Chapter II: Part 2

2 Oft have my heart and tongue confest How empty and how poor I am; My praise can never make thee blest, Nor add new glories to thy name.

3 Yet, Lord, thy saints on earth may reap Some profit by the good we do; These are the company I keep, These are the choicest friends I know.

4 Let others choose the sons of mirth To give a relish to their wine, I love the men of heavenly birth, Whose thoughts and language are divine.

Psalm 16:2. Second Part. L. M. Christ's all-sufficiency.

1 How fast their guilt and sorrows rise Who haste to seek some idol god! I will not taste their sacrifice, Their offerings of forbidden blood.

2 My God provides a richer cup, And nobler food to live upon; He for my life has offer'd up Jesus, his best beloved Son.

3 His love is my perpetual feast; By day his counsels guide me right; And be his name for ever blest, Who gives me sweet advice by night.

4 I set him still before mine eyes; At my right hand he stands prepar'd To keep my soul from all surprise, And be my everlasting guard.

Psalm 16:3. Third Part. L. M. Courage in death, and hope of the resurrection.

1 When God is nigh, my faith is strong, His arm is my almighty prop: Be glad, my heart; rejoice, my tongue, My dying flesh shall rest in hope.

2 Tho' in the dust I lay my head, Yet, gracious God, thou wilt not leave My soul for ever with the dead, Nor lose thy children in the grave.

3 My flesh shall thy first call obey, Shake off the dust, and rise on high; Then shalt thou lead the wondrous way, Up to thy throne above the sky.

4 There streams of endless pleasure flow; And full discoveries of thy grace (Which we but tasted here below) Spread heavenly joys thro' all the place.

Psalm 16:4. First Part. C. M. Support and counsel from God without merit.

1 Save me, O Lord, from every foe; In thee my trust I place, Tho' all the good that I can do Can ne'er deserve thy grace.

2 Yet if my God prolong my breath The saints may profit by't; The saints, the glory of the earth, The men of my delight.

3 Let heathens to their idols haste, And worship wood or stone; But my delightful lot is cast Where the true God is known.

4 His hand provides my constant food, He fills my daily cup; Much am I pleas'd with present good, But more rejoice in hope.

5 God is my portion and my joy, His counsels are my light; He gives me sweet advice by day, And gentle hints by night.

6 My soul would all her thoughts approve To his all-seeing eye; Not death, nor hell my hope shall move, While such a friend is nigh.

Psalm 16:5. Second Part. C. M. The death and resurrection of Christ.

1 I Set the Lord before my face, "He bears my courage up; "My heart, and tongue, their joys express, "My flesh shall rest in hope.

2 "My spirit, Lord, thou wilt not leave "Where souls departed are; "Nor quit my body to the grave "To see corruption there.

3 "Thou wilt reveal the path of life, "And raise me to thy throne; "Thy courts immortal pleasure give, "Thy presence joys unknown."

4 [Thus in the name of Christ, the Lord, The holy David sung, And Providence fulfils the word Of his prophetic tongue.

5 Jesus, whom every saint adores, Was crucify'd and slain; Behold the tomb its prey restores, Behold, he lives again!

6 When shall my feet arise and stand On heaven's eternal hills? There sits the Son at God's right hand, And there the Father smiles.]

Psalm 17:1. 13 &c. S. M. Portion of saints and sinners; or, Hope and despair in death.

1 Arise, my gracious God, And make the wicked flee; They are but thy chastising rod To drive thy saints to thee.

2 Behold the sinner dies, His haughty words are vain; Here in this life his pleasure lies, And all beyond is pain.

3 Then let his pride advance, And boast of all his store: The Lord is my inheritance, My soul can wish no more.

4 I shall behold the face Of my forgiving God, And stand complete in righteousness, Wash'd in my Saviour's blood.

5 There's a new heaven begun, When I awake from death, Drest in the likeness of thy Son, And draw immortal breath.

Psalm 17:2. L. M. The sinner's portion, and saint's hope; or, The heaven of separate souls, and the resurrection.

1 Lord, I am thine; but thou wilt prove My faith, my patience, and my love; When men of spite against me join, They are the sword, the hand is thine.

2 Their hope and portion lies below; 'Tis all the happiness they know, 'Tis all they seek; they take their shares, And leave the rest among their heirs.

3 What sinners value, I resign; Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine; I shall behold thy blissful face, And stand complete in righteousness.

4 This life's a dream, an empty show; But the bright world to which I go Hath joys substantial and sincere; When shall I wake, and find me there?

5 O glorious hour! O blest abode! I shall be near and like my God! And flesh and sin no more control The sacred pleasures of the soul.

6 My flesh shall slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, And in my Saviour's image rise.

Psalm 18:1. 1-6 15-18. First Part. L. M. Deliverance from despair; or, Temptations overcome.

1 Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength, My rock, my tower, my high defence, Thy mighty arm shall be my trust, For I have found salvation thence.

2 Death, and the terrors of the grave Stood round me with their dismal shade; While floods of high temptations rose, And made my sinking soul afraid.

3 I saw the opening gates of hell, With endless pains and sorrows there, Which none but they that feel can tell, While I was hurried to despair.

4 In my distress I call'd 'my God,' When I could scarce believe him mine; He bow'd his ear to my complaint, Then did his grace appear divine.

5 [With speed he flew to my relief, As on a cherub's wing he rode; Awful and bright as lightning shone The face of my deliverer, God.

6 Temptations fled at his rebuke, The blast of his almighty breath; He sent salvation from on high, And drew me from the deeps of death.]

7 Great were my fears, my foes were great, Much was their strength, and more their rage; But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still, In all the wars that devils wage.

8 My song for ever shall record That terrible, that joyful hour; And give the glory to the Lord Due to his mercy and his power.

Psalm 18:2. 20-26. Second Part. L. M. Sincerity proved and rewarded.

1 Lord, thou hast seen my soul sincere, Hast made thy truth and love appear; Before mine eyes I set thy laws, And thou hast own'd my righteous cause.

2 Since I have learnt thy holy ways, I've walk'd upright before thy face; Or if my feet did e'er depart, 'Twas never with a wicked heart.

3 What sore temptations broke my rest! What wars and strugglings in my breast! But thro' thy grace that reigns within, I guard against my darling sin:

4 That sin which close besets me still, That works and strives against my will; When shall thy Spirit's sovereign power Destroy it that it rise no more?

5 [With an impartial hand, the Lord Deals out to mortals their reward; The kind and faithful souls shall find A God as faithful, and as kind.

6 The just and pure shall ever say, Thou art more pure, more just than they; And men that love revenge shall know, God hath an arm of vengeance too.]

Psalm 18:3. 30 31 34 35 46. 3d Part. L. M. Rejoicing in God; or, Salvation and triumph.

1 Just are thy ways, and true thy word, Great rock of my secure abode; Who is a God beside the Lord? Or where's a refuge like our God?

2 'Tis he that girds me with his might, Gives me his holy sword to wield; And while with sin and hell I fight, Spreads his salvation for my shield.

3 He lives (and blessed be my rock!) The God of my salvation lives, The dark designs of hell are broke; Sweet is the peace my Father gives.

4 Before the scoffers of the age, I will exalt my Father's name, Nor tremble at their mighty rage, But meet reproach and bear the shame.

5 To David and his royal seed Thy grace for ever shall extend; Thy love to saints in Christ their head Knows not a limit, nor an end.

Psalm 18:4. First Part. C. M. Victory and triumph over temporal enemies.

1 We love thee, Lord, and we adore, Now is thine arm reveal'd; Thou art our strength, our heavenly tower, Our bulwark and our shield.

2 We fly to our eternal rock, And find a sure defence; His holy name our lips invoke, And draw salvation thence.

3 When God, our leader, shines in arms, What mortal heart can bear The thunder of his loud alarms? The lightning of his spear?

4 He rides upon the winged wind, And angels in array In millions wait to know his mind, And swift as flames obey.

5 He speaks, and at his fierce rebuke, Whole armies are dismay'd; His voice, his frown, his angry look Strikes all their courage dead.

6 He forms our generals for the field, With all their dreadful skill; Gives them his awful sword to wield, And makes their hearts of steel.

7 [He arms our captains to the fight, Tho' there his name's forgot: He girded Cyrus with his might, But Cyrus knew him not.

8 Oft has the Lord whole nations blest For his own church's sake: The powers that give his people rest, Shall of his care partake.]

Psalm 18:5. Second Part. C. M. The conqueror's song.

1 To thine almighty arm we owe The triumphs of the day Thy terrors, Lord, confound the foe, And melt their strength away.

2 'Tis by thine aid our troops prevail, And break united powers, Or burn their boasted fleets, or scale The proudest of their towers.

3 How have we chas'd them thro' the field, And trod them to the ground, While thy salvation was our shield, But they no shelter found!

4 In vain to idol-saints they cry, And perish in their blood; Where is a rock so great, so high, So powerful as our God?

5 The Rock of Israel ever lives, His name be ever blest; 'Tis his own arm the victory gives, And gives his people rest.

6 On kings that reign as David did, He pours his blessings down; Secures their honours to their seed, And well supports the crown.

Psalm 19:1. First Part. S. M. The book of nature and scripture.

For a Lord's-day morning.

1 Behold the lofty sky Declares its maker God, And all his starry works on high Proclaim his power abroad.

2 The darkness and the light Still keep their course the same; While night to day, and day to night Divinely teach his name.

3 In every different land Their general voice is known They shew the wonders of his hand, And orders of his throne.

4 Ye British lands, rejoice, Here he reveals his word, We are not left to nature's voice To bid us know the Lord.

5 His statutes and commands Are set before our eyes; He puts his gospel in our hands, Where our salvation lies.

6 His laws are just and pure, His truth without deceit, His promises for ever sure, And his rewards are great.

7 [Not honey to the taste Affords so much delight, Nor gold that has the furnace past So much allures the sight.

8 While of thy works I sing, Thy glory to proclaim, Accept the praise, my God, my King, In my Redeemer's name.]

Psalm 19:2. Second Part. S. M. God's word most excellent; or, Sincerity and watchfulness.

For a Lord's-day morning.

1 Behold the morning sun Begins his glorious way; His beams thro' all the nations run, And life and light convey.

2 But where the gospel comes, It spreads diviner light, It calls dead sinners from their tombs, And gives the blind their sight.

3 How perfect is thy word! And all thy judgments just! For ever sure thy promise, Lord, And men securely trust.

4 My gracious God, how plain Are thy directions given! O! may I never read in vain, But find the path to heaven!

PAUSE.

5 I hear thy word with love, And I would fain obey; Send thy good Spirit from above To guide me, lest I stray.

6 O who can ever find The errors of his ways? Yet, with a bold presumptuous mind, I would not dare transgress.

7 Warn me of every sin, Forgive my secret faults, And cleanse this guilty soul of mine, Whose crimes exceed my thoughts.

8 While with my heart and tongue I spread thy praise abroad, Accept the worship and the song, My Saviour and my God.

Psalm 19:3. L. M. The books of nature and of scripture compared; or, The glory and success of the gospel.

1 The heavens declare thy glory, Lord, In every star thy wisdom shines; But when our eyes behold thy word We read thy name in fairer lines.

2 The rolling sun, the changing light, And nights and days thy power confess; But the blest volume thou hast writ Reveals thy justice and thy grace.

3 Sun, moon, and stars convey thy praise Round the whole earth, and never stand; So when thy truth begun its race, It touch'd and glanc'd on every land.

4 Nor shall thy spreading gospel rest, Till thro' the world thy truth has run; Till Christ has all the nations blest, That see the light, or feel the sun.

5 Great Sun of Righteousness, arise, Bless the dark world with heavenly light; Thy gospel makes the simple wise, Thy laws are pure, thy judgments right.

6 Thy noblest wonders here we view In souls renew'd and sins forgiven: Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew, And make thy word my guide to heaven.

Psalm 19:4. To the tune of the 113th Psalm. The book of nature and scripture.

1 Great God, the heaven's well-order'd frame Declares the glories of thy name; There thy rich works of wonder shine: A thousand starry beauties there, A thousand radiant marks appear Of boundless power and skill divine.

2 From night to day, from day to night, The dawning and the dying light Lectures of heavenly wisdom read; With silent eloquence they raise Our thoughts to our Creator's praise, And neither sound nor language need.

3 Yet their divine instructions run Far as the journies of the sun, And every nation knows their voice; The sun, like some young bridegroom drest, Breaks from the chambers of the east, Rolls round, and makes the earth rejoice.

4 Where'er he spreads his beams abroad, He smiles and speaks his maker God; All nature joins to shew thy praise: Thus God, in every creature shines; Fair is the book of nature's lines, But fairer is thy book of grace.

PAUSE.

5 I love the volumes of thy word; What light and joy those leaves afford To souls benighted and distrest! Thy precepts guide my doubtful way, Thy fear forbids my feet to stray; Thy promise leads my heart to rest.

6 From the discoveries of thy law The perfect rules of life I draw, These are my study and delight: Not honey so invites the taste, Nor gold, that hath the furnace past, Appears so pleasing to the sight.

7 Thy threatenings wake my slumbering eyes, And warn me where my danger lies; But 'tis thy blessed gospel, Lord, That makes my guilty conscience clean, Converts my soul, subdues my sin, And gives a free but large reward.

8 Who knows the errors of his thoughts? My God, forgive my secret faults, And from presumptuous sins restrain; Accept my poor attempts of praise That I have read thy book of grace, And book of nature, not in vain.

Psalm 20. Prayer and hope of victory. For a day of prayer in time of war.

1 Now may the God of power and grace Attend his people's humble cry! Jehovah hears when Israel prays, And brings deliverance from on high.

2 The name of Jacob's God defends Better than shields or brazen walls; He from his sanctuary sends Succour and strength, when Zion calls.

3 Well he remembers all our sighs, His love exceeds our best deserts, His love accepts the sacrifice Of humble groans and broken hearts.

4 In his salvation is our hope, And, in the name of Israel's God, Our troops shall lift their banners up, Our navies spread their flags abroad.

5 Some trust in horses train'd for war, And some of chariots make their boast; Our surest expectations are From thee, the Lord of heavenly hosts.

6 [O! may the memory of thy name Inspire our armies for the fight! Our foes shall fall and die with shame, Or quit the field with shameful flight.]

7 Now save us, Lord, from slavish fear; Now let our hopes be firm and strong, Till the salvation shall appear, And joy and triumph raise the song.

Psalm 21:1. C. M. Our king is the care of heaven.

1 The king, O Lord, with songs of praise, Shall in thy strength rejoice; And, blest with thy salvation, raise To heaven his cheerful voice.

2 Thy sure defence, thro' nations round, Has spread his glorious name; And his successful actions crown'd With majesty and fame.

3 Then let the king on God alone For timely aid rely; His mercy shall support the throne, And all our wants supply.

4 But, righteous Lord, his stubborn foes Shall feel thy dreadful hand Thy vengeful arm shall find out those That hate his mild command.

5 When thou against them dost engage, Thy just but dreadful doom Shall, like a fiery oven's rage, Their hopes and them consume.

6 Thus, Lord, thy wondrous power declare, And thus exalt thy fame; Whilst we glad songs of praise prepare For thine almighty name.

Psalm 21:2. 1-9. L. M. Christ exalted to the kingdom.

1 David rejoic'd in God his strength, Rais'd to the throne by special grace; But Christ, the Son, appears at length, Fulfils the triumph and the praise.

2 How great is the Messiah's joy In the salvation of thy hand! Lord, thou hast rais'd his kingdom high, And given the world to his command.

3 Thy goodness grants whate'er he will, Nor doth the least request withhold; Blessings of love prevent him still, And crowns of glory, not of gold.

4 Honour and majesty divine Around his sacred temples shine; Blest with the favour of thy face, And length of everlasting days.

5 Thy hand shall find out all his foes; And as a fiery oven glows With raging heat and living coals, So shall thy wrath devour their souls.

Psalm 22:1. 1-16. First Part. C. M, The sufferings and death of Christ.

1 "Why has my God my soul forsook, "Nor will a smile afford?" (Thus David once in anguish spoke, And thus our dying Lord.)

2 Tho' 'tis thy chief delight to dwell Among thy praising saints, Yet thou canst hear a groan as well, And pity our complaints.

3 Our fathers trusted in thy name, And great deliverance found; But I'm a worm, despis'd of men, And trodden to the ground.

4 Shaking the head they pass me by, And laugh my soul to scorn; "In vain he trusts in God" they cry, "Neglected and forlorn."

5 But thou art he who form'd my flesh By thine almighty word, And since I hung upon the breast, My hope is in the Lord.

6 Why will my Father hide his face, When foes stand threatening round, In the dark hour of deep distress, And not an helper found?

PAUSE.

7 Behold thy darling left among The cruel and the proud, As bulls of Bashan fierce and strong, As lions roaring loud.

8 From earth and hell my sorrows meet To multiply the smart; They nail my hands, they pierce my feet And try to vex my heart.

9 Yet if thy sovereign hand let loose The rage of earth and hell, Why will my heavenly Father bruise The Son he loves so well?

10 My God, if possible it be, Withhold this bitter cup; But I resign my will to thee, And drink the sorrows up.

11 My heart dissolves with pangs unknown In groans I waste my breath; Thy heavy hand has brought me down Low as the dust of death.

12 Father, I give my spirit up; And trust it in thy hand; My dying flesh shall rest in hope, And rise at thy command.

Psalm 22:2. 20 21 27-31. 2d Part. C. M. Christ's sufferings and kingdom.

1 "Now from the roaring lion's rage, "O Lord, protect thy Son; "Nor leave thy darling to engage, "The powers of hell alone."

2 Thus did our suffering Saviour pray, With mighty cries and tears; God heard him in that dreadful day, And chas'd away his fears.

3 Great was the victory of his death, His throne exalted high; And all the kindreds of the earth Shall worship or shall die.

4 A numerous offspring must arise From his expiring groans; They shall be reckon'd in his eyes For daughters and for sons.

5 The meek and humble soul shall see His table richly spread; And all that seek the Lord shall be With joys immortal fed.

6 The isles shall know the righteousness Of our incarnate God; And nations yet unborn profess Salvation in his blood.

Psalm 22:3. L. M. Christ's sufferings and exaltation.

1 Now let our mournful songs record The dying sorrows of our Lord; When he complain'd in tears and blood As one forsaken of his God.

2 The Jews beheld him thus forlorn, And shake their heads, and laugh in scorn; "He rescu'd others from the grave, "Now let him try himself to save.

3 "This is the man did once pretend "God was his father and his friend; "If God the blessed lov'd him so, "Why doth he fail to help him now?"

4 Barbarous people! cruel priests! How they stood round like savage beasts! Like lions gaping to devour, When God had left him in their power.

5 They wound his head, his hands, his feet, Till streams of blood each other meet; By lot his garments they divide And mock the pangs in which he dy'd.

6 But God, his Father, heard his cry: Rais'd from the dead he reigns on high. The nations learn his righteousness, And humble sinners taste his grace.

Psalm 23:1. L. M. God our Shepherd.

1 My shepherd is the living Lord; Now shall my wants be well supply'd His providence and holy word Become my safety and my guide.

2 In pastures where salvation grows He makes me feed, he makes me rest; There living water gently flows, And all the food's divinely blest.

3 My wandering feet his ways mistake, But he restores my soul to peace, And leads me for his mercy's sake, In the fair paths of righteousness.

4 Tho' I walk thro' the gloomy vale, Where death and all its terrors are, My heart and hope shall never fail, For God my shepherd's with me there.

5 Amidst the darkness and the deeps Thou art my comfort, thou my stay; Thy staff supports my feeble steps, Thy rod directs my doubtful way.

6 The sons of earth and sons of hell Gaze at thy goodness and repine To see my table spread so well With living bread and cheerful wine.

7 [How I rejoice when on my head Thy Spirit condescends to rest! 'Tis a divine anointing shed Like oil of gladness at a feast.

8 Surely the mercies of the Lord Attend his household all their days; There will I dwell to hear his word, To seek his face, and sing his praise.]

Psalm 23:2. C. M. The same.

1. My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is his name; In pastures fresh he makes me feed Beside the living stream.

2 He brings my wandering spirit back, When I forsake his ways; And leads me for his mercy's sake, In paths of truth and grace.

3 When I walk thro' the shades of death, Thy presence is my stay; A word of thy supporting breath Drives all my fears away.

4 Thy hand, in spite of all my foes, Doth still my table spread; My cup with blessings overflows, Thine oil anoints my head.

5 The sure provisions of my God Attend me all my days; O may thy house be mine abode, And all my work be praise!

6 There would I find a settled rest, (While others go and come) No more a stranger or a guest, But like a child at home.

Psalm 23:3. S. M. The same.

1 The Lord my shepherd is, I shall be well supply'd; Since he is mine, and I am his, What can I want beside?

2 He leads me to the place Where heavenly pasture grows, Where living waters gently pass, And full salvation flows.

3 If e'er I go astray, He doth my soul reclaim, And guides me in his own right way, For his most holy name.

4 While he affords his aid, I cannot yield to fear; Tho' I should walk thro' death's dark shade My Shepherd's with me there.

5 In spite of all my foes, Thou dost my table spread, My cup with blessings overflows, And joy exalts my head.

6 The bounties of thy love Shall crown my following days; Nor from thy house will I remove, Nor cease to speak thy praise.

Psalm 24:1. C. M. Dwelling with God.

1 The earth for ever is the Lord's, With Adam's numerous race; He rais'd its arches o'er the floods, And built it on the seas.

2 But who among the sons of men May visit thine abode? He that has hands from mischief clean, Whose heart is right with God.

3 This is the man may rise, and take The blessings of his grace; This is the lot of those that seek The God of Jacob's face.

4 Now let our soul's immortal powers To meet the Lord prepare, Lift up their everlasting doors, The King of glory's near.

5 The King of glory! who can tell The wonders of his might! He rules the nations; but to dwell With saints is his delight.

Psalm 24:2. L. M. Saints dwell in heaven; or, Christ's ascension.

1 This spacious earth is all the Lord's, And men, and worms, and beasts, and birds: He rais'd the building on the seas, And gave it for their dwelling-place.

2 But there's a brighter world on high, Thy palace, Lord, above the sky: Who shall ascend that blest abode, And dwell so near his Maker God?

3 He that abhors and fears to sin, Whose heart is pure whose hands are clean, Him shall the Lord the Saviour bless, And clothe his soul with righteousness.

4 These are the men, the pious race That seek the God of Jacob's face; These shall enjoy the blissful sight, And dwell in everlasting light.

PAUSE.

5 Rejoice, ye shining worlds on high, Behold the King of glory nigh! Who can this King of glory be? The mighty Lord, the Saviour's he.

6 Ye heavenly gates, your leaves display To make the Lord the Saviour way: Laden with spoils from earth and hell, The conqueror comes with God to dwell.

7 Rais'd from the dead he goes before, He opens heaven's eternal door, To give his saints a blest abode Near their Redeemer, and their God.

Psalm 25:1. 1-11. First Part. Waiting for pardon and direction.

1 I Lift my soul to God, My trust is in his name; Let not my foes that seek my blood Still triumph in my shame.

2 Sin and the powers of hell Persuade me to despair; Lord, make me know thy covenant well, That I may 'scape the snare.

3 From the first dawning light Till the dark evening rise, For thy salvation, Lord, I wait With ever-longing eyes.

4 Remember all thy grace, And lead me in thy truth; Forgive the sins of riper days, And follies of my youth.

5 The Lord is just and kind, The meek shall learn his ways; And every humble sinner find The methods of his grace.

6 For his own goodness' sake He saves my soul from shame; He pardons (tho' my guilt be great) Thro' my Redeemer's name.

Psalm 25:2. 12 14 10 13. Second Part. Divine instruction.

1 Where shall the man be found That fears t' offend his God, That loves the gospel's joyful sound, And trembles at the rod?

2 The Lord shall make him know The secrets of his heart, The wonders of his covenant show, And all his love impart.

3 The dealings of his hand Are truth and mercy still With such as to his covenant stand, And love to do his will.

4 Their souls shall dwell at ease Before their Maker's face, Their seed shall taste the promises, In their extensive grace.

Psalm 25:3. 15-22. Third Part. Distress of soul; or, Backsliding and desertion.

1 Mine eyes and my desire Are ever to the Lord; I love to plead his promises, And rest upon his word.

2 Turn, turn thee to my soul, Bring thy salvation near: When will thy hand release my feet Out of the deadly snare?

3 When shall the sovereign grace Of my forgiving God Restore me from those dangerous ways My wandering feet have trod?

4 The tumult of my thoughts Doth but enlarge my woe; My spirit languishes, my heart Is desolate and low.

5 With every morning light My sorrow new begins; Look on my anguish and my pain, And pardon all my sins.

PAUSE.

6 Behold the hosts of hell How cruel is their hate! Against my life they rise, and join Their fury with deceit.

7 O keep my soul from death, Nor put my hope to shame, For I have plac'd my only trust In my Redeemer's name.

8 With humble faith I wait To see thy face again; Of Israel it shall ne'er be said, "He sought the Lord in vain."

Psalm 26. Self-examination; or, Evidences of grace.

1 Judge me, O Lord, and prove my ways, And try my reins, and try my heart; My faith upon thy promise stays, Nor from thy law my feet depart.

2 I hate to walk, I hate to sit, With men of vanity and lies; The scoffer and the hypocrite Are the abhorrence of mine eyes.

3 Amongst thy saints will I appear, With hands well wash'd in innocence; But when I stand before thy bar, The blood of Christ is my defence.

4 I love thy habitation, Lord, The temple where thine honours dwell; There shall I hear thine holy word, And there thy works of wonder tell.

5 Let not my soul be join'd at last With men of treachery and blood, Since I my days on earth have past Among the saints, and near my God.

Psalm 27:1. 1-6. First Part. The church is our delight and safety.

1 The Lord of glory is my light, And my salvation too; God is my strength, nor will I fear What all my foes can do.

2 One privilege my heart desires; O grant me an abode Among the churches of thy saints, The temples of my God!

3 There shall I offer my requests, And see thy beauty still, Shall hear thy messages of love, And there enquire thy will.

4 When troubles rise, and storms appear, There may his children hide: God has a strong pavilion where He makes my soul abide.

5 Now shall my head be lifted high Above my foes around, And songs of joy and victory Within thy temple sound.

Psalm 27:2. 8 9 13 14. Second Part.

Prayer and Hope.

1 Soon as I heard my Father say, "Ye children, seek my grace;" My heart reply'd without delay, "I'll seek my Father's face."

2 Let not thy face be hid from me, Nor frown my soul away; God of my life, I fly to thee In a distressing day.

3 Should friends and kindred near and dear Leave me to want, or die, My God would make my life his care And all my need supply.

4 My fainting flesh had dy'd with grief, Had not my soul believ'd To see thy grace provide relief, Nor was my hope deceiv'd.

5 Wait on the Lord, ye trembling saints, And keep your courage up; He'll raise your spirit when it faints, And far exceed your hope.

Psalm 29. L. M. Storm and thunder.

1 Give to the Lord, ye sons of fame, Give to the Lord renown and power, Ascribe due honours to his name, And his eternal might adore.

2 The Lord proclaims his power aloud Over the ocean and the land; His voice divides the watery cloud, And lightnings blaze at his command.

3 He speaks, and tempest, hail, and wind, Lay the wide forests bare around; The fearful hart, and frighted hind, Leap at the terror of the sound.

4 To Lebanon he turns his voice, And, lo, the stately cedars break; The mountains tremble at the noise, The vallies roar, the deserts quake.

5 The Lord sits sovereign on the flood, The thunderer reigns for ever king; But makes his church his blest abode, Where we his awful glories sing.

6 In gentler language there the Lord The counsels of his grace imparts; Amidst the raging storm his word Speaks peace and courage to our hearts.

Psalm 30:1. First Part. Sickness healed, and sorrow removed.

1 I will extol thee, Lord, on high, At thy command, diseases fly; Who but a God can speak and save From the dark borders of the grave?

2 Sing to the Lord, ye saints of his, And tell how large his goodness is; Let all your powers rejoice and bless, While you record his holiness.

3 His anger but a moment stays His love is life and length of days; Tho' grief and tears the night employ, The morning-star restores the joy.

Psalm 30:2. 6. Second Part. Health, sickness, and recovery.

1 Firm was my health, my day was bright, And I presum'd 'twould ne'er be night; Fondly I said within my heart, "Pleasure and peace shall ne'er depart."

2 But I forgot thine arm was strong, Which made my mountain stand so long; Soon as thy face began to hide, My health was gone, my comforts dy'd.

3 I cry'd aloud to thee, my God, "What canst thou profit by my blood? "Deep in the dust can I declare "Thy truth, or sing thy goodness there?

4 "Hear me, O God of grace," I said, "And bring me from among the dead:" Thy word rebuk'd the pains I felt, Thy pardoning love remov'd my guilt.

5 My groans, and tears, and forms of woe, Are turn'd to joy and praises now; I throw my sackcloth on the ground, And ease and gladness gird me round.

6 My tongue, the glory of my frame, Shall ne'er be silent of thy name Thy praise shall sound thro' earth and heaven, For sickness heal'd, and sins forgiven.

Psalm 31:1. 5 13-19 22 23. First Part. Deliverance from death.

1 Into thine hand, 0 God of truth, My spirit I commit; Thou hast redeem'd my soul from death, And sav'd me from the pit.

2 The passions of my hope and fear Maintain'd a doubtful strife, While sorrow, pain, and sin conspir'd To take away my life.

3 "My times are in thine hand," I cry'd, "Tho' I draw near the dust ;" Thou art the refuge where I hide, The God in whom I trust.

4 O make thy reconciled face Upon thy servant shine, And save me for thy mercy's sake, For I'm entirely thine.

PAUSE.

5 ['Twas in my haste, my spirit said, "I must despair and die, "I am cut off before thine eyes;" But thou hast heard me cry.]

6 Thy goodness how divinely free! How wondrous is thy grace To those that fear thy majesty, And trust thy promises!

7 O love the Lord, all ye his saints, And sing his praises loud; He'll bend his ear to your complaints, And recompense the proud.

Psalm 31:2. 7-13 18-21. Second Part. Deliverance from slander and reproach.

1 My heart rejoices in thy name, My God, my help, my trust; Thou hast preserv'd my face from shame, Mine honour from the dust.

2 "My life is spent with grief," I cry'd, "My years consum'd in groans, "My strength decays, mine eyes are dry'd, "And sorrow wastes my bones."

3 Among mine enemies my name Was a mere proverb grown, While to my neighbours I became Forgotten and unknown.

4 Slander and fear on every side, Seiz'd and beset me round; I to the throne of grace apply'd, And speedy rescue found.

PAUSE.

5 How great deliverance thou hast wrought Before the sons of men! The lying lips to silence brought, And made their boastings vain!

6 Thy children, from the strife of tongues, Shall thy pavilion hide, Guard them from infamy and wrongs, And crush the sons of pride.

7 Within thy secret presence, Lord, Let me for ever dwell; No fenced city, wall'd and barr'd, Secures a saint so well.

Psalm 32:1. S. M. Forgiveness of sins upon confession.

1 O blessed souls are they Whose sins are cover'd o'er! Divinely blest, to whom the Lord imputes their guilt no more.

2 They mourn their follies past, And keep their hearts with care; Their lips and lives without deceit, Shall prove their faith sincere.

3 While I conceal'd my guilt I felt the festering wound, Till I confess'd my sins to thee, And ready pardon found.

4 Let sinners learn to pray, Let saints keep near the throne; Our help in times of deep distress, Is found in God alone.

Psalm 32:2. First Part. L. M. Free pardon and sincere obedience; or, Confession and forgiveness.

1 Happy the man to whom his God No more imputes his sin, But wash'd in the Redeemer's blood, Hath made his garments clean!

2 Happy, beyond expression, he Whose debts are thus discharg'd; And from the guilty bondage free, He feels his soul enlarg'd.

3 His spirit hates deceit and lies, His words are all sincere; He guards his heart, he guards his eyes, To keep his conscience clear.

4 While I my inward guilt supprest, No quiet could I find; Thy wrath lay burning in my breast, And rack'd my tortur'd mind.

5 Then I confess'd my troubled thoughts, My secret sins reveal'd; Thy pardoning grace forgave my faults, Thy grace my pardon seal'd.

6 This shall invite thy saints to pray, When, like a raging flood, Temptations rise, our strength and stay Is a forgiving God.

Psalm 32:3. L. M. Repentance and free pardon; or, Justification and sanctification.

1 Blest is the man, for ever blest, Whose guilt is pardon'd by his God, Whose sins with sorrow are confess'd, And cover'd with his Saviour's blood.

2 Blest is the man to whom the Lord Imputes not his iniquities, He pleads no merit of reward, And not on works, but grace relies.

3 From guile his heart and lips are free, His humble joy, his holy fear, With deep repentance well agree, And join to prove his faith sincere.

4 How glorious is that righteousness That hides and cancels all his sins! While a bright evidence of grace Thro' his whole life appears and shines.

Psalm 32:4. Second Part. L. M. A guilty conscience eased by confession and pardon.

1 While I keep silence, and conceal My heavy guilt within my heart, What torments doth my conscience feel! What agonies of inward smart!

2 I spread my sins before the Lord, And all my secret faults confess; Thy gospel speaks a pard'ning word Thine Holy Spirit seals the grace.

3 For this shall every humble soul Make swift addresses to thy seat; When floods of huge temptations roll, There shall they find a blest retreat.

4 How safe beneath thy wings I lie, When days grow dark, and storms appear! And when I walk, thy watchful eye Shall guide me safe from every snare.

Psalm 33:1. First Part. C. M. Works of creation and providence.

1 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord, This work belongs to you: Sing of his name, his ways, his word, How holy, just, and true!

2 His mercy and his righteousness Let heaven and earth proclaim; His works of nature and of grace Reveal his wondrous name.

3 His wisdom and almighty word The heavenly arches spread; And by the Spirit of the Lord Their shining hosts were made.

4 He bid the liquid waters flow To their appointed deep; The flowing seas their limits know, And their own station keep.

5 Ye tenants of the spacious earth, With fear before him stand; He spake, and nature took its birth, And rests on his command.

6 He scorns the angry nations' rage, And breaks their vain designs; His counsel stands thro' every age, And in full glory shines.

Psalm 33:2. Second Part. C. M. Creatures vain, and God all-sufficient.

1 Blest is the nation where the Lord Hath fix'd his gracious throne; Where he reveals his heavenly word, And calls their tribes his own.

2 His eye, with infinite survey, Does the whole world behold; He form'd us all of equal clay, And knows our feeble mould.

3 Kings are not rescu'd by the force Of armies from the grave; Nor speed nor courage of an horse Can the bold rider save,

4 Vain is the strength of beasts or men To hope for safety thence; But holy souls from God obtain A strong and sure defence.

5 God is their fear, and God their trust, When plagues or famine spread, His watchful eye secures the just Amongst ten thousand dead.

6 Lord, let our hearts in thee rejoice, And bless us from thy throne; For we have made thy word our choice, And trust thy grace alone.

Psalm 33:3. First Part. As the 113th Psalm. Works of creation and providence.

1 Ye holy souls, in God rejoice, Your Maker's praise becomes your voice; Great is your theme, your songs be new: Sing of his name, his word, his ways, His works of nature and of grace, How wise and holy, just and true.

2 Justice and truth he ever loves, And the whole earth his goodness proves, His word the heavenly arches spread; How wide they shine from north to south! And by the Spirit of his mouth Were all the starry armies made.

3 He gathers the wide-flowing seas, Those watery treasures know their place, In the vast storehouse of the deep: He spake, and gave all nature birth; And fires, and seas, and heaven, and earth, His everlasting orders keep.

4 Let mortals tremble and adore A God of such resistless power, Nor dare indulge their feeble rage: Vain are your thoughts, and weak your hands; But his eternal counsel stands, And rules the world from age to age.

Psalm 33:4. Second Part. As the 113th Psalm. Creatures vain, and God all-sufficient.

1 O Happy nation, where the Lord Reveals the treasure of his word, And builds his church his earthly throne! His eye the heathen world surveys, He form'd their hearts, he knows their ways; But God their Maker is unknown.

2 Let kings rely upon their host, And of his strength the champion boast; In vain they boast, in vain rely; In vain we trust the brutal force, Or speed, or courage of an horse, To guard his rider, or to fly.

3 The eye of thy compassion, Lord, Doth more secure defence afford When death or dangers threatening stand; Thy watchful eye preserves the just, Who make thy name their fear and trust, When wars or famine waste the land.

4 In sickness or the bloody field, Thou our physician, thou our shield, Send us salvation from thy throne; We wait to see thy goodness shine; Let us rejoice in help divine, For all our hope is God alone.

Psalm 34:1. First Part. L. M. God's care of the saints; or, Deliverance by prayer.

1 Lord, I will bless thee all my days, Thy praise shall dwell upon my tongue; My soul shall glory in thy grace, While saints rejoice to hear the song.

2 Come, magnify the Lord with me, Come, let us all exalt his name; I sought th' eternal God, and he Has not expos'd my hope to shame.

3 I told him all my secret grief, My secret groaning reach'd his ears; He gave my inward pains relief, And calm'd the tumult of my fears.

4 To him the poor lift up their eyes, Their faces feel the heavenly shine; A beam of mercy from the skies Fills them with light and joy divine.

6 His holy angels pitch their tents Around the men that serve the Lord; O fear and love him, all his saints, Taste of his grace and trust his word.

6 The wild young lions, pinch'd with pain And hunger, roar thro' all the wood; But none shall seek the Lord in vain, Nor want supplies of real good.

Psalm 34:2. 11-22. Second Part. L. M. Religious education; or, Instructions of piety.

1 Children in years and knowledge young, Your parents' hope, your parents' joy, Attend the counsels of my tongue, Let pious thoughts your minds employ.

2 If you desire a length of days, And peace to crown your mortal state, Restrain your feet from impious ways, Your lips from slander and deceit.

3 The eyes of God regard his saints, His ears are open to their cries; He sets his frowning face against The sons of violence and lies.

4 To humble souls and broken hearts God with his grace is ever nigh; Pardon and hope his love imparts When men in deep contrition lie.

5 He tell their tears, he counts their groans, His Son redeems their souls from death; His Spirit heals their broken bones, They in his praise employ their breath.

Psalm 34:3. 1-10. First Part. C. M. Prayer and Praise for eminent deliverance.

1 I'll bless the Lord from day to day; How good are all his ways! Ye humble souls that use to pray, Come, help my lips to praise.

2 Sing to the honour of his name, How a poor sufferer cry'd, Nor was his hope expos'd to shame, Nor was his suit deny'd.

3 When threatening sorrows round me stood, And endless fears arose, Like the loud billows of a flood, Redoubling all my woes;

4 I told the Lord my sore distress With heavy groans and tears, He gave my sharpest torments ease, And silenc'd all my fears.

PAUSE.

5 [O sinners, come and taste his love, Come, learn his pleasant ways, And let your own experience prove The sweetness of his grace.

6 He bids his angels pitch their tents Round where his children dwell What ills their heavenly care prevents No earthly tongue can tell.]

7 [O love the Lord, ye saints of his; His eye regards the just; How richly blest their portion is Who make the Lord their trust!

8 Young lions pinch'd with hunger roar, And famish in the wood; But God supplies his holy poor With every needful good.]

Psalm 34:4. 11-22. Second Part. C. M. Exhortations to peace and Holiness.

1 Come, children, learn to fear the Lord; And that your days be long, Let not a false or spiteful word Be found upon your tongue.

2 Depart from mischief, practise love, Pursue the works of peace; So shall the Lord your ways approve, And set your souls at ease.

3 His eyes awake to guard the just, His ears attend their cry; When broken spirits dwell in dust, The God of grace is nigh.

4 What tho' the sorrows here they taste Are sharp and tedious too, The Lord, who saves them all at last, Is their supporter now.

5 Evil shall smite the wicked dead; But God secures his own, Prevents the mischief when they slide, Or heals the broken bone.

6 When desolation like a flood, O'er the proud sinner rolls, Saints find a refuge in their God, For he redeem'd their souls.

Psalm 35:1. 1-9. First Part. Prayer and faith of persecuted saints; or, Imprecations mixed with charity.

1 Now plead my cause, almighty God, With all the Sons of strife; And fight against the men of blood, Who fight against my life.

2 Draw out thy spear and stop their way, Lift thine avenging rod; But to my soul in mercy say, "I am thy Saviour God."

3 They plant their snares to catch my feet, And nets of mischief spread; Plunge the destroyers in the pit That their own hands have made.

4 Let fogs and darkness hide their way, And slippery be their ground; Thy wrath shall make their lives a prey, And all their rage confound.

5 They fly like chaff before the wind, Before thine angry breath; The angel of the Lord behind Pursues them down to death.

6 They love the road that leads to hell; Then let the rebels die Whose malice is implacable Against the Lord on high.

7 But if thou hast a chosen few Amongst that impious race, Divide them from the bloody crew By thy surprising grace.

8 Then will I raise my tuneful voice To make thy wonders known; In their salvation I'll rejoice, And bless thee for my own.

Psalm 35:2. 12-14. Second Part. Love to enemies; or, The love of Christ to sinners typified in David.

1 Behold the love, the generous love That holy David shows; Hark, how his sounding bowels move To his afflicted foes!

2 When they are sick his soul complains, And seems to feel the smart; The spirit of the gospel reigns, And melts his pious heart.

3 How did his flowing tears condole As for a brother dead! And fasting mortify'd his soul, While for their life he pray'd.

4 They groan'd; and curs'd him on their bed, Yet still he pleads and mourns; And double blessings on his head The righteous God returns.

5 O glorious type of heavenly grace! Thus Christ the Lord appears; While sinners curse, the Saviour prays, And pities them with tears.

6 He, the true David, Israel's king, Blest and belov'd of God, To save us rebels dead in sin, Paid his own dearest blood.

Psalm 36:1. 5-9. L. M. The perfections and providence of God; or, General providence and special grace.

1 High in the heavens, eternal God, Thy goodness in full glory shines; Thy truth shall break thro' every cloud That veils and darkens thy designs.

2 For ever firm thy justice stands, As mountains their foundations keep; Wise are the wonders of thy hands; Thy judgments are a mighty deep.

3 Thy providence is kind and large, Both man and beast thy bounty share; The whole creation is thy charge, But saints are thy peculiar care.

4 My God! how excellent thy grace, Whence all our hope and comfort springs! The sons of Adam in distress Fly to the shadow of thy wings.

5 From the provisions of thy house We shall be fed with sweet repast; There mercy like a river flows, And brings salvation to our taste.

6 Life, like a fountain rich and free Springs from the presence of the Lord; And in thy light our souls shall see The glories promis'd in thy word.

Psalm 36:2. 1 2 5 6 7 9 C. M. Practical atheism exposed; or, The being and attributes of God asserted.

1 While men grow bold in wicked ways! And yet a God they own, My heart within me often says, "Their thoughts believe there's none."

2 Their thoughts and ways at once declare (Whate'er their lips profess) God hath no wrath for them to fear, Nor will they seek his grace.

3 What strange self-flattery blinds their eyes! But there's an hastening hour When they shall see with sore surprise The terrors of thy power.

4 Thy justice shall maintain its throne, Tho' mountains melt away; Thy judgments are a world unknown, A deep unfathom'd sea.

5 Above the heavens' created rounds, Thy mercies, Lord, extend; Thy truth outlives the narrow bounds, Where time and nature end.

6 Safety to man thy goodness brings, Nor overlooks the beast; Beneath the shadow of thy wings Thy children choose to rest.

7 [From thee, when creature-streams run low, And mortal comforts die, Perpetual springs of life shall flow, And raise our pleasures high.