they thought to do,
Made them of their own snares afraid,
May Sions foes with their own wrongs thus be repai'd!

IV

May God upon their glory blow,
And like the grass, which on some aged Wall,
Looks fresh, and gay, and almost out of call,
With scorn beholds the fields below,

388

So may they flourish, wither so,
So may they stand, so may they fall,
Till in one ruine perish grass, and mound, and all.

V

The Reaper cannot fill his hand,
In vain the husband man do's give it rest,
In vain expects with sheaves to fill his breast,
It thrives not like his other land,
That growes, but this is at a stand,
That by each passenger is blest,
But none for this do's ever put up one request.

VI

There stirrs not as you pass a prayer,
But all struck silent, as they there go by,
First look up, if their prayers will reach so high,
And think them better us'd else where;
Nor like these shall you wishes hear,
“Th' Almighty grant prosperity,
“And what Our blessings want, may His to Thee supply!

389

Psalm CXXX. De profundis clamavi, &c.

I

Out of the depths unto the Lord I cry'd,

VI. Penitential Psalm of Degrees. XI.

Deep Seas of Miserie Where I lay,
But o're my soul the waves did ride,
And louder roar'd, when I began to pray,
Ah! still their noise, and be not, Lord, as deaf as they!

II

I know I have deserv'd these miseries,
And greater plagues might justly fear;
And if Thou should'st to judgement rise,
Indeed despair of ever coming near,
For those great sins, which harden mine, may stop Thy ear.

III

But, Lord, there is forgiveness still with Thee,
Thou wait'st Thy Favours to bestow,
I wait when Thou wilt gracious be,
My hope alone do's from Thy Mercie flow,
And since Thou wait'st, Lord, to be gracious, Ah, be so!

IV

For as the Watchman, who has stood all night,
Upon the guard do's long for day,
Looks when the Sun will make it light,
Just so attending on the Lord We stay,
Till the bright Sun of Righteousness His beames display.

V

Hope in Thy God; O Israel, and Thy trust
All times upon His Mercie place;
He who has promis'd Thee is just,
And if with confidence Thou seek His Face,
Thy sins He'l take away, and freely give His Grace.

390

Another Version of the same, by M. M. B.

I

Plung'd in the depths of sin and misery,
Where I could nothing see but Death
Ready to stifle my complaining breath,
With which to Thee my God I sent my Cry,
Hoping at length to reach Thine ear,
And by my often calls get Thee to hear,
Hear me, I said, let not my Cries be vain,
Lest I no strength should have to Cry again.

II

Eternall God, should Thy all-seeing eye
Severely marke Our often strayes;
Our wandrings i'th' forbidden dangerous wayes,
Of basest sin, and fond Iniquity,
Who then could in Thy presence stand,
Or bear the weight of Thy enraged hand?
But Thou art mighty in Thy Pardoning love,
O let us fear that we may grateful prove.

III

Wherefore I'll wait for Thee, my gracious Lord,
Till Thou Thy Favours shalt dispence,
And make me feel their powerful influence,
My Soul for this shall hope in Thy sure word:
For Thee I'll wait with more desire
Than they, who for the Morning light enquire,
That from their weary watch they may be freed;
Yea more than they, wherefore my God make speed!

IV

Let Israel on the Lord repose His trust,
With whom both Mercie is and love,
The constant streames that flow from Him above:
Like whom there's none so good, yet none so just:
For though He did a ransom find,
'Twas such as through't His Justice brighter shin'd:
From Him Redemption shall to Israel come,
Which to their land and Him shall bring them home.

391

Psalm CXXXI. Domine not est exaltatum, &c.

I

No, Lord, Thou knowst I am not so,

A song of Degrees of David. XII.

And yet Thou all my soul dost know;
Alike before Thee open ly
My Innocent heart, and humble eye,
Which have no pride, but from the malice of my Foe.

II

I do not to the Crown aspire,
Nor what's my Sovereigns, Lord, desire;
Such thoughts beyond m' ambition go,
Too high for me, who am so low,
And yet my humble Soul, beneath the Crown, looks higher.

III

To Thee I look, on Thee attend,
Hoping Thou wilt my Right defend,
The Crown is but an empty thing,
And what it has not cannot bring,
Not after that but Thee O God my prayers I send!

IV

For I restrain my self in this,
Just like a child that new wean'd is,
From 'his Mothers breast, who though he cry,
And grieves at first those streames are dry,
Forgets it, and streight loaths what he was wont to kiss.

V

As I have done may Israel do,
And wean'd from all things here below,
Unto their God alone attend,
And only on His help depend,
On God, who greater things than Kingdoms can bestow!

392

Psalm CXXXII. Memento Domine David.

Lord.

I

A song of Degrees. XIII.

Remember David, and His vow,
And all the troubles He did undergo,
Whilst for Thy Ark He sought a Resting place:
Abroad He suffred, and at home,
But when He thought the worst was overcome,
This still remain'd, and His great trouble was.

II

Remember, Lord, the Oath He made,
And how solicitous to see it pai'd!
“Within my house, said He, I'll come no more,
“Nor on soft couches wait for sleep,
“My very Bed shall watch against it keep,
“Girt round with Pious Cares, and arm'd all o're.

III

“I'll search till I the place shall find,
“Which God Himself has for His Rest design'd:
We know it, Lord, and to it each remove,
How first at Shilo Thou didst reign,
Then in a grove, and unfrequented plain,
Places still innocent, because once Thy love.

IV

Look how Thy Courts we reach with praise,
And as We bow Our knees, Our voices raise!
Arise, O God, and Thy great journy take,
Thou, and Thy Ark together rise,
Before Thee scatter all Thine Enemies,
And Sion, Thy delight, Thy Residence make!

393

V

Let all Thy Priests Their praises sing,
And with loud shouts Thy Saints their Offrings bring
Let Thy Annointed in the Roll be one,
And for Thy Servant Davids sake,
To whom Thou freely didst Thy Promise make,
This Happiness confirm unto His Son!

VI

In Truth Thou didst to David swear,
(Witness Thy self) “Thou shalt not want an heir,
“But of Thy seed I on Thy Throne will set;
“And if Thy Children Faithfull be,
“And keep the Laws transmitted here to Thee,
“Their Throne like Thine shall stand, and be as Great.

VII

“For I have Sion made my Rest,
“The place, which I of all the World love best,
“My house for ever, where I choose to dwell,
“All Her Provisions I will bless,
“And thence Her poor shall look for their increase,
“And when they see it, wonder how it fell.

VIII

“There shall her Priests my Praises sing,
“And with Loud Shouts My Saints their Offrings bring;
“The Horn of David there I'll make to bud,
“An Horn of Plenty, full, and green,
“Where some New blossoms ever shall be seen,
“Whose fruit 's as generous, as the root is good.

IX

“There for my King I'll set a light,
“My eye shall make it burn, and keep it bright;
“Obscurity shall on His Foes be cast,
“Cover'd with shame they shall ly down,
“But on His head I'll put a glorious Crown,
“And I, who put it on, will hold it fast.

394

Psalm CXXXIII. Ecce quam bonum, & quam, &c.

I

A song of Degrees of David. XIV.

Blest day! wherein I live to see
The Tribes, like Brethren, all agree,
Like Brethren striving, who shall my best Subjects be.

II

God has by them restor'd my Crown,
And they secur'd what was their Own,
For what on me they pour'd, upon themselves fell down.

III

Th' Annointing Oyl, they on me spent,
On them in Acts of Favour went,
As if for them, as much as me, the Oyl was meant.

IV

Like that, which on the High-Priest shed,
At first it only wet His head,
But then o're beard, and cloaths, and all was quickly spred.

V

Or like those mists, which from the Main
The sun draws up, to send again,
In dews, first on the Hills, and then the humble Plain.

VI

With such th' Almighty loves to dwell,
And Souls agreed His Praise can tell,
How on them blessings, when on others vengeance fell.

395

Psalm CXXXIV. Ecce nunc benedicite, &c.

I

Praise Him, Ye Servants of th' Eternal King,

A song of Degrees. XV.

Who alwayes in His Temple stay,
Till your loud songs the cheerful Morning bring,
And having chas'd the Night away,
Call to attend your Sacrifice the rising day!

II

And as you praise Him, let your thankfull hands
Their part in all the Service bear,
They have their language, which He understands,
Though none beside their voice do's hear,
For them reserves His eye, and for your lips His Ear!

III

The Lord from Sion on Thy Borders reign
Showers, like that Heav'n which sends them, free!
Return Thy Blessings on Thee back again;
Let them Thine own, and greater be,
That Gods, who Heav'n and Earth did make, & all for Thee!

396

Psalm CXXXV. Laudate nomen Domini, &c.

I

Hallelujah.

Ye Servants of th' Immortal King,
His Masters of request below,
To whom, when We our just Petitions bring,
Immediately to Heav'n they go;
And by your means, who there attend,
I'th' flames which burn the Sacrifice, ascend,
To His Great Name, which He delights to raise,
Though far above your reach, direct your Praise!

II

There's none like Him, so full of love,
On whom you can your praise bestow;
And if great Goodness can affection move,
Then praise His Name for that is so!
For Jacobs seed He gave His voice,
And plac'd His Treasure, where He made His choice;
So great that none can contradict His will,
But when they most resist it, most fulfill.

III

His Pleasure Heav'n, and Earth obey,
And Laws which He first gave them keep;
He chains the Sea, and bounding sands do's lay,
For mighty fetters on the Deep;
Causes thick vapours to ascend,
And in one cloud moist Hail, and fire do's blend;
Out of His Treasures brings th' unruly wind,
And Captive Tempests with strong Cords do's bind.

397

IV

In Egypt, when He did begin,
Thus He their Frist Born would not spare;
The Beasts were punisht for their Masters sin,
Under the Curse because they were;
His Wonders God before Him sent,
And thither afterwards in Person went;
Egypt, Thou saw'st His hand i'th mid'st of Thee,
When Pharaoh, who did bear it, Would not see.

V

He mighty Kingdoms overthrew,
Scattred their Forces, slew their Kings,
And Victory, which abroad at Pleasure flew,
Made serve at home without her wings;
Sehon and Ogg before Him fell,
In whose Possessions Faithfull Israel dwell;
That Promised Land, which He their Fathers gave,
Who from that gift their surest Title have.

VI

Eternal God, like Thee Thy Name
Endures to all Eternity,
And as Its Power is constantly the same,
So shall Its just Memorial be;
For Thou wilt for Thy People rise,
Subdue, and Scatter all their Enemies,
That under yoaks they shall no more remain,
But to Thy Temple, be restor'd again.

VII

Dumb Idols shall not Thee withstand,
Nor thousand Gods fond men adore;
For all, though fashion'd by the Workmans hand,
Remain the Clay they were before;
Dull Clay, which neither sees, nor hears,
Though Art has given them eyes, and made them ears,

398

Most Easy Gods to whom when any cry,
They therefore grant because they can't deny.

VIII

Without or Speech, or breath, or sense,
Though they of All the Organs have;
In vain is help to be expected thence,
Where's not enough themselves to save:
Blind Deities, but blinder they,
Who knowing it, to their own Work will pray;
Ne're thinking that it cannot to them turn,
And that one fire will god, and Incense burn.

IX

But Thou, O Israel, Bless Thy Lord!
O House of Aaron, bless His Name!
And you, who serve at th' Altar by His Word,
With coales from thence encrease your Flame!
Let joy in every Face appear,
And bless the Lord, whom you have made your Fear!
From Sion bless Him, who reigns King above,
But at Jerusalem is The God of Love!

399

Psalm CXXXVI. Confitemini Domino Quoniam, &c.

I

O praise The Lord, for He is Good,
And let the World His love adore,
For though His Power may aw them more,
His Love guards those, who are by that withstood,
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

II

Praise Him, who o're all gods do's reign,
The God of Gods, of Kings the King,
To whom all Thrones this Homage bring,
What He first gave them, to resign again!
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

III

All that We see His hand has done,
Who makes His Mighty Power appear,
With wonder strikes us, and with fear,
For His own sake He did it, and alone:
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

IV

He made the Heav'ns, that glorious space,
Which has no bound, and knows no end,
Whose greatness man can comprehend
As little, as that God, who made the Place;
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

400

V

The Flood at first hid all the Land,
Till He rais'd it above the Flood,
Where it unmov'd e're since has stood,
He stretcht it out, by reaching out His hand,
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

VI

The Lamps of Heav'n ow all their light
To Him, who caus'd them first to shine,
He on them look'd, they like a Mine,
From thence took fire, and ever since are bright;
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

VII

He charg'd the Sun to rule the day,
Gave him His beams and influence,
Laws how he should his Flames dispence,
And when he rules, then do's he most obey;
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

VIII

The Moon and stars at night attend,
And on the guard in turns all wait;
Some go of sooner, some more late,
And to relieve them God do's others send;
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

IX

Praise Him, who for their Fathers sin,
Smote Cham's first born, did none pass o're,
Sent death to look on every dore,
Who frighted at no blood without, went in.

401

His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

X

Who with strong hand, and out-stretch'd Arm,
Deliver'd Israel from the Yoke;
Who all the Egyptian fetters broke,
And made His Israels March, be their Al-arm.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XI

Who all times did His Promise keep,
The Red-Sea for them did divide,
And what the Waves before did hide,
Made them His Wayes see truly in the Deep.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XII

The liquid Deep in Walls did stand,
Of purest Chrystal, through whose glass
The Floods behind saw Israel pass,
And there, as in themselves, admir'd His hand.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XIII

But when the army was gon o're,
God took His rein from of the Wave,
And Jacobs way was Egypts grave,
Was Sea again, and wash'd its ancient shore.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

402

XIV

God did Himself direct their Way,
A fiery Pillar was their Moon;
Night follow'd close, when they were gon,
And from their Foes hid where their journies lay.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XV

He potent Kings did overthrow,
Their Forces scattred, scorn'd their rage,
Himself did for His Flock engage,
And made them conquer, when He bid them go.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure,

XVI

Sehon, who did their Way deny,
Found all His Troops to be but vain;
When God their Battles did maintain,
Instead of stopping them, himself did fly.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XVII

Ogg heard his fall, but would come out,
Thinking a double Victory,
Would raise his glory to the sky;
But God, who Sehon slew, against him fought.
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XVIII

God to the Conquest wav'd His hand,
Descending in the Sacred Flame,
Weak Israel by His Power, o'recame,
And they, who ask'd but passage, shar'd the Land.

403

His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XIX

Praise Him, who in Our low estate
Did many Victories for us gain,
Unseen Our weakness did sustain,
Redeem'd us, when we thought is was too late!
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XX

Who for all Creatures do's provide,
Of His Own fulness gives them food,
Feeds both the Wicked, and the Good,
Who from His Treasures alwayes are supply'd!
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

XXI

Who to frail Man the Earth has given,
And made Him King, and God below,
Where all things to His Scepter bow,
But is Himself Mans King, and God of Heav'n!
His Mercies have been ever sure,
And to Eternity endure.

404

Psalm CXXXVII. Super flumina Babylonis, &c.

I

As on the banks of Chebar we state down,
Lamenting Sions Miseries,
At Sions Miseries we forgot our own,
And wisht for her such Rivers in our eyes:
We envy'd there the rolling tide,
That at Our feet did gently slide,
That at our feet more streames, than from our eyes did glide.

II

The Willows to our plaints bow'd down their ear,
And did in hollow murmurs grone;
The Willows bow'd as though they long'd to hear
Again those griefs, which they before had known:
They bow'd, and on their heads we hung
Our Harps untun'd, Our Harps unstrung,
Sorrow their strings unloos'd, but faster ty'd Our tongue.

III

'Twas then we suffred double misery,
When to us Our rude spoilers came,
And to deride our sad Captivity,
Imbittred it with Captive Sions Name:
Our selves we only griev'd before,
But when Their scorns just Sion bore,
At Her great suffrings, of our own we thought no more.

IV

“One of your songs let's hear, they proudly cry'd,
“And one of Sions Anthems play,
“Your griefs and pensive cares now throw aside,
“Sion is here, since we brought you away!

405

As if we, at their base Commands,
Could sing, forgetfull of our bands,
Could play, when they who stop'd our mouths, had ty'd our hands.

V

No! No! in forreign Lands if we do thus,
For Sion thus forget to grieve,
Let Her God too forget to pity us,
And these fond tongues close to their palats cleave!
Her Praises first our mouths did fill,
From Her Our hands first learn't their skill,
No wonder then, if Sion mourns, that they lie still!

VI

Remember Edom, Lord, who in the day
Jerus'lem was a Captive made,
Joyn'd with Her Enemies, and shar'd the prey,
And made us more than Babylon afraid!
“Rase it, they cri'd, down with the Wall,
“To the foundations Levell all,
“She that to Babylon will not stoop, 'tis fit She fall!

VII

Hold Babylon—where will thy rage extend?
God has enough to Sion done,
Hold, and prepare Thee Babylon for Thy end,
What mayst Thou fear, if thus He serves His Own?
Mayst Thou in Thine Our miseries see,
And all the wrongs we bore from Thee,
And know, that less than what Thou hast deserv'd, they be!

VIII

May Thy own Mercies on Thy head return,
Those Mercies which are Cruelties,
Mayst Thou in flames of Thy own kindling burn,
And send in vain to Heav'n Thy fruitless cries!
And Happy He, who on the stones,
On Flints shall dash Thy little ones,
And have than flints less bowels for their dying grones!

406

Psalm CXXXVIII. Confitebor tibi Domine in toto corde, &c.

I

A Psalm of David.

Lord, I will bless Thee, and my cheerful voice
Before the gods shall tell my joies:
Those glorious Powers, to whom Thou dost impart
Thy Name, and Office here below,
Shall see me pay the praise I ow,
And as I had Thy ear, return my Heart.

II

Then to Thy Sacred Hill my eyes I'll raise,
And fetch new subjects for my Praise:
My Song shall count of what Thou didst for me,
Of Mercy, and of Truth I'll sing;
And when I'have wearied out that string,
Thy Faithfulness another ground shall be.

III

Thou hast exalted it, and why not I?
For when to Thee I Loud did cry,
To Thee, my God, and mourn'd in my distress,
My dolefull groanes Thy heart did move,
Thou didst refresh me from above,
And answer gav'st of Thine Own Faithfulness.

IV

The heathen Kings, when they Thy Wonders hear,
Shall both rejoice and serve with fear;
By My example in Thy Wayes shall sing,
Ascribe to Thee what is Thine Own,
Cast at Thy Feet their Scepters down,
And do their homage to Thee, as their King.

407

V

God over all, whose Throne is set on high,
Above the Circle of the sky,
The humble, and their proud Oppressors knowes;
The difference only lies in this,
Though well known to Him either is,
When He delivers those, He these o'rethrows.

VI

No! I'll ne're fear, though trouble me surround,
Most fixt when I shall feel no ground:
Thou wilt revive me, and with Thy Right hand,
Thy poor afflicted Creature save,
My Enemies wrath an end shall have,
And on his ruin I shall firmer stand.

VII

The Lord will perfect what He has begun,
And finish what is yet undone;
Thou, whose Compassions all Thy Works transcend,
Care of the Issue also take,
Nor me Thy handy-Work forsake,
But with eternal Triumphs crown the end!

408

Psalm CXXXIX. Domine probasti me, &c.

I

A Psalm of David.

In vain, O God, my folly, and my pride
Make me in vain persume to be,
By all my shifts, conceal'd from Thee,
When from my self, my self I cannot hide;
Thy day still breaks into my night,
Still gives me of my self the sight,
For Thee to see me by, shall it not be more bright?

II

Thou 'hast search'd me, Lord, and all my life hast known,
Know'st every Action of my life,
When with my-self or Thee at strife,
Thou know'st my rising up, and lying down:
My thoughts, and heart, to Thee are clear,
Thou art their Judge, and alwayes near,
Do'st see, and sentence both, before I know what's there.

III

Where e're I go, in what place e're I stay,
Whether I wake, whether I sleep,
Thy Spirit by me watch do's keep,
Is my Companion in the closest way;
If I but whisper, that stands by,
And though unseen by Mortall eye,
Takes from my Lips the word, and to Thine ear do's fly,

IV

There's no avoiding Thee, behind, before,
On all sides Thou hast girt me round;
My God, Thy Wisdom's too profound,
Too deep to fathom, higher than I can soar;

409

Thy hand first-made, and fashion'd me,
Thy Will commands me now to be,
Being or life I cannot have, unless in Thee.

V

Then whither shall I from Thy Presence fly?
If up to Heav'n my Way I take,
Thou Heav'n Thy Residence dost make,
And to get further off I come more nigh;
If down to Hell, the Devils there,
Tell me Thou 'rt present by their fear,
They tell me what I merit, by the pains they bear.

VI

Quick as my thought, could I remove me hence,
And in the furthest East remain,
Below the Sea some covert gain,
Thy Sun would shew me as he rises thence:
If I say darkness, and the night,
Which shut out all, shall barr Thy sight,
That Darkness, which is so to me, to Thee is light.

VII

Thou art within me too, close as my heart,
Within my heart, unknown to me,
For when that first was made by Thee,
Thy breath, Lord, was my best, and chiefest part:
Thou threw'st Thy self in, and in vain,
To fly from Thee, my self I pain,
For ever since Thou dost within my heart remain.

VIII

I know I am Thy Master-piece, and all
I in the greater World admire,
Find in my self, and something higher,
Am Heav'n in Perspective, and Earth in small:
By Thee was wonderfully made,
Nor is Thine Image so decay'd,
But when I view my self, I am of Thee afraid.

410

IX

Nothing of me, not my least part's unknown,
Then, when I first was wrought below,
Thy eyes, and hands dispos'd me so,
My Members in Thy book were entred down;
Entred before all time they were,
When none of them did yet appear,
And what Thou then design'dst them, now in time they are.

X

This as I think of, and what Thou hast done.
The wondrous pledges of Thy love,
By whom I live, in whom I move,
My heart is struck as silent, as my tongue;
They pass the Sands upon the Shore,
And had I told their Number o're,
Those would more numerous seem, than they appear'd before.

XI

But as Thou'rt gracious, Thou art also just,
And wilt the Wicked Man o'rethrow,
Teaching him by Thy Power to know,
How great that God is, which he would not trust:
Down with them, Lord, destroy them all,
Let their own Curses on them fall,
Who on Thy Name, but in their Oaths, did never call!

XII

Do not I hate them, Lord, those who hate Thee,
And are not they my Enemies,
Who in their rage against Thee rise?
Thou know'st I hate them, and they're so to me:
Search me, and try me, found my heart,
Its most retir'd, and deepest part,
And lead me to that life, whose Way and Guide Thou art!

411

Psalm CXL. Eripe me Domine ab, &c.

I

Lord, from the evil man my life defend,

A Psalm of David.

Nor let his Treasons, or his violence,
His open force, or close pretence,
Work ill to him, who do's on Thee depend!
His thoughts Thou know'st are ever set on Warr,
And now to give me battle ralli'd are.

II

Instead of sword he sharpens a false tongue,
More venemous than that, which serpents bear;
The poyson from an Adders spear,
Wounds not so mortally, nor kills so long:
O, by Thy Power may I his plots withstand,
For if his tongue's thus cruel, what's his hand?

III

The ginns are lai'd, and all the toiles are set,
They are resolv'd my Footsteps to o'rethrow;
And where they guess I needs must go,
In the mid-way the proud have spread their net;
“Most Holy Lord, Thou art my God, I said,
“And now's Thy time to help, since I have pray'd!

IV

When thousand dangers had begirt me round,
And all my Foes were ready in the field,
Thou wer't my helmet, and my shield,
And sav'dst that head, which Thou before hadst crown'd:
May the desires of all the Wicked fail,
Lest when I slip, they think their hand prevail!

412

V

Let them not by my ruin higher rise,
And judge by the success their cause is good!
But stain their swords with their own blood,
And be aveng'd on Thy false Enemies!
Let burning coals fall on them in Thine Ire,
And let their own lips help to blow the Fire!

VI

Then throw them down into the Flame, nor more,
Unless it be to Judgement, may they rise!
And after bear fresh miseries,
Sharper than all, which they endur'd before!
Let vengeance hunt the violent man to' his grave,
And so much earth may he for 'his portion have!

VII

I know the Lord will to the poor do right,
And plead Himself, as well as judge their cause,
Trying them by such equal laws,
That their clear'd Innocence shall look more bright!
So that the Righteous on their God shall stay,
And in His sight enjoy Eternal Day.

413

Psalm CXLI. Domine clamavi ad te, &c.

I

My God, when in distress I cry,

A Psalm of David.

And on my long-wing'd sighes unto Thee fly,
Make haste to meet me, Come away,
Ah, do no longer from me stay,
But by Thy Presence shew, Thou hearst me, when I pray!

II

Let my requests like incense rise,
Not to o're-cloud, but to perfume the skies!
And when the day resigns to night,
Let it again receive new light,
And by my Sacrifices Flames become more bright!

III

Before my mouth, Lord, set a guard,
And let its double gates be alwayes barr'd!
Keep my heart too, and be its guide,
That to no ill it turn aside,
And lest I for them long, sins flattring pleasures hide!

IV

The just mans check I can endure,
His stroke wounds not, but do's advance the cure;
Let him smite me, 't shall be instead
Of Ointment, to refresh my head,
Ointment which cheares the living, and preserves the Dead!

V

For him I'll pray, as he for me,
His blowes were balm, and so my Words shall be;

414

When his curs'd judges overthrown
From their great heights shall be cast down,
And in the plagues they bear see all the wrongs they 'have done.

VI

Our scattred bones no buriall have,
Nor know the kind Corruption of the Grave;
Like th' armes of some great tree they ly,
Which while its head was rais'd on high,
Stood the woods glory, now the scorn of all pass by.

VII

But still my eyes are up to Thee,
Thou art my Trust, and shal't my refuge be;
Let not my Soul of succour fail,
And though the Wicked me assail,
Let not his open force, or hidden plots prevail!

VIII

Break all the snares, which he has made,
Or let them only for himself be lai'd!
Down in his own pits Let him fall,
In vain for help, or succour call,
Whilst I, for whom he made them, have no hurt at all!

415

Psalm CXLII. Voce mea ad Dominum, &c.

I

My heart just broke, and only strength enough

A Prayer of David When He was in the Cave.

Left to discharge my debt of grief, and love,
Aloud I to th' Almighty cri'd;
My Lips perform'd the chiefest part,
For I before had sent my heart,
And where this first was gon, thither I those did guide.

II

Before my God I empti'd out my prayer,
And dropt for every word I spake a tear;
My griefs I did before Him lay,
And when I knew not what to do,
Which way I went, or where to go,
He knew my Actions then, and did direct my Way.

III

Better than I, He knew what plots were lai'd,
And all the snares, which for my feet they made;
On my right hand I look'd, but there
No man my just desires would own,
On me they look'd as one unknown,
So far from lending me an hand, they stop'd their ear.

IV

Then to the Lord, to Thee again I prai'd,
And in the dolour of my spirit said;
“Thou my Salvation art below,
“Even here Thou dost my cause defend,
“Even here Thy aids my prayers transcend,
“And, Lord, though none else will, Thou dost my trouble know.

416

V

“Hear me, my God, and from my Enemies hand,
“Deliv'rance, which Thou only giv'st, command!
“Thou see'st they are too strong for me,
“How daily they encrease in power,
“But I Thy wonted helps implore,
“For yet, my God, they cannot be too strong for Thee.

VI

“From prison bring me, that I may declare,
“How ready for Thine Own Thy Mercies are!
God will deliver me, and I,
Who now unjustly suffer wrong,
Shall make His praises be my song,
And all the Just shall triumph in my Victory.

417

Psalm CXLIII. Domine exaudi orationem meam, &c.

I

Great Saviour, to my mournfull Prayer give ear,

VII Penitential Psalm of David.

And of Thy Mercy pittie me!
O Thou, who see'st my troubles hear,
And as they need, so let Thy answer be!
I know Thou canst do this, and more,
For Thou hast done it heretofore!

II

Behold my troubles, Lord, but not my Sins!
For if Thou once shouldst be severe,
What heart quakes not, when God begins,
To judge, and sets up His Tribunal there?
What Flesh can in His sight be just,
Or to His breath expose its dust?

III

See how the Enemy my Soul persues,
And how no safety can be found,
Whilst he his daily wrongs renewes,
Unless I, with the dead, dwell under ground,
Unless a wretched life to save,
I enter quick into the grave.

IV

This grieves my heart, nor would it longer hold,
But that on Thee I meditate,
Remembring what Thou didst of old,
How Nothing was too hard, no time too late:
I think of what Thy hand has done,
And take Thy Arm to lean upon.

418

V

The thirsty earth, with drought consum'd, and heat,
Do's not more gape, and long for rain,
Than I whose thirst is full as great,
Am restless grown till I see Thee again;
Hear me my God, hear speedily!
The Earth Thou hear'st and why not me?

VI

No longer turn Thy glorious Face away!
Or if I must in darkness sit,
Let it be such, as brings the day,
And not eternall, like that in the pit!
At night, my God, give me Thine ear,
And in the morning let me hear!

VII

Let me Thy Mercies hear, for, Lord, on Thee
Alone for Mercie I rely;
Thy way be pleas'd to shew to me,
And give me wings that I to Heav'n may fly!
There I secure shall be at rest,
Nor of my Trust be dispossest.

VIII

Teach me to do Thy Will, for Thou art Mine;
And lead me to Thy Sacred land!
Ah, quicken me, for I am Thine,
And by Thy strength alone must firmly stand:
And would Thy Spirit but guide my Way,
I should not care, Lord, where it lay.

IX

Now for Thy Mercies sake, my troubles end,
For only Thou know'st what I bear!
Let on my Foes Thy wrath descend,
And Thine eye be like theirs, too fierce to spare!
Let them Thy Indignation know,
But to Thy Servant favour show!

419

Psalm CXLIV. Benedictus Dominus Deus, &c.

I

Supream Commander of the Sacred bands,

A Psalm of David.

Strength of my heart, Instructer of my hands,
Who first didst for me all the Rules of War lay down,
And made'st that Victory mine, which truly was Thine own,
My shield, my Tower, and ever Good,
The Rock, where I secure from danger stood,
Who up on high my head didst raise,
And at my feet didst for me Mighty Kings subdue,
Made'st my Own people serve anew,
Thou, who hast all these Wonders done, take all the praise!

II

Lord, what is Man, that Thou should'st mindfull be
Of one, who do's so seldom think of Thee?
Or what am I Thou on me set'st so great a price,
But little in my Own, and less in others eyes?
Frail Man, whose daies away do fly,
And like Himself are spent in Vanity;
Man, whom one scarce can give a Name,
So light the Subt'lest vapour, which the Sun exhales,
A Dream, or Shaddow turns the scales,
Man, who yet impudently to the World layes claime!

III

Lord, bow Thy Heav'n, & in bright Flames come down,
The smoaking Hills with dreadful thunder crown!
There take Thy standing, and on my Proud Enemies throw
Destroying lightnings, and make seen Thy bloody bow!
Extend Thy Arm, my Saviour be,
And from the Mighty floods deliver me!
From Strangers, who that love pretend,
Which I dare never trust, their mouths so proudly speak;

Versiculus.

Whose right hands faith they plighted break;
And swords, which they have drawn, into their bowels send!

420

IV

Then will I to Thy glorious Name sing praise,
And in my Song recount of all Thy Wayes:
More tunefull Measures will invent; new strings put on,
And raise my Harp with the great Subject to Thy Throne:
For God Salvation gives to Kings,
And David out of all His troubles brings;
From strangers, who that love pretend,
Which He dares never trust, their mouths so proudly speak,

Versiculus.

Whose right hands faith they plighted break;
And swords which they have drawn, into their hearts shall send.

V

He makes Our sons like Fruitful plants to grow,
And their increase to Him alone we owe;
Our daughters to be Corner stones, polisht, and fair,
Which different Houses joyn, and their supporters are:
From Him alone comes all Our store,
And that Our presses with new Wine run o're;
That Our full Barnes no want have known,
Our stacks no emptiness, but with those sheaves are crown'd,
With which He first did load the ground,
And now them so, that with the mighty weight they groan.

VI

He to ten thousands multiplies Our sheep,
More than our folds can pin, or pastures keep;
Our Oxen fat, and strong, not it as labour know,
But freely yield their necks to th' Service of the Plow;
Down at Our Gates no Enemie sits,
There's no Al'arm, or mourning in our streets;
Thrice happy lands which thus can say,
And undisturb'd can thus enjoy the fruits of Peace,
(If there be any lands like these)
Yet those, whose God's the Lord are happier far than They.

421

Psalm CXLV. Exaltabo te Deus meus Rex, &c.

My God, My King, I will sing praise to Thee,
Till like Thy Name, my songs Eternal be!
Every day, Lord will I sing praise to Thee,
Till like Thy Name, my songs Eternall be!

Great is the Lord, and worthy of all Praise,
And as Himself, Unsearchable His Wayes!
One age to count His Works will ne're suffice,
Their number to so great a sum do's rise;
The next shall take it, and the next from them,
And in their songs improve the lofty Theam.
Sing of the Honour of His Majesty,
How farr He is exalted, and How high;
Speak of His Reverend Acts, His greatness show,
Above how full of Love, of dread below;
Of all His Goodness, and what He has done,
Both for His Peoples Glory and His Own.

The Lord is gracious, do's with Love o'reflow,
Plenteous in Mercy, and to anger slow;
Kind as a Father, o're whose Works there shine
Glories of Mercy, mixt with rayes Divine.

All Thy Workes praise Thee, and Thy power proclame.
Thy Kingdoms beauties, and Thy Holy Name.
Thy Saints shall bless Thee, and Thy Acts make known,
And to Posterity continue down,
How to Eternity Thy Rule extends,
And that Thy Empire, Lord, knowes neither bounds nor ends.

422

The Lord upholds all those, who fall, do's raise
The Poor on high, that they may see His Wayes.
On Him the eyes of all His Creatures wait,
To Him they look, and He provides them meat;
Opens His Hand, do's their desires fulfill,
And as He answers theirs, performes His Will.
So Just is He, so Righteous in His wayes,
That were We silent, stones would speak His Praise;
And to 'His afflicted Peoples Prayers so near
That their requests e're finisht, granted are;
And when to Him for help they send their cryes,
His Truth prevents them oftner than denies.
For the desires of such, who Him do fear,
Shall be fulfil'd and He their groans will hear;
Will crown their Love, and with His Own right hand
Destroy their Foes, and on their ruins make them stand!

Let the whole World, O God, sing praise to Thee,
And like Mine, may their songs Eternall be!

423

Psalm CXLVI. Lauda anima mea Dominum, &c.

I

Arise my Soul, and Thy great subject take,

Hallelujah.

The Worlds Creators praises sing!
That Ground Thy Numbers will more flowing make,
And fill with spirit the heaviest string;
He is my song, and He my Verse shall raise,
And only with my life, shall end my Praise.

II

Trust not in Princes, for their strength is vain,
In Kings place not your confidence!
The greatest King cannot himself maintain,
But lives himself at Gods expence;
Is Earth, and when He but His breath recalls,
Into that Earth, whence he was taken, falls.

III

Death layes him level with his vilest Slave,
No more his Acts remembred are;
Though his Atchievements follow to the Grave,
And deck his Herse, they leave him there:
With his last breath to air his Counsels go,
And his high thoughts ly with his Carkass low.

IV

But happy he, who has his trust in store,
And do's on Jacobs God depend!
He need no forreign succour to implore,
But up to Heav'n his wishes send,

424

And of his certain aids he ne're shall miss,
For the true God his mighty keeper is.

V

He Heav'n and all the glories of it made,
Those beauteous fires we see above;
Where greatness makes His Enemies afraid,
But in His Saints, enflames their love;
Who on the floods commands the Earth to stand,
And holds them in the hollow of His hand.

VI

To Him for Justice the Oppres'd do cry,
Who all their groans and plaints do's hear;
And to His great Tribunall when they fly,
He on their Judges turnes their feares:
With His good things the hungry Soul do's fill,
And makes deaf chaines hear, and obey His Will.

VII

He made the eye, and gave it all its light,
Lifts from the dust the poor mans head;
Renews each morning, both their life, and sight,
Whom sleep had numbred with the dead:
His Common Providence is over all,
But His Choice blessings on the Righteous fall!

VIII

The unreguarded stranger is his care,
And He for th' Orphan do's provide;
Himself comes down, and heares the Widows prayer,
When her deaf Friends are turn'd aside:
Th' inexorable Wicked man o'rethrowes,
And makes him feel the weight of his own blowes.

425

IX

Such is Thy King, O Sion, whose Command
Being, and life gives every thing;
Exempt from his Dominion is no land,
Thy God, O Sion, is Thy King;
His Powerfull influence do's around extend,
And as His Rule, Thy Praise should know no end!

Hallelujah.

426

Psalm CXLVII. Laudate Dominum quoniam, &c.

I

Hallelujah.

You, who th' Almighty God adore,
To His great Name sing praise!
His Power you cannot honour more,
Nor more advance your laies!
This is the Service, which to Him you owe,
And this of all he best accepts below.

II

Jerusalem, the Great, the Fair,
'Tis God who made Her so;
Her People, though they scattred are,
He like Her stones do's know:
And both will gather, both in 'His hand will take,
His City One, th' Other His Temple make.

III

The troubled heart, with care deprest,
He up on high do's raise;
Refreshes weary Souls with rest,
And sinners shews His Wayes:
And like a Friend, who all their miseries feels,
Binds up the broken, and the wounded heales.

IV

Those rich Enamels of the sky,
The Stars, which shine above,
Have several Names He knowes them by,
And at His Will they move:

427

To Him they look, and looking, only thence
Have all their luster, Formes, and Influence.

V

Great is our God, of great renown,
Whose Wisdome 's infinite;
To th' Earth He casts the Wicked down,
And raises the upright:
Sing Praises to His Name, with thanks rejoice,
And make the Consort perfect with your Voice!

VI

The Heav'ns with clouds He covers o're,
And all their beauty hides;
Yet thence the Earth has its best store,
Rain which He there provides:
Whence Plenty comes, but less from what is sown,
Than from the Fruitful seasons He pours down.

VII

Mountains, those Pillars of the Air,
On which Heav'ns Fabrique lies,
Whose verdant Chapiters are fair,
And in mixt Orders rise,
With Frutages He covers, and with showers
Allaies their heat, and crowns them all with flowers,

VIII

To Him all Creatures look, and live,
All at His Table eat;
He to bruit-beasts their food do's give,
And to young Ravens meat:
An horse to Him, and all his strength, is vain,
And in his sight as poor a thing is Man.

428

IX

In neither can He Pleasure take,
But do's in th' Just delight;
And they who Him their refuge make,
Shall flourish in His sight;
Then to Thy God, Jerusalem, sing praise,
Sion, exalt Him, who Thee first did raise!

X

'Tis He who do's Thy Walls defend,
And all Thy Gates make strong;
Who do's Thy Colonies extend,
And keeps Thee alwaies young:
Who with a numerous offspring do's Thee bless,
And gives Thy Land the Happy fruits of Peace.

XI

And this, because it is His Will,
Whose Pleasure all obey;
Both Heav'n and Earth His Word fulfill,
And at it haste away:
On the cold Rocks He His Frost-Mantle throwes,
And cloaths the naked Hills with woolly snows.

XII

When on the streams He layes His Chain,
And Captive Floods do's bind,
What Power can set them free again,
Till He send out His Wind?
But when on them He causes it to blow,
The melted glass in streams begins to flow,

429

XIII

These Works of His by all are seen,
But Jacob has His Word;
No Land beside so blest has been,
Or favour'd by the Lord:
For He to Israel has His Judgements shown,
When His displeasure all Lands else have known.

Hallelujah.

430

Psalm CXLVIII. Laudate Dominum de Cœlis.

I

Hallelujah.

You blessed Souls, who stand before
Th' Eternal King, and so long see
His glory that you changed bee
Into that glory you adore,
Praise your great Founder, and above
Admire His power, and bless His Love!

II

You, who when Lucifer did fall,
Kept your first standing, and remain
Commanders of that mighty Train,
Of which the Lord is Generall:
Angels, extoll th' Almighty King,
And Songs of Triumph to Him sing.

III

Praise Him from whom Thy light do's flow,
Thou, whom as God the World adore,
Renounce that honour, and no more
Usurp a service Thou dost ow!
Praise Him, O Sun, when Thou 'rt most bright,
Whose beams to darkness turn Thy light.

IV

Thou too, who with a borrow'd ray,
When all the Lamps of Heav'n hang out,
In the Nights silence walk'st about,
And with Thy torch restor'st the day:
Fair Moon and Starrs exalt Gods Name,
And in your dance His Power proclaim.

431

V

Ye Heavens, whom none can comprehend,
Infinite Waters, where the sky
As if beyond it self 'twould fly
Exceeds all thought, yet findes no end,
Praise Him, who farther do's out-go
Your height, than you what ere's below.

VI

He spake the Word, and you were made,
His first Decree has bound you fast,
Appointed you how long to last,
Th' Almighty Word your wandrings stay'd;
Praise Him whose Word so much can do,
And as it made, destroy you too!

VII

Let from the Earth His Praises rise,
All Creatures, whom He plac't below,
Let them their gratefull praises show,
And in that service reach the skies!
Dragons and Whales i'th' consort move
A tunefull Bass to th' Quire above!

VIII

Sea praise Him, when Thy billows roar!
And mustring up the force of th' Main,
The once drown'd World assault again,
And seek i'th' Heav'ns alone a shoar:
Praise Him, who when He moves His hand,
Both stills, and chains Thy waves with sand.

IX

All Meteors praise the Name of God,
Vapors, and Winds that nothing spare,
But of His Wrath the Armies are,
Lightning's His Scepter and His Rod;

432

Ice praise Him, who makes Thee a rein
To curb swift streams, and back the Main.

X

Mountains at His great Name rise up,
Who so ordain'd by His command,
All in your ranks and orders stand,
Like Piles Heav'ns Arch to underprop:
Praise Him who your rais'd heads did crown,
And low as Hell, not throw you down!

XI

Cedars, who one loft higher go,
And Natures Vanes to Mountains are,
Knowing no other motion there,
Than what the amorous Zephyrs blow:
Plants and Fruit-trees, the pride o'th' Field,
In generous stores your praises yield.

XII

Beast and all Cattell, creeping things,
Insects unminded, the great care
Of Him by whom you formed were,
And Birds who with your downy wings,
Cut the soft air, your Presents bring,
And in wild notes His Praises sing!

XIII

Kings, to whom God His Name do's give,
And as Vice-gods has set on high,
True Portraicts of the Deity,
Praise Him in whom your selves do live,
And who, though Homage is your due,
First made the Right, then gave it you.

XIV

Praise Him all People, every state
And Sex, and Age, Virgins, and Youth
With all the beauteous trains of both,
Or long since born, of born of late;

433

Praise Him old Men, and since agen
Age speaks you Children, shew y'are Men.

XV

Let the whole World His Praise restore,
And lift above the Firmament,
That Name He counts so excellent,
And what none fully know, adore:
For from the Deep it all things fills,
Up to the Everlasting Hills.

XVI

Israel praise Him, Israel for whom
He made all these, and greater things,
The Land subdu'd, and Potent Kings,
Bringing them thousand Vict'ries home,
Such wonders wrought, and more than this,
Whom He redeem'd, and so made His.

Hallelujah.

434

Psalm CXLIX. Cantate Domino Canticum, &c.

I

Hallelujah.

New Songs of Praise to Great Jehovah sing,
And in His Temple let His Name resound;
This small return his Saints may bring,
For all those favours wherewith they are crown'd;
Let Israel in His Makers Love rejoyce,
And Sion crown again Her Sovereign with Her Voyce.

II

In the High Dance His great Name let them praise,
And that it may approach His Throne above,
The service with shrill Trumpets raise,
And send up Theirs, as He showers down His Love:
They are His Pleasure, and His chiefest Prize,
And though in others mean, yet beauteous in His eyes.

III

Let the Saints praise Him, who their Glory is;
And on their beds, when they no Comfort see,
Then let them sing, for they are His,
And of salvation confident may bee!
Hee'll raise them up, and by His Powerfull Word,
Put in their mouths His Praise, and in their hands a Sword.

IV

Thus shall they fight, and conquer, throw down all,
Who dare oppose, and to resist them stand;
The Heathen shall before them fall,
And in that ruin feel His vengefull Hand:
Their Captive Kings they shall in fetters bind,
And make their stoutest Princes walk in Chains behind.

435

V

That Wrath which was denounc'd, to execute,
And all the long since written Doom fulfill,
When their fierce Enemies all struck mute,
Shall yield their Lives to th' Pleasure of their Will;
Such Glorious Freedom follows Their Restraints,
And this great Honour, after suffering, have the Saints.

Hallelujah.

436

Psalm CL. Laudate Dominum, &c.

I

Hallelujah.

The Holy God in His Sanctuary praise!
There where He loves Himself to show;
And having sung His Praise below,
From thence to Heaven, that, and your voyce together raise.

II

In Heav'n He makes His Mighty Power be seen,
Praise Him, who makes it there appear!
For if that Greatness awe us here,
What would it do, came not so vast a space between?

III

Together strive, who shall exalt Him most,
What Instruments the fittest are,
Whether of Love, whether of Warr,
Shrill Trumpets, or soft Harps to praise the Lord of Host.

IV

Trumpets, and Harps shall in one Consort move,
The Cornet, and the Amorous Lute,
The Cymbal, and the Warlike Flute,
For He who is the Lord of Host, is God of Love.

V

Let the whole Earth their praises to Him bring;
Whate're has being, life, or breath;
Angels above, and Men beneath,
And all, whom He has Voyces given, His Praises sing!

Hallelujah.

S. Woodford. At Albrook Hants, 7 Martii, 166 5/6

FINIS.