THE PSALMS.
106 I sware,( and from my solemn oath That in thy righteous judgments I
107 Since I with griefs am so opprest, According to thy word do thou
108 Let still my sacrifice of praise And in thy righteous judgments, Lord, 109 Though ghastly dangers me surround, Nor with continual terrors keep 110 My wicked and invet'rate foes Yet I have kept the upright path, 111 Thy testimonies I have made For they, when other comforts fail, 112 My heart with early zeal began And, till my course of life is done,
113 Deceitful thoughts and practices But to thy law affection bear
114 My hiding- place, my refuge- tow'r, I firmly anchor all my hopes
SAMECH.
115 Hence ye that trade in wickedness, For firmly I resolve to keep
116 According to thy gracious word Nor make me of those hopes asham'd 117 Uphold me, so shall I be safe, To thy decrees continually
118 The wicked thou hast trod to earth, Their vile deceit the just reward
AIN.
121 Judgment and justice I have lov'd; In my defence, nor give me up 122 Do thou be surety, Lord, for me, Prove good for me; nor shall the proud 123 My eyes, alas! begin to fail, Till thy salvation they behold, 124 To me, thy servant in distress, And discipline my willing heart
125 On me, devoted to thy fear, That of thy testimonies I
126' Tis time, high time, for thee, O Lord, When men with open violence
and rescu'd from distress; my just respect address. who from thy statutes stray'd; of their own falshood made. 119 The wicked from thy holy land thou dost like dross remove; I therefore, with such justice charm'd, thy testimonies love. 120 Yet with that love they make me dread, lest I should so offend, When on transgressors I behold
thy judgments thus descend.
127 Yet their contempt of thy commands In my esteem, who purest gold 128 Thy precepts therefore I account They teach me to discern the right,
PE.
129 The wonders which thy laws contain Therefore to learn and practise them 130 The very entrance to thy word And knowledge of true happiness
will never start aside,) will steadfastly abide. that I can bear no more, my fainting soul restore. with thee acceptance find; instruct my willing mind."
131 With eager hopes I waiting stood, That of thy wise commands I might
132 With favour, Lord, look down on me,
As thou art wont to visit those
my soul they cannot awe; from thinking on thy law. for me their snares have laid; nor from thy precepts stray'd. my heritage and choice; my drooping heart rejoice. thy statutes to obey; shall keep thy upright way.
133 Directed by thy heav'nly word Nor wickedness of any kind 134 Release, entirely set me free That, unmolested, I may learn
I utterly detest;
too great to be exprest.
and shield art thou, O Lord; on thy unerring word. approach not my abode; the precepts of my God. from danger set me free; that I repose on thee.
O therefore, Lord, engage to my oppressors' rage. and so shall this distress my guiltless soul oppress. in long expectance held; and righteous word fulfill'd. thy wonted grace display, thy statutes to obey.
thy sacred skill bestow,
the full extent may know.
thy vengeance to employ, thy sacred law destroy.
but makes their value rise compar'd with them despise. in all respects divine; and all false ways decline.
no words can represent; my zealous heart is bent. celestial light displays; to simplest minds conveys. and fainted with desire, the sacred skill acquire. who thy relief implore; who thy blest Name adore.
let all my footsteps be; dominion have o'er me. from persecuting hands, and practise thy commands.
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