The Book of Common Prayer: And Administration of the Sacraments, and Other ...

13 Arise, O Lord, defeat their plots,
Their swelling rage control;
From wicked men, who are thy sword,
Deliver thou my soul:

14 From worldly men, thy sharpest

Scourge,

Whose portion's here below; Who, fill'd with earthly stores, aspire No other bliss to know.

15 Their race is num'rous that partake
Their substance while they live;
Their heirs survive, to whom they may
The vast remainder give.

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

PSALM 18.

NO change of time shall ever shock
My firm affection, Lord, to thee;
For thou hast always been my rock,
A fortress and defence to me.
2 Thou my deliv'rer art, my God;
My trust is in thy mighty pow'r;
Thou art my shield from foes abroad,
At home my safeguard and my tow'r.
3 To thee I will address my pray❜r,

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

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

In death's unwieldy fetters bound; 6 To heav'n I made my mournful pray'r, To God address'd my humble moan: Who graciously inclin'd his ear, And heard me from his lofty throne.

PART IL

When God arose my part to take, The conscious earth was struck with fear;

The hills did at his presence shake,

Nor could his dreadful fury bear.

8 Thick clouds of smoke dispers'd abroad, Ensigns of wrath before him came; Devouring fire around him glow'd,

That coals were kindled at its flame.

9 He left the beauteous realms of light, Whilst heav'n bow'd down its awful head;

Beneath his feet substantial night

Was like a sable carpet spread. 10 The chariot of the King of kings, Which active troops of angels drew, On a strong tempest's rapid wings, With most amazing swiftness flew. 11. 12 Black wat'ry mists and clouds conspir'd,

With thickest shades his face to veil; But at his brightness soon retir'd,

And fell in show'rs of fire and hail.

13 Through heav'n's wide arch a thun d'ring peal

God's angry voice did loudly roar; While earth's sad face with heaps of hail And flakes of fire was cover'd o'er.

14 His sharpen'd arrows round he threw, Which made his scatter'd foes retreats Like darts his nimble lightnings flew,

And quickly finish'd their defeat. 15 The deep its secret stores disclos'd, The world's foundations naked lay; By his avenging wrath expos'd, Which fiercely rag'd that dreadful day. PART III.

16 The Lord did on my side engage; From heav'n, his throne, my cause upheld;

And snatch'd me from the furious rage Of threat'ning waves, that proudly swell'd.

17 God his resistless pow'r employ'd

My strongest foes' attempts to break; Who else with ease had soon destroy'd

The weak defence that I could make. 18 Their subtle rage had near prevail'd, But still, when other succours fail'd, When I distress'd and friendless lay;

God was my firm support and stay. 19 From dangers that enclos'd me round, For some just cause his goodness found, He brought me forth and set me free; That mov'd him to delight in me. 20 Because in me no guilt remains,

God does his gracious help extend; My hands are free from bloody stains: Therefore the Lord is still my friend. 21, 22 For I his judgments keep in sight, In his just paths I always trod; I never did his statutes slight,

Nor loosely wander'd from my God. 23, 24 But still my soul, sincere and pure, Did ev'n from darling sins refrain; His favours therefore yet endure, Because my heart and hands are clean.

PART IV.

25, 26 Thou suit'st, O Lord, thy righte ous ways

To various paths of human-kind; They who for mercy merit praise,

With thee shall wondrous mercy find. Thou to the just shalt justice show; The pure thy purity shall see; Such as perversely choose to go,

Shall meet with due returns from thee. 27, 28 That he the humble soul will save, And crush the haughty's boasted might, In me the Lord an instance gave,

Whose darkness be has turned to light. 29 On his firm succour I rely'd,

And did o'er num'rous foes prevail; Nor fear'd, whilst he was on my side, The best defended walls to scale Rr

30 For God's design shall still succeed,
His word will bear the utmost test;
He's a strong shield to all that need,
And on his sure protection rest.
31 Who then deserves to be ador'd,
But God, on whom my hopes depend?
Or who, except the mighty Lord,
Can with resistless pow'r defend?

PART V.

32, 33 'Tis God that girds my armour on,
And all my just designs fulfils;
Through him my feet can swiftly run,
And nimbly climb the steepest hills.
34 Lessons of war from him I take,

And manly weapons learn to wield,
Strong bows of steel with ease I break,
Forc'd by my stronger arms to yield.
35 The buckler of his saving health

Protects me from assaulting foes; His hand sustains me still; my wealth And greatness from his bounty flows. 36 My goings he enlarg'd abroad,

Till then to narrow paths confin'd;
And, when in slipp'ry ways I trod,

The method of my steps design'd.
37 Through him I num'rous hosts defeat,
And flying squadrons captive take;
Nor from my fierce pursuit retreat,
Till I a final conquest make.

38 Cover'd with wounds, in vain they try
Their vanquish'd heads again to rear;
Spite of their boasted strength, they lie
Beneath my feet, and grovel there.
30 God, when fresh armies take the field,
Recruits my strength, my courage

warms;

He makes my strong opposer's yield,
Subdu'd by my prevailing arms.

40 Through him the necks of prostrate
foes

My conq'ring feet in triumph press: Aided by him, I root out those

Who hate and envy my success.

45 All to my summons tamely yield, Or soon in battle are dismayed; For stronger holds they quit the field, And still in strongest holds afraid. 46 Let the eternal Lord be prais'd,

The rock on whose defence I rest!
To highest heav'ns his name be rais'd,
Who me with his salvation blest!
47 "Tis God that still supports my right;
His just revenge my foes pursues;
"Tis he, that, with resistless might,
Fierce nations to my yoke subdues.
48 My universal safeguard he!

From whom my lasting honours flow;
He made me great, and set me free
From my remorseless bloody foe.
49 Therefore, to celebrate his fame,
And nations, strangers to his name,
My grateful voice to heav'n I'll raise;

Shall thus be taught to sing his praise:
50" God to his king deliv'rance sends;
"Shows his anointed signal grace;
"His mercy evermore extends

"To David, and his promis'd race."

PSALM 19.

THE heav'ns declare thy glory, Lord,
Which that alone can ill;

The firmament and stars express
Their great Creator's skill.

The dawn of each returning day
Fresh beams of knowledge brings;

And from the dark returns of night.
Divine instruction springs.

Their pow'rful language to no realm
Tis nature's voice, and understood
Or region is confin'd;
Alike by all mankind.

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

5 No bridegroom on his nuptial day
Has such a cheerful face;

41 With loud complaints all friends they No giant does like him rejoice

try'd;

But none was able to defend;

At length to God for help they cry'd;
But God would no assistance lend.

42 Like flying dust, which winds pursue,
Their broken troops I scatter'd round;
Their slaughter'd bodies forth I threw,

To run his glorious race.

6 From east to west, from west to east,
His restless course he goes;

And, through his progress, cheerful light
And vital warmth bestows.

PART II.

Like loathsome dirt that clogs they God's perfect law converts the soul;

ground.

PART VI.

43 Our factious tribes, at strife till now,
By God's appointment me obey;
The heathen to my sceptre bow,

And foreign nations own my sway.
44 Remotest realms their homage send,
When my successful name they hear;
Strangers for my commands attend,

Charm'd with respect, or aw'd by fear.

Reclaims from false desires;
With sacred wisdom his sure word
The ignorant inspires.

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

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

9 His perfect worship here is fix'd,
On sure foundations laid;
His equal laws are in the scales
Of truth and justice weigh'd;

10 of more esteem than golden mines,
Or gold refin'd with skill;
More sweet than honey, or the drops
That from the comb distil.

11 My trusty counsellors they are,
And friendly warnings give;

Divine rewards attend on those
Who by thy precepts live.

12 But what frail man observes how oft 5 Thy sure defence through nations

He does from virtue fall?

O cleanse me from my secret faults,
Thou God that know'st them all!
13 Let no presumptuous sin, O Lord,
Dominion have o'er me;
That, by thy grace preserv'd, I may
The great trangression flee.

14 So shall my pray'r and praises be
With thy acceptance blest;
And I secure on thy defence,
My strength and Saviour, rest.

PSALM 20.

THE Lord to thy request attend
And hear thee in distress;
The name of Jacob's God defend,
And grant thy arms success:
2 To aid thee from on high repair,
And strength from Sion give;
3 Remember all thy off'rings there,
Thy sacrifice receive:

4 To compass thy own heart's desire,
Thy counsels still direct;
Make kindly all events conspire
To bring them to effect.

5 To thy salvation, Lord, for aid
We cheerfully repair,
With banners in thy name display'd;
"The Lord accept thy pray'r.'

6 Our hopes are fix'd, that now the Lord,
Our sov'reign, will defend;
From heav'n resistless aid afford,

And to his pray'r attend.

7 Some trust in steeds for war design'd;
On chariots some rely:
Against them all we'll call to mind
The pow'r of God most high.

8 But, from their steeds and chariots thrown,

Behold them through the plain, Disorder'd, broke, and trampled down, Whilst firm our troops remain.

9 Still save us, Lord, and still proceed
Our rightful cause to bless;
Hear, King of heav'n, in times of need,
The pray'rs that we address.

PSALM 21.

THE king, O Lord, with songs of praise Shall in thy strength rejoice; With thy salvation crown'd, shall raise To heav'n his cheerful voice.

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

But bast, with thy acceptance, blest
The wishes of his heart.

round

Has spread his glorious name;
And his successful actions crown'd
With majesty and fame.

6 Eternal blessings thou bestow'st,
And mak'st his joys increase;
Whilst thou to him unclouded show'st
The brightness of thy face.
PART II.

7 Because the king on God alone.
For timely aid relies;

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

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

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

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

Their hopes and them consume. 10 Nor shall thy furious anger cease, Or with their ruin end;

But root out all their guilty race,

And to their seed extend.

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

But thou with watchful care didst still

The ill effects prevent.

12 While they their swift retreat shall

make,

To 'scape thy dreadful might, Thy swifter arrows shall o'ertake, And gall them in their flight.

13 Thus, Lord, thy wond rous strength disclose,

And thus exalt thy fame; Whilst we glad songs of praise compose To thy Almighty name.

6 But I am treated like a worm; Like none of human birth; Not only by the great revil'd,

But made the rabble's mirth.

7 With laughter all the gazing crowd
My agonies survey;

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

8"In God he trusted, boasting oft
"That he was heav'n's delight;
"Let God come down to save him now,
"And own his favourite."

PART IL

Nor let my darling in the pow'r
Of cruel dogs be left.

21 To save me from the lion's jaws,
Thy present succour send;
As once, from goring unicorns,
Thou didst my life defend.

22 Then to my brethren I'll declare
The triumphs of thy name;
In presence of assembled saints
Thy glory thus proclaim:

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

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

9 Thou mad'st my teeming mother's 24 "He ne'er disdain'd on low distress

womb

A living offspring bear;

When but a suckling at the breast,

I was thy early care.

10 Thou, guardian-like, didst shield from wrongs

My helpless infant days;

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

11 Withdraw not then so far from me,
When trouble is so uigh;

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

12 High-pamper'd bulls, a frowning herd,
From Basau's forest met,

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

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

14 My blood like water's spill'd,
joints

Are rack'd and out of frame;
My heart dissolves within my breast,
Like wax before the flame.

15 My strength like potter's earth
parch'd

My tongue cleaves to my jaws; And to the silent shades of death

My fainting soul withdraws.

"To cast a gracious eye;
"Nor turn'd from poverty his face,
"But hears its humble cry."

PART IV.

25 Thus, in thy sacred courts, will I
My cheerful thanks express:
In presence of thy saints perform
The vows of my distress.

26 The meek companions of my grief
Shall find my table spread;
And all that seek the Lord, shall be
With joys immortal fed.

27 Then shall the glad converted world
To God their homage pay;
And scatter'd nations of the earth
One sov'reign Lord obey.

28 'Tis his supreme prerogative

O'er subject kings to reign; 'Tis just that he should rule the world, Who does the world sustain.

29 The rich, who are with plenty fed,
His bounty must confess;

my The sons of want, by him reliev'd,
Their gen'rous Patron bless.

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

That power, which first their beings gave,

Can only them support.

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

To their admiring heirs his truth,

And glorious acts, proclaim.

PSALM 23.

THE Lord himself, the mighty Lord,
Vouchsafes to be my guide;

The Shepherd, by whose constant care
My wants are all supply'd.

2 In tender grass he makes me feed,
And gently there repose;

Then leads me to cool shades, and where
Refreshing water flows.

3 He does my wand'ring soul reclaim,
And, to his endless praise,
Instruct with humble zeal to walk

In his most righteous ways.

4 I pass the gloomy vale of death,
From fear and danger free;

For there his aiding rod and staff
Defend and comfort me.

5 In presence of my spiteful foes
He does my table spread;
He crowns my cup with cheerful wine,
With oil anoints my head.

6 Since God doth thus his wond'rous love
Through all my life extend,
That life to him I will devote,
And in his temple spend.

PSALM 24.

THE spacious earth is all the Lord's The Lord's her fulness is;

The world, and they that dwell therein,
By sov'reign right are his.

2 He fram'd and fix'd it on the seas;
And his Almighty hand,
Upon inconstant floods, has made
The stable fabric stand.

3 But for himself, this Lord of all
One chosen seat design'd;

O! who shall to that sacred hill
Deserv'd admittance find?

4 The man, whose hands and heart are

pure,

Whose thoughts from pride are free; Who honest poverty prefers

To gainful perjury.

5 This, this is he, on whom the Lord
Shall show'r his blessings down;
Whom God, his Saviour, shall vouchsafe
With righteousness to crown.

6 Such is the race of saints, by whom
The sacred courts are trod;
And such the proselytes that seek
The face of Jacob's God.

7 Erect your heads, eternal gates;
Unfold, to entertain

The King of glory: see! he comes
With his celestial train.

8 Who is the King of glory? who?
The Lord, for strength renown'd;
In battle mighty; o'er his foes
Eternal victor crown'd.

9 Erect your heads, ye gates; unfold
In state to entertain

The King of glory: see! he comes
With all his shining train.

10 Who is the King of glory? who?
The Lord of hosts renown'd;

Of glory he alone is King,
Who is with glory crown'd.

PSALM 25.

TO God, in whom I trust,

I lift my heart and voice;

O! let me not be put to shame : Nor let my foes rejoice.

3 Those who on thee rely, Let no disgrace attend;

Be that the shameful lot of such As wilfully offend.

14, 5 To me thy truth impart,

And lead me in thy way;

For thou art he that brings me help; On thee I wait all day.

Thy mercies, and thy love, O Lord, recal to mind: And graciously continue still, As thou wert ever, kind.

7 Let all my youthful crimes Be blotted out by thee;

And, for thy wond'rous goodness' sake In mercy think on me.

8 His mercy, and his truth,

The righteous Lord displays,
In bringing wand'ring sinners home
And teaching them his ways.

9 He those in justice guides,
Who his direction seek
And in his sacred paths shall lead
The humble and the meek.

10 Through all the ways of God
Both truth and mercy shine,
To such as, with religious hearts,
To his blest will incline

PART IL

11 Since mercy is the grace,

Forgive my heinous sin, O Lord,
That most exalts thy fame,
And so advance thy name.
12 Whoe'er, with humble fear,
To God his duty pays,
Shall find the Lord a faithful guide,
In all his righteous ways.
13 His quiet soul with peace
Shall be for ever bless'd;
And by his num'rous race the land
Successively possess'd.

14 For God to all his saints
His secret will imparts,

And does his gracious cov'nant write
In their obedient hearts.

15 To him I lift my eyes,

And wait his timely aid,

Who breaks the strong and treach❜rous

snare,

Which for my feet was laid.

16 0! turn, and all my griefs,

In mercy, Lord, redress;

For I am compass'd round with woes, And plung'd in deep distress.

17 The sorrows of my heart

To mighty sums increase;

01 from this dark and dismal state

My troubled soul release!

18 Do thou, with tender eyes,
My sad affliction see;

Acquit me, Lord, and from my guiit
Entirely set me free.

19 Consider, Lord, my foes,

How vast their numbers grow;

What lawless force and rage they use, What boundless hate they show.

20 Protect, and set my soul

From their fierce malice free;

« السابقة متابعة »

كتب