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And in his sacred paths shall lead the humble and the meek. 10 Through all the ways of God both truth and mercy shine, To such as, with religious hearts, to his blest will incline.

PART II.

11 Since mercy is the grace, that most exalts thy fame, Forgive my heinous sin, O Lord, and so advance thy name. 12 Whoe'er, with humble fear, to God his duty pays, Shall find the Lord a faithful guide, in all his righteous ways. 13 His quiet soul with peace shall be for ever bless'd; And by his numerous race the land successively possess'd.

14 For God to all his saints

his secret will imparts,

And does his gracious covenant write in their obedient hearts.

15 To him I lift my eyes, and wait his timely aid,

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Who breaks the strong and treacherous which for my feet was laid. 16 0! turn, and all my griefs,

in mercy, Lord, redress;

For I am compass'd round with woes, and plunged in deep distress.

17 The sorrows of my heart to mighty sums increase;

O! from this dark and dismal state my troubled soul release!

18 Do thou, with tender eyes, my sad affliction see;

Acquit me, Lord, and from my guilt entirely set me free.

19 Consider, Lord, my foes,

how vast their numbers grow! What lawless force and rage they use, what boundless hate they show! 20 Protect, and set my soul

from their fierce malice free; Nor let me be ashamed, who place my steadfast trust in thee. 21 Let all my righteous acts to full perfection rise; Because my firm and constant hope on thee alone relies.

22 To Israel's chosen race

continue ever kind; And, in the midst of all their wants, let them thy succour find.

PSALM 26.

[UDGE me, O Lord, for I the paths of righteousness have trod;

I cannot fail, who all my trust repose on thee, my God.

2,3 Search thou my heart, whose inno

cence

will shine the more 'tis try'd; For I have kept thy grace in view, and made thy truth my guide.

4 I never for companions took the idle or profane; No hypocrite, with all his arts, could e'er my friendship gain 5 I hate the busy plotting crew, who make distracted times; And shun their wicked company, as I avoid their crimes.

6 I'll wash my hands in innocence, and bring a heart so pure, That when thy altar I approach, my welcome shall secure.

7,8 My thanks I'll publish there, and tell how thy renown excels;

That seat affords me most delight,
in which thy honour dwells.
9 Pass not on me the sinners' doom,
who murder make their trade;
10 Who others' rights, by secret bribes,
or open force, invade.

11 But I will walk in paths of truth
and innocence pursue,
Protect me, therefore, and to me
thy mercies, Lord, renew.
12 In spite of all assaulting foes,
I still maintain my ground;
And shall survive among thy saints,
thy praises to resound.

WHO

PSALM 27.

THOM should I fear, since God to me is saving health and light? Since strongly he my life supports what can my soul affright?

2 With fierce intent my flesh to tear, when foes beset me round,

They stumbled, and their haughty crests were made to strike the ground.

3 Thro' him my heart, undaunted, dares with mighty hosts to cope;

Through him, in doubtful straits of war, for good success I hope.

4 Henceforth, within his house to dwell, I earnestly desire;

His wondrous beauty there to view,
and of his will inquire.

5 For there I may with comfort rest,
in times of deep distress;
And safe, as on a rock, abide

in that secure recess :

6 Whilst God o'er all my haughty foes my lofty head shall raise;

And I my joyful tribute bring,

with grateful songs of praise.
PART II.

7 Continue, Lord, to hear my voice,
whene'er to thee I cry;

In mercy my complaints receive, nor my request deny.

8 When us to seek thy glorious face, thou kindly dost advise;

"Thy glorious face I'll always seek,my grateful heart replies.

9 Then hide not thou thy face. O Lord, nor me in wrath reject;

My God and Saviour, leave not him thou didst so oft protect.

10 Tho' all my friends, and kindred too, their helpless charge forsale, Yet thou, whose love excels them all, wilt care and pity take.

11 Instruct me in thy paths, O Lord, my ways directly guide;"

Lest envious men, who watch my steps, should see me tread aside.

12 Lord, disappoint my cruel foes; defeat their ill desire, Whose lying lips, and bloody hands, against my peace conspire. 13 I trusted that my future life should with thy love be crown'd; Or else my fainting soul had sunk, with sorrow compass'd round. 14 God's time with patient faith expect, who will inspire thy breast With inward strength: do thou thy part, and leave to him the rest.

PSALM 28.

LORD, my rock, to thee I cry, in sighs consume my breath; O answer, or I shall become

like those that sleep in death. 2 Regard my supplication, Lord, the cries that I repeat,

With weeping eyes, and lifted hands, before thy mercy-seat.

3 Let me escape the sinners' doom,
who make a trade of ill,

And ever speak the person fair,
whose blood they mean to spill.
4 According to their crimes' extent,
let justice have its course;
Relentless be to them, as they

have sinn'd without remorse.

5 Since they the works of God despise,
nor will his grace adore;
His wrath shall utterly destroy,
and build them up no more.
6 But I, with due acknowledgment,
his praises will resound,

From whom the cries of my distress
a gracious answer found.
7 My heart its confidence reposed
in God, my strength and shield;
In him I trusted, and return'd

triumphant from the field.

As he hath made my joys complete,
'tis just that I should raise
The cheerful tribute of my thanks,
and thus resound his praise:
8"His aiding power supports the troops,
"that my just cause maintain:
"Twas he advanced me to the throne;
"'tis he secures my reign."

9 Preserve thy chosen, and proceed
thine heritage to bless;
With plenty prosper thein, in peace;
in battle, with success.

PSALM 29.

YE princes, that in might excel,

your grateful sacrifice prepare God's glorious actions loudly tell, his wondrous power to all declare. 2 To his great Dame fresh altars raise; devoutly due respect afford; Him in his holy temple praise,

where he's with solemn state adored. 3 Tis he that, with amazing noise,

the watery clouds in sunder breaks; The ocean trembles at his voice,

when he from heaven in thunder speaks 4,5 How full of power his voice appears! with what majestic terror crown'd? Which from their roots tall cedars tears, and strews their scatter'd branches round.

6 They, and the hills on which they grow, are sometimes hurry'd far away, And leap, like hinds that bounding go, or unicorns in youthful play. 7,8 When God in thunder loudly speaks, and scatter'd flames of lightning sends, The forest nods, the desert quakes,

and stubborn Kadesh lowly bends. 9 He makes the hinds to cast their young, and lays the beasts' dark coverts bare; While those that tó bis courts belong, securely sing his praises there. 10, 11 God rules the angry floods on high his boundless sway shall never cease; His saints with strength he will supply, and bless his own with constant peace. PSALM SO.

Γ

"LL celebrate thy praises, Lord, who didst thy power employ To raise my drooping head, and check my foes' insulting joy.

2,3 In my distress I cry'd to thee, who kindly didst relieve,

And from the grave's expecting jaws my hopeless life retrieve.

4 Thus to his courts, ye saints of his
with songs of praise repair;
With me commemorate his truth,
and providential care.

5 His wrath has but a moment's reign, his favour no decay;

Your night of grief is recompensed with joy's returning day.

6 But I, in prosperous days presumed; no sudden change I fear'd; Whilst, in my sunshine of success, no lowering cloud appear'd. 7 But soon I found thy favour, Lord, my empire's only trust;

For when thou hid'st thy face, I saw my honour laid in dust.

8 Then, as I vainly had presumed, my error I confess'd;

And thus, with supplicating voice, thy mercy's throne address'd: 9"What profit is there in my blood, "congeal'd by death's cold night?'

1

3

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Can silent ashes speak thy praise, "thy wondrous truth recite? 10 "Hear me, O Lord, in mercy hear; "thy wonted aid extend; "Do thou send kelp, on whom alone "I can for help depend." 11 'Tis done! thou hast my mournful to songs and dances turn'd; [scene Invested me with robes of state, who late in sackcloth mourn'd. 12 Exalted thus, I'll gladly sing thy praise in grateful verse; And, as thy favours endless are, thy endless praise rehearse. PSALM 31.

D

EFEND me, Lord, from shame, for still I trust in thee:

As just and righteous is thy name, from danger set ine free.

2 Bow down thy gracious ear, and speedy succour send;

Do thou my steadfast rock appear, to shelter and defend.

3 Since thou, when foes oppress, my rock and fortress art,

To guide me forth from this distress, thy wonted help impart.

4 Release me from the snare, which they have closely laid; Since I, O God, my strength, repair

to thee alone for aid.

5 To thee, the God of truth,

my life, and all that's mine,

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13 Yet slanderous words they speak, and seem my power to dread; Whilst they together counsel take, my guiltless blood to shed. 14 But still my steadfast trust I on thy help repose:

That thou, my God, art good and just,
my soul with comfort knows.
PART III.

15 Whate'er events betide,
thy wisdom times them all;
Then, Lord, thy servant safely hide
from those that seek his fall.
16 The brightness of thy face
to me, O Lord, disclose;

And, as thy mercies still increase,
preserve me from my foes.
17 Me from dishonour save,

who still have call'd on thee; Let that, and silence in the grave, the sinner's portion be.

18 Do thou their tongues restrain, whose breath in lies is spent; Who false reports, with proud disdain, against the righteous vent.

19 How great thy mercies are

to such as fear thy name,

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Which thou,for those that trust thy care
dost to the world proclaim!
20 Thou keep'st them in thy sight,
from proud oppressors free;

From tongues that do in strife delight,
they are preserved by thee.

(For thou preservedst me from my 21 With glory and renown

youth.)

I willingly resign.

6 All vain designs I hate

of those that trust in lies;

And still my soul,in every state,
to God for succour flies.
PART II.

Those mercies thou hast shown,
I'll cheerfully express;

For thou hast seen my straits, and known my soul in deep distress.

8 When Keilah's treacherous race did all my strength enclose, Thou gav'st my feet a larger space, to shun my watchful foes. 9 Thy mercy, Lord, display, and hear my just complaint; For both my soul and flesh decay, with grief and hunger faint. 10 Sad thoughts my life oppress; my years are spent in groans; My sins have made my strength decrease, and ev'n consumed my bones. 11 My foes my sufferings mock'd; my neighbours did upbraid; My friends, at sight of me, were shock'd, and fled, as men dismay'd. 12 Forsook by all am I,

as dead, and out of mind; And like a shatter'd vessel lie, whose parts can ne'er be join'd.

God's name be ever bless'd;

Whose love, in Keilah's well-fenced

town,

was wondrously express'd!

22 I said, in hasty flight,

"I'm banish'd from thine eyes;" Yet still thou keep'st me in thy sight, and heard'st my earnest cries. 23 0! all ye saints, the Lord with eager love pursue; Who to the just will help afford, and give the proud their due. 24 Ye that on God rely,

courageously proceed; For he will still your hearts supply with strength, in time of need. PSALM 32.

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5 No sooner 1 my wound disclosed, the guilt that tortured me within, But thy forgiveness interposed,

and mercy's healing balm pour'd in. 6 True penitents shall thus succeed, who seek thee whilst thou may'st be found;

And, from the common deluge freed,

shall see remorseless sinners drown'd, 7 Thy favour, Lord, in all distress,

my tower of refuge I must own; Thou shalt my haughty foes suppress, and me with songs of triumph crown. 8 In my instruction then confide,

ye that would truth's safe path desery;; Your progress I'll securely guide,

and keep you in my watchful eye. 9 Submit yourselves to wisdom's rule, like men that reason have attain'd; Not like th' ungovern'd horse and mule, whose fury must be curb'd and rein'd. 10 Sorrows on sorrows multiply'd,

the harden'd sinner shall confound; But them who in his truth confide, blessings of mercy shall surround. 11 His saints, that have perform'd his laws,

their life in triumph shall employ; Let them, as they alone have cause, in grateful raptures shout for joy.

PSALM 33.

LET all the just to God, with joy,

their cheerful voices raise; For well the righteous it becomes to sing glad songs of praise.

2, 3 Let harps, and psalteries, and lutes,
in joyful concert meet;
And new-made songs of loud applause
the harmony complete.

4,5 For faithful is the word of God;
his works with truth abound;
Fle justice loves; and all the earth
is with his goodness crown'd.
6 By his Almighty Word, at first,
the heavenly arch was rear'd;
And all the beauteous hosts of light
at his command appear'd.

7 The swelling floods, together roll'd,
he makes in heaps to lie;
And lays, as in a store-house safe,
the watery treasures by.

8,9 Let earth, and all that dwell therein, before him trembling stand;

For, when he spake the word, 'twas made;

'twas fix'd at his command. 10 He, when the heathen closely plot, their counsels undermines; His wisdom ineffectual makes

the people's rash designs.

11 Whate'er the mighty Lord decrees, sball stand for ever sure; The settled purpose of his heart 40 ages shall endure.

PART 11.

12 How happy then are they, to whom the Lord for God is known!

Whom he, from all the world besides, has chosen for his own.

13, 14, 15 He all the nations of the earth, from heaven, his throne, survey'd; He saw their works, and view'd their thoughts;

by him their hearts were made. 16, 17 No king is safe by numerous hosts; their strength the strong deceives: No managed horse, by force or speed, his warlike rider saves.

18, 19 'Tis God, who those that trust in beholds with gracious eyes;

[him He frees their soul from death; their want,

in time of dearth supplies. 20, 21 Our soul on God with patience waits;

our help and shield is he; Then, Lord, let still our hearts rejoice, because we trust in thee.

22 The riches of thy mercy, Lord,

do thou to us extend;

Since we, for all we want or wish,
on thee alone depend.
PSALM 84.

THROUGH all the changing scenes of

in trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ. 2 Of his deliverance I will boast, till all that are distrest, From my example comfort take,

and charm their griefs to rest. 3 O! magnify the Lord with me, with me exalt his name:

4 When in distress to him I call he to my rescue came.

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5 Their drooping hearts were soon re who look'd to him for aid; Desired success in every face a cheerful air display'd.

6" Behold," say they, "behold the mai "whom providence relieved; "The man so dangerously beset, "so wondrously retrieved!" 7 The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the just; Deliverance he affords to all

who on his succour trust. 8 0! make but trial of his love, experience will decide

How blest they are, and only they,

who in his truth confide.

9 Fear him, ye saints; and you will they have nothing else to fear: Make you his service your delight, your wants shall be his care.

10 While hungry lions lack their prey, the Lord will food provide

For such as put their trust in him, and see their needs supply'd,

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PART II.

11 Approach, ve piously disposed,
and my instruction hear;
I'll teach you the true discipline

of his religious fear.

12 Let him who length of life desires, and prosperous days would see,

13 From slandering language keep his tongue,

his lips from falsehood free; 14 The crooked paths of vice decline, and virtue's ways pursue; Establish peace, where 'tis begun; and where 'tis lost, renew.

15 The Lord from heaven beholds the just with favourable eyes;

And, when distress'd, his gracious ear is open to their cries;

16 But turns his wrathful look on those
whom mercy can't reclaim,

To cut them off, and from the earth
blot out their hated name.
17 Deliverance to his saints he gives,
when his relief they crave;
18 He's nigh to heal the broken heart,
and contrite spirit save.

19 The wicked oft, but still in vain,
against the just conspire;
20 For under their affliction's weight
he keeps their bones entire.

21 The wicked, from their wicked arts,
their ruin shall derive;

Whilst righteous men, whom they detest,
shall them and theirs survive.
22 For God preserves the souls of those
who on his truth depend;

To them, and their posterity,
his blessings shall descend.

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PSALM 35.

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for this deliverance bless,

And, by his saving health secured,
its grateful joy express.

10 My very bones shall say, "O Lord,
"who can compare with thee!
"Who sett'st the poor and helpless man
"from strong oppressors free."
PART II.

11 False witnesses.with forged complaints,
against my truth combined;
And to my charge such things they laid,
as I had ne'er design'd.

12 The good which I to them had done,
with evil they repaid;

And did, by malice undeserved,
my harmless life invade.

13 But as for me, when they were sick,
I still in sackcloth mourn'd;

I pray'd and fasted, and my prayer
to my own breast return'd.
14 Had they my friends or brethren been,
I could have done no more;
Nor with more decent signs of grief
a mother's loss deplore.

15 How different did their carriage prove
in times of my distress!

When they, in crowds, together met, did savage joy express.

The rabble too, in numerous throngs, by their example came;

GAINST all those that strive with me, And ceased not, with reviling words,

O Lord, assert my right;

With such as war unjustly wage,

do thou my battles fight.

2 Thy buckler take, and bind thy shield upon thy warlike arm;

Stand up, O God, in my defence,

and keep me safe from harm.

to wound my spotless fame.

16 Scoffers, that noble tables haunt, and earn their bread with lies,

Did gnash their teeth, and slandering jests maliciously devise.

17 But, Lord, how long wilt thou look on? on my behalf appear;

S Bring forth thy spear; and stop their And save my guiltless soul, which they

course,

that haste my blood to spill;

Say to my soul, "I am thy health,

and will preserve thee still."

4 Let them with shame be cover'd o'er,
who my destruction sought;
And such as did my harm devise,
be to confusion brought.

5 Then shall they fly, dispersed like chaff
before the driving wind;
God's vengeful minister of wrath
shall follow close behind.

6 And when,thro' dark and slippery ways,
they strive his rage to shun,
His vengeful ministers of wrath
hail goad them as they run.

like ravening beasts, would tear.
PART III.

18 So I, before the listening world,

shall grateful thanks express; And where the great assembly meets, thy name with praises bless. 19 Lord, suffer not my causeless foes, who me unjustly haté, With open joy, or secret signs,

to mock my sad estate.

20 For they, with hearts averse to peace. industriously devise,

Against the men of quiet minds

to forge malicious lies.

21 Nor with these private arts conten. aloud they went their spite;

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