The Psalms of David Part 16

1 High in the heavens, eternal G.o.d, Thy goodness in full glory s.h.i.+nes; Thy truth shall break thro' every cloud That veils and darkens thy designs.

2 For ever firm thy justice stands, As mountains their foundations keep; Wise are the wonders of thy hands; Thy judgments are a mighty deep.

3 Thy providence is kind and large, Both man and beast thy bounty share; The whole creation is thy charge, But saints are thy peculiar care.

4 My G.o.d! how excellent thy grace, Whence all our hope and comfort springs!

The sons of Adam in distress Fly to the shadow of thy wings.

5 From the provisions of thy house We shall be fed with sweet repast; There mercy like a river flows, And brings salvation to our taste.

6 Life, like a fountain rich and free Springs from the presence of the Lord; And in thy light our souls shall see The glories promis'd in thy word.

Psalm 36:2. 1 2 5 6 7 9 C. M.

Practical atheism exposed; or, The being and attributes of G.o.d a.s.serted.

1 While men grow bold in wicked ways!

And yet a G.o.d they own, My heart within me often says, "Their thoughts believe there's none."

2 Their thoughts and ways at once declare (Whate'er their lips profess) G.o.d hath no wrath for them to fear, Nor will they seek his grace.

3 What strange self-flattery blinds their eyes!

But there's an hastening hour When they shall see with sore surprise The terrors of thy power.

4 Thy justice shall maintain its throne, Tho' mountains melt away; Thy judgments are a world unknown, A deep unfathom'd sea.

5 Above the heavens' created rounds, Thy mercies, Lord, extend; Thy truth outlives the narrow bounds, Where time and nature end.

6 Safety to man thy goodness brings, Nor overlooks the beast; Beneath the shadow of thy wings Thy children choose to rest.

7 [From thee, when creature-streams run low, And mortal comforts die, Perpetual springs of life shall flow, And raise our pleasures high.

8 Tho' all created light decay, And death close up our eyes Thy presence makes eternal day Where clouds can never rise.]

Psalm 36:3. 1-7. S. M.

The wickedness of man, and the majesty of G.o.d; or. Practical atheism exposed.

1 When man grows bold in sin My heart within me cries, "He hath no faith of G.o.d within, Nor fear before his eyes."

2 [He walks awhile conceal'd In a self-flattering dream, Till his dark crimes at once reveal'd Expose his hateful name.]

3 His heart is false and foul, His words are smooth and fair; Wisdom is banish'd from his soul, And leaves no goodness there.

4 He plots upon his bed New mischiefs to fulfil; He sets his heart, and hand, and head, To practise all that's ill.

5 But there's a dreadful G.o.d, Tho' men renounce his fear; His justice hid behind the cloud Shall one great day appear.

6 His truth transcends the sky; In heaven his mercies dwell; Deep as the sea his judgments lie, His anger burns to h.e.l.l.

7 How excellent his love, Whence all our safety springs!

O never let my soul remove From underneath his wings.

Psalm 37:1. 1-15. First Part.

The cure of envy, fretfulness, and unbelief; or, The rewards of the righteous, and the wicked; or, The world's hatred, and the saint's patience.

1 Why should I vex my soul and fret To see the wicked rise?

Or envy sinners waxing great, By violence and lies.

2 As flowery gra.s.s cut down at noon, Before the evening fades So shall their glories vanish soon In everlasting shades.

3 Then let me make the Lord my trust, And practise all that's good; So shall I dwell among the just, And he'll provide me food.

4 I to my G.o.d my ways commit, And cheerful wait his will; Thy hand, which guides my doubtful feet, Shall my desires fulfil.

3 Mine innocence shalt thou display, And make thy judgments known, Fair as the light of dawning day, And glorious as the noon.

6 The meek at last the earth possess, And are the heirs of heav'n; True riches with abundant peace, To humble souls are given.

PAUSE.

7 Rest in the Lord and keep his way, Nor let your anger rise, Tho' providence should long delay To punish haughty vice.

8 Let sinners join to break your peace, And plot, and rage, and foam; The Lord derides them, for he sees Their day of vengeance come.

9 They have drawn out the threatening sword, Have bent the murderous bow, To slay the men that fear the Lord, And bring the righteous low.

10 My G.o.d shall break their bows, and burn Their persecuting darts, Shall their own swords against them turn, And pain surprise their hearts.

Psalm 37:2. 16 21 26-31. Second Part.

Charity to the poor; or, Religion in words and deeds.

1 Why do the wealthy wicked boast, And grow profanely bold?

The meanest portion of the just Excels the sinner's gold.

2 The wicked borrows of his friends, But ne'er designs to pay; The saint is merciful and lends, Nor turns the poor away.

3 His alms with liberal heart he gives Amongst the sons of need; His memory to long ages lives, And blessed is his seed.

4 His lips abhor to talk profane, To slander or defraud; His ready tongue declares to men What he has learn'd of G.o.d.

5 The law and gospel of the Lord Deep in his heart abide; Led by the Spirit and the word, His feet shall never slide.

6 When sinners fall, the righteous stand, Preserv'd from every snare; They shall possess the promis'd land, And dwell for ever there.

Psalm 37:3. 23-27. Third Part.