BLEST is the man who hath not walked astray In counsel of the wicked, and in the way Of sinners hath not stood, Of scorners hath not sat. Jehovah's law is ever his delight, And in his law he studies day and night. PSALM II. Done Aug. 8, 1653. TERZETTE. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations 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 In anger, and ye perish in the way, appear If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. Happy all those who have in him their stay! 10 20 PSALM III. Aug. 9, 1653. WHEN HE FLED FROM ABSALOM. LORD, how many are my foes! How many those That in arms against me rise! Many are they That of my life distrustfully thus say, No help for him in God there lies. The exalter of my head I count; Unto Jehovah; he full soon replied And heard me from his holy mount. ΤΟ I lay and slept; I waked again; For my sustain Was the Lord. Of many millions The populous rout I fear not, though, encamping round about, Rise, Lord! save me, my God! for thou 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. Aug. 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest prayer. 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; Speak to your hearts alone, Upon your beds, each one, And be at peace within. 20 IO 20 Offer the offerings just Of righteousness, and in Jehovah trust. "Who yet will show us good?" Talking like this world's brood; On us lift the light, Lift up the favour of thy countenance bright. And gladness thou hast put, Than when a year of glut Their stores doth overcloy, 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 makest me dwell. PSALM V. Aug. 12, 1653. JEHOVAH! to my words give ear, My meditation weigh; The voice of my complaining hear Shalt in the morning hear; In 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: Evil with thee no biding makes; Fools or bad men stand not within thy sight. All workers of iniquity Thou hatest; and them unblest 10 40 330 Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie; The bloody and guileful man God doth detest. Thy numerous mercies-go Into thy house; I, in thy fear, Will towards thy holy temple worship low. Lead me because of those That do observe if I transgress, Set thy ways right before, where my step goes. No word is firm or sooth; Their inside, troubles miserable; An open grave their throat; their tongue they smooth. By their own counsels quelled; Push them in their rebellions all Still on; for against thee they have rebelled. Their joy; while thou from blame Defend'st them, they shall ever sing And shall triumph in thee, who love thy name. To bless the just man still; As with a shield thou wilt surround 20 30 PSALM VI. Aug. 13, 1653. LORD! in thine anger do not reprehend me, And very weak and faint; heal and amend me: Are troubled; yea, my soul is troubled sore; And thou, O Lord! how long? Turn, Lord! restore My soul; O, save me for thy goodness' sake: |