On Sion my holy hill. A firm decree I will declare; the Lord to me hath said, The Heathen; and, as thy conquest to be sway'd, If once his wrath take fire, like fuel sere. PSALM III. AUG. 9, 1653. WHEN HE FLED FROM ABSALOM. LORD, how many are my foes! That in arms against me rise! That of my life distrustfully thus say, The exalter of my head I count; Unto Jehovah, he full soon replied, I lay and slept, I waked again, Was the Lord. Of many millions 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 abhorr'd Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Lord; Thy blessing on thy people flows. In straits and in distress Thou didst me disenthrall And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest prayer. 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, Speak to your hearts alone, Upon your beds, each one, And be at peace within. Offer the offerings just 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 favour of thy countenance bright. Into my heart more joy 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, Shalt 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; Evil with thee no biding makes; Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight. Thou hatest; and them unblest Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie; The bloody and guileful man God doth detest. Thy numerous mercies, go Will towards thy holy temple worship low. Lead me, because of those 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 quell'd; Still on; for against thee they have rebell'd. Their joy, while thou from blame And shall triumph in thee, who love thy name. To bless the just man still, As with a shield, thou wilt surround Him with thy lasting favour and good will. PSALM VI. AUG. 13, 1653. LORD, in thine anger do not reprehend me, And very weak and faint; heal and amend me: And thou, O Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, restore Who in the grave can celebrate thy praise? Depart from me, for the voice of my weeping The Lord hath heard, the Lord hath heard my prayer, The Lord will own, and have me in his keeping. With much confusion; then, grown red with shame, PSALM VII. AUG. 14, 1653. UPON THE WORDS OF CUSH THE BENJAMITE AGAINST HIM. LORD, my God, to thee I fly; Lord, my God, if I have thought Be in my hands; if I have wrought Let the enemy pursue my soul, In the dust, and, there outspread. Rise, Jehovah, in thine ire, So the assemblies of each nation All people from the world's foundation. Judge me, Lord; be Judge in this Upon me cause at length to cease Of evil men the wickedness, But the just establish fast, Since thou art the just God that tries God is a just Judge and severe, His sword he whets, his bow hath bended The tools of death, that waits him near. (His arrows purposely made he He digg'd a pit, and delved it deep, Fall on his crown with ruin steep. Then will I Jehovah's praise PSALM VIII. AUG. 14, 1653. O JEHOVAH Our Lord, how wondrous great Out of the tender mouths of latest birth. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou When I behold thy heavens, thy fingers' art, |