Chapter VI: Part 6

11 What noble fruit the vines produce! The olive yields a shining juice; Our hearts are cheer'd with gen'rous wine, With inward joy our faces shine.

12 O bless his Name ye Britons, fed With nature's chief supporter, bread; While bread your vital strength imparts, Serve him with vigour in your hearts.

PAUSE II.

13 Behold the stately cedar stands, Rais'd in the forest by his hands: Birds to the boughs for shelter fly And build their nests secure on high.

14 To craggy hills ascends the goat; And at the airy mountain's foot The feebler creatures make their cell; He gives them wisdom where to dwell.

15 He sets the sun his circling race, Appoints the moon to change her face; And when thick darkness veils the day, Calls out wild beasts to hunt their prey.

16 Fierce lions lead their young abroad, And roaring ask their meat from God; But when the morning beams arise, The savage beast to covert flies.

17 Then man to daily labour goes; The night was made for his repose: Sleep is thy gift; that sweet relief From tiresome toil and wasting grief.

18 How strange thy works! how great thy skill! And every land thy riches fill: Thy wisdom round the world we see, This spacious earth is full of thee.

19 Nor less thy glories in the deep, Where fish in millions swim and creep, With wondrous motions, swift or slow, Still wandering in the paths below.

20 There ships divide their watery way, And flocks of scaly monsters play; There dwells the huge Leviathan, And foams and sports in spite of man.

PAUSE III.

21 Vast are thy works, almighty Lord, All nature rests upon thy word, And the whole race of creatures stands, Waiting their portion from thy hands.

22 While each receives his different food, Their cheerful looks pronounce it good; Eagles and bears, and whales and worms, Rejoice and praise in different forms.

23 But when thy face is hid, they mourn, And dying to their dust return; Both man and beast their souls resign, Life, breath, and spirit, all is thine.

24 Yet thou canst breathe on dust again, And fill the world with beasts and men; A word of thy creating breath Repairs the wastes of time and death.

25 His works, the wonders of his might, Are honour'd with his own delight: How awful are his glorious ways! The Lord is dreadful in his praise.

26 The earth stands trembling at thy stroke, And at thy touch the mountains smoke; Yet humble souls may see thy face, And tell their wants to sovereign grace.

27 In thee my hopes and wishes meet, And make my meditations sweet: Thy praises shall my breath employ, Till it expire in endless joy.

28 While haughty sinners die accurst, Their glory bury'd with their dust, I, to my God, my heavenly King, Immortal hallelujahs sing.

Psalm 105. Abridged. God's conduct of Israel, and the plagues of Egypt.

1 Give thanks to God, invoke his Name, And tell the world his grace; Sound thro' the earth his deeds of fame, That all may seek his face.

2 His covenant, which he kept in mind For numerous ages past, To numerous ages yet behind, In equal force shall last.

3 He sware to Abraham and his seed, And made the blessing sure: Gentiles the ancient promise read, And find his truths endure.

4 "Thy seed shall make all nations blest," (Said the Almighty voice) "And Canaan's land shall be their rest, "The type of heavenly joys."

5 [How large the grant! how rich the grace! To give them Canaan's land, When they were strangers in the place, A little feeble band!

6 Like pilgrims thro' the countries round Securely they remov'd; And haughty kings that on them frown'd, Severely he reprov'd.

7 "Touch mine anointed, and my arm "Shall soon revenge the wrong: "The man that does my prophets harm Shall know their God is strong."

8 Then let the world forbear its rage, Nor put the church in fear: Israel must live thro' every age, And be th' Almighty's care.]

PAUSE I.

9 When Pharaoh dar'd to vex the saints, And thus provok'd their God, Moses was sent at their complaints, Arm'd with his dreadful rod.

10 He call'd for darkness; darkness came Like an o'erwhelming flood; He turn'd each lake and every stream To lakes and streams of blood.

11 He gave the sign, and noisome flies Thro' the whole country spread; And frogs, in croaking armies, rise About the monarch's bed.

12 Thro' fields, and towns, and palaces, The tenfold vengeance flew; Locusts in swarms devour'd their trees, And hail their cattle slew.

13 Then by an angel's midnight stroke, The flower of Egypt dy'd; The strength of every house was broke, Their glory and their pride.

14 Now let the world forbear its rage, Nor put the church in fear; Israel must live thro' every age, And be th' Almighty's care.

PAUSE II.

15 Thus were the tribes from bondage brought, And left the hated ground; Each some Egyptian spoils had got, And not one feeble found.

16 The Lord himself chose out their way, And mark'd their journies right, Gave them a leading cloud by day, A fiery guide by night.

17 They thirst; and waters from the rock In rich abundance flow, And following still the course they took, Ran all the desert thro'.

18 O wondrous stream O blessed type Of ever-flowing grace! So Christ our rock maintains our life Thro' all this wilderness.

19 Thus guarded by th' Almighty hand The chosen tribes possest Canaan the rich, the promis'd land, And there enjoy'd their rest.

20 Then let the world forbear its rage, The church renounce her fear; Israel must live thro' every age, And be th' Almighty's care.

Psalm 106:1. 1-5. First Part. Praise to God; or, Communion with saints.

1 To God, the great, the ever blest, Let songs of honour be addrest: His mercy firm for ever stands; Give him the thanks his love demands.

2 Who knows the wonders of thy ways? Who shall fulfil thy boundless praise? Blest are the souls that fear thee still, And pay their duty to thy will.

3 Remember what thy mercy did For Jacob's race, thy chosen seed; And with the same salvation bless The meanest suppliant of thy grace.

4 O may I see thy tribes rejoice, And aid their triumphs with my voice! This is my glory, Lord, to be Join'd to thy saints, and near to thee.

Psalm 106:2. 7 8 12-14 43-48. 2d Part. Israel punished and pardoned; or, God's unchangeable love.

1 God of eternal love, How fickle are our ways! And yet how oft did Israel prove Thy constancy of grace!

2 They saw thy wonders wrought, And then thy praise they sung; But soon thy works of power forgot, And murmur'd with their tongue.

3 Now they believe his word, While rocks with rivers flow; Now with their lusts provoke the Lord, And he reduc'd them low.

4 Yet when they mourn'd their faults, He hearken'd to their groans, Brought his own covenant to his thoughts, And call'd them still his sons.

5 Their names were in his book, He sav'd them from their foes; Oft he chastis'd, but ne'er forsook The people that he chose.

6 Let Israel bless the Lord, Who lov'd their ancient race; And Christians join the solemn word Amen, to all the praise.

Psalm 107:1. First Part. Israel led to Canaan, and Christians to Heaven.

1 Give thanks to God; he reigns above, Kind are his thoughts, his Name is love; His mercy ages past have known, And ages long to come shall own.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord The wonders of his grace record; Israel, the nation whom he chose, And rescu'd from their mighty foes.

3 [When God's almighty arm had broke Their fetters and th' Egyptian yoke, They trac'd the desert, wandering round A wild and solitary ground.

4 There they could find no leading road, Nor city for a fix'd abode; Nor food, nor fountain to assuage Their burning thirst, or hunger's rage.]

5 In their distress to God they cry'd, God was their Saviour and their Guide; He led their march far wandering round, 'Twas the right path to Canaan's ground.

6 Thus when our first release we gain From sin's old yoke, and Satan's chain, We have this desert world to pass, A dangerous and a tiresome place.

7 He feeds and clothes us all the way, He guides our footsteps lest we stray, He guards us with a powerful hand And brings us to the heavenly land.

8 O let the saints with joy record The truth and goodness of the Lord! How great his works! how kind his ways! Let every tongue pronounce his praise.

Psalm 107:2. Second Part. Correction for sin, and release by prayer.

1 From age to age exalt his Name, God and his grace are still the same; He fills the hungry soul with food, And feeds the poor with every good.

2 But if their hearts rebel and rise Against the God that rules the skies, If they reject his heavenly word, And slight the counsels of the Lord,

3 He'll bring their spirits to the ground, And no deliverer shall be found; Laden with grief they waste their breath In darkness and the shades of death,

4 Then to the Lord they raise their cries, He makes the dawning light arise, And scatters all that dismal shade, That hung so heavy round their head.

5 He cuts the bars of brass in two, And lets the smiling prisoners thro'; Takes off the load of guilt and grief, And gives the labouring soul relief.

6 O may the sons of men record The wondrous goodness of the Lord! How great his works! how kind his ways! Let every tongue pronounce his praise.

Psalm 107:3. Third Part. Intemperance punished and pardoned; or, A psalm for the glutton and the drunkard.

1 Vain man, on foolish pleasures bent, Prepares for his own punishment; What pains, what loathsome maladies From luxury and lust arise!

2 The drunkard feels his vitals waste, Yet drowns his health to please his taste; Till all his active powers are lost, And fainting life draws near the dust.

3 The glutton groans and loathes to eat, His soul abhors delicious meat; Nature, with heavy loads opprest, Would yield to death to be releas'd.

4 Then how the frighted sinners fly To God for help with earnest cry! He hears their groans, prolongs their breath, And saves them from approaching death,

5 No med'cines could effect the cure So quick, so easy, or so sure: The deadly sentence God repeals, He sends his sovereign word, and heals,

6 O may the sons of men record The wondrous goodness of the Lord! And let their thankful offerings prove How they adore their Maker's love.

Psalm 107:4. Fourth Part. L. M. Deliverance from storms, and shipwreck; or, The Seaman's song.

1 Would you behold the works of God, His wonders in the world abroad, Go with the mariners, and trace The unknown regions of the seas.

2 They leave their native shores behind, And seize the favour of the wind, Till God command, and tempests rise That heave the ocean to the skies.

3 Now to the heavens they mount amain, Now sink to dreadful deeps again; What strange affrights young sailors feel, And like a staggering drunkard reel!

4 When land is far, and death is nigh, Lost to all hope, to God they cry; His mercy hears the loud address, And sends salvation in distress.

5 He bids the winds their wrath assuage; The furious waves forget their rage; 'Tis calm; and sailors smile to see The haven where they wish'd to be.

6 O may the sons of men record The wondrous goodness of the Lord! Let them their private offerings bring, And in the church his glory sing.

Psalm 107:5. Fourth Part. C. M. The Mariner's psalm.

1 Thy works of glory, mighty Lord, Thy wonders in the deeps, The sons of courage shall record Who trade in floating ships.

2 At thy command the winds arise, And swell the towering waves; The men astonish'd mount the skies And sink in gaping graves.

3 [Again they climb the watery hills, And plunge in deeps again; Each like a tottering drunkard reels, And finds his courage vain.

4 Frighted to hear the tempest roar, They pant with fluttering breath, And, hopeless of the distant shore, Expect immediate death.]

5 Then to the Lord they raise their cries, He hears the loud request, And orders silence thro' the skies, And lays the floods to rest.

6 Sailors rejoice to lose their fears, And see the storm allay'd: Now to their eyes the port appears; There let their vows be paid.

7 'Tis God that brings them safe to land; Let stupid mortals know That waves are under his command, And all the winds that blow,

8 O that the sons of men would praise The goodness of the Lord! And those that see thy wondrous ways, Thy wondrous love record.

Psalm 107:6. Last Part. Colonies planted; or, Nations blest and punished.

A psalm for New England.

1 When God, provok'd with daring crimes, Scourges the madness of the times, He turns their fields to barren sand, And dries the rivers from the land.

2 His word can raise the springs again, And make the wither'd mountains green, Send showery blessings from the skies, And harvests in the desert rise.

3 [Where nothing dwelt but beasts of prey, Or men as fierce and wild as they; He bids th' opprest and poor repair, And builds them towns and cities there.

4 They sow the fields, and trees they plant, Whose yearly fruit supplies their want: Their race grows up from fruitful stocks, Their wealth increases with their flocks.

5 Thus they are blest; but if they sin, He lets the heathen nations in, A savage crew invades their lands, Their princes die by barbarous hands.

6 Their captive sons, expos'd to scorn, Wander unpity'd and forlorn; The country lies unfenc'd, untill'd, And desolation spreads the field.

7 Yet if the humbled nation mourns, Again his dreadful hand he turns; Again he makes their cities thrive, And bids the dying churches live.]

8 The righteous, with a joyful sense, Admire the works of providence; And tongues of atheists shall no more Blaspheme the God that saints adore.

9 How few, with pious care, record The wondrous dealings of the Lord! But wise observers still shall find The Lord is holy, just, and kind.

Psalm 109. 1-5 31. Love to enemies, from the example of Christ.

1 God of my mercy and my praise, Thy glory is my song; The sinners speak against thy grace With a blaspheming tongue.

2 When in the form of mortal man Thy Son on earth was found, With cruel slanders, false and vain, They compass'd him around.

3 Their miseries his compassion move, Their peace he still pursu'd; They render hatred for his love, And evil for his good.

4 Their malice rag'd without a cause, Yet, with his dying breath, He pray'd for murderers on his cross, And blest his foes in death.

5 Lord, shall thy bright example shine In vain before my eyes? Give me a soul a-kin to thine To love mine enemies.

6 The Lord shall on my side engage, And, in my Saviour's name, I shall defeat their pride and rage Who slander and condemn.

Psalm 110:1. First Part. Christ exalted, and multitudes converted; or, The success of the gospel.

1 Thus the eternal Father spake To Christ the Son, "Ascend and sit "At my right hand, till I shall make "Thy foes submissive at thy feet.

2 "From Zion shall thy word proceed, "Thy word, the sceptre in thy hand, "Shall make the hearts of rebels bleed, "And bow their wills to thy command.

3 "That day shall shew thy power is great, "When saints shall flock with willing minds, "And sinners crowd thy temple gate, "Where holiness in beauty shines."

4 O blessed power! 0 glorious day! What a large victory shall ensue! And converts, who thy grace obey, Exceed the drops of morning dew.

Psalm 110:2. Second Part. The kingdom and priesthood of Christ.

1 Thus the great Lord of earth and sea Spake to his Son, and thus he swore; "Eternal shall thy priesthood be, "And change from hand to hand no more.

2 "Aaron and all his sons must die; "But everlasting life is thine, "To save for ever those that fly "For refuge from the wrath divine.

3 "By me Melchisedek was made "On earth a king and priest at once; "And thou, my heavenly priest, shalt plead, "And thou, my king, shalt rule my sons."

4 Jesus the priest ascends his throne, While counsels of eternal peace, Between the Father and the Son, Proceed with honour and success.

5 Thro' the whole earth his reign shall spread, And crush the powers that dare rebel; Then shall he judge the rising dead, And send the guilty world to hell.

6 Tho' while he treads his glorious way, He drink the cup of tears and blood, The sufferings of that dreadful day Shall but advance him near to God.

Psalm 110:3. C. M. Christ's kingdom and priesthood.

1 Jesus, our Lord, ascend thy throne, And near the Father sit; In Zion shall thy power be known, And make thy foes submit.

2 What wonders shall thy gospel do! Thy converts shall surpass The numerous drops of morning dew, And own thy sovereign grace.

3 God hath pronounc'd a firm decree, Nor changes what he swore; "Eternal shall thy priesthood be, "When Aaron is no more.

4 "Melchisedek, that wondrous priest, "That king of high degree, "That holy man who Abr'am blest, "Was but a type of thee."

5 Jesus our priest for ever lives To plead for us above; Jesus our king for ever gives The blessings of his love.

6 God shall exalt his glorious head, And his high throne maintain, Shall strike the powers and princes dead Who dare oppose his reign.

Psalm 111:1. First Part. The wisdom of God in his works.

1 Songs of immortal praise belong To my almighty God; He has my heart, and he my tongue To spread his Name abroad.

2 How great the works his hand has wrought! How glorious in our sight! And men in every age have sought His wonders with delight.

3 How most exact is nature's frame! How wise th' Eternal mind! His counsels never change the scheme That his first thoughts design'd.

4 When he redeem'd his chosen Son, He fix'd his covenant sure: The orders that his lips pronounce To endless years endure.

5 Nature and time, and earth and skies, Thy heavenly skill proclaim: What shall we do to make us wise, But learn to read thy Name?

6 To fear thy power, to trust thy grace Is our divinest skill; And he's the wisest of our race, That best obeys thy will.

Psalm 111:2. Second Part. The perfections of God.

1 Great is the Lord; his works of might Demand our noblest songs; Let his assembled saints unite Their harmony of tongues.

2 Great is the mercy of the Lord, He gives his children food; And ever mindful of his word, He makes his promise good.

3 His Son, the great Redeemer, came To seal his covenant sure: Holy and reverend is his Name, His ways are just and pure.

4 They that would grow divinely wise Must with his fear begin; Our fairest proof of knowledge lies In hating every sin.

Psalm 112:1. As the 113th Psalm. The blessings of the liberal man.

1 That man is blest who stands in awe Of God, and loves his sacred law: His seed on earth shall be renown'd; His house the seat of wealth shall be, An inexhausted treasury, And with successive honours crown'd.

2 His liberal favours he extends, To some he gives, to others lends; A generous pity fills his mind: Yet what his charity impairs He saves by prudence in affairs, And thus he's just to all mankind.

3 His hands, while they his alms bestow'd, His glory's future harvest sow'd; The sweet remembrance of the just, Like a green root, revives and bears A train of blessings for his heirs, When dying nature sleeps in dust.

4 Beset with threatening dangers round, Unmov'd shall he maintain his ground; His conscience holds his courage up: The soul that's fill'd with virtue's light, Shines brightest in affliction's night, And sees in darkness beams of hope.

PAUSE.

5 [Ill tidings never can surprise His heart that fix'd on God relies, Tho' waves and tempests roar around: Safe on the rock he sits, and sees The shipwreck of his enemies, And all their hope and glory drown'd.

6 The wicked shall his triumph see, And gnash their teeth in agony To find their expectations crost: They and their envy, pride and spite, Sink down to everlasting night, And all their names in darkness lost.]

Psalm 112:2. L. M. The blessings of the pious and charitable.

1 Thrice happy man who fears the Lord, Loves his commands, and trusts his word; Honour and peace his days attend, And blessings to his seed descend.

2 Compassion dwells upon his mind, To works of mercy still inclin'd: He lends the poor some present aid, Or gives them, not to be repaid.

3 When times grow dark, and tidings spread That fill his neighbours round with dread, His heart is arm'd against the fear, For God with all his power is there.

4 His soul, well fix'd upon the Lord, Draws heavenly courage from his word; Amidst the darkness light shall rise, To cheer his heart, and bless his eyes.

5 He hath dispers'd his alms abroad, His works are still before his God; His name on earth shall long remain, While envious sinners fret in vain.

Psalm 112:3. C. M, Liberality rewarded.

1 Happy is he that fears the Lord, And follows his commands, Who lends the poor without reward, Or gives with liberal hands.

2 As pity dwells within his breast To all the sons of need; So God shall answer his request With blessings on his seed,

3 No evil tidings shall surprise His well-establish'd mind; His soul to God his refuge flies, And leaves his fears behind.

4 In times of general distress, Some beams of light shall shine To shew the world his righteousness, And give him peace divine.

5 His works of piety and love Remain before the Lord; Honour on earth and joys above Shall be his sure reward.

Psalm 113:1. Proper Time. The majesty and condescension of God.

1 Ye that delight to serve the Lord, The honours of his Name record, His sacred Name for ever bless: Where'er the circling sun displays His rising beams, or setting rays, Let lands and seas his power confess.

2 Not time, nor nature's narrow rounds, Can give his vast dominion bounds, The heavens are far below his height: Let no created greatness dare With our eternal God compare, Arm'd with his uncreated might.

3 He bows his glorious head to view What the bright hosts of angels do, And bends his care to mortal things; His sovereign hand exalts the poor, He takes the needy from the door, And makes them company for kings.

4 When childless families despair, He sends the blessings of an heir To rescue their expiring name: The mother with a thankful voice Proclaims his praises and her joys: Let every age advance his fame.

Psalm 113:2. L. M. God sovereign and gracious.

1 Ye servants of th' Almighty King, In every age his praises sing; Where'er the sun shall rise or set, The nations shall his praise repeat.

2 Above the earth, beyond the sky, Stands his high throne of majesty: Nor time, nor place, his power restrain, Nor bound his universal reign.

3 Which of the sons of Adam dare, Or angels, with their God compare? His glories how divinely bright, Who dwells in uncreated light!

4 Behold his love: he stoops to view What saints above and angels do; And condescends yet more to know The mean affairs of men below.

5 From dust and cottages obscure His grace exalts the humble poor; Gives them the honour of his sons, And fits them for their heavenly thrones.

6 [A word of his creating voice Can make the barren house rejoice: Tho' Sarah's ninety years were past, The promis'd seed is born at last.

7 With joy the mother views her son, And tells the wonders God has done: Faith may grow strong when sense despairs, If nature fails, the promise bears.]

Psalm 114. Miracles attending Israel's journey.

1 When Israel, freed from Pharaoh's hand, Left the proud tyrant and his land, The tribes with cheerful homage own Their King, and Judah was his throne.

2 Across the deep their journey lay; The deep divides to make them way: Jordan beheld their march, and fled With backward current to his head.

3 The mountains shook like frighted sheep, Like lambs the little hillocks leap; Not Sinai on her base could stand, Conscious of sovereign power at hand.

4 What power could make the deep divide? Make Jordan backward roll his tide? Why did ye leap, ye little hills? And whence the fright that Sinai feels?

5 Let every mountain, every flood, Retire and know th' approaching God, The king of Israel: see him here; Tremble, thou earth, adore and fear.

6 He thunders, and all nature mourns, The rock to standing pools he turns; Flints spring with fountains at his word, And fires and seas confess the Lord.

Psalm 115:1. First Metre. The true God our refuge; or, Idolatry reproved.

1 Not to ourselves, who are but dust, Not to ourselves is glory due, Eternal God, thou only just, Thou only gracious, wise, and true.

2 Shine forth in all thy dreadful Name; Why should a heathen's haughty tongue Insult us, and to raise our shame Say, "Where's the God you've serv'd so long?"

3 The God we serve maintains his throne Above the clouds, beyond the skies, Thro' all the earth his will is done, He knows our groans, he hears our cries.

4 But the vain idols they adore Are senseless shapes of stone and wood; At best a mass of glittering ore, A silver saint, or golden god.

5 [With eyes, and ears they carve their head, Deaf are their ears, their eyes are blind; In vain are costly offerings made, And vows are scatter'd in the wind.

6 Their feet were never made to move, Nor hands to save when mortals pray; Mortals that pay them fear or love Seem to be blind and deaf as they.]

7 O Israel, make the Lord thy hope, Thy help, thy refuge, and thy rest; The Lord shall build thy ruins up, And bless the people and the priest.

8 The dead no more can speak thy praise, They dwell in silence and the grave; But we shall live to sing thy grace, And tell the world thy power to save.

Psalm 115:2. Second Metre. As the new tune of the 50th Psalm. Popish idolatry reproved.

A psalm for the 5th of November.

1 Not to our names, thou only Just and True, Not to our worthless names is glory due; Thy power and grace, thy truth and justice claim Immortal honours to thy sovereign Name: Shine thro' the earth from heaven, thy blest abode, Nor let the heathens say, "And where's your God?"

2 Heaven is thine higher court; there stands thy throne, And thro' the lower worlds thy will is done: Our God fram'd all this earth, these heavens he spread, But fools adore the gods their hands have made: The kneeling crowd, with looks devout, behold Their silver saviours, and their saints of gold.

3 [Vain are those artful shapes of eyes and ears; The molten image neither sees nor hears: Their hands are helpless, nor their feet can move, They have no speech, nor thought, nor power, nor love; Yet sottish mortals make their long complaints To their deaf idols, and their moveless saints.

4 The rich have statues well adorn'd with gold; The poor, content with gods of coarser mould, With tools of iron carve the senseless stock, Lopt from a tree, or broken from a rock: People and priest drive on the solemn trade, And trust the gods that saws and hammers made.]

5 Be heaven and earth amaz'd! 'Tis hard to say Which is more stupid, or their gods or they: O Israel, trust the Lord, he hears and sees, He knows thy sorrows, and restores thy peace: His worship does a thousand comforts yield, He is thy help, and he thy heavenly shield.

6 O Britain, trust the Lord: thy foes in vain Attempt thy ruin, and oppose his reign; Had they prevail'd, darkness had clos'd our days, And death and silence had forbid his praise; But we are sav'd, and live: let songs arise, And Britain bless the God that built the skies.

Psalm 116:1. First Part. Recovery from sickness.

1 I love the Lord; he heard my cries, And pity'd every groan: Long as I live, when troubles rise, I'll hasten to his throne.

2 I love the Lord; he bow'd his ear, And chas'd my griefs away; O let my heart no more despair, While I have breath to pray!

3 My flesh declin'd, my spirits fell, And I drew near the dead, While inward pangs, and fears of hell Perplex'd my wakeful head.

4 "My God," I cry'd "thy servant save, "Thou ever good and just; "Thy power can rescue from the grave, "Thy power is all my trust."

5 The Lord beheld me sore distrest, He bid my pains remove: Return, my soul, to God thy rest, For thou hast known his love.

6 My God hath sav'd my soul from death, And dry'd my failing tears; Now to his praise I'll spend my breath, And my remaining years.

Psalm 116:2. 12 &c. Second Part. Vows made in trouble paid in the church; or, Public thanks for private deliverance.

1 What shall I render to my God For all his kindness shown? My feet shall visit thine abode, My songs address thy throne.

2 Among the saints that fill thine house, My offerings shall be paid; There shall my zeal perform the vows My soul in anguish made.

3 How much is mercy thy delight, Thou ever blessed God! How dear thy servants in thy sight! How precious is their blood!

4 How happy all thy servants are! How great thy grace to me! My life which thou hast made thy care, Lord, I devote to thee.

5 Now I am thine, for ever thine, Nor shall my purpose move; Thy hand hath loos'd my bonds of pain, And bound me with thy love.

6 Here in thy courts I leave my vow, And thy rich grace record; Witness, ye saints, who hear me now, If I forsake the Lord.

Psalm 117:1. C. M. Praise to God from all nations.

1 O all ye nations, praise the Lord, Each with a different tongue; In every language learn his word, And let his Name be sung.

2 His mercy reigns thro' every land; Proclaim his grace abroad; For ever firm his truth shall stand, Praise ye the faithful God.

Psalm 117:2. L. M.

1 From all that dwell below the skies, Let the Creator's praise arise! Let the Redeemer's name be sung Thro' every land, by every tongue.

2 Eternal are thy mercies, Lord; Eternal truth attends thy word: Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, Till suns shall rise and set no more.

Psalm 117:3. S. M.

1 Thy Name, almighty Lord, Shall sound thro' distant lands; Great is thy grace, and sure thy word, Thy truth for ever stands.

2 Far be thine honour spread, And long thy praise endure, Till morning light and evening shade Shall be exchang'd no more.

Psalm 118:1. 6-15. First Part. Deliverance from a tumult.

1 The Lord appears my helper now, Nor is my faith afraid What all the sons of earth can do, Since heaven affords its aid.

2 'Tis safer, Lord, to hope in thee, And have my God my friend, Than trust in men of high degree, And on their truth depend.

3 Like bees my foes beset me round, A large and angry swarm; But I shall all their rage confound By thine almighty arm.

4 'Tis thro' the Lord my heart is strong, In him my lips rejoice; While his salvation is my song, How cheerful is my voice!

5 Like angry bees they girt me round; When God appears they fly: So burning thorns, with crackling sound, Make a fierce blaze and die.

6 Joy to the saints and peace belongs; The Lord protects their days: Let Israel tune immortal songs To his almighty grace.

Psalm 118:2. 17-21. Second Part. Public praise for deliverance from death.

1 Lord, thou hast heard thy servant cry, And rescu'd from the grave; Now shall he live: (and none can die If God resolve to save.)

2 Thy praise, more constant than before, Shall fill his daily breath; Thy hand that hath chastis'd him sore, Defends him still from death.

3 Open the gates of Zion now, For we shall worship there, The house where all the righteous go Thy mercy to declare.

4 Among th' assemblies of thy saints Our thankful voice we raise! There we have told thee our complaints, And there we speak thy praise.

Psalm 118:3. 22 23. Third Part. Christ the foundation of his church.

1 Behold the sure foundation-stone Which God in Zion lays To build our heavenly hopes upon, And his eternal praise.

2 Chosen of God, to sinners dear, And saints adore the Name, They trust their whole salvation here, Nor shall they suffer shame.

3 The foolish builders, scribe and priest, Reject it with disdain; Yet on this rock the church shall rest, And envy rage in vain.

4 What tho' the gates of hell withstood, Yet must this building rise: 'Tis thy own work, almighty God, And wondrous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:4. 24 25 26. Fourth Part. Hosanna; the Lord's day; or, Christ's resurrection and our salvation.

1 This is the day the Lord hath made, He calls the hours his own; Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, And praise surround the throne.

2 To-day he rose and left the dead, And Satan's empire fell; To-day the saints his triumphs spread, And all his wonders tell.

3 Hosanna to th' anointed King, To David's holy Son: Help us, O Lord; descend and bring Salvation from the throne.

4 Blest be the Lord, who comes to men With messages of grace; Who comes in God his Father's Name To save our sinful race.

5 Hosanna in the highest strains The church on earth can raise; The highest heavens, in which he reigns, Shall give him nobler praise.

Psalm 118:5. 22-27. S. M. An hosanna for the Lord's day; or, A new song of salvation by Christ.

1 See what a living-stone The builders did refuse; Yet God hath built his church thereon In spite of envious Jews.

2 The scribe and angry priest Reject thine only Son; Yet on this rock shall Zion rest, As the chief corner-stone.

3 The work, O Lord, is thine, And wondrous in our eyes; This day declares it all divine, This day did Jesus rise.

4 This is the glorious day That our Redeemer made; Let us rejoice, and sing, and pray, Let all the church be glad.

5 Hosanna to the King Of David's royal blood: Bless him, ye saints; he comes to bring Salvation from your God.

6 We bless thine holy word, Which all this grace displays; And offer on thine altar, Lord, Our sacrifice of praise.

Psalm 118:6. 22-27. L. M. An hosanna for the Lord's day; or, A new song of salvation by Christ.

1 Lo! what a glorious corner-stone The Jewish builders did refuse; But God hath built his church thereon, In spite of envy and the Jews.

2 Great God, the work is all divine, The joy and wonder of our eyes; This is the day that proves it thine, The day that saw our Saviour rise.

3 Sinners rejoice, and saints be glad: Hosanna, let his Name be blest: A thousand honours on his head, With peace, and light, and glory, rest.

4 In God's own name he comes to bring Salvation to our dying race: Let the whole church address their King With hearts of joy, and songs of praise.

Psalm 119. I have collected and disposed the most useful verses of this psalm under eighteen different heads, and formed a divine song upon each of them. But the verses are much transposed to attain some degree of connection.

In some places, among the words "law," "commands," "judgments," "testimonies," I have used "gospel," "word," "grace," "truth," "promises," &c. as more agreeable to the language of the New Testament, and the common language of Christians, and it equally answers the design of the Psalmist, which was to recommend the holy scripture.

Psalm 119:01. First Part. The blessedness of saints, and misery of sinners.

Ver. 1 2 3. 1 Blest are the undefil'd in heart, Whose ways are right and clean; Who never from thy law depart, But fly front every sin.

2 Blest are the men that keep thy word, And practise thy commands; With their whole heart they seek the Lord, And serve thee with their hands.

Ver. 165. 3 Great is their peace who love thy law; How firm their souls abide! Nor can a bold temptation draw Their steady feet aside.

Ver. 6. 4 Then shall my heart have inward joy, And keep my face from shame, When all thy statutes I obey, And honour all thy name.

Ver. 21 118. 5 But haughty sinners God will hate, The proud shall die accurst; The sons of falsehood and deceit Are trodden to the dust.

Ver. 119 155. 6 Vile as the dross the wicked are; And those that leave thy ways Shall see salvation from afar, But never taste thy grace.

Psalm 119:02. Second Part. Secret devotion and spiritual mindedness; or, Constant converse with God.

Ver. 147 55. 1 TO thee, before the dawning light, My gracious God, I pray; I meditate thy Name by night, And keep thy law by day.

Ver. 81. 2 My spirit faints to see thy grace, Thy promise bears me up; And while salvation long delays, Thy word supports my hope.

Ver. 164. 3 Seven times a day I lift my hands, And pay my thanks to thee; Thy righteous providence demands Repeated praise from me.

Ver. 62. 4 When midnight darkness veils the skies, I call thy works to mind; My thoughts in warm devotion rise, And sweet acceptance find.

Psalm 119:03. Third Part. Profession: of sincerity, repentance, and obedience.

Ver. 57 60. 1 Thou art my portion, O my God; Soon as I know thy way, My heart makes haste t' obey thy word, And suffers no delay.

Ver. 30 14. 2 I choose the path of heavenly truth, And glory in my choice: Not all the riches of the earth Could make me so rejoice.

3 The testimonies of thy grace I set before my eyes; Thence I derive my daily strength, And there my comfort lies.

Ver. 59. 4 If once I wander from thy path, I think upon my ways, Then turn my feet to thy commands, And trust thy pardoning grace.

Ver. 94 114. 5 Now I am thine, for ever thine, O save thy servant, Lord; Thou art my shield, my hiding-place, My hope is in thy word.

Ver. 112. 6 Thou hast inclin'd this heart of mine, Thy statutes to fulfil; And thus till mortal life shall end Would I perform thy will.

Psalm 119:04. Fourth Part. Instruction from scripture.

Ver. 9. 1 How shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives from sin? Thy word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean.

Ver. 130. 2 When once it enters to the mind, It spreads such light abroad, The meanest souls instruction find, And raise their thoughts to God.

Ver. 105. 3 'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light, That guides us all the day; And thro' the dangers of the night, A lamp to lead our way.

Ver. 99 100. 4 The men that keep thy law with care, And meditate thy word, Grow wiser than their teachers are, And better know the Lord.

Ver. 104 113. 5 Thy precepts make me truly wise: I hate the sinner's road; I hate my own vain thoughts that rise, But love thy law, my God.

Ver. 89 90 91. 6 [The starry heavens thy rule obey, The earth maintains her place; And these thy servants night and day Thy skill and power express!

7 But still thy law and gospel, Lord, Have lessons more divine; Not earth stands firmer than thy word, Nor stars so nobly shine.]

Ver. 160 140 9 116. 8 Thy word is everlasting truth; How pure is every page! That holy book shall guide our youth, And well support our age.

Psalm 119:05. Fifth Part. Delight in scripture; or, The word of God dwelling in us.

Ver. 97. 1 O How I love thy holy law! 'Tis daily my delight; And thence my meditations draw Divine advice by night.

Ver. 148. 2 My waking eyes prevent the day To meditate thy word; My soul with longing melts away To hear thy gospel, Lord.

Ver. 3 13 54. 3 How doth thy word my heart engage! How well employ my tongue! And, in my tiresome pilgrimage, Yields me a heavenly song.

Ver. 19 103. 4 Am I a stranger, or at home, 'Tis my perpetual feast; Not honey dropping from the comb So much allures the taste.

Ver. 72 127. 5 No treasures so enrich the mind; Nor shall thy word be sold For loads of silver well refin'd, Nor heaps of choicest gold.

Ver. 28 49 175. 6 When nature sinks, and spirits droop, Thy promises of grace Are pillars to support my hope, And there I write thy praise.

Psalm 119:06. Sixth Part. Holiness and comfort from the word.

Ver. 128. 1 Lord, I esteem thy judgments right, And all thy statutes just; Thence I maintain a constant fight With every flattering lust.

Ver. 97 9. 2 Thy precepts often I survey; I keep thy law in sight, Thro' all the business of the day, To form my actions right.

Ver. 62. 3 My heart in midnight silence cries, "How sweet thy comforts be!" My thoughts in holy wonder rise, And bring their thanks to thee.

Ver. 162. 4 And when my spirit drinks her fill At some good word of thine, Not mighty men that share the spoil Have joys compar'd to mine.

Psalm 119:07. Seventh Part. Imperfection of nature, and perfection of scripture.

Ver. 96. paraphrased. 1 Let all the heathen writers join To form one perfect book, Great God, if once compar'd with thine, How mean their writings look!

2 Not the most perfect rules they gave Could shew one sin forgiven, Nor lead a step beyond the grave; But thine conduct to heaven.

3 I've seen an end of what we call Perfection here below; How short the powers of nature fall, And can no farther go!

4 Yet men would fain be just with God By works their hands have wrought; But thy commands, exceeding broad, Extend to every thought.

5 In vain we boast perfection here, While sin defiles our frame, And sinks our virtues down so far, They scarce deserve the name.

6 Our faith and love, and every grace, Fall far below thy word; But perfect truth and righteousness Dwell only with the Lord.

Psalm 119:08. Eighth Part. The word of God is the saint's portion; or, The excellency and variety of scripture.

Ver. 111. paraphrased. 1 Lord, I have made thy word my choice, My lasting heritage; There shall my noblest powers rejoice, My warmest thoughts engage.

2 I'll read the histories of thy love, And keep thy laws in sight, While thro' the promises I rove, With ever fresh delight.

3 'Tis a broad land of wealth unknown Where springs of life arise, Seeds of immortal bliss are sown, And hidden glory lies.

4 The best relief that mourners have, It makes our sorrows blest; Our fairest hope beyond the grave, And our eternal rest.

Psalm 119:09. Ninth Part. Desire of knowledge; or, The teachings of the Spirit with the word.

Ver. 64 66 18. 1 Thy mercies fill the earth, O Lord, How good thy works appear! Open mine eyes to read thy word, And see thy wonders there.

Ver. 73 125. 2 My heart was fashion'd by thy hand, My service is thy due: O make thy servant understand The duties he must do.

Ver. 19. 3 Since I'm a stranger here below, Let not thy path be hid; But mark the road my feet should go, And be my constant guide.

Ver. 26. 4 When I confess'd my wandering ways, Thou heardst my soul complain; Grant me the teachings of thy grace, Or I shall stray again.

Ver. 33 34. 5 If God to me his statutes shew, And heavenly truth impart, His work for ever I'll pursue, His laws shall rule my heart.

Ver. 50 71. 6 This was my comfort when I bore Variety of grief; It made me learn thy word the more, And fly to that relief.

Ver. 51. 7 [In vain the proud deride me now; I'll ne'er forget thy law, Nor let that blessed gospel go Whence all my hopes I draw.

Ver. 27 121. 8 When I have learn'd my Father's will I'll teach the world his ways; My thankful lips inspir'd with zeal Shall loud pronounce his praise.]

Psalm 119:10. Tenth Part. Pleading the promises.

Ver. 38 49. 1 Behold thy waiting servant, Lord, Devoted to thy fear; Remember and confirm thy word, For all my hopes are there.

Ver. 41 58 107. 2 Hast thou not writ salvation down, And promis'd quickening grace? Doth not my heart address thy throne? And yet thy love delays.

Ver. 132 42. 3 Mine eyes for thy salvation fail; O bear thy servant up; Nor let the scoffing lips prevail, Who dare reproach my hope.

Ver. 49 74. 4 Didst thou not raise my faith, O Lord? Then let thy truth appear: Saints shall rejoice in my reward, And trust as well as fear.

Psalm 119:11. Eleventh Part. Breathing after holiness.

Ver. 5 33. 1 O that the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still! O that my God would grant me grace To know and do his will!

Ver. 29. 2 O send thy Spirit down to write Thy law upon my heart! Nor let my tongue indulge deceit, Nor act the liar's part.

Ver. 37 36. 3 From vanity turn off my eyes: Let no corrupt design, Nor covetous desires arise Within this soul of mine.

Ver. 133. 4 Order my footsteps by thy word, And make my heart sincere, Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.

Ver. 176. 5 My soul hath gone too far astray, My feet too often slip; Yet since I've not forgot thy way, Restore thy wandering sheep.

Ver. 35. 6 Make me to walk in thy commands, 'Tis a delightful road; Nor let my head, or heart, or hands, Offend against my God.

Psalm 119:12. Twelfth Part. Breathing after comfort and deliverance.

Ver. 153. 1 My God, consider my distress, Let mercy plead my cause; Tho' I have sinn'd against thy grace, I can't forget thy laws.

Ver. 39 116. 1 Forbid, forbid the sharp reproach Which I so justly fear; Uphold my life, uphold my hopes, Nor let my shame appear.

Ver. 122 135. 3 Be thou a surety, Lord, for me, Nor let the proud oppress; But make thy waiting servant see The shinings of thy face.

Ver. 82. 4 My eyes with expectation fail, My heart within me cries, "When will the Lord his truth fulfil, "And make my comforts rise?"

Ver. 132. 5 Look down upon my sorrows, Lord, And shew thy grace the same As thou art ever wont t' afford To those that love thy Name.

Psalm 119:13. Thirteenth Part. Holy fear, and tenderness of conscience.

Ver. 10. 1 With my whole heart I've sought thy face, O let me never stray From thy commands, O God of grace, Nor tread the sinner's way.

Ver. 11. 2 Thy word I've hid within my heart To keep my conscience clean, And be an everlasting guard From every rising sin.

Ver. 63 53 158. 3 I'm a companion of the saints Who fear and love the Lord; My sorrows rise, my nature faints, When men transgress thy word.

Ver. 161 163. 4 While sinners do thy gospel wrong, My spirit stands in awe; My soul abhors a lying tongue, But loves thy righteous law.

Ver. 161 120. 5 My heart with sacred reverence hears The threatenings of thy word: My flesh with holy trembling fears The judgments of the Lord.

Ver. 166 174. 6 My God, I long, I hope, I wait For thy salvation still; While thy whole law is my delight, And I obey thy will.

Psalm 119:14. Fourteenth Part. Benefit of afflictions, and support under them.

Ver. 153 81 82. 1 Consider all my sorrows, Lord, And thy deliverance send; My soul for thy salvation faints, When will my troubles end?

Ver. 71. 2 Yet I have found, 'tis good for me To bear my Father's rod; Afflictions make me learn thy law, And live upon my God.

Ver. 50. 3 This is the comfort I enjoy When new distress begins, I read thy word, I run thy way, And hate my former sins.

Ver. 92. 4 Had not thy word been my delight When earthly joys were fled, My soul opprest with sorrow's weight Had sunk amongst the dead.

Ver. 75. 5 I know thy judgments, Lord, are right, Tho' they may seem severe; The sharpest sufferings I endure Flow from thy faithful care.

Ver. 67. 6 Before I knew thy chastening rod My feet were apt to stray; But now I learn to keep thy word, Nor wander from thy way.

Psalm 119:15. Fifteenth Part. Holy resolutions.

Ver. 93. That thy statutes every hour Might dwell upon my mind! Thence I derive a quickening power, And daily peace I find.

Ver. 15 16. 2 To meditate thy precepts, Lord, Shall be my sweet employ; My soul shall ne'er forget thy word, Thy word is all my joy.

Ver. 32. 3 How would I run in thy commands, If thou my heart discharge From sin and Satan's hateful chains, And set my feet at large!

Ver. 13 46. 4 My lips with courage shall declare Thy statutes and thy Name; I'll speak thy word, tho' kings should hear Nor yield to sinful shame.

Ver. 61 69 70. 5 Let bands of persecutors rise To rob me of my right, Let pride and malice forge their lies, Thy law is my delight.

Ver. 115. 6 Depart from me, ye wicked race, Whose hands and hearts are ill; I love my God, I love his ways, And must obey his will.

Psalm 119:16. Sixteenth Part. Prayer for quickening grace.

Ver. 25 37. 1 My soul lies cleaving to the dust; Lord, give me life divine; From vain desires and every lust Turn off these eyes of mine.

2 I need the influence of thy grace To speed me in thy way, Lest I should loiter in my race, Or turn my feet astray.

Ver. 107. 3 When sore afflictions press me down, I need thy quickening powers; Thy word that I have rested on shall help my heaviest hours.

Ver. 156 140. 4 Are not thy mercies sovereign still? And thou a faithful God? Wilt thou not grant me warmer zeal To run the heavenly road?

Ver. 159 40. 5 Does not my heart thy precepts love, And long to see thy face? And yet how slow my spirits move Without enlivening grace!

Ver. 93. 6 Then shall I love thy gospel more, And ne'er forget thy word, When I have felt its quickening power To draw me near the Lord.

Psalm 119:17. Seventeenth Part. Courage and perseverance under persecution; or, Grace shining in difficulties and trials.

Ver. 143 28. 1 When pain and anguish seize me, Lord, All my support is from thy word: My soul dissolves for heaviness, Uphold me with thy strengthening grace.

Ver. 51 69 110. 2 The proud have fram'd their scoffs and lies, They watch my feet with envious eyes, And tempt my soul to snares and sin, Yet thy commands I ne'er decline.

Ver. 161 78. 3 They hate me, Lord, without a cause, They hate to see me love thy laws: But I will trust and fear thy Name, Till pride and malice die with shame.

Psalm 119:18. Last Part. Sanctified afflictions; or, Delight in the word of God.