XXIII. ON HIS DECEASED WIFE. METHOUGHT I saw my late espouséd saint And such, as yet once more I trust to have But oh! as to embrace me she inclined, I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night. salms. PSALM I. DONE INTO VERSE, 1653. BLESSED is the man who hath not walked astray Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat But in the great delight, And in his law he studies day and night. Nor sinners in the assembly of just men. PSALM II. DONE AUGUST 8, 1653. Terzette. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Lay deep their plots together through each land T (483) Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear, Their twisted cords: he who in Heaven doth dwell Shall laugh, the Lord shall scoff them, then severe Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell And fierce ire trouble them; but I, saith he, Anointed have my King (though ye rebel) On Sion my holy hill. A firm decree I will declare: the Lord to me hath said, Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee This day; ask of me, and the grant is made; As thy possession I on thee bestow The Heathen, and as thy conquest to be swayed And now be wise at length, ye kings averse; If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. Many are they That of my life distrustfully doth say, But thou, Lord, art my shield, my glory, The exalter of my head I count; Unto Jehovah, he full soon replied, Was the Lord. Of many millions I fear not, though encamping round about On the cheek-bone all my foes, Of men abhorred Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Lord; Thy blessing on thy people flows. PSALM IV. AUGUST 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest prayer. Great ones, how long will ye My glory have in scorn, Still to love vanity, To love, to seek, to prize Things false and vain, and nothing else but lies? Yet know the Lord hath chose, Chose to himself apart, The good and meek of heart (For whom to choose he knows); Jehovah from on high Will hear my voice what time to him I cry. Be awed, and do not sin, Of righteousness, and in Jehovah trust. Many there be that say, Who yet will show us good? Talking like this world's brood; But, Lord, thus let me pray, On us lift up the light, Lift up the the favour of thy countenance bright. Into my heart more joy And gladness thou hast put, Than when a year of glut Their stores doth over-cloy, And from their plenteous grounds With vast increase their corn and wine abounds. In peace at once will I Both lay me down and sleep, For thou alone dost keep Me safe where'er I lie: As in a rocky cell Thou, Lord, alone in safety mak'st me dwell. PSALM V. AUGUST 12, 1653. JEHOVAH, to my words give ear, My meditation weigh; The voice of my complaining hear, Shall in the morning hear, I' the morning I to thee with choice Will rank my prayers, and watch till thou appear. For thou art not a God that takes In wickedness delight, |