Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear, Their twisted cords: He, who in heaven doth dwell, Shall laugh; the Lord shall scoff them; then, severe, Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell And fierce ire trouble them; but I, saith he, Anointed have my King (though ye rebel) On Sion my holy hill. A firm decree I will declare: The Lord to me hath said, Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee This day; ask of me, and the grant is made; As thy possession I on thee bestow The Heathen; and, as thy conquest to be sway'd, Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low With iron scepter bruis'd, and them disperse Like to a potter's vessel shiver'd so. And now be wise at length, ye kings averse; If ouce his wrath take fire, like fuel sere. PSALM III. Aug. 9, 1653. WHEN HE FLED FROM ABSALOM. LORD, how many are my foes! How many those, That in arms against me rise! Many are they, That of my life distrustfully thus say; No help for him in God there lies. But thou, Lord, art my shield, my glory, The exalter of my head I count : Aloud I cried Unto Jehovah, he full soon replied, And heard me from his holy mount. I lay and slept; I wak'd again; Was the Lord. Of many millions I fear not, though, encamping round about, Rise, Lord; save me, my God; for thou On the cheek-bone all my foes, Of men abhorr'd Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Lord; Thy blessing on thy people flows. PSALM IV. Aug. 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my carnest prayer. Great ones, how long will ye My glory have in scorn? How long be thus forborn Still to love vanity? To love, to seek, to prize, Things false and vain, and nothing else but lies? Yet know the Lord hath chose, Chose to himself apart, The good and meek of heart; (For whom to choose He knows) Jehovah from on high Will hear my voice, what time to him I cry. Be aw'd, and do not sin; Speak to your hearts alone, Upon your beds, each one, Offer the offerings just Of righteousness, and in Jehovah trust. Many there be that say, Who yet will show us good? Talking like this world's brood; But, Lord, thus let me pray; On us lift up the light, Lift up the favour of thy countenance bright. Into my heart more joy And gladness thou hast put, Than when a year of glut Their stores doth over-cloy, And from their plenteous grounds With vast encrease their corn and wine abounds. In peace at once will I Both lay me down and sleep; For thou alone dost keep Me safe where'er I lie. As in a rocky cell Thou, Lord, alone, in safety mak'st me dwell. PSALM V. Aug. 12, 1653. JEHOVAH, to my words give ear, The voice of my complaining hear, Shalt in the morning hear; I' the morning I to thee with choice, In wickedness delight; Evil with thee no biding makes; Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight. All workers of iniquity Thou hat'st; and them unblest Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie; The bloody and guileful man God doth detest. But I will, in thy mercies dear, Thy numerous mercies, go Will towards thy holy temple worship low. Lead me, because of those That do observe if I transgress; Set thy ways right before, where my step goes. No word is firm or sooth; Their inside, troubles miserable; An open grave their throat, their tongue they smooth. God, find them guilty, let them fall By their own counsels quell'd; Push them in their rebellions all Still on; for against thee they have rebell'd. Then all, who trust in thee, shall bring And shall triumph in thee, who love thy Name. To bless the just man still; As with a shield, thou wilt surround Him with thy lasting favour and good will. PSALM VI. Aug. 13, 1653. LORD, in thine anger do not reprehend me, And very weak and faint; heal and amend me: Are troubled, yea my soul is troubled sore; Who in the grave can celebrate thy praise? Depart, all ye that work iniquity, Depart from me; for the voice of my weeping The Lord hath heard; the Lord hath heard my pray'r; My supplication with acceptance fair The Lord will own, and have me in his keeping. |