PSALMS. PSALM I. DONE INTO VERSE, 1653. BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray In counsel of the wicked, and i' th' way Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat Of scorners hath not sat. And in his law he studies day and night. all. Nor sinners in th' assembly of just men. 5 10 PSALM II. DONE AUG. 8, 1653. TERZETTE. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Muse a vain thing, the kings of th' earth upstand With pow'r, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together through each land Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? 5 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 10 15 Th' 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 And now be wise at length ye Kings averse, If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. 25 18 Heathen] Warton in both editions reads 'The HeaTodd. ven.' 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, Th' exalter of my head I count; Aloud I cried 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 On the cheek-bone all my foes, Of men abhorr'd 10 15 20 [Lord; Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Thy blessing on thy people flows. 14 my sustain] The verb converted into a substantive. So 'disturb,' in P. L. vi. 549. Todd. PSALM IV. Aug. 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, 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 forborne Still to love vanity, To love, to seek, to prize 10 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, 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; 15 20 25 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 35 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. 40 PSALM V. Aug. 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. 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. 10 5 |