13 Though Egypt's drudges you have been, 16 But wherefore (though the honour's great) should this, O mountain, swell your pride? For Sion is his chosen seat, where he for ever will reside. 17 His chariots numberless; his powers And on thy people didst bestow the spoil of armies once their dread. Ev'n rebels shall partake thy grace, and humble proselytes repair To worship at thy dwelling-place, and all the world pay homage there. 19 For benefits each day bestow'd, be daily his great name ador'd, 20 Who is our Saviour, and our God, of life and death the sov'reign Lord. 21 But justice for his harden'd foes proportion'd vengeance hath decreed, To wound the hoary head of those who in presumptuous crimes proceed. 22 The Lord hath thus in thunder spoke : "As I subdu'd proud Bashan's king, "Once more I'll break my people's yoke, "and from the deep my servants bring. "Their feet shall with a crimson flood "of slaughter'd foes be cover'd o'er; "Nor earth receive such impious blood, "but leave for dogs th' unhallow'd gore." 23 PART III. 24 When, marching to thy blest abode, the wond'ring multitude survey'd The pompous state of thee, our God, in robes of majesty array'd; 25 Sweet singing Levites led the van; loud instruments brought up the rear ; Between both troops, a virgin-train with voice and timbrel charm'd the ear. 26 This was the burthen of their song: "In full assemblies bless the Lord; "All who to Israel's tribes belong, "of Israel's God the praise record." 27 Nor little Benjamin alone from neighb'ring bounds did there attend, Nor only Judah's nearer throne her counsellors in state did send; But Zebulon's remoter seat, and Naphtali's more distant coast, The grand procession to complete, sent up their tribes, a princely host. 28 Thus God to strength and union brought our tribes, at strife till that blest hour; This work, which thou, O God, hast wrought, confirm with fresh recruits of power. 29 To visit Salem, Lord, descend, and Sion, thy terrestrial throne; Where kings with presents shall attend, and thee with offer'd crowns atone. 30 Break down the spearmen's ranks, who threat like pamper'd herds of savage might: Their silver-armour'd chiefs defeat, who in destructive war delight. 31 Egypt shall then to God stretch forth her hands, and Afric homage bring; 32 The scatter'd kingdoms of the earth their common sov'reign's praises sing; 33 Who, mounted on the loftiest sphere of ancient heaven, sublimely rides; From whence his dreadful voice we hear, like that of warring winds and tides. 34 Ascribe the power to God most high: of humble Israel he takes care; Whose strength, from out the dusky sky, darts shining terrors through the air. 35 How dreadful are the sacred courts, where God has fix'd his earthly throne ! His strength his feeble saints supports, to give God praise, and him alone. 1 PSALM LXIX. AVE me, O God, from waves that roll, 2 With painful steps in mire I tread, 3 With restless cries my spirits faint, 20 Reproach and grief have broke my heart; 22 Their tables, therefore, to their health And sudden blasts their hopes surprise. 24 On them thou shalt thy fury pour, Till thy fierce wrath their race devour; 25 And make their house a dismal cell, Where none will e'er vouchsafe to dwell. 26 For new afflictions they procur'd For him who had thy stripes endur'd; And made the wound, thy scourge had torn, To bleed afresh, with sharper scorn. 27 Sin shall to sin their steps betray, Till they to truth have lost the way: 28 From life thou shalt exclude their soul, Nor with the just their names enrol. 29 But me, howe'er distress'd and poor, Thy strong salvation shall restore; 30 Thy power with songs I'll then proclaim, And celebrate with thanks thy name. 31 Our God shall this more highly prize, Than herds or flocks in sacrifice; 32 Which humble saints with joy shall see, And hope for like redress with me. 33 For God regards the poor's complaint; Sets pris'ners free from close restraint: 34 Let heaven, earth, sea, their voices raise, And all the world resound his praise. 35 For God will Sion's walls erect; Fair Judah's cities he'll protect; Till all her scatter'd sons repair To undisturb'd possession there. 36 This blessing they shall, at their death, To their religious heirs bequeath; And they to endless ages more Of such as his blest name adore. PSALM LXX. LORD, to my relief draw near; for never was more pressing need; For my deliv'rance, Lord, appear, and add to that deliv'rance speed. 2 Confusion on their heads return, who to destroy my soul combine; Let them, defeated, blush and mourn, ensnar'd in their own vile design. 3 Their doom let desolation be; with shame their malice be repaid, Who mock'd my confidence in thee, and sport of my afflictions made. 4 While those who humbly seek thy face, to joyful triumphs shall be rais'd; And all who prize thy saving grace, with me shall sing, The Lord be prais'd. 5 Thus, wretched though I am and poor, the mighty Lord of me takes care: Thou, God, who only canst restore, to my relief with speed repair. PSALM LXXI. IN I 1, 2 N thee I put my steadfast trust; defend me, Lord, from shame; Incline thine ear, and save my soul ; for righteous is thy name. 3 Be thou my strong abiding-place, to which I may resort; 'Tis thy decree that keeps me safe; thou art my rock and fort. 4, 5 From cruel and ungodly men protect and set me free; For, from my earliest youth till now, my hope has been in thee. 6 Thy constant care did safely guard my tender infant days; Thou took'st me from my mother's womb, to sing thy constant praise. 7, 8 While some on me with wonder gaze, thy hand supports me still; Thy honour, therefore, and thy praise, my mouth shall always fill. 9 Reject not then, thy servant, Lord, when I with age decay; Forsake me not when, worn with years, my vigour fades away. 10 My foes against my fame and me with crafty malice speak; Against my soul they lay their snares, and mutual counsel take: "forsakes him now, 11 "His God," say they, "Pursue and take him, whilst no hope 12 But thou, my God, withdraw not far, for speedy help I call: 13 To shame and ruin bring my foes, that seek to work my fall. |