PSALM II. TERZETTE. DONE AUGUST 8, 1653. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand Their twisted cords: He who in Heav'n 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, 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 Th' Heathen, and as thy conquest to be sway'd Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low With iron sceptre bruis'd, 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! That of my life distrustfully thus say, Th' exalter of my head I count; Aloud I cry'd Unto Jehovah, he full soon reply'd And heard me from his holy mount. I lay and slept, I wak'd again, For my sustain Was the Lord. Of many millions The populous rout I fear not, though incamping round about 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. PSALM IV. AUGUST 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, In straits and in distress Thou didst me disinthrall And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest pray'r. Great ones how long will ye My glory have in scorn, How long be thus forborn 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 aw'd, and do not sin, Speak to your hearts alone, Upon your beds, each one, 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 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. VOL. III. 6 In peace at once will I Both lay me down and sleep, 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' th' morning I to thee with choice Will rank my pray'rs, 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 hat'st; and them unblest Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie; The bloody' and guileful man God doth detest. |