PREFACE

 

            The main reason for which I prepared this document is to search for words or phrases within the Psalter.  I hope that you also find it useful for this or any other purpose.  Anyone using this program for searching for words or phrases must bear in mind a few things regarding word spelling:

            a.         DIFFERENT SPELLINGS.  In some of the Psalter numbers, words are spelled as they would have been spelled many years ago.  For example, the word "Savior" is spelled "Savior" in some songs, and "Saviour" in others.  This could also be true of the word "honor" ("honour"), as well as of other words.  I have generally left the spellings the way that they appear in The Psalter, so the words may appear throughout the document with both spellings.

            b.         ABBREVIATIONS.  Many words in The Psalter have been abbreviated.  If the abbreviation consisted of the omission of a single vowel, I usually spelled the word in full.  For example, "giv'n" I typed as "given," "heav'n" as "heaven," etc.  Perhaps the most commonly abbreviated word in The Psalter appears as "tho'," which I consistently rendered as "though."  However, with other words I felt that I should not type them in their unabbreviated form, because the meter of the poetry would be clearly destroyed.  The most commonly abbreviated word, which I left abbreviated, is "o'er," along with any combination of this with other words.  Here is a nearly exhaustive list of words which are abbreviated in this document, as they would appear in abbreviated form: o'er (as well as o'erthrown, o'erflow, o'ercome, o'erwhelmed, o'ershadow), e'er (as well as whate'er, fore'er, where'er, whene'er), ne'er, 'tis, 'mid, e'en, 'bove, 'neath, and hid'.  Other contractions are I'll, He'll, We'll, and I've.  Of course these words are not always abbreviated or contracted.

So if you are searching for an entire line, and the program does not find it, it is possible that one or more of the words should be spelled differently, abbreviated, or contracted.

            The Psalms, being the spiritual biography of the child of God, speak to every situation in which the Christian might find himself or herself.  Such is also true, then, of the words of The Psalter found below.  Much profit can be gained simply by reading and contemplating these lines.  They instruct and teach us, warn and exhort us, and comfort and cheer us.  They contain our confessions of dependence upon God, and our prayers to Him that He bless us.  They are of great value and benefit, for they bring God to us, and us to God.  With these thoughts in mind I have undertaken this project, and with its completion I thank God for the heritage of Psalm singing, and for His saving revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ, through the means of His inspired and written Word.  SOLI DEO GLORIA.

 

Doug Kuiper

January, 1994

 

 

 

                                                                 THE PSALTER

 

1.  The Blessedness of the Godly.  Psalm 1.  C.M.

That man is blest who, fearing God,

From sin restrains his feet,

Who will not stand with wicked men,

Who shuns the scorners' seat.

 

Yea, blest is he who makes God's law

His portion and delight,

And meditates upon that law

With gladness day and night.

 

That man is nourished like a tree

Set by the river's side;

Its leaf is green, its fruit is sure,

And thus his works abide.

 

The wicked like the driven chaff

Are swept from off the land;

They shall not gather with the just,

Nor in the judgment stand.

 

The Lord will guard the righteous well,

Their way to Him is known;

The way of sinners, far from God,

Shall surely be o'er-thrown.

 

2.  The Righteous and Unrighteous.  Psalm 1.  8s and 7s.

Blest is he who loves God's precepts,

Who from sin restrains His feet,

He who will not stand with sinners,

He who shuns the scorners' seat.

 

Blest is he who makes the statutes

Of the Lord his chief delight,

In God's law, divinely perfect,

Meditating day and night.

 

He is like a tree well planted

By the flowing river's side,

Ever green of leaf and fruitful:

Thus shall all his works abide.

 

Like the driven chaff the wicked

Shall be swept from off the land;

With the just they shall not gather,

Nor shall in the judgment stand.

 

Well the Lord will guard the righteous,

For their way to Him is known;

But the way of evildoers

Shall by Him be overthrown.

 

3. The Kingship of Jesus Christ.  Psalm 2.  7s.

Wherefore do the nations rage

And the people vainly dream

That in triumph they can wage

War against the King supreme?

Christ His Son a scoff they make,

And the rulers plotting say:

Their dominion let us break,

Let us cast their yoke away.

 

But the Lord will scorn them all,

Calm He sits enthroned on high;

Soon His wrath will on them fall,

Sore displeased He will reply:

Yet according to my will

I have set my King to reign,

And on Zion's holy hill

My Anointed I maintain.

 

This His word shall be made known,

This Jehovah's firm decree:

Thou art my beloved Son,

Yea, I have begotten Thee.

All the earth at thy request

I will give Thee for Thy own;

Then Thy might shall be confessed

And Thy foes be overthrown.

 

Therefore, kings, be wise, give ear;

Hearken, judges of the earth;

Learn to serve the Lord with fear,

Mingle trembling with your mirth.

Kiss the Son, lest o'er your way

His consuming wrath should break;

But supremely blest are they

Who in Christ their refuge take.

 

4.  Christ's Inheritance.  Psalm 2.  L.M.

O wherefore do the nations rage,

And kings and rulers strive in vain,

Against the Lord of earth and heaven

To overthrow Messiah's reign?

 

Their strength is weakness in the sight

Of Him who sits enthroned above;

He speaks, and judgments fall on them

Who tempt His wrath and scorn His love.

 

By God's decree His Son receives

The nations for His heritage;

The conquering Christ supreme shall reign

As King of kings, from age to age.

 

Be wise, ye rulers of the earth,

And serve the Lord with godly fear;

With reverent joy confess the Son

While yet in mercy He is near.

 

Delay not, lest His anger rise,

And ye should perish in your way;

Lo, all that put their trust in Him

Are blest indeed, and blest for aye.

 

5.  God Our Guardian.  Psalm 3.  C.M.

O Lord, how are my foes increased!

Against me many rise;

How many say, In vain for help

He on his God relies!

 

Thou art my shield and glory, Lord,

My Savior, O Most High.

The Lord from out His holy hill

Gives answer when I cry.

 

I laid me down and slept, I waked,

Because the Lord sustains;

Though many thousands compass me,

Unmoved my soul remains.

 

Arise, O Lord; save me, my God;

For Thou hast owned my cause,

And oft hast beaten down my foes

Who scorn Thy righteous laws.

 

Salvation to the Lord belongs,

In Him His saints are blest;

O let Thy blessing evermore

Upon Thy people rest.

 

6. A Trustful Appeal to God.  Psalm 4.  L.M.

My righteous God, Who oft of old

Hast saved from troubles manifold,

Give answer when I call to Thee,

Be gracious now and hear my plea.

 

How long, O men, will ye defame,

How long my glory turn to shame,

How long will ye vain follies prize,

How long pursue deceit and lies?

 

But know, the Lord has set apart

The man of godly life and heart

To be His favored ones for aye;

Jehovah hears me when I pray.

 

In reverence wait, from sin depart,

In meditation calm your heart;

Hold fast the right, be true and just,

And in Jehovah put your trust.

 

O who will show us any good,

Exclaims the faithless multitude;

But lift on us, O Lord, we pray,

The brightness of Thy face this day.

 

More joy from Thee has filled my heart

Than great abundance could impart;

I lay me down to peaceful sleep,

For Thou, O Lord, dost safely keep.

 

7.  Quieting Thoughts.  Psalm 4.  6s and 5s.

On the good and faithful

God has set His love;

When they call He sends them

Blessings from above.

Stand in awe, and sin not,

Bid your heart be still;

Through the silent watches

Think upon His will.

 

Lay upon God's altar

Good and loving deeds,

And in all things trust Him

To supply your needs.

Anxious and despairing

Many walk in night;

But to those that fear Him

God will send His light.

 

In God's love abiding,

I have joy and peace

More than all the wicked,

Though their wealth increase.

In His care confiding,

I will sweetly sleep,

For the Lord, my Saviour,

Will in safety keep.

 

8. Faith and Peace.  Psalm 4.  6s and 5s.

On the good and faithful

God has set His love;

When they call He sends them

Blessings from above.

 

Stand in awe, and sin not,

Bid your heart be still;

Through the silent watches

Think upon His will.

 

Anxious and despairing,

Many walk in night;

But to those that fear Him

God will send His light.

 

In His care confiding,

I will sweetly sleep,

For the Lord, my Saviour,

Will in safety keep.

 

9.  An Entreaty for Guidance.  Psalm 5.  7s.

O Jehovah, hear my words,

To my thoughts attentive be;

Hear my cry, my King, my God,

I will make my prayer to Thee.

With the morning light, O Lord,

Thou shalt hear my voice arise,

And expectant I will bring

Prayer as morning sacrifice.

 

Thou, Jehovah, art a God

Who delightest not in sin;

Evil shall not dwell with Thee,

Nor the proud Thy favor win.

Evildoers Thou dost hate,

Lying tongues Thou wilt defeat;

God abhors the man who loves

Violence and base deceit.

 

In the fullness of Thy grace

To Thy house I will repair,

Bowing toward Thy holy place,

In Thy fear will worship there.

Lead me in Thy righteousness,

Let my foes assail in vain;

Lest my feet be turned aside,

Make Thy way before me plain.

 

10.  Confident Access to God.  Psalm 5.  7s.

In the fullness of Thy grace

To Thy house I will repair,

Bowing toward Thy holy place,

In Thy fear will worship there.

Lead me in Thy righteousness,

Let my foes assail in vain;

Lest my feet be turned aside,

Make Thy way before me plain.

 

False and faithless are my foes,

In their mouth no truth is found;

Deadly are the words they speak,

All their thoughts with sin abound.

Bring, O God, their plans to nought,

Hold them guilty in Thy sight,

For against Thee and Thy law

They have set themselves to fight.

 

O let all that trust Thy care

Ever glad and joyful be;

Let them joy who love Thy Name,

Safely guarded, Lord, by Thee.

For a blessing from Thy store

To the righteous Thou wilt yield;

Thou wilt compass him about

With Thy favor as a shield.

 

11.  Prayer and Protection.  Psalm 5.  7s.

O Jehovah, hear my words,

To my thoughts attentive be;

Hear my cry, my King, my God,

I will make my prayer to Thee.

 

With the morning light, O Lord,

Thou shalt hear my voice arise,

And expectant I will bring

Prayer as morning sacrifice.

 

O let all that trust Thy care

Ever glad and joyful be;

Let them joy who love Thy Name,

Safely guarded, Lord, by Thee.

 

For a blessing from Thy store

To the righteous Thou wilt yield;

Thou wilt compass him about

With Thy favor as a shield.

 

12.  Divine Chastisement.  Psalm 6. 8s and 7s.

Lord, rebuke me not in anger;

Chastened sore I waste away;

Pity my distress and hear me;

Lord, how long wilt Thou delay?

 

Come, O Lord, my soul deliver,

In Thy lovingkindness save.

Shall the dead Thy Name remember?

Who shall praise Thee in the grave?

 

Pity, Lord, my sad condition;

I am weary and distressed;

Many adversaries vex me,

Weeping, I can find no rest.

 

Now the foes that seek to harm me,

Quickly put to shame, shall flee,

For the Lord hath heard my weeping,

And He will regard my plea.

 

13.  Confidence in Divine Justice.  Psalm 7.  11s.

Jehovah, my God, on Thy help I depend;

From all that pursue me O save and defend;

Lest they like a lion should rend me at will,

While no one is near me their raging to still.

 

When wronged without cause I have kindness returned;

But if I my neighbor maltreated and spurned,

My soul let the enemy seize for his prey,

My life and my honor in dust let him lay.

 

O Lord, in Thy wrath stay the rage of my foes;

Awake, and Thy judgment ordained interpose.

Let peoples surround Thee and wait at Thy feet,

While o'er them for judgment Thou takest Thy seat.

 

All nations of men shall be judged by the Lord;

To me, O Jehovah, just judgment accord,

As faithful and righteous in life I have been,

And ever integrity cherished within.

 

Establish the righteous, let evil depart,

For God Who is just tries the thoughts of the heart.

In God for defense I have placed all my trust;

The upright He saves and He judges the just.

 

The Lord with the wicked is wroth every day,

And if they repent not is ready to slay;

By manifold ruin for others prepared

They surely at last shall themselves be ensnared.

 

Because He is righteous His praise I will sing,

Thanksgiving and honor to Him I will bring,

Will sing to the Lord on Whose grace I rely,

Extolling the Name of Jehovah Most High.

 

14.  The Name of the Lord.  Psalm 8.  C.M.

O Lord, our Lord, in all the earth

How excellent Thy Name!

Thy glory Thou hast spread afar

In all the starry frame.

 

From lips of children, Thou, O Lord,

Hast mighty strength ordained,

That adversaries should be stilled

And vengeful foes restrained.

 

When I regard the wondrous heavens,

Thy handiwork on high,

The moon and stars ordained by Thee,

O what is man, I cry.

 

O what is man, in Thy regard

To hold so large a place,

And what the son of man, that Thou

Dost visit him in grace.

 

On man Thy wisdom hath bestowed

A power well nigh divine;

With honor Thou hast crowned his head

With glory like to Thine.

 

Thou hast subjected all to him,

And lord of all is he,

Of flocks and herds, and beasts and birds,

And all within the sea.

 

Thy mighty works and wondrous grace

Thy glory, Lord, proclaim.

O Lord, our Lord, in all the earth

How excellent Thy Name.

 

15. God's Glory in His Works.  Psalm 8.  7s.

Lord, our Lord, Thy glorious Name

All Thy wondrous works proclaim;

In the heavens with radiant signs

Evermore Thy glory shines.

Infant lips Thou dost ordain

Wrath and vengeance to restrain,

Weakest means fulfill Thy will,

Mighty enemies to still.

 

Moon and stars in shining height

Nightly tell their Maker's might;

When Thy wondrous heavens I scan,

Then I know how weak is man.

What is man that he should be

Loved and visited by Thee,

Raised to an exalted height,

Crowned with honor in Thy sight?

 

With dominion crowned he stands

O'er the creatures of Thy hands;

All to him subjection yield

In the sea and air and field.

Lord, our Lord, Thy glorious Name

All thy wondrous works proclaim,

Thine the Name of matchless worth,

Excellent in all the earth.

 

16.  The Lord the Righteous Judge.  Psalm 9.  11s.

Wholehearted thanksgiving to Thee will I bring,

In praise of Thy marvelous deeds I will sing,

In Thee I will joy and exultingly cry,

Thy Name I will praise, O Jehovah Most High.

 

My enemies turn and are scattered in fear,

They stumble and perish because Thou art near;

For Thou hast defended my right and my cause,

Thou sittest in judgment, upholding Thy laws.

 

Rebuked are the nations, the wicked destroyed,

Their memory perished, their dwellingplace void;

Enthroned and eternal, Jehovah shall reign,

The peoples to judge and the right to maintain.

 

Thou, Lord, art a refuge for all the oppressed;

All trust Thee who know Thee, and trusting are blest;

For never, O Lord, did Thy mercy forsake

The soul that has sought of Thy grace to partake.

 

Give praise to Jehovah, the mighty deeds tell

Of Him Who has chosen in Zion to dwell,

Of Him to Whom justice and vengeance belong,

Who visits the lowly and overthrows wrong.

 

Behold my affliction, Thy mercy accord,

And back from death's portals restore me, O Lord,

That I in the gates of Thy Zion may raise

My song of salvation and show forth Thy praise.

 

The sins of the nations their ruin have wrought,

Their own evildoing destruction has brought;

In this the Lord's justice eternally stands,

That sinners are snared in the work of their hands.

 

The wicked shall perish, the nations shall fall,

Forgetting their God, Who is God over all;

But God will remember the prayer of the weak,

Most surely fulfilling the hope of the meek.

 

Arise in Thy justice, O Lord, and Thy might,

No longer let sinners prevail in Thy sight;

Great Judge of the nations, in judgment appear

To humble the proud and to teach them Thy fear.

 

17.  Whole-Hearted Praise.  Psalm 9.  L.M.

O Lord Most High, with all my heart

Thy wondrous works I will proclaim;

I will be glad and give Thee thanks

And sing the praises of Thy Name.

 

The Lord, the everlasting King,

Is seated on His judgment throne;

The righteous judge of all the world

Will make His perfect justice known.

 

Jehovah will a refuge prove,

A refuge strong for all oppressed,

A safe retreat, where weary souls

In troublous times may surely rest.

 

All they, O Lord, that know Thy Name

Their confidence in Thee will place,

For Thou hast never forsaken them

Who earnestly have sought Thy face.

 

Sing praises to the Lord Most High,

To Him Who doth in Zion dwell,

Declare His mighty deeds abroad,

His deed among the nations tell.

 

18. Complaint Against the Wicked.  Psalm 10.  L.M.

Why standest Thou afar, O Lord,

Why art Thou hid in trouble's hour?

The wicked persecute the poor

In haughty pride and reckless power.

 

Let their devices work their fall,

For in their shame is all their pride;

And while they seek unrighteous gain

The Lord of justice is defied.

 

The wicked thinks, in foolish pride,

There is no God Who will repay;

He has no fear of God or man

Because God's judgments long delay.

 

Unmoved by fear of coming doom,

On fraud and wickedness intent,

With craft he lurks and waits to catch

The helpless and the innocent.

 

A lion crouching for his prey,

He waits the poor to overthrow;

He thinks that God remembers not,

Or hides His face and will not know.

 

Arise, O Lord, lift up Thy hand,

O God, protect the poor and meek;

Why should the proud Thy justice doubt,

And words of bold defiance speak?

 

O Lord, Thou wilt indeed requite,

The sin and sorrow Thou dost see;

The helpless and the fatherless

Commit themselves, O Lord, to Thee.

 

Break Thou the power of wicked men

And let their works no longer stand;

The Lord is King for evermore,

Who drove the nations from His land.

 

Lord, Thou hast heard the lowly prayer,

The fainting heart Thou wilt restore,

The helpless cause Thou wilt maintain,

That mortal man may boast no more.

 

19.  Prayer for the Oppressed.  Psalm 10.  S.M.

Why dost Thou stand afar,

O Lord, in our distress?

And why dost Thou conceal Thyself

When troublous times oppress?

 

Do Thou, O Lord, arise;

O God, lift up Thy hand;

Forget Thou not the suffering poor,

The humble in the land.

 

Their foes Thou dost behold,

Their wrongs Thou wilt repay;

The poor commit themselves to Thee,

Thou art the orphans' stay.

 

Thou, Lord, hast heard their prayer

When humble hearts drew nigh;

Thou also wilt revive their strength

And ever hear their cry.

 

Defend the fatherless

And all who are oppressed,

That they by human pride and power

May be no more distressed.

 

20. Unshaken Faith Amid Danger.  Psalm 11.  11s.

In God will I trust, though my counselors say,

O flee as a bird to your mountain away;

The wicked are strong and the righteous are weak,

Foundations are shaken, yet God will I seek.

 

The Lord in His temple shall ever abide;

His throne is eternal, whatever betide,

The children of men He beholds from on high,

The wicked to punish, the righteous to try.

 

The Lord is most righteous, the Lord loves the right,

The evil He hates and will surely requite.

The wicked His anger will drive from their place,

The upright in rapture shall gaze on His face.

 

21. Assurances for Evil Days.  Psalm 12.  C.P.M.

O Lord, be Thou my helper true,

For just and godly men are few;

The faithful who can find?

From truth and wisdom men depart,

With flattering lips and double heart

They speak their evil mind.

 

The lips that speak, the truth to hide,

The tongues of arrogance and pride,

That boastful words employ,

False-speaking tongues that boast their might,

That own no law, that know no right,

Jehovah will destroy.

 

Because the poor are sore oppressed,

Because the needy are distressed,

And bitter are their cries,

The Lord will be their helper strong;

To save them from contempt and wrong

Jehovah will arise.

 

Jehovah's promises are sure,

His words are true, His words are pure

As silver from the flame.

Though base men walk on every side,

His saints are safe, whate'er betide,

Protected by His Name.

 

22. Trust in the Mercy of God.  Psalm 13.  7s and 6s.

How long wilt Thou forget me,

O Lord, Thou God of grace?

How long shall fears beset me

While darkness hides Thy face?

How long shall griefs distress me

And turn my day to night?

How long shall foes oppress me

And triumph in their might?

 

O Lord my God, behold me,

And hear my earnest cries;

Lest sleep of death enfold me,

Enlighten Thou my eyes;

Lest now my foe insulting

Should boast of his success,

And enemies exulting

Rejoice in my distress.

 

But I with expectation

Have on Thy grace relied;

My heart in Thy salvation

Shall still with joy confide.

And I with voice of singing

Will praise the Lord above,

Who, richest bounties bringing,

Hast dealt with me in love.

 

23.  Human Corruption.  Psalm 14.  L.M.

The God Who sits enthroned on high

The foolish in their hearts deny;

Not one does good; corrupt in thought,

Unrighteous works their hands have wrought.

 

From heaven the Lord with searching eye

Looked down the sons of men to try,

To see if any understood

And sought for God, the only good.

 

From righteousness they all depart,

Corrupt are all, and vile in heart;

Yea, every man has evil done;

Not one does good, not even one.

 

Has knowledge with the wicked failed,

That they My people have assailed,

That they delight in works of shame,

And call not on Jehovah's Name?

 

Thy lowly servant they despise,

Because he on the Lord relies;

But they shall tremble yet in fear,

For to the righteous God is near.

 

O that from Zion His abode

Salvation were on us bestowed!

When God His exiles shall restore,

They shall in song His grace adore.

 

24.  Tests of Christian Character.  Psalm 15.  8s and 7s.

Who, O Lord, with Thee abiding,

In Thy house shall be Thy guest?

Who, his feet to Zion turning,

In Thy holy hill shall rest?

He that ever walks uprightly,

Does the right without a fear,

When he speaks, he speaks not lightly,

But with truth and love sincere.

 

He that slanders not his brother,

Does no evil to a friend;

To reproaches of another,

He refuses to attend.

Wicked men win not his favor,

But the good who fear the Lord;

From his vow he will not waver,

Though it bring him sad reward.

 

Freely to the needy lending,

No excess he asks again;

And the innocent befriending,

He desires not praise of men.

Doing this, and evil spurning,

He shall nevermore be moved:

This the man with Thee sojourning,

This the man by Thee approved.

 

25.  The Godly Man.  Psalm 15.  S.M.

Lord, who shall come to Thee,

And stand before Thy face?

Who shall abide, a welcome guest,

Within Thy holy place?

 

The man of upright life,

Sincere in word and deed,

Who slanders neither friend nor foe,

Nor idle tales will heed.

 

Who honors godly men,

But scorns the false and vile,

Who keeps his promised word to all,

Though loss be his the while.

 

Who loves not usury,

Nor takes a base reward;

Unmoved forever he shall be,

And stand before the Lord.

 

26. An Ideal Worshipper.  Psalm 15.  7s.

Who, O Lord, shall dwell with Thee

In the temple of Thy grace?

Who Thy constant guest shall be

In Thy high and holy place?

 

He who walks in righteousness,

All his actions just and clear;

He whose words the truth express,

Spoken from a heart sincere.

 

He to whom does not belong

Tongue of malice or deceit;

Who will not his neighbor wrong,

Nor a slanderous tale repeat.

 

Who the wicked man will spurn,

Honor those that fear the Lord;

Nor will from his promise turn

Though but loss be his reward.

 

Who no usury will claim,

Nor with bribes pollute his hand:

He who thus his life shall frame

Shall unmoved forever stand.

 

27. God the Highest Good.  Psalm 16.  C.M.

O God, preserve me, for in Thee

Alone my trust has stood;

My soul has said, Thou art my Lord,

My chief and only good.

 

I love Thy saints, who fear Thy Name

And walk as in Thy sight;

They are the excellent of earth,

In them is my delight.

 

Their sorrows shall be multiplied

Who worship aught but Thee;

I share not in their offerings,

Nor join their company.

 

The Lord is my inheritance,

The Lord alone remains

The fullness of my cup of bliss;

The Lord my lot maintains.

 

The lines are fallen unto me

In places large and fair;

A goodly heritage is mine,

Marked out with gracious care.

 

28.  Fellowship with God.  Psalm 16.  C.M.

When in the night I meditate

On mercies multiplied,

My grateful heart inspires my tongue

To bless the Lord, my Guide.

 

Forever in my thought the Lord

Before my face shall stand;

Secure, unmoved, I shall remain,

With Him at my right hand.

 

My inmost being thrills with joy

And gladness fills my breast;

Because on Him my trust is stayed,

My flesh in hope shall rest.

 

I know that I shall not be left

Forgotten in the grave,

And from corruption, Thou, O Lord,

Thy holy one wilt save.

 

The path of life Thou showest me;

Of joy a boundless store

Is ever found at Thy right hand,

And pleasures evermore.

 

29.  Immortality and Resurrection.  Psalm 16.  S.M.

To Thee, O Lord, I fly

And on Thy help depend;

Thou art my Lord and King Most High;

Do Thou my soul defend.

I praise the Lord above

Whose counsel guides aright;

My heart instructs me in His love

In seasons of the night.

 

I keep before me still

The Lord Whom I have proved;

At my right hand He guards from ill,

And I shall not be moved.

My heart is glad and blest,

My soul its joy shall tell;

And, lo, my flesh in hope shall rest,

And still in safety dwell.

 

My soul in death's dark pit

Shall not be left by Thee;

Corruption Thou wilt not permit

Thy holy one to see.

Life's pathway Thou wilt show,

To Thy right hand wilt guide,

Where streams of pleasure ever flow,

And boundless joys abide.

 

30. The Lord Our Inheritance.  Psalm 16.  S.M.

To Thee, O Lord, I fly

And on Thy help depend;

Thou art my Lord and King Most High;

Do Thou my soul defend.

A heritage for me

Jehovah will remain;

My portion rich and full is He,

My right He will maintain.

 

The lot to me that fell

Is beautiful and fair;

The heritage in which I dwell

Is good beyond compare.

I praise the Lord above

Whose counsel guides aright;

My heart instructs me in His love

In seasons of the night.

 

I keep before me still

The Lord Whom I have proved;

At my right hand He guards from ill,

And I shall not be moved.

Life's pathway Thou wilt show,

To Thy right hand wilt guide,

Where streams of pleasure ever flow,

And boundless joys abide.

 

31.  The Prayer of the Righteous.  Psalm 17.  C.H.M.

Lord, hear the right, regard my cry,

My prayer from lips sincere;

Send Thy approval from on high,

My righteousness make clear.

Thou in the night my heart hast tried,

Nor found it turned from Thee aside.

 

With steadfast courage I design

No wrong to speak or do;

Thy path of life I choose for mine

And walk with purpose true.

For help, O God, I cry to Thee,

Assured that Thou wilt answer me.

 

O Thou that ever savest those

Whose trust on Thee is stayed,

Preserving them from all their foes

By Thy almighty aid,

Let me Thy lovingkindness see,

Thy wondrous mercy, full and free.

 

O guard me well as one doth guard

The apple of the eye;

While deadly foes are pressing hard,

To Thee, to Thee I cry.

Do Thou my rest and refuge be,

O let Thy wings o'er-shadow me.

 

My enemy, grown strong in pride,

Would take my life away,

A lion lurking by my side,

Most greedy for his prey.

Confront and cast him down, O Lord,

From evil save me by Thy sword.

 

Defend me from the men of pride,

Whose portion is below,

Who, with life's treasures satisfied,

No better portion know;

They, with earth's joys and wealth content,

Must leave them all when life is spent.

 

When I in righteousness at last

Thy glorious face shall see,

When all the weary night is past,

And I awake with Thee

To view the glories that abide,

Then, then I shall be satisfied.

 

32. Our Need of Divine Help.  Psalm 17.  C.H.M.

Lord, hear the right, regard my cry,

My prayer from lips sincere;

Send Thy approval from on high,

My righteousness make clear.

Thou in the night my heart hast tried,

Nor found it turned from Thee aside.

 

With steadfast courage I design

No wrong to speak or do;

Thy path of life I choose for mine

And walk with purpose true.

For help, O God, I cry to Thee,

Assured that Thou wilt answer me.

 

O Thou that ever savest those

Whose trust on Thee is stayed,

Preserving them from all their foes

By Thy almighty aid,

Let me Thy lovingkindness see,

Thy wondrous mercy, full and free.

 

When I in righteousness at last

Thy glorious face shall see,

When all the weary night is past,

And I awake with Thee

To view the glories that abide,

Then, then I shall be satisfied.

 

33. Our Refuge in the Lord.  Psalm 17.  C.M.

Lord, hear the right, attend my cry,

And to my prayer give ear,

My prayer that riseth unto Thee

From heart and lips sincere.

 

I shunned the ways of wicked men,

For I Thy word obey;

Upon Thy paths my steps held fast,

My feet slipped not away.

 

On Thee, O God, again I call,

For Thou wilt answer me;

Incline Thy ear and hear the prayer

That I direct to Thee.

 

Thy wondrous lovingkindness show,

Thou Who by Thy right hand

Defendest those who trust in Thee

From all who them withstand.

 

Soon I in glorious righteousness

Shall see Thee as Thou art;

Thy likeness, Lord, when I awake

Shall satisfy my heart.

 

34.  God's Strength Our Protection.  Psalm 18.  L.M.

I love the Lord, His strength is mine;

He is my God, I trust His grace.

My fortress high, my shield divine,

My Saviour and my hidingplace.

 

My prayer to God shall still be raised

When troubles thick around me close;

The Lord, most worthy to be praised,

Will rescue me from all my foes.

 

When, floods of evil raging near,

Down nigh to death my soul was brought,

I cried to God in all my fear;

He heard and great deliverance wrought.

 

He came: the earth's foundations quake,

The hills are shaken from their place,

Thick smoke and fire devouring break

In anger dread before His face.

 

Descending through the bending skies,

With gloom and darkness under Him,

Forth through the storm Jehovah flies

As on the wings of cherubim.

 

Thick darkness hides Him from the view,

And swelling clouds His presence veil,

Until His glorious light breaks through

In lightning flash and glistening hail.

 

Jehovah's thunders fill the heaven,

The dreadful voice of God Most High;

With shafts of light the clouds are riven,

His foes, dismayed, in terror fly.

 

The raging torrents overflow,

And sweep the world's foundations bare,

Because Thy blasts of anger blow,

O Lord of earth and sea and air.

 

He took me from the whelming waves

Of bitter hate and sore distress;

The Lord, my stay and helper, saves,

Though mighty foes around me press.

 

From direful straits He set me free,

He saved the man of His delight;

For good the Lord rewarded me,

Because I kept His ways aright.

 

35.  Holiness and Divine Favor.  Psalm 18.  L.M.

Since with my God with perfect heart

I walk and make His word my guide,

And from iniquity depart,

The Lord His blessing will provide.

 

The merciful shall know Thy grace,

The perfect Thy perfection see,

The pure shall see Thy own pure face,

The froward find a foe in Thee.

 

To smite the proud and bring them low,

To save the poor is Thy delight.

The Lord will cause my lamp to glow,

My God will make my darkness light.

 

From God the victory I receive;

Most perfect is His holy way;

His word is tried, they who believe

Will find the Lord their shield and stay.

 

For who is God, and strong to save,

Beside the Lord, our God of might?

'Tis He that makes me strong and brave,

The Lord Who guides my steps aright.

 

Thy free salvation is my shield,

My sure defense in every strait;

Thy hand upholds me, lest I yield;

Thy gentleness has make me great.

 

36. Our Source of Strength.  Psalm 18.  L.M.

As Thou, O Lord, hast made me strong

To overcome my mighty foe,

So now to fight against the wrong

And conquer in Thy Name I go.

 

From strife Thou wilt deliver me,

And make the nations own my sway;

Strange peoples, when my power they see,

Shall come with trembling and obey.

 

Jehovah lives, and blest is He,

My rock, my refuge and defense,

My Saviour Who delivers me,

And will the wicked recompense.

 

For grace and mercy ever near,

For foes subdued and victories won,

All nations of the earth shall hear

My praise for what the Lord has done.

 

To David, His anointed king,

And to his sons upon his throne,

The Lord will great salvation bring

And ever make His mercy known.

 

37.  Nature's Tribute to God.  Psalm 19.  H.M.

The spacious heavens declare

The glory of our God,

The firmament displays

His handiwork abroad;

Day unto day proclaims His might,

And night His wisdom tells to night.

 

Aloud they do not speak,

They utter forth no word,

Nor into language break,

Their voice is never heard;

Yet through the world the truth they bear

And their Creator's power declare.

 

The clouds of heaven are spread,

A tent to hold the sun,

And like a bridegroom fair

Comes forth the mighty one,

Rejoicing in his strength and grace

To run his wondrous daily race.

 

His daily going forth

Is from the end of heaven;

The firmament to him

Is for his circuit given;

His journey reaches to its ends,

And everywhere his heat extends.

 

38.  The Perfect Law of God.  Psalm 19.  H.M.

Jehovah's perfect law

Restores the soul again;

His testimony sure

Gives wisdom unto men;

The precepts of the Lord are right,

And fill the heart with great delight.

 

The Lord's commands are pure,

They light and joy restore;

Jehovah's fear is clean,

Enduring evermore;

His statutes, let the world confess,

Are wholly truth and righteousness.

 

They are to be desired

Above the finest gold;

Than honey from the comb

More sweetness far they hold;

With warning they Thy servant guard,

In keeping them is great reward.

 

His errors who can know?

Cleanse me from hidden stain;

Keep me from willful sins,

Nor let them o'er me reign;

And then I upright shall appear

And be from great transgressions clear.

 

When Thou dost search my life,

May all my thoughts within

And all the words I speak

Thy full approval win.

O Lord, Thou art a rock to me,

And my Redeemer Thou shalt be.

 

39.  The Witness of Nature to God.  Psalm 19.  8s.

The heavens in their splendor declare

The might and the glory of God;

For day unto day speaks His praise,

And night tells His wisdom abroad.

 

They speak not with audible word,

Yet clear is the message they send;

Their witness goes out through the earth,

Their word to the world's farthest end.

 

Forsaking his tent in the sky,

Arrayed as a bridegroom, the sun

Comes forth in his glorious strength,

Rejoicing his circuit to run.

 

He tells through the length of the heavens

His Maker's great wisdom and might,

And nothing in all of the earth

Is hid from his heat and his light.

 

40.  The Divine Law.  Psalm 19.  8s.

The law that the Lord has ordained

Is perfect, the soul to restore;

His truth makes the simple most wise,

The truth that is sure evermore.

 

His precepts are righteous and just,

Rejoicing the heart and the mind;

And all His commandments are pure,

Enlightening the eyes of the blind.

 

The fear of the Lord is most clean,

Forever unmoved it has stood;

His judgments are perfectly true,

In all things most righteous and good.

 

Such treasure no gold can supply,

Such sweetness no honey afford;

Their warnings none heed and obey,

But find most abundant reward.

 

O who can his errors discern?

From hidden faults, Lord, keep me free;

Let pride never reign in my heart,

And clear of great sin I shall be.

 

I pray that my words and my thoughts

May all with Thy precepts accord,

And ever be pleasing to Thee,

My rock, my Redeemer, my Lord.

 

41.  The Value of Holy Scripture.  Psalm 19.  C.M.

Most perfect is the law of God,

Restoring those that stray;

His testimony is most sure,

Proclaiming wisdom's way.

 

The precepts of the Lord are right;

With joy they fill the heart;

The Lord's commandments all are pure,

And clearest light impart.

 

The fear of God is undefiled

And ever shall endure;

The statutes of the Lord are truth

And righteousness most pure.

 

They warn from ways of wickedness

Displeasing to the Lord,

And in the keeping of His word

There is a great reward.

 

What man can know his evil heart,

Discerning all his sin?

O cleanse me, Lord, from hidden faults,

And make me pure within.

 

From willful sins Thy servant keep,

No vantage let them gain;

From great transgression thus make free,

I upright shall remain.

 

The words which from my mouth proceed,

The thoughts within my heart,

Accept, O Lord, for Thou my Rock

And my Redeemer art.

 

42.  Love for God's Word.  Psalm 19.  C.M.

Most perfect is the law of God,

Restoring those that stray;

His testimony is most sure,

Proclaiming wisdom's way.

 

Chorus:

O how love I Thy law!

O how love I Thy law!

It is my meditation all the day.

 

The precepts of the Lord are right;

With joy they fill the heart;

The Lord's commandments all are pure,

And clearest light impart.

 

The fear of God is undefiled

And ever shall endure;

The statutes of the Lord are truth

And righteousness most pure.

 

They warn from ways of wickedness

Displeasing to the Lord,

And in the keeping of His word

There is a great reward.

 

43.  Mutual Intercession.  Psalm 20.  L.M.

Jehovah hear thee in thy grief,

Our fathers' God defend thee still,

Send from His holy place relief,

And strengthen thee from Zion's hill.

 

Thy sacrifice may He regard,

And all thy offerings bear in mind;

Thy heart's desire to thee accord,

Fulfilling all thou hast designed.

 

In thy salvation we rejoice,

And in God's Name our banners raise;

Jehovah hearken to thy voice,

Fulfill thy prayers through all thy days.

 

Salvation will the Lord command,

And His anointed will defend;

Yea, with the strength of His right hand

From heaven He will an answer send.

 

How vain their every confidence

Who on mere human help rely;

But we remember for defense

The Name of God, the Lord Most High.

 

Now we arise and upright stand,

While they, subdued and helpless, fall;

Jehovah, save us by Thy hand,

The King give answer when we call.

 

44.  The Safeguards of Prayer.  Psalm 20.  C.M.

Jehovah hear thee in the day

When trouble He doth send;

And let our covenant-keeping God

From every ill defend.

 

O let Him send His help to thee

Forth from His holy place;

Let Him from Zion, His own hill,

Sustain thee by His grace.

 

May He remember all thy gifts.

Accept thy sacrifice,

And, granting thee thy heart's desire

Fulfill thy counsels wise.

 

In thy salvation we will joy;

When thou to God dost pray,

May He give answer, in Whose Name

Our banners we display.

 

45.  Jesus Crowned and Triumphant.  Psalm 21.  12s and 9s.

Now the King in Thy strength shall be joyful, O Lord,

Thy salvation shall make him rejoice;

For the wish of His heart Thou didst freely accord,

The request of His suppliant voice.

 

All the blessings of goodness Thou freely didst give;

With the purest of gold He is crowned;

When He asked of Thee life Thou hast made Him to live

While the ages shall circle around.

 

Through salvation from Thee hath His fame spread abroad,

Thou didst glory and honor impart;

Thou hast made Him most blessed forever, O God,

And Thy presence hath gladdened His heart.

 

For the King in the strength of Jehovah Most High

Did unwavering confidence place;

On the Name of Jehovah he still will rely,

And shall stand evermore in His grace.

 

By the hand of Thy might and Thy honor destroyed,

All Thy foes and their offspring shall fail;

By the evil they planned and the craft they employed

They shall never against Thee prevail.

 

Thou wilt speedily make them turn backward in flight,

When Thy arrows are aimed to destroy.

O Jehovah, be Thou far exalted in might,

And Thy power shall our praises employ.

 

46.  The Coronation of Jesus Christ.  Psalm 21.  L.M.

The King rejoiceth in Thy strength,

In Thy salvation, Lord Most High,

For Thou hast filled His heart's desire

His prayer Thy love doth not deny.

 

A kingly crown Thou givest Him,

Thy blessings meet Him on His ways;

He asked for life, and unto Him

Thou gavest endless length of days.

 

With majesty and honor crowned,

How great His glory in Thy grace!

Forever blest, Thou makest Him

With joy to live before Thy face.

 

The King doth in Jehovah trust,

His lovingkindness He hath proved;

Confiding in the Lord Most High

He standeth evermore unmoved.

 

47.  The Cross of Calvary.  Psalm 22.  L.M.

My God, my God, I cry to Thee;

O why hast Thou forsaken me?

Afar from Me, Thou dost not heed,

Though day and night for help I plead.

 

But Thou art holy in Thy ways,

Enthroned upon Thy people's praise;

Our fathers put their trust in Thee,

Believed, and Thou didst set them free.

 

They cried, and, trusting in Thy Name,

Were saved, and were not put to shame.

But in the dust My honor lies,

While all reproach and all despise.

 

My words a cause for scorn they make,

The lip they curl, the head they shake,

And, mocking, bid me trust the Lord

Till He salvation shall afford.

 

My trust on Thee I learned to rest

When I was on My mother's breast;

From birth Thou art my God alone,

Thy care My life has ever known.

 

O let Thy strength and presence cheer,

For trouble and distress are near;

Be Thou not far away from Me,

I have no source of help but Thee.

 

Unnumbered foes would do Me wrong,

They press about Me, fierce and strong,

Like beasts of prey their rage they vent,

My courage fails, My strength is spent.

 

Down unto death Thou leadest Me,

Consumed by thirst and agony;

With cruel hate and anger fierce

My helpless hands and feet they pierce.

 

While on My wasted form they stare,

The garments torn from Me they share,

My shame and sorrow heeding not,

And for My robe they cast the lot.

 

O Lord, afar no longer stay;

O Thou my helper, haste, I pray;

From death and evil set Me free;

I live, for Thou didst answer Me.

 

I live and will declare Thy fame

Where brethren gather in Thy Name;

Where all Thy faithful people meet,

I will Thy worthy praise repeat.

 

48.  A Call to Praise.  Psalm 22.  L.M.

All ye that fear Jehovah's Name,

His glory tell, His praise proclaim;

Ye children of His chosen race,

Stand ye in awe before His face.

 

The suffering one He has not spurned

Who unto Him for succor turned;

From him He has not hid His face,

But answered his request in grace.

 

O Lord, Thy goodness makes me raise

Amid Thy people songs of praise;

Before all them that fear Thee, now

I worship Thee and pay my vow.

 

For all the meek Thou wilt provide,

They shall be fed and satisfied;

All they that seek the Lord shall live

And neverending praises give.

 

The ends of all the earth shall hear

And turn unto the Lord in fear;

All kindreds of the earth shall own

And worship Him as God alone.

 

For His the kingdom, His of right,

He rules the nations by His might;

All earth to Him her homage brings,

The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

 

Both rich and poor, both bond and free,

Shall worship Him with bended knee,

And children's children shall proclaim

The glorious honor of His Name.

 

The Lord's unfailing righteousness

All generations shall confess,

From age to age shall men be taught

What wondrous works the Lord has wrought.

 

49.  The Triumphs of the Gospel.  Psalm 22.  L.M.

The ends of all the earth shall hear

And turn unto the Lord in fear;

All kindreds of the earth shall own

And worship Him as God alone.

 

Chorus:

All earth to Him her homage brings,

The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

 

For His the kingdom, His of right,

He rules the nations by His might;

All earth to Him her homage brings,

The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

 

Both rich and poor, both bond and free,

Shall worship Him with bended knee,

And children's children shall proclaim

The glorious honor of His Name.

 

50.  The Dominion of Jesus Christ.  Psalm 22.  7s and 6s.

Come ye that fear Jehovah,

Ye saints, your voices raise;

Come, stand in awe before Him,

And sing His glorious praise.

Ye lowly and afflicted

Who on His word rely,

Your heart shall live forever,

The Lord will satisfy.

 

All kindreds of the nations

To Christ the Lord shall turn,

Through earth's remotest regions

His altar-fires shall burn.

All kingdom, power, and glory

Belong to Him alone;

He ruleth o'er the nations,

Kings bow before His throne.

 

Both high and low shall worship,

Both strong and weak shall bend,

A faithful Church shall serve Him

Till generations end.

His praise shall be recounted

To nations yet to be,

The triumphs of His justice

A newborn world shall see.

 

51.  Witness-Bearing and Grateful Praise.  Psalm 22.  C.M.

Amid the thronging worshippers

Jehovah will I bless;

Before my brethren gathered there,

His Name will I confess.

Come, praise Him, ye that fear the Lord,

Ye children of His grace;

With reverence sound His glories forth

And bow before His face.

 

The burden of the sorrowful

The Lord will not despise;

He has not turned from those that mourn,

He hearkens to their cries.

His goodness makes me join the throng

Where saints His praise proclaim,

And there will I fulfill my vows

'Mid those who fear His Name.

 

He feeds with good the humble soul

And satisfies the meek,

And they shall live and praise the Lord

Who for His mercy seek.

The ends of all the earth take thought,

The nations seek the Lord;

They worship Him, the King of kings,

In earth and heaven adored.

 

52.  The Guardian Care of God.  Psalm 23.  8s, 7s, 4.

Thou, Jehovah, art my Shepherd,

Therefore I no want shall know;

In green pastures Thou dost rest me,

Leadest where still waters flow,

And, when fainting,

Sweet refreshment dost bestow.

 

For Thy Name's sake Thou dost guide me

In the paths of righteousness;

Though I walk the vale of shadows,

Fears no more my soul oppress;

Thou art with me,

With Thy rod and staff to bless.

 

Thou preparest me a table

In the presence of the foe;

Thou my head with oil anointest,

Yea, my cup doth overflow.

O my Saviour,

Having Thee, no want I know.

 

Surely grace and lovingkindness

Shall forever follow me,

Till, my days of life all ended,

Evermore my home shall be,

O Jehovah,

In Thy holy house with Thee.

 

53.  The Lord Our Shepherd.  Psalm 23.  C.M.

The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

 

My soul He doth restore again,

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness,

E'en for His own Name's sake.

 

Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill,

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

 

A table Thou hast furnished me

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

 

Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me,

And in God's house forevermore

My dwellingplace shall be.

 

54.  Jesus Our Shepherd.  Psalm 23.  C.M.

My faithful Shepherd is the Lord,

Supplying all my needs;

In pastures green He makes me rest,

By quiet waters leads.

 

He tenderly restores my soul

When I am in distress,

And for His Name's sake guides my feet

In paths of righteousness.

 

Through death's dark valley though I walk,

No evil will I fear;

Thy rod and staff will comfort me,

For Thou art ever near.

 

A table dost Thou spread for me

In presence of my foes;

Thou hast anointed me with oil,

My cup of joy o'erflows.

 

Through life Thy goodness and Thy grace

Shall daily follow me;

And I, within Thy house, O Lord,

Shall ever dwell with Thee.

 

55.  The Good Shepherd.  Psalm 23.  7s and 6s.

The Lord my Shepherd holds me

Within His tender care,

And with His flock He folds me,

No want shall find me there.

In pastures green He feeds me,

With plenty I am blest;

By quiet streams He leads me

And makes me safely rest.

 

Whatever ill betides me,

He will restore and bless;

For His Name's sake He guides me

In paths of righteousness.

Thy rod and staff shall cheer me

In death's dark vale and shade,

For Thou wilt then be near me:

I shall not be afraid.

 

My food Thou dost appoint me,

Supplied before my foes;

With oil Thou dost anoint me,

My cup of bliss o'erflows.

Thy goodness, Lord, shall guide me,

Thy mercy cheer my way;

A home Thou wilt provide me

Within Thy house for aye.

 

56.  The Saviour's Constant Presence.  Psalm 23.  10s and 4s.

My Shepherd is the Lord Who know my needs,

And I am blest;

By quiet streams, in pastures green, He leads

And makes me rest.

My soul He saves and for His own Name's sake

He guides my feet the paths of right to take.

 

Though in death's vale and shadow be my way

I fear no ill,

For Thou art near, Thy rod and staff my stay

And comfort still.

My table Thou dost spread before my foes,

My head Thou dost anoint, my cup o'erflows.

 

The goodness and the mercy that have aye

Upon me shone

Shall surely follow me through all the way

Till life is done;

And evermore Jehovah's house shall be

My dwelling place through all eternity.

 

57. Conditions of Approach to God.  Psalm 24.  11s.

The earth and the fullness with which it is stored,

The world and its dwellers belong to the Lord;

For He on the seas its foundations has laid,

And firm on the waters its pillars has stayed.

 

What man shall the hill of Jehovah ascend,

And who in the place of His presence attend?

The man of pure heart, and of hands without stain,

Who swears not to falsehood nor loves what is vain.

 

That man ever blest of Jehovah shall live,

The God of salvation shall righteousness give;

For this is the people, yea, this is the race,

The Israel true that are seeking His face.

 

58. The Triumphal Ascension of Christ.  Psalm 24.  11s.

Ye gates, lift your heads, the glad summons obey,

Ye doors everlasting, wide open the way;

The King of all glory high honors await,

The King of all glory shall enter in state.

 

What King of all glory is this that ye sing?

The Lord, strong and mighty, the conquering King.

Ye gates, lift your heads, and His summons obey,

Ye doors everlasting, wide open the way.

 

The King of all glory high honors await,

The King of all glory shall enter in state.

What King of all glory is this that ye sing?

Jehovah of Hosts, He of glory is King.

 

59.  The Divine King and the Worshiper.  Psalm 24.  C.M.

The earth, with all that dwell therein,

With all its wealth untold,

Belongs to God Who founded it

Upon the seas of old.

 

What man shall stand before the Lord

On Zion's holy hill?

The clean of hand, the pure of heart,

The just who do His will.

 

Lo, such are they that seek for God,

And blest by Him they live;

To them His perfect righteousness

The God of grace will give.

 

Ye everlasting doors, give way,

Lift up your heads, ye gates!

For now, behold, to enter in

The King of glory waits.

 

Who is this glorious King that comes

To claim His sovereign right?

It is the Lord omnipotent,

All-conquering in His might.

 

Ye everlasting doors, give way,

Lift up your heads, ye gates!

For now, behold, to enter in

The King of glory waits.

 

Who is this glorious King that comes

To claim His rightful throne?

The Lord of Hosts, He is the King

Of glory, God alone.

 

60. Prayer for Defense and Guidance.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

To Thee I lift my soul,

In Thee my trust repose;

My God, O put me not to shame

Before triumphant foes.

 

None shall be put to shame

That humbly wait for Thee,

But those that willfully transgress,

On them the shame shall be.

 

Show me Thy paths, O Lord,

Teach me Thy perfect way,

O guide me in Thy truth divine,

And lead me day by day.

 

For Thou art God that dost

To me salvation send,

And patiently through all the day

Upon Thee I attend.

 

Recall Thy mercies, Lord,

Their tenderness untold,

And all Thy lovingkindnesses,

For they have been of old.

 

61.  The Sins of Youth.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

My sins and faults of youth,

Let them forgotten be,

And for Thy tender mercies' sake,

O Lord, remember me.

 

The Lord is just and good,

Instructing those that stray;

The meek He will in judgment guide

And make them know His way.

 

The pathways of the Lord

Are truth and mercy sure

To such as keep His covenant

And testimonies pure.

 

For Thy Name's sake, O Lord,

With Thee I humbly plead

To pardon my iniquity,

For it is great indeed.

 

62.  The Friendship of the Lord.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

The man that fears the Lord

God's ways shall understand;

His soul shall ever dwell at ease,

His children rule the land.

 

The friendship of the Lord

Is ever with His own,

And unto those that fear His name

His faithfulness is shown.

 

My eyes are evermore

Toward Thee, O Lord, Whose care

Shall surely save my heedless feet

From every hidden snare.

 

O turn to me Thy face,

To me Thy mercy show,

For I am very desolate

And brought exceeding low.

 

63. Forgiveness and Deliverance.  Psalm 25.  S.M.

My griefs of heart abound,

Relieve my sore distress.

See my affliction and my pain,

Forgive my sinfulness.

 

Consider Thou my foes,

So many and so bold.

For cruel is the hatred, Lord,

Which they against me hold.

 

Defend and keep my soul,

From foes deliver me,

And let me not be brought to shame:

I put my trust in Thee.

 

Be truth and right my shield,

Because I wait for Thee;

Thy Church, O God, do Thou redeem

From all adversity.

 

64.  Spiritual Aspirations.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Lord, I lift my soul to Thee,

O my God, I trust Thy might;

Let not foes exalt o'er me,

Shame me not before their sight.

Yea, may none be put to shame,

None who wait for Thee to bless;

But dishonored be their name

Who without a cause transgress.

 

Lord, to me Thy ways make known,

Guide in truth and teach Thou me;

Thou my Saviour art alone,

All the day I wait for Thee.

Lord, remember in Thy love

All Thy mercies manifold,

Tender mercies from above,

Changeless from the days of old.

 

Sins of youth remember not,

Nor my trespasses record;

Let not mercy be forgot,

For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

Just and good the Lord abides,

He His way will sinners show,

He the meek in justice guides,

Making them His way to know.

 

65. The Blessings of the God-Fearing.  Psalm 25.  7s.

68.  The Paths of the Lord.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Grace and truth shall mark the way

Where the Lord His own will lead,

If His word they still obey

And His testimonies heed.

 

For Thy Name's sake hear Thou me,

For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;

Pardon my iniquity,

For my sin is very great.

 

He who walks in godly fear

In the path of truth shall go;

Peace shall be his portion here,

And his sons all good shall know.

 

They that fear and love the Lord

Shall Jehovah's friendship know;

He will grace to them accord,

And His faithful covenant show.

 

66. The Look of Faith.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Ever are my longing eyes

Toward the Lord, Whose watchful care,

When my foes their plots devise,

Keep my feet from every snare.

 

Turn to me, Thy grace impart,

I am desolate indeed;

Great the troubles of my heart;

Save Thou me, O Lord, I plead.

 

Look on my afflicted state,

Freely all my sins forgive,

Mark my foes, their cruel hate,

Keep my soul and let me live.

 

Shame me not, I hide in Thee;

Truth and right preserve me still;

Let, O God, Thy people be

Now redeemed from every ill.

 

67. Aspiration and Supplication.  Psalm 25.  7s.

Lord, to me Thy ways make known,

Guide in truth and teach Thou me;

Thou my Saviour art alone,

All the day I wait for Thee.

 

Lord, remember in Thy love

All Thy mercies manifold,

Tender mercies from above,

Changeless from the days of old.

 

Sins of youth remember not,

Nor my trespasses record;

Let not mercy be forgot,

For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

 

Just and good the Lord abides,

He His way will sinners show,

He the meek in justice guides,

Making them His way to know.

 

Grace and truth shall mark the way

Where the Lord His own will lead,

If His word they still obey

And his testimonies heed.

 

68.  The Paths of the Lord.  Psalm 25.  7s.

See Psalter 65, verses 1-4.

 

69. The Petition of a Good Conscience.  Psalm 26.  C.M.

Be Thou my judge, O righteous Lord,

Try Thou my inmost heart;

I walk with steadfast trust in Thee,

Nor from Thy ways depart.

 

O search me, Lord, and prove me now;

Thy mercy I adore;

I choose Thy truth to be my guide,

And sinful ways abhor.

 

My hands I wash in innocence

And seek Thy altar, Lord,

That there I may with thankful voice

Thy wondrous works record.

 

The habitation of Thy house

Is ever my delight;

The place where dwells Thy glory, Lord,

Is lovely in my sight.

 

Let not the judgment fall on me

For evil men decreed,

For cruel men and violent,

Inspired by bribes and greed.

 

But I in my integrity

Will humbly walk with Thee;

O my Redeemer and my Lord,

Be merciful to me.

 

Redeemed by Thee, I stand secure

In peace and happiness;

And in the Church, among Thy saints,

Jehovah I will bless.

 

70. Integrity of Character.  Psalm 26.  S.M.

Judge my integrity,

The righteous judge Thou art;

Prove me, O Lord, examine me,

And try my inmost heart.

 

Thy mercy and Thy grace

I love to contemplate;

Thy paths of truth my footsteps trace,

And wicked men I hate.

 

Clean hands, O Lord, I raise

As I Thy altars seek,

Where I may sing in grateful praise,

And of Thy wonders speak.

 

O Lord, Thy house I love,

Where glory dwells within;

O keep my heart secure above

All fellowship with sin.

 

Redeeming love and grace

Bestow, O Lord, on me;

Among Thy saints how blest my place,

Forever praising Thee.

 

71. The Fearlessness of Faith.  Psalm 27.  H.M.

Jehovah is my light,

And my salvation near;

Who shall my soul affright,

Or cause my heart to fear?

While God my strength, my life sustains,

Secure from fear my soul remains.

 

When evildoers came

To make my life their prey,

They stumbled in their shame

And fell in sore dismay;

Though hosts make war on every side,

Still fearless I in God confide.

 

My one request has been,

And still this prayer I raise,

That I may dwell within

God's house through all my days,

Jehovah's beauty to admire,

And in His temple to inquire.

 

When troubles round me swell,

When fears and dangers throng,

Securely I will dwell

In His pavilion strong;

Within the covert of His tent

He hides me till the storm is spent.

 

Uplifted on a rock

Above my foes around,

Amid the battle shock

My song shall still resound;

Then joyful offerings I will bring,

Jehovah's praise my heart shall sing.

 

72. Entreaty and Hopeful Trust.  Psalm 27.  H.M.

Lord, hear me when I pray,

And answer me in grace;

Oft as I hear Thee say,

Come ye and seek My face,

My heart and lips their answer speak,

Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.

 

Hide not Thy face from me,

In wrath turn not away,

My help and Saviour be,

Forsake me not, I pray;

Should father, mother, friends forsake,

The Lord on me will pity take.

 

Teach me, O Lord, Thy way,

Make plain to me my path;

Because of foes, I pray,

Protect me from their wrath;

To false accusers, cruel foes,

O Lord, do not my soul expose.

 

Fainthearted would I be,

Didst Thou not promise, Lord,

I shall Thy goodness see

While Thou dost life accord.

Wait on the Lord, nor faint, nor fear,

Yea, trust and wait, the Lord is near.

 

73.  The Confidence of Faith.  Psalm 27.  8s and 6.

The Lord Almighty is my light,

He is my Saviour ever near,

And, since my strength is in His might

Who can distress me or affright?

What evil shall I fear?

 

O Lord, regard me when I cry,

In mercy hear me when I speak;

Thou bidst me seek Thy face, and I,

O Lord, with willing heart reply,

Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

 

Hide not Thy face afar from me,

For Thou alone canst help afford;

O cast me not away from Thee

Nor let my soul forsaken be,

My Saviour and my Lord.

 

Though earthly friends no pity take,

Yet Thy compassion knows no end;

E'en though my father shall forsake,

E'en though my mother's love shall break,

The Lord will be my friend.

 

My heart had failed in fear and woe

Unless in God I had believed,

Assured that He would mercy show

And that my life His grace should know,

Nor was my hope deceived.

 

Fear not, though succor be delayed.

Still wait for God, and He will hear;

Be strong, nor be thy heart dismayed,

Wait, and the Lord shall bring thee aid,

Yea, trust and never fear.

 

74. Desire After God.  Psalm 27.  C.M.

O Lord, give ear when with my voice

I cry aloud to Thee;

Have mercy also, I entreat,

Give answer unto me.

 

When Thou didst say, Seek ye my face,

My answering heart replied,

Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek

Above all else beside.

 

Hide not Thy face, nor in Thy wrath

Thy servant put away;

Thou hast a helper been to me

In every troublous day.

 

O God, my Saviour, leave me not;

Though parents should forsake,

The Lord, within His arms of love,

His child will surely take.

 

75.  Invocation and Confident Petition.  Psalm 28.  S.M.

O Lord, to Thee I cry;

Thou art my rock and trust;

O be not silent, lest I die

And slumber in the dust.

 

O hear me when in prayer

Thy favor I entreat;

Hear, while I lift imploring hands

Before Thy mercy seat.

 

O let me have no part

With those that hate the right;

For as their works, so their reward:

Jehovah will requite.

 

But blessed be the Lord

Who hearkens when I cry;

The Lord, my strength, my help, my shield,

On Him will I rely.

 

His help makes glad my heart,

And songs of praise I sing;

Jehovah is His people's strength,

The stronghold of their king.

 

Bless Thy inheritance,

Our Saviour be, I pray;

Supply Thou all Thy people's need,

And be their constant stay.

 

76. Divine Power in Manifestation.  Psalm 29.  12s and 11s.

Now unto Jehovah, ye sons of the mighty,

All glory and strength and dominion accord;

Ascribe to Him glory, and render Him honor,

In beauty of holiness worship the Lord.

 

The voice of Jehovah, the God of all glory,

Rolls over the waters, the thunders awake;

The voice of Jehovah, majestic and mighty,

Is heard, and the cedars of Lebanon break.

 

His voice makes the mountains and deserts to tremble,

Wild beasts are affrighted, the forests laid bare,

And through all creation, His wonderful temple,

All things He has fashioned His glory declare.

 

The Lord ruled in might at the flood of great waters,

A King Whose dominion is never to cease;

The Lord will give blessing and strength to His people,

The Lord all His people will comfort with peace.

 

77. Commemoration and Praise.  Psalm 30.  7s and 6s.

O Lord, by Thee delivered,

I Thee with songs extol;

My foes Thou hast not suffered

To glory o'er my fall.

O Lord, my God, I sought Thee,

And Thou didst heal and save;

Thou, Lord, from death didst ransom

And keep me from the grave.

 

His holy name remember,

Ye saints, Jehovah praise;

His anger lasts a moment,

His favor all our days;

For sorrow, like a pilgrim,

May tarry for a night,

But joy the heart will gladden

When dawns the morning light.

 

In prosperous days I boasted,

Unmoved I shall remain,

For, Lord, by Thy good favor

My cause Thou didst maintain.

I soon was sorely troubled,

For Thou didst hide Thy face;

I cried to Thee, Jehovah,

I sought Jehovah's grace.

 

What profit if I perish,

If life Thou dost not spare?

Shall dust repeat Thy praises,

Shall it Thy truth declare?

O Lord, on me have mercy,

And my petition hear;

That Thou mayst be my helper,

In mercy, Lord, appear.

 

My grief is turned to gladness,

To Thee my thanks I raise,

Who hast removed my sorrow

And girded me with praise;

And now, no longer silent,

My heart Thy praise will sing;

O Lord, my God, forever

My thanks to Thee I bring.

 

78.  Grateful Praise.  Psalm 30.  H.M.

Lord, I will praise Thy Name,

For Thou hast set me free,

Nor suffered foes to claim

A triumph over me.

O Lord, my God, to Thee I cried

And Thou hast health and strength supplied.

 

Thou hast my soul restored

When I was near the grave,

And from the depths, O Lord,

Thou graciously didst save;

O ye His saints, sing to the Lord,

With thanks His holiness record.

 

His wrath is quickly past,

His favor lives for aye;

Though grief a night may last,

Joy comes at break of day;

In my prosperity secure

I said, My peace shall still endure.

 

79.  Thoughts on God's Loving-Kindness.  Psalm 30.  H.M.

My God, it was Thy grace

That did my strength supply;

When Thou didst hide Thy face,

Sore troubled then was I.

To Thee I cried, O Lord; to Thee

I made my supplicating plea.

 

What profit can it bring

If life Thou dost not spare?

Shall dust Thy praises sing,

Shall it Thy truth declare?

Jehovah hear, in mercy hear,

My Helper, Saviour, now appear.

 

With grief to gladness turned,

With sorrow changed to joy,

Thy praises I have learned,

And songs my lips employ;

So shall my tongue through life adore

And praise Thy name for evermore.

 

80.  God Our Resort in Trouble.  Psalm 31.  C.M.

In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust,

I call upon Thy Name;

O save me in Thy righteousness,

Nor let me suffer shame.

 

Bow down Thy ear to my request,

And swift deliverance send;

Be Thou to me a rock of strength,

A fortress to defend.

 

Since Thou my rock and fortress art,

My leader be, and guide;

From all temptation rescue me,

Thou dost my strength abide.

 

To Thee my spirit I commend;

Redemption is with Thee,

O Thou, Jehovah, God of truth,

Who hast delivered me.

 

I hate all those that love the false,

My trust is in the Lord;

I will be glad, and joyfully

Thy mercy will record.

 

For my affliction Thou hast seen,

And known my many woes;

Thou hast not let me be enslaved,

But freed me from my foes.

 

Show mercy, Lord, to me distressed,

And send my soul relief;

My life is spent with bitterness,

My strength consumed with grief.

 

I mourn and fail because of sin,

Friends turn in dread away;

Reproached am I and terrified,

While foes conspire to slay.

 

But, Lord, in Thee is all my trust,

Thou art my God, I cried;

My life, my times are in Thy hand,

I in Thy strength confide.

 

From all that persecute my soul

Thy gracious help I crave;

O smile upon Thy servant, Lord,

And in Thy mercy save.

 

Let me not be ashamed, O Lord,

I plead with Thee to save;

But let the wicked be ashamed,

And silent in the grave.

 

Yea, let their lips henceforth be mute

Who words of falsehood seek,

The lips which with contempt and pride

Against the righteous speak.

 

81.  The Riches of God's Goodness.  Psalm 31.  C.P.M.

How great the goodness kept in store

For those who fear Thee and adore

In meek humility.

How great the deeds with mercy fraught

Which openly Thy hand hat wrought

For those who trust in Thee.

 

Secured by Thy unfailing grace,

In Thee they find a hidingplace

When foes their plots devise;

A sure retreat Thou wilt prepare,

And keep them safely sheltered there,

When strife of tongues shall rise.

 

Blest be the Lord, for He hath showed,

While giving me a safe abode,

His love beyond compare;

Although His face He seemed to hide,

He ever heard me when I cried,

And made my wants His care.

 

Ye saints, Jehovah love and serve,

For He the faithful will preserve,

And shield from men of pride;

Be strong and let your hearts be brave,

All ye that wait for Him to save,

In God the Lord confide.

 

82.  Security in God.  Psalm 31.  S.M.

Defend me, Lord, from shame,

For still I trust in Thee;

Since just and righteous is Thy Name,

From trouble set me free.

O Lord, in mercy hear,

Deliver me with speed;

Be my defense and refuge near,

My help in time of need.

 

Thee for my rock I take,

My fortress and my stay;

O lead me for Thy own Name's sake

And guide me in Thy way.

Lord, Thou dost strength impart;

Then free me from the snare

Which foes for me, with wicked art,

Did secretly prepare.

 

My spirit unto Thee

I trustfully commend;

Jehovah, God of truth, to me

Thou didst redemption send.

I hate the false and vain,

My trust is in the Lord,

And still my heart in joyous strain

Thy mercy will record.

 

83.  Sin and Forgiveness.  Psalm 32.  7s and 6s.

How blest is he whose trespass

Hath freely been forgiven,

Whose sin is wholly covered

Before the sight of heaven.

Blest he to whom Jehovah

Imputeth not his sin,

Who hath a guileless spirit,

Whose heart is true within.

 

While I kept guilty silence

My strength was spent with grief,

Thy hand was heavy on me,

My soul found no relief;

But when I owned my trespass,

My sin hid not from Thee,

When I confessed transgression,

Then Thou forgavest me.

 

So let the godly seek Thee

In times when Thou art near;

No whelming floods shall reach them,

Nor cause their hearts to fear.

In Thee, O Lord, I hide me,

Thou savest me from ill,

And songs of Thy salvation

My heart with rapture thrill.

 

84.  Gracious Guidance.  Psalm 32.  7s and 6s.

I graciously will teach thee

The way that thou shalt go,

And with My eye upon thee

My counsel make thee know.

But be ye not unruly,

Or slow to understand,

Be not perverse, but willing

To heed my wise command.

 

The sorrows of the wicked

In number shall abound,

But those that trust Jehovah,

His mercy shall surround;

Then in the Lord be joyful,

In song lift up your voice;

Be glad in God, ye righteous,

Rejoice, ye saints, rejoice.

 

85.  The Praise of Almighty God.  Psalm 33.  C.P.M.

Ye righteous, in the Lord rejoice;

'Tis comely that with joyful voice

God's saints His Name should praise.

With harp and hymn of gladness sing,

Your gift of sweetest music bring,

To Him a new song raise.

 

For upright is Jehovah's word,

And all the doings of the Lord

In justice have their birth;

In judgment and in deeds of right

The Lord forever takes delight,

His goodness fills the earth.

 

Jehovah speaks, the heavens appear;

He breathes, and, lo, each shining sphere

In splendor stands arrayed;

He rolls the waters heap on heap,

He stores away the mighty deep

In garners for it made.

 

86.  The God of Providence and Grace.  Psalm 33.  C.P.M.

Let all the earth Jehovah fear,

Let all that dwell both far and near

In awe before Him stand;

For, lo, He spake and it was done,

And all with sovereign power begun

Stood fast at His command.

 

He makes the nations' counsels vain,

The plans the peoples would maintain

Are thwarted by His hand.

Jehovah's counsel stands secure,

His purposes of heart endure,

For evermore they stand.

 

O truly is the nation blest

Whose God before the world confessed

Jehovah is alone;

And blest the people is whom He

Has made His heritage to be,

And chosen for His own.

 

87.  God the Only Deliverer.  Psalm 33.  C.P.M.

Jehovah from His throne on high

Looks down with clear and searching eye

On all that dwell below;

And He that fashioned heart and mind

Looks ever down on all mankind,

The works of men to know.

 

Not human strength or mighty hosts,

Not charging steeds or war-like boasts

Can save from overthrow;

But God will save from death and shame

All those who fear and trust His Name,

And they no want shall know.

 

Our hope is on Jehovah stayed,

In Him our hearts are joyful made,

Our help and shield is He;

Our trust is in His holy Name,

Thy mercy, Lord, in faith we claim,

As we have hoped in Thee.

 

88.  The Goodness of God Proved.  Psalm 34.  C.M.

The Lord I will at all times bless,

In praise my mouth employ;

My soul shall in Jehovah boast,

The meek shall hear with joy.

O magnify the Lord with me,

Let us exalt His Name;

When in distress on Him I called,

He to my rescue came.

 

We looked to Him and light received,

Ashamed we shall not be;

Our humble cry Jehovah heard,

From trouble set us free.

The angel of the Lord encamps

Around about His own,

Delivers them from all their foes,

Lest they be overthrown.

 

O taste and see that God is good

To all that seek His face;

Yea, blest the man that trusts in Him,

Confiding in His grace.

O fear the Lord, all ye His saints;

No want shall bring distress;

The lions young may pine for food,

The saints all good possess.

 

89.  The Secret of a Happy Life.  Psalm 34.  C.M.

Ye children, come, give ear to me

And learn Jehovah's fear;

He who would long and happy live,

Let him my counsel hear.

 

Restrain thy lips from speaking guile,

From wicked speech depart,

From evil turn and do the good,

Seek peace with all thy heart.

 

Jehovah's eyes are on the just,

He hearkens to their cry;

Against the wicked sets His face,

Their very name shall die.

 

The Lord may suffer many griefs

Upon the just to fall,

But He will bring them safely through,

Delivering them from all.

 

By evil are the evil slain,

And they that hate the just;

But all His servants God redeems,

And safe in Him they trust.

 

90.  Testimony and Praise.  Psalm 34.  L.M.

The Lord I will at all times bless,

My mouth His praises shall express;

In Him shall all my boasting be,

While all the meek rejoice with me.

 

O magnify the Lord with me,

Let us to praise His Name agree;

I sought the Lord, He answered me,

And from my tears He set me free.

 

Who look to Him shall walk in light,

With joy their faces shall be bright.

Distressed, they cried; the Lord arose

And saved them out of all their woes.

 

Around His saints as watch and ward

Encamps the angel of the Lord;

That God is good, O taste and see,

Who trusts in Him shall blessed be.

 

Fear Him, ye saints, and do His will,

And all your needs He will fulfill,

Though beasts of forest lack their food,

Those seeking God shall want no good.

 

Ye children, come and hear my voice,

And learn to make God's fear your choice;

Who seek long life and happy days

Must learn to walk in wisdom's ways.

 

Who fears the Lord must keep his tongue

From evil and his lips from wrong,

Must do the good, from evil cease,

And ever seek and follow peace.

 

91.  The Safety of Believers.  Psalm 34.  L.M.

God guards the good with watchful eye,

His ear attentive to their cry,

Against the wicked sets His face,

From earth their memory to erase.

 

The righteous cry, Jehovah hears.

And rescues them from all their fears;

The Lord draws nigh to broken hearts,

To contrite spirits help imparts.

 

Afflictions on the good must fall,

But God will bring them safe through all;

From harmful stroke He will defend,

And sure and full deliverance send.

 

By evil are the evil slain,

The hope of sinful men is vain;

The wicked, who the righteous hate,

Their condemnation shall be great.

 

The Lord redemption will provide

For all who in His grace confide;

From condemnation they are clear

Who trust in Him with holy fear.

 

92.  God Our Advocate and Judge.  Psalm 35.  L.M.

Be Thou my helper in the strife,

O Lord, my strong defender be;

Thy mighty shield protect my life,

Thy spear confront the enemy.

Amid the conflict, O my Lord,

Thy precious promise let me hear,

The faithful, reassuring word:

I am thy Saviour, do not fear.

 

Ashamed, confounded let them be

Who seek my ruin and disgrace;

O let Thy angel fight for me,

And drive my foes before his face.

Without a cause my life they sought,

Without a cause their plots they laid;

Themselves within their snares be caught,

And be my crafty foes dismayed.

 

My soul is joyful in the Lord,

In His salvation I rejoice;

To Him my heart will praise accord

And bless His Name with thankful voice.

For who, O Lord, is like to Thee,

Defender of the poor and meek?

The needy Thy salvation see

When mighty foes their ruin seek.

 

Unrighteous witnesses have stood

And told of crimes beyond belief;

Returning evil for my good,

They overwhelm my soul with grief.

When in affliction they were sad,

I wept and made their grief my own;

But in my trouble they are glad

And strive that I may be o'erthrown.

 

O Lord, how long wilt Thou delay?

My soul for Thy salvation waits;

My thankfulness I will display

Amid the crowds that throng Thy gates.

Let not my enemies rejoice

And wrongfully exult o'er me;

They speak not peace, but lift their voice

To trouble those that peaceful be.

 

My foes with joy my woes survey,

But Thou, O Lord, hast seen it all;

O be no longer far away,

Nor silent when on Thee I call.

O haste to my deliverance now,

O Lord, my righteous cause maintain;

My Lord and God alone art Thou;

Awake, and make Thy justice plain.

 

O Lord my God, I look to Thee,

Be Thou my righteous Judge, I pray;

Let not my foes exult o'er me

And laugh with joy at my dismay.

With shame and trouble those requite

Who would my righteous cause destroy;

But those who in the good delight,

Let them be glad and shout for joy.

 

Yea, let the Lord be magnified,

Because Thy servants Thou dost bless;

And I, from morn till eventide,

Will daily praise Thy righteousness.

My soul is joyful in the Lord,

In His salvation I rejoice;

To Him my heart will praise accord

And bless His Name with thankful voice.

 

93.  A Wicked Life.  Psalm 36.  C.M.

The trespass of the wicked man

Most plainly testifies

That fear of God's most holy Name

Is not before his eyes.

 

He cherishes the empty hope,

Although his sin be great,

It never shall be brought to light

And viewed with righteous hate.

 

The words he utters with his mouth

Are wickedness and lies;

He keeps himself from doing good,

And ceases to be wise.

 

While on his bed his thought he gives

To planning wickedness;

He sets himself in evil ways,

He shuns not to transgress.

 

94.  The Love and Justice of God.  Psalm 36.  C.M.

Thy mercy and Thy truth, O Lord,

Transcend the lofty sky;

Thy judgments are a mighty deep,

And as the mountains high.

 

Lord, Thou preservest man and beast;

Since Thou art ever kind,

Beneath the shadow of Thy wings

We may a refuge find.

 

With the abundance of Thy house

We shall be satisfied,

From rivers of unfailing joy

Our thirst shall be supplied.

 

The fountain of eternal life

Is found alone with Thee,

And in the brightness of Thy light

We clearly light shall see.

 

From those that know Thee may Thy love

And mercy ne'er depart,

And may Thy justice still protect

And bless the upright heart.

 

The workers of iniquity

Are fallen utterly;

They shall not triumph in their pride,

Or drive my soul from Thee.

 

95.  An Answer to Distrust.  Psalm 37.  C.P.M.

Fret not thyself, nor envious be,

When wicked workers thou shalt see,

Who prosper in their way;

For like the grass they perish soon,

And, like the herb cut down at noon,

They wither in a day.

 

Trust in the Lord and still do well,

Within the land securely dwell,

Feed on His faithfulness;

Delight thee also in the Lord,

And to thy heart He will accord

The good it would possess.

 

Yea, to the Lord thy way is known;

Confide in Him Who on the throne

Abides in power divine;

Thy righteousness He shall display;

Resplendent as the light of day,

It shall unclouded shine.

 

96.  Contrasted Characters.  Psalm 37.  C.P.M.

Rest in the Lord and be thou still,

With patience wait His holy will,

Enduring to the end.

Fret not though sinners' gains increase;

Forsake thy wrath, from anger cease;

It will to evil tend.

 

The evildoer soon shall die,

But those that on the Lord rely

Shall all the land obtain;

A little while and thou shalt see

That wicked men cut off shalt be,

They shall be sought in vain.

 

Yea, thou shalt soon consider well

The place where they were want to dwell,

And it shall not be found;

But saints shall all the land possess,

And find delight and happiness

Where fruits of peace abound.

 

The vile may plot against the just

Who in the Lord Jehovah trust,

But God will scorn them all;

The Lord their coming day shall see,

When broken all their power shall be,

And ruin on them fall.

 

97.  Well-Doing and Well-Being.  Psalm 37.  C.P.M.

A little that the righteous hold

Is better far than wealth untold

Of many wicked men;

Destroyed shall be their arm of pride,

But they who in the Lord confide

Shall be upholden then.

 

He know the days the perfect live,

To them a heritage will give

Which ever shall abide;

In evil times no shame they know,

And in the days of famine's woe

They shall be satisfied.

 

Although the wicked prospered seem,

At last they vanish like a dream

And perish in a day;

Jehovah's foes shall soon appear

Like fields once fair, now brown and sear;

Like smoke they fade away.

 

They borrow oft and pay not back,

But righteous men do nothing lack,

And give with gracious hand;

Those cursed by Him shall be destroyed,

But such as have His grace enjoyed,

They shall possess the land.

 

98.  The Rewards of the Righteous.  Psalm 37.  C.P.M.

The good man's steps are led aright,

His way is pleasing in God's sight,

Established it shall stand;

He shall not perish though he fall,

The mighty Lord who rules o'er all

Upholds him with His hand.

 

Though I am old who young have been,

No saint have I forsaken seen,

Nor yet his home in need;

He ever lends in gracious ways,

His life true charity displays,

His sons are blest indeed.

 

Depart from evil, do thou well,

And evermore securely dwell;

Jehovah loves the right.

His faithfulness His saints have proved,

Forever they shall stand unmoved,

But sinners God will smite.

 

The righteous, through His favoring hand,

Shall yet inherit all the land

And dwell therein for aye;

He talks of wisdom and of right,

In God's pure law is his delight,

His steps go not astray.

 

99. The Righteous and the Evil-Doer.  Psalm 37.  C.P.M.

The wicked, watching for their prey,

Desire the righteous man to slay,

But God is on his side;

He will not leave him in their hands,

Nor count him guilty when he stands

In judgment to be tried.

 

Wait on the Lord and keep His way;

He will exalt thee, nor delay

To give the land to thee;

And when the wicked are cut off,

The wicked who against thee scoff,

Their judgment thou shalt see.

 

The wicked in great power are seen,

Like spreading tree with foliage green

That grows in native ground.

I looked again, they were no more;

I sought the men so proud before,

But they could not be found.

 

Mark thou the upright day by day,

Behold the perfect in his way:

His journey ends in peace.

Destroyed at once shall rebels be;

Cut off from all posterity,

Their very name shall cease.

 

Salvation is from God alone,

Whom as their covert saints have known

When by sore troubles tried;

The Lord Who helped in troubles past

Will save them to the very last,

For they in Him confide.

 

100.  The Secret of Tranquility.  Psalm 37.  C.M.

Forever trusting in the Lord,

Take heed to do His will;

So shalt thou dwell within the land,  (2x)

And He thy needs shall fill.

 

Delight thee in the Lord, and He

Will grant thy heart's request;

To Him commit thy way in faith,   (2x)

And thus thou shalt be blessed.

 

And He shall make thy righteousness

Shine brightly as the light,

And as the burning noonday sun   (2x)

Thy judgment shall be bright.

 

Rest in the Lord with quiet trust,

Wait patiently for Him;

Though wickedness triumphant seem,  (2x)

Let not thy faith grow dim.

 

101.  The Prosperity of the Upright.  Psalm 37.  C.M.

The steps of those whom He approves

Are ordered by the Lord;

And though they fall, held by His hand,

They yet shall be restored.

 

I have not seen, though since my youth

Full many years have fled,

The saint forsaken, nor beheld

His children begging bread.

 

The children of the merciful

Find blessing kept in store;

Depart from evil and do good,

And live forevermore.

 

Wait on the Lord and keep His way,

And then, by Him approved,

Thy heritage shall still remain

When sinners are removed.

 

Mark well the perfect, upright man,

As still his years increase;

Behold his life, and thou shalt see

His journey end in peace.

 

102.  Penitential Grief and Supplication.  Psalm 38.  8s and 7s.

In Thy wrath and hot displeasure,

Chasten not Thy servant, Lord;

Let Thy mercy, without measure,

Help and peace to me afford.

 

Heavy is my tribulation,

Sore my punishment has been;

Broken by Thy indignation,

I am troubled by my sin.

 

With my burden of transgression

Heavy laden, overborne,

Humbled low I make confession,

For my folly now I mourn.

 

Weak and wounded, I implore Thee;

Lord, to me Thy mercy show;

All my prayer is now before Thee,

All my trouble Thou dost know.

 

Darkness gathers, foes assail me,

But I answer not a word;

All my friends desert and fail me,

Only Thou my cry hast heard.

 

103.  A Plea for Salvation.  Psalm 38.  8s and 7s.

Lord, in Thee am I confiding;

Thou wilt answer when I call,

Lest my foes, the good deriding,

Triumph in Thy servant's fall.

 

I am prone to halt and stumble,

Grief and sorrow dwell within,

Shame and guilt my spirit humble,

I am sorry for my sin.

 

Foes about my soul are closing,

Full of hatred, false and strong;

Choosing good, I find opposing

All who love and do the wrong.

 

Lord, my God, do not forsake me,

Let me know that Thou art near,

Under Thy protection take me,

As my Saviour now appear.

 

104.  The Frailty of Life.  Psalm 39.  L.M.

With firm resolve I held my peace

And spake not either bad or good,

Lest I should utter sinful thoughts

While wicked men before me stood.

 

While I was dumb my grief was stirred,

My heart grew hot with thought suppressed;

The while I mused the fire increased,

Then to the Lord I made request.

 

Make me, O Lord, to know my end,

Teach me the measure of my days,

That I may know how frail I am

And turn from pride and sinful ways.

 

My time is nothing in Thy sight,

Behold, my days are but a span;

Yea, truly at his best estate,

A breath, a fleeting breath, is man.

 

Man's life is passed in vain desire

If troubled years be spent for gain;

He knows not whose his wealth shall be,

And all his toil is but in vain.

 

And now, O Lord, what wait I for?

I have no hope except in Thee;

Let not ungodly men reproach,

From all transgression set me free.

 

Because Thou didst it I was dumb,

I spoke no word of rash complaint;

Remove Thy stroke away from me,

Beneath Thy chastisement I faint.

 

When Thou for his iniquity

Rebukest and correctest man,

His beauty is consumed away,

How weak his strength, how vain his plan.

 

Lord, hear my prayer, regard my cry,

I weep, be Thou my comforter;

I am a stranger here below,

A pilgrim as my fathers were.

 

O spare me, Lord, avert Thy wrath

Deal gently with me, I implore,

That I may yet recover strength

Ere I go hence, and be no more.

 

105.  The Brevity of Human Life.  Psalm 39.  S.M.

I constant care will take,

Lest sinful words they hear;

My lips their silence shall not break

While wicked men are near.

 

I dumb and silent stood,

No words of mine were heard;

I e'en refrained from speaking good,

Till sorrow's deeps were stirred.

 

My heart was all on fire,

With burning thoughts suppressed;

My tongue was loosed, my soul's desire

I then to God addressed.

 

My end, Lord, make me know,

My days, how soon they fail;

And to my thoughtful spirit show

How weak I am and frail.

 

To Thy eternal thought

My days are but a span;

To Thee my years appear as nought,

A breath at best is man.

 

Man lives in empty show,

His anxious care is vain,

He hoards his wealth, and does not know

Who shall possess his gain.

 

106.  Chastened Submission.  Psalm 39.  S.M.

What wait I for but Thee?

My hope is in Thy Name;

From all my sins deliver me,

Nor put my soul to shame.

 

I suffered silently,

Because Thy will is best;

Remove Thy heavy stroke from me,

For I am sore distressed.

 

When sin Thou dost repay

And chasten and restrain,

Man's beauty quickly fades away;

Yea, human life is vain.

 

O Lord, regard my fears,

And answer my request;

Turn not in silence from my tears,

But give the mourner rest.

 

I am a stranger here,

Dependent on Thy grace,

A pilgrim, as my fathers were,

With no abiding place.

 

O spare me and restore

My failing strength, I pray;

Ere I go hence and be no more,

The hand of judgment stay.

 

107.  A Mourner's Entreaties.  Psalm 39.  S.M.

My end, Lord, make me know,

My days, how soon they fail;

And to my thoughtful spirit show

How weak I am, and frail.

 

To Thy eternal thought

My days are but a span;

To Thee my years appear as nought,

A breath at best is man.

 

O Lord, regard my fears,

And answer my request;

Turn not in silence from my tears,

But give the mourner rest.

 

I am a stranger here,

Dependent on Thy grace,

A pilgrim, as my fathers were,

With no abiding place.

 

108.  A Recital of Gracious Experience.  Psalm 40.  C.M.

I waited for the Lord my God,

Yea, patiently drew near,

And He at length inclined to me,

My pleading cry to hear.

 

He took me from destruction's pit,

From out the miry clay;

He set my feet upon a rock,

And steadfast made my way.

 

A new and joyful song of praise

My thankful heart he taught,

A song of glory to our God

For all that He has wrought.

 

And many who behold how good

The Lord has been to me

Shall learn to fear, and in His Name

Their trust henceforth shall be.

 

O truly blessed is the man

That on the Lord relies,

Respecting not the proud, nor such

As turn aside to lies.

 

O Lord my God, how manifold

The works which Thou hast wrought,

Ofttimes Thou hast bestowed on us

Thy care and gracious thought.

 

Thy works and thoughts most wonderful,

If I of them would speak,

Cannot be numbered, and in vain

To set them forth I seek.

 

109.  Personal Devotion to God.  Psalm 40.  C.M.

The offering on the altar burned

Gives no delight to Thee;

The hearing ear, the willing heart,

Thou givest unto me.

 

Then, O my God, I come, I come,

Thy purpose to fulfill;

Thy law is written in my heart,

'Tis joy to do Thy will.

 

Before Thy people I will now

Thy righteousness proclaim;

Thou knowest, Lord, I will not cease

To praise Thy holy Name.

 

I never have within my heart

Thy faithfulness concealed,

But Thy salvation and Thy truth

To men I have revealed.

 

110.  The Mercy of God Besought.  Psalm 40.  C.M.

Thy tender mercies, O my God,

Withhold not, I implore;

But let Thy kindness and Thy truth

Preserve me evermore.

For countless ills have compassed me,

My sinful deeds arise;

Yea, they have overtaken me;

I dare not raise my eyes.

 

My sins are more than I can count,

My heart has failed for grief;

Be pleased, O Lord, to rescue me,

O haste to my relief.

Be those who seek to hurt my soul

Dismayed and put to flight,

And they themselves be put to shame

Who in my woe delight.

 

Let all who seek Thee now rejoice,

Yea, glad in Thee abide,

And, loving Thy salvation, say,

The Lord be magnified.

My lowly state and bitter need

The Lord has not forgot;

Thou art my Saviour and my help,

Come, Lord, and tarry not.

 

111.  Grace and Gratitude.  Psalm 40.  L.H.M.

I waited for the Lord Most High,

And He inclined to hear my cry;

He took me from destruction's pit

And from the miry clay;

Upon a rock He set my feet,

And steadfast made my way.

 

A new and joyful song of praise

He taught my thankful heart to raise;

And many, seeing me restored,

Shall fear the Lord and trust;

And blest are they that trust the Lord,

The humble and the just.

 

O Lord my God, how manifold

Thy wondrous works which I behold,

And all Thy loving, gracious thought

Thou hast bestowed on man;

To count Thy mercies I have sought,

But boundless is their span.

 

Not sacrifice delights the Lord,

But he who hears and keeps His word;

Thou gavest me to hear Thy will,

Thy law is in my heart;

I come the Scripture to fulfill,

Glad tidings to impart.

 

112.  An Entreaty for Mercy.  Psalm 40.  L.H.M.

Before Thy people I confess

The wonders of Thy righteousness;

Thou knowest, Lord, that I have made

Thy great salvation known,

Thy truth and faithfulness displayed,

Thy lovingkindness shown.

 

Withhold not Thou Thy grace from me,

O Lord, Thy mercy let me see,

To me Thy lovingkindness show,

Thy truth be still my stay;

Let them preserve me where I go,

And keep me every day.

 

Let all who seek to see Thy face

Be glad and joyful in Thy grace;

Let those who Thy salvation love

For evermore proclaim,

O praise the Lord Who dwells above,

And magnify his Name.

 

Although I poor and needy be,

The Lord in love takes thought for me;

Thou art my help in time of need,

My Saviour, Lord, art Thou;

Then, O my God, I pray, I plead,

Stay not, but save me now.

 

113.  The Friend of the Poor.  Psalm 41.  C.M.

How blest the man who thoughtfully

The poor and weak befriends;

Deliverance in the evil day

To him Jehovah sends.

 

The Lord will keep him, guard his life,

On earth he shall be blest;

The Lord will not surrender him

By foes to be distressed.

 

Upon the bed of suffering

Jehovah will sustain,

And in his sickness God will soothe

The weariness and pain.

 

O Lord, to Thee my cry ascends,

Let me Thy mercy see;

Heal Thou my soul, for I have sinned,

I have offended Thee.

 

My enemies against me speak,

And they my life have scorned;

They wish my name to pass away,

Unhonored and unmourned.

 

My foe, deceitful, visits me,

By seeming kindness led,

His heart intent on gathering

Some hurtful news to spread.

 

My foes, together whispering,

Their evil plans devise;

Disease, they say, cleaves fast to him,

Laid low, he shall not rise.

 

Yea, he who was my chosen friend,

In whom I put my trust,

Who ate my bread, now turns in wrath

To crush me in the dust.

 

Do Thou, Jehovah, show me grace,

And raise me up again,

That I with justice may requite

These base and wicked men.

 

By this I know assuredly

That I am loved by Thee,

Because my foe does not exult

In triumph over me.

 

And as for me, in uprightness

Thou dost uphold me well,

And settest me before Thy face

For evermore to dwell.

 

Blest be Jehovah, Israel's God

For evermore.  Amen.

Let age to age eternally

Repeat His praise.  Amen.

 

114.  Thirstings for God.  Psalm 42.  L.M.

As thirsts the heart for water brooks,

So thirsts my soul, O God, for Thee;

It seeks for God, and ever looks

And longs the living God to see.

 

Far from the courts of God, my tears

Have been my food by night and day,

While constantly with bitter sneers,

Where is thy God, the scoffers say.

 

With grief I think of days gone by,

When oft I trod the hallowed way

To Zion, praising God on high

With throngs who kept the holy day.

 

O why art thou cast down, my soul,

And why so troubled shouldst thou be?

Hope thou in God, and Him extol,

Who gives His saving help to me.

 

Since, O my God, my soul is bowed,

In exile far, with bitter grief,

I turn my thoughts to Thy abode

For consolation and relief.

 

With mighty voice deep calls to deep,

While raging storms Thy judgments tell;

The angry billows o'er me leap,

The waves of sorrow near me swell.

 

Though troubles surge, yet through the day

The Lord His gracious help will give,

And in the night my heart shall pray

And sing to Him in Whom I live.

 

To God my Rock I cry and say,

O why hast Thou forgotten me?

Why go I mourning on my way,

Oppressed by foes that know not Thee?

 

With anguish as from piercing sword

Reproach of bitter foes I hear,

While day by day, with taunting word

Where is thy God, the scoffers sneer.

 

O why art thou cast down, my soul,

And why so troubled shouldst thou be?

Hope thou in God, and Him extol,

Who gives his saving help to me.

 

115.  Longing After God.  Psalm 42.  11s and 10s.

As pants the hart for streams of living water,

So longs my soul, O living God, for Thee;

I thirst for Thee, for Thee my heart is yearning;

When shall I come Thy gracious face to see?

 

O Lord my God, o'erwhelmed in deep affliction,

Far from Thy rest, to Thee I lift my soul;

Deep calls to deep and storms of trouble thunder,

While o'er my head the waves and billows roll.

 

Thou wilt command Thy servant's consolation,

Thy lovingkindness yet shall cheer my day,

And in the night my song shall be my comfort;

God of my life, to Thee I still will pray.

 

Why, O my soul, art Thou cast down within me,

Why art thou troubled and oppressed with grief?

Hope thou in God, the God of thy salvation,

Hope, and thy God will surely send relief.

 

116.  Remembrance of God.  Psalm 42.  C.M.

As pants the hart for cooling streams,

When heated in the chase,

So longs my soul, O God, for Thee

And Thy refreshing grace.

 

For Thee, my God, the living God,

My thirsty soul doth pine;

O when shall I behold Thy face,

Thou Majesty Divine?

 

Why restless, why cast down, my soul?

Trust God, Who will employ

His aid for thee, and change these sighs

To thankful hymns of joy.

 

Why restless, why cast down, my soul?

Hope still, and thou shalt sing

The praise of Him Who is thy God,

Thy health's eternal spring.

 

117.  Our Support Amidst Distress.  Psalm 42.  11s and 10s.

As pants the hart for streams of living water,

So longs my soul, O living God, for Thee;

I thirst for Thee, for Thee my heart is yearning;

When shall I come Thy gracious face to see?

 

O Lord my God, o'erwhelmed in deep affliction,

Far from Thy rest, to Thee I lift my soul;

Deep calls to deep and storms of trouble thunder,

While o'er my head the waves and billows roll.

 

Thou wilt command Thy servant's consolation,

Thy lovingkindness yet shall cheer my day,

And in the night Thy song shall be my comfort;

God of my life, to Thee I still will pray.

 

Why, O my soul, art thou cast down within me,

Why art thou troubled and oppressed with grief?

Hope thou in God, the God of thy salvation,

Hope, and thy God will surely send relief.

 

118.  Spiritual Thirst.  Psalm 42.  8s and 4s.

As thirsts the hart for cooling flood,

So longs my soul, O living God,

To taste Thy grace;

When unto Thee shall I draw near,

O when within Thy courts appear,

And see Thy face?

 

How oft I led the happy throngs

That sought the house of God with songs

Of joy and praise;

I ever joined with true delight

The multitude that kept aright

The holy days.

 

O why, my soul, thy hopelessness?

Why such disquiet and distress?

On God rely;

For I shall yet behold His face,

Who is my God, and I His grace

Will magnify.

 

119.  Devout Longings.  Psalm 43.  C.M.

Judge me, O God, and plead my cause

Against a godless race;

From men deceitful and unjust

Deliver in Thy grace.

 

O Thou the God of all my strength,

Why hast Thou cast me off?

Why go I mourning all the day,

While foes oppress and scoff?

 

O send Thou forth Thy light and truth,

Let them be guides to me,

And bring me to Thy holy hill,

Thy dwellingplace to see.

 

Then will I to God's altar go,

To God, my boundless joy;

Yea, God, my God, Thy Name to praise

My harp I will employ.

 

Why art thou then cast down, my soul,

What should discourage thee?

And why with vexing thoughts art thou

Disquieted in me?

 

Hope thou in God; His praise shall yet

My thankful lips employ;

He is the spring of all my health,

My God, my boundless joy.

 

120.  Hope and Trust.  Psalm 43.  8s and 7s.

Judge me, God of my salvation,

Plead my cause, for Thee I trust;

Hear my earnest supplication,

Save me from my foes unjust.

 

CHORUS:

O my soul, why art thou grieving?

What disquiets and dismays?

Hope in God; His help receiving,

I shall yet my Saviour praise.

 

On Thy strength alone relying,

Why am I cast off by Thee,

In my helpless sorrow sighing,

While the foe oppresses me?

 

Light and truth, my way attending,

Send thou forth to be my guide,

Till Thy holy mount ascending,

I within Thy house abide.

 

At Thy sacred altar bending,

God, my God, my boundless joy,

Harp and voice, in worship blending,

For Thy praise will I employ.

 

121.  God the Giver of Victory.  Psalm 44.  11s.

O God, we have heard, and our fathers have told

What wonders Thou didst in the great days of old;

The nations were crushed and expelled by Thy hand,

Cast out that Thy people might dwell in their land.

 

They gained not the land by the edge of the sword,

Their own arm to them could no safety afford,

But Thy right hand saved, and the light of Thy face,

Because of Thy favor and wonderful grace.

 

Command, and Thy word shall deliverance bring,

O God, to Thy chosen, for Thou art our King;

Through Thee we will surely defeat all our foes,

Through Thy Name will triumph o'er those that oppose.

 

No trust will I place in my strength to defend,

Nor yet on my sword as a safeguard depend;

In Thee, Who hast saved us and put them to shame,

We boast all the day, ever praising Thy Name.

 

122.  The Martyr Church.  Psalm 44.  11s.

Thou, Lord, hast forsaken, to shame brought our boasts;

No more to the field dost Thou go with our hosts;

Thou turnest us back from the foe in dismay,

And spoilers who hate us have made us their prey.

 

Like sheep to the slaughter Thy people are given,

Dispersed through the nations afar we are driven;

Thou sellest Thy people to strangers for naught,

Their price to Thy treasure no increase has brought.

 

Thou makest our neighbors reproach us in pride,

And those that are near us to scoff and deride;

A byword the nations have made of our name,

With scorn and derision they put us to shame.

 

Yea, all the day long I behold my disgrace,

And covered am I with confusion of face;

The voice of blasphemers and scoffers I hear,

The foe and avenger against me appear.

 

All this have we suffered, and never forgot

To serve Thee, Jehovah, nor falsely have wrought;

Our heart is not turned and our steps have not strayed,

Though crushed amid ruins and under death's shade.

 

123.  An Importunate Prayer.  Psalm 44.  11s.

If we have forgotten the Name of our God,

Or unto an idol our hand spread abroad,

Shall not the Almighty uncover this sin?

He knows all our hearts and the secrets within.

 

CHORUS:

Rise, help and redeem us, Thy mercy we trust.

 

We all the day long for Thy sake are consumed,

Defeated and helpless, to death we are doomed;

Then why dost Thou tarry? Jehovah, awake,

Nor spurn us forever; arise for our sake.

 

O why art Thou hiding the light of Thy face,

Forgetting our burden of grief and disgrace?

Our soul is bowed down, yea, we cleave to the dust;

Rise, help, and redeem us, Thy mercy we trust.

 

124.  The Royal Majesty of Christ.  Psalm 45.  S.M.

My heart doth overflow,

A goodly theme is mine;

My eager tongue with joyful song

Doth praise the King Divine.

 

Supremely fair Thou art,

Thy lips with grace o'erflow;

His richest blessings evermore

Doth God on Thee bestow.

 

Now gird Thee with Thy sword,

O strong and mighty One,

In splendid majesty arrayed,

More glorious than the sun.

 

Triumphantly ride forth

For meekness, truth, and right;

Thy arm shall gain the victory

In wondrous deeds of might.

 

Thy strength shall overcome

All those that hate the King,

And under Thy dominion strong

The nations Thou shalt bring.

 

Thy royal throne, O God,

For evermore shall stand;

Eternal truth and justice wield

The scepter in Thy hand.

 

Since Thou art sinless found,

The Lord, Thy God confessed,

Anointeth Thee with perfect joy,

Thou art supremely blest.

 

Thy garments breathe of myrrh

And spices sweet and rare;

Glad strains of heavenly music ring

Throughout Thy palace fair.

 

Amid Thy glorious train

King's daughters waiting stand,

And fairest gems bedeck Thy bride,

The queen at Thy right hand.

 

125.  The Church the Bride of Christ.  Psalm 45.  S.M.

O Royal Bride, give heed,

And to my words attend;

For Christ the King forsake the world

And every former friend.

 

Thy beauty and Thy grace

Shall then delight the King;

He only is thy rightful Lord,

To Him thy worship bring.

 

To Thee, since thou art His,

Great honor shall be shown;

The rich shall bring their gifts to thee,

Thy glory they shall own.

 

Enthroned in royal state,

All glorious thou shalt dwell,

With garments fair, inwrought with gold,

The Church He loveth well.

 

And they that honor thee

Shall in thy train attend;

And to the palace of the King

Shall joyfully ascend.

 

O King of royal race,

Thy sons of heavenly birth

Thou wilt endow with kingly gifts

As princes in the earth.

 

Thy Name shall be proclaimed

Through all succeeding days,

And all the nations of the earth

Shall give Thee endless praise.

 

126.  God a Very Present Help.  Psalm 46.  C.M.

God is our refuge and our strength,

Our ever present aid,

And, therefore, though the earth remove,

We will not be afraid;

Though hills amidst the seas be cast,

Though foaming waters roar,

Yea, though the mighty billows shake

The mountains on the shore.

 

A river flows whose streams make glad

The city of our God,

The holy place wherein the Lord

Most High has His abode;

Since God is in the midst of her,

Unmoved her walls shall stand,

For God will be her early help,

When trouble is at hand.

 

The nations raged, the kingdoms moved,

But when His voice was heard

The troubled earth was stilled to peace

Before His mighty word.

The Lord of Hosts is on our side,

Our safety to secure;

The God of Jacob is for us

A refuge strong and sure.

 

O come, behold what wondrous works

Jehovah's hand has wrought;

Come, see what desolation great

He on the earth has brought.

To utmost ends of all the earth

He causes war to cease;

The weapons of the strong destroyed,

He makes abiding peace.

 

Be still and know that I am God,

O'er all exalted high;

The subject nations of the earth

My Name shall magnify.

The Lord of Hosts is on our side,

Our safety to secure;

The God of Jacob is for us

A refuge strong and sure.

 

127.  The Protective Power of God.  Psalm 46.  L.M.

God will our strength and refuge prove,

In all distress a present aid,

And, though the trembling earth remove,

We will not fear nor be dismayed.

 

Our trust in God shall still abide

Though hills be shaken from their seat,

And though the ocean's swelling tide

Against the trembling mountains beat.

 

A river flows, whose living streams

Make glad the city of our God,

The holy place where glory beams,

Where God Most High has His abode.

 

God has in her His dwelling made,

And she shall nevermore be moved;

Her God shall early give her aid,

Her constant helper He has proved.

 

The kings and nations raged in pride;

He spake, the earth did melt away;

The Lord of Hosts is on our side,

Our fathers' God, our strength and stay.

 

Come, see the works of God displayed,

The wonders of His mighty hand,

What desolations He has made,

What ruin spread through all the land.

 

Through all the peopled earth He makes

The dreadful scourge of war to cease,

The implements of battle breaks,

And makes the nations dwell in peace.

 

Be still, ye nations, bow in fear,

And know that I alone am God;

To us the Lord of Hosts is near,

Our fathers' God is our abode.

 

128.  The Lord of Hosts.  Psalm 46.  8s, 7s, 6s.

God is our refuge and our strength,

A helper ever near us;

We will not fear though earth be moved,

For God is nigh to cheer us.

Although the mountains quake

And earth's foundations shake,

Though angry billows roar

And break against the shore,

Our mighty God will hear us.

 

God's city is forever blest

With living waters welling;

Since God is there she stands unmoved

'Mid tumults round her swelling;

God speaks and all is peace,

From war the nations cease;

The Lord of Hosts is nigh,

Our fathers' God Most High

Is our eternal dwelling.

 

Behold what God has done on earth;

His wrath brings desolation,

His grace, commanding wars to cease,

Brings peace to every nation;

Be still, for He is Lord,

By all the earth adored;

The Lord of Hosts is nigh,

Our fathers' God Most High

Is our strong habitation.

 

129.  The Universal Sovereignty of Christ.  Psalm 47.  L.M.

Rejoice, ye people, homage give,

To God with voice of triumph sing;

He ruleth in dread majesty,

The great, the universal King.

 

He putteth nations under us

And maketh us triumphant stand;

He giveth for our heritage

His promised rest, a goodly land.

 

God hath ascended with a shout,

Jehovah with the trumpet's sound;

Sing praise to God our King, sing praise,

Yea, let His glorious praise abound.

 

Our God is King of all the earth,

With thoughtful heart His praise make known;

O'er all the nations God doth reign,

Exalted on His holy throne.

 

To praise and serve our covenant God

The princes of the earth draw nigh;

All kingly powers belong to Him,

He is exalted, God Most High.

 

130.  The Ascended King.  Psalm 47.  S.M.

All nations, clap your hands,

Let shouts of triumph ring,

For mighty over all the lands

The Lord Most High is King.

 

Above our mighty foes

He gave us power to stand,

And as our heritage He chose

The goodly promised land.

 

With shouts ascends our King,

With trumpet's stirring call;

Praise God, praise God, His praises sing,

For God is Lord of all.

 

O sing in joyful strains,

And make His glory known;

God over all the nations reigns,

And holy is His throne.

 

Our fathers' God to own

The kings of earth draw nigh,

For none can save but God alone,

He is the Lord Most High.

 

131.  The Glory of the Church.  Psalm 48.  L.M.

The Lord is great; with worthy praise

Proclaim His power, His Name confess,

Within the city of our God,

Upon His mount of holiness.

 

Mount Zion, glorious and fair,

Gives joy to people in all lands;

The city of the mighty King

In majesty securely stands.

 

Within her dwellings for defense

Our God has made His presence known,

And hostile kings, in sudden fear,

Have fled as ships by tempests blown.

 

With our own eyes we have beheld

What oft our fathers told before,

That God Who in His Zion dwells

Will keep her safely evermore.

 

132.  Meditation and Joyful Gratitude.  Psalm 48.  L.M.

Within Thy temple's sacred courts,

With loving and adoring thought,

We contemplate Thy grace, O God,

And all Thy deeds with mercy fraught.

 

Where'er Thy Name, O God, is known,

Where'er Thy glorious fame extends,

There also is Thy praise proclaims,

Far as the earth's remotest ends.

 

Thy hand is full of righteousness;

Let Zion's gladness then be great,

And let her daughters sing for joy

And all Thy judgments celebrate.

 

Encompass Zion, count her towers,

And mark her strong defenses well;

Consider all her palaces,

And to your sons her glory tell.

 

This mighty God forever lives

Our God and Saviour to abide,

And till our pilgrim days shall end

Will ever be faithful guide.

 

133.  The Church of the Living God.  Psalm 48.  H.M.

Within Thy temple, Lord,

We think on mercies past;

Let earth all praise accord,

Long as Thy name shall last;

The righteous judgments of her King

Let Zion and her daughters sing.

 

About Mount Zion go,

Her towers and ramparts tell;

That ye her strength may know,

Mark her defenses well;

Her royal palaces behold

That ye her glories may unfold.

 

To all the coming race

Repeat the message o'er:

This mighty God of grace

Is ours for evermore;

Yea, He our Saviour will abide,

And unto death will be our guide.

 

134.  Praise and Trust.  Psalm 48.  S.M.

Within Thy temple, Lord,

in that most holy place,

We on Thy lovingkindness dwell,

The wonders Thy grace.

Men sing Thy praise, O God,

Where'er Thy Name is known;

By every deed Thy hand hath wrought

Thy righteousness is shown.

 

Let Zion now rejoice,

And all her children sing;

Let them with thankfulness proclaim

The judgments of their King.

Mount Zion's walls behold,

About her ramparts go,

And number ye the lofty towers

That guard her from the foe.

 

Observe her palaces,

Mark her defenses well,

That to the sons that follow you

Her glories you may tell;

For God as our own God

Forever will abide,

And till life's journey close in death

Will be our faithful guide.

 

135.  The Vanity of Trust in Riches.  Psalm 49.  7s.

Hear this, all ye people, hear,

Earth's inhabitants, give ear;

All of high and low degree,

Rich and poor, give heed to me.

 

Truth with all my heart I seek,

And my mouth shall wisdom speak;

Hearken while in lyric strain

I make hidden wisdom plain.

 

Why should I to fear give way

When I see the evil day,

When with wickedness my foes

Shall surround me and oppose?

 

They that trust in treasured gold,

Though they boast of wealth untold,

None can bid his brother live,

None to God a ransom give.

 

If from death one would be free

And corruption never see,

Costly is life's ransom price,

Far beyond all sacrifice.

 

136.  The Issues of Life.  Psalm 49.  7s.

Dust to dust, the mortal dies,

Both the foolish and the wise;

None forever can remain,

Each must leave his hoarded gain.

Yet within their heart they say

That their houses are for aye,

That their dwellingplaces grand

Shall for generations stand.

 

To their lands they give their name

In the hope of lasting fame,

But man's honor quickly flies,

Like the lowly beast he dies.

Though such folly mark their way,

Men approve of what they say;

Death their shepherd, they the sheep

He within his fold will keep.

 

O'er them soon shall rule the just,

All their beauty turn to dust;

God my waiting soul shall save,

He will raise me from the grave.

Let no fear disturb your peace

Though one's house and wealth increase;

Death shall end his fleeting day,

He shall carry naught away.

 

Though in life he wealth attained,

Though the praise of men he gained,

He shall join those gone before,

Where the light shall shine no more.

Crowned with honor though he be,

Highly gifted, strong and free,

If he be not truly wise,

Man is like the beast that dies.

 

137.  Acceptable Worship.  Psalm 50.  L.M.

The mighty God, Jehovah, speaks

And calls the earth from sea to sea;

From beauteous Zion God shines forth,

He comes and will not silent be;

Devouring flame before Him goes,

And dark the tempest round Him grows.

 

He calls aloud to heaven and earth

That He may justly judge His own;

My chosen saints together bring

Who sacrifice to Me alone;

The heavens His righteousness declare,

For God Himself as Judge is there.

 

Hear, O my people, I will speak,

Against thee I will testify;

Give ear to me, O Israel,

For God, thy covenant God, am I;

I do not spurn thy sacrifice,

Thy offerings are before My eyes.

 

I will receive from out thy fold

No offering for My holy shrine;

The cattle on a thousand hills

And all the forest beasts are Mine;

Each mountain bird to Me is known,

Whatever roams the field I own.

 

Behold, if I should hungry grow,

I would not tell My need to thee,

For all the world itself is Mine,

And all its wealth belongs to Me;

Why should I aught of thee receive,

My thirst or hunger to relieve?

 

Bring thou to God the gift of thanks,

And pay thy vows to God Most High;

Call ye upon My holy Name

In days when sore distress is nigh;

Deliverance I will send to thee,

And praises thou shalt give to Me.

 

138.  Sins of Hypocrisy.  Psalm 50.  L.M.

Thus speaks the Lord to wicked men:

My statutes why do ye declare?

Why take My covenant in your mouth,

Since ye for wisdom do not care?

For ye my holy words profane

And cast them from you in disdain.

 

Ye have consented with the thief,

Ye have partaken with the vile,

Your mouths to evil words ye give,

Your tongues proclaim deceit and guile,

Ye glory in your brother's shame,

Your mother's son do ye defame.

 

Thus have ye done; I silence kept,

And this has been your secret thought,

That I was wholly as yourselves,

To take your evil deeds as nought;

I will reprove you and array

Your deeds before your eyes this day.

 

Consider this, who God forget,

Lest I destroy with none to free;

Who offers sacrifice of thanks,

He glorifies and honors Me;

To him who orders well his way

Salvation free I will display.

 

139.  The Eternal Judgment.  Psalm 50.  S.M.

The mighty God, the Lord,

Has spoken unto all;

From rising to the setting sun

The nations hear His call.

 

From Zion His abode,

Where perfect beauty dwells,

The Lord His glory has displayed

In brightness that excels.

 

Our God shall surely come,

Nor silence shall He keep;

Devouring fire shall herald Him,

About Him storms shall sweep.

 

Then to the heavens above

He from His throne shall call,

The earth His kingly voice shall hear,

He is the Judge of all.

 

Let all my chosen saints

Before Me gathered be,

Those that by sacrifice have sealed

Their promise unto Me.

 

Then shall the heavens declare

His righteousness abroad,

Because the Lord Himself is Judge,

Yea, none is Judge but God.

 

140.  Penitential Prayers.  Psalm 51.  7s.

God be merciful to me,

On Thy grace I rest my plea;

Plenteous in compassion Thou,

Blot out my transgressions now;

Wash me, make me pure within,

Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.

 

My transgressions I confess,

Grief and guilt my soul oppress;

I have sinned against Thy grace

And provoked Thee to Thy face;

I confess Thy judgment just,

Speechless, I Thy mercy trust.

 

I am evil, born in sin;

Thou desirest truth within.

Thou alone my Saviour art,

Teach Thy wisdom to my heart;

Make me pure, Thy grace bestow,

Wash me whiter than the snow.

 

Broken, humbled to the dust

By Thy wrath and judgment just,

Let my contrite heart rejoice

And in gladness hear Thy voice;

From my sins O hide Thy face,

Blot them out in boundless grace.

 

141.  Gracious Renewal and Testimony.  Psalm 51.  7s.

Gracious God, my heart renew,

Make my spirit right and true;

Cast me not away from Thee,

Let Thy Spirit dwell in me;

Thy salvation's joy impart,

Steadfast make my willing heart.

 

Sinners then shall learn from me

And return, O God, to Thee;

Saviour, all my guilt remove,

And my tongue shall sing Thy love;

Touch my silent lips, O Lord,

And my mouth shall praise accord.

 

Not the formal sacrifice

Hath acceptance in Thy eyes;

Broken hearts are in Thy sight

More than sacrificial rite;

Contrite spirit, pleading cries,

Thou, O God, wilt not despise.

 

Prosper Zion in Thy grace

And her broken walls replace;

Then our righteous sacrifice

Shall delight Thy holy eyes;

Freewill offerings, gladly made,

On Thy altar shall be laid.

 

142.  A Penitent's Plea.  Psalm 51.  7s.

God be merciful to me,

On Thy grace I rest my plea;

Plenteous in compassion Thou,

Blot out my transgressions now;

Wash me, make me pure within,

Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.

 

I am evil, born in sin;

Thou desirest truth within.

Thou alone my Saviour art,

Teach Thy wisdom to my heart;

Make me pure, Thy grace bestow,

Wash me whiter than the snow.

 

Gracious God, my heart renew,

Make my spirit right and true;

Cast me not away from Thee,

Let Thy Spirit dwell in me;

Thy salvation's joy impart,

Steadfast make my willing heart.

 

Sinners then shall learn from me

And return, O God, to Thee;

Saviour, all my guilt remove,

And my tongue shall sing Thy love;

Touch my silent lips, O Lord,

And my mouth shall praise accord.

 

143.  Prayer for Pardon and Cleansing.  Psalm 51.  C.M.

O God, according to Thy grace

Be merciful to me,

In Thy abounding love blot out

All my iniquity;

O wash me wholly from my guilt

And make me clean within,

For my transgressions I confess,

I ever see my sin.

 

Against Thee only have I sinned,

Done evil in Thy sight;

Lord, in Thy judgment Thou art just,

And in Thy sentence right.

Behold, in evil I was formed,

And I was born in sin,

But Thou wilt make me wise in heart,

Thou seekest truth within.

 

From all pollution make me clean,

Yea, whiter than the snow;

O let my broken heart rejoice

And gladness make me know;

Blot out all my iniquities,

And hide my sins from view;

Create in me a spirit right,

O God, my heart renew.

 

From out Thy presence cast me not,

Thy face no more to see;

Thy Holy Spirit and His grace

Take not away from me.

Restore me Thy salvation's joy,

My willing heart uphold;

Then sinners shall be turned to Thee

When I Thy ways unfold.

 

144.  Pardon and Testimony.  Psalm 51.  C.M.

O God, the God that saveth me,

Remove my guilty stains,

And I will sing Thy righteousness

In grateful, joyous strains.

 

O Lord, now open Thou my lips,

Long closed by sin and shame;

My mouth shall show before the world

The glory of Thy Name.

 

No sacrifice dost Thou desire,

Else would I give it Thee;

Nor with appointed offerings

Wilt Thou delighted be.

 

A broken spirit is to God

A pleasing sacrifice;

A broken and a contrite heart

Thou, Lord, wilt not despise.

 

Do good to Zion in Thy grace,

Her ruined walls restore;

Then sacrifice of righteousness

Shall please Thee as of yore.

 

Thy people then with willing hands

And hearts that Thou hast blessed

Shall bring in thankful sacrifice

Their choicest gifts and best.

 

145.  The Vindication of Righteousness.  Psalm 52.  L.M.

O mighty man, why wilt thou boast

Thyself in hateful cruelty,

When God Almighty is most kind,

And ever merciful is He?

 

Thy tongue deviseth wickedness,

A weapon treacherous and keen;

Thou lovest evil more than good,

And falsehood in thy sight is clean.

 

Since, O thou false, deceitful tongue,

In deadly words Thou findest joy,

The Lord shall pluck thee from thy place

And all thy wickedness destroy.

 

The good, confirmed in godly fear,

The pride and folly shall confess

Of those who make not God their strength,

But trust in wealth and wickedness.

 

I put my trust in God alone,

For evermore I trust His grace,

And like the trees within His courts

I flourish in a favored place.

 

With endless thanks, O Lord, to Thee,

Thy wondrous works will I proclaim,

And in the presence of Thy saints

Will ever hope in Thy good name.

 

146.  The Folly of Unbelief.  Psalm 53.  S.M.

Fools in their heart have said,

There is no God of might;

Corrupt are they and base their deeds,

In evil they delight.

 

God looked from heaven above

On all the human race,

To see if any understood,

If any sought His face.

 

They all are gone aside,

Corruption doth abound;

There is not one that doeth good,

Not even one is found.

 

These men of evil deeds,

Will they no knowledge gain,

Who feed upon my people's woes,

And prayer to God disdain?

 

The day is drawing nigh

When they shall fear and quail,

For God shall scatter and destroy

Those who His saints assail.

 

Yea, God will put to shame

And make them flee away,

For He will cast them off in wrath

And fill them with dismay.

 

O would that Israel's help

Were out of Zion come!

O would that God might early bring

His captive people home.

 

When God from distant lands

His exiled ones shall bring,

His people shall exultant be,

And gladly they shall sing.

 

147.  Our Saviour in Trial.  Psalm 54.  S.M.

O save me by Thy Name

And judge me in Thy might;

O God, now grant my urgent claim,

Acceptance in Thy sight.

 

Strong foes against me rise,

Oppressors seek my soul,

Who set not God before their eyes,

Nor own His just control.

 

Lo, God my helper is,

The Lord, my mighty friend;

He shall requite my enemies,

Their just destruction send.

 

My sacrifice of praise

To Thee I freely bring;

My thanks, O Lord, to Thee I raise

And of Thy goodness sing.

 

From troubles and from woes

Thou hast delivered me,

The overthrow of all my foes

Hast given me to see.

 

148.  Earnest Appeal Against Enemies.  Psalm 55.  C.M.

Jehovah, to my prayer give ear,

Nor hide Thee from my cry;

Attend my sad complaint, and hear

My restless moan and sigh.

 

My enemies lift up their voice,

The violent oppress;

To do me wrong my foes rejoice,

And love my soul's distress.

 

Sore pained in heart I find no ease,

Death's terrors fill my soul,

Great fear and trembling on me seize,

And horrors o'er me roll.

 

O had I wings, I sigh and say,

Like some swift dove to roam,

Then would I hasten far away

And find a peaceful home.

 

Lo, wandering far my rest should be

In some lone desert waste;

I from the stormy wind would flee,

And to a shelter haste.

 

O Lord, their malice recompense,

Their wicked tongues confound,

For in the city violence

And bitter strife abound.

 

They walk her walls both night and day,

Within all vices meet;

Oppression, fraud, and crime hold sway,

Nor leave the crowded street.

 

No foreign foe provokes alarm,

But enemies within;

May God destroy their power to harm

And recompense their sin.

 

149.  Confession of Trust.  Psalm 55.  C.M.

On God alone my soul relies,

And He will soon relieve;

The Lord will hear my plaintive cries

At morning, noon, and eve.

 

He has redeemed my soul in peace,

From conflict set me free;

My many foes are made to cease,

And strive no more with me.

 

The living God in righteousness

Will recompense with shame

The men who, hardened with success,

Forget to fear His Name.

 

All treacherous friends who overreach

And break their plighted troth,

Who hide their hate with honeyed speech

With such the Lord is wroth.

 

Upon the Lord thy burden cast,

To Him bring all thy care;

He will sustain and hold thee fast,

And give thee strength to bear.

 

God will not let His saints be moved;

Protected, they shall see

Their foes cut off and sin reproved;

O God, I trust in Thee.

 

150.  Desire For Rest.  Psalm 55.  8s.

O God, give Thou ear to my plea,

And hide not Thyself from my cry;

O hearken and answer Thou me,

As restless and weary I sigh.

 

O that I had wings like a dove,

For then I would fly far away

And seek for the rest that I love,

Where trouble no more could dismay.

 

Nay, soul, call on God all the day;

The Lord for Thy help will appear;

At eve, morn, and noon humbly pray,

And He thy petition will hear.

 

Thy burden now cast on the Lord,

And He shall thy weakness sustain;

The righteous who trust in His word

Unmoved shall forever remain.

 

151.  Prayer for Deliverance.  Psalm 56.  6s.

O God, be merciful,

Be merciful to me,

For man, with constant hate,

Would fain my ruin see.

My many enemies

Against me proudly fight;

To overwhelm my soul

They watch from morn to night.

 

What time I am afraid

I put my trust in Thee;

In God I rest, and praise

His word, so rich and free;

In God I put my trust,

I neither doubt nor fear,

For man can never harm

With God my helper near.

 

All day they wrest my words,

Their thoughts are full of hate;

They meet, they lurk, they watch,

As for my soul they wait;

Shall they by wickedness

Escape Thy judgment right?

O God of righteousness,

Destroy them in Thy might.

 

Thou knowest all my woes,

O treasure Thou my tears;

Are they not in Thy book,

Where all my life appears?

My foes shall backward turn

When I appeal to Thee,

For this I surely know,

That God is still for me.

 

In God, the Lord, I rest,

His word of grace I praise,

His promise stands secure,

Nor fear nor foe dismays;

In God I put my trust,

I neither doubt nor fear,

For man can never harm

With God my helper near.

 

Upon me are Thy vows,

O God, in Whom I live;

The sacrifice of praise

To Thee I now will give;

For Thou hast saved from death,

From falling kept me free,

That in the light of life

My walk may be with Thee.

 

152.  Fear and Faith.  Psalm 56.  6s.

What time I am afraid

I put my trust in Thee;

In God I rest, and praise

His Word, so rich and free.

 

In God I put my trust,

I neither doubt nor fear,

For man can never harm

With God my helper near.

 

In God, the Lord, I rest,

His word of grace I praise,

His promise stands secure,

Nor fear nor foe dismays;

 

Upon me are Thy vows,

O God, in Whom I live;

The sacrifice of praise

To Thee I now will give;

 

For Thou hast saved from death,

From falling kept me free,

That in the light of life

My walk may be with Thee.

 

153.  Heroic Faith.  Psalm 56.  C.M.

O God, be merciful to me,

For men no mercy show;

With constant warfare pressing me

They seek my overthrow.

 

When foes invade, I safely rest,

Confiding in Thy word;

I will not dread what man can do,

My trust is in the Lord.

 

I take Thy vows upon me now,

O God, Who savest me;

The sacrifice of praise I bring

In gratitude to Thee.

 

My feet from falling and my soul

From death Thou hast restored,

And ever in the light of life

I walk before the Lord.

 

154.  Danger and Rescue.  Psalm 57.  L.M.

O God, be merciful to me,

My soul for refuge comes to Thee;

Beneath Thy wings I safe will stay

Until these troubles pass away.

 

To God Most High shall rise my prayer,

To God Who makes my wants His care;

From heaven He will salvation send,

And me from every foe defend.

 

Great foes and fierce my soul alarm,

Inflamed with rage and strong to harm,

But God, from heaven His dwellingplace,

Will rescue me with truth and grace.