Chapter IV: Part 4

1 My spirit looks to God alone; My rock and refuge is his throne; In all my fears, in all my straits, My soul on his salvation waits.

2 Trust him, ye saints, in all your ways, Pour out your hearts before his face: When helpers fail, and foes invade, God is our all-sufficient aid.

3 False are the men of high degree, The baser sort are vanity; Laid in the balance both appear Light as a puff of empty air.

4 Make not increasing gold your trust, Nor set your heart on glittering dust; Why will you grasp the fleeting smoke; And not believe what God hath spoke?

5 Once has his awful voice declar'd, Once and again my ears have heard, "All power is his eternal due; "He must be fear'd and trusted too."

6 For sovereign power reigns not alone, Grace is a partner of the throne: Thy grace and justice, mighty Lord, Shall well divide our last reward.

Psalm 63:1. 1 2 5 34. First Part. C. M. The morning of a Lord's day.

1 Early, my God, without delay I haste to seek thy face; My thirsty spirit faints away, Without thy cheering grace.

2 So pilgrims on the scorching sand, Beneath a burning sky, Long for a cooling stream at hand, And they must drink or die.

3 I've seen thy glory and thy power Thro' all thy temple shine; My God, repeat that heavenly hour, That vision so divine.

4 Not all the blessings of a feast Can please my soul so well, As when thy richer grace I taste, And in thy presence dwell.

5 Not life itself with all her joys, Can my best passions move, Or raise so high my cheerful voice As thy forgiving love.

6 Thus till my last expiring day I'll bless my God and King; Thus will I lift my hands to pray, And tune my lips to sing.

Psalm 63:2. 6-10. Second Part. Midnight thoughts recollected.

1 'Twas in the watches of the night I thought upon thy power, I kept thy lovely face in sight Amidst the darkest hour.

2 My flesh lay resting on my bed, My soul arose on high; "My God, my life, my hope," I said, "Bring thy salvation nigh."

3 My spirit labours up thine hill, And climbs the heavenly road; But thy right hand upholds me still, While I pursue my God.

4 Thy mercy stretches o'er my head The shadow of thy wings; My heart rejoices in thine aid, My tongue awakes and sings.

5 But the destroyers of my peace Shall fret and rage in vain; The tempter shall for ever cease, And all my sins be slain.

6 Thy sword shall give my foes to death, And send them down to dwell In the dark caverns of the earth, Or to the deeps of hell.

Psalm 63:3. L. M. Longing after God; or, The love of God better than life.

1 Great God, indulge my humble claim Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest; The glories that compose thy Name Stand all engag'd to make me blest.

2 Thou great and good, thou just and wise, Thou art my Father and my God; And I am thine by sacred ties; Thy son, thy servant bought with blood.

3 With heart, and eyes and lifted hands, For thee I long, to thee I look, As travellers in thirsty lands Pant for the cooling water-brook.

4 With early feet I love t' appear Among thy saints and seek thy face; Oft have I seen thy glory there, And felt the power of sovereign grace.

5 Not fruits nor wines that tempt our taste, Not all the joys our senses know, Could make me so divinely blest Or raise my cheerful passions so.

6 My life itself without thy love No taste of pleasure could afford; 'Twould but a tiresome burden prove, If I were banish'd from the Lord.

7 Amidst the wakeful hours of night, When busy cares afflict my head One thought of thee gives new delight, And adds refreshment to my bed.

8 I'll lift my hands, I'll raise my voice, While I have breath to pray or praise; This work shall make my heart rejoice, And spend the remnant of my days.

Psalm 63:4. S. M. Seeking God.

1 My God, permit my tongue This joy, to call thee mine, And let my early cries prevail To taste thy love divine.

2 My thirsty fainting soul Thy mercy doth implore; Not travellers in desert lands Can pant for water more.

3 Within thy churches, Lord, I long to find my place, Thy power and glory to behold, And feel thy quickening grace.

4 For life without thy love No relish can afford; No joy can be compar'd to this, To serve and please the Lord.

5 To thee I'll lift my hands, And praise thee while I live; Not the rich dainties of a feast Such food or pleasure give.

6 In wakeful hours at night I call my God to mind; I think how wise thy counsels are, And all thy dealings kind.

7 Since thou hast been my help, To thee my spirit flies, And on thy watchful providence My cheerful hope relies.

8 The shadow of thy wings My soul in safety keeps; I follow where my Father leads, And he supports my steps.

Psalm 65:1. 1-5. First Part. L. M. Public prayer and praise.

1 The praise of Sion waits for thee, My God; and praise becomes thy house; There shall thy saints thy glory see, And there perform their public vows.

2 O thou, whose mercy bends the skies To save when humble sinners pray, All lands to thee shall lift their eyes And islands of the northern sea.

3 Against my will my sins prevail, But grace shall purge away their stain; The blood of Christ will never fail To wash my garments white again.

4 Blest is the man whom thou shalt choose, And give him kind access to thee, Give him a place within thy house, To taste thy love divinely free.

PAUSE.

5 Let Babel fear when Sion prays; Babel, prepare for long distress When Sion's God himself arrays In terror, and in righteousness.

6 With dreadful glory God fulfils What his afflicted saints request; And with almighty wrath reveals His love to give his churches rest.

7 Then shall the flocking nations run To Sion's hill, and own their Lord; The rising and the setting sun Shall see their Saviour's name ador'd.

Psalm 65:2. 5-13. Second Part. L. M. Divine providence in air, earth, and sea; or, The God of nature and grace.

1 The God of our salvation hears The groans of Sion mix'd with tears; Yet when he comes with kind designs, Thro' all the way his terror shines.

2 On him the race of man depends, Far as the earth's remotest ends, Where the Creator's Name is known By nature's feeble light alone.

3 Sailors, that travel o'er the flood, Address their frighted souls to God; When tempests rage and billows roar At dreadful distance from the shore.

4 He bids the noisy tempest cease; He calms the raging crowd to peace, When a tumultuous nation raves Wild as the winds, and loud as waves.

5 Whole kingdoms shaken by the storm He settles in a peaceful form; Mountains establish'd by his hand, Firm on their old foundations stand.

6 Behold his ensigns sweep the sky, New comets blaze and lightnings fly, The heathen lands, with swift surprise, From the bright horrors turn their eyes.

7 At his command the morning-ray Smiles in the east, and leads the day; He guides the sun's declining wheels Over the tops of western hills.

8 Seasons and times obey his voice; The evening and the morn rejoice To see the earth made soft with showers, Laden with fruit and drest in flowers.

9 'Tis from his watery stores on high He gives the thirsty ground supply; He walks upon the clouds, and thence Doth his enriching drops dispense.

10 The desert grows a fruitful field, Abundant food the vallies yield; The vallies shout with cheerful voice, And neighb'ring hills repeat their joys.

11 The pastures smile in green array; There lambs and larger cattle play; The larger cattle and the lamb Each in his language speaks thy Name.

12 Thy works pronounce thy power divine, O'er every field thy glories shine; Thro' every month thy gifts appear; Great God! thy goodness crowns the year.

Psalm 65:3. First Part. C. M. A prayer-hearing God, and the Gentiles called.

1 Praise waits in Sion, Lord, for thee; There shall our vows be paid: Thou hast an ear when sinners pray, All flesh shall seek thine aid.

2 Lord, our iniquities prevail, But pardoning grace is thine, And thou wilt grant us power and skill To conquer every sin.

3 Bless'd are the men whom thou wilt choose To bring them near thy face, Give them a dwelling in thine house To feast upon thy grace.

4 In answering what thy church requests Thy truth and terror shine, And works of dreadful righteousness Fulfil thy kind design.

5 Thus shall the wondering nations see The Lord is good and just; And distant islands fly to thee, And make thy Name their trust.

6 They dread thy glittering tokens, Lord, When signs in heaven appear; But they shall learn thy holy word, And love as well as fear.

Psalm 65:4. Second Part. C. M. The providence of God in air, earth, and sea; or, The blessing of rain.

1 'Tis by thy strength the mountains stand, God of eternal power; The sea grows calm at thy command, And tempests cease to roar.

2 Thy morning light and evening shade Successive comforts bring; Thy plenteous fruits make harvest glad, Thy flowers adorn the spring.

3 Seasons and times, and moons and hours, Heaven, earth, and air are thine; When clouds distil in fruitful showers, The author is divine.

4 Those wandering cisterns in the sky, Borne by the winds around, With watery treasures well supply The furrows of the ground.

5 The thirsty ridges drink their fill, And ranks of corn appear; Thy ways abound with blessings still, Thy goodness crowns the year.

Psalm 65:5. Third Part. C. M. The blessing: of the spring; or, God gives rain. A psalm for the husbandman.

1 Good is the Lord, the heavenly King, Who makes the earth his care, Visits the pastures every spring, And bids the grass appear.

2 The clouds, like rivers rais'd on high, Pour out, at thy command, Their watery blessings from the sky, To cheer the thirsty land.

3 The soften'd ridges of the field Permit the corn to spring; The vallies rich provision yield, And the poor labourers sing.

4 The little hills on every side Rejoice at falling showers; The meadows, drest in all their pride, Perfume the air with flowers.

5 The barren clods, refresh'd with rain, Promise a joyful crop; The parching grounds look green again, And raise the reaper's hope.

6 The various months thy goodness crowns; How bounteous are thy ways; The bleating flocks spread o'er the downs, And shepherds shout thy praise.

Psalm 66:1. First Part. Governing power and goodness; or, Our graces tried by afflictions.

1 Sing, all ye nations, to the Lord, Sing with a joyful noise; With melody of sound record His honours, and your joys.

2 Say to the power that shakes the sky, "How terrible art thou! "Sinners before thy presence fly, "Or at thy feet they bow."

3 [Come, see the wonders of our God, How glorious are his ways: In Moses' hand he puts his rod, And cleaves the frighted seas.

4 He made the ebbing channel dry, While Israel pass'd the flood; There did the church begin their joy, And triumph in their God.]

5 He rules by his resistless might: Will rebel mortals dare Provoke th' Eternal to the fight, And tempt that dreadful war?

6 O bless our God and never cease; Ye saints, fulfil his praise; He keeps our life, maintains our peace, And guides our doubtful ways.

7 Lord, thou hast prov'd our suffering souls, To make our graces shine; So silver bears the burning coals The metal to refine.

8 Thro' watery deeps and fiery ways We march at thy command, Led to possess the promis'd place By thine unerring hand.

Psalm 66:2. 13-20. Second Part. Praise to God for hearing prayer.

1 Now shall my solemn vows be paid To that Almighty power, That heard the long requests I made In my distressful hour.

2 My lips and cheerful heart prepare To make his mercies known; Come, ye that fear my God, and hear The wonders he has done.

3 When on my head huge sorrows fell, I sought his heavenly aid, He sav'd my sinking soul from hell, And death's eternal shade.

4 If sin lay cover'd in my heart, While prayer employ'd my tongue, The Lord had shewn me no regard, Nor I his praises sung.

5 But God, (his Name be ever blest) Hath set my spirit free, Nor turn'd from him my poor request, Nor turn'd his heart from me.

Psalm 67. The nation's prosperity and the church's increase.

1 Shine, mighty God, on Britain shine With beams of heavenly grace; Reveal thy power thro' all our coasts, And shew thy smiling face.

2 [Amidst our isle, exalted high, Do thou our glory stand, And like a wall of guardian fire Surround the favourite land.]

3 When shall thy Name, from shore to shore, Sound all the earth abroad, And distant nations know and love Their Saviour and their God?

4 Sing to the Lord, ye distant lands, Sing loud with solemn voice; While British tongues exalt his praise, And British hearts rejoice.

5 He the great Lord, the sovereign Judge, That sits enthron'd above, Wisely commands the worlds he made In justice and in love.

6 Earth shall obey her Maker's will, And yield a full increase; Our God will crown his chosen isle With fruitfulness and peace.

7 God the Redeemer scatters round His choicest favours here, While the creation's utmost bound Shall see, adore, and fear.

Psalm 68:1. 1-6 32-35. First Part. The vengeance and compassion of God.

1 Let God arise in all his might, And put the troops of hell to flight, As smoke that sought to cloud the skies Before the rising tempest flies.

2 [He comes array'd in burning flames; Justice and vengeance are his names: Behold his fainting foes expire Like melting wax before the fire.]

3 He rides and thunders thro' the sky; His name Jehovah sounds on high: Sing to his Name, ye sons of grace; Ye saints, rejoice before his face.

4 The widow and the fatherless Fly to his aid in sharp distress; In him the poor and helpless find A Judge that's just, a Father kind.

5 He breaks the captive's heavy chain, And prisoners see the light again; But rebels that dispute his will, Shall dwell in chains and darkness still.

PAUSE.

6 Kingdoms and thrones to God belong; Crown him, ye nations, in your song; His wondrous names and powers rehearse; His honours shall enrich your verse.

7 He shakes the heavens with loud alarms; How terrible is God in arms! In Israel are his mercies known, Israel is his peculiar throne.

8 Proclaim him King, pronounce him blest! He's your defence, your joy, your rest: When terrors rise and nations faint, God is the strength of every saint.

Psalm 68:2. 17 18. Second Part. Christ's ascension, and the gift of the Spirit.

1 Lord, when thou didst ascend on high, Ten thousand angels fill'd the sky; Those heavenly guards around thee wait, Like chariots that attend thy state.

2 Not Sinai's mountain could appear More glorious when the Lord was there; While he pronounc'd his dreadful law, And struck the chosen tribes with awe.

3 How bright the triumph none can tell, When the rebellious powers of hell That thousand souls had captive made, Were all in chains like captives led.

4 Rais'd by his Father to the throne, He sent the promis'd Spirit down, With gifts and grace for rebel men, That God might dwell on earth again.

Psalm 68:3. 19 9 20-2. Third Part. Praise for temporal blessings; or, Common and special mercies.

1 We bless the Lord, the just, the good, Who fills our hearts with joy and food; Who pours his blessings from the skies, And loads our days with rich supplies.

2 He sends the sun his circuit round, To cheer the fruits, to warm the ground; He bids the clouds with plenteous rain Refresh the thirsty earth again.

3 'Tis to his care we owe our breath, And all our near escapes from death; Safety and health to God belong; He heals the weak, and guards the strong.

4 He makes the saint and sinner prove The common blessings of his love; But the wide difference that remains, Is endless joy, or endless pains.

5 The Lord, that bruis'd the serpent's head, On all the serpent's seed shall tread; The stubborn sinner's hope confound, And smite him with a lasting wound.

6 But his right hand his saints shall raise From the deep earth, or deeper seas, And bring them to his courts above, There shall they taste his special love.

Psalm 69:1. 1-14. First Part. C. M. The sufferings of Christ for our salvation.

1 "Save me, O God, the swelling floods "Break in upon my soul: "I sink, and sorrows o'er my head "Like mighty waters roll.

2 "I cry till all my voice be gone, "In tears I waste the day: "My God behold my longing eyes, "And shorten thy delay.

3 "They hate my soul without a cause, "And still their number grows "More than the hairs around my head, "And mighty are my foes.

4 "'Twas then I paid that dreadful debt "That men could never pay, "And gave those honours to thy law "Which sinners took away."

5 Thus in the great Messiah's name, The royal prophet mourns; Thus he awakes our hearts to grief, And gives us joy by turns.

6 "Now shall the saints rejoice and find "Salvation in my Name: "For I have borne their heavy load Of sorrow, pain, and shame.

7 "Grief, like a garment, cloth'd me round, "And sackcloth was my dress, "While I procur'd for naked souls "A robe of righteousness.

8 "Amongst my brethren and the Jews "I like a stranger stood, "And bore their vile reproach to bring "The Gentiles near to God.

9 "I came in sinful mortals' stead, "To do my Father's will; "Yet when I cleans'd my father's house "They scandaliz'd my zeal.

10 "My fasting and my holy groans "Were made the drunkard's song; "But God, from his celestial throne, "Heard my complaining tongue.

11 "He sav'd me from the dreadful deep, "Nor let my soul be drown'd; "He rais'd and fix'd my sinking feet "On well establish'd ground.

12 "'Twas in a most accepted hour "My prayer arose on high, "And for my sake my God shall hear "The dying sinner's cry."

Psalm 69:2. 14-21 26 29 32. 2d Part. C. M. The passion and exaltation of Christ.

1 Now let our lips with holy fear And mournful pleasure sing The sufferings of our great High-Priest, The sorrows of our King.

2 He sinks in floods of deep distress: How high the waters rise! While to his heavenly Father's ear He sends perpetual cries.

3 "Hear me, O Lord, and save thy Son, "Nor hide thy shining face; "Why should thy favorite look like one "Forsaken of thy grace?

4 "With rage they persecute the man "That groans beneath thy wound, "While for a sacrifice I pour "My life upon the ground.

5 "They tread my honour to the dust, "And laugh when I complain "Their sharp insulting slanders add "Fresh anguish to my pain.

6 "All my reproach is known to thee, "The scandal and the shame; "Reproach has broke my bleeding heart, "And lies defil'd my Name.

7 "I look'd for pity, but in vain; "My kindred are my grief! "I ask my friends for comfort round, "But meet with no relief.

8 "With vinegar they mock my thirst; "They give me gall for food; "And sporting with my dying groans, "They triumph in my blood.

9 "Shine into my distressed soul, "Let thy compassion save; "And tho' my flesh sink down to death, "Redeem it from the grave.

10 "I shall arise to praise thy Name, "Shall reign in worlds unknown; "And thy salvation, O my God, "Shall seat me on thy throne."

Psalm 69:3. Third Part. C. M. Christ's obedience and death; or, God glorified and sinners saved.

1 Father, I sing thy wondrous grace, I bless my Saviour's Name, He bought salvation for the poor, And bore the sinner's shame.

2 His deep distress has rais'd us high, His duty and his zeal Fulfill'd the law which mortals broke, And finish'd all thy will.

3 His dying groans, his living songs Shall better please my God Than harp or trumpet's solemn sound, Than goats' or bullocks' blood.

4 This shall his humble followers see, And set their hearts at rest; They by his death draw near to thee, And live for ever blest.

5 Let heaven, and all that dwell on high, To God their voices raise, While lands and seas assist the sky, And join t' advance the praise.

6 Zion is thine, most holy God; Thy Son shall bless her gates; And glory purchas'd by his blood For thine own Israel waits.

Psalm 69:4. First Part. L. M. Christ's passion, and sinners' salvation.

1 Deep in our hearts let us record The deeper sorrows of our Lord; Behold the rising billows roll To overwhelm his holy soul.

2 In long complaints he spends his breath, While hosts of hell, and powers of death, And all the sons of malice join To execute their curst design.

3 Yet, gracious God, thy power and love Has made the curse a blessing prove; Those dreadful sufferings of thy Son Aton'd for sins which we had done.

4 The pangs of our expiring Lord The honours of thy law restor'd; His sorrows made thy justice known, And paid for follies not his own.

6 O for his sake our guilt forgive, And let the mourning sinner live; The Lord will hear us in his Name, Nor shall our hope be turn'd to shame.

Psalm 69:5. 7 &c. Second Part. L. M. Christ's sufferings and zeal.

1 'Twas for thy sake, eternal God, Thy son sustain'd that heavy load Of base reproach and sore disgrace, And shame defil'd his sacred face.

2 The Jews, his brethren and his kin, Abus'd the man that check'd their sin: While he fulfill'd thy holy laws, They hate him, but without a cause.

3 ["My Father's house, said he, was made "A place for worship, not for trade;" Then scattering all their gold and brass, He scourg'd the merchants from the place.]

4 [Zeal for the temple of his God Consum'd his life, expos'd his blood: Reproaches at thy glory thrown He felt, and mourn'd them as his own.]

5 [His friends forsook, his followers fled, While foes and arms surround his head; They curse him with a slanderous tongue, And the false judge maintains the wrong.]

6 His life they load with hateful lies, And charge his lips with blasphemies; They nail him to the shameful tree: There hung the man that dy'd for me.

7 [Wretches with hearts as hard as stones, Insult his piety and groans; Gall was the food they gave him there, And mock'd his thirst with vinegar.]

8 But God beheld; and from his throne Marks out the men that hate his Son; The hand that rais'd him from the dead Shall pour the vengeance on their head.

Psalm 71:1. 5-9. First Part. The aged saint's reflection and hope.

1 My God, my everlasting hope, I live upon thy truth; Thine hands have held my childhood up, And strengthen'd all my youth.

2 My flesh was fashion'd by thy power, With all these limbs of mine; And from my mother's painful hour I've been entirely thine.

3 Still has my life new wonders seen Repeated every year; Behold my days that yet remain, I trust them to thy care.

4 Cast me not off when strength declines, When hoary hairs arise; And round me let thy glories shine Whene'er thy servant dies.

5 Then in the history of my age, When men review my days, They'll read thy love in every page, In every line thy praise.

Psalm 71:2. 15 14 16 23 22 24. 2d Part. Christ our strength and righteousness.

1 My Saviour, my almighty Friend, When I begin thy praise, Where will the growing numbers end, The numbers of thy grace?

2 Thou art my everlasting trust, Thy goodness I adore; And since I knew thy graces first I speak thy glories more.

3 My feet shall travel all the length Of the celestial road, And march with courage in thy strength To see my Father God.

4 When I am fill'd with sore distress For some surprising sin, I'll plead thy perfect righteousness, And mention none but thine.

5 How will my lips rejoice to tell The victories of my King! My soul redeem'd from sin and hell Shall thy salvation sing.

6 [My tongue shall all the day proclaim My Saviour and my God; His death has brought my foes to shame, And drown'd them in his blood.

7 Awake, awake my tuneful powers; With this delightful song I'll entertain the darkest hours, Nor think the season long.]

Psalm 71:3. 17-21. Third Part. The aged Christian's prayer and song; or, Old age, death, and the resurrection.

1 God of my childhood and my youth, The guide of all my days, I have declar'd thy heavenly truth, And told thy wondrous ways.

2 Wilt thou forsake my hoary hairs, And leave my fainting heart? Who shall sustain my sinking years If God my strength depart?

3 Let me thy power and truth proclaim To the surviving age, And leave a savour of thy Name When I shall quit the stage.

4 The land of silence and of death Attends my next remove; O may these poor remains of breath Teach the wide world thy love.

PAUSE.

5 Thy righteousness is deep and high, Unsearchable thy deeds; Thy glory spreads beyond the sky, And all my praise exceeds.

6 Oft have I heard thy threatenings roar, And oft endur'd the grief; But when thy hand has press'd me sore, Thy grace was my relief.

7 By long experience have I known Thy sovereign power to save; At thy command I venture down Securely to the grave.

8 When I lie buried deep in dust, My flesh shall be thy care These withering limbs with thee I trust To raise them strong and fair.

Psalm 72:1. First Part. The kingdom of Christ.

1 Great God, whose universal sway The known and unknown worlds obey, Now give the kingdom to thy Son, Extend his power, exalt his throne.

2 Thy sceptre well becomes his hands, All heaven submits to his commands; His justice shall avenge the poor, And pride and rage prevail no more.

3 With power he vindicates the just, And treads th' oppressor in the dust; His worship and his fear shall last Till hours and years and time be past.

4 As rain on meadows newly mown So shall he send his influence down; His grace on fainting souls distils Like heavenly dew on thirsty hills.

5 The heathen lands that lie beneath The shades of overspreading death, Revive at his first dawning light, And deserts blossom at the sight.

6 The saints shall flourish in his days, Drest in the robes of joy and praise; Peace like a river from his throne Shall flow to nations yet unknown.

Psalm 72:2. Second Part. Christ's kingdom among the Gentiles.

1 Jesus shall reign where'er the sun Does his successive journies run; His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2 [Behold the islands with their kings, And Europe her best tribute brings; From north to south the princes meet To pay their homage at his feet.

3 There Persia glorious to behold, There India shines in eastern gold: And barbarous nations at his word Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.]

4 For him shall endless prayer be made And princes throng to crown his head; His Name like sweet perfume shall rise With every morning sacrifice.

5 People and realms of every tongue Dwell on his love with sweetest song: And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on his Name.

6 Blessings abound where'er he reigns, The prisoner leaps to lose his chains, The weary find eternal rest, And all the sons of want are blest.

7 [Where he displays his healing power, Death and the curse are known no more; In him the tribes of Adam boast More blessings than their father lost.

8 Let every creature rise, and bring Peculiar honours to our King; Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the long Amen.]

Psalm 73:1. First Part. C. M. Afflicted saints happy, and prosperous sinners cursed.

1 Now I'm convinc'd the Lord is kind To men of heart sincere, Yet once my foolish thoughts repin'd And border'd on despair.

2 I griev'd to see the wicked thrive, And spoke with angry breath, "How pleasant and profane they live! "How peaceful is their death!

3 "With well-fed flesh and haughty eyes "They lay their fears to sleep; "Against the heavens their slanders rise, "While saints in silence weep.

4 "In vain I lift my hands to pray, "And cleanse my heart in vain, "For I am chasten'd all the day, "The night renews my pain.'

5 Yet while my tongue indulg'd complaints, I felt my heart reprove; "Sure I shall thus offend thy saints, "And grieve the men I love."

6 But still I found my doubts too hard, The conflict too severe, Till I retir'd to search thy word, And learn thy secrets there.

7 There, as in some prophetic glass, I saw the sinner's feet High mounted on a slippery place, Beside a fiery pit.

8 I heard the wretch profanely boast, Till at thy frown he fell; His honours in a dream were lost, And he awakes in hell.

9 Lord, what an envious fool I was! How like a thoughtless beast! Thus to suspect thy promis'd grace, And think the wicked blest.

10 Yet I was kept from full despair, Upheld by power unknown; That blessed hand that broke the snare Shall guide me to thy throne.

Psalm 73:2. 23-8. Second Part. God our portion here and hereafter.

1 God my supporter and my hope, My help for ever near, Thine arm of mercy held me up When sinking in despair.

2 Thy counsels, Lord, shall guide my feet Thro' this dark wilderness; Thine hand conduct me near thy seat To dwell before thy face.

3 Were I in heaven without my God, 'Twould be no joy to me; And whilst this earth is my abode, I long for none but thee.

4 What if the springs of life were broke, And flesh and heart should faint! God is my soul's eternal rock, The strength of every saint.

5 Behold the sinners that remove Far from thy presence die; Not all the idol gods they love Can save them when they cry.

6 But to draw near to thee, my God, Shall be my sweet employ; My tongue shall sound thy works abroad, And tell the world my joy.

Psalm 73:3. 22 3 6 17-20. L. M. The prosperity of sinners cursed.

1 Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I, To mourn, and murmur, and repine To see the wicked plac'd on high, In pride and robes of honour shine!

2 But O their end, their dreadful end! Thy sanctuary taught me so: On slippery rocks I see them stand, And fiery billows roll below.

3 Now let them boast how tall they rise, I'll never envy them again; There they may stand with haughty eyes, Till they plunge deep in endless pain.

4 Their fancy'd joys, how fast they flee! Just like a dream when man awakes; Their songs of softest harmony Are but a preface to their plagues.

5 Now I esteem their mirth and wine Too dear to purchase with my blood; Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine, My life, my portion, and my God.

Psalm 73:4. S. M. The mystery of providence unfolded.

1 Sure there's a righteous God, Nor is religion vain, Tho' men of vice may boast aloud, And men of grace complain.

2 I saw the wicked rise, And felt my heart repine, While haughty fools with scornful eyes In robes of honour shine.

3 [Pamper'd with wanton ease, Their flesh looks full and fair, Their wealth rolls in like flowing seas, And grows without their care.

4 Free from the plagues and pains That pious souls endure, Thro' all their life oppression reigns And racks the humble poor.

5 Their impious tongues blaspheme The everlasting God; Their malice blasts the good man's name, And spreads their lies abroad.

6 But I with flowing tears Indulge my doubts to rise "Is there a God that sees or hears "The things below the skies?"]

7 The tumults of my thought Held me in hard suspense, Till to thy house my feet were brought To learn thy justice thence.

8 Thy word with light and power Did my mistakes attend; I view'd the sinners' life before, But here I learnt their end.

9 On what a slippery steep The thoughtless wretches go; And O that dreadful fiery deep That waits their fall below.

10 Lord, at thy feet I bow, My thoughts no more repine; I call my God my portion now, And all my powers are thine.

Psalm 74. The church pleading with God under sore persecutions.

1 Will God for ever cast us off? His wrath for ever smoke Against the people of his love, His little chosen flock?

2 Think of the tribes so dearly bought With their Redeemer's blood; Nor let thy Sion be forgot, Where once thy glory stood.

3 Lift up thy feet and march in haste, Aloud our ruin calls; See what a wide and fearful waste Is made within thy walls.

4 Where once thy churches pray'd and sang Thy foes profanely roar; Over thy gates their ensigns hang, Sad tokens of their power.

5 How are the seats of worship broke! They tear the buildings down, And he that deals the heaviest stroke Procures the chief renown.

6 With flames they threaten to destroy Thy children in their nest; "Come let us burn at once (they cry) The temple and the priest."

7 And still to heighten our distress Thy presence is withdrawn; Thy wonted signs of power and grace, Thy power and grace are gone.

8 No prophet speaks to calm our woes, But all the seers mourn; There's not a soul amongst us knows The time of thy return.

PAUSE.

9 How long, eternal God, how long Shall men of pride blaspheme? Shall saints be made their endless song, And bear immortal shame?

10 Canst thou for ever sit and hear Thine holy Name profan'd? And still thy jealousy forbear, And still withhold thine hand?

11 What strange deliverance hast thou shown In ages long before! And now no other God we own, No other God adore.

12 Thou didst divide the raging sea By thy resistless might, To make thy tribes a wondrous way, And then secure their flight.

13 Is not the world of nature thine, The darkness and the day? Didst thou not bid the morning shine, And mark the sun his way?

14 Hath not thy power form'd every coast, And set the earth its bounds, With summer's heat and winter's frost, In their perpetual rounds?

15 And shall the sons of earth and dust That sacred power blaspheme? Will not thy hand that form'd them first Avenge thine injur'd Name?

16 Think on the covenant thou hast made, And all thy words of love; Nor let the birds of prey invade And vex thy mourning dove.

17 Our foes would triumph in our blood, And make our hope their jest; Plead thy own cause, almighty God! And give thy children rest.

Psalm 75. Power and government from God alone. Applied to the glorious Revolution by King William, or the happy Accession of King George to the Throne.

1 To thee, most holy, and most high, To thee, we bring our thankful praise; Thy works declare thy name is nigh, Thy works of wonder and of grace.

2 Britain was doom'd to be a slave, Her frame dissolv'd, her fears were great; When God a new supporter gave To bear the pillars of the state.

3 He from thy hand receiv'd his crown, And sware to rule by wholesome laws His foot shall tread th' oppressor down, His arm defend the righteous cause.

4 Let haughty sinners sink their pride, Nor lift so high their scornful head; But lay their foolish thoughts aside, And own the king that God hath made.

5 Such honours never come by chance, Nor do the winds promotion blow; 'Tis God the judge doth one advance, 'Tis God that lays another low.

6 No vain pretence to royal birth Shall fix a tyrant on the throne: God the great sovereign of the earth Will rise and make his justice known.

7 [His hand holds out the dreadful cup Of vengeance, mix'd with various plagues, To make the wicked drink them up, Wring out and taste the bitter dregs.

8 Now shall the Lord exalt the just, And while he tramples on the proud, And lays their glory in the dust, My lips shall sing his praise aloud.]

Psalm 76. Israel saved, and the Assyrians destroyed; or, God's vengeance against his enemies proceeds from his church.

1 In Judah God of old was known; His Name in Israel great; In Salem stood his holy throne, And Sion was his seat.

2 Among the praises of his saints His dwelling there he chose; There he receiv'd their just complaints Against their haughty foes.

3 From Sion went his dreadful word, And broke the threatening spear; The bow, the arrows, and the sword, And crush'd th' Assyrian war.

4 What are the earth's wide kingdoms else But mighty hills of prey? The hill on which Jehovah dwells Is glorious more than they.

5 'Twas Sion's King that stopt the breath Of captains and their bands: The men of might slept fast in death, And never found their hands.

6 At thy rebuke, O Jacob's God, Both horse and chariot fell; Who knows the terrors of thy rod? Thy vengeance who can tell?

7 What power can stand before thy sight When once thy wrath appears? When heaven shines round with dreadful light, The earth lies still and fears.

8 When God in his own sovereign ways Comes down to save th' opprest, The wrath of man shall work his praise, And he'll restrain the rest.

9 [Vow to the Lord, and tribute bring, Ye princes, fear his frown: His terror shakes the proudest king, And cuts an army down.

10 The thunder of his sharp rebuke Our haughty foes shall feel: For Jacob's God hath not forsook, But dwells in Sion still.]

Psalm 77:1. First Part. Melancholy assaulting, and hope prevailing.

1 To God I cry'd with mournful voice, I sought his gracious ear, In the sad day when troubles rose, And fill'd the night with fear.

2 Sad were my days, and dark my nights, My soul refus'd relief; I thought on God the just and wise, But thoughts increas'd my grief.

3 Still I complain'd, and still opprest, My heart began to break; My God, thy wrath forbid my rest, And kept my eyes awake.

4 My overwhelming sorrows grew Till I could speak no more; Then I within myself withdrew, And call'd thy judgments o'er.

5 I call'd back years and ancient times, When I beheld thy face; My spirit search'd for secret crimes That might withhold thy grace.

6 I call'd thy mercies to my mind Which I enjoy'd before; And will the Lord no more be kind? His face appear no more?

7 Will he for ever cast me off? His promise ever fail? Has he forgot his tender love? Shall anger still prevail?

8 But I forbid this hopeless thought, This dark despairing frame, Rememb'ring what thy hand hath wrought, Thy hand is still the same.

9 I'll think again of all thy ways, And talk thy wonders o'er; Thy wonders of recovering grace, When flesh could hope no more.

10 Grace dwells with justice on the throne; And men that love thy word Have in thy sanctuary known The counsels of the Lord.

Psalm 77:2. Second Part. Comfort derived from ancient providences; or, Israel delivered from Egypt, and brought to Canaan.

1 "How awful is thy chastening rod!" (May thine own children say) "The great, the wise, the dreadful God! "How holy is his way!"

2 I'll meditate his works of old; The King that reigns above; I'll hear his ancient wonders told, And learn to trust his love.

3 Long did the house of Joseph lie With Egypt's yoke opprest: Long he delay'd to hear their cry, Nor gave his people rest.

4 The sons of good old Jacob seem'd Abandon'd to their foes; But his almighty arm redeem'd The nation that he chose.

5 Israel, his people, and his sheep, Must follow where he calls; He bid them venture thro' the deep, And made the waves their walls.

6 The waters saw thee, mighty God! The waters saw thee come; Backward they fled, and frighted stood, To make thine armies room.

7 Strange was thy journey thro' the sea, Thy footsteps, Lord, unknown, Terrors attend the wondrous way That brings thy mercies down.

8 [Thy voice with terror in the sound Thro' clouds and darkness broke; All heaven in lightning shone around, And earth with thunder shook.

9 Thine arrows thro' the skies were hurl'd; How glorious is the Lord! Surprise and trembling seiz'd the world, And his own saints ador'd.

10 He gave them water from the rock; And safe by Moses' hand Thro' a dry desert led his flock Home to the promis'd land.]

Psalm 78:1. First Part. Providence of God recorded; or, Pious education and instruction of children.

1 Let children hear the mighty deeds, Which God perform'd of old, Which in our younger years we saw, And which our fathers told.

2 He bids us make his glories known, His works of power and grace; And we'll convey his wonders down Thro' every rising race.

3 Our lips shall tell them to our Sons, And they again to theirs, That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs.

4 Thus shall they learn in God alone Their hope securely stands, That they may ne'er forget his works, But practise his commands.

Psalm 78:2. Second Part. Israel's rebellion and punishment; or, The sins and chastisements of God's people.

1 What a stiff rebellious house Was Jacob's ancient race! False to their own most solemn vows, And to their Maker's grace.

2 They broke the covenant of his love, And did his laws despise, Forgot the works he wrought to prove His power before their eyes.

3 They saw the plagues on Egypt light, From his revenging hand: What dreadful tokens of his might Spread o'er the stubborn land!

4 They saw him cleave the mighty sea, And march'd in safety thro', With watery walls to guard their way, Till they had 'scap'd the foe.

5 A wondrous pillar mark'd the road, Compos'd of shade and light; By day it prov'd a sheltering cloud, A leading fire by night.

6 He from the rock their thirst supply'd; The gushing waters fell, And ran in rivers by their side, A constant miracle.

7 Yet they provok'd the Lord most high, And dar'd distrust his hand; "Can he with bread our host supply "Amidst this desert land?"

8 The Lord with indignation heard, And caus'd his wrath to flame His terrors ever stand prepar'd To vindicate his Name.

Psalm 78:3. Third Part. The punishment of luxury and intemperance; or, Chastisement and salvation.

1 When Israel sins, the Lord reproves, And fills their hearts with dread; Yet he forgives the men he loves, And sends them heavenly bread.

2 He fed them with a liberal hand, And made his treasures known; He gave the midnight clouds command To pour provision down.

3 The manna, like a morning shower, Lay thick around their feet; The corn of heaven, so light, so pure, As tho' 'twere angels' meat.

4 But they in murmuring language said, "Manna is all our feast; "We loathe this light, this airy bread; "We must have flesh to taste."

5 "Ye shall have flesh to please your lust;" The Lord in wrath reply'd, And sent them quails like sand or dust, Heap'd up from side to side.

6 He gave them all their own desire; And greedy as they fed, His vengeance burnt with secret fire, And smote the rebels dead.

7 When some were slain, the rest return'd, And sought the Lord with tears; Under the rod they fear'd and mourn'd, But soon forgot their fears.

8 Oft he chastis'd and still forgave, Till by his gracious hand The nation he resolv'd to save, Possess'd the promis'd land.

Psalm 78:4. 32 &c. Fourth Part. Backsliding and forgiveness; or, Sin punished, and saints saved.

1 Great God, how oft did Israel prove By turns thine anger and thy love! There in a glass our hearts may see How fickle and how false they be.

2 How soon the faithless Jews forgot The dreadful wonders God had wrought! Then they provoke him to his face, Nor fear his power, nor trust his grace.

3 The Lord consum'd their years in pain, And made their travels long and vain; A tedious march thro' unknown ways Wore out their strength and spent their days.

4 Oft when they saw their brethren slain, They mourn'd and sought the Lord again; Call'd him the Rock of their abode, Their high Redeemer and their God.

5 Their prayers and vows before him rise As flattering words or solemn lies, While their rebellious tempers prove False to his covenant and his love.

6 Yet did his sovereign grace forgive The men who not deserv'd to live; His anger oft away he turn'd, Or else with gentle flame it burn'd.

7 He saw their flesh was weak and frail, He saw temptation still prevail The God of Abraham lov'd them still, And led them to his holy hill.

Psalm 80. The church's prayer under affliction; or, The vineyard of God wasted.

1 Great Shepherd of thine Israel, Who didst between the cherubs dwell, And led the tribes, thy chosen sheep, Safe thro' the desert and the deep.

2 Thy church is in the desert now, Shine from on high and guide us thro'; Turn us to thee, thy love restore, We shall be sav'd, and sigh no more.

3 Great God, whom heavenly hosts obey, How long shall we lament and pray, And wait in vain thy kind return? How long shall thy fierce anger burn?

4 Instead of wine and cheerful bread, Thy saints with their own tears are fed; Turn us to thee, thy love restore, We shall be sav'd, and sigh no more.

PAUSE I.

5 Hast thou not planted with thy hands A lovely vine in heathen lands? Did not thy power defend it round, And heavenly dews enrich the ground?

6 How did the spreading branches shoot, And bless the nations with the fruit! But now, dear Lord, look down and see Thy mourning vine, that lovely tree.

7 Why is its beauty thus defac'd? Why hast thou laid her fences waste? Strangers and foes against her join, And every beast devours the vine.

8 Return, almighty God, return, Nor let thy bleeding vineyard mourn; Turn us to thee, thy love restore, We shall be sav'd, and sigh no more.

PAUSE II.

9 Lord, when this vine in Canaan grew Thou wast its strength and glory too; Attack'd in vain by all its foes, Till the fair Branch of Promise rose;

10 Fair Branch, ordain'd of old to shoot From David's stock, from Jacob's root; Himself a noble vine, and we The lesser branches of the tree.

11 'Tis thy own Son, and he shall stand Girt with thy strength at thy right hand; Thy first-born Son, adorn'd and blest With power and grace above the rest.

12 O! for his sake attend our cry, Shine on thy churches lest they die; Turn us to thee, thy love restore, We shall be sav'd, and sigh no more.

Psalm 81. 1 8 16. The warnings of God to his people; or, Spiritual blessings and punishments.

1 Sing to the Lord aloud, And make a joyful noise; God is our strength, our Saviour God; Let Israel hear his voice.

2 "From vile idolatry "Preserve my worship clean; "I am the Lord who set thee free "From slavery and sin.

3 "Stretch thy desires abroad, "And I'll supply them well "But if ye will refuse your God, "If Israel will rebel,

4 "I'll leave them," saith the Lord, "To their own lusts a prey, "And let them run the dangerous road, "'Tis their own chosen way.

5 "Yet O! that all my saints "Would hearken to my voice! "Soon I would ease their sore complaints, "And bid their hearts rejoice.

6 "While I destroy their foes, "I'd richly feed my flock, "And they should taste the stream that flows "From their eternal Rock."

Psalm 82. God the supreme Governor; or, Magistrates warned.

1 Among th' assemblies of the great, A greater Ruler takes his seat; The God of heaven, as Judge, surveys Those gods on earth and all their ways.

2 Why will ye then frame wicked laws? Or why support th' unrighteous cause? When will ye once defend the poor, That sinners vex the saints no more?

3 They know not, Lord, nor will they know, Dark are the ways in which they go; Their name of earthly gods is vain, For they shall fall and die like men.

4 Arise, O Lord, and let thy Son Possess his universal throne, And rule the nations with his rod; He is our judge, and he our God.

Psalm 83. A complaint against persecutors.

1 And will the God of grace Perpetual silence keep? The God of justice hold his peace, And let his vengeance sleep?

2 Behold what cursed snares The men of mischief spread; The men that hate thy saints and thee Lift up their threatening head.

3 Against thy hidden ones Their counsels they employ, And malice with her watchful eye, Pursues them to destroy.

4 The noble and the base Into thy pastures leap; The lion and the stupid ass Conspire to vex thy sheep.

5 "Come, let us join," they cry, "To root them from the ground, "Till not the name of saints remain, "Nor memory shall be found."

6 Awake, almighty God, And call thy wrath to mind; Give them like forests to the fire, Or stubble to the wind.

7 Convince their madness, Lord, And make them seek thy Name Or else their stubborn rage confound, That they may die in shame.

8 Then shall the nations know That glorious dreadful word, Jehovah is thy name alone, And thou the sovereign Lord.

Psalm 84:1. First Part. L. M. The pleasure of public worship.

1 How pleasant, how divinely fair, O Lord of hosts, thy dwellings are! With long desire my spirit faints To meet th' assemblies of thy saints.

2 My flesh would rest in thine abode, My panting heart cries out for God; My God! my King! why should I be So far from all my joys and thee?

3 The sparrow chuses where to rest, And for her young provides her nest: But will my God to sparrows grant That pleasure which his children want?

4 Blest are the saints who sit on high, Around thy throne of majesty; Thy brightest glories shine above, And all their work is praise and love.

5 Blest are the souls that find a place Within the temple of thy grace; There they behold thy gentler rays, And seek thy face, and learn thy praise.

6 Blest are the men whose hearts are set To find the way to Sion's gate; God is their strength, and thro' the road They lean upon their helper God.

7 Cheerful they walk with growing strength, Till all shall meet in heaven at length, Till all before thy face appear, And join in nobler worship there.

Psalm 84:2. Second Part. L. M. God and his church; or, Grace and glory.

1 Great God, attend, while Sion sings The joy that from thy presence springs To spend one day with thee on earth Exceeds a thousand days of mirth.

2 Might I enjoy the meanest place Within thine house, O God of grace, Not tents of ease, nor thrones of power, Should tempt my feet to leave thy door.