ΙΟ Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat And in his Law he studies day and night. Nor sinners in the assembly of just men. For the Lord knows the upright way of the just, PSALM II. Done August 8, 1653.- Terzetti. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations. "Let us break off," say they, "by strength of hand, 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 ΙΟ 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, Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low With iron sceptre bruised, and them disperse Like to a potter's vessel shivered so." And now be wise at length, ye kings averse; If once his wrath take fire, like fuel sere. 20 PSALM III. August 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, The exalter of my head I count : Unto Jehovah; he full soon replied, Was the Lord. Of many millions 10 The populous rout I fear not, though, encamping round about, They pitch against me their pavilions. Rise, Lord; save me, my God! for thou Hast smote ere now 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? How long be thus forborne 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; 20 ΙΟ 20 Upon your beds, each one, Offer the offerings just Of righteousness, and in Jehovah trust. "Who yet will show us good?” Lift up the favour, of thy count'nance 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, My King and God, for unto thee I pray. Jehovah, thou my early voice Shalt in the morning hear; I' the morning I to thee with choice 30 40 For thou art not a God that takes In wickedness delight; Evil with thee no biding makes; Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight. Thou hat'st; and them unblest 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. Defend'st them: they shall ever sing, To bless the just man still : As with a shield thou wilt surround Him with thy lasting favour and good will. 10 20 30 40 |