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6 In nature's most delightful scene
my happy portion lies;
The place of my appointed reign

all other lands outvies.

7 Therefore my soul shall bless the Lord, whose precepts give me light; And private counsel still afford in sorrow's dismal night. 8 I strive each action to approve to his all-seeing eye;

No danger shall my hopes remove, because he still is nigh.

9 Therefore my heart all grief defies, my glory does rejoice;

My flesh shall rest, in hope to rise, waked by his powerful voice.

10 Thou, Lord, when I resign my breath, my soul from hell shalt free; Nor let thy Holy One in death

the least corruption see

11 Thou shalt the paths of life display, which to thy presence lead; Where pleasures dwell without allay, and joys that never fade.

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PSALM 17.

10 my just plea and sad complaint, attend, O righteous Lord; And to my prayer, as 'tis unfeign'd, a gracious ear afford.

2 As in thy sight I am approved, so let my sentence be;

And with impartial eyes, O Lord, my upright dealing see.

3 For thou hast search'd my heart by and visited by night;

And, on the strictest trial, found

its secret motions right.

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Nor shall thy justice, Lord, alone
my heart's designs acquit;
For I have purposed that my tongue
shall no offence commit.

4 I know what wicked men would do,
their safety to maintain;
But me thy just and mild commands
from bloody paths restrain.

5 That I may still, in spite of wrongs, my innocence secure,

O guide me in thy righteous ways,
and make my footsteps sure.

6 Since, heretofore, I ne'er in vain
to thee my prayer address'd;
O! now, my God, incline thine ear
to this my just request.

7 The wonders of thy truth and love
in my defence engage;

Thou, whose right hand preserves thy saints

from their oppressor's rage.
PART II.

8,9 0! keep me in thy tenderest care;
thy sheltering wings stretch out,
To guard me safe from savage foes,
that compass me about:

10 O'ergrown with luxury, enclosed
in their own fat they lie,

And, with a proud blaspheming mouth, both God and man defy.

11 Well may they boast, for they have my paths encompass'd round; (now Their eyes at watch, their bodies bow'd, and couching on the ground 12 In posture of a lion set, when greedy of his prey; Or a young lion, when he lurks within a covert way.

13 Arise, O Lord, defeat their plots, their swelling rage control;

From wicked men, who are thy sword, deliver thou my soul:

14 From worldly men, thy sharpest

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PSALM 18.

No change of time shall ever shock

my firm affection, Lord, to thee; For thou hast always been my rock a fortress and defence to me. Thou my deliverer art, my God;

my trust is in thy mighty power Thou art my shield from foes abroad, at home my safeguard and my tower 3 To thee I will address my prayer,

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

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

in death's unwieldly fetters bound; 6 To heaven I made my mournful prayer, to God address'd my humble moan: Who graciously inclined his ear, and heard me from his lofty throne. PART II.

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

The hills did at his presence shake,

nor could his dreadful fury bear. 8 Thick clouds of smoke dispersed abroad, ensigns of wrath before him came; Devouring fire around him glow'd,

that coals were kindled at its flame. 9 He left the beauteous realms of light, whilst heaven bow'd down its awful

head;

Beneath his feet substantial night

was like a sable carpet spread. 10 The chariot of the King of kings, which active troops of angels drew

On a strong tempest's rapid wings,

with most amazing swiftness flew. 11, 12 Black watery mists and clouds conspired,

with thickest shades his face to veil; But at his brightness soon retired,

and fell in showers of fire and hail. 13 Through heaven's wide arch a thundering peal

God's angry voice did loudly roar; While earth's snd face with heaps of hail

and flakes of fire was cover'd o'er. 14 His sharpen'd arrows round he threw, which made his scatter'd foes retreat; Like darts his nimble lightnings flew, and quickly finish'd their defeat. 15 The deep its secret stores disclosed, the world's foundations naked lay; By his avenging wrath exposed, which fiercely raged that dreadful day. PART III.

16 The Lord did on my side engage; from heaven, his throne, my cause upheld:

And snatch'd me from the furious rage of threatening waves, that proudly swell'd.

17 God his resistless power employ'd my strongest foes' attempts to break; Who else with ease had soon destroy'd

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

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

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

nor loosely wander'd from my God. 23, 24 But still my soul, sincere and pure, did even from darling sins refrain; Itis favours therefore vet endure, because my heart and hands are clean. PART IV.

23, 20 Thou suit'st, O Lord, thy righteous ways

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

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

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

whose darkness be has turn'd to light.

29 On his firm succour 1 rely'd,

and did o'er numerous foes prevail; Nor fear'd, whilst he was on my side, the best defended walls to scale. 30 For God's design shall still succeed, his word will bear the utmost test; He's a strong shield to all that need, and on his sure protection rest. 31 Who then deserves to be adored, but God, on whom my hopes depend? Or who, except the mighty Lord,

can with resistless power defend?
PART V.

32, 53 'Tis God that girds my armour on,
and all my just designs fulfils;
Through him my feet can swiftly run,
and nimbly climb the steepest hills.
34 Lessons of war from him I take,

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

protects me from assaulting foes; His hand sustains me still; my wealth and greatness from his bounty flows. 36 My goings he enlarged abroad,

till then to narrow paths confined; And, when in slippery ways I trod, the method of my steps design'd. 37 Through him I numerous hosts defeat, and flying squadrons captive take; Nor from my fierce pursuit retreat, till I a final conquest make.

38 Cover'd with wounds, in vain they try their vanquish'd heads again to rear; Spite of their boasted strength, they lie beneath my feet, and grovel there. 39 God, when fresh armies take the field, recruits my strength, my courag

warms;

He makes my strong opposers yield, subdued by my prevailing arms. 40 Thro' him the necks of prostrate foes my conquering feet in triumph press; Aided by him, root out those

who hate and envy my success. 41 With loud complaints all friends they try'd;

but none was able to defend; At length to God for help they cry'd;

but God would no assistance lend. 42 Like flying dust, which winds pursue, their broken troops I scatter'd round, Their slaughter'd bodies forth I threw, like loathsome dirt, that clogs the ground.

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

and foreign nations own my sway. 44 Remotest realms their hoinage send, when my successful name they hear; Strangers for my commands attend,

charm'd with respect, or awed by fear.

45 All to my summons tamely yield,
or soon in battle are dismay'd;
For stronger holds they quit the field,
and still in strongest holds afraid.
46 Let the eternal Lord be praised,

the rock on whose defence I rest!
To highest heavens his name be raised,
who me with his salvation blest!
47 'Tis God that still supports my right;
his just revenge my foes pursues;
'Tis he, that, with resistless might,

fierce nations to my yoke subdues. 48 My universal safeguard he!

from whom my lasting honours flow;
He made me great, and set me free
from my remorseless bloody foe.
49 Therefore, to celebrate his fame,
my grateful voice to heaven I'll raise;
And nations, strangers to his name,
shall thus be taught to sing his praise:
50 "God to his king deliverance sends;
"shows his anointed signal grace;
"His mercy evermore extends
"to David,and his promised race."
PSALM 19.

Twhich let alone can fill;
THE heavens declare thy glory, Lord,

The firmament and stars express

Their great Creator's skill.

2 The dawn of each returning day fresh beams of knowledge brings; And from the dark returns of night divine instruction springs.

3 Their powerful language to no realm or region is confined;

'Tis nature's voice, and understood
alike by all mankind.

4 Their doctrine does its sacred sense
through earth's extent display;
Whose bright contents the circling sun
does round the world convey.
5 No bridegroom on his nuptial day
has such a cheerful face;"
No giant does like him rejoice

to run his glorious race.

6 From east to west, from west to east,
his restless course he goes;
And, through his progress, cheerful light
and vital warmth bestows.

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More sweet thar. noney, or the drops

that from the comb distil.
11 My trusty counsellors they are,
and friendly warnings give;
Divine rewards attend on those
who by thy precepts live.

12 But what frail man observes how of
he does from virtue fall?

O cleanse me from my secret faults,

thou God that know'st them all!' 13 Let no presumptuous sin, O Lord, dominion have o'er me;

That, by thy grace preserved, I may
the great transgression flee.
14 So shall my prayer and praises be
with thy acceptance blest;
And I secure on thy defence,

my strength and Saviour, rest.
PSALM 20.

and hear thee in distress;
THE Lord to thy request attend

The name of Jacob's God defend,
and grant thy arms success:
2 To aid thee from on high repair,
and strength from Sion give;
3 Remember all thy offerings there,
thy sacrifice receive:

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

5 To thy salvation, Lord, for aid
we cheerfully repair,

With banners in thy name display'd;'
"The Lord accept thy prayer."

6 Our hopes are fix'd, that now the Loal,
our sovereign, will defend;
From heaven resistless aid afford,
and to his prayer attend.

7 Some trust in steeds for war design'd;
on chariots some rely;

Against them all we'll call to mind
the power of God most high.

8 But, from their steeds and chariots
thrown,

Behold them through the plain,
Disorder'd, broke, and trampled down,
whilst firm our troops remain.
8 Still save us, Lord, and still proceed
our rightful cause to bless;

Hear, King of heaven, in times of need,
the prayers that we address.
PSALM 21.

THE king, O Lord, with songs of praise
shall in thy strength rejoice;
With thy salvation crown'd, shall raise
to heaven his cheerful voice.
2 For thou, whate'er his lips request,
not only dost impart;

But hast, with thy acceptance, blest
the wishes of his heart.

3 Thy goodness and thy tender care
have all his hopes outgone;

A crown of gold thou mad'st hira wear
and sett'st it firmly on.

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He pray'd for life; and thou, O Lord, They shoot the lip, they shake the head,

didst to his prayer attend, And graciously to him afford

a life that ne'er shall end.

5 Thy sure defence through nations round

has spread his glorious name; And his successful actions crown'd with majesty and fame.

Eternal blessings thou bestow'st, and mak'st his joys increase; Whilst thou to him unclouded show'st the brightness of thy face.

PART II.

7 Because the king on God alone
for timely aid relies;
His mercy still supports his throne,
and all his wants supplies.

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

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

9 When thou against them dost engage, thy just but dreadful doom Shall, like a glowing oven's rage, their hopes and them consume.

10 Nor shall thy furious anger cease, or with their ruin end;

But root out all their guilty race,

and to their seed extend.

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

But thou with watchful care didst still the ill effects prevent.

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12 While they their swift retreat shall to 'scape thy dreadful might, Thy swifter arrows shall o'ertake, and gall them in their flight. 13 Thus, Lord, thy wondrous strength and thus exalt thy fame; [disclose, Whilst we glad songs of praise compose to thy Almighty name.

PSALM 22.

MY God, my God, why leav'st thou me

when I with anguish faint? O! why so far from me removed, and from my loud complaint? 2 All day, but all the day unheard, to thee do I complain; With cries implore relief all night, but cry all night in vain.

3 Yet thou art still the righteous Judge of innocence oppress'd; And therefore Israel's praises are of right to thee address'd. 4, 5 On thee our ancestors rely'd, and thy deliverance found; With pious confidence they pray'd, and with success were crown'd. 6 But I am treated like a worm; like none of human birth; Not only by the great reviled, but made the rabble's mirth.

7 With laughter all the gazing crowd, my agonies survey; Da

and thus deriding say:

8" In God he trusted, boasting oft "that he was heaven's delight; "Let God come down to save him now, "and own his favourite."

PART II.

9 Thou mad'st my teeming mother's a living offspring bear; Twomb When but a suckling at the breast,

I was thy early care.

10 Thou, guardian-like, didst shield from wrongs

my helpless infant days;

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

11 Withdraw not then so far from me,
when trouble is so nigh;

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

12 High-pamper'd bulls, a frowning from Basan's forest met,

[herd, With strength proportion' to their rage, have me around beset.

13 They gape on me, and every mouth a yawning grave appears The desert lion's savage rot

less dreadful is than theirs. PART III.

14 My blood like water's spill'd, my joints are rack'd and out of frame; My heart dissolves within my breast,

like wax before the flame.

15 My strength like potter's earth is parch'd;

my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And to the silent shades of death my fainting soul withdraws.

16 Like blood-hounds to surround me, in pack'd assemblies meet; [they They pierced my inoffensive hands; they pierced my harmless feet. 17 My body's rack'd, till all my bones distinctly may be told;

Yet such a spectacle of woe

as pastime they behold.

18 As spoil, my garments they divide, lots for ny vesture cast;

19 Therefore approach, O Lord, my strength,

and to my succour haste.

20 From their sharp swords protect thou of all but life bereft;

Nor let my darling in the power
of cruel dogs be left.

21 To save me from the lion's jaws,
thy present succour send;
As once, from goring unicorns,

thou didst my life defend.

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

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23 Ye worshippers of Jacob's Cod, "all you of Israel's line,

"O praise the Lord, and to your praise "sincere obedience join. 24" He ne'er disdain'd on low distress "to cast a gracious eye;

Nor turn'd from poverty his face, "but hears its humble cry." PART IV.

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

26 The meek companions of my grief shall find my table spread;

And all that seek the Lord,shall be with joys immortal fed.

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27 Then shall the glad converted world to God their homage pay; And scatter'd nations of the earth one sovereign Lord obey. 28 'Tis his supreme prerogative o'er subject kings to reign;

'Tis just that he should rule the world, who does the world sustain.

29 The rich, who are with plenty fed,
his bounty must confess;
The sons of want, by him relieved,
their generous Patron bless.
With humble worship to his throne
they all for aid resort;

That power, which first their beings
can only them support.
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30, 31 Then shall a chosen spotless race,
devoted to his name,

To their admiring heirs his truth, and glorious acts, proclaim. PSALM 23.

THE

HE Lord himself, the mighty Lord, vouchsafes to be my guide;

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

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

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

3 He does my wandering soul reclaim, and, to his endless praise, Instruct with humble zeal to walk

in his most righteous ways. 4 I pass the gloomy vale of death, from fear and danger free; For there his aiding rod and staff defend and comfort me.

5 In presence of my spiteful foes he does my table spread;

He crowns my cup with cheerful wine, with oil anoints my head.

6 Since God doth thus his wondrous love through all my life extend, That life to him I will devote, and in his temple spend,

PSALM 24.

E spacious earth is all the Lord's, the Lord's her fulness is;

The world. and they that dwell therein, by sovereign right are his.

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

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

O! who shall to that sacred hill deserved admittance find?

4 The man, whose hands and heart are pure,

whose thoughts from pride are free Who honest poverty prefers

to gainful perjury.

5 This, this is he, on whom the Lord shall shower his blessings down; Whom God, his Saviour, shall vouchsafe, with righteousness to crown.

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

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

The King of Glory: see! he comes with his celestial train.

8 Who is the King of Glory? who? the Lord, for strength renown'd; In battle mighty; o'er bis foes eternal victor crown'd.

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

The King of Glory: see! he comes with all his shining train. 10 Who is the King of Glory? who? the Lord of hosts renown'd; Of Glory he alone is King, who is with glory crown'd.

PSALM 25.

TO God, in whom I trust,

I lift my heart and voice, O! let me not be put to shame, nor let my foes rejoice. 3 Those who on thee rely,

let no disgrace attend; Be that the shameful lot of such as wilfully offend.

4,5 To me thy truth impart,

and lead me in thy way;

For thou art he that brings me help: on thee I wait all day.

6 Thy mercies,and thy love, O Lord,recal to mind; And graciously continue still, as thou wert ever, kind. 7 Let all my youthful crimes be blotted out by thee; And, for thy wondrous goodness sake in mercy think on me.

8 His mercy, and his truth,

the righteous Lord displays, In bringing wandering sinners home and teaching them his ways. 9 He those in justice guides, who his direction seek

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