Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year, Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of which all Europe rings from side to side. This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask Content though blind, had I no better guide. XVIII. ON HIS DECEASED WIFE. METHOUGHT I saw my late espoused saint And such, as yet once more I trust to have But oh, as to embrace me she inclined, I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night. PSALM I. DONE INTO VERSE, 1653. BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat PSALM II. DONE AUG. 8, 1653. TERZETTI. Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand, 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, The Heathen; and, as thy conquest to be sway'd, And now be wise at length, ye kings averse, 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, Was the Lord. Of many millions The populous rout I fear not, though, encamping round about, 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 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, 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 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 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 thou, O Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, restore Who in the grave can celebrate thy praise? |