Chapter III: Part 3

8 Tho' all created light decay, And death close up our eyes Thy presence makes eternal day Where clouds can never rise.]

Psalm 36:3. 1-7. S. M. The wickedness of man, and the majesty of God; or. Practical atheism exposed.

1 When man grows bold in sin My heart within me cries, "He hath no faith of God within, Nor fear before his eyes."

2 [He walks awhile conceal'd In a self-flattering dream, Till his dark crimes at once reveal'd Expose his hateful name.]

3 His heart is false and foul, His words are smooth and fair; Wisdom is banish'd from his soul, And leaves no goodness there.

4 He plots upon his bed New mischiefs to fulfil; He sets his heart, and hand, and head, To practise all that's ill.

5 But there's a dreadful God, Tho' men renounce his fear; His justice hid behind the cloud Shall one great day appear.

6 His truth transcends the sky; In heaven his mercies dwell; Deep as the sea his judgments lie, His anger burns to hell.

7 How excellent his love, Whence all our safety springs! O never let my soul remove From underneath his wings.

Psalm 37:1. 1-15. First Part. The cure of envy, fretfulness, and unbelief; or, The rewards of the righteous, and the wicked; or, The world's hatred, and the saint's patience.

1 Why should I vex my soul and fret To see the wicked rise? Or envy sinners waxing great, By violence and lies.

2 As flowery grass cut down at noon, Before the evening fades So shall their glories vanish soon In everlasting shades.

3 Then let me make the Lord my trust, And practise all that's good; So shall I dwell among the just, And he'll provide me food.

4 I to my God my ways commit, And cheerful wait his will; Thy hand, which guides my doubtful feet, Shall my desires fulfil.

3 Mine innocence shalt thou display, And make thy judgments known, Fair as the light of dawning day, And glorious as the noon.

6 The meek at last the earth possess, And are the heirs of heav'n; True riches with abundant peace, To humble souls are given.

PAUSE.

7 Rest in the Lord and keep his way, Nor let your anger rise, Tho' providence should long delay To punish haughty vice.

8 Let sinners join to break your peace, And plot, and rage, and foam; The Lord derides them, for he sees Their day of vengeance come.

9 They have drawn out the threatening sword, Have bent the murderous bow, To slay the men that fear the Lord, And bring the righteous low.

10 My God shall break their bows, and burn Their persecuting darts, Shall their own swords against them turn, And pain surprise their hearts.

Psalm 37:2. 16 21 26-31. Second Part. Charity to the poor; or, Religion in words and deeds.

1 Why do the wealthy wicked boast, And grow profanely bold? The meanest portion of the just Excels the sinner's gold.

2 The wicked borrows of his friends, But ne'er designs to pay; The saint is merciful and lends, Nor turns the poor away.

3 His alms with liberal heart he gives Amongst the sons of need; His memory to long ages lives, And blessed is his seed.

4 His lips abhor to talk profane, To slander or defraud; His ready tongue declares to men What he has learn'd of God.

5 The law and gospel of the Lord Deep in his heart abide; Led by the Spirit and the word, His feet shall never slide.

6 When sinners fall, the righteous stand, Preserv'd from every snare; They shall possess the promis'd land, And dwell for ever there.

Psalm 37:3. 23-27. Third Part. The way and end of the righteous and the wicked.

1 My God, the steps of pious men Are order'd by thy will; Tho' they should fall, they rise again, Thy hand supports them still.

2 The Lord delights to see their ways, Their virtue he approves; He'll ne'er deprive them of his grace, Nor leave the men he loves.

3 The heavenly heritage is theirs, Their portion and their home; He feeds them now, and makes them heirs Of blessings long to come.

4 Wait on the Lord, ye sons of men, Nor fear when tyrants frown; Ye shall confess their pride was vain, When justice casts them down.

PAUSE.

5 The haughty sinner have I seen, Nor fearing man nor God, Like a tall bay-tree fair and green, Spreading his arms abroad.

6 And lo! he vanish'd from the ground, Destroy'd by hands unseen: Nor root, nor branch, nor leaf was found Where all that pride had been.

7 But mark the man of righteousness, His several steps attend; True pleasure runs thro' all his ways, And peaceful is his end.

Psalm 38. Guilt of conscience and relief; or, Repentance, and prayer for pardon and health.

1 Amidst thy wrath remember love, Restore thy servant, Lord; Nor let a father's chastening prove Like an avenger's sword.

2 Thine arrows stick within my heart, My flesh is sorely prest; Between the sorrow and the smart My spirit finds no rest.

3 My sins a heavy load appear, And o'er my head are gone; Too heavy they for me to bear, Too hard for me t' atone.

4 My thoughts are like a troubled sea, My head still bending down; And I go mourning all the day Beneath my Father's frown.

5 Lord, I am weak, and broken sore, None of my powers are whole; The inward anguish makes me roar, The anguish of my soul.

6 All my desire to thee is known, Thine eye counts every tear, And every sigh, and every groan Is notic'd by thine ear.

7 Thou art my God, my only hope; My God will hear my cry; My God will bear my spirit up When Satan bids me die.

8 [My foot is ever apt to slide, My foes rejoice to see't; They raise their pleasure and their pride When they supplant my feet.

9 But I'll confess my guilt to thee, And grieve for all my sin, I'll mourn how weak my graces be, And beg support divine.

10 My God, forgive my follies past, And be for ever nigh; O Lord of my salvation, haste, Before thy servant die.]

Psalm 39:1. 1 2 3. First Part. Watchfulness over the tongue; or, Prudence and zeal.

1 Thus I resolv'd before the Lord, "Now will I watch my tongue, "Lest I let slip one sinful word, "Or do my neighbour wrong."

2 And if I'm e'er constrain'd to stay With men of lives profane I'll set a double guard that day, Nor let my talk be vain.

3 I'll scarce allow my lips to speak The pious thoughts I feel, Lest scoffers should th' occasion take To mock my holy zeal.

4 Yet if some proper hour appear, I'll not be overaw'd, But let the scoffing sinners hear That I can speak for God.

Psalm 39:2. 4-7. Second Part. The vanity of man as mortal.

1 Teach me the measure of my days, Thou maker of my frame; I would survey life's narrow space, And learn' how frail I am.

2 A span is all that we can boast, An inch or two of time; Man is but vanity and dust In all his flower and prime.

3 See the vain race of mortals move Like shadows o'er the plain; They rage and strive, desire and love, But all the noise is vain.

4 Some walk in honour's gaudy show, Some dig for golden ore, They toil for heirs, they know not who, And straight are seen no more.

5 What should I wish or wait for then From creatures, earth and dust? They make our expectations vain, And disappoint our trust.

6 Now I forbid my carnal hope, My fond desires recall; I give my mortal interest up, And make my God my all.

Psalm 39:3. 9-13. Third Part. Sick-bed devotion; or, Pleading without repining.

1 God of my life, look gently down, Behold the pains I feel; But I am dumb before thy throne, Nor dare dispute thy will.

2 Diseases are thy servants, Lord, They come at thy command; I'll not attempt a murmuring word Against thy chastening hand.

3 Yet I may plead with humble cries, Remove thy sharp rebukes; My strength consumes, my spirit dies Thro' thy repeated strokes.

4 Crush'd as a moth beneath thy hand, We moulder to the dust; Our feeble powers can ne'er withstand, And all our beauty's lost.

5 [This mortal life decays apace, How soon the bubble's broke! Adam and all his numerous race Are vanity and smoke.]

6 I'm but a sojourner below, As all my fathers were, May I be well prepar'd to go When I the summons hear.

7 But if my life be spar'd awhile, Before my last remove, Thy praise shall be my business still, And I'll declare thy love.

Psalm 40:1. 1 3 5 17. First Part. C. M. A song of deliverance from great distress.

1 I waited patient for the Lord, He bow'd to hear my cry; He saw me resting on his word, And brought salvation nigh.

2 He rais'd me from a horrid pit Where mourning long I lay, And from my bonds releas'd my feet, Deep bonds of miry clay.

3 Firm on a rock he made me stand, And taught my cheerful tongue To praise the wonders of his hand, In a new thankful song.

4 I'll spread his works of grace abroad; The saints with joy shall hear, And sinners learn to make my God Their only hope and fear.

5 How many are thy thoughts of love! Thy mercies, Lord, how great! We have not words nor hours enough Their numbers to repeat.

6 When I'm afflicted, poor and low, And light and peace depart, My God beholds my heavy woe, And bears me on his heart.

Psalm 40:2. 6-9. Second Part. C. M. The incarnation and sacrifice of Christ.

1 Thus saith the Lord, "Your work is vain, "Give your burnt offerings o'er, "In dying goats and bullocks slain "My soul delights no more."

2 Then spake the Saviour, "Lo, I'm here, "My God, to do thy will; "'Whate'er thy sacred books declare, "Thy servant shall fulfil.

3 "Thy law is ever in my sight, "I keep it near my heart; "Mine ears are open'd with delight "To what thy lips impart."

4 And see the bless'd Redeemer comes, Th' eternal Son appears, And at th' appointed time assumes The body God prepares.

5 Much he reveal'd his Father's grace, And much his truth he shew'd, And preach'd the way of righteousness, Where great assemblies stood.

6 His Father's honour touch'd his heart, He pity'd sinners' cries, And, to fulfil a Saviour's part, Was made a sacrifice,

PAUSE.

7 No blood of beasts on altars shed Could wash the conscience clean, But the rich sacrifice he paid Atones for all our sin.

8 Then was the great salvation spread, And Satan's kingdom shook; Thus by the woman's promis'd seed The serpent's head was broke.

Psalm 40:3. 5-10. L. M. Christ our sacrifice.

1 The wonders, Lord, thy love has wrought, Exceed our praise, surmount our thought; Should I attempt the long detail, My speech would faint, my numbers fail.

2 No blood of beasts on altars spilt, Can cleanse the souls of men from guilt, But thou hast set before our eyes An all-sufficient sacrifice.

3 Lo! thine eternal Son appears, To thy designs he bows his ears, Assumes a body, well prepar'd, And well performs a work so hard.

4 "Behold, I come," (the Saviour cries, With love and duty in his eyes) "I come to bear the heavy load "Of sins, and do thy will, my God.

5 "'Tis written in thy great decree, "'Tis in thy book foretold of me, "I must fulfil the Saviour's part, "And, lo! thy law is in my heart!

6 "I'll magnify thy holy law, "And rebels to obedience draw, "'When on my cross I'm lifted high, "Or to my crown above the sky.

7 "The Spirit shall descend, and show "What thou hast done, and what I do; "The wond'ring world shall learn thy grace, "Thy wisdom and thy righteousness."

Psalm 41. 1 2 3. Charity to the poor; or, Pity to the afflicted.

1 Blest is the man whose bowels move, And melt with pity to the poor, Whose soul, by sympathising love, Feels what his fellow-saints endure.

2 His heart contrives for their relief More good than his own hands can do; He, in the time of general grief, Shall find the Lord has bowels too.

3 His soul shall live secure on earth, With secret blessings on his head, When drought, and pestilence, and dearth Around him multiply their dead.

4 Or if he languish on his couch, God will pronounce his sins forgiv'n, Will save him with a healing touch, Or take his willing soul to heaven.

Psalm 42:1. 1-5. First Part. Desertion and hope; or, Complaint of absence from public worship.

1 With earnest longings of the mind, My God, to thee I look; So pants the hunted hart to find And taste the cooling brook.

2 When shall I see thy courts of grace, And meet my God again? So long an absence from thy face My heart endures with pain.

3 Temptations vex my weary soul, And tears are my repast; The foe insults without control, "And where's your God at last?"

4 'Tis with a mournful pleasure now I think on ancient days; Then to thy house did numbers go, And all our work was praise.

5 But why, my soul, sunk down so far Beneath this heavy load? Why do my thoughts indulge despair, And sin against my God?

6 Hope in the Lord, whose mighty hand Can all thy woes remove; For I shall yet before him stand, And sing restoring love.

Psalm 42:2. 6-11. Second Part. Melancholy thoughts reproved; or, Hope in afflictions.

1 My spirit sinks within me, Lord, But I will call thy name to mind, And times of past distress record, When I have found my God was kind.

2 Huge troubles, with tumultuous noise, Swell like a sea, and round me spread; Thy water-spouts drown all my joys, And rising waves roll o'er my head.

3 Yet will the Lord command his love, When I address his throne by day, Nor in the night his grace remove; The night shall hear me sing and pray.

4 I'll cast myself before his feet, And say "My God, my heavenly Rock, "Why doth thy love so long forget "The soul that groans beneath thy stroke?"

5 I'll chide my heart that sinks so low, Why should my soul indulge her grief? Hope in the Lord, and praise him too, He is my rest, my sure relief.

6 Thy light and truth shall guide me still, Thy word shall my best thoughts employ, And lead me to thine heavenly hill, My God, my most exceeding Joy.

Psalm 44. 1 2 3 8 15-26. The church's complaint in persecution.

1 Lord, we have heard thy works of old, Thy works of power and grace, When to our ears our fathers told The wonders of their days:

2 How thou didst build thy churches here, And make thy gospel known; Amongst them did thine arm appear, Thy light and glory shone.

3 In God they boasted all the day, And in a cheerful throng Did thousands meet to praise and pray, And grace was all their song.

4 But now our souls are seiz'd with shame, Confusion fills our face, To hear the enemy blaspheme, And fools reproach thy grace.

5 Yet have we not forgot our God, Nor falsely dealt with heaven, Nor have our steps declin'd the road Of duty thou hast given.

6 Tho' dragons all around us roar With their destructive breath, And thine own hand has bruis'd us sore Hard by the gates of death.

PAUSE.

7 We are expos'd all day to die As martyrs for thy cause, As sheep for slaughter bound we lie By sharp and bloody laws.

8 Awake, arise, almighty Lord, Why sleeps thy wonted grace? Why should we look like men abhorr'd, Or banish'd from thy face?

9 Wilt thou for ever cast us off And still neglect our cries? For ever hide thine heavenly love From our afflicted eyes?

10 Down to the dust our soul is bow'd, And dies upon the ground; Rise for our help, rebuke the proud, And all their powers confound.

11 Redeem us from perpetual shame, Our Saviour and our God; We plead the honours of thy Name, The merits of thy blood.

Psalm 45:1. S. M. The glory of Christ; the success of the gospel; and the Gentile church.

1 My Saviour and my King, Thy beauties are divine; Thy lips with blessings overflow, And every grace is thine.

2 Now make thy glory known, Gird on thy dreadful sword, And ride in majesty to spread The conquests of thy word.

Strike thro' thy stubborn foes, Or melt their hearts t'obey, While justice, meekness, grace, and truth, Attend thy glorious way.

4 Thy laws, O God, are right; Thy throne shall ever end; And thy victorious gospel proves A sceptre in thy hand.

5 [Thy Father and thy God Hath without measure shed His Spirit, like a joyful oil, T'anoint thy sacred head.]

6 [Behold, at thy right hand The Gentile church is seen, Like a fair bride in rich attire, And princes guard the queen.]

7 Fair bride, receive his love, Forget thy father's house; Forsake thy gods, thy idol gods, And pay thy Lord thy vows.

8 O let thy God and King Thy sweetest thoughts employ; Thy children shall his honours sing In palaces of joy.

Psalm 45:2. C. M. The personal glories and government of Christ.

1 I'll speak the honours of my King, His form divinely fair; None of the sons of mortal race May with the Lord compare.

2 Sweet is thy speech and heavenly grace Upon thy lips is shed; Thy God, with blessings infinite, Hath crown'd thy sacred head.

3 Gird on thy sword, victorious Prince, Ride with majestic sway; Thy terrors shall strike thro' thy foes, And make the world obey.

4 Thy throne, O God, for ever stands; Thy word of grace shall prove A peaceful sceptre in thy hands, To rule the saints by love.

5 Justice and truth attend thee still But mercy is thy choice; And God, thy God, thy soul shall fill With most peculiar joys.

Psalm 45:3. First Part. L. M. The glory of Christ, and power of his gospel.

1 Now be my heart inspir'd to sing The glories of my Saviour-king, Jesus the Lord; how heavenly fair His form! how 'bright his beauties are!

2 O'er all the sons of human race He shines with a superior grace, Love from his lips divinely flows, And blessings all his state compose.

3 Dress thee in arms, most mighty Lord, Gird on the terror of thy sword, In majesty and glory ride With truth and meekness at thy side.

4 Thine anger, like a pointed dart, Shall pierce the foes of stubborn heart; Or words of mercy kind and sweet Shall melt the rebels at thy feet.

5 Thy throne, O God, for ever stands, Grace is the sceptre in thy hands; Thy laws and works are just and right, Justice and grace are thy delight.

6 God, thine own God, has richly shed His oil of gladness on thy head, And with his sacred Spirit blest His first-born Son above the rest.

Psalm 45:4. Second Part. L. M. Christ and his church; or, The mystical marriage.

1 The king of saints, how fair his face, Adorn'd with majesty and grace! He comes with blessings from above, And wins the nations to his love.

2 At his right hand our eyes behold The queen array'd in purest gold; The world admires her heavenly dress, Her robe of joy and righteousness.

3 He forms her beauties like his own; He calls and seats her near his throne: Fair stranger, let thine heart forget The idols of thy native state.

4 So shall the King the more rejoice In thee, the favourite of his choice; Let him be lov'd and yet ador'd, For he's thy Maker and thy Lord.

5 O happy hour, when thou shalt rise To his fair palace in the skies, And all thy Sons (a numerous train) Each like a prince in glory reign!

6 Let endless honours crown his head; Let every age his praises spread; While we with cheerful songs approve The condescensions of his love.

Psalm 46:1. First Part. The church's safety and triumph among national desolations.

1 God is the refuge of his saints, When storms of sharp distress invade; Ere we can offer our complaints Behold him present with his aid.

2 Let mountains from their seats be hurl'd Down to the deep, and buried there; Convulsions shake the solid world, Our faith shall never yield to fear.

3 Loud may the troubled ocean roar, In sacred peace our souls abide, While every nation, every shore, Trembles, and dreads the swelling tide.

4 There is a stream whose gentle flow Supplies the city of our God; Life, love, and joy still gliding thro', And watering our divine abode.

5 That sacred stream, thine holy word, That all our raging fear controls: Sweet peace thy promises afford, And give new strength to fainting souls.

6 Sion enjoys her monarch's love, Secure against a threatening hour; Nor can her firm foundations move, Built on his truth, and arm'd with pow'r.

Psalm 46:2. Second Part. God fights for his church.

1 Let Sion in her King rejoice, Tho' tyrants rage and kingdoms rise; He utters his almighty voice, The nations melt, the tumult dies.

2 The Lord of old for Jacob fought, And Jacob's God is still our aid; Behold the works his hand has wrought, What desolations he has made!

3 From sea to sea, thro' all the shores, He makes the noise of battle cease; When from on high his thunder roars, He awes the trembling world to peace.

4 He breaks the bow, he cuts the spear, Chariots he burns with heavenly flame; Keep silence all the earth, and hear The sound and glory of his Name.

5 "Be still, and learn that I am God, "I'll be exalted o'er the lands, "I will be known and fear'd abroad, "But still my throne in Sion stands."

6 O Lord of hosts, almighty King, While we so near thy presence dwell, Our faith shall sit secure, and sing Defiance to the gates of hell.

Psalm 47. Christ ascending and reigning.

1 O for a shout of sacred joy To God the sovereign King! Let every land their tongues employ, And hymns of triumph sing.

2 Jesus our God ascends on high, His heavenly guards around Attend him rising thro' the sky, With trumpet's joyful sound.

3 While angels shout and praise their King, Let mortals learn their strains; Let all the earth his honour sing; O'er all the earth he reigns.

4 Rehearse his praise with awe profound, Let knowledge lead the song, Nor mock him with a solemn sound Upon a thoughtless tongue.

5 In Israel stood his ancient throne, He lov'd that chosen race; But now he calls the world his own, And heathens taste his grace.

6 The British islands are the Lord's, There Abraham's God is known, While powers and princes, shields and swords, Submit before his throne.

Psalm 48:1. 1-8. First Part. The church is the honour and safety of a nation.

1 [Great is the Lord our God, And let his praise be great; He makes his churches his abode, His most delightful seat.

2 These temples of his grace, How beautiful they stand! The honours of our native place, And bulwarks of our land.]

3 In Sion God is known A refuge in distress; How bright has his salvation shone Thro' all her palaces!

4 When kings against her join'd, And saw the Lord was there, In wild confusion of the mind They fled with hasty tear.

5 When navies tall and proud Attempt to spoil our peace, He sends his tempests roaring loud, And sinks them in the seas.

6 Oft have our fathers told, Our eyes have often seen, How well our God secures the fold Where his own sheep have been.

7 In every new distress We'll to his house repair. We'll think upon his wondrous grace, And seek deliverance there.

Psalm 48:2. 10-14. Second Part. The beauty of the church; or, Gospel worship and order.

1 Far as thy name is known The world declares thy praise; Thy saints, O Lord, before thy throne Their songs of honour raise.

2 With joy let Judah stand On Sion's chosen hill, Proclaim the wonders of thy hand, And counsels of thy will.

3 Let strangers walk around The city where we dwell, Compass and view thine holy ground, And mark the building well.

4 The orders of thy house, The worship of thy court, The cheerful songs, the solemn vows; And make a fair report.

5 How decent and how wise! How glorious to behold! Beyond the pomp that charms the eyes, And rites adorn'd with gold.

6 The God we worship now Will guide us till we die, Will be our God while here below, And ours above the sky.

Psalm 49:1. 8-14. First Part. C. M. Pride and death; or, The vanity of life and riches.

1 Why doth the man of riches grow To insolence and pride, To see his wealth and honours flow With every rising tide?

2 [Why doth he treat the poor with scorn, Made of the self-same clay, And boast as tho' his flesh was born Of better dust than they?]

3 Not all his treasures can procure His soul a short reprieve, Redeem from death one guilty hour, Or make his brother live.

4 [Life is a blessing can't be sold, The ransom is too high; Justice will ne'er be brib'd with gold That man may never die.]

5 He sees the brutish and the wise, The timorous and the brave, Quit their possessions, close their eyes, And hasten to the grave.

6 Yet 'tis his inward thought and pride,-- "My house shall ever stand; "And that my name may long abide, "I'll give it to my land."

7 Vain are his thoughts, his hopes are lost, How soon his memory dies! His name is written in the dust Where his own carcase lies.

PAUSE.

8 This is the folly of their way; And yet their sons, as vain, Approve the words their fathers say, And act their works again.

9 Men void of wisdom and of grace, If honour raise them high. Live like the beast, a thoughtless race, And like the beast they die.

10 Laid in the grave like silly sheep, Death feeds upon them there, Till the last trumpet break their sleep In terror and despair.

Psalm 49:2. 14 15. Second Part. C. M. Death and the resurrection.

1 Ye sons of pride, that hate the just, And trample on the poor, When death has brought you down to dust, Your pomp shall rise no more,

2 The last great day shall change the scene; When will that hour appear? When shall the just revive, and reign O'er all that scorn'd them here?

3 God will my naked soul receive, When sep'rate from the flesh; And break the prison of the grave To raise my bones afresh.

4 Heaven is my everlasting home, Th' inheritance is sure; Let men of pride their rage resume, But I'll repine no more.

Psalm 49:3. L. M. The rich sinner's death, and the saint's resurrection.

1 Why do the proud insult the poor, And boast the large estates they have? How vain are riches to secure Their haughty owners from the grave!

2 They can't redeem one hour from death, With all the wealth in which they trust; Nor give a dying brother breath, When God commands him down to dust.

3 There the dark earth and dismal shade Shall clasp their naked bodies round; That flesh, so delicately fed, Lies cold, and moulders in the ground.

4 Like thoughtless sheep the sinner dies, Laid in the grave for worms to eat; The saints shall in the morning rise, And find th' oppressor at their feet.

5 His honours perish in the dust, And pomp and beauty, birth and blood: That glorious day exalts the just To full dominion o'er the proud.

6 My Saviour shall my life restore, And raise me from my dark abode; My flesh and soul shall part no more, But dwell for ever near my God.

Psalm 50:1. 1-6. First Part. C. M. The last judgment; or, The saints rewarded.

1 The Lord, the Judge, before his throne, Bids the whole earth draw nigh, The nations near the rising sun, And near the western sky.

2 No more shall bold blasphemers say, "Judgment will ne'er begin," No more abuse his long delay To impudence and sin.

3 Thron'd on a cloud our God shall come, Bright flames prepare his way, Thunder and darkness, fire and storm, Lead on the dreadful day.

4 Heaven from above his call shall hear, Attending angels come, And earth and hell shall know and fear His justice and their doom.

5 "But gather all my saints," he cries, "That made their peace with God, "By the Redeemer's sacrifice, "And seal'd it with his blood.

6 "Their faith and works brought forth to light "Shall make the world confess "My sentence of reward is right, "And heaven adore my grace."

Psalm 50:2. 8 10 11 14 15 23. Second Part. C. M. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

1 Thus saith the Lord, "the spacious fields "And flocks and herds are mine "O'er all the cattle of the hills "I claim a right divine.

2 "I ask no sheep for sacrifice, "Nor bullocks burnt with fire; "To hope and love, to pray and praise, "Is all that I require.

3 "Call upon me when trouble's near, "My hand shall set thee free; "Then shall thy thankful lips declare "The honour due to me.

4 "The man that offers humble praise, "He glorifies me best; "And those that tread my holy ways "Shall my salvation taste."

Psalm 50:3. 1 5 8 16 21 22. 3d Part. C. M. The judgement of hypocrites.

1 When Christ to judgment shall descend And saints surround their Lord, He calls the nations to attend, And hear his awful word.

2 "Not for the want of bullocks slain "Will I the world reprove; "Altars and rites and forms are vain, "Without the fire of love.

3 "And what have hypocrites to do "To bring their sacrifice? "They call my statutes just and true, "But deal in theft and lies.

4 "Could you expect to 'scape my sight, "And sin without control? "But I shall bring your crimes to light, "With anguish in your soul."

5 Consider, ye that slight the Lord, Before his wrath appear; If once you fall beneath his sword, There's no deliverer there.

Psalm 50:4. L. M. Hypocrisy exposed.

1 The Lord, the Judge, his churches warns, Let hypocrites attend and fear, Who place their hope in rites and forms, But make not faith nor love their care.

2 Vile wretches dare rehearse his name With lips of falsehood and deceit; A friend or brother they defame, And soothe and flatter those they hate.

3 They watch to do their neighbours wrong; Yet dare to seek their Maker's face; They take his covenant on their tongue, But break his laws, abuse his grace.

4 To heaven they lift their hands unclean, Defil'd with lust, defil'd with blood; By night they practise every sin, By day their mouths draw near to God.

5 And while his judgments long delay, They grow secure and sin the more; They think he sleeps as well as they, And put far off the dreadful hour.

6 O dreadful hour! when God draws near, And sets their crimes before their eyes! His wrath their guilty souls shall tear, And no deliverer dare to rise.

Psalm 50:5. To a new Tune. The last judgment.

1 The Lord the Sovereign sends his summons forth, Calls the south nations, and awakes the north; From east to west the sounding orders spread Thro' distant worlds and regions of the dead: No more shall atheists mock his long delay; His vengeance sleeps no more: behold the day!

2 Behold the Judge descends; his guards are nigh; Tempest and fire attend him down the sky: Heaven, earth and hell draw near; let all things come To hear his justice and the sinners doom: But gather first my saints (the Judge commands) Bring them, ye angels, from their distant lands.

3 Behold! my covenant stands for ever good, Seal'd by the eternal sacrifice in blood, And sign'd with all their names; the Greek, the Jew, That paid the ancient worship or the new. There's no distinction here: come spread their thrones, And near me seat my favorites and my sons.

4 I their almighty Saviour and their God, I am their Judge: ye heavens, proclaim abroad My just eternal sentence, and declare Those awful truths that sinners dread to hear: Sinners in Zion, tremble and retire; I doom the painted hypocrite to fire.

5 Not for the want of goats or bullocks slain Do I condemn thee; bulls and goats are vain Without the flames of love: in vain the store Of brutal offerings that were mine before; Mine are the tamer beasts and savage breed, Flocks, herds, and fields, and forests where they feed.

6 If I were hungry would I ask thee food? When did I thirst, or drink thy bullocks blood? Can I be flatter'd with thy cringing bows, Thy solemn chatterings and fantastic vows? Are my eyes charm'd thy vestments to behold, Glaring in gems, and gay in woven gold?

7 Unthinking wretch! how couldst thou hope to please A God, a spirit, with such toys as these? While with my grace and statutes on thy tongue, Thou lov'st deceit, and dost thy brother wrong; In vain to pious forms thy zeal pretends, Thieves and adulterers are thy chosen friends.

8 Silent I waited with lone-suffering love, But didst thou hope that I should ne'er reprove? And cherish such an impious thought within, That God the righteous would indulge thy sin? Behold my terrors now: my thunders roll, And thy own crimes affright thy guilty soul.

9 Sinners, awake betimes; ye fools, be wise; Awake, before this dreadful morning rise; Change your vain thoughts, your crooked works amend, Fly to the Saviour, make the Judge your friend; Lest like a lion his last vengeance tear Your trembling souls, and no deliverer near.

Psalm 50:6. To the old proper Tune. The last judgment.

1 The God of glory sends his summons forth, Calls the south nations, and awakes the north; From east to west the sov'reign orders spread, Thro' distant worlds, and regions of the dead: The trumpet sounds; hell trembles; heaven rejoices; Lift up your heads, ye saints, with cheerful voices.

2 No more shall atheists mock his long delay; His vengeance sleeps no more; behold the day; Behold the Judge descends; his guards are nigh; Tempests and fire attend him down the sky. When God appears, all nature shall adore him; While sinners tremble, saints rejoice before him,

3 "Heaven, earth, and hell, draw near; let all things come "To hear my justice and the sinner's doom; "But gather first my saints," the Judge commands, "Bring them, ye angels from their distant lands:" When Christ returns, wake every cheerful passion, And shout, ye saints; he comes for your salvation.

4 "Behold my covenant stands for ever good, "Seal'd by th' eternal sacrifice in blood, "And sign'd with all their names, the Greek, the Jew, "That paid the ancient worship or the new." There's no distinction here: join all your voices, And raise your heads, ye saints, for heaven rejoices.

5 "Here (saith the Lord) ye angels, spread their thrones: "And near me seat my favorites and my sons: "Come, my redeem'd, possess the joys prepar'd "Ere time began! 'tis your divine reward:" When Christ returns, wake every cheerful passion, And shout, ye saints; he comes for your salvation.

PAUSE THE FIRST.

6 "I am the Saviour, I th' almighty God, "I am the Judge: ye heavens, proclaim abroad "My just eternal sentence, and declare "Those awful truths that sinners dread to hear," When God appears all nature shall adore him; While sinners tremble, saints rejoice before him.

7 "Stand forth, thou bold blasphemer and profane, "Now feel my wrath, nor call my threatenings vain, "Thou hypocrite, once drest in saint's attire, "I doom the painted hypocrite to fire." Judgment proceeds; hell trembles; heaven rejoices; Lift up your heads, ye saints, with cheerful voices.

8 "Not for the want of goats or bullocks slain "Do I condemn thee; bulls and goats are vain "Without the flames of love; in vain the store "Of brutal offerings that were mine before:" Earth is the Lord's; all nature shall adore him; While sinners tremble, saints rejoice before him.

9 "If I were hungry, would I ask thee food? "When did I thirst, or drink thy bullocks blood? "Mine are the tamer beasts and savage breed, "Flocks, herds, and fields, and forests where they feed:" All is the Lord's; he rules the wide creation: Gives sinners vengeance, and the saints salvation.

10 "Can I be flatter'd with thy cringing bows, "Thy solemn chatterings and fantastic vows? "Are my eyes charm'd thy vestments to behold, "Glaring in gems, and gay in woven gold?" God is the judge of hearts; no fair disguises Can screen the guilty when his vengeance rises.

PAUSE THE SECOND.

11 "Unthinking wretch! how couldst thou hope to please "A God, a spirit with such toys as these! "While with my grace and statutes on thy tongue, "Thou lov'st deceit, and dost thy brother wrong!" Judgment proceeds; hell trembles; heaven rejoices: Lift up your heads, ye saints, with cheerful voices.

12 "In vain to pious forms thy zeal pretends, "Thieves and adulterers are thy chosen friends; "While the false flatterer at my altar waits, "His harden'd soul divine instruction hates." God is the judge of hearts; no fair disguises Can screen the guilty when his vengeance rises.

13 "Silent I waited with long suffering love; "But didst thou hope that I should ne'er reprove? "And cherish such an impious thought within, "That the All-Holy would indulge thy sin?" See, God appears; all nature joins t' adore him; Judgment proceeds, and sinners fall before him.

14 "Behold my terrors now; my thunders roll, "And thy own crimes affright thy guilty soul; "Now like a lion shall my vengeance tear "Thy bleeding heart, and no deliverer near:" Judgment concludes; hell trembles; heaven rejoices; Lift up your heads, ye saints, with cheerful voices..

EPIPHONEMA.

15 Sinners, awake betimes; ye fools, be wise; Awake before this dreadful morning rise: Change your vain thoughts, your crooked works amend, Fly to the Saviour, make the Judge your friend: Then join the saints: wake every cheerful passion; When Christ returns, he comes for your salvation.

Psalm 51:1. First Part. L. M. A penitent pleading for pardon.

1 Shew pity, Lord, O Lord, forgive, Let a repenting rebel live: Are not thy mercies large and free? May not a sinner trust in thee?

2 My crimes are great, but not surpass The power and glory of thy grace; Great God, thy nature hath no bound, So let thy pardoning love be found.

3 O wash my Soul from every sin, And make my guilty conscience clean; Here on my heart the burden lies, And past offences pain my eyes.

4 My lips with shame my sins confess Against thy law, against thy grace: Lord, should thy judgment grow severe, I am condemn'd, but thou art clear.

5 Should sudden vengeance seize my breath, I must pronounce thee just in death; And if my soul were sent to hell, Thy righteous law approves it well.

6 Yet save a trembling sinner, Lord, Whose hope, still hovering round thy word, Would light on some sweet promise there, Some sure support against despair.

Psalms 51:2. Second Part. L. M. Original and actual sin confessed.

1 Lord, I am vile, conceiv'd in sin; And born unholy and unclean; Sprung from the man whose guilty fall Corrupts the race, and taints us all.

2 Soon as we draw our infant-breath, The seeds of sin grow up for death; Thy law demands a perfect heart, But we're defil'd in every part.

3 [Great God, create my heart anew, And form my spirit pure and true: O make me wise betimes to spy My danger, and my remedy.]

4 Behold I fall before thy face; My only refuge is thy grace: No outward forms can make me clean; The leprosy lies deep within.

5 No bleeding bird, nor bleeding beast, Nor hyssop branch, nor sprinkling priest, Nor running brook, nor flood, nor sea, Can wash the dismal stain away.

6 Jesus, my God, thy blood alone Hath power sufficient to atone; Thy blood can make me white as snow; No Jewish types could cleanse me so.

7 While guilt disturbs and breaks my peace, Nor flesh, nor soul hath rest or ease; Lord, let me hear thy pardoning voice, And make my broken bones rejoice.

Psalm 51:3. Third Part. L. M. The backslider restored; or, Repentance and faith in the blood of Christ.

1 O thou that hear'st when sinners cry, Tho' all my crimes before thee lie, Behold them not with angry look, But blot their memory from thy book.

2 Create my nature pure within, And form my soul averse to sin; Let thy good Spirit ne'er depart, Nor hide thy presence from my heart.

3 I cannot live without thy light, Cast out and banish'd from thy sight: Thine holy joys, my God, restore, And guard me that I fall no more.

4 Tho' I have griev'd thy Spirit, Lord, His help and comfort still afford: And let a wretch come near thy throne To plead the merits of thy Son.

5 A broken heart, my God, my King, Is all the sacrifice I bring; The God of grace will ne'er despise A broken heart for sacrifice.

6 My soul lies humbled in the dust, And owns thy dreadful sentence just; Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye, And save the soul condemn'd to die.

7 Then will I teach the world thy ways; Sinners shall learn thy sovereign grace; I'll lead them to my Saviour's blood, And they shall praise a pardoning God.

8 O may thy love inspire my tongue! Salvation shall be all my song; And all my powers shall join to bless The Lord, my strength and righteousness.

Psalm 51:4. 3-13. First Part. C. M. Original and actual sin confessed and pardoned.

1 Lord, I would spread my sore distress And guilt before thine eyes; Against thy laws, against thy grace, How high my crimes arise.

2 Shouldst thou condemn my soul to hell, And crush my flesh to dust, Heaven would approve thy vengeance well, And earth must own it just.

3 I from the stock of Adam came, Unholy and unclean; All my original is shame, And all my nature sin.

4 Born in a world of guilt, I drew Contagion with my breath; And, as my days advanc'd, I grew A juster prey for death.

5 Cleanse me, O Lord, and cheer my soul With thy forgiving love; O, make my broken spirit whole, And bid my pains remove.

6 Let not thy Spirit quite depart, Nor drive me from thy face; Create anew my vicious heart, And fill it with thy grace.

7 Then will I make thy mercy known Before the sons of men; Backsliders shall address thy throne, And turn to God again.

Psalm 51:5. 14-17. Second Part. C. M. Repentance and faith in the blood of Christ.

1 O God of mercy! hear my call, My loads of guilt remove; Break down this separating wall That bars me from thy love.

2 Give me the presence of thy grace, Then my rejoicing tongue Shall speak aloud thy righteousness, And make thy praise my song.

3 No blood of goats, nor heifers slain, For sin could e'er atone; The death of Christ shall still remain Sufficient and alone.

4 A soul opprest with sin's desert, My God will ne'er despise; A humble groan, a broken heart Is our best sacrifice.

Psalm 53. 4-6. Victory and deliverance from persecution.

1 Are all the foes of Sion fools, Who thus devour her saints? Do they not know her Saviour rules, And pities her complaints?

2 They shall be seiz'd with sad surprise; For God's revenging arm Scatters the bones of them that rise To do his children harm.

3 In vain the sons of Satan boast Of armies in array: When God has first despis'd their host, They fall an easy prey.

4 O for a word from Sion's King Her captives to restore! Jacob with all his tribes shall sing, And Judah weep no more.

Psalm 55:1. 1-8 16-18 22. C. M. Support for the afflicted and tempted soul.

1 O God, my refuge, hear my cries, Behold my flowing tears, For earth and hell my hurt devise, And triumph in my fears.

2 Their rage is levell'd at my life, My soul with guilt they load, And fill my thoughts with inward strife To shake my hope in God.

3 With inward pain my heart-strings sound, I groan with every breath; Horror and fear beset me round Amongst the shades of death,

4 O were I like a feather'd dove, And innocence had wings, I'd fly, and make a long remove, From all these restless things.

5 Let me to some wild desert go, And find a peaceful home, Where storms of malice never blow, Temptations never come.

6 Vain hopes, and vain inventions all To 'scape the rage of hell! The mighty God on whom I call Can save me here as well.

PAUSE.

7 By morning light I'll seek his face, At noon repeat my cry, The night shall hear me ask his grace, Nor will he long deny.

8 God shall preserve my soul from fear, Or shield me when afraid; Ten thousand angels must appear If he command their aid.

9 I cast my burdens on the Lord, The Lord sustains them all; My courage rests upon his word That saints shall never fall.

10 My highest hopes shall not be vain, My lips shall spread his praise; While cruel and deceitful men Scarce live out half their days.

Psalm 55:2. 15-17 19 22. S. M. Dangerous prosperity; or, Daily devotions encouraged.

1 Let sinners take their course, And choose the road to death; But in the worship of my God I'll spend my daily breath.

2 My thoughts address his throne When morning brings the light; I seek his blessing every noon, And pay my vows at night.

3 Thou wilt regard my cries, O my eternal God, While sinners perish in surprise Beneath thine angry rod.

4 Because they dwell at ease, And no sad changes feel, They neither fear nor trust thy Name, Nor learn to do thy will.

5 But I with all my cares Will call upon the Lord, I'll cast my burdens on his arm, And rest upon his word,

6 His arm shall well sustain The children of his love; The ground on which their safety stands No earthly power can move.

Psalm 56. Deliverance from oppression and falsehood; or, God's care of his people, in answer to faith and prayer.

1 Thou, whose justice reigns on high, And makes th' oppressor cease, Behold how envious sinners try To vex and break my peace!

2 The Sons of violence and lies Join to devour me, Lord; But as my hourly dangers rise, My refuge is thy word.

3 In God most holy, just, and true, I have repos'd my trust; Nor will I fear what flesh can do, The offspring of the dust.

4 They wrest my words to mischief still, Charge me with unknown faults; Mischief doth all their councils fill, And malice all their thoughts.

5 Shall they escape without thy frown? Must their devices stand? O cast the haughty sinner down, And let him know thy hand!

PAUSE.

6 God counts the sorrows of his saints, Their groans affect his ears; Thou hast a book for my complaints, A bottle for my tears.

7 When to thy throne I raise my cry The wicked fear and flee; So swift is prayer to reach the sky, So near is God to me.

8 In thee, most holy, just, and true, I have repos'd my trust; Nor will I fear what man can do, The offspring of the dust.

9 Thy solemn vows are on me, Lord, Thou shalt receive my praise; I'll sing, "how faithful is thy word, "How righteous all thy ways!"

10 Thou hast secur'd my soul from death; O set thy prisoner free, That heart and hand, and life and breath May be employ'd for thee.

Psalm 57. Praise for protection, grace, and truth.

1 My God, in whom are all the springs Of boundless love and grace unknown, Hide me beneath thy spreading wings Till the dark cloud is overblown.

2 Up to the heavens I send my cry, The Lord will my desires perform; He sends his angel from the sky, And saves me from the threatening storm.

3 Be thou exalted, O my God, Above the heavens where angels dwell: Thy power on earth be known abroad, And land to land thy wonders tell.

4 My heart is fix'd; my song shall raise Immortal honours to thy Name; Awake, my tongue, to sound his praise, My tongue, the glory of my frame.

5 High o'er the earth his mercy reigns, And reaches to the utmost sky; His truth to endless years remains, When lower worlds dissolve and die.

6 Be thou exalted, O my God, Above the heavens where angels dwell; Thy power on earth be known abroad, And land to land thy wonders tell.

Psalm 58. As the 113th Psalm. Warning to magistrates.

1 Judges, who rule the world by laws, Will ye despise the righteous cause, When th' injur'd poor before you stands? Dare ye condemn the righteous poor, And let rich sinners 'scape secure, While gold and greatness bribe your hands?

2 Have ye forgot, or never knew, That God will judge the judges too? High in the heavens his justice reigns? Yet you invade the rights of God, And send your bold decrees abroad, To bind the conscience in your chains.

3 A poison'd arrow is your tongue, The arrow sharp, the poison strong, And death attends where'er it wounds: You hear no counsels, cries or tears; So the deaf adder stops her ears Against the power of charming sounds.

4 Break out their teeth, eternal God, Those teeth of lions dy'd in blood; And crush the serpents in the dust: As empty chaff when whirlwinds rise, Before the sweeping tempest flies, So let their hopes and names be lost.

5 Th' Almighty thunders from the sky, Their grandeur melts, their titles die, As hills of snow dissolve and run, Or snails that perish in their slime, Or births that come before their time, Vain births, that never see the sun.

6 Thus shall the vengeance of the Lord Safety and joy to saints afford; And all that hear shall join and say, "Sure there's a God that rules on high, "A God that hears his children cry, "And will their sufferings well repay."

Psalm 60. 1-5 10-12. On a day of humiliation for disappointments in war.

1 Lord, hast thou cast the nation off? Must we for ever mourn? Wilt thou indulge immortal wrath? Shall mercy ne'er return?

2 The terror of one frown of thine Melts all our strength away; Like men that totter drunk with wine, We tremble in dismay.

3 Great Britain shakes beneath thy stroke, And dreads thy threatening hand; O heal the island thou hast broke, Confirm the wavering land.

4 Lift up a banner in the field, For those that fear thy Name; Save thy beloved with thy shield, And put our foes to shame.

5 Go with our armies to the fight, Like a confederate God; In vain confederate powers unite Against thy lifted rod.

6 Our troops shall gain a wide renown By thine assisting hand; 'Tis God that treads the mighty down, And makes the feeble stand.

Psalm 61. 1-6. Safety in God.

1 When overwhelm'd with grief My heart within me dies, Helpless and far from all relief To heaven I lift mine eyes.

2 O lead me to the rock That's high above my head, And make the covert of thy wings My shelter and my shade.

3 Within thy presence, Lord, For ever I'll abide; Thou art the tower of my defence, The refuge where I hide.

4 Thou givest me the lot Of those that fear thy Name; If endless life be their reward, I shall possess the same.

Psalm 62. 5-12. No trust in the creatures; or, Faith in divine grace and power.