PSALMS. PSALM I. Done into verse, 1653. 5 10 Not so the wicked, but as chaff which fann'd The wind drives, so the wicked shall not stand Nor sinners in th' assembly of just men. PSALM II. Done Aug. 8. 1653. Terzette. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Muse a vain thing, the kings of th' earth upstand With pow'r, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together through each land 15 Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear, 5 Their twisted cords: He who in Heav'n 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 10 15 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 Th' Heathen, and as thy conquest to be sway'd Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low With iron sceptre bruis'd, and them disperse Like to a potter's vessel shiver'd so. And now be wise at length ye Kings averse, With trembling; kiss the Son lest he In anger, and ye perish in the way, appear If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. Happy all those who have him in their stay. PSALM III. Aug. 9. 1653. When he fled from Absdlom. LORD, how many are my foes! How many those That in arms against me rise! Many are they 20 25 That of my life distrustfully thus say, Th' 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, I fear not, though incamping round about They pitch against me their pavilions. Rise, Lord, save me my God, for thou Hast smote ere now On the cheek-bone all my foes, Of men abhorr'd 5 10 15 20 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, God of my righteousness, In straits and in distress Thou didst me disenthrall And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest' pray'r. Great ones how long will ye My glory have in scorn, How long be thus forborne 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, 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, Lift up the favour of thy count'nance bright. Into my heart more joy And gladness thou hast put, Than when a year of glut Their stores doth over-cloy, 15 20 25 And from their plenteous grounds With vast increase their corn and wine abounds. Thou, Lord, alone in safety mak'st me dwell. 30 35 40 PSALM V. Aug. 12. 1653. JEHOVAH, to my words give ear, The voice of my complaining hear Shalt in the morning hear, pray. I' th' morning I to thee with choice Will rank my pray'rs, and watch till thou appear. 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; 5 10 15 The bloody' and guileful man God doth detest. But I will in thy mercies dear Thy numerous mercies go Into thy house; I in thy fear Will tow'rds thy holy temple worship low. 20 Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, 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; 26. sooth] True. T. Warton. 25 30 |