wholly answered my expectations I could not rest in the unpleasant harshness of the strictest Versions seeing Psalms lose their ends that lose their affecting pleasure I durst not venture on the Paraphrastical great liberty of others I durst make Hymns of my own or explain the Apocryphal but I feared adding to God's Word and making my own to-pass for God's Yet I scrupled not giving the sence of the Hebrew Text more fully than our strict Translation hath done by the addition of Adjectives and Adverbs because oft-times a Hebrew word doth signifie more than one Greek Latin or English word can open without such an Explicatory Adjective or Adverb So that my labour hath been both to avoid the harshness and unpleasantness of strict Versions and the boldness of copious Paraphrases And as I did it for my own use under my constant dying pains and solitude so I leave it for the secret or Family-use of those with whose Condition and spirits it best suiteth without disparaging the more excellent Labours of any others That is best for some in private that is not so for others § 6. I have in the end shewed why I have done that which no man ever did before me to fit the same Psalms to various Tunes and Measures longer and shorter specially to gratifie them by variety that are used to be dull'd with Customariness in the same and to give them Expository Notes who use but Obscure Abbreviation and Conciseness in words And I hope the Printer will make so visible a difference in the Characters that the additional words shall stumble none § 7. I have added the Apocryphal Hymns 1. For their Excellency and Usefulness 2. To confute them that think that no forms of Worship but those found in Scripture may be used or imposed 3. To confute the Casuists that tell the World that we are against all such Liturgick Forms Those that published the Old Church-Psalms added many useful Hymns that are still printed with the Psalms in Metre And doubtless Paul meaneth not only David's Psalms when he bids men sing with grace in their hearts Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs Yea it is past doubt that Hymns more suitable to Gospel-times may and ought to be now used And if used they must be premeditated how else shall Congregations sing them And if premeditated they must be some way imposed How else shall the Congregations all joyn in the same I plead not for Imposing by cruel Penalties nor laying the Churches Love and Communion on a Tune or Metre There are three sorts of Imposing such Liturgick Forms of Psalms Praise or Prayer 1. One is when the Pastor is left free to his own discretion but yet his words of Prayer or Praise are a Form to the Congregation which he imposeth on them by the Authority of his Office obliging them to concur For if every one speak there his own words it will be liker a Bedlam than a Church 2. A Second way of Imposing is when the United Churches of a Nation for Edification and amiableness of Concord agree all on one Translation Version Metre or form of Words Which is useful First when Heresies are abroad to keep them out of the publick Worship And Secondly that people may know before-hand what the Worship of the Church is in which they are to joyn and may not say We know not what Worship you will offer to God till the Minister have spoken and the words be past And so there may be as many sorts of Worship as there are speakers And Thirdly Fore-knowledge may make amiable Concord easie to them And no doubt such an Agreement of Churches is good and amiable 3. And the Third way of Imposing is by the Laws of Christian Magistrates And who can say that they may not Command that amiable Concord which the Churches might of themselves agree in should the Magistrate leave them to their choice I do not say that Rulers should hang burn or ruine all persons that by weakness are against a commanded Version Metre or Tune or Form But good Christians should abhor all such vain scruples and self-conceits and affected singularity and disobedience as are against the sweet Concord of the Church § 8. It is a doleful case that Satan by subtilty hath so far prevailed with many honest Christians as to place their Religion in Negative Superstition that they may avoid Positive Superstition Touch not tast not handle not kneel not stand not up bow not use not those Forms which the common Congregations use c. And many by this are tempted to think that they are holyer than others because they avoid by erroneous singularity the lawful words and actions of others And they think men Prophane and Carnal that are not as superstitiously singular as they Not comparing the Men but the Cause I think it much less blameable to say with the Pharisee God I thank thee that I am not as other men Extortioners Unjust Adulterers or even as this Publican Than to say God I thank thee that I am not as other Christians that pray in a prescribed Form or use Responses or Communicate in the Parish-Churches or kneel at the Lord's Table or stand up at the Creed or Gospel c. The difference between these two cases is very notable The first sort are proud of that which is good The second take conceited erroneous Singularity for a mark of Piety Not that we should commit the least sin for complyance with any but as Augustine resolved in Lawful Customs to do as the Church doth where he comes so should all the lovers of Peace and Concord But as the late Lord Chief Justice Sir Matthew Hale in his Judgment of Religion and its corruptions who was no Schismatick and whose M.S. I keep saith The Christian Religion is a plain and holy thing fit for the Salvation and the Concord of all that sincerely own it But mens Additions have proved the Corrupters and Dividers And while one sort make a Religion of their own Inventions and think that it is no good Church-Government that maketh not some new Religion fitter for mens Consciences And another sort thinketh that it is sin to do any thing that is not in Scripture which men command us and so all Sects are turned superstitious and make Duties and Sins which God never made Instead of God's Religion which is plain saving and uniting the World is torn by mens Dividing Engines supposed by ignorance to be the means to heal it even by the Positive Superstition of one Party and the Negative Superstition of the other The sense of their Error that refuse David's Psalms and separate from all Churches that have any Imposed Forms of Liturgie hath occasioned this digression I confess my Metre and Tunes and Apocryphal Hymns are not in words found in the Scriptures nor are the words of my ordinary Preaching and Prayers there But they are commanded by the general Precepts of the Scripture Let all be done to Edification
and Exhort one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord Col. 3.16 What sweeter foretaste of the Heavenly Everlasting Praises There is no Exercise that I had rather live and dye in than singing Praises to our Redeemer and Jehovah while I might in the Holy Assemblies and now when I may not as Paul and Silas in my Bonds and my dying pains which are far heavier than my Bonds Lord Jesus receive my Praise and Supplications first and lastly my departing Soul Amen What is the sum of my desires To KNOW and LOVE and LIVE TO GOD To PLEASE HIM and BE PLEAS'D IN HIM To long for Heaven and bear his Rod. Richard Baxter Mr. Baxter's PARAPHRASE ON THE PSALMS PSALM I. To the Tune of Old 100. 1 Blest is the man who doth avoid The Counsel of ungodly mates Who stands not in the sinners way Nor sitteth in the scorners seats 2 But in the holy Law of God Doth choose and place his chief delight And with sincere obedient heart Meditates in it day and night 3 We shall be like the prosp'ring tree That planted by a rivers side In season yieldeth plenteous fruit Whose leaf doth always green abide 4 The Lord will prosper this mans work But the ungodly are not so But like rejected worthless chaff Which every wind drives to and fro 5 Therefore th' ungodly shall not stand But fall when judgment gives their doom Nor sinners in the righteous mens Blessed assembly ever come 6 Because the way of righteous men The Lord with approbation knows But the way of ungodly men To their own just destruction goes PSALM II. 1 WHy do the rebel Nations rage And People hatch a vain design 2 The Kings of Earth do set themselves And wicked Rulers do combine Against God and his Christ they say Let us cast off and break the bands 3 And cast away those cords his Laws Which tye up hearts and tongues and hands 4 But he whose Glory is in Heaven Their Rebel Counsels shall deride Their purposes the Lord will scorn Their boasting tongues he will divide 5 Then shall he speak in wrath to those His gentle yoak who could not bear His sore displeasure shall them vex When they this Divine Sentence hear 6 Yet have I set my chosen King On Sion's Sacred Hill to reign His Kingdom 's Glory I 'le declare And God's decree I will proclaim 7 The Lord Almighty uttered it And he himself thus said to me Thou art my Son and this same day Have I rais'd and begotten thee 8 Ask me and I 'le the Heathen give For thy enlarg'd Inheritance And to possess the utmost parts Of all the earth I 'le thee advance 9 The Rebels with an Iron rod Thou shalt bruise and asunder shake Like brittle earthen vessels them Thou shalt dash and in pieces break 10 Be wise now O ye mortal Kings Learn all ye Judges of the earth 11 Serve God with true Religious fear Joyn awful trembling with your mirth 12 Now kiss the Son left in his wrath You die and perish from the way If once his anger kindled be Then all who trust him blest are they PSALM III. 1 LOrd how are they increas'd That are mine enemies Many there be that trouble me And do against me rise 2 Many say of my soul He hath no help in God 3 But thou my shield and glory art And liftest up my head 4 I with my mournful voice Unto the Lord did cry And he out of his holy place Did hear me graciously 5 I laid me down and slept I wak'd and rose again For it is God in whom I trust That doth me still sustain 6 And though ten thousand foes Were round about me laid While God is for me and my help Why should I be afraid 7 Arise and save me Lord My God the Cheek-bone strake Of all my foes and wicked mens Devouring teeth did break 8 To save his chosen doth Belong to God alone Thy blessing shall for evermore Thy people rest upon PSALM IV. 1 O Hear me when to thee I call God of my help and righteousness Have mercy on me hear my prayer Thou sav'dst me in my great distress 2 O sons of men how long will ye The great God's glory vilifie How long will ye love vanity And seek and trust a flatt'ring lie 3 But know that God doth for himself The Godly choose and set apart The Lord will hear when I to him Do call in faith with fervent heart 4 Fear God therefore Take heed of sin Use to consider with your hearts In secret silence of the night In bed when sleep from you departs 5 Offer to God the sacrifice Of Love and sincere righteousness And then put all your trust in him To save and help you in distress 6 Deceived men enquire for good But where to find it cannot tell Lord let the glory of thy face Shine forth on us and we are well 7 Thy Love and Grace into my heart Hath put more joy and solid peace Then all their wealth will them afford When Corn and Wine do most increase 8 I will both lay me down in peace And hope for quiet rest and sleep Trusting alone that thou Lord wilt Me and my dwelling safely keep PSALM V. 1 GIve ear unto my words O Lord My doleful meditation weigh 2 And hear my voice my King my God For unto thee I cry and pray 3 At Morning thou shalt hear my voice My Morning Prayer I 'le direct To thee O Lord and looking up Thy gracious answer will expect 4 For thou the Holy God dost not In any wickedness delight Neither shall evil dwell with thee 5 Or wicked fools stand in thy sight 6 Thou hatest wicked workers all And Lyars all thou wilt subvert The Lord abhorreth men of blood And the deceitful tongue and heart 7 In thine abundant mercies I Will in thy sacred house appear And tow'rd thy holy temple I Will worship thee in holy fear 8 Lead me Lord in thy righteousness Before my watchful envious foe Before my face do thou make strait The way wherein I ought to go 9 Their mouth no credit doth deserve Their inward part is wickedness Their throat is like an open grave Their tongues do flattering lies express 10 By their own Counsels let them fall Destroy them Lord and them expel In their abundant sins for they Against thee madly did rebel 11 Let all rejoyce and shout for joy Who firmly put their trust in thee For them thou keepest Let them that love Thy Holy Name still joyful be 12 For thou Lord wilt the righteous bless And with thy special favour own Thou as a shield wilt him defend And with thy loving kindness crown PSALM VI. 1 LOrd in thy wrath rebuke me not I earnestly do thee desire Though my great sin do it deserve Correct me not in burning ire 2 Lord pity me a feeble wretch Whom sin and dolour weakned hath O heal my pained
Nations then May humbled be and know themselves To be but feeble dying men PSALM X. 1 WHy standest thou Lord as far off And seem'st from us thy self to hide 2 In troublous times when wicked men Do persecute the poor in pride But let these proud and wicked men Themselves be taken and surpriz'd Even in the same destructive trap Which they in craft for us devis'd 3 The wicked of his hearts desire Doth boast in prosperous worldly state The covetous worldling he doth praise Whom yet the righteous Lord doth hate 4 The wicked puffed up with pride Is to such sottish folly brought That he disdains to seek the Lord God is not in his bruitish thought 5 Hurtfulness is in all his ways For thine are all above his sight All that he takes for enemies He puffs at with scorn and despight 6 He saith in his self-flattering heart Surely I never mov'd shall be My prosperous state shall not decay Nor shall I ever trouble see 7 His mouth 's with rage and cursing full And with deceit and guileful lies Under his wicked tongue is hatcht Mischief falshood and vanities 8 He lurks in Towns and Villages To catch and kill the innocent In secret his malicious eyes Against the helpless poor are benâ— 9 He Lion-like lurks in his den And waits the humbled poor to take And drawn into his own made net Him as his lawful prey doth make 10 He crowcheth low that so the poor In his strong cruel paws may fall 11 His heart saith God doth not regard But winks and will not see at all 12 Forget not humble men O Lord Lift up thy hand for them arise 13 Because they think thou 'lt not them judge Therefore the wicked thee despise 14 Mischief and spight thou dost behold And with thy hand wilt it repay The poor commits himself to thee Thou art the Orphans help and stay 15 Break thou the arm of wicked men And take down those that evil be Seek out their wickedness until Thou find none 's unreveng'd by thee 16 The Lord is King for evermore The heathen by his mighty hand And wicked all are perished And cast out of his holy land 17 The humble man's righteous desires O Lord thou graciously didst hear Thou wilt prepare and fix their hearts And thou wilt yield a hearing ear 18 To judge and help the fatherless And the opprest and humble poor That so these men of earth may vex And terrifie the just no more PSALM XI 1 IN God I put my trust Why then in scorn say ye To God for help as silly birds Unto your mountain flee 2 The wicked bend their bow Their arrows they prepare That in the dark they may them shoot At those that upright are 3 If by their violence Foundations be destroy'd What can the grieved righteous do The ruins to avoid 4 God in his Temple is The Lord's Throne is in Heaven His eyes behold his eye-lids try The sons of mortal men 5 The Lord the just man tries But he the wicked hates And him that loveth violence His soul abominates 6 Snares fire and brimstone he On wicked men will rain This is the portion and the cup That doth for them remain 7 For the just Lord doth love Just things as his delight And with a pleased countenance Beholdeth the upright PSALM XII 1 HElp Lord for upright godly men from us are taken hence away And from among the sons of men The faithful daily do decay 2 Unto his neighbour every one Dont speak with lies and vanity With a false double heart they talk And lips of fraud and flattery 3 God will cut off all flattering lips And the proud tongue that speaketh thus 4 Our word shall stand our tongue is ours What Lord is Ruler over us 5 For the oppression of the poor And needy's sighs I 'le now a rise And them in safety set saith God From those that them with scorn despise 6 The words of God are words most pure Like purest silver fully try'd In earthen furnace many times Refin'd and throughly purify'd 7 Lord thou wilt thine save and preserve For ever from this wicked race 8 The wicked then are bold and brisk When vile men get in highest place PSALM XIII 1 HOw long wilt thou forget me Lord O shall it thus for ever be How long wilt thou displeasedly Thus hide thy pleased face from me 2 How long shall thoughts disturb my soul And daily grief my heart assail How long shall cruel enemies By pow'r thus over me prevail 3 Pity my case O Lord my God Hear me and lighten thou mine eyes Left me as by fatal sleep Untimely feared death surprize 4 Left my triumphing foes should say We have prevail'd our work it 's done And those that trouble me rejoyce And boast when I am overthrown 5 But in thy tender mercy Lord My troubled soul her trust doth place O Let my raised hearty rejoyce In thy defence and saving grace 6 Because the Lord hath bounteously Dealt well with me in every thing To him my saved thankful soul Shall joyful endless praises sing PSALM XIV 1 THe hearts and lives of wicked fools Tell us they no God truly own Corrupt are they their works are vile Of them that do good there is none 2 Upon the worldly sons of men From Heav'n God lookt and searcht abroad To see if any understood And seriously sought after God 3 They wholly filthy are become They all from him aside are gone None of them liveth to do good Of all these wordly men not one 4 Have all these men of wicked works No wit or knowledge left at all Who eat my people up as bread On God they never truly call 5 Yet oft in sin they have great fear For God's among and for the just 6 They shame the counsels of poor Saints Because to God they seek and trust 7 O that our help from God were come When God brings back the Captives sad Then Jacob shall therein rejoyce And Israel shall in him be glad PSALM XV. 1 LOrd in thy Tabernacle Who shall inhabit still And whom wilt thou receive to dwell In thy most holy hill 2 He that walks uprightly And worketh righteousness And the truth which is in his heart Doth with his tongue express 3 He that backbiteth not Nor doth his neighbour hurt Nor yet against his neighbour doth Receive an ill report 4 In whose discerning eyes Vile persons are contemn'd But those that truly fear the Lord Doth honour and commend His righteous oath and word That keepeth faithfully Although he made his covenant so That he doth lose thereby 5 On hurtfull Usury His money hath not lent Nor taketh a reward or brib Against the innocent He that these things observes Which God would have be done Shall never be by fraud or force Moved and overthrown PSALM XVI 1 LOrd keep me for I trust in thee My refuge and my chosen part 2 My soul by thy command hath said That thou
In our sight Now let his God deliver him If he in him delight 9 Thou took'st me from the womb Thou wast my hope and rest When I a seeble Infant hang'd Upon my mother's breast 10 I was cast on thy care Even from my birth till now And from the womb that did me bear My God and Guide art thou 11 Be not far off for grief Is near and no help found 12 Many Bulls compass me fat Bulls Of Bashan me surround 13 Their mouth they open'd wide Upon me gaped they Like to a Lion's ravening And roaring for his prey 14 My bones are out of joynt Like water I am spilt Among my pained Intestines My heart like wax doth melt 15 Like a potsherd my strength Is dry'd My tongue cleaveth Unto my jaws and thou hast brought Me to the dust of death 16 For dogs have compass'd me And the assembled bands Of wicked men enclosed me They pierc'd my feet and hands 17 I may count all my bones On me they look and stare 18 Upon my Vesture they cast lots My Cloaths among them share 19 Be not far from me Lord My strength to help me hast 20 My soul deliver from the sword Do not to Dogs me cast 21 Save me from lying mouths For thou hast oft heard me Even from the horns of Unicorns I have been sav'd by thee 22 Unto my brethren I Will yet declare thy name And with the Congregation great I 'le joyn to praise the same 23 Ye that fear God praise him His great name glorifie All Jacob's seed and fear ye him Israel's posterity 24 For he hath not despis'd Th' afflicted's misery Nor hid his face from him but heard When he to him did cry 25 In the Assemblies great My praise shall be of thee And before them that do thee fear My Vows perform'd shall be 26 The meek shall be suffic'd With food All praise shall give To God who him do truly seek Your hearts shall ever live 27 All lands remember shall And turn unto the Lord And by all kindreds of the earth Our God shall be ador'd 28 The Kingdom is the Lord's He governs Nations all All that on earth by him are fed Before him down shall fall 29 All shall before him bow That down to dust descend None can of all the sons of men His life from death defend 30 But still a holy seed The Lord shall truly serve And God will them his chosen flock Account and still preserve 31 They shall come and his work Of righteousness make known Unto a people yet unborn That this the Lord hath done PSALM XXIII 1 THe Lord himself my shepherd is Who doth me feed and safely keep What can I want that 's truly good While I am one of his own sheep 2 He makes me to lie down and rest In pleasant pastures tender grass He keeps and gently leadeth me Near the sweet streams of quietness 3 My failing soul he doth restore And lead in safe and righteous ways And all this freely that his grace And holy Name may have the praise 4 And though my daily walk do lie Through death's dark vale yet thou art there All being managed by thee Therefore no evil will I fear For in my lowest darkest state The Lord of Love is with me still Thy Rod and Staff shall comfort me And keep me from all deadly ill 5 Thy bounty doth my Table spread In presence of my envious foes My head refreshing Oyl anoints My plenteous cup still overflows 6 Goodness and mercy all my days Shall surely keep and follow me And in the house of God always My joyful dwelling-place shall be The same by Mr. George Herbert 1 THe God of Love my Shepherd is And he that doth me feed While he is mine and I am his What can I want or need 2 He leads me to the tender grass Where I both feed and rest Then to the streams that gently pass In both I have the best 3 And if I stray he doth convert And bring my mind in frame And all this not for my desert But for his holy name 4 And in death's shady black abode Well may I walk not fear For thou art with me and thy rod To guide thy staff to bear 5 Thou makest me to sit and dine Even in mine enemies fight My head with Oyl my cup with Wine Flows over day and night 6 Surely thy sweet and wondrous love Shall measure all my days And as it never shall remove So neither shall my praise PSALM XXIV 1 THe earth is all the Lord's Its fulness all is his The world with all that are therein His own creation is 2 For he the liquid Seas Hath its foundation made And it upon the water-floods Hath stablished and staid 3 Into God's sacred mount Who 's he that shall ascend And in his place of holiness Who shall accepted stand 4 Whose heart 's pure and hands clean And unto vanity He who hath not lift up his soul Nor sworn deceitfully 5 This man a blessing great From God shall surely have Righteous and gracious usage from The God that will him save 6 Of them that seek the Lord This is the holy race Such are the men of Jacob's God Who seek thy pleased face 7 Lift up your heads ye gates You lasting doors make way That so the great desired King Of Glory enter may 8 Who is this Glorious King Who may this Monarch be The strong and mighty God the Lord Mighty in war is he 9 Lift up your heads ye gates You lasting doors make way That so the great and mighty King Of Glory enter may 10 Who is he that is King Of Glory Who is this The Lord of Hosts and he alone The King of Glory is PSALM XXV 1 I Lift my heart to thee My God and guide most just 2 O let me never be asham'd For in thee do I trust Let not my foes rejoyce And triumph over me 3 And let not any be asham'd That trust and wait on thee But let them shamed be Who causelesly transgress 4 Shew me thy ways Lord teach thou me Thy paths of Righteousness 5 Direct me in thy truth And teach me I thee pray Thou art my God and Saviour On thee I wait alway 6 Remember O my God Thy mercies manifold And thy great loving kindnesses For they have been of old 7 My sins and faults of youth O keep not on record In mercy for thy goodness sake Remember me O Lord. 8 Perfectly good is God A sure and upright guide Therefore he 'll teach sinners his way That they go not aside 9 The humble he will guide Who do his Counsels seek And he will teach his way unto The lowly and the meek 10 For all the paths of God Are truth and mercy sure To them that do his Covenant keep And Testimonies pure 11 For thy names-sake O Lord I humbly thee intreat To pardon my iniquity For it is very great 12 Whoso doth fear the Lord The Lord
When God arose to judge and save All those that humble and meek were 10 The furious wrath of cruel men Shall surely to thy praise redound And the remainder of their wrath Thou wilt restrain and strictly bound 11 Vow to the Lord your God and pay All you that are un to him near And bring your Presents unto him That ought to be your chiefest fear 12 The greatest Princes spirits all Quickly by him cut off shall be And to the Kings that Rule on earth At last most terrible is he PSALM LXXVII 1 I With my fervent voice did cry To God in all my grief and fear Even to my God with mournful voice And he to me in time gave ear 2 I sought God in my woful day My constant sore did run all night My grieved soul did put away All offer'd comfort and delight 3 I did remember God but yet My grief and trouble did remain My spirit over-whelmed was And did in me too much complain 4 Mine eyes depriv'd of quiet sleep By night thou keepest still awake My trouble is so great and sore That I can very hardly speak 5 Thy dealings in the days of old I then did mind and think upon What thou in former ancient times Hast for me and thy people done 6 My songs by night I call'd to mind I search'd and commun'd with my heart My spirit diligently fought The cause and cure of all my smart 7 For ever will the Lord cast off And will he gracious be no more 8 For ever is his mercy gone Fails his good word for evermore 9 Can it be that his graciousness To us the Lord forgotten hath And that his tender mercies he Hath shut up now in endless wrath 10 Then said I These are but the thoughts Of my faulty infirmity I 'le look back to the years past gone And the right hand of the most high 11 I will yet meditate upon The former great works of the Lord Of those great wonders I will think Of old which are upon record 12 Thy great and gracious works I will My frequent meditation make And of thy doings to discourse My daily work and pleasure take 13 Thy holy way O God is in Thy sacred house and there made known There is no other God of might But our God the Almighty One. 14 Thou only art the God of Power Whose doings all great wonders are And thou among the people all Thy strength and greatness didst declare 15 Thou hast with thine Almighty arm From bonds thy chosen people freed Redeeming from Captivity Jacob's and Joseph's numerous seed 16 The waters deep saw thee O God They saw thee and backward they fled As if afraid The depths also Retir'd as by fear troubled 17 The clouds their waters poured out A dreadful sound came from the sky And then unto the frightened earth Abroad thy hurtful arrows fly 18 Thy Thunder's voice was in the heav'ns Thy Lightning flashed from the sky Lightning the world The trembling earth Did quake as it were fear'd thereby 19 Thy way is in the rowling seas The unseen paths where thou hast gone In the great waters and thy steps To earthly mortals are unknown 20 Thy people thou didst keep and lead Even like a shepherd's flock of sheep By Moses and by Aaron's hand Thou didst them guide and safely keep PSALM LXXVIII 1 GIve ear you that my people are Unto my Law and word of truth Incline your ear to all the words Which I shall utter with my mouth 2 In Parables I 'le ope my mouth And utter dark sayings of old 3 Which we our selves have heard and known And which our fathers have us told 4 We will not hide them from their seed But shew unto the age to come God's praises and his strength and all The wondrous works that he hath done 5 A Testimony and a Law He made and gave to Israel Which he our fathers charg'd that they Should after to their children tell 6 That so the children yet unborn And ages coming might them know Who should arise and them likewise In time unto their children show 7 That they might not forgeâ— God's works But on him set their hope and heart And keep all his commandements And never more from them depart 8 And might not as their ancestors Be stubborn and rebellious found A race whose heart was not set right Whose spirit was not with God found 9 For then the sons of Ephraim Being in arms and carrying bows Yet in the day of battle they Turned their backs upon their foes 10 They brake God's Covenant and refus'd In his commanded way to go 11 And did forget his works and all The wonders he to them did show 12 Marvellous things did he perform Which all their fathers then beheld Both in the land of Egypt first And afterwards in Zoan field 13 He did divide for them the sea And caused them through it to pass And made the waters on each side To stand even like a heap it was 14 With cloud by day by light of fire In the dark night he did them guide 15 In the desart he clave the rock And drink as from the deeps supply'd 16 He from the rock brought flowing streams And made the waters to run down 17 Yet in the desart sinning more They did provoke the Highest One. 18 For in their heart they tempted God And speaking with sinful distrust They greedily did call for meat To satisfie their fleshly lust 19 Yea even against the Lord himself They grudging spake prophanely thus Can God here in this wilderness A furnish'd table spread for us 20 Indeed he smote the rock and thence There flowed streams of waters great And can he give his people bread And provide flesh for them to eat 21 This the Lord heard and then his wrath Did kindle a consuming flame Which against Jacob did come up His anger against Israel came 22 Because they did not God believe Nor trust in his salvation had 23 Though clouds above he did command And he heav'ns doors had open made 24 And rain'd down Manna upon them And gave them corn from heav'n to eat 25 So that Man did eat Angels food And to the full he gave them meat 26 From heav'n he made the East-wind blow Brought the South-wind by his command 27 He rained flesh on them as dust And feather'd fowl as the sea-sand 28 Even in their Camp and round about Their habitation it did fall 29 So they did eat and were well fill'd Their own desire he gave them all 30 They were not from their lusts estrang'd The meat yet in their mouths even then 31 God's wrath the fattest of them slew And smote down Israel's choicest men 32 Yet for all this they sinned still Believed not for his wonders wrought 33 Their days he then consum'd in vain Their years in trouble on them brought 34 But earnestly they sought to him When he them slew and us'd his rod And then they seemed to return Enquiring
art to give To those that love thy Name 133 Let all my steps by thy just word Exactly ordered be That no iniquity may have Dominion over me 134 Save me from mine oppressours all And I will keep thy word 135 O let thy face upon me shine Thy Statutes teach me Lord. 136 Rivers of water from mine eyes Ran down when as I saw How wicked men go on in sin And will not keep thy Law TZADDI 18. 137 Righteous art thou O Lord and all Thy judgments upright be 138 Righteous and faithful are thy Laws Which thou commandest me 139 My zeal hath even consumed me Because mine enemies Thy holy Word forgotten have And thy just Laws despise 140 Because thy word is try'd and pure Thy Servant loveth it 141 Small and despis'd I am but yet Thy Laws do not forget 142 Thy righteousness most steadfast is And ever doth endure Thy holy Law is truth it self Confirmed truth and sure 143 Trouble and anguish have me found And taken hold on me Yet in this trouble my delight Thy just Commandments be 144 Thy testimonies righteousness Even everlasting is Cause me to know them that they may Bring me to life and bliss KOPH 19. 145 With my whole heart I poured forth My cries to thee O Lord Hear and deliver me that I May keep thy holy word 146 In trouble I do cry to thee Thy Servant hear and save And then to keep thy testimonies Fully resolv'd I have 147 The dawning of the morning I Prevented with my cry For on thy true and faithful word My hope did all rely 148 My waking eyes betime prevent The watches of the night That in thy comfortable word Then meditate I might 149 After thy loving kindness hear My voice and answer give In mercy great with quick'ning grace Do thou my Soul revive 150 The wicked hunters do draw nigh Who after mischief run Thy holy Law they do forsake And far from it are gone 151 But thou O Lord art alway nigh Their mischiefs to repel And all thy word thou wilt make good Which doth in truth excel 152 As for thy testimonies all Of old I know full sure That thou hast firmly founded them For ever to endure RESH 20. 153 Consider my affliction great And me in safety set By thy deliverance for I Thy Law do not forget 154 Plead my just cause and it defend Deliver me O Lord Revive and comfort me again According to thy word 155 Salvation's far from wicked men It 's far from their intents To seek it in the only way Of thy Commandements 156 Many and very great O Lord Thy tender mercies be According to thy Judgments just Restore and quicken me 157 Many my persecutors are And foes who do combine Yet from thy testimonies pure My soul doth not decline 158 When I beheld transgressors ways I grieved and abhorr'd Their opposition to thy Laws Who would not keep thy word 159 Consider how on thy Precepts My heart with love is set Quicken me Lord according to Thy loving kindness great 160 From the beginning all thy word Hath been most true and sure And all thy righteous judgments shall For evermore endure SCHIN 21. 161 Princes have persecuted me Unjustly without cause But thy authority and word My heart and Conscience awes 162 I in thy word rejoice as one That findeth riches great 163 I love thy Laws but Lying all I do abhor and hate 164 Seven times a day in holy praise My Soul ascends to thee Because thy judgments and thy ways All good and righteous be 165 Great peace have these confirmed Souls Thy Laws who truly love No fears or scandal shall these men From God and Truth remove 166 For thy Salvation I have hop'd And thy Commandments done 167 My Soul thy Testimonies kept And lov'd them every one 168 Thy Testimonies and Commands I kept with constant care For all my ways and works I know Before thee open are TAU 22. 169 O Let my daily suit and cry Before thee come O Lord To me sound understanding give According to thy word 170 And let my supplication Before thee daily come My fears according to thy word Deliver thou me from 171 From a full heart my thankful lips Shall utter joyful praise When thou hast made me know and keep Thy statutes and thy ways 172 My tongue shall of thy word discourse Its goodness I 'll express Because all thy Commandements Are truth and righteousness 173 In all streights let thy mighty hand With succour me relieve For I by choice have made thy Laws The Rule by which I live 174 Lord for thy sure salvation My soul doth daily long Thy Law is still my heart's delight Its praises are my song 175 O let my drooping soul yet live And it shall give thee praise And let thy judgments succour me And be my help always 176 I like a lost sheep went astray Thy servant seek and find I yet forget not thy Commands Still print them on my mind PSALM CXX 1 IN my distress unto the Lord I poured out my mournful cry His ear attended my request He heard and help'd me speedily 2 From lying lips deliver me Lord and from the deceitful tongue 3 What shall be given and done to thee False mouth that causeth others wrong 4 Sharp arrows from a mighty hand With burning coals of Juniper 5 Woe 's me that I in Meshech stay And dwell in the Tents of Kedar 6 My soul hath too long dwelt with them That haters are of quiet peace 7 I am for peace but when I speak To war they soon themselves address PSALM CXXI 1 UNto the hills from whence my help Doth come I will lift up mine eyes 2 In God who made both heaven and earth My only help and succour lies 3 He will not let thy foot be mov'd Nor slumbers who thee always keeps 4 Behold he that keeps Israel He slumbers not nor ever sleeps 5 The mighty Lord thy keeper is And he doth always by thee stand To be a shade and a defence Daily to thee at thy right hand 6 The scorching Sun in Summer heat Shall not by day thee hurt or smite Nor the Moon 's hurtful influence Annoy thee in the darksome night 7 The Lord shall keep thee from all ill Thy soul he shall keep safe and sure 8 Thy going out and coming in The Lord shall still to thee secure PSALM CXXII 1 WHen in the willing crouding flock I heard that pleasant welcome voice Come let us go up to God's house It made my longing heart rejoyce 2 Our feet in God's Jerusalem Shall stand even in her Gates and Courts When those who were dispers'd by men Shall thither flock in great resorts 3 God's City is not a rude heap But built in comely form exact In great diversity of parts In order all are well compact 4 Thither the several Tribes go up The Tribes in Covenant with the Lord With thanks to celebrate his Name His Mysteries and holy
Eternally 15 But overwhelm'd and lost Was proud King Pharaoh With all his mighty Host And Chariots there also For certainly His mercies dure Most firm and sure Eternally 16 To him who powerfully His chosen Israel led Even through the desart dry And in that place them fed For certainly His mercies dure Most firm and sure Eternally 17 To him great Kings who smote For his grace hath no bound 18 Who slew and spared not Kings famous and renown'd For certainly His mercies dure Most firm and sure Eternally 19 Sihon the Amorites King For his grace lafteth ever 20 Og also who did reign The land of Bashan over For certainly His mercies dure Most firm and sure Eternally 21 Their land by lot he gave For his grace faileth never That Israel might it have An heritage for ever For certainly His mercies dure Most firm and sure Eternally 22 Who hath remembred us 23 In all our low estate 24 And us delivered From foes that did us hate For certainly His mercies dure Most firm and sure Eternally 25 Who to all flesh gives food For his grace faileth never 26 Give thanks to God most good To God of Gods for ever For certainly His mercies dure Most firm and sure Eternally The same By W. Barton 1 O Render thanks to God For he is very good His mercies sure do still endure And have for ever stood 2 The God of Gods proclaim With praises to his name His mercies sure do still endure Eternally the same 3 The Lord of Lords most high With praises magnifie His mercies sure do still endure To all eternity 4 To him who wrought alone Great wonders many a one His mercies sure do still endure To ages all made known 5 To him who skilfully Compos'd the heavens high His mercies sure do still endure To perpetuity 6 That did the earth extend The seas to comprehend His mercies sure do still endure And never have an end 7 To him whose power divine Did make great Lights to shine His mercies sure do still endure Not subject to decline 8 The Sun to rule and sway The motions of the day His mercies sure do still endure And never fall away 9 The Moon and Stars of light He made to rule the night His mercies sure do still endure For they are infinite 10 To him your praise devote Who Egypt's first-born smote His mercies sure do still endure Of everlasting note 11 Who from among them all Brought Israel out of thrall His mercies sure do still endure And are perpetual 12 With strong out-stretched hand And arm at his command His mercies sure do still endure And shall for ever stand 13 To him that did divide The Red-sea on each side His mercies sure do still endure And evermore abide 14 And Israel did transmit Even through the midst of it His mercies sure do still endure And never fail a whit 15 But on the Red-sea coast Smote Pharaoh and his host His mercies sure do still endure Unto the uttermost 16 To him that led his own Through desarts all unknown His mercies sure do still endure As permanent alone 17 To him that smote and slew Great Kings and famous too His mercies sure do still endure And ever so shall do 18 King Sihon he did smiâ—e That Giant Amorite His mercies sure do still endure Continuing day and night 19 And Og Bashan's great King He did to ruin bring His mercies sure do still endure An unexhausted spring 20 He did their land engage To be an heritage His mercies sure do still endure Out-wearing time and age 21 Their heritage befel His servant Israel His mercies sure do still endure Times constant parallel 22 Who thought on our estate When low and desolate His mercies sure do still endure And bear eternal date 23 Redeeming us from those That were our mortal foes His mercies sure do still endure A Spring that overflows 24 Who still provideth meat Whereof all flesh may eat His mercies sure do still endure For ever full and great 25 The God of heav'n therefore With thankful hearts adore His mercies sure do still endure Henceforth for evermore PSALM CXXXVII 1 IN Babylon's Captivity We sadly by their rivers sate When Sion we remembred there We wept as men disconsolate 2 On Willows in the midst thereof We hang'd our silent Harps unstrung For they who had us Captives made In scorn requir'd of us a Song 3 They that had made our Country wast To make sport of us talked thus Now sing us one of Sion's songs Said they insulting over us 4 How shall we sing God's sacred songs Thus Captives in a foreign land 5 If I Jerusalem forget Let Musick skill forsake my hand 6 Let my tongue dumb cleave to my jaws If belov'd Sion I forget And if above my chiefest joy I do not Sion always set 7 Remember Edom's Off-spring Lord Who in thy peoples woful day Cry'd Rase it Rase it to the ground This hated City level lay 8 O Babylon to destruction judg'd That conquering hand shall honour'd be Which just as thou hast used us A just reward shall give to thee 9 That Victor's hand shall honour'd be That fiercely takes thy little ones Not we but foes in bloody war Will dash them dead against the stones PSALM CXXXVIII 1 WIth my whole heart I will thee praise Before the Gods thy praise I 'le sing 2 I 'le tow'rd thy holy Temple bow And praise thy name O glorious King Even for thy loving kindness great And for thy holy truth O Lord Above all thy instructing name Thou hast advanc'd thy sacred word 3 In my sad days thou answered'st me When I to thee did pray and cry And thou my feeble soul with strength Didst kindly strenghthen inwardly 4 All Kings on earth shall praise the Lord When they shall hear and know thy word And singing shall walk in thy ways So great 's thy fame and glory Lord. 5 The God that 's infinitely high The lowly men he doth respect But knows the proud as afar off And with disdain doth them reject 6 Though I in midst of trouble walk Thou wil t revive me and extend Thy hand against mine enemies wrath And thy right hand shall me defend 7 All that my welfare doth concern The Lord at last will perfect make O Lord thy mercy endless is Do not thy handy work forsake PSALM CXXXIX 1 O Lord thou hast me search'd and known 2 Thou know'st my daily sitting down And mine uprising All my thoughts Even a far off to thee are known 3 Thou fift'st and compassest my path And seest me when down I lye And art with all my works and ways Always acquainted perfectly 4 No word is in my tongue O Lord But it is fully known to thee 5 Thou hast beset me round about And thou hast laid thy hand on me 6 This knowledge high's above my reach It is too wonderful for me 7 Whither shall I go from thy face Or whither from thy spirit flee 8
If into heav'n I could ascend Yet surely thou art present there Or if in hell I make my bed Or in the grave there thou art near 9 If on the morning's wings I fled And d'well the utmost Seas beyond 10 There by thy hand I shall be led And safely held by thy right hand 11 Or if I say The darkness sure Shall hide me from thy piercing sight The darkness even the most obscure About me shall be as the light 12 Yea darkness hideth not from thee But night doth shine as bright as day To thee the darkness and the light Indeed are both alike alway 13 For thou possessed hast my reins And thou didst form and cover me When I within my mother's womb Enclosed was and shap'd by thee 14 I 'le praise the Lord for fearfully And strangely made by thee I am Thy works are all unsearchable My soul convinc'd doth know the same 15 My substance was not hid from thee Though formed in a secret place In the low sordid earthly parts By thee I wisely fashion'd was 16 Thine eyes my unshap'd substance saw My parts were written in thy book And in continuance formed were When none as yet had fashion took 17 How precious also are the thoughts Of thee O gracious God to me How great their sum more than the sand 18 In number they if counted be I when I wake am still with thee 19 Surely thou wilt the wicked slay O God! Therefore to men of blood Depart ye far from me I 'le say 20 For they against thee wickedly Do speak with much prophane disdain Thy enemies blasphemously Do take thy holy Name in vain 21 Do I not hate them all O Lord Who are thy hating enemies And am not I grived with those That madly up against thee rise 22 I hate them with a perfect hate I count them for my chiefest foes 23 Search me O God and know my heart Try me and my hid thoughts disclose 24 And see if any hurtful way Of wilful sin be found in me And in thy everlasting way Let me always be led by thee PSALM CXL 1 LOrd from perverse and evil men Do thou grant me deliverance And let me be by thee preserv'd From cruel men of violence 2 Who in their hearts continually Contriving some great mischief are And altogether are combin'd In Plots for hurtfulness and war 3 Like Serpents their pernicious tongues Have they with venom sharpened The Adder's poyson and his sting Under their wicked lips is bred 4 Keep me O Lord from wicked hands And from the envious violent man Who have resolv'd to overthrow My blameless goings if they can 5 The proud for me have hid a snare With cords and they have spread a net By the way side where I must go They traps and grins for me have set 6 I went unto the Lord and said Thou art my God and help alone Lord hear my voice in mercy grant My humble supplication 7 O God thou only art the strength Which ever safely keepeth me My head in days of bloody war Was covered and sav'd by thee 8 The wicked mens hurtful desires Lord prosper not nor ever grant And further not their bad designs Lest of themselves they proudly vaunt 9 As for the leading head of those That fiercely compass me about Let the mischief of their own lips Cover them all and find them out 10 Let burning coals upon them fall Cast them into the wasting fire Into deep pits that they rise not Again to pursue their desire 11 Let not the false ill speaker be On earth fixt in prosperity Let evil hunting violent men Reach and o'rethrow them utterly 12 I know that God will yet maintain The cause of men that are distrest And will defend the poor mens right And such as are by men opprest 13 Surely the just shall to thy name Give thanks and of thy mercies tell And men of upright hearts and lives Shall ever in thy presence dwell PSALM CXLI 1 LOrd unto thee I cry O make thou hast to me Give ear unto my mournful voice When I cry unto thee 2 As incense let my pray'r Be set before thine eyes And the up-lifting of my hands As evening sacrifice 3 O Lord a constant watch Set thou my mouth before And of my lips left they offend Do thou still keep the door 4 To any evil thing Let not my heart incline To joyn in sin with wicked men Or of their pleasures dine 5 Let righteous men in love Smite me and me reprove This shall not break my head but as A precious Oyl shall prove In their distress I 'le pray 6 When in the stony street Their Judges are cast down they 'll hear My words will then be sweet 7 Our bones at the grave's mouth Are cast and scatter'd round As wood which men do cut and cleave Lies scattered on the ground 8 But Lord my God mine eyes Still look up unto thee In thee is all my trust Let not My soul forsaken be 9 Keep thou me from the snare Which they have laid for me And the entrapping grins of men That wicked workers be 10 Let men of ill designs Fall into their own trap Whilst from all their malicious plots Thy flock and I escape PSALM CXLII 1 I To the Lord in my distress With sad and mournful voice did cry My supplication I sent up Aloud unto the Lord most high 2 To him I pour'd out my complaint My trouble I to him did show 3 My spirit in me was o'rewhelm'd And all my danger thou didst know That in the way wherein I walk'd They closely laid for me a snare 4 I look'd on my right hand but none To know and help me did appear All humane refuge failed me None for my trembling soul did care 5 But then I cryed to the Lord That he my humble suit would hear I said Lord thou my refuge art The portion of my hope and choice While I am in the land of life Where living men in thee rejoyce 6 I am brought very low on earth O Lord attend unto my cry Me from my persecutors save Who stronger are by far than I. 7 And out of prison bring my soul Thy blessed name to magnifie The just shall flock to me because With me thou dealest bounteously PSALM CXLIII 1 LOrd hear my Prayer and unto My humble suit attentive be Thy justice and thy faithfulness Do thou employ to answer me 2 Thy sinful servant bring not thou In to strict judgment to be try'd For so no living man can stand Before thee clear and justify'd 3 The enemy doth hunt my soul My life to ground cast down doth tread In darkness he hath made me dwell Like those that have some time been dead 4 Therefore my spirit 's overwhelm'd My heart in me is desolate 5 Yet I think on the days of old Thy ancient works I meditate I muse on all thy handy works To thee I stretch my craving hands 6 My humbled soul