my earnest prayer. And set at large: now spare, 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 1 cry. Be awed, 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; But, Lord, thus let me pray; On us lift up the light, JC 20 Lift up the favour, of thy countenance bright. 30 Their stores doth over-cloy, 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. (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. 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 In wickedness delight; Evil with thee no biding makes ; Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight. All workers of iniquity Thou hatest; and them, unblest, Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie; The bloody and guileful man God doth detest. But I will, in thy mercies dear, Thy numerous mercies, go Into thy house; I, in thy fear, Will towards thy holy temple worship low. Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, 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; Their inside, troubles miserable; 10 10 20 An open grave their throat, their tongue they smooth. God, find them guilty, let them fall By their own counsels quell'd; Still on; for against thee they have rebell'd. To bless the just man still: As with a shield, thou wilt surround Him with thy lasting favour and good will. 30 40 PSALM VI. (August 13, 1653.) LORD, in thy anger do not reprehend me, And Are troubled; yea, my soul is troubled sore; Who in the grave can celebrate thy praise ? Depart from me; for the voice of my weeping IO The Lord hath heard; the Lord hath heard my prayer; The Lord will own, and have me in his keeping. 20 With much confusion; then, grown red with shame, They shall return in haste the way they came, And in a moment shall be quite abash'd. PSALM VII. (August 14, 1653.) Upon the words of Cush the Benjamite against him. LORD, my God, to thee I fly; Lord, my God, if I have thought Be in my hands; if I have wrought 10 Rise, Jehovah, in thine ire, Rouse thyself amidst the rage Of my foes that urge like fire; And, 'wake for me, their fury assuage; 20 Judgment here thou didst engage Judge me, Lord; be Judge in this But the just establish fast, Since thou art the just God that tries My defence, and in him lies; In him who, both just and wise, His sword he whets, his bow hath bended The tools of death, that waits him near. (His arrows purposely made he For them that persecute). Behold, Trouble he hath conceived of old |