PSALM I.

(Done into verse 1653.)

BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray
In counsel of the wicked, and i' the way

Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat
Of scorners hath not sat. But in the great
Jehovah's law is ever his delight,

And in his law he studies, day and night.
He shall be as a tree which, planted, grows
By watery streams, and in his season knows
To yield his fruit, and his leaf shall not fall,
And what he takes in hand shall prosper all.
Not so the wicked, but as chaff which, fann'd,
The wind drives, so the wicked shall not stand
In judgment, or abide their trial then,

Nor sinners in the assembly of just men;
For the Lord knows the upright way of the just,
And the way of bad men to ruin must.

PSALM II.

(Done August 8, 1653.)-Terzette.

WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Muse a vain thing, the kings of the earth upstand With power, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together, through each land, 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 sway'd, Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full

low

With iron sceptre bruised, and them disperse, Like to a potter's vessel, shiver'd so.

And now be wise at length, ye kings averse, Be taught, ye judges of the earth; with fear Jehovah serve, and let your joy converse With trembling; kiss the Son, lest he appear In anger, and ye perish in the way;

If once his wrath take fire, like fuel sere, Happy all those who have in him their stay.

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:
No help for him in God there lies.
But thou, Lord, art my shield, my glory,
Thee through my story,

The exalter of my head I count:
Aloud I cried

Unto Jehovah, he full soon replied,
And heard me from his holy mount.
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, 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

[Lord;

Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Thy blessing on thy people flows.

PSALM IV.

(August 10, 1653.)

ANSWER me when I call,
God of my righteousness;
In straits and in distress,
Thou didst me disenthral

And set at large: now spare,

Now pity me, and hear my earnest prayer.

Great ones, how long will

My glory have in scorn?
How long be thus forborne
Still to love vanity?

To love, to seek, to prize

ye

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 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 makest 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
Jehovah, thou my early voice

Shalt in the morning hear;

pray.

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.

All workers of iniquity

Thou hatest; and them, unblest,
Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie;

The bloody and guileful man God doth detest.
But I will, in thy mercies dear,

Thy numerous mercies, go

Into thy house; I, in thy fear,

Will towards thy holy temple worship low.
Lord, lead me in thy righteousness,

Lead me, because of those

That do observe, if I transgress;

Set thy ways right before, where my step goes.
For in his faltering mouth, unstable,

No word is firm or sooth;

Their inside, troubles miserable;

An open grave their throat, their tongue they

smooth.