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 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, 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 Th' Heathen, and as thy conquest to be sway'd Earth's utmost bounds: then 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, In anger, and ye perish in the way, appear If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. Happy all those who have in them their stay. That of my life distrustfully thus say No help for him in God there lies. But thou, Lord, art my shield, my glory, Th' exalter of my head I count: Unto Jehovah, He full soon replied Was the Lord. Of many millions I fear not, though encamping round about On the cheek-bone all my foes, Of men abhorr'd Hast broke the teeth. This held was from the Lord; Thy blessing on thy people flows. PSALM IV. Aug. 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest pray's. Great ones, how long will ye My glory have in scorn, How long be thus forborn 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; 1 The verb used as a substantive. "So 'disturb,' in P. L. VI. 649."-TODD. (For whom to chose He knows) Will hear my voice what time to Him I cry. 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 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 mak'st me dwell PSALM V. Aug. 12, 1653. JEHOVAH, to my words give ear, My meditation weigh, The voice of my complaining hear Jehovah, thou my early voice halt in the morning hear, I' th' morning I to thee with choice Will rank my pray'rs, and watch till thou appear. In wickedness delight, Evil with thee no bidding 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; Thy numerous mercies, go 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;1 Their inside, troubles miserable; An open grave their throat, their tongue they smooth. God, find them guilty, let them fall By their own counsels quell'd; Push them in their rebellions all 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. & True. LORD, in thine anger do not reprehend mə 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 all ye that work iniquity, Depart from me, for the voice of my weeping The Lord hath heard, the Lord hath heard my prayer, My supplication with acceptance fair The Lord will own, and have me in his keeping. Mine enemies shall all be blank and dash'd With much confusion; then grown red with shame, PSALM VII. AUG. 14, 1653. UPON THE WORDS OF CHUSH THE BENJAMITE AGAINST HIM. LORD, my God, to thee I fly, Thy protection while I cry, |