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The Hebrew Psalms

IN ENGLISH VERSE.

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NEW RENDERING

HEBREW PSALMS

ENGLISH VERSE

With Notes, Critical, Historical and Biographical,

Including an Historical Sketch of the French,

English and Scotch Metrical Versions.

ABRAHAM COLES, M.D.. LLD.

Al'thor of Dies Ir.« in' Thirteen Oru;inai. Versions ;

Old Gems IN New Settings; The Life and Teachings ok oi-r Lord in Verse

The Microcosm and other Poems, etc.

NEW YORK :

D. APPLETON & COMPANY,

I, 3 & 5 Bo.ND Street,

i888.

ABRAHAM COLES,

Advertiser Printing House,
newark, n. j.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION' :

I. The Psalms — iiieir Character, - . - v

II. Historical Sketch ok thk French, Enc.msh anu

Scotch Metrical Versions of the Psalms, - xiv

III. NoiEs, Critical, Historical and Biographical, xxvi
Testimonies to the Excellence oe the Psalms,

THE PSALMS— A New Rendkrinc; oe ihe Whole into

English Verse, i-2gi

INTRODUCTION.

I— THE PSALMS — THEIR CHARACTER.

THREE thousand years ago the Hebrew Decachord, "The Ten-
stringed Law," was boldly swept by Prophet-fingers. The
sweetness of the music has filled the world. The chords are vibrat-
ing yet. "Voice and Verse, those sphere-born harmonious sisters,
wed their divine sounds," fitly preluding,

" That undisturb<?d song of pure concent,
Aye sung before the sapphire-colored throne
To Him that sits thereon,
With saintly shout and solemn jubilee;—
Where the bright Seraphim in burning row,
Their loud uplifted angel trumpets blow,
And the Cherubic hosts, in thousand quires,
Touch their immortal harps of golden wires.
With those just spirits that wear victorious palms,
Hymns devout and holy psalms
Singing everlastingly."

The inspiration of the Psalms is not pagan and feigned; not
merely poetic, but really and truly divine. We believe them to be
in a high and special sense God-inspired. The Muse is avowedly
" Heavenly " — the same

" That on the secret top
Of Oreb and of Sinai did inspire
That Shepherd who first taught the chosen seed
In the beginning how the heavens and earth
Rose out of chaos."

Undoubtedly the Psalms were written for our learning, and were
meant for all time. So long as man is man they must have a func-
tion for him. Other things grow old, but these do not. Other
things die, but these live. Cut across the arteries of their life any-

VI IX7\R0DCCTI0X

where, and they bleed. We listen and we hear a heart beating and
throbbing, timed to our own. No mirror reflects the features more
faithfully than these do the heart and life of man. They cover all
varieties of human experience. No joy, no sorrow, no fear, no
hope, but find there suitable expression. All heights and depths are
explored. " Heaven hides nothing, nor the deep tract of hell."
The realism is intense.

For however inspired and " enriched by the Eternal Spirit with all
utterance and knowledge," we are sure that the Singer is one of us
— is a man of like passions and like organs — so that, if by virtue
of his prophetic office, he is able to telescope the heavens, even the
heaven of heavens, and see farther than we, he, nevertheless, is
compelled to see with our eyes; and since he sees not for himself
alone but for others, and it is made his duty to make full report of
all he sees, his discoveries can have, we suppose, no higher mean-
ing for him than for us. For knowing only in part, he prophesies
only in part. The organ of prophecy with which he is gifted, being
restricted in its exercise and utterance, can go just so far and no
farther.

We value the Psalms for what they are, and not for what they are
not. It does not affect the question of their inspiration, that •' the
song is partial; " that they do not contain all truth; that some things
were kept back, we must believe, purposely and for wise reasons.
We are told, " It is the glory of God to conceal a matter" — the
foolishness of God is wiser than man — for everything there is a
time. It is enough to know that the All-Wise judged it best to make
His revelations gradual, to let the twilight precede the dawn, the
dawn the sun-rising. This being according to the analogy of nature,
why should it be thought strange that certain truths should have
been kept in abeyance — that, for example, a clear, explicit and pos-
itive affirmation of the doctrine of the Future Life should have been
withheld in those first ages, so that even inspired men were left in
comparative ignorance? That their ignorance was absolute is not
asserted. Their belief may have been defective, but it never amounted
to a disbelief. That they had an apprehension more or less distinct of a
Conscious Hereafter, both for the righteous and the wicked. Psalms

INTRODUCTIOX.

l6 : ii; 17: 15; 49; 14, 15, may be cited in proof. The doctrine,
moreover, was so bound up with other beliefs implying it, that it
was a necessity of reason. For we find it everywhere assumed as a
fundamental truth, that righteousness shall be rewarded and wicked-
ness punished; that though the bad prosper in life, and have no
bands in their death, there is for them an unfulfilled retribution.

No one can forsee all the applications and bearings of the simplest
truth. The discoverer of electricity had little prescience of the
astonishing uses to which it would be put. In this respect, the child
of to-day knows more of its powers than the wisest philosopher had
dreamed of a few years ago. As it was with the philosopher, so it
was, we have reason to believe, with the prophet. He was half-
ignorant of what he taught. " He builded better than he knew."

Of the prophet we may not know even the name; nor is it impor-
tant that we should. It is the message, not the messenger, that
concerns us. We, upon whom the ends of the world have come,
have clearly one advantage. We have witnessed the fulfillment of
many things which prophetic vision only dimly descried and imper-
fectly understood. Time, in his onward flight, has overtaken the
thing predicted, and left it behind. The mills of Providence grind
slowly, but constantly and surely, and the event prophesied, at the
proper moment, punctually happened. Then it was that all enigmas
were solved and all uncertainties cleared up. When the sun arises,
" All the stars hide thsir diminished heads." Among those born of
woman, there was none, no prophet greater than John the Baptist,
but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. He is
exalted to a higher dignity of privilege and knowledge. But it is in
vain that the sun shines if we wilfully close our eyes. Amid noon-
day's splendors we can, if we choose, dwell in darkness. Aside
from Revelatirn we know how inconsequent a being man is. We
who live in the full enjoyment of those things, which ancient
worthies saw afar off and were glad, fall behind them in many ways.
How the ardor of their devotion shames the coldness of ours I
What love to God did they express! What trust in Him! What
zeal for His worship! What attachment to His law! What hunger-
ings and thirstings after righteousness! Considering that all this

Viii IN TR OD UC TION.

was true of men, who, so far from having our light, dwelt in com-
parative darkness, knowing little of God and His truth — we blush
the more. With motives to righteousness so inferior ( He not
having yet come who brought life and immortality to light), they
nevertheless pursued it as the supreme good, never doubting that
well-being depended on well-doing. Without knowing that God so
loved the world as to give His only-begotten Son, they still loved
Him with a rapturous affection. Without understanding the dear
and afifecting reasons which justified the gratuitous imputation, they
could wonder at the grace and rejoice in the blessedness of the man
to whom the Lord imputed righteousness without works. While all
this goes to prove the falsity of the allegation that the service of God
is a mercenary transaction, and that the worshipper is selfishly
devout, having his eye fixed on the recompense of reward — it
enhances the value of those joyful anticipations of Christian truths
which make their harp sound so sweetly in Christian ears. The
creed of the heart is often in advance of the intellect, for therein is
resident the " prophetic soul." Trust is more than theory, and love
than knowledge. The Psalms do not need any modern manipula-
tion to fit them for Christian Worship.
Prayer is the child of need. Standing on

" The great altar-stairs
That slope through darkness up to God,"

prayer is sometimes, even in good men. little better than

" An infant crying in the night,
An infant crying for the light,
And with no language but a cry."

But the Psalms are a perpetual rebuke to all skeptic confusions.
To the Hebrew bard God was the Supreme Reality. He was an
example to all ages of Trust. He felt it good to trust in Him; to
throw all his burdens at His feet. He never doubted in darkest
hours that He cared for him. He endured as seeing Him Who is
invisible. God's Face was so clearly mirrored in his heart that he
saw its varying expression. He saw it now dressed in smiles, and now

ixTRonrcriox

in frowns. If the frown was the projection of conscience, it was no
less the frown of God. If he sometimes mistook outward calamity,
sickness, low spirits,- for tokens of Divine displeasure, that must be
ascribed to the imperfection of his knowledge. It was important
that he should realize that God's love was not a weak favoritism —
something to presume on. He came with all boldness to the Throne
of Grace, pushed forward by the urgency of his need. He was
absolutely sincere. He exemplified an actual approach of a human
soul to its Maker; and thus the mouth of man was brought close to the
ear of God. We are sure the words he spoke were pleasing and
acceptable words; that the cry of penitence and the prayer for par-
don were heard and answered. We are impressed with the sublim-
ity of the spectacle. We are more convinced than ever, that the
soul on its knees is the right posture; and that to refuse worship is
to do violence to the fitness of things, and to incur proportionate
guilt and loss.

Man's superiority over all the creatures that surround him consists
in this: That he alone is capable of religion. The tie that unites
him to his Maker is not only one of creatureship but sonship. To
sever this lie, to ignore his divine relationship — with feet standing
on the steps of the Eternal Throne to refuse to mount, what mad-
ness ! In the lapse of the centuries man's relation to God has under-
gone no change. The relation is one of character. A right relation is
full of blessedness. All sin, all misery springs from a wrong attitude.
It is easy to see how, to a creature "so fearfully and wonderfully
made " — so complex in himself and so related to every thing else —
this must be so. It is easy to understand, how all the ministers of
good to which he stands related should become the ministers of evil ;
how, through a false adjustment, every avenue of pleasure should be
made an avenue of pain ; how completely atheistic folly and the in-
sanity of wickedness should be able to frustrate the best designs of
Infinite Beneficence; how effectually health and happiness can be
made exiles and outcasts from the Human Organism by indulgence in
ihat which is forbidden. Van Helmont conceived the existence of an
immaterial principle, which, present from the beginning, presides
over the development of the body, and over all organic phenomena.

JXTRODUCTIOK

Besides this chief one, which he called Archeus, and located in the
upper orifice of the stomach, he admitted several subordinate ones,
one for each organ, each of them being liable to anger, caprice,
terror, and every human feeling. While this may be fanciful in form,
it is substantially true. The approaches to the Tree of Life were not
more jealously guarded by Cherubim and flaming sword, than is the
gateway to every particular cell that goes to make up the totality of ihe
organs, by the guardian powers whose office it is to resent and resist
the entrance of what is alien and hurtful Woe to the individual if
this vital constabulary, instituted in the interests of order and virtue,
should be overpowered. A watchful instinct resident in the stomach
sounds the alarm when the body demands food; and manifests terror
and rage when compliance is too long delayed. What powerful dis-
gusts and repugnances and eflforls at rejection attend the introduction
of some irritant poison, instead of wholesome nourishment ! No one
can say, but what this is necessary for the safety and welfare of the
body. That punishment should follow in the footsteps of violated
law is the best proof we have of Creative Love and Wisdom. The
connection between sin and suffering is not arbitrary. It is simply
cause and consequence. The conditions of beiii^^ are not more abso-
lutely fixed than those of well-being. "We are bound to the universe
by innumerable ties, and we cannot sever a single one. In this sense
we are helpless; in another, we are all powerful, for we have the
power of adjusting the manner of our relation, so as to make it
normal or abnormal, right or wrong, false or true. Nothing in
Nature is evil of itself. Take what you will — take fire if you please.
It burns you or warms you according to your actual position to it.
In itself it is the most friendly of powers; you could not live without
it. Through a long life, up to the present moment it has been to you
a minister of good. But this will not prevent this very hour the
manifestation of a terrible resentment should you dare to trifle with
it — to cross so much as a line the proper limit of your approach. Its
genial heat will then be converted into wrathful flame and consume
you to ashes.

The Psalms are full of bold anthropomorphisms. In the second
Psalm, for example, derisive laughter, and wrath are attributed to

INTRODUCTIOX. xi

Deity. Admitting that this is speaking after the manner of men,
and that the terms employed are not to be too strictly interpreted,
there is no room for doubt as to their meaning. They fitly and
powerfully express the divine antagonism to all evil and evildoers.
That this does not misrepresent Him is conclusively proved by what
we see of Him in Nature. It is true that anger in man is not the
same as anger in God — inevitably so. for the quality of anger depends
upon character. There are we know diversities of anger even among
men. The anger of a good man is not the anger of a bad one.

Anger to be right must be moral. It must be void of malice. It
must be justified by the occasion. It must not be in excess. When
it is the pure expression of the sentiment of Justice there is nothing
holier. It thus approximates to what we may suppose anger to be in
the Divine Mind. It is a measured and righteous indignation against
sin. It is the repulsion of Infinite Purity from that which is not pure.
Not only is it compatible with Love, but it is one of the forms in
which Infinite Love manifests itself. Its inexorableness is the inex-
orableness of Love, or Law, which is but another name for Love.
Penalty, which is an essential constituent of Law, is a kind of anger.
For Law as found in Nature, we repeat, everywhere resents violation.
Anger is the defensive property of things. Every atom is armed with
it. The minutest insect has its sting. Every thing is sovereign in its
own sphere with rights and prerogatives of vengeance. Individual
sanctities may not be invaded. Out of this arises, as said before, an
universal police necessary to the conservation of order throughout
the Universe. Lcok where we will, we find that every thing has two
aspects or faces — one all smiles, the other all frowns; and it depends
very much upon ourselves which is turned towards us. So far as we
can discover, the God seen in Nature and the God declared in Reve-
lation are the same God. He is not more the God of vengeance in
the one than He is in the other. He undoubtedly is so in both; but
we will not be guilty of the folly of closing our eyes to the proofs of
His goodness. They are scattered everywhere throughout the uni-
verse, but what a divine thing it is, to have it put in human speech,
and compressed in three words, God is Love.

The Divine Government is not more august than it is lovely. It

xii INTRODVCriOX.

exists for the good of the governed. The meanest subject is God's
darling. All the powers of the Universe, and His almightiness are
pledged for his protection and safety, so long as he remains loyal and
law-abiding. But suppose he does not remain so, what happens then ?
Only what happens in every well ordered human government under
like circumstances. To the loyal and obedient, Law is paternal and
benign. It is a shield and a high tower. But not so to its violators.
To them it wears a changed aspect, full of dreadful menace. To the
end that it may appear to all men that it does not bear the sword in.
vain, it is not slow nor slack to punish. It arrests and brooks no
resistence. It consigns to dungeons. It hangs on the gallows. Can
it be that this is the self-same power that one moment before the
crime was committed was firmly and solemnly pledged for the felon's
safe-keeping, protesting that not a hair of his head should be injured ?
Even so. The Law stands upright, but the transgressor holds towards
it an inverted position, and by virtue of this inversion he is emptied
of all his rights under the Law. Law is not simply preceptive — it is
command backed by penalty. This is true of man's law, and it is
true of God's law.

Human government sometimes undertakes to pardon, and to rees-
tablish the criminal in his former relations: but, to remove the falsity
of a corrupt nature, to correct the insane inclination of the heart to
evil, transcends her power. Here the analogy fails between human
government and the divine. What is not possible to man is possible
to God. He can both pardon and save. He can make the guilty soul
pure, and the sick soul well. For not only has He provided remedies
to heal the flesh but to heal the spirit also; and thus, by a true restora-
tion to old relations, man is made just the same as if he had never
sinned.

Physicians in the treatment of disease rely on an automatic force
or tendency, denominated vis medicahix N'atu? cf, which, if it does not
in every case suffice for cure, always aids it. Conscience may be said
to answer to this in man's moral and spiritual economy, operating as
a vis viedicaiiix in the recovery of a sick soul. While not adequate
alone to meet all the exigencies of man's desperate condition, with
"his whole head sick and his whole heart faint," it continues to be

I\ TROD UCTION. xiii

the indispensable fulcrum upon which the lever of Help must rest.
Salvation is a return to wholeness, or holiness, without which no man
can see the Lord. The Psalmist celebrates the felicity of "the man
whose iniquity is forgiven, whose sin is covered — to whom the Lord
imputeth not iniquity," or as Paul construed it, "impuleth righteous-
ness without works." Regeneration can only mean a readjustment
of right relations of the soul of man to the Universe and its Maker.
Found in his place and in harmony with his surroundings, then, as
Herbert sings:

" Man is all symmetry,

Full of proportions, one limb to another.

And to all the world besides.

Each part may call the farthest, brother;
For head with foot hath privy amity.

And both with moons and tides.

" Nothing hath got so far.

But man hath caught and kept it as his prey;

His eyes dismount the highest star;

He is in little all the sphere.
Herbs gladly cure our flesh, because that they

Find their acquaintance there.

" For us, the winds do blow,

The earth doth rest, heavens move, and fountains flow;

Nothing we see but means our good,

As our delight, or as our treasure;
The whole is either our cupboard of food,

Or cabinet of pleasure.

" The stars have us to bed:

Night draws the curtain, which the sun withdraws.

Music and light attend our head.

All things unto our flesh are kind,
In their descent and being; to our mind,

In their ascent and cause.

" More servants wait on man

Than he'll take notice of. In every path,

He treads down that which doth befriend him

When sickness makes him pale and wan.
O mighty love ! Man is one world, and hath

Another to attend him."

xiv INTRODUCTION.

II.— METRICAL VERSIONS OF THE PSALMS.
FRENCH, ENGLISH AND SCOTCH.

THE earliest attempt of which we have any record to turn the
Psalms into English Verse was made in the Thirteenth Cen-
tury, and was known as the Northumberland Psalter. It was fol-
lowed in the next Century by another, the woik of Richard Rolle,
the Hermit of Hampole. The Council of Toulouse in 1229 inter-
dicted the Bible to the laity, but made an exception in favor of the
Psalter. Periods of religious revival in all ages have been favorable
to the growth of Sacred Song. The Psalms themselves may be
regarded as the intense outcome of the religious life of ancient
Israel, as displayed in the individual or the nation, while they served
to signalize and punctuate different epochs and special crises in the
history of the Jewish people. The historic books of the Bible, it is
safe to say, do not give so clear an insight into the character of
those remote times as the Psalms. David's history is a very event-
ful one, and full of romance, and is well calculated to excite a lively
interest; but the story of his life, without the lyric supplement sup-
plied by the Psalms, would be divested of its greatest charm.
Prose deals, for the most part, with the outward and objective; and
usually practises reserve in regard to what is subjective and
private. Not so with Poetry, particularly Lyric Poetry. That
delights in self-revelations. It has to do with the facts of the inner
life. It keeps nothing back. It is the soul on fire. It kindles
others. The little spark becomes a spreading conflagration. The
poet, not infrequently, is the truest and best historian.

It has been often exemplified in modern times, that nothing lies
so near the popular heart, and is so fitted to awaken its enthusiasm,
as Song. A wise man said long ago, " If a man were permitted to
make all the ballads of a nation, he need not care who should make
its laws." This was peculiarly true when the people knew only what

IXTRODUCTIOX.

was stored in their memories. Verse, making Icnowledge portable
and pleasing, would naturally be more valued then, than in an age
of printed books and multitudinous newspapers. But the first
effect following the invention of printing was to awaken an insa-
tiable curiosity in regard to the writings handed down from antiquity,
especially the Holy Scriptures, leading to a demand for translations
in the vernacular, and preparing men to give them a boundless
welcome as soon as they appeared. Metrical Versions of the
Psalms in the mother-tongue not only attended the ushering-in of
the Reformation, but aided materially in bringing it about. Their
history as pertaining to different countries is full of interest.

In France, the earliest of these was that of Clement Marot, who,
even in our day, has been described as the most agreeable, if not
one of the greatest, poets of France, and a figure of all but the first
importance in her literary history. He was born in 1495 and died
in 1544. He was Valet dc Chambre X.o Francis I., and accompanied
him in his disastrous Italian campaign. He was wounded and taken
prisoner, but soon liberated, and was again in Paris in 1525.
Accused of heresy, he was thrown into prison. After his release,
finding his liberty again in jeopardy, he fled to Geneva. Here he
added Twenty Psalms to the Thirty already published. They were
set to music by the celebrated composer Goudemel, the master of
Palestrina, a musical composer of still greater celebrity. Goudemel
was a Protestant, and was one of the victims of the massacre of St.
Bartholomew. Marot's translations were Very popular. The
powerful influence which the book exercised on contemporaries is
not denied by any one. The great persons of the Court chose dif-
ferent pieces, each as his or her favorite. They were sung in Court
and city; and they are said, with probable exaggeration, but with a
basis of truth, to have done more than any thing else to advance the
cause of the Reformation in France. At a later period, having been
proscribed by the Sorbonne, * their use became almost exclusively
confined to the Protestants. An edition of his Fifty Psalms was

* It is remarkable that as late as 1563 an edition was printed at Lyons, " Avec
privilege" during the reign of Charles IX.. so that the order interdicting their
use was probably later.

xvi INTRODUCTION.

published in Geneva in 1543, to which Calvin prefixed a long Pre-
face. The particular Psalms translated by him were: Psalms i to
19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 43, 45, 46, 50, 51, 72, 79, 86, 91,
loi, 103, 104, 107, no, 113, 114, 115, 128, 130, 137, 138, 143 = 50.
The date of composition affixed to Psalm i. is 1540. The render-
ings are in a variety of metres. Some of the beautiful airs to which
they were set still survive. Subsequently to Marot's Fifty, Calvin
added Two, and Theodore Beza the remaining Ninety-Eight — thus
the French Psalter was made complete. The whole was known as
Marot and Beza's Version, but still oftener, perhaps, was spoken of
as Marot's alone.

It became to the Huguenots their most precious Manual of Devo-
tion. They learned the verses by heart, and taught them to their
children. It was in vain that the singing of them was forbidden —
they continued to sing them at the peril of their lives. When driven
from their homes, hunted and persecuted, they broke the silence of
the Desert with their murmured melodies, and betrayed their hiding-
places by an irrepressible utterance. In their battles for the Rights
of Conscience, they used them to nerve their hands and fire their
hearts. They beguiled the weariness of long marches by the music
of their words; and in loud chorus they shouted some sacred Battle
Hymn as they rushed, forgetful of danger, with irresistible elan
against the enemy; and in the crowning close, when victory perched
on their banners, some remembered Psalm of Praise and Thanks-
giving burst simultaneously from ten thousand lips. They found
consolation in them under disappointment and defeat. Their
attachment to them triumphed over the rack. They sang them in
prison and on the scaffold. Condemned to the galleys, they light-
ened slavish toil by timing the stroke of their oars to their chanted
favorites. They employed them to sweeten exile, and to hallow new
homes. Translations of them were made into almost all the lan-
guages of Europe. The first Scotch Psalter of 1565 derived many of
their metres and tunes from this source.

In England the first complete Metrical Version of the Psalms in
the mother-tongue was that known as Sternhold and Hopkins.
Though the Version went by their name, they were the authors of

IXTRODUCTION. xvii

only a part. The object was, says old Fuller, in his quaint and
witty fashion, to " make the Psalms portable in men's memories,
verses being twice as light as the same bulk of prose" — slyly
adding that the translators would seem to have " drunk more of
Jordan than of Helicon during their labors."

Thomas Sternhold was Groom of the Robes to Henry VHI. and
Edward VI. He was born about 1500 and died 1549. He was noted
at Court for his poetical talents and extreme piety. Wishing to
provide a substitute for the profane songs in vogue, he undertook
a translation of the Psalms, hoping that they might become popular
with the courtiers. He completed only thirty-seven (which were
published in 1549, after his death), with seven by Hopkins, under
the title of '' All such Psalms of David as Thomas Sternholde, late
Grome of the Kinges Majestyes Robes, did in his lyfe-time drnwe into
Englyshe Metre." The Version was made complete; and was pub-
lished in 1562, as " The Whole Book of Psalms collected into English
Metre by T. Sternhold, J. Hopkins, and Others, conferred with the
Ebreu, with apt Xotes to sing them withal," — under which title it
was annexed to the " Book of Common Prayer," and adopted under
Elizabeth as the Metrical Version to be used by the Church of
England. It continued to be so used for 135 years ( until
superseded by the " New Version" of Tate and Brady, first pub-
lished in i6q6), during which time it is said to have passed through
at least three hundred and nine distinct editions. Such was the
attachment of the people to it, that they regarded it as little less
than inspired. Even its faults of grammar and rhythm became
sacred in their eyes, and they were intolerant of the slightest change.
The Non-conformists continued to use it down to the time of Watts.

It was customary in the successive editions of the work to distin-
guish the author of each version contributed by the initials of his
name — T. S. standing for Thomas Sternhold; J- H. for John Hop-
kins,of whom little is known except that he graduated at Oxford in 1544.
and was a clergyman and schoolmaster; W. K. for William Keith, a
Scotchman, an exile with Knox in 1555, and chaplain of the English
forces at Havre in 1563; W. W. for William Whitingham, a brother-
in-law of Calvin, and minister of the English refugees at Geneva;

xviii IXTRODUCTION.

N. for Thomas Norton, translator of Calvin's Institutes; M. for John
Markand; H. W. for Henry Wisdome; T. C. for some person
unknown, unless John Craig be meant. In the later editions some
of these names do not appear as contributors, and there are various
changes in the attribution of authorship. In the Baskerville edition
of 1762 there are assigned to T. S. 42; to J. H. 27; to W. W. 14; to
W. K. 6; to T. C. i.

In regard to the " New Version," it was first published under the
title of an " Essay of a New Version of the Psalms of David, consist-
ing of the first Twenty, by N. Brady and N. Tate' ( 8 vo. 1605 ).
This was succeeded by '• The Book of Psalms, A New Version in
Metre fitted to the Tunes used in the Churches, by N. Tate and N .
Brady," (1696). Nahum Tate was born in Dublin in 1652 and died
in London 1715. After the death of Shadwell in 1692, he succeeded
him as poet-laureate. He was associated with Dryden in the author-
ship of " Absalom and Ahithophel," the second part being chiefly
his composition. He produced several dramatic works, among which
was an alteration of " King Lear" from Shakespeare, which long
held the stage to the exclusion of the original. Nicholas Brady was
born in 1659 and died in 1726. He was partly educated at Oxford,
and partly at Trinity College, Dublin. He was the author of a
tragedy, and numerous sermons. Just prior to his death he pub-
lished a poetical translation of Virgil. His reputation however
rests chiefly on the part he took in the Metrical Version of the
Psalms. The Version of Tate and Brady is still retained in the
Book of Common Prayer, both in England and in this country. In
regard to the comparative merits of the two Versions, while all
must admit that the New is a great improvement upon the Old in
smoothness and correctness of versification, the advantage, it is
thought, in some cases at least, is more than counterbalanced by a
falling off in vigor and raciness, and the loss of a certain homely
quaintness and antique flavor, which constituted no small part of
the charm of the earlier Version. The rendering in the older
Version is confessedly unequal, and in some of the Psalms is, no
doubt, rude, disjointed and uncouth, and thus has furnished the
occasion for much cheap wit and ridicule.

IXT/iODCCTIOy. xix

Sternhold and Hopkins' Version had had, for more than seventy
years, entire possession of the field, when in 1636 appeared "A
Paraphrase upon the Psaltns of Da7'ii/, by George Sandys, set to N^ew
Tunes for Private Devotion ; and a Thorough-Bass for Voice and
Instrument , by Henry Lawes, Gentleman of His Majesty's Chapel
Jioyal," which received high commendation. Dryden calls him
" the ingenious and learned Sandys, the best versifier of the former
age." James Montgomery styles his Version as " incomparably
the most poetic in the language," That Sandys' poetry and Lawes'
music combined should have failed to obtain popularity, is thought
remarkable. Lawes wrote the music to Milton's " Comus," in
which he also acted the part of Thyrsis, and the poet's allusion to
the musician is well known (Comus 494):

'■ Thyrsis, whose artful strains have oft delayed
The huddling brook to hear his madrigal,
And sweetened every musk-rose of the dale."

To him, too, Milton addressed the sonnet:

" Harry, whose tuneful and well measured song
First taught our English music how to span
Words with just note and accent."

George Sandys (or Sandes), the seventh and youngest son of
Edwin Sandys, Archbishop of York, according to the Archbishop's
own entry, " was born the 2nd day of March at six of the clock in
the morning in 1557." After having spent some time at Oxford, he
set out on his travels in 1610, of which he published an account in
1615, with a dedication to Charles I., then Prince of Wales. The
work attained great popularity. He visited the Holy Land, and the
picture he gives of the East in his time, particularly of Jerusalem, is
specially interesting and valuable. He was but a short time at
home. In 1606, a charter of incorporation had been granted to the
Adventurers of London to begin their first plantation and seat in
any place upon any part of the Colony of Virginia. Under date of
July 24, 1621, Sir Francis Wyat is mentioned as Governor, and
George Sandys as Treasurer. It is interesting to know that the
greater part of his Translation of " Ovid's Metamorphoses " was

XX ^^^' TROD UC TION.

composed under great difficulties in the Colony, and that it was the
first considerable book written in America. Besides the Psalms he
wrote a poetical Paraphrase of the Book of Job, of Ecclesiastes,
upon the Song of Solomon, Lamentations of Jeremiah, etc., all
excellently done. He died in 1643 aged 66.

Tate and Brady's Version, already noticed, followed in 1696.
Then we have Dr. John Patrick's ''Psalms of David in Metre"
which appeared in 1698, from which it is said Dr. Watts borrowed.
It is a book the writer only knows by report; and is unable to say
therefore how far it is original. In 1709 followed Isaac Watts'
" Imitations (not Versions) of the Psalms." His method was a new
one. It virtually consisted in converting the Psalm into a Christian
Hymn. It was a Christian graft on a Jewish root. The song was
made into a sermon. In this form it easily lent itself to the pur-
poses of Christian worship, but in order to make it serve this end,
some violence was necessarily done to the original. It has met
however with such favor as to have become a model to all later
attempts at versification of the Psalms. While it may have its
advantages, they are not, it is thought, of so pronounced a character
as to forbid a new essay, in which the poet, availing himself of all
the results of modern scholarship, shall give an English Version of
the Psalms in their original form, without interpolation or alteration
of any kind, after the old manner. Twelve years before, in 1707,
Watts published his Hymns in Three Books. In his original Preface
to his Psalms he acknowledges his indebtedness for ideas and even
expressions to Denham, Milbourne, and Tate and Brady. From
Patrick he is said to have taken most. In the Lenox Library may
be found Franklin's Edition of Watts' Hymns, 1741; Joel Barlow's
amendments to his Psahns, 1785; and Timothy Dwight's improve-
ments to both, 1800. Isaac Watts was born in 1674, died in 1748,
aged 74.

" The Psalms Translated or Paraphrased in English Verse, by
James Aferrick," was published in 1766. Bishop Home in his
" Commentary on the Psalms " frequently refers to it in terms of
high commendation, and quotes from it. Its chief fault is said to be
diffuseness. The author was born in 1720 and died in 1769. While

lyTRODUCTrOX. XXI

he was at Oxford he was the tutor of Lord North. His poetical
fable, " The Chameleon," has been often printed.

Coming nearer our own times, we have " The Book of Psalms
Translated into English Verse, by Edmund G. March, London, i8j2."
John Keble — author of " The Christian Year," which had appeared
fourteen years before — published in 1839, " The Psalter, or Psalms
of David in English Verse," dedicated by permission to the Lord
Bishop of Oxford. It took the name of the " Oxford Psalter."
He remarks in his Preface: " The Versions commonly used, not-
withstanding much that is meritorious, are confessedly deficient
each in an important qualification. That of the Elizabethan age
wants force; that which dates from the Revolution fidelity. The
Translator much fears that the general character of his Version will
be found to partake of harshness and obscurity, to a far greater
degree than he could wish; yet he is not without hope that (with the
permission of those in authority) it maybe found occasionally useful
for congregational singing." The hope so modestly expressed was
not fulfilled. His biographer. Sir J. T. Coleridge, accounts for the
coolness of its reception by its deficiency in the singing quality. It
reached however in England a Fourth Edition ( 1S69). Singularly
enough, it would seem hardly to have found its way to this country,
and is comparatively unknown.

In ScoTL.'VND the first Version employed in the Churches after the
Reformation was mainly that of Sternhold and Hopkins, but not
exactly, for forty-one had different renderings by various authors.
The first complete Version was printed at Edinburgh in 1564 by
order of the General Assembly and was continued in use till 1650.
It was the Psalm-book of Knox, Walsh, Melville, etc. From this
sprung the Version now in use. The Westminster Assembly, in 1643,
undertook the task of selecting a New Version. After comparison
with other Versions it adopted that of Francis Rous (or Rouse) and
appointed a committee to confer with him on changes and emenda-
tions. While Rouse's Version was made the basis, a number of
translations drawn from the old Scottish Psalter and other sources
were substituted for his. After much preliminary pains-taking, there
appeared in 1650 " The Psalms of David in Metre: Translated and

xxii IXTRODUCTION.

diligently compared with the Original Text and former Translations;
More plain, smooth and agreeable to the Text than any heretofore;
Allowed by the Authority of the General Assembly of the Kirk of
Scotland, and appointed to be sung in Congregations and Families.'
This Version has continued in use until the present time. Dr.
James Beattie, the author of The Minstrel, attributes to it "a
manly, severe simplicity, without any affected refinement. " Dr.
Chalmer thinks it has " a charm peculiar to itself." Dr. Robert Lee
describes it as " sometimes rugged, occasionally sinking to dog-
gerel, but upon the whole faithful, vigorous and good — equal if not
superior to any other." Sir Walter Scott says, " Its expression,
though homely, is plain, forcible and intelligible, and very often
possesses a rude sort of majesty which would be ill exchanged by
more elegance." The Marquis of Lome in 1877 added to this
Version, a Version of his own, bound up in the same volume.

Having noticed the chief of the Complete Versions of the Psalms,
it may be interesting to glance at some of the partial ones executed
by distinguished hands. Sir Philip Sidney (b. 1544, d. 1586), one of
the most conspicuous figures at the Court of Elizabeth, the preux
chevalier of his time, made a Translation of a part of the Psalter
"into sundry kinds of verse," in conjunction with his accomplished
sister, the Countess of Pembroke — " Sidney's sister, Pembroke's
mother." It extended to the 43rd Psalm. As none of Sidney's
writings were published in his life-time the date of the composition
is uncertain. It was first printed in London in 1823. The worth of
these paraphrases, which have all the author's sincerity, directness,
and sweetness of rhythm has been recognized by Mr. Ruskin who
has edited them under the title of Rock Honeycomb in the the second
volume of his Bibliotheca Pastorn7n.

In 1625, Lord Bacon published a small volume dedicated to " his
friend Mr. George Herbert," entitled "Translations of Certaine
Psalms into English Verse." The actual number was seven, viz..
Psalms I, 12, 90, 104, 126, 137 and 149. He wrote them during
a fit of sickness in 1624. He evidently thought well of them, for,
contrary to custom, he lost no time in giving them to the public.
He seems to have tried both methods, the literal and the free — in

I N TROD UC TION. xxiii

the one case keeping as close to the text as possible, adding no more
than the necessities of mstre required, in the other combining with
paraplirastic freedom an exegetical purpose, representing a kind of
poetical commentary

Sir Thomas Wyatt made a paraphrase of the Seven Penitential
Psalms. The Fourteenth and Twentieth Psalms, versified by Queen
Elizabeth and King James, have been preserved.

John Milton in 1648. did into metre nive of the Psalms (Pss. 80-
88), and in 1653, nine others (Pss. 1-8). At the age of fifteen he versi-
fied Psalms 114 and 136, making twenty in all. They continue to
be published, and form a part of his Poetical Works.

Dean Swift wrote in pencil in a copy of Gibb's Poetical Version
of the first eighteen Psalms, " I warn the readers that this is a lie,
both here and all over the book; for these are not the Psalms of
David, but of Dr. Gibb." The grounds of the Dean's furious dislike
is not stated.

James Montgomery, besides being the author of numerous
Hymn.i, published in 1S22, " Son^s of Zion, beins^ Imitations of the
Psalms.'' He says in the Preface: "In the following imitations of
portions of the true ' Soni^s of Zion," having followed in the track of
none, he would venture to hope that by avoiding the rugged literality
of some and the diffusive paraphrases of others, he may, in a few
instances, have approached nearer than either of them have gener-
ally done to the ideal model of what devotional poems, in a modern
tongue, grounded upon the subjects of ancient Psalms, yet suited
for Christian edification, ought to be."

Since the above was in type, two other complete versions have
come under the writers notice: In April, 1854, the Venerable
Edward Churton, Archdeacon of Cleveland, published a version
known as the " Cleveland Psalter." In 18S2 appeared still another
metrical version by William Digby Seymour, Q. C, LL. D. There
arc other omissions. Mr. Henry Fish discovered in the well-known
handwriting of Charles Wesley, among the archives of a certain
English College, translations lacking about twent\-four of the entire
number of Psalms, presumably his own, but curiously enough con-
taining Tate and Brady's rendering of Ps. 136. It forms the princi-
b

xxi V IN TROD UC TION.

pal part of the Wesleyan Psalter, which has been published in this
country. Mention should have been made likewise of "The Book
of Psalms, Translated into English Verse," by George Burgess,
Bishop of Maine, New York, 1840.

Richard Baxter (B. 1615, I). r6gi) is said to have published a
metrical version (probably of a part only) of the Psalms which was
issued a year after his death. Joseph Addison (B. 1672; D. 1719),
the well-known author of two much admired paraphrases of the Nine-
teenth and Twenty-third Psalms, is said, upon doubtful authority, to
have contemplated a metrical version of the entire number, had he
lived. Anne Steele (B. 1716; D. 1778), whose name has an honored
place in all Modern Collections, wrote, it is said, 144 Hymns and 34
Psalms. On account of the great looseness of the language em-
ployed, one cannot, always be sure what is meant, when a person is
spoken of as having made a version of the Psalms, whether an entire
version is intended or only a partial and fragmentary one. The
writer's list includes those versions that have come under his notice;
it is not pretended that it comprehends all.* The synopsis is given
below of the versions, complete and partial, in chronological order:

Complete, Sternhold and Hopkins'.. 1562 Partial, Sir Thomas Wyatt's .1540

" George Sandys' 1636 " Sir Philip Sidney's 1583

" Scotch Version (Rous's).. 1643 " Lord Bacon's 1625

" Tate and Brady's.. .1696 " John Milton's 1648,1653

" John Patrick's.. 1698 " Richard Baxter's... 1691

" Isaac Watts' 1719 " Charles Wesley's 1778

" James Merrick's 1765 " Anne Steele's 1778

" Edmund G. Marsh's 1832 " James Montgomery's 1822

" John Keble's 1839

" Bishop Burgess's 1840

" Archdeacon Churton's... 1854

" Marquis of Lome's 1S77

" W. D. Seymour's 1882

In regard to the Version here given, 'The book must be its own

* It is stated that the first printing press in America was put up at Cambridge,
in 1639, by Stephen Day, and the first book printed upon it was "The Psalms in
Metre, faithfully translated for the use, edification and comfort of the saints, in
public and private, especially in New England, printed at Cambridge in 1640."
The Pilgrim Fathers entered on their records, " Stephen Day, being the first that

IXTKODCCT/O.y. XXV

defense.' If all attempts, hitherto made, have, as some allege, been
failures, this, at the worst, can only add one to the number. We
are told by a recent writer, " Poetical translations of the Psalms
postulate their own failure. Parallelisms cannot be cramped into
eights and si.\es."* Keble in the Preface to his own Version says:
" It was undertaken with a serious apprehension, which has grown
into a full conviction, that the thing attempted is, strictly speaking,
impossible." These strong expressions are adapted, certainly, to im-
press one with the great difficulty of the task, and to deter all but
the most bold from ever engaging in it. But surely something can
be said on the other side. The first writer quoted, admits, "that
the Psalms may not only be understood but profoundly felt, by
those who have not earned the privilege of following them in the
divine original." It is fortunate that this is so, considering how
small is the number who have earned this privilege. It is not at
all surprising, that many should prefer the prose renderings of the
Prayer Book and the Bible, on aesthetic and other grounds, for in
them we have preserved the peculiar verse-structure of the Hebrew
original in a great degree. Ewald compares its parallelisms to the
"alternate beat of wings" ; and Herder speaks of it as "that lan-
guage of the heart, which has never said all, but ever has something
more to say." All this is true. But it is difficult to see why the
meaning, which after all is the essential thing, cannot be conveyed
equally, or almost as well, in another form. In regard to Metrical
Versions, imperfect as they have been, all history for the last three
hundred years is full of attestations to their value and efficiency.
Witness Marot's Version, which wielded such a mighty influence in
bringing about the Reformation in France. Witness the Scotch

set up prin:ing, is granted three hundred acres of land, where it may be con-
venient without prejudice to any town." Below is a verse of one of the Psalms
in the Indian tongue, as printed for their use by Eliot in 1663 :
" Kesuk Kukootumushteaumoo
God wussohsumoonk
Mamahchekcsuk wumahtuhkon
Wutanakausnonk."
* The Witness 0/ the Psalms to Christ and Christianity, by William Alexander,
D. D.,D. C. L., Bishop of Derry, /S76.

xxvi INTRODUCTION.

Version. No one would wish to deny the important part it has
played in the religious life of the Scotch people.

And then we know that the melodious prose of the Psalter, pro-
duced about the same time as the bald rhymes of Sternhold and
Hopkins' Version, was no match for them in the race for popular
favor, indicating the people's preference for measured verse con-
joined with rhyme, suitable for singing. It is asserted, that to so
great an extent were the Reformers, singers, that ' psalm singer' and
'heretic' became synonymous terms. The term, Lollard, by some
is derived from lolloi to sing softly, whence it may be inferred, that
the e.irlier reformers rested under the same reproach as the later.
It is not wise certainly to despise an instrument of such power.
Admitting that Hymn-making has been overdone, and that the
Psalms have been too much neglected of late years,* and that a
return to them is desirable, the question arises how can this be best

*Dr. Binnie, m the last edition of his work: "The Psalms; Their History,
Teaching's and Use," London, iSS6, cites various honored names, representative
of different branches of the Church, in favor of a return to the chureh use of the
Psalms, now so generally displaced by Hymns. Right Hon. U'iiliain E. Glad-
stone says: " In the Book of Psalms, for well nigh three thousand years, the piety
of saints have found its most refined and choice food. . . . There is the
whole music of the heart when touched by the hand of the Maker, in all its tones
that whisper or that swell, for every hope and fear, for every joy and pang, for
every form of strength and languor, of disquietude and rest. . . . It is a
particular and privileged Book." The late Isaac Taylor, in his book " The Spirit
of the Hebreiv Poetry," 1861, e.xpresses himself with great decision: "It is but
feebly, and as afar oflf, that the ancient liturgies (except so far as they are mere
copies of the original) come up to the majesty and the wide compass of the
Hebrew VVorship such as is indicated in the 148th Psalm. ... It would not
be possible — it has never yet seemed so — to Christianize the Hebrew anthems —
retaining their power, their earth-like riches, and their manifold splendors. . .
What are modern hymns but so many laborious attempts to put in a new form
that which, as it was done in the very best manner so many years ago, can never
be done well again." Edward Irving, in his ^'Essay on tlie Book of Psalms ^^ says:
" There has grown up in these lean years a miserable notion that the Psalms are
not so appropriate for expressing the communion of the Christian Church, for the
reason that they contain allusions to places and events which are of Jewish and
not of Christian associations. Why do they not, upon the same principle, weed
out the Jewish allusions of the Four Gospels and the Epistles ? But it as poor in
taste, as it is wrong in feeling, and bold in execution."

IXTRODUCTIO.W XXvii

brought about. Care needs to be taken not to defer too much to the
preferences, not to say prejudices of a class — scholars, for example.
Because what is pleasing to them may be 'caviare to the general':
and inasmuch as it is the great public whose tastes and inclinations
are to decide in the matter, it is important to ascertain if possible
what those are. A rhymed version in various metres, and set to
proper tunes, all ideally perfect, would be likely to meet the exigency;
but, alas! perfection is so rare and so diffic^ilt. The Psalms chanted
do not seem well adapted for general use. It may be very delight-
ful for me to sit and hear

" The peali ng organ blow-
To the full voiced quire below,
In service high and anthems clear.
As may with sweetness through my ear
Dissolve me intoecstacies,
And bring all heaven before my eyes," —

but the trouble is, that all this requires skilled performers and other
things. For congregational singing, it is doubtful whether anything
will take the place of the Hymn, or metric Psalm. To make this
more sweet and tunable should be the object of every new rendering.
The writer is well aware of the imperfections of his work. He knows
as well as anyone can tell him how far he falls below the ideal of
what a version ought to be. His aim has been to be literal, but
not so literal as to convert rich prose into poor verse; to be a faithful
but not too punctual an interpreter; to get as close to the Hebrew
Original as possible, and preserve, as far as the two idioms would
allow, the precise form and color of the Hebrew thought; to transfer,
wherever he could, the exact phraseology, hallowed and familiar, of
the Received or Revised Version: and to use no more words than
sufficed to express the meaning of the Text. By comparison he has
found that his lines do not take up more than two-thirds of the space
occupied by Sternhold and Hopkins' Version. The fidelity of the
Scotrh Version is remarkable.

He would be glad to think he has equalled it in that respect. Some-
thing is due to ease and fluency, but he would not be thought guilty
of supposing that he could improve on the Inspired Original. The

XXviii INTRODUCTION

pedestrian Muse that is plain and simple, and is content to walk
humbly with the Text, and does not try to soar above it — to be
louder than the thunder, or sublimer than the storm — can claim a
merit of her own, and ought not to be despised on account of her
rustic qualities. Every good Version has an exegetical value, and
may be the most useful of commentaries. A word to the critics.
They are doubtless aware that there are disputed readings which
divide learned Hebraists, and that, in comparing the Version with
the Text, it is but fair that this fact should be kept in mind.

" Great Almighty, King of Heaven!

And one God, in persons three;
Honor, praise and thanks be given,

Now and evermore to Thee:
Who hast more for Thine prepared,
Than by words can be declared.

" Therefore as Thy blessed Psalmist,

When his warfares had an end,
And his days were at the calmest.

Psalms and Hymns of praisss penned —
So my rest from Thee enjoyed,
To Thy praise I have employed

" And with Israel's royal singer.

Teach me so Faith's Hymns to sing;
So Thy ten-stringed Law to finger,
And such music thence to bring,
That by grace I may aspire
To Thy blessed angel choir.''

I,V TROD UC TIOX. xxix

III.— NOTES — CRITICAL, HISTORICAL, AND
BIOGRAPHICAL.

The inspired Lyrics which go to make up the Hebrew Anthology,
called the Book of Psalms, are the product of different ages. They
extend over a period, it is estimated, of five hundred years. The
whole consist of Five distinct Collections, made at different times, in
the order in which they now stand. Each is closed by a Doxology.
Hence comes the division into Five Books. Of the First Collection
made (Pss. 2-41) all but three are expressly noted as David's, and
these may have been his also. Of the Second (Pss. 42-72) seven are
by the sons of Korah, a Levitical family of singers; i by Asaph; 19
by David; 3 writer unnamed; i by Solomon. Of the Third (Pss.
73-89) eleven are by Asaph; 4 by the sons of Korah; i by Ethan.
Only the Eighty-sixth is ascribed to David. Of the Fourth (Pss.
90-106) the Ninetieth is by Moses, and the loist and 103rd are by
David. Of the Fifth (Pss. 107-150) fifteen are by David; i by Solo-
mon; 28 writer not given. The Pilgrim Songs were fifteen in
number (Pss. 120-134). The e.xact time when these Collections were
made is not known. All the Psalms with only thirty-three excep-
tions have Titles or Inscriptions prefixed indicating the writer; or the
one to whom it was committed for Temple use; or its character, as a
psalm, a song, a prayer, etc.; or the occasion on which it was com-
posed; or the tune or melody to which it was sung; or the accompa-
nying instrument.

The Psalms have been divided into four historical periods, i.
Those written before David's accession to the throne. 2. Those
during his reign. 3. Those subsequent, down to the Captivity. 4.
During the Captivity, and after the Return. The moral results of
David's influence as an inspired teacher of religious truth arc aptly
set forth in the following lines:

" It softened men of iron mould;
It pave them virtues not their own.
No ear so dull, no heart so cold.
That felt not, fired not to the tone,
Till David's lyie grew mifjhtier than his throne."

XXX INTRODUCTION.

Herder claims, that every Psalm has an historical back-ground; and
Goethe says, all good poems are called forth by an occasion. The
Rev Dr. Maclaren of Manchester, England, in an interesting little
volume entitled," The Life of David as Reflected in his Psalms,".
makes eloquent use of this principle. He divides his life into
epochs: " His early years up to his escape from the court of Saul;
his exile; the prosperous beginning of his reign; his sin and peni-
tence; his flight before Absalom's rebellion, and the darkened end."
He seeks to find out the Psalms belonging to each of these periods,
and arranges them accordingly. He shows how aptly the historic
dovetails with the experimental, and how the two serve to mutually
illustrate and explain each other.

The shepherd boy became a king. His life therefore takes in a
vast sweep — filled with strange and exciting events. But to know
only these outward details is to know only half. Fortunately in his
Psalms we have the other half. There was no feeling of his heart,
no secret of his breast, he did not confide to his lyre. He was
placed in many trying situations, and experienced many signal
deliverances, and it was his wont, to punctuate each with a song.
In laying his heart bare before God, he bared it to all the world.
All is genuinely human. The utterances are self-evidently sincere.
They are true to life, and, being so, are representative and pro-
phetic, and have " germinant fulfilments."

David was a prophet, and spoke by Divine inspiration. He says
of himself: " The Lord spoke by me, and His word was in my
tongue" (2 Sam. 23: 2). It is well for us that the prophet was
also a man, even such a man, clothed with our weakness, sharing
our infirmities, tempted as we are even to falling into sin. It is evi-
dently a mistake to conceive of him as dwelling always in the light
of a superior knowledge, speaking at all times with an infallible
utterance qualified by no ignorance — for, outside of a special illumi-
nation for a special purpose, we have every reason to believe that
he was left as much in the dark as we are. If the Bible had been
written by angelic pen, it is doubtful whether it would have been of
much use to us.

While an extended commentary would be out of place, a few brief

INTRODUCTION. xxxi

Notes, chiefly explanatory, it is hoped may be useful. More-
over, in view of the important part which the Psalms have played in
History and the Lives of men, a collection of the scattered facts,
illustrative of the truth of this, is adapted to form a chapter of
much interest.

Ruskin says, The Psalter contains in the first half of it, the sum of
personal and social wisdom. The ist, 8th, 14th, 19th, 23rd and 24th
Psalms, well learned and believed, are enough for all personal guid-
ance; the 43th, 72nd, and 75th have in them the law and the proph-
ecy of all righteous government; and every real triumph of natural
science is anticipated in the 104th.

Psalm I. — It couH not have been by accident, that this Psalm was
placed first in the Collection, for it is evidently prefatory and exor-
dial. It sums the whole. The doctrine it emphasizes is the doctrine
of the whole. The very first word stirs the heart like a trumpet. It
is the swift glad answer to the question of questions, which every-
body is asking: Who is happy? Where is happiness to be found?
The Porch undertook to locate and define it, but failed It was and
is. Philosophy's despair. Poetry apostrophizes to no purpose " O
Happiness, our beings end and aim." Riches says, It iG not in me.
Honor says, It is not in me. Learning says. It is not in me. Pleas-
ure says. It is not in me. Where is it then ? Where, O where ?
Echo answers, Where? Some call the proud, happy. Are they so?
No! Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. Here the true word
breaks in like a burst of sunshine. Inquire no farther. The Happy
Man is the Righteous Man; and no other. Should you wish an
answer more in detail, the introductory verses of the Sermon on the
Mount, will give it you. Righteousness is the soul's health. Car-
lyle says truly: " A healthy body is good; but a soul in right health
— it is the thing above all others to be prayed for; the blessedest
thing this earth receives of Heaven." Never was there a Preface so
brief that contained so much as this First Psalm.

XXXll

IXTRODUCTIOX.

Psalm II — Stands at the head of the objective Messianic Psalms
to which the Forty-fifth and the One Hundred and Tenth also belong.
Four speakers are introduced, indicating its dramatic character, i.
The rebels; 2. Jehovah; 3. The Anointed; 4. The Psalmist. For its
Messianic application, see Acts 4: 24-30.

Psalm IIT — The historic occasion was David's flight before his
son Absalom (2 Sam. 15 : 14, 17, 30).

Ver. 3. My glory and the lifter up of my head. One might almost
think that Horace had borrowed from David, when he compliments
Macenas as " his patron and sweet glory " — 0 ef pmsidiiim et duke
deciis metitn.

" The French Protestants in the time of their persecution had
psalms adapted to their varied circumstances. The Third Psalm was
for the stationing of sentinels to keep watch against sudden attack;
when the danger was over, and they could worship in safety, they
sung the 122nd." — Rev. John Ker, D. D.

Psalm IV. — Relates to Absalom's revolt. By " the sons of men '
[man] would be meant the leaders of the conspiracy against
David's kingly right, or " glory," who had been especially " set
apart" by God as His " favored " or " beloved* one," (for so
the term "godly" may be rendered). They are counselled "to
stand in awe and sin (rebel) no more;" and revolving silently and
alone their guilt and folly, repent and return to their allegiance.
The desponding inquiry, " Who will show us good?" indicates the
gloominess of the outlook, but the Psalmist was buoyed up with a
pious confidence which filled him with joy and peace.

It was a rule in the Syrian Churches, that no person could be or-
dained sub-deacon until he had learned the Psalter by heart. Jerome
mentions, that he had learned the Psalms when he was a child, and
sang them constantly in old age. In the first centuries of the Chris-

* Maclaren thinks, " It was prophetic instinct which made Jesse call his
youngest son by a name, apparently before unused — David, (Beloved) ".

/.vTA'ODr'crw.v. xxxiii

tian Church, the Psalms were in general use. Aiii^ustiitc, born in
354, was converted when he was in his 33d year, under the preaching
of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. In his "Confessions" referring to
this period, he exclaims, "O, in what accents spake [ unto Thee, my
God, when I read the Psalms of David." He makes mention of the
Fourth Psalm in particular. The subject of his " Enarrations," (a
kind of running commentary) was the Psalms. His custom was to
embrace an entire Psalm in one discourse. He was ignorant of
Hebrew, and allegorized too much, but his " Enarrations" were read
and prized for a thousand years.

Psalm \'. — Joab, prompted by jealousy, assassinated Abner
(2 Sam. 3: 27), and subsequently his rival, Amasa, (2 Sam. 20: 10).
David complains that although King, " the sons of Zeruiah are too
hard for me." Joab is the probable subject of the bitter reference
in verse 5, where he is called " the bloody and deceitful man" — and
other parts of the Psalm would seem to apply to him.

Psalm \T, Verse 3 — "But Thou, O Lord, how long?" In its
Latin form, Doininc, qiiousque? it is said to have been the favorite
ejaculation of Calvin in times of suffering, and especially of painful
sickness. This is the first of the so-called Pentieniial Psalms.
The other six are the 32d, 38ih, 51st, io2d, 130th, and 143d.

Dr. Philip Schaff, in his " History of the Christian Church" (Vol.
Ill, p, 905) says of St. Augustine; " The last ten days of his life he
spent in close retirement — in prayers and tears, and repeated readings
of the P:nitcntial Psal/m, which he had caused to be written on the
wall over his bed, so that he might have them always before his eyes.
He closed his life 25th August, 430, in the 76th year of his age in the
full possession of his faculties."

Strangely enough, Catherine de Afediei, the queen mother of
Charles IX, the prompter, and real author of the Massacre of St.
Bartholomew, which numbered fifty thousand victims— chose this
Psalm to give expression to her worldly disappointment.

The Wife of Thomas Carlyle, sick in body and mind, gives vent to
her feelings in language drawn from this Psalm, entering in her

xxxiv INTRODUCTION.

Journal, 1855, verses 2-4: "Ah, me! 'Have mercy upon me, O
Lord, heal ms, for my bones are sore vexed, my soul is also sore
vexed: but Thou, O Lord, how long?' " In the sketch of his wife's
history, written three years after his wife's death, Carlyle relates,
how, about the above-named time (1855 or 1856), " The sufferings of
our poor little woman, which muiit have been great, though she
whispered nothing of them, reached their nadir — internal sufferings
and dispiritments. To whatever owing, my little darling was ex-
tremely miserable! Of that year there is a bit of private diary by
chance left unburnt, and not to be destroyed, however tragical and
sternly sad are parts of it." See Carlyle s Reminiscences, by Fronde,

Psalm IX. — Furnishes an example of what may be called topical
parallelism, after the Hebrew manner. There is a division of the
Psalm into two parts, with an orderly repetition of topics in the second
part. The whole Psalm is a review of God's gracious dealings in
driving back the invading heathen A grateful acknowledgment of
former deliverances (vs. 1-6) is followed by expressions of trust in
regard to the future (vs. 7-12) with consequent petitions (vs. 13, 14):
then there is a return to the same topics, the same recollections of
the past, anticipations of the future, and prayers for present and
immediate help.

Five scholars of Lausanne devoted to the Reformation were
arrested in France, 1553, and burned in the Place des Terreaux at
Lyons. On their way to execution they sung with a loud voice this
Psalm. — Kcr.

Psalm X. — The character here drawn answers in so many respects
to |oab that it is difficult not to believe that David had him in his
eye as a typical case of audacious wickedness.

Psalm XI. — Is somewhat dramatic in form like Psalm 2d. The
advice of faint-hearted friends to fly (vs. 1-6) is followed by a pas-
sionate rejection of the counsel as a wicked distrust of God.

Psalm XII, Ver. 5. — " For the oppression of the poor " etc., was the

IX TR OD UC TIOX. xXX V

text of Dr. Fabricius before Gustavus Adolphus, when he took Augs-
burg after a severe fight. A solemn thanksgiving was held in the
principal church, and religious liberty was proclaimed, while the
ferocious Tilly, after his defeat retired, breathing out threatening and
slaughter. — R'tr.

Psalm XV. — ^Professor Wilson (Christopher North) in his " Lights
and Shadows of Scottish Life," in describing the affecting scene of
the Elder's dealh-bed, tells us, the minister took the Family Bible,
and kneeling, said: "Let us sing to the praise and glory of God
a part of the Fifteenth Psalm, and he read with a tremulous and
broken voice those beautiful verses:

" Within thy tabernacle, Lord,
Who shall abids with thee "t
And in thy high and holy hill
Who shall a dweller be ?" etc.

Psalm XVI, Vers. 2, 3. — " Afy goodness extendeth not to Thee, but to
the sjints." Later versions from the Hebrew differ from the A. V.
and each other. That reading has been adopted that seemed most
plausible. Ver. 4, ''Hasten after" is more exactly rendered wedded
or united to another God.

This Psalm was the last Scripture read by Hugh M 'Kail the even-
ing before his execution in the Grassmarket of Edinburgh. He was
a young man of fervid nature, with much ability and culture, was
educated at the University of Edinburgh and in Holland, and was
licensed to preach at the time of the treacherous overturn of the
Constitution of the Church of Scotland, by Charles II, Middleton and
Sharp. His last sermon was preached while 400 Presbyterian min-
isters were being driven from their churches, Sept. 8, 1662 He is
the chief figure in a pen-picture of the Covenanters by Sir Walter
Scott. — Ker.

PsALM XVII, is full of passionate appeal, alternaiions of hope and
fear. Vs. 14, 15 are worthy of the New Testament.

XXX VI ^^^' ^^ 0^ ^'C TION.

Alexander Hume, of Hume, closed his life, singing the last verse
(Scotch version) of this Psalm. His death was one of the most cruel
murders of the time. — Ker.

Psalm XVIII. — For another copy of this Psalm see 2 Sam. XXII.
Of the two copies, this is supposed to have been the earlier, and to
have been composed by David in his youth. Revised by him in his
later days, he sent it to the chief musician in its slightly altered form.
The rabbins reckon up seventy-four differences between the two, but
they are very minute. It is admitted that there is nothing grander
in Poetry than this Psalm. Grand in many ways, it is grandest in
its motive. It is the flashing splendor of the underlying thought
which dazzles and amazes. The majesty of the scene does not con-
sist so much in the material concomitants, the tempestuous terror
and pomp of the descent, as in its moral purpose. Take this away,
and there remains, to be sure, a magnificent description of a thunder
storm, distinguished by bold metaphor and striking diction, but that
is all. To appreciate its unparalleled sublimity, we need to raise
ourselves to the height of the poet's great argument, and conceive
the Deity, as the Supreme Judge and Ruler of the Universe, coming
forth in person, and putting in operation this unspeakable machinery
of terror, just because Right had been struck down in the person of
his servant, and a cry has risen to Him for help and deliverance.
What gave effect to the cry, was not the dignity of the suppliant, for
God is no respecter of persons. " The poor man cried, and he also
was delivered." So dear, in fact, is Right to the heart of God, so
essential is it to the stability of His throne, that, if it were necessary,
He would summon from the farthest limits of His empire, the re-
quisite powers for its enforcement and vindication in behalf of the
meanest of his subjects.

For He makes every just cause His own. This He does from a
necessity of His being. Well it is so. If a just God is dreadful, what a
horror would be a God not just ! God cannot be just without being
good; nor good without being merciful. Goodness comprehends
both Justice and Mercy. One regulates the other. Shakespeare is
warranted, therefore, in saying that Mercy is

INTRODUCTIOX. xxxvii

" An attribute to God Himself;
And earthly power dotli then show likest God's,
When Mercy seasons Justice."

God's Government is paternal. He loves, and pities, and punishes.
To the merciful He will show Himself merciful; to the upright he
will show Himself upright; to the pure He will show Himself pure.
(Vers. 25, 26) —

" So dear to Heaven is saintly Chastity,
That when a soul is found sincerely so,
A thousand liveried angels lacky her."

Love \'irtue !-

" She can teach you how to climb
Higher than the sphery chime;
Or if V'irtue feeble were.
Heaven itself would stoop to her.'

The words, from vers. 17-19, were sung upon the scaffold by four
sons of the Huguenots. They were the last martyrs of the Desert —
who suffered as late as 1762, under the reign of Louis XV. Near to
Nismes, in a solitary spot, there is to be seen the Cave where the
assemblies of the Desert were held. At Aignes-Mortes is the Tower
of Constance, which served as a prison for the Protestant ladies who
refused conversion to Catholicism. Some remained nearly forty
years in this sepulchre without seeing or hearing from a friend. —
Ker.

PsAi.M XIX. — There are two voices — one inaudible — declaring the
glory of God, the other audible, declaring His will. It forms a fit
companion piece to Psalm VIII. We have thus a day-piece, and a
night-piece by the same hand. The pastoral life is favorable to med-
itation. Spent in the open air, all natural sights and sounds grow
familiar. David in both Psalms recalls the peaceful time, when, a
shepherd lad, already skilled in the use of his rustic lyre, and
accustomed to give vent to his pious rapture in holy song, he lay on
summer nights on the pleasant hill-sides of Bethlehem watching his
flock and, looking up, saw "the heavens sowed with stars, thick as

XXXviii INTRODUCTION.

a field;" and as the night wore away saw the grey dawn, and the
kindling fires of day-break, till, all at once, the sun, the regent of
day, shot suddenly up from behind the mountains of Moab —

" Jocund to sun
His longitude through heaven's high road."

Ps,\LM XX. — Is an expression of loyal attachment to David, the
sovereign, by the army. Dr. Maclaren thinks it may have been
connected with David's organization of " the service of song." He
imagines the army drawn up for action, that prays for the king; who,
according to custom, brings sacrifices ana offerings before the fight.
Then, as they wave their banners, they send up the shout, " In the
name of our God we will set up our banners !" Then the king speaks,
rejoicing in his soldiers' devotion, and accepts it as an omen that his
sacrifice has not been in vain. "Now I know Jehovah saveth His
anointed." Then the chorus of the host exclaims, as they look across
the field to the chariots and cavalry of the foe (forces which Israel
seldom used), "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we
will remember the name of the Lord our God." Ere a sword is
drawn, they see the enemy scattered. " They are brought down and
fallen, but we stand upright." Then with the prayer, "Jehovah,
save! let the king hear us when we call," they dash forth to victor}'.

Psalm XXI — This Psalm, it is said, was sung as a Coronation
Ode throughout England by the overtrustful Presbyterians at the
restoration of Charles II.

PsAi.M XXII. — This is by David but surely not ^/ David. It only
then becomes intelligible, when it is accepted as a prophecy of a suf-
fering Messiah. It is not inaptly called by Spurgeon, The Psalm of
the Cross.

Psalm XXIII. — The tranquilizing effect of this sweetest of all
Pastorals, compared with which all others that were ever written are
puerile and poor, is felt by every reader. It deserves to be set to
some heavenly tune by some angelic composer, for no

L\- TROD UC T/O.V. xxxix

Inferior hand or voice could hit
Inimitable sounds."

For want of this let it be sung only to ideal music —

" Heard melodies arc sweet, but those unheard
Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on.
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endeared,
Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone."

Sir Charles Bell arrived at the seat of Mr. Holland, Hallow Park,
on the 27th of May, 1S42. He was apparently in good health, but
suffered from heart-disease (Angina pectoris). One or two recent
attacks of "anguish of the chest" had made him more than usually
awake to the associations which the quiet churchyard might naturally
prompt. He spent some pleasant hours in sketching the beauties of
the scenery. " This is a svveet spot," he said, "here I should like
to rest till they come to take me away." During the evening he de-
scanted upon that masterpiece of art, the " Last Supper," of Leonardo
da Vinci, an engraving of which lay before him, and repeated the
passage from the Gospel. After retiring, as was his wont, selections
from the Scriptures and the Prayer Book were read to him, and he
chose the T'd>cnty-third Psalm. After a few hours of sleep he awoke
with a frightful spasm, asked to be supported, and immediately
expired. — Quarterly Revieio.

When Ell-card Irviug was on his death-bed he repeated the 23d
Psalm in Hebrew. Ver. 4, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me,
were the dying words of the great Scottish philosopher. Sir William
Hamilton. When Dr. Alexander Duff, the Indian Missionary, lay
dying, and apparently unconscious (Feb., 1878) his daughter repeated
to him the 'T'wenty-third Psalm, and he responded at the end of each
verse.

lleinrich Heine, who had been a pantheist and scoffer, was laid
for years on what he called his mattress sepulchre, and took to reading
the Bible, especially the Psalms. One of the very last of his poems

xl INTRODUCTIO.W

addressed to his wife, bears traces of this Twenty-third Psalm. It
begins thus —

" My arm grows weak: Death comes apace.

Death pale and grim: and I no more

Can guard my lamb as heretofore.

O God! unto Thy hands I render

My crook; keep my lambkins tender.

When I in peace have laid me down

Keep Thou my lamb, and do not let

A single thorn her bosom fret.

And guide where pastures green and sweet

Refresh the wanderer's weary feet." — Ker.

P.sALM XXIV is divided into two portions: the first half replies to the
question, " Who shall ascend the Hill of the Lord, and zuho shall stand
in His Holy Place?" The second half deals with the inquiry, " IVho
is the King of Glory?" It is regarded as a Processional Hymn, of
choral structure. The first half was to be sung during the ascent to
City of David, the second while standing before the Gates, responsive
singing attending the march, the Le\ites bearing the Ark, and the
multitude streaming after.

Philip Melancthon, when dying, caused to be read the Twenty-
fourth. Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Psalms, the 53d of Isaiah, 7th
of John and 5th Romans. * * Upon being asked by his son-in-law
if he would have anything else, he replied: " Aliid nihil — nisi
C(£LU.M !" — Xothing else — but Heaven I At a quarter of an hour before
seven o'clock, gth April, 1560, at the age of 63, he gently breathed
his last. — Dr. F. A. Cox's Life of Philip Melancthon.

We learn from Ranke's " History of the Popes," that during the
later sittings of the Council of Trent, in 1562, the subject of congre-
gational psalmody, and the administration of the sacraments in the
mother-tongue was brought up by the representatives of the Emperor
Charles V, and the King of France. The proposition, urged by the
Cardinal of Lorraine and the French Prelates, "that the Psalms may be
allowed to be sung in the French language in full congregation," was
rejected. The inhibition continued until the Edict of Nantes, 1598,
authorizing Protestant worship at Paris and elsewhere. In that year

INTRODUCTION. xli

Catherine of Navarre, assembled a large company in the Palace of
the Louvre, on which occasion the Psalm first sung was the Ticcnty-
Foiirth Psalm.

Psalm XXVI. — Louis XIV, the dupe of a cruel and mistaken
policy, where the blunder was as conspicuous as the crime, had
through long years harried and oppressed his Huguenot subjects.
Then came the infamy of the dragonades. The cavalry (dragoons)
took possession of the southern provinces, and established their
quarters in the dwellings of the Huguenots. These booted mission-
aries devoured their substance, but made few converts. At last came
the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, Oct. 22, 1685. The religious
worship of the Calvinists was now forbidden; their churches were
torn down; their schools closed; and their preachers banished from
the land. When the emigration of the people increased to a for-
midable degree, this was forbidden under punishment of the galleys
and the forfeiture of goods. But despite all threats and prohibitions,
upwards of 500,000 French Calvinists carried their industry, their
faith and their courage lo Protestant lands. Pineton, of Chambrun,
one of these e.xiles, relates, that when he and his companions came
in sight of Geneva, they sang with tears of joy the I'wenty-sixth
Psalm, from the eighth verse to the close.

Ps.'XLM XXIX. — We have here another marvelous description of a
thunderstorm. Having its starting point somewhere on the Medi-
terranean, it sweeps with irresistible force, whirling and smiting,
over the length and breadth of the Land, from Lebanon and Sirion
(Herman) on the north, to the wilderness of Kadish (Petra) on the
south. Poetry can no further go. But, like the Eightcetith Psalm,
it owes its awful and unequalled sublimity less to the storm than to
God. who is present in the storm. We forget the storm, and think
only of Him. It is God we see and hear. Great masses of cloud,
black as night, charged with tempestuous winds, lightning and rain —
are seen coming up from tne sea, now agitated to its lowest depths,
and rolling great waves towards the shore. The crash of thunder,
peal after peal, is heard. It is God speaking. "The voice of the

xlii INTRODUCTION.

Lord is on the waters'; the God of glory thundereth; the Lord is on
many waters." The air thickens; the blackness spreads; the path of
the cyclone is strewed with a thousand wrecks. "It breaks the
cedars of Lebanon, yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon."
The mountain itself is made to rock — " to skip like a calf, Lebanon
and Sirion like a young unicorn." The voice of the Lord forks the
lightning — " divideth the flames of fire." Meanwhile, two hun-
dred miles away in the far south, " The voice of the Lord shaketh
the wilderness, the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadish; the voice
of the Lord maketh the hinds to bring forth prematurely, and strips
the forests." All at once we hear countless voices out of the clouds
and above them, shouting Glory! Glory! and a fearless child lying in
a sheltered nook, a delighted witness of the spectacle

" Of the most terrible and nimble stroke
Of quick, cross-lightning;"

claps hands, and cries, bonnie! bonnie! and we too, borne upward
by the ecstacy of the hour, join the " mighty ones," invoked in the
beginning, in ascribing to the Lord the glory due unto His Name —
unalterably assured, that He " who sat enthroned at the Flood, and
sitteth King forever," serene and calm, "will bless the people with
peace." Milton knew of this description — he could hardly have
hoped to rival it:

" And either tropic now

'Gan thunder, and both ends of heaven: the clouds

From many a horrid rift, abortive poured

Fierce rain with lightning mixed, water mixed with fire.

In ruin reconciled, nor slept the winds

Within their stony caves, but rushed abroad

From the four hinges of the world, and fell

On the ve.xed wilderness, whose tallest pines.

Though rooted deep as high, and sturdiest oaks

Bowed their stiff necks, leaden with stormy blasts.

Or torn up sheer."

— P.tyadise Reg-aincd, B. 11'., I. 40:^-41^

Psalm XXX. — Among those who suffered in the Netherlands dur-
ing the first governorship of the cruel Alva was John Herwiii. At

hXTRODUCTIOX. xllii

the place of execution he sang the Thirtieth Psalm. He was first
strangled and then burned to ashes. Ver. 5 was among the latest
sayings of Rev. John Broivn, the commentator. — Ker.

Psalm XXXI. — Verse 5, ''Into Thine hand I commit my spirit.
Thoti hast redeemed me, O Lord God 0/ truth;" or as we have it in the
Latin Vulgate, In manits tiias, commend} spiritum metim: redimisti
nos, Domine, Dens ven talis. These words (the first part at least)
were the last spoken by our Lord on the Cross. The first martyr,
Stephen, addressed them to the Lord Jesus during his stoning ; and
many Christian martyrs since have breathed confidently the same
words, at the stake and on the scaffold. In the private chamber too,

" When unto dying eyes
The casement slowly grows a glimmering square,"

has taken place the same solemn committment of his spirit by this
and that good man, distinguished for important services rendered to
mankind —

" He gave his honors to the world again.
His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace."
Doubtless,

" 'T is a vile thing to die,
Wlien men are unprepared, and look not for it " —

(We quote by preference, from the poets rather than the preacher).
Shakespeaie says further of death:

" Thou knovv'st 'tis common; all that live must die,
Passing through nature to eternity." . . .

" Why, what is pomp, rule, reign, but earth and dust.
And, live we how can, yet die we must."

Another poet moralizes:

" The glories of our birth and state

Arc shadows, not substantial things;
There is no armor against fate —
Death lays his icy hands on kings; * * *
All heads must come
To the cold tomb —
Only the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom from the dust."

xliv IXTRODUCTIOX

" The Last Words of Eminent Persons " are always invested with
melancholy interest. It has often happened, that men, not known
to be devout, when brought (unexpectedly, it may be) face to face
with death, have not been ashamed to make an open avowal of their
secret belief in the reality of religion by a cry for mercy, and a com-
mending of their soul to the Christian's God. However we may
wish the cry had been made earlier, and been clear from all suspi-
cion of superstitious fear, we are bound to respect it always as some-
thing inexpressibly pathetic. Because of their appropriateness, the
words of our text have been more frequently used perhaps than any
others. We have room only for a few names.

John Huss was burned alive, July, 1415. When he came to the
stake, he threw himself upon his knees and prayed: " Info thy hands,
O Lord, I commit my spirit. Thou hast redeemed me."

Christopher Columbus was born at Genoa, 1445-6, and died at Val-
ladolid, May 20th, 1506. aged 70, worn out by neglect, poverty and
disease. His last words were, " /« maniis ttias, cominetido spiritum
meum: redimisti nos, Domine Deus veritatis. — Irving' s Life of
Columbus.

Lady Jane Grey, beautiful, accomplished and good, who was
executed 1554, at the age of 17, a victim to the rashness and ambi-
tion of her misguided parents, uttered these words as she laid her
neck on the block.

The same prayer is attributed to Mary Queen of Scots, just before
she was beheaded, February 8, 1557.

Francis Quarks (B. 1592; D. 1644) when dying, spake in Latin
to this effect: O sweet Saviour of the World, let Thy last words upon
the cross be my last words in the world — Into Thy hands. Lord, I
commend my spirit. — Clissold's ''Last Hours of Christian Men."

It is told of the Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain, B. at
Ghent, 1500; D. 1558), that, having had mock funerals performed in
behalf of his father, mother and wife, long dead, each on a different
day, at which he attended, preceded by a page bearing a taper, and

rXTRODUCTlOX. xlv

joining in the chant in a very devout manner out of a tattered
prayer-book, he asked his confessor whether he might not now per-
form his own funeral — in other words, whether it would not be good
for his own soul. The monk said it certainly would; and on the
following day, the 30th August, as the monkish historian relates,
this celebrated service was actually performed. The high altar, the
catafalque, and the whole church shone with a blaze of wax lights;
the friars were all in their places, at the altars and in the choir, and
the household of the emperor attended in deep mourning. The pious
monarch was there, attired in sable weeds, and bearing a taper, to
see himself interred, and to celebrate his own obsequies. While the
solemn mass for the dead was sung, he came forward, and gave his
taper into the hands of the officiating priest in token of his desire to
yield his soul into the hands of his Maker. The funeral rites ended,
the emperor dined in his western alcove. [One cannot help feeling
that there is something very grotesque and ghastly in this acting
one's own funeral, so much so, as to suggest the existence of a taint
of insanity.]

Three weeks afterward, on September 20th, he had been attended
by his confessor and by the preacher Villalva all the previous night,
who frequently read aloud at his request, passages from Scripture —
usually from the Psalms — his favorite one being Psalm XC. He
asked for the eucharist. Having had great difficulty in swallowing
the sacred morsel, he opened his mouth and made Quixada see if it
had all gone down. It spite of his extreme weakness, he followed
all the responses as usual, and repeated with great fervor the whole
verse, In /nanus tuas, cominendo spiritiim mcion: redemisti nos, Doniine,
Dens veri talis. The clock had just struck two when he expired. —
Sterling's " Cloister Life 0/ the Emperor Charles P'."

Motley, in his History of " The Rise of the Dutch Republic," relates,
that on June 3, 1568, Counts Egmont and Horn were brought from
Ghent to Brussels, and lodged in the Broodhuis. On the 4th, the Duke
of Alva pronounced sentence against both on an unsupported charge
of high treason. The Countess of Egmont hearing of the sentence fell
at the Duke's feet, and implored mercy for her husband. He, with

xlvi INTRODUCTIOX

heartless and incredible irony, reassured her that on the morrow he
should be released. The Count, when informed that his death was to
take place in the morning, expressed great surprise and indignation
at the cruel and unjust sentence. On his way to execution he
read aloud the Fifty-first Psalm. Having ascended the scaffold he
said the Lord's Prayer. Kneeling upon the cushion he drew a little
cap over his eyes, and folding his hands together, cried with a loud
voice, "'Lord, into thy hands I commit my spirit." The executioner
then severed his head from his body at one stroke. A moment of
shuddering silence succeeded. A dark cloth was now quickly thrown
over the body and the blood; and, within a few minutes, the Admiral,
Count Horn, was seen advancing, his bald head uncovered, and his
hands unbound. He calmly saluted each of his acquaintances.
Casting his eyes upon the corpse, he asked if it was the body of
Egmont. He did not kiss the crucifix, but knelt upon the scaffold to
pray. Then drawing a Milan cap completely over his face, uttered
in Latin, the same invocation that Egmont had used. In tnatitis tuas,
etc., and submitted his neck to the stroke.

Froude, in his " History of England," gives this account of the ex-
ecution of Anne Boyelin, in 1536. The queen walked firmly to the
front of the block. When the few preparations were completed, she
turned to the spectators, and said: "Christian people, I am come to
die. And according to law, and by law, I am judged to death; and
therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come here to accuse
no man, nor to speak anything of that whereof I am accused and
condemned to die. * * Thus I take my leave of the world and of
you; and 1 heartily desire you all to pray for me. O, Lord, have
mercy on me. To God I commend my soiiW' These words, says
Stowe, "she spoke with a smiling countenance," which done, she
kneeled down on both her knees, and said: " To Jesus Christ I com-
mend my soul;" and with that word the hangman of Calais smote off
her head at one stroke with a sword. Her body, with the head, was
buried in the quire of the chapel.

Lord Thomas Cromivell, B. 1490, D. 1540. The concluding part of
his last prayer was in these words: "Grant, merciful Savior, that

LXTRODUCTIOX. xlvii

when death hath taken away the use of my tongue, yet my heart may
cry and say unto Thee, Lord, into thy hands I commend my soul. Lord
Jesus receive my spirit. Amen.'' With these words on his lips he
was beheaded.

George Wishart was executed for heresy March ist, 1546. He was
led to the fire, with a rope about his neck, and a chain of iron about
his middle. When he came to the fire, he said these words thrice:
"Oh, thou Savior of the world, have mercy upon me. Father of
Heaven, I commend my spirit into thy hands." He was put upon a
gibbet and hanged, and then burnt." — Fronde's History of England.

In Michelet's Life of I^iither, we read, that he arrived at Eisleben,
the 2Sth January, and though already ill, joined in all the conferences
until the 17th February, when he was too ill to go out. At supper he
spoke much of his approaching end; and some one asking him if he
thought we should recognize each other in the other world, he re-
joined that he thought so. On returning to his chamber, he slept
without waking for an hour and a half. It was now eleven o'clock.
When he awoke he said to those in attendance, "What, still sitting
up by me; why do you not go to rest yourselves?" He then com-
menced praying, and said with fervor, " In mantis tiias," etc. Later
he repeated three times following, " In maniis tiias," etc. Suddenly
his eyes closed and he fainted. Soon after he expired. He was
born 1484 and died 1546.

Monday, Nov. 24th, 1572, was the last day that Johit Knox spent
on earth. His biographer, Dr. M'Crie, tells us: "In the afternoon
he desired his wife to read the 15th Chapter of First Corinthians.
'Is not that a comfortable chapter?' said he, when it was finished.
' O, what sweet and salutary consolation the Lord hath afforded me
from that chapter.' A little after he said, 'Now, for the last time,
/ commend my soul, spirit and body, (touching three of his fingers),
into thy hands, O Lord I' About eleven o'clock he expired, without a
struggle. On Wednesday, Nov. 26th, he was interred in the church-
yard of St. Giles. The regent pronounced his eulogium in these
emphatic words, ' There lies he who never feared the face of man.' "
c

Xl viii ^^' TR OD UC TION.

Torqiiato Tasso, was born at Sorrento, 1544, died at Rome, 1595,
on the evening of the intended ceremony of crowning him Prince of
Poets, by Pope Clement VIII, who was a great admirer of his genius.
A contemporary account states that, his end drawing near, no one
was admitted to his chamber, except his confessor, and some fathers
of approved learning and sanctity, who sung Psalms, one with an-
other, Tasso joining in so far as his failing breath would allow. So
he remained all night till the next day, when feeling himself giving
way, he began to chant the words, /« mamis tuas, etc., but had not
strength to finish the verse. — Mi/man's Life of Tasso.

Psalm XXXII. — This is the second of the Penitential Psalms. No
leaf from the book of David's experience, all blotted as it is with
tears, is so fraught with comfort as this. It shows that the Evangel
of the Old Testament, if less clear in its utterances as to the justify-
ing reasons and grounds of the grace, differs in no essential respect
from the Evangel of the New. We have here in David a typical ex-
emplification of the possibilities of remedial mercy — the blessed
freeness of Divine forgiveness in a real case, and the one method set
forth of obtaining pardon. Here is one, who had been raised to a
bright eminence above all men of his time, ' the observed of all
observers,' ' the cynosure of neighboring eyes,' the anointed head
of the Theocracy, and representative of the True Religion

" Into what pit thou seest,
From what height fallen."

It has been well said, " Nobody pays for a little pleasure in evil at
so dear a rate, or keeps it for so short a time, as a good man." In
such an one Conscience is a terrible power. There is no peace for
him night nor day. His mind is " filled with scorpions," condemned

" Upon the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstacy."

When David says: "While I kept silence, my bones waxed old,
through my roaring all the day long," he only tells us what we

lyTRODUCTIOX. xlix

know must have been. But when he said, " I will confess my trans-
gression unto the Lord," forgiveness followed— the word of healing.
O, the blessedness of it. For this shall everyone to the end of time
pray, and seek the Lord while He may be found. No doubt this
Psalm was written later than the 51st.

Ps.\L.M XXXIII. — Vers. 16, 17, seem to point to a deliverance from
some formidable heathen power that employed cavalry.

Psalm XXXIV'. — This is one of the Alphabetical Psalms, and, like
the rest, didactic in character. — See Notes to Ps. 37 and 119.

During the middle ages the copying of the Psalter was a favorite
employment in the religious houses. St. Colntuba, who had spent a
long life in incessant labors among the Celtic and Gothic tribes, oc-
cupied his leisure hours in his beloved Zona in multiplying copies of
the Psalms. His biographer relates, that the day on which he died,
June 9, 597, he was at work on the Thirty-fourth Psalm, and had
got as far as the tenth verse, " The young lions do lack and suffer
hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.'

PsAL.M XXXV. — Ver. 15, " //; my adversity," i. c, "in my sick-
ness, or when I was taken ill."

Psalm XXXVIL— An Alphabetical Psalm. See Note. Paul Ger-
hardt's widely known and admired Hymn, •' Bejichldu dcine Wege" is
founded on the fifth verse: "Commit thy -way unto the Lord; trust
also in Him; and lie shall bring it to pass." It was first printed in
1656. John Wesley's translation, consisting of sixteen verses, is
well-known: and as a part or as a whole, may be found in most
of our modern Hymn Books:

" Commit thou all thy griefs,
And ways into His hands.
To His sure trust. and tender care,
Who earth and heaven commands."

INTRODUCTION

Gerhardt composed, it is said, 133 Hymns. A large number have
been translated into English verse by John Wesley and others. The
singing of his hymns as well as Luther's, was a powerful means of
advancing the Reformation.

The first Lutheran Church in Philadelphia was opened in 1743,
with Gerhardt's Hymn.

Robert Baillie, says Dr. Ker, was condemned to death at Edin-
burgh, Dec. 24, 1648. He was the great grandson of John Knox,
was called the Scottish Sidney, and was feared and hated by the
Government of the time for his religious and political opinions,
though no unlawful act could be laid to his charge. The evening
before his execution he bade his son to trust in the testimony of the
Psalmist (Ps. 37:25). "I have been young, and now am old, yet
have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."
The son proved worthy of his father, rose to high office in the State
after the Revolution; and the descendents of Robert Baillie are
found among some of the noblest families of the kingdom.

Psalm XXXIX. — Ewald speaks of this Psalm as "The most
beautiful of all the elegies of the Psalter."

Psalm XLU. — Lord Fairfax (B. 161 1; D. 1671) was attacked by a
fever which carried him off in a few days. The last morning of his
life he called for a Bible, and read the Forty-second Psalm. — " The
Book of Death:'

Psalm XLVL — This forms the basis of Luther's celebrated Hymn,
Eiti ' feste Burg ist tiiiser Gott, " A safe stronghold our God is still,"
which was written in 1529, in a time of darkest peril. Some one has
called it ' Luther in Song,' the rugged and fit embodiment of one
' whose words were half battles.' It was a recruiting energy of im-
mense efficiency during the whole progress of the Reformation. It
made brave inen braver. It ennobled service and sacrifice. It
rendered the faint-hearted, fearless, unflinching and invincible — lifted
them up to the height of heroes and martyrs, fighting or suffering.
Each soldier, as he sang it, felt his heart leap. It taught him, that if

IXTRODUCTION.

life was dear, there were other things still dearer — that a pure
doctrine and worship were well worth dying for; that the way to gain
life was to be willing to lose it.

Crusades for the recovery of the Holy Sepulchre belonged to the past.
Unnumbered lives and incalculable treasure had, once upon a time,
been sacrificed in a frenzied struggle for the possession of an empty
tomb. No higher honor, no greater merit could be imagined than to
have

" Fought

For Jesu Christ, in glorious Christian field.

Streaming the ensign of the Christian cross.

Against black Pagans, Turks and Saracens."

Here is a returned knight of whom it is told, that

" Worn out with works of war, retired himself
To Italy, and there at Venice gave
His body to that pleasant country's earth,
And his pure soul unto his Captain, Christ,
Under whose colors he had fought so long."'

But times had changed, and worthier objects claimed the attention of
men. It was not now the possession of the Holy Sepulchre, but the
possession of the Holy Scriptures which was the great point of dis-
pute— the casus belli that split the nations into hostile camps. The
train was all laid, waiting for the electric spark, which this Lyric of
Luther partly supplied, and the effect was proportionate. Heine
called it the Mnrsel liaise of the Reformation.

Before the battle of Lcipsic, September 17, 1631, under the orders
of Gustavus Adolphus, the whole army, drawn up in battle array,
sung this Hymn of Luther; and after the victory, he thanked God,
that the assurance of the concluding line of the second verse, ' Shall
conquer in the battle,' was made good. The Hymn was again sung
before his last fight at Liitzen with Wallenstcin, in which, though
successful, he was mortally wounded.

PsAi.M LI, is the third of the Petiilenlial J'salms, ami is known as
the " J/iserere," this being the initial word in the Lalin X'crsion )f

lii IN TR OD UC TION.

the Psalm: Miserere mei. Dens, " Have mercy upon me, O God."
Here is a cry for mercy that has gone, and is going up. continually,
from innumerable death-beds. No one has a right to brand it as weak
or cowardly. It is admitted that there is a fear of death, which is
simply instinctive and common to all animals, and that if this were
all, it were nothing. But, indisputably, man holds a relation to
death which is distinctive and peculiar. Endowed with " intellectual
being, thoughts that wander through eternity," it to him is necessarily
a thing of mysterious and mighty import. He cannot well
avoid asking the question. What is it? What does it mean ?

The most skeptical is obliged to admit, that Death is an unsolved
problem — that, in all philosophical speculations respecting it, there is
a residuum of doubt, sufficient to cause anxiety. It is the unthinking
alone that have no misgivings. Infidel negations, not being based
on knowledge, amount to nothing. They are mere assumptions. It
is unseemly bravado for anyone to say: " I have no fear of death,
nor any anxiety about what lies beyond it." To speak thus is
evidence of foolishness, not of wisdom.

The fool may say in his heart, There is no God, but how does that
help his case? Suppose there is none, what then? There is still
room for innumerable imaginable hells. Buddhism, eliminates the
gods, but finds place for 136 Buddhist hells, places of punishment, into
which the bankrupt in merit is immediately born when he dies — the
shortest term of suffering being ten millions of years, and the
longest being almost beyond the power of even Indian notation
to express. It would seem therefore, that a bad man can ground no
comfort on the presumption that no God exists, so long as there are
Buddhist and Agnostic possibilities of intolerable suffering without
one. What state can be worse than to stand on the brink of un-
known abysses, with no Power to pray to !

Without reference to the question of probation after death, who
would not rather, like David, fall into the hands of God, than into the
hands of men ? Much more, who would not prefer to bide his chances
for weal or woe in the next world, subject to the disposition of a
Being, declared to be, "A God merciful and gracious, slow to anger,
abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression and

IXTRODUCTIOX. IJjj

sin, but by no means clearing the guilty" — than to be delivered over
to the crushing and grinding forces of blind mechanic laws, and an
unfeeling irresistible destiny.

As God is unchangeable, what He is. He will continue to be? So
much is certain. What bearing this has on the question of probation
after death, and the duration of future punishment, it may not be
impertinent to inquire, quite fearlessly, up to a certain point, beyond
which we have no right to go. When a prurient and unwarranted
curiosity leads us to pry into matters which do not directly concern
us, and which God has not seen fit to reveal, He checks and shames
our presumption by the mildness and condescension of His lofty
challenge, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Cannot
you trust Me? Must I give an account of all My doings to you
beforehand?" What reply did Christ make when questioned as to
the number who should be saved, and the precise lime of the end ?
If one might be so bold, as to turn the sweet courtesy and grace of
the Divine answer into the coarseness of our every-day speech, it
would run somewhat in this wise: " I may not tell you. It is none of
your business." Surely, if I believe in a God at all, I can afford to
trust Him, without any assurances and guarantees beforehand.

Do you not know, my brother, has it not been told you, God is
Love? Ojt of the immeasurable Ocean of Doubt rises this Rock of
Certainty. Its shining pinnacles pierce the Heavens. This Rock is
Christ, which is only another name for Divine Love in Divinest man-
ifestation. Upon this Rock, fi.\ed and everlasting, it is your privilege
and mine to stand. What if billows beat below, they cannot mount
to these serene altitudes ! What if darkness encompass us, thick and
impenetrable, we are comforted with the assurance that it hides noth-
ing that can harm us, since Love is there in the darkness ! Why
then is man wretched? Whence comes his misery? Why do our
Misereres ascend ? Where lies our danger? Where but in ourselves,
and from ourselves? If all were right within, all would be right
without.

" He that hath light within his own clear breast,
May sit in the centre, and enjoy bright day:
But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts.
Benighted walks under the mid-day sun.
Himself is his own dungeon."

liv INTRODUCTION.

What we need is an internal salvation — to be sa.vQd fiom our sins.
To be saved in our sins is impossible. For what would that involve?
Notliing short of this: Order, which is Heaven's first law, would be
broken Not a single linlc in all that chain which binds the universe
to the Eternal Throne but would be shattered. Manifestly a dissolu-
tion of the tie which unites cause and effect necessitates chaos, the
negation of government, and the annihilation of the Godhead. For
God could not be otherwise than he is, and be at all. We see, there-
fore, how irrational is the hope, that we shall ever be able to handle
fire with impunity, so long as fire is fire and flesh is flesh. An impure
man vvants to reap the rewards of purity — to gather grapes of thorns.
He wishes to be happy, but is unwilling to comply with the condi-
tions of happiness. The mountain must come to Mahomet, since
Mahomet will not go to the mountain.

If we had not abundant proof of this perversity all around us, nay,
a degree of it in ourselves, we would not be able to credit it. In
some cases it would seem to reach a stage where it is incurable.
Evil tends to perpetuate itself. Habit confirms obduracy. Reform
becomes more and more difficult, the longer a man lives in sin. It
would be hard to turn Methuselah into new paths. Millennial deprav-
ity is dreadful to think of.

The law of tendency no doubt is for the unrighteous to remain
unrigliteous — the filthy to continue filthy.

" Suppose God should relent
And publish grace to all, on promise made
Of new subjection; with what eyes could we
Stand in His presence humble, and receive
Strict laws imposed to celebrate His throne
With warbled hymns, and to His Godhead sing
Forced.hallelujahs : how wearisome
Eternity to spend in worship paid
To one we hate ! "

The object of this line of thought is to show, that we have not. so
much reason to fear God as to fear ourselves. The danger of our
perdition is not from without but from within.

The argument in favor of a posthumous probation proves too

INTRODUCTIOX. ly

much. We encounter at the outset this difTiculty: If Divine fairness
requires that all men should be treated alike; that no one should be
permitted to have any advantage over another; that the opportunities
which have been accorded to some, should be extended to all — particu
larly the opportunity of accepting the salvation offered through
Christ — so that an absolute equality of privilege should be secured to
every human being who has lived or shall live — then, it is manifest,
that the new trial will need to reach backward and forward so as to
comprehend almost the entire human race. Qui bono? Besides, if
there is to be a probation after death, it must clearly be a probation
different from the earthly one. It can be more favorable, or less
favorable, but it cannot be the same, for the scene and circumstances
of the trial are not the same. To a disembodied spirit whence shall
come those fleshly lusts, which in this life war so fiercely against the
soul ? That the ordeal is to be less severe, and the result more favor-
able, militate against those passages of Scripture which speak of peril,
great and imminent, which men are urged to escape from, declaring
and protesting, uo'w is the accepted time, and now is the day of sal-
vation What is the use of a new opportunity with no different issue ?
Possibly, some of our Creeds are too narrow and need enlarging.
Of God and His ways, how little do we know. He has revealed Him-
self only in part. So much as was necessary for us to know. He has
told us, and little or nothing beyond. But we are only a small part of
His great family. We know what He is to our world, but not what
He is to other worlds. W^e have therefore no right to say that He is
shut up to but one way in His dealings with His creatures. We may
be convinced, that, if He has other ways, not one of them is so dear
and wonderful as that revealed to us through Jesus Christ. No doubt
every way He has devised is like Himself, divinely perfect, and suited
to the case. Bewildering speculations about the final fate of the
heathen are useless, if not worse than useless. We know that the
Gospel is necessary to them, otherwise we would not be commanded
to take it to :hem, or send it. Our duty toward them ends with this
life. What will become of them beyond this life, that is God's mat-
ter, not ours. And well it is so. It is not for man to say what is
right — to instruct the Judge, or anticipate llim.

Ivi INTRODUCTION.

Judgment is the highest function of Godhead. The first requisite
is omniscience, and nobody is Omniscient but God. Problems which
are difficult to us, are not difficult to Him. He has Divine solutions
for all enigmas. No man, nor body of men, with the combined wis-
dom of all the angels, would be competent to pass sentence on a sin-
gle human soul. But God is able to do so easily and infallibly, so
that no creature in the universe shall have just cause of complaint
against his Maker in the end. That poor wretch — who has lived
amid depraved surroundings ever since he was born; who is of cor-
rupt lineage, vicious, so to speak, almost from necessity — will he be
allowed to plead these adverse influences? lie will. Whether he
pleads them or not, they shall plead for him. The Supreme Judge
will take every thing into account. He will unravel the entire web of
his life to the last thread and fibre; will follow up the taint of a bad
ancestry back to Adam, if need be; and will temper justice by the
extenuating circumstances of his whole history, so that -justice and
mercy and every attribute of His Godhead shall be vindicated and
glorified in the sentence.

It is enough to know that the Judge of all the earth will do right.
In no way can we so honor Him as to trust Him — to trust Him
implicitly — to say with a filial heart, ■' Father, Thy will be done."
Our duty is to trust Him always and to the end. Were we stand-
ing on a precipice, and heard God's voice saying, " Throw thyself
down " — and could be sure that it was His voice, and not Satan's, we
need not hesitate, knowing that we shall fall into the arms of God —
yea, even though our body should be mangled and crushed at the foot,
our soul shall be safe in Him.

It is instructive to observe how differently good men deport them-
selves in their last moments. One might suppose that Christian
heroes and martyrs would have no occasion to use the words of this
Psalm, but it is remarkable how large a number of those whose lives
have been spent in devoted service, have, in extremis, sent up this last
cry for mercy. No doubt it is largely an affair of temperament, and
proves little or nothing. Bunyan, in his immortal Allegory, illustrates
this in the cases of Christian and Hopeful, while crossing together the
River of Death.

IXTRODUCriOX. ivii

Of all that has been said, this is the sum. From some cause or
other, man's nature is out of joint. What he needs is a change of
will, a change of affection, a change of spiritual relations, a change
from discord to harmoii}', so that, inasmuch as, at the first, in a higher
sense than Pythagoras intended or imagined,

" From harmony, from heavenly harmfiny
This universal frame began;
F.om harmony to harmony.
Through all the compass of the notes it ran,
The diapason closing full in man,"

there may be, at last, a restoration to pristine musical consent and
agreement, without one jarring note. In the mean time, let our
miserere, if need be, go up, not doubting, if sincere, that it will be
heard. The dying thief, we know, was heard in the last hour, but
how much better is it to seek, and experience the blessedness of
" the healing benediction " at, once, than to wait. Or should there be
those inclined to holy mirth, let them sing psalms.

PsAi.M LV. — Whether or not, Mary Queen of Scots, was privy to
the murder of her husband, Darnley, has been always a vexed ques-
tion. Froude supplies us with this story: " When the Queen quitted
Darnley's bedside, after being more than ordinarily lavish, as it
seemed, of her fondness, she let drop one fearful sentence. The Earl,
though it was late, was in no mood for sleep; and Mary's last
words sounded awfully in his ears. ' She was very kind.' he said to
Nelson, 'but why did she speak of Davie's (Rizzio) slaughter?'
Just then Paris came back to fetch a fur wrapper which the Queen
had left, and which she thought too pretty to be spoiled. ' What
will she do?' Darnley said again, when she was gone, ' It is very
lonely.' The shadow of death was creeping over him; he was no
longer the random boy, when, two years before, he had come to
Scotland, filled with idle dreams of vain ambition. Sorrow, suffering,
disease and fear had done their work. He opened the Prayer Book
and read over the Fifty-fifth Psalm, which by a strange coincidence
was in the English service for the day (Sunday. February 9, 1567)

1 viii INTRO D UC TION.

that was dawning. The last words that passed his lips were vs. 1-5
of this Psalm, which read: ' Hear my prayer, O Lord, and hide not
Thyself from my petition. My heart is disquieted within me, and
the fear of death hath fallen upon me: Tearfulness and trem-
bling are come upon me. It is not an open enemy that hath done
me this dishonor, for then I could have borne it. It was even, thou,
my companion, my guide, and my own familiar friend.' Forlorn
victim of a cruel time ! Twenty-one years old — no more. At the end
of an hour he went to bed with his page at his side. An hour
later, they two were found lying dead in the garden under the stars.
The house had been blown up with gun-powder." — Fronde's "History
of England."

Psalm LXVII, has been called "The Lord's Prayer of the Old
Testament."

Psalm LXVIII. — Called by the Huguenots the " Song of Battle,"
and often sung by them, amid the storm of conflict, (French Version).
Here is the beginning (as given in " Les Psaumes de David mis en
Vers Francois " published in 1807):

Que Dieu se montre seulement,
Et Ton verra dans un moment

Abandonner la place,
Le camp des ennemis epars,
Epouvanti^ de toutes parts,

Fuira devant sa face.
On verra tout ce camp s'enfuir
Comme Ton voit s'evanonir

Une t;paisse fumee:
Comme la cire fond au feu,
Ainsi des mechans devant Dieu,

La force est consum^e, etc.

As this Psalm is not found among those that Marot translated, the
version here given is probably Beza's, slightly altered.

The following account of the Battle of Dunbar, fought September
3, 1650, is taken from Carlyle's Life of Oliver Ci-orimiell: The small
Town of Dunbar stands on one of those projecting rock-promon-
tories with which the shore of the Frith of Forth is niched, forming

IXTKODCCTJOX. Ivix

a grim barrier of whinstone, sheltering it from the chafing and
tumbling of the German Ocean. Landward rises, some short mile
off, a long hill of considerable height, called the Doon or Doon Hill.
On this Hill lies David Leslie with the victorious Scotch army.
Cockburnspath with its ravines has been seized on Oliver's right and
made impassable. Behind Oliver is the sea. Lesley's force is
23,000, Oliver's about half as many. Lesley commits the mistake of
coming down to the base of the Hill, edging with a portion of his
army towards the right to cut off the enemy's retreat on that side.
At the sight of this movement, Cromwell determines to profit by the
advantage it affords, and to anticipate the enemy's attack by attack-
ing first. All things being in readiness (the night has been wild and
wet) for the attack to be made at earliest daybreak, the trumpets
sound and there is cannonading along the whole line. The Scots too
are on the wing, and awake. At the end of an hour's fighting the
Scotch give way and run. Just then over the Abb's head and the
German Ocean bursts the first gleam of the level sun, and Cromwell
is heard to say, in the words of the Sixty-eighth Psalm, "Let God,
arise, let His enemies be scattered" — or, in Rous's metre,

" Let God arise, and scattered
Let all His enemies be
And let all those that do Him hate
Before His presence flee ! "

Even so. The Scotch army is shivered to utter ruin; rushes in
tumultuous wreck, hither, thither. Before entering on the pursuit,
Oliver orders a halt, and all sing the Hundred and Seventeenth
Psalm, uplifting it to the tune of Bangor, and rolling it strong

against the sky:

" O give ye praise unto the Lord,
All nati-ons* that be;
Likewise ye peop.c all, accord
His name to magnify.

For great to-us-ward ever are
His loving kindnesses:

His truth endures forevermore:
The Lord O do ye bless.

'To be pronounced in three syllables.

Ix INTRODUCTIOX.

Psalm LXXI. — Robert Blair, the grandfather of Robert Blair, the
author of The Grave, called this '* My Psalm."

Philip de Morney, an illustrious friend and champion of the Hugue-
nots, on his death-bed desired the Seventy-first Psalm to be read to
him.

Psalm LXXVI. — Charles Kingsley, when sailing up the Rhine,
and looking on the strongholds of the old freebooters, writes: " How
strange that my favorite Psalm about the hills of the robbers (hills of
prey) should have come in course the very first day I sailed up the
Rhine."

Psalm LXXIX. — Fourteen Protestants of Meaux, arrested at a
meeting, sang this Psalm as they went to death.

Psalm LXXXV. — When Richard Cromwell was installed Pro-
tector, Dr. Thomas Godwin preached, at the opening of Parliament,
January 27, 1659, a sermon, taking for his text, Ver. 10, " Mercy and
truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each
other."

Psalm XC. — Herder calls it, " that Ancient Psalm, that Hymn of
Eternity." Vers. 1-4 is the burial song of the Russian Church.

John Ha»ipde7i{B. 1594; D. 1643), at the beginning of the Civil
War, was fatally wounded in a skirmish with Rupert's cavalry
between Thame and Oxford. In great pain and almost fainting he
reached Thame where his wounds were dressed. After nearly six
days of cruel suffering he died. He was buried among the hills and
woods of Chiltern. Many troops in the neighborhood followed the
beloved body to its grave, with arms reversed, drums and ensigns
muffled, and heads uncovered, singing the Ninetieth Psahn as they
went, and the 43rd as they returned. — Forsters ''Lives of British
Statesmen^

Psalms XCVI, XCVH, XCVHI.— Dr. William Alexander, Bishop
of Derry, says, '■ We have in these Psalms the paeans of all creation."

IXTRODUCriOX. ixi

Psalm C. — No Psalm has been more sung. It gave name to the
tune known as Old Hundred composed by William Franc in 1553 —
sometimes attributed to Luther, but he only changed and improved it.

Bishop Heber speaks of having been greatly moved at hearing
Thirteen Hundred native Christians — at a Tamul service in Tangore,
Int!ia — all join in singing this Psalm in their own tongue.

Psalm CI. — David was engaged in the task of ordering his house-
hold. Ver. 3, house. The king's house in an Eastern monarchy
included the government of his army, and the administration of jus-
tice.

Ernest, the pious Duke of Saxe-Gotha, the founder of the Saxe-
Golha family (B. 1601; D. 1675) used to send a copy of the Psalms
to unfaithful officials, so that when any magistrate had done wrong,
it became a proverb, " He will certainly receive the Prince's Psalm
to read": " Mine eye shall be upon the faithful of the land," etc.
He was the intimate friend of Gustavus Adolphus.

Psalm CII. — Is the Fifth of the Seven Penitential Psalms. Dr.
Ker remarks, there is no grander missionary hymn than Vers. 13-22.

Psalm CVII. — Contains, according to one hypothesis, the thanks-
giving of exiles (Ver. 3) not yet returned to Jerusalem, but already
escaped from the thraldom of Babylon. The main body of the Psalm
was probably sung only by the leader, the chorus joining in the re-
frain. " O that men would praise the Lord," etc.

Psalm CXVI. — This Psalm was a great favorite with Dante. He
introduces it into his Piiri^alorio as sung by a hundred spirits just
ar.ived under the conduct of an angel :

' In e.xitii Israel de Eg;ypto^
All with one voice together sang, with what
In the remainder of that hymn is writ —

and he speaks elsewhere, in his prose writings, of the Ii4lh Psalm as
the voice of thrilling joy.

Ixii INTRODUCTION.

Psalm CXV. — Henry V. entered France by Calais with an English
army. It was already much wasted and reduced in numbers by sick-
ness, when the battle of Agincourt took place on St. Crispian's Day,
1415. The French army, four times the number of its opponents,
was overthrown, and the flower of the French chivalry either fell in
the field or were taken prisoners. After the battle was over, Henry
ordered the chaplain to read the 115th Psalm; and at the words,
" Not unto us, but unto Thy name give the glory," the king and cav-
alry dismounted, and they and all the host prostrated themselves
on the ground. Shakespeare puts it thus :

" O God, Thy arm was here,
And not to us, but to Thy arm alone
Ascribe we all. — When without stratagem,
But in plain shock, and even play of battle,
Was ever known so great and little loss
On one part and the other?— Take it, God,
For it is only Thine ! " — Henry I'., Act //'., Scene I'lII.

Basing-House, Pawlet, Marquis of Winchester's mansion, stood at
a small distance from Basingstoke in Hampshire. It was a very
important royal stronghold, and had stood siege after siege for four
years. The Lieutenant-General, Cromwell, gathering all the artil-
lery he could lay hold of, stormed and took it. Carlyle tells, that he
had spent much time in prayer the previous night; and as he seldom
fought without some text of Scripture to support him, he rested on
the eighth verse of the 115th Psalm.

The Turks marched, plundering and devastating, to the walls of
Vienna. The capital seemed lost. The Imperial army commanded
by Charles of Lorraine, in conjunction with a Polish force under
the heroic king, John Sobieski, defeated the Turks, and relieved the
beleaguered city, September 12th, 1683. The battle-song of the
Polish king, sung on the occasion, was iVon nobis, Domiiie. The
battle was a turning-point in history. The Turkish power, previ-
ously so formidable, as to threaten the overrunning of Europe, was
effectually broken.

Ps-i^LM CXVII. — Sung by Cromwell and his aimy after the battle

IXTKODUCTIOX. Ixiii

of Dunbar, September 3, 1650, and known afterwards by the Puri-
tans as the Dunbar Psalm.

Psalm CXVIII.— The biographer of Clement Marot tells, that he
presented the Emperor Charles V., as he was passing through France,
with a copy of his Psalter, who gave the poet 200 doubloons, and asked
him to complete his translation, praying him to send him as soon as
he could the translation of the iiSth Psalm, as he loved it much. It
took rank with the 6Sth as the battle-song of the Huguenots.

When William of Orange landed at Torbay in 168S, he asked Car-
stares to conduct service, lie prayed and gave part of the ii8th
Psalm to be sung, in which all the troops along the beach joined;
and this act of devotion, it is said, produced a sensible effect.

The 17th verse, " I shall not die but live, and declare the works of
the Lord," was the last utterance of Philip Bcrl/ielicr, a noble Gen-
evese. At the time that Bonivard was committed to the dungeon of
Chillon, 1519, for defending the liberty of his native city, Berthelier
was beheaded on an island at the outlet of the Lake of Geneva.

Ver. 22, " The stone which the builders," etc., was the text of
Ebenezer Erskine's sermon, preached October 10, 1732, before the
Synod, which led to the formation of the Secession Church. — A'ci.

PSAL.M CXIX. — Is the most perfect specimen of the Alphabetic or
Acrostic Psalms — Bishop Cowper calls it "a Holy Alphabet" — not
amiss, perhaps, if we consider that the Primer of the Divine Law is
the first book to be learned, beginning with the heavenly A, B, C of
obedience.

Ver. g. " Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ? By
taking heed thereto according to Thy word." Henry Scougal,
author of T/ie Life of Cod in the Soul of Man, was so impressed with
these words that he became a Christian minister — and later, Profes-
sor of Theology, King's College, Aberdeen. He died in 1679 aged
twenty-eight.

Ver. 20. Chalmers says, while he could not speak of the raptures
of Christian enjoyment, he thought he could enter into the feeling of
the Psalmist, " My soul brcakclh for the longing it hath unto Thy
judgments at all times."

J\isial singled out ver. 59 as pivotal: '' I thought on my ways, and

Ixiv INTRODUCTION.

turned my feet unto thy testimonies." He used to say that, "with
the deep study of life, this Psalm contained the sum of all Christian
virtues '

Ver. 83, bottle in the smoke. The bottle being of skin would shrivel
and burn in the smoke like leather — an apt metaphor for one, the sap
of whose life was dried up by trouble.

Ver. 92. "Unless Thy law had been my delight, I should have
perished in mine affliction," is written on Luther's Bible by his own
hand. The date is 1542.

Ver. 97. Henry Martin says, " I experienced a solemn gladness
in learning this part, ' MEM,' of the 119th Psalm."

Ver. 105. " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet." This is the text
prefixed to a little book called The Lantern of Light, which was
the favorite reading of the Lollards before the Reformation. The
Lollards of England and Scotland were charged with reading the
Bible in their mother-tongue — Wickliffe's translation — and with
esteeming it above any instruction they received from the priests.
On this account they were called Biblemen. — Ker.

Ver. 164, " Seven times in a day will I praise Thee." In the fourth
century, the number of Canonical Hours for daily devotion was en-
larged from three to seven in accordance with the above; but they
were strictly kept only in the cloisters, under the technical names
of matina, about three o'clock, A. m. ; prima, about six, A. M. ; iertia,
nine, A. M.; nojia, three, p. M.; vesper, six, v. M.; compleloritim, nine,
p. m; and mesonj'cti urn or vigilia, midnight. Usually two nocturnal
prayers were added.

William VVilbcrforce writes in his diary, 1819, " Walked from Hyde
Park Corner repeating the iigth Psalm."

John Ruskin, in " Fors Clavigera"' says, " It is strange that of all
the pieces of the Bible which my mother taught me, that which cost
me most to learn, and was, to my child's mind, most repulsive, the
119th Psalm, has now become, of all, the most precious to me in its
overflowing passion of love for the law of God."

Psalm CXX. — This is the first of a Collection of Fifteen Psalms,
(Pss. 120-134). each bearing the title, Pilgrim Song, literally, Song of

INTRODUCTIOX. Ixv

Ascents, Song of the Goings-up. namely, to the Holy City, "whither
the tribes go up" (Ps. 122: 4). Many, perhaps most, were written
with another design, and selected for this purpose because of their
suitableness. The goings-up might relate to the going up from
Babylon at the close of the Captivity, or from different parts of
Palestine. Three annual pilgrimages to the Holy City were required
by the Law. These were usually made in large companies, with
singing on the route.

Psalm CXXIV. — A Pilgrim Ode. Ver. 6, The snare is broken, and
we are escaped, referring to the deliverance of the Jews from, their
captivity in Babylon.

Attempts have been made to chronologize the Psalms. " The
Psalms Chronologically Arranged, by Four Friends," adopt the
arrangement of Ewald, " as full of suggestive thought, edifying, and
generally satisfactory." But however acute and learned, the ele-
ment of conjecture enters too largely to entitle it to more than a
limited acceptance. According to this, the present Psalm marks
the beginning of a period extending from the rebuilding of the Tem-
ple. The destruction of Babylon by Cyrus freed Israel from the
thraldom of the Chaldeans. The nation, once careless of the law,
after this grew tenacious of its very letter; once rrgorously exclusive,
they now saw their ideal in the king who should enroll all the world
as citizens of a spiritual Jerusalem. The future duty of the nation
was, to make themselves ready for his advent.

The above scheme arranges the Psalms covering this period in the
following order: Pss. 124, 129, 125, 126, 127, 128, 133, 122, 87, 134,
137, 118, 125, 106, 138, Q2, 93, 95, 100, 97, 99, 96, 98, 67, 68, 66, 91,
139. 44, 74, 79, 80, 132, 89, 60, 85, 83, 78, 81.

Psalm CXXIX. — An outburst of joy at deliverance from captivity.
A Pilgrim Ode.

Psalm CXXXIV.— A Temple-hymn. Ver. 2, by night, the priests
lodged round about the House of God, and some were employed day
and night. The lamps were kept burning all night. The last of the
I'ilgrini Odes.

1 vi /A' TROD UC TION.

Psalm CXXXVII. — The hopes of a revival of the ancient empire
of David intensified the patriotic zeal of the nation. This feeling
vents itself on the Edomites who had joined the invading hosts of
Nebuchadnezzar in that fatal ' day of Jerusalem ' and had received a
portion of the land as a reward for their share in the destruction of
Jerusalem. Contrast the apparent bitterness of this Psalm with the
comprehensive spirit of the 87th Psalm. — Four Friends.

Psalm CXXXIX. — Ver. 8, parts of the sea, indicates that it was
written in Palestine. Ver. 17, Thy thoughts, i. e., counsels, con-
trivances, devisings, divine adaptations of means to end, illustrated
in creation, particularly in the structure of organized beings, culmin-
ating in man.

Psalm CXLV.— An .'Alphabetic Psalm.

Psalm CXLVII. — The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration
of the ancient ritual had inspired the nation with new hopes.

EMINENT WITNESSES TO THE EXCELLENCE
OK THE PSALMS.

"This oook ii tlie most beautiful (elestintissimits) in the wor\(\."--Mehtnct/ton.

" These songs, not in their divine argument only, but in the very art of composi-
tion, may be easily made appear over all this kind ot poesy to be incomparaolc. '
—Milton.

'■What is there necessary for man to know which the Psalms arc notable to
teach? " — Hooker.

"The effect of the Psalms on the character of the Huguenots was wonderful.
* * We need to-day a generation nourished on this marrow of /ions."—
I. elicvre.

"Songs which like the Psalms have stood the test of three thousand years may
well be said to contain in them the seed of eternity." — Tholuck.

" David is the first of the poets of feeling — the king of lyrists, . . . Read
Greek or Latin lyrics after a psalm — they turn pale." — Lamartine.

" The Psalms have been called the abstract or suvtmary o/hoth Testaments." —
M. Henry.

" The Psalms can make a life of trial a life of joy." — "Johannes \'on Miiller.

" Even the French Deists, the theo-philanthropists, sworn enemies of the Bible,
could only make out their liturgy by the help of the Psalms." — Ilengstenberg.

" David struck tones that were an echo of the sphere-harmonies and are still felt
to be such. * * Read a psalm of David, then go to the opera, and hear, with
unspeakable reflections, what things men now sing." — Thomas Carlyle.

" All the wonders of Greek civilization heaped together are less wonderful than
is the simple book of Psalms — the history of the human soul in relation to its
Maker." — W. E. Gladstone.

" This book has no equal in the expanse of time which it retlects. beginning with
the wanderings in the wilderness, 1450 years before Christ, and reaching down to
the building of the sacred temple, 800 years later. ♦ * If it is the peculiarity of
the classic, that the oftener it is read the more beautiful and full of meaning it
becomes, then are the Psalms classic in the highest degree." — Detitzsch.

" Not only for its contents but its form, is the use of the book of Psalms a benefit
to the spirit of man. In no lyric poet of Greece or Rome can we find so much
nstruction or comfort, and in none such a variety and rich change of the poetic

mood. These flowers can be carried to every clime and every soil, and they bloom
in fresh youth. It is a Book of Song for all ages."— Herder.

" The Bible itself is an old Cremona; it has been played upon by the devotion of
thousands of years, until every word and particle is public and tunahXe."— Emerson

If we keep vigil in the church, David comes first, last and midst. — Sf. John
Chrysostom.

■' What various and resplendent riches are contained in this treasury (Book of
Psalms), it were difficult to find words to describe. I am in the habit of calling
it ' The Anatomy of all parts of the soul,' for not an affection will anytone find in
himself, an image of which is not reflected in this mirror. Nay, all the griefs,
sorrows, fears, misgivings, hopes, cares, anxieties, in short, all the disquieting
emotions with which the minds of men are wont to be agitated, the Holy Ghost
hath here pictured to the \\{e.'"— Calvin.

The Hebrew Psalms
in english verse.

THE PSALMS.

BOOK I.

PSALM L

HAPPY is the man who hath

Not walked in counsels of deceit ;

Who stands not in the sinner's path ;
Who sits not in the scorner's seat ;

2 But in the statutes of the Lord

Finds evermore a new delight ;
Feasts on the sweetness of His word
In meditation day and night.

3 Like to a tree that 's planted near

Unfailing streams that feed the root,
Midst foliage that 's never sere,
He brings forth seasonable fruit.

THE PSALMS. II

Whate'er he does shall grow and thrive ;
His joyful soul shall leap and laugh :

4 Not so th' ungodly — winds shall drive

Them far away like empty chaff.

5 They shall not in the judgment stand ;

Their path leads downward to the pit:

6 But known of God, at His right hand

The righteous shall in honor sit.

PSALM II.

WHY do the nations rage,
Imagine a vain thing ?

2 The rulers plot against the Lord

And His Anointed King?

3 " Let us break off their bands,

Their cords," say they, " divide."

4 He who sits high in heaven shall laugh,

Their vain attempts deride.

5 He speaks to them in wrath :

" Though ye rebel, I still

6 Immovably have set My King

On Zion's Holy Hill."

7^1 will declare My Lord's
Unchangeable decree —
He said: * Thou art My Son, this day
Have I begotten Thee;

Ill THE PSALMS.

8 " 'Ask Me, and I will give

The nations for Thine own ;
And I will make earth's utmost bounds
The limits of Thy throne:

9 " • Those that resist Thy sway,

Should any be so rash,
With iron rod, like vessel frail,
Thou shalt in pieces dash.' "

Therefore, be wise, ye kings.

Ye judges of the earth;
Serve ye the Lord with fear, and mix

Much trembling with your mirth,

O kiss the Son! Beware
Slight kindlings of His ire.

Lest ye should perish in the way
When once His wrath takes fire.

PSALM III.*

OLORD ! how many foes
In arms against me rise ;
2 How many say of me, " No help
For him in God there lies."

♦ David having crossed the Jordan, halted for the night with his party on the
way to Malianaim ; and rising early (recovered now from his first depression)
wrote, we may suppose, this Morning Hymn ; and before the next bivouac, the
Evening Hvmn that follows, Psalm iv. See Introduction.

THE PSALMS. IV

3 But Thou, Lord, art my Shield,

My Glory and Good-will —

4 I called, and Thou didst answer me

Out of Thy Holy Hill.

5 I laid me down and slept,

For Thy sustaining arm
Was underneath my head ; I woke
Refreshed and free from harm.

6 I will not be afraid

Though myriads me oppose :

7 Rise, save me, for Thou smitten hast

On the cheek-bone my foes.

And broken hast their teeth :

8 Salvation is from Thee —
Lord ! let Thy blessing evermore

Upon Thy people be.

PSALM IV.

ELAY not answer when I call,

God of my righteousness !

Thou didst, ere this, me disenthrall

When I was in distress.
Now pity, Lord, and for me care.
Incline Thine ear and hear my prayer.

IV THE PSALMS.

2 How long, ye sons of men, will ye

My kingly right despise ?
How long will ye love vanity,
And follow after lies ?

3 The Lord, who loved* and set apart,
Will hear me, for He knows my heart.

4 O stand in awe and fear to sin !

With your own heart commune
Upon your bed, by night shut in,
While silence fills the room.

5 Offer ye sacrifices just.

And in Jehovah put your trust.

6 Many there be who say : "Ah, who

Will show us any good ? "

Light of Thy face lift up anew.

And I '11 have all I would.

7 Their joy shall not compare with mine,
Who have a glut of corn and wine.

8 In fearless peace I '11 lay me down,

And go at once to sleep : —
Though slumber deep my senses drown.

Since Thou, Lord, watch dost keep,
1 know I 'm safe where'er I dwell,
In palace or in lonely cell.

* The iiainc David means " nduvctl."

THE PSALMS.

PSALM V.

IVE ear unto my words, O Lord !
My moaning heeded be :

3 To Thee each morn I '11 duly pray,

And watch and wait for Thee.

4 For Thou art not a God that hath

In wickedness delight ;
Evil shall not with Thee abide,

5 The proud stand in Thy sight.

6 All evil doers Thou dost hate ;

Wilt slay them that speak lies ;
The bloody and deceitful man
Is odious in Thine eyes.

7 But in Thy numerous mercies, I

Will in Thy House appear ;
And toward Thy Holy Temple, Lord !
Will worship in Thy fear.

8 Lead me, O Lord, because of those

Who watch to see me slide :
Make plain Thy way before my face,
Nor let me turn aside.

9 No truth is in their faithless mouth.

Wide yawns a gulf within,
Their throat 's an open sepulchre,
They smooth their tongue to sin.

lo God ! hold them guilty. Let them fall,
By their own counsels felled :

VI THE PSALMS.

In their transgressions thrust them out,
Who have 'gainst Thee rebelled.

11 Let all be glad who trust in thee ;

Be happy lips unsealed ;

12 For Thou the righteous wilt surround

With favor as a shield.

PSALM VL

EBUKE me not in anger, Lord !
i) Correct but not consume :
Let not Thy just resentment flame ;
Give gentle pity room.

2 Have mercy, Lord ! for I am weak ;

O heal me and restore !
With anguish all my bones are vexed,
My soul is troubled sore.

3 But Thou, O Lord, how long ? Return ;

4 My soul deliver ; make

My threatened life Thy care ; me save,
For Thine own mercies' sake.

5 Of Thee no memory is in Death,

The blotting out of days —
In Sheol who will give Thee thanks.
Or celebrate Thy praise ?

THE PSALMS. VII

6 I with my groanings weary am ;

I make each night my bed
A kind of sea* in which I swim,
All drenched with tears I shed.

7 Mine eye is shrunk, it wastes away

Through weeping o'er my woes ;
It prematurely waxes old,
Because of all my foes.

8 Depart from me, ye evil men !

Jehovah is aware

9 Of all my sighing, and hath heard

And will receive my prayer.

lo My foes shall all confounded be ;
Be filled with sudden shame ;
They shall return in headlong haste
Along the way they came.

PSALM VII.

rORD my God, in Thee I trust,
i Save from all those who pursue me ;
2 Lest that lion-like th' unjust

Rend and tear me and undo me ;
And they triumph who o 'erthrew me,
Lying prostrate in the dust.

*" Nightly my couch I make a kind of sea." — Milton.

VII THE PSALMS.

3 If, my God, I ill have wrought ;

If my hands are found to blame ;*

4 If I him have wronged in aught

Who my friend was to my shame ;
If I rescued not the same,
Who is now my foe for naught ;

5 Let him then pursue my soul ;

Overtake it in its flight ;
Trample it ; my glory roll

In the dust in public sight ;

I will not dispute his right,
But will justify the whole.

6 Lord, now in Thy anger rise ;

Lift Thyself against the rage
Of my foes, who ill devise,

And unrighteous warfare wage ;

Wake for me ; for me engage —
Just Thy judgments are and wise.

7 Let all people round Thee gather.

While Thou speakest from the sky ;

Let them stand and listen — rather
Let them on their faces lie —
After this return on high,

Thou who art th' Eternal Father.

8 Judge me by my righteousness.

Mine integrity within :

* See I Samuel xxiv. ii.

lO THE PSALMS. VII

I would ask nor more nor less,
Sure I shall acquital win.
9 Make the sinner cease from sin,
And his wickedness confess ;

But establish innocence :

For Thou, righteous God, dost try

Hearts and reins, and wilt me, hence,
Vindicate and justify:

10 I on Thee, my Shield, rely —
Th' upright's safety and defence.

11 God a just Judge is, and hath

Indignation every day :

12 If men turn not, in His wrath

He will whet His sword to slay ;

13 Bend His bow, prepare straightway
Tools of death to sweep His path.

He His arrows fiery makes.
For the wretch who multiplies —

14 Travailing constantly — and wakes

To conceive iniquities,
And bring forth a brood of lies,
Hissing, venomous as snakes.

15 He with malice digged a pit.

And so, rightly in my stead,
Tumbled headlong into it ;

16 All the mischief he has bred

VIII THE PSALMS. II

Shall descend on his own head —
Retribution just and fit.

17 I, Jehovah the Most High
Will adore and magnify :
Will His righteousness proclaim,
Harping praises to His name.

PSALM VIII.

LORD, our Lord, in all the earth,
How excellent Thy Name !
Thou it hast blazoned on the heavens
In characters of flame.

2 By mouth of sucklings hast ordained

An armory of light.
With Truth's celestial weapons stored
To vindicate the Right.

On weakest things hast founded strength —

The babes' believing cry —
Because of foes, to silence them

Who hate Thee and deny.

3 When I behold Thy heavens, the work

Of Thine own fingers. Lord !
The moon and stars which Thou hast fixed
By Thine almighty word, —

12 THE PSALMS. IX

4 O what is man that Thou for him

Such love shouldst manifest ?

Shouldst condescend to visit him

And be Thy creature's guest ?

5 For Thou hast made him next Thyself —

This brother of the clod —

6 Hast crowned him with dominion that

Befits a son of God :

Hast given him lordship o'er Thy works,
Put all things under him —

7 All flocks, all herds, all beasts, whate 'er

8 Doth walk, or fly, or swim.

9 O Lord, our Lord, in all the earth

How excellent Thy Name,
•Whose glory in the heavens is set
In signature of flame.

PSALM IX.

I WITH my whole heart will praise,
And recount Thy wondrous ways :
Joy in Thee, O Thou Most High !
Sing Thy Name and magnify :

IX THE rSALMS. 1 3

3 For my enemies turned back,
Finding Thee upon their track ;
At Thy dreadful presence they,
Stumbling, perished in the way.

4 Thou, O Lord, my right and cause
Hast maintained, upholding laws —
Seated high upon Thy throne,
Judging righteously alone.

5 Thou hast nations swept away,
Blotted out their names for aye :

6 Cities, which Thou hast destroyed,
Lost to memory are and void.

7 God sits King — earth at His feet —
Ever on His judgment seat ;

8 He '11 the peoples' wrongs redress,
Judge the world in righteousness.

9 Tower of refuge for th' oppressed,
A high tower for the distressed ;

10 Who Thee know will in Thee trust,
For Thou ne'er wilt from Thee thrust

Them that seek Thee, nor forsake
Such as Thee their refuge make.

11 Sing His praise, His doings tell,
Who in Zion loves to dwell.

14 THE PSALMS. IX

12 When for blood He shall inquire,
Burn His anger will like fire !
For the poor man's cry is not
By th' Omniscient Judge forgot.

13 Pity, Lord, whose quickening breath
Raises from the gates of death.

See what sufferings on me wait.
From the hands of them that hate !

14 Save me, that Thy praise I may
In the gates of Zion pay.

I will then with heart and voice
In Thy saving health rejoice.

15 Sunk are nations in the pit

Themselves made, God ordering it —
i5 Justly ill their own foot fared.

In their own net caught and snared.

17 Back the wicked shall be turned,
Reaping the reward they earned :
Perish shall in Sheol yet
Nations all that God forget.

18 For the needy and the meek,
Who from God assistance seek,
Shall not always be unheard.
Nor their hope for aye deferred.

X THE PSALMS. 1$

19 Rise, Lord, let not man assail
Right's strong bulwarks and prevail.
Nations that against Thee fight
Let them judged be in Thy sight.

20 Let the terror of Thine arm
Fill their souls with just alarm ;
And with trembling let them then
Know themselves to be but men.

PSALM X.

ORD, why standest Thou afar?
Why dost Thou Thyself thus hide ?
From Thy presence why debar
Those by hopeless trouble tried ?

2 In his pride the wicked still

Is engaged in hot pursuit ;

'Gainst the poor contriving ill,

Ceasing not to persecute.

3 Let his cunning serve him not.

In his own devices caught —
Glorying in plunder got,

God is banished from his thought.

Swayed by greed that God condemns.

He, a worshipper of gain,
God renounces, yea, contemns,

Fuller license to obtain.

1 6 THE PSALMS. X

4 Hear the boaster proudly say :

"I 've no fear God will require ;
There no God is to repay,

I will have my heart's desire."

5 Always firm against the right

He Thy judgments dares contemn ;
They 're above him out of sight —
As for foes he puffs at them,

6 Saying, " I shall ne'er be moved ;

No calamity I fear."

7 Cursing by his mouth's approved.

Guile and cruelty are dear.

8 He in hamlets lies in wait ;

9 Like some savage beast of prey.
Lurks in ambush, watching late.

Hapless ones to seize and slay.*

Draws the poor man in his net,

10 Crushes him remorselessly :

11 God, he fancies, doth forget —

Hides his face— will never see.

12 Rise, O Lord, lift up Thy hand ;

Let the poor remembered be ;
Let the proud one understand
Thou his wickedness dost see.

*See 2 Samuel iii. 27; xx. 10.

XI THE PSALMS. 1 7

13 Why should he Thy justice flout?

Saying, Thou wilt not require ;
That Thou seest leave no doubt.
Make him feel Thy righteous ire.

14 Make him know 't was at his cost,

He the fatherless did harm :
Let each wicked scheme be crost^

15 Shatter Thou his lifted arm !

Thorough inquisition make

Of the evil he has done —
It pursue and overtake,

Punish it till there is none.

16 Sits Jehovah on His throne,

A just sceptre in His hand,
All the nations, overthrown,

Perish shall from out His Land.

17 Thou of meek hearts art the stay ;

18 Thou the orphan wilt redress,
That vain man, a child of clay.

Henceforth may no more oppress.

PSALM XI.

I PUT my trust in God my King :
How counsel ye then dastard flight?
How say ye to my soul, "Take wing.
And safety seek in mountain height.

1 8 THE PSALMS. IX

2 " For lo, the wicked bend the bow,

They to the string their arrow suit ;
Hid in the dark, that none may know.
They ready stand at thee to shoot.

"The labor of thy hands is void ;
In vain thou dost the work pursue ;

3 If the foundations are destroyed,

What can the righteous man then do ? "

4 The Lord is in His Temple,* why

Should we take counsel of despair ?
His throne is fixed above the sky.
No earthly power can reach it there.

Enough to know, His eyes behold.
His eyelids try the sons of men —

5 He proves and purifies the gold,

And naught deceives his searching ken.

6 Upon the wicked He shall rain

Snares, fire and brimstone, as of yore ;
The portion of their cup is pain,
Is, was, and shall be evermore,

7 For that the Lord is righteous, He

Loves righteousness, and evil hates :
The upright man His face shall see, —
Immortal honor him awaits.

* The Tabernacle, which contained the Ark, is so called i Samuel i. 9; iii. 3.

XII THE PSALMS. 1 9

PSALM XII.

ELP, Lord, for these are evil days ;
The godly cease, the faithful fail ;
Lone and deserted are Thy ways,
And rank impieties prevail.

2 All speech is an exchange of lies ;

Each with his neighbor plays a part ;
They practice smooth hypocrisies.
With flattering lip and double heart.

3 The Lord will guileful lips destroy ;

And tongues that say in lordly tone,

4 " Who 's over us ? We will employ

These as we please, they are our own."

5 " Now, will I rise," Jehovah saith,

" For those they spoil, whose bread they scant,
Who pine for safety, fearing death —

And give them that for which they pant."

6 His words are pure, mean what they say,

As silver seven times purified,

7 " He shall them keep, though vice bears sway,

8 Though strut the vile in robes of pride.

20 THE PSALMS. XIV

PSALM XIII.

HOW long wilt Thou, Lord, me forget ?
Wilt Thou Thy face forever hide ?

2 How long shall daily sorrows fret ?

My foe exalt his head of pride ?

3 Hear, Lord ! revive my fainting breath.

Lighten mine eyes whose light has failed,
Now, lest I sleep the sleep of death^

4 Lest my foe boast, ''I have prevailed."

5 But I have trusted Thee, and still

In Thy salvation will rejoice ;

6 And for Thy bounteous goodness will

Attune to Thee both heart and voice.

PSALM XIV.

BESOTTED pupil in that school.
The darkened reason of a fool ! —
He, proud of his ancestral clod,
Saith in his heart, "There is no God."

No wonder from such evil root.
There springs abominable fruit :
Mad revelers at Nature's feast.
Men grow more beastly than the beast.

XV THE PSALMS. 21

2 The Lord looked down from heaven to see
If any bowed to Him the knee ;

If there were any understood,

And there was none, none that did good.

3 They all had gone aside, all had
Become corrupt and wholly bad.

4 Are evil-doers void of sense
As well as of all innocence?

They, like wild beasts with ravin red,
My people eat as they eat bread ;
They on the Lord disdain to call —

5 But, lo, great tremblings on them fall.

For God, now with the righteous seen.
His arm laid bare, doth intervene ;

6 And counsels, that were put to shame,
Are made triumphant in His Name.

7 O that salvation might with power
Come out of Zion at this hour !

When back from thraldom God shall bring,
Then Jacob shall exult and sing.

PSALM XV.

HO shall inhabit, Lord, Thy Tent ?
How nobly born ? Of what descent ?
Who in Thy Holy Mount abide.
To what imperial race allied ?

22 THE PSALMS. XVI

Not to the great ones of the earth,
Of princely blood, of royal birth ;
Not to the haughty and the proud,
Is this high privilege allowed.

2 But he who walks uprightly here,

Whose words are true, whose heart 's sincere,
With slanderous tongue does not offend.
Basely betray or wrong a friend ;

3 Aids not his neighbor to defame ;

4 Who towards the vile feels only shame.
But honors those that fear the Lord ;
Swears to his hurt and keeps his word ;

5 Makes no hard terms for money lent ;
No bribes takes 'gainst the innocent —
Who does these things, he enter may
God's House, and permanently stay.

PSALM XVI.

RESERVE me, for in Thee I trust,
I said : " My God Thou art ;
My good, my only good, I have
No good from Thee apart.

3 Ev'n as Thy saints, the excellent

In whom is my delight."

4 Their sorrows shall be many who

With other gods unite :

XVI THE PSALMS. 2%

I their drink-offerings of blood

Will not pour out ; nor take
Their hateful names upon my lips,

Nor mention of them make.

5 The Lord the portion is of my
Inheritance and cup:
His favors are so numerous,
I cannot count them up.

Thou wilt maintain my lot — my lines

In pleasant places fall:
A goodly heritage have I

For, having Thee, have all.

7 I bless the Lord Who counsels me ;

At night when I awake,
I hear Him whisper in the dark
Words that me wiser make,

8 The Lord is always in my sight —

With Him at my right hand,

9 I never shall be moved, therefore,

Glad thoughts my heart expand.

lo My flesh shall dwell secure, my soul
Not left to Sheol be :—
Thou wilt not let Thy Holy One
The least corruption see.

24 THE PSALMS. XVII

Thou wilt me show the path of life !

I '11 to Thy presence soar,
Where there is fullness of all joy —

Pleasures forevermore.

PSALM XVII.

EAR Thou the right, O God !
Unjustly I'm arraigned :
Sit judge, and listen to my prayer,
That comes from lips unfeigned.

2 I make petition, let

My sentence come from Thee :
And let Thine eyes behold what things
Belong to equity.

3 Thou hast my heart oft proved ;

Hast come to me at night,
Hast tried me, and hast nothing found
At variance with right.

4 As for the works of men,

I, governed by Thy word.
Have kept myself aloof, and been
From violence deterred :

5 Have held fast to Thy paths ;

My feet have firmly stood :

6 Incline, O God, Thine ear to me,

And hear, for Thou art good.

XVII THE rSALMS. 2$

7 Thy wondrous kindness show,

O Thou who savest those
That put their trust in Thee from all
Who rise up and oppose !

8 O guard me, keep me as

The apple of the eye ;
Under the shadow of Thy wings,
Let me for shelter fly,

9 From deadly foes that spoil

And compass me around —

10 They proudly speak, they watch each step

11 To hurl me to the ground.

12 He like a lion is.

That 's greedy for his prey —
Like a young lion that lies hid
Along the public way.

13 Arise, O Lord, confront,

Cast down and overthrow !
Deliver by Thy sword and hand
From the ungodly foe, —

14 From men whose portion 's here,

Whose cravings Thou dost fill.
Who live, enjoy, and what is left
They to their children will.
2

26 THE PSALMS, XVIII

15 As for myself, Thy face,

In righteousness I '11 see ;
And when I with Thy likeness wake
I satisfied shall be.

PSALM XVIII.

I LOVE Thee, Lord ! my Strength,
My Fortress and High Tower ;

2 To Thee, my Rock, my Shield, my Trust,

3 I fly in danger's hour.

5 The snares of death and hell

Around my feet were spread ;

4 And floods of wickedness rose high,

And filled my soul with dread.

6 I called upon the Lord

In my extreme distress ;
He heard my voice, and came attired
In robes of righteousness.

7 Trembled the earth and shook.

By mighty terror seized ;
The mountains' deep foundations quaked,
Because He was displeased.

8 His nostrils issued smoke.

His mouth devouring fire,
And glowing coals were kindled by
The hotness of His ire.

XVIII THE PSALMS. 2/

(/• He bowed the heaven of heavens,
In gloomy pomp came down ;
Thick darkness was beneath His feet,
But darker was His frown.

10 He on a cherub* rode,

He on the swift winds flew,

11 He darkness made His hiding-place

That no eye could pierce through.

Dark waters and thick clouds
Were round about Him cast,

12 Then at the brightness of His face

The charged clouds bursting passed.

13 He thundered in the heavens,

The Highest gave His voice ;

14 His lightnings scattered them who vexed

The person of His choice.

* The prevalent notion, that by Cherubim is meant a superior order of Celestial
Intelligences, finds more support, it is safe to say, in Paradise Lost than in the
Scriptures. In view of the description there given it seems surprising that any
one should ever have been in doubt as to their purely symbolic character; for
while as real beings they would be judged monstrous and impossible, understood
as simply hieroglyphical and pictorially illustrative, all difficulties vanish, and we
are delighted to see how luminous the name becomes studied in its true meaning.
In the present Psalm, verse lo, we read: '■'And He rode u/>on a Cherub and did
fly, yea. He did fly upon the wings of the wind." Here the Cherub is made ex-
pressly identical with the swift wind. While the term is used in this place in the
singular number, and with a limited meaning, it furnishes, we venture to think,
a reliable clue to the right interpretation of the symbol in its more complex form,
as the mystic tetramorph, described by Ezekiel — the four-faced, four-winged
Cherubim, every part covered with eyes — with accompanying revolving wheels,
suggestive of rapid circular movement, orbit within orbit, exemplified in the

28 THE PSALMS, XVIII

15 At Thy rebuke, O Lord !

The seas' deep bed appeared ;
The world's foundations were laid bare
And all Creation feared.

16 He reached down and me drew

From whelming waters great —

17 He rescued me from my strong foe

And them that did me hate.

They mightier were than I,
iS And met me in the day
Of my calamity ; but then,
Jehovah was my stay.

19 He also brought me forth ;
And by his arm of might
He rescued me, because I was
The child of His delig-ht.

planetary system. It is but the extension of a part to the whole to make this many-
sided figure comprehensive not of the wind only, otherwise the Air, constituting
one of the Elements of Nature, but the whole Four, and God immanent in them
all. If this view be correct, by Cherubim would be meant, what in modern speech
is called Nature, having respect to all the aspects of its unerring perfect four-
sidedness; otherwise known as the Universe, Laws of the Universe — the whole
cosmic array of Secondary Causes — Force in its endless manifestations — embrac-
ing all ministerial agencies, every thing, in fact, that belongs (to use the lan-
guage of Milton) to ' the throne and equipage of God's almightiness, and what
He works and what He suffers to be wrought with high providence in His
Church.' Placed over the Sacred Chest which contained the Decalogue, the lid
forming the Mercy Seat, the same mysterious symbol is seen under a more simple
form — two Cherubim keeping guard over the Law to preserve its sanctity, while
God is spoken of as enthroned between or above them in token of His supremacy
over all creatures and created things. The bi-formed Pan [the All] half beast,
half man, as conceived by the Greeks, representing the universal frame of things,
or Nature, is a figure of the same kind, but far less rich and significant.

XVIII THE rSALMS. 29

20 After my righteousness.

He did reward dispense ;
After the cleanness of my hands,
He did me recompense.

21 For I have kept His ways ;

And have not wickedly
Departed from my God, who is
My sole felicity.

22 For all His judgments were

Before me night and day ;

23 I kept His statutes perfectly,

Not putting them away.

24 After my righteousness.

The Lord did me requite ;
After the cleanness of my hands
In His omniscient sight.

25 Thou to the merciful

Wilt make Thy mercy sure ;

Wilt with the upright upright be,

And pure be with the pure ;

26 Thou too wilt show Thyself

Fro ward to frowardness ;

27 For while Tb.ou dost resist the proud.

The lowly Thou dost bless.

30 THE PSALMS. XVIII

28 For Thou wilt light my lamp,

Disperse my darkness deep ;

29 By Thee I can run through a troop,

By Thee a wall o'erleap.

30 Most perfect is God's way,

His word is sure and tried ;
He is a buckler to all those
Who in His Name confide.

31 The Lord alone is God,

There is no other Rock ;

32 He girds with strength, He suffers naught

My perfect way to block ;

33 My feet, like hinds' feet, makes

To dizzy heights ascend ;

34 My hands He teaches how to war,

The bow of brass to bend.

35 Thou hast to me the shield

Of Thy salvation given ;
And Thy right hand hath held me up
And disciplined for Heaven.

36 Thou hast enlarged my steps.

My free feet have not slipped ;

37 I will pursue and overtake,

Of every hindrance stripped,

XVIII THE PSALMS. 3 1

And will not turn again,
Until the smitten foe

38 Shall fall beneath my conquering arm —

Be utterly laid low.

39 For to the battle Thou

Hast girded me with might ;

40 And made th' insurgents turn their backs

In ignominious flight.

41 They cried aloud for help,

But there was none to save ;
Ev'n to the Lord they cried, but He
No answer to them gave.

42 Then did I beat them small ;

Away I made them fleet
As dust wind-driven, I cast them out
As the mire of the street.

43 Thou from the people's strifes

Hast freed me, and me made

44 Head of the nations — homage shall

By strangers be me paid.

45 Those whom I have not known

Shall hasten to obey ;
They shall submit themselves to me,
And fear and fade away.

32 THE PSALMS. XIX

46 Jehovah lives, my Rock ;

Let Him exalted be !

47 The God of my salvation, who

48 Avenged and rescued me.

49 Therefore will I give thanks,

And will His praises sing,

50 Who wrought this great deliverance

For His anointed King.

PSALM XIX.

THE rolling skies with lips of flame
Their Maker's power and skill proclaim :

2 Day speaks to day, and night to night
Shows knowledge writ in beams of light.

3 And though no voice, no spoken word
Can by the outward ear be heard,

4 The witness of a travelling sound
Reverberates the world around.

In the bright east with gold enriched
He for the sun a tent has pitched,

5 That, like a bridegroom after rest.
Comes from his chamber richly drest,
An athlete strong and full of grace,
And glad to run the heavenly race, —

6 Completes his round with tireless feet,
And naught is hidden from his heat.

XIX tup: psalms. 33

7 But, Nature's book sums not the whole :
God's perfect law converts the soul ;
His sure unerring word supplies

The means to make the simple wise ;

8 His precepts are divinely right,
An inspiration and delight ;

His pure commandment makes all clear,

9 Clean and enduring in His fear.

The judgments of the Lord are true,

And righteous wholly through and through ;

10 More to be coveted than gold,

Of higher worth a thousand fold ;
More sweet than sweetest honey far,
Th' unfoldings of their sweetness are :

11 The^ warn Thy servant, and they guard ;
In keeping them there 's great reward.

12 Who can his errors understand ?
My secret faults are as the sand :

From these me cleanse, make pure within,

13 And keep me from presumptuous sin ;
Lest sin me rule and fetter fast,

And I unpardoned die at last.

14 My words and meditation be

O Lord, my Rock, approved of Thee.

34 THE PSALMS. XX

PSALM XX.

AY God thee answer in the day
Of battle-peril and of need !
The God of Jacob thee upstay,
And out of Zion help proceed !

3 Have to thy offerings due regard ;

Of thy pure zeal be mindful still ;

4 Thy pious faithfulness reward,

And all thy purposes fulfil !

5 We'll praise thee, victor in the fight,

x\nd God too, who for thee contests ;
And on our loyal banners write :
" The Lord fulfil all thy requests."

6 The Lord doth His Anointed save,

I know, with a salvation grand ;
Ev'n while He asked, God answer gave —
The saving strength of His right hand.

7 While some in mounted horses trust.

And some in chariots of war,
In God, and in a cause that 's just.
Our confidence is greater far.

8 And justly so ; for while they lie

O'erthrown and prostrate and deject,
Or panic-stricken wildly fly.
We risen are and stand erect.

XXI THE PSA I.MS. 35

y Jehovah, save ! God save the King !
Let the King hear us when we call !
Hosanna ! God's high praise we sing.
By whom the nations rise or fall.

PSALM XXI.

THE King shall in Thy strength rejoice,
And Thy salvation, Lord !

2 The fullness of his heart's desire

Thou hast to him outpoured.

3 With gifts and blessings infinite.

Thou goest him before,
Forestalling all his large requests
And giving liim yet more.

A crown of purest gold. Thy gift.
Doth on his forehead blaze ;

4 He asking life, Thou gav'st it him,

Ev'n endless length of days.

5 Thou dost on him high honor lay,

Great majesty and might,

6 For Thou most blessed makest him

Forever in Thy sight.

And Thou appointest him to be

A blessing to the race ;
Dost gladden him with gladness found

Nowhere but in Thy face.

36 THE PSALMS. ■ XXII

7 For the King trusted in the Lord,

And he unmoved shall stand :

8 Against all those who bear Thee hate

Thou wilt display Thy hand.

9 Like to a flaming furnace Thou

Wilt make them in that hour ;
God shall them swallow up in wrath,
A fire shall them devour.

10 Their seed shall perish from the earth,

11 For their intended ill —

The plot which they devised, they are
Not able to fulfill.

12 For Thou Thy bowstrings wilt prepare,

And wilt them put to flight :

13 Be, Lord, exalted in Thy strength,

So we will harp Thy might !

PSALM XXII.

MY God, my God, O why
Hast Thou forsaken me ?
My cry sounds shrill throughout a lone
And dark eternity.

One moment seems an age.

Mid this desertion drear ;
The empty heavens receive my prayer,

But there is none to hear.

XXII THE PSALMS. 37

2 I in the daytime call,

My calling is in vain ;
I am not silent in the night,
But yet no help obtain.

3 But Thou most holy art —

Amid the praises throned

4 Of Israel, who trusted Thee,

5 And never was disowned.

6 A worm, and not a man,

Reproach I on me draw —

7 All they that see me wag their head,

And, mocking, cry : " Ha ! ha !

8 " He trusted in the Lord,

That He would him befriend —
Let Him, since He in him delights.
Deliverance extend."

9 But from my birth Thou hast

Thy love and care expressed ,
And madest me to trust, when I
Was on my mother's breast.

10 Thou art my Father, God,

My stay, my only one —

11 O be not far, for trouble 's neai .

And helper there is none.

38 THE PSALMS. XXII

12 O many bulls, strong bulls

Of Bashan, hem me round ;

13 They gape on me, and, lion-like,

They roar and tear the ground.

14 Like water I 'm poured out ;

My bones are drawn apart ;
Like melted wax within my breast
Is my dissolving heart.

15 My strength is all dried up ;

Fierce thirst inflames my breath ;
My tongue is fastened to my jaws,
And I am nigh to death.

16 Round me a barking crowd

Of evil-doers meet —
With murderous and cruel nails
They pierce my hands and feet ;

17 They on my anguish gloat ;
iS My garments, at the last,

They part among them, and they lots
Upon my vesture cast.

19 Haste to my help, my Strength !

Cast off each cruel clog —

20 My soul deliver from the sword,

My darling* from the dog ;

* Literally, My only one, i. e., My dear life, my soul — Macbeth's " mine eternal
jewel."

X \ 1 1 ThE PSA LMS. 39

21 Save from the lion's mouth ! —

I made my prayer to Thee,
And from the horns of th' unicorns
Thou, Lord, hast answered me.

22 The agony is o'er,

The triumph is complete :
I to my brethren will declare
Thy Name and praises sweet.*

23 Praise Him, all ye that fear

Jehovah, the Most High —
Ye Jacob's seed, ye Israel's,
Fear Him and glorify !

24 For He did not despise,

Abhor as others did ;
But heard the Sufferer when he cried,
E'en when His face seemed hid.

* One who appreciates the dramatic structure of many of the Psalms, will have
no difficulty in ascribing the great difference of tone which characterizes differ-
ent portions of the same psalm to a change of speakers. Take Psalm 69 for an
example. The imprecatory language of verses 22-28 is so out of keeping with
what precedes and follows that one is forced to refer it to another speaker. Com-
ing from the mouth of a sympathizing and indignant spectator of the fiendish
cruelty practised on patient innocence, all seems natural and proper. Such an
one would answer exactly to the Chorus of the Greek Drama, offering his com-
ment, favorable or otherwise, on what is passing. In the present Psalm, the an.
ticipatory wail of the predicted Messiah, hanging on the Cross, reaches to verse
22. All that follows might properly proceed from the supposed Chorus repre-
senting the whole body of the faithful. Sec Milton's " Samson Agonistes " for an
illustration of the office of the Chorus; also Shakespeare's " Henry V."

40 THE PSALMS. XXII

25 My praise shall be of Him ;

I '11 in th' assembly great
Of those that fear Him, pay my vows,
And myself consecrate.

26 The meek shall freely eat.

He full supply will give :
Who seek the Lord they Him shall praise :
* Your heart forever live ! '

27 The farthest ends of earth

Shall all return to Thee —
All kindreds of the nations shall
Before Thee bow the knee.

28 For His the kingdom is ;

His right it is to sit
Ruler among the nations, men
To bless and benefit.

29 The opulent shall eat

And worship ; and the poor,
That cannot keep his soul alive.
Find his provision sure.

30 The unborn Him shall serve,

And sire shall tell to son
HowfaithfuUy His promises
He hath observed and done.

XXIII THE rSALMS. 4 1

PSALMXXIII.

THE Lord m}' Shepherd is,
He satisfies my needs ;
In pastures green He makes me lie —
By restful waters leads.

My sinking soul revives,

When faint and spiritless ;
For His Name's sake He guides my feet

In paths of righteousness.

Though in the deep dark gorge

I walk, I will not fear,
For through the death-shade black as night

Thy crook and presence cheer.

Thou hast a table spread

For me, in sight of foes ;
My head anointed hast with oil.

My cup of good o'erflows.

Goodness and mercy still

Shall surely follow me,
And in Thy House* will I abide

Forever, Lord, with Thee.

♦If it be assumed that this was cne of David's earlier ccmpositirns, asthe Tem-
ple was not yet built, it follows, that by " the House of the Lord " in this place is
meant no particular building— not the. Tabernacle even— but that, in the estima-
tion of the Psalmist, any place, mountain cave or bit of green sward, hallowed
by the Divine Presence, is a veritable Bethel— House of Gi d.

42 THE PSALMS. XXIV

SECOND VERSION.

THE Lord is my Shepherd, I never shall want ;
Since He is my Keeper, no danger shall daunt ;
He makes me lie down in green pastures, and leads
By the soft-sliding waters that gladden the meads.

He refreshes my soul ; and in faithfulness sweet
Guides rightly my silly and ignorant feet ;
Through the gloom of the glen I will walk without fear,
For my Shepherd is with me to lighten and cheer.

Thou prepar'st me a feast in the face of my foes,
My head Thou anointest, my cup overflows :
Surely goodness shall follow my steps all my days
And I'll dwell in Thy House, and my life spend in praise.

PSALM XXIV.

JEHOVAH'S right to all extends ;
He made, and all upholds as well —
The earth with all it comprehends ;

The world and all that therein dwells —

2 He founded it upon the seas,
And stablished it by firm decrees.

3 Who shall ascend into His Hill ?

Who stand within His Holy Place?

4 He with clean hands, pure heart and will,

Who does not stoop to actions base ;
Who not deceitfully has sworn.
But holds all lying arts in scorn.

XXV THE PSALMS. 43

5 He blessings shall from God receive —

Dear pledges of His saving grace :
The God of Truth w'xW not deceive
Those who sincerely seek His face —

6 The sons of Jacob who inquire,
God's chosen, shall have their desire.

7 Lift up your heads, ye ancient gates !

Ye everlasting doors, give way !
For lo ! the King of Glory waits.
And means to enter in to-day.

8 " Who is this King of Glory ? Who ?

Jehovah, mighty to subdue.

9 Lift up your heads, ye ancient gates !

Ye everlasting doors, give way !
For lo ! the King of Glory waits.
And means to enter in to-day.
lo " Who is this King of Glory, then ? "
The Lord of angels and of men.

P S A L M XXV.

O Thee I lift my soul —
My God, I trust in Thee ;
Let me not be ashamed, let not
My foes exult o'er me,

44 THE PSALM 3. XXV

3 Let none who on Thee wait

In praying humbleness,
Be e'er ashamed, but only those
Who causelessly trangress.

4 Show me Thy paths, O Lord !

5 Instruct me in Thy way :
Great God of my Salvation, I

On Thee wait all the day.

6 Thy tender mercies. Lord,

Have ever been of old :

7 Remember not my youthful sins

And follies manifold.

8 The Lord I know is good

And upright ; He will teach
Sinners, who seek the right to know.
And guidance give to each ;

9 The lowly and the meek

Will lovingly direct :

10 Mercy and truth are unto such

As His commands respect.

11 For Thy Name's sake, O Lord !

Who only canst forgive,
Pardon my guilt, for it is great.
And let the culprit live.

XXV THE PSALMS. ^5

12 What man doth fear the Lord ?

13 He, though of humble birth,

Shall dwell at ease, and his meek soul
Inherit shall the earth.

14 The secret of the Lord

With them that fear Him is ;
He will them show His covenant,
And honor them as His.

15 Mine eyes are toward the Lord,

In confidence that He
Will pluck my feet out of the net
The fowler spread for me.

16 Have mercy on me, Lord,

For desolate I grieve ;

17 My troubles are enlarged, do Thou

My countless woes relieve,

18 And pardon all my sins ;

Regard my sad estate ;
10 My foes are many, and they me
With cruel hatred hate.

20 O keep my soul from shame ;

I put my trust in Thee ;

21 Let my uprightness me preserve.

And my integrity.

46 THE PSALMS. XXVI

22 Since all who wait on Thee
Thou holdest in esteem,
From all his troubles do Thou, Lord,
Thine Israel redeem.

PSALM XXVI.

JUDGE me, O Lord ! to Thee I dare
In my integrity appeal :
I lay my inmost bosom bare,
Attempting nothing to conceal.

In all uprightness I have walked,
And have not wavered in my trust :

Bear witness if I've vainly talked.
Have been injurious or unjust.

2 Examine me, O God ! and try :

I welcome so supreme a test
As the inspection of Thine eye.

Searching the secrets of my breast.

3 Thy mercy is before mine eyes.

And from Thy truth I have not strayed ;

4 I have not sat with men of lies,

5 Nor friendships with dissemblers made.

6 I '11 wash my hands in innocence.

And so Thine altar will surround ;

7 With love and thankfulness intense

I will Thy wondrous works resound.

XXVn THE PSALAfS. 47

8 I love Thy Habitation, Lord !

The Place where doth Thy Glory* dwell,
Whence Thou dost saving help afford
To Thine afflicted Israel.

9 Gather me not with men of blood ;

10 Mischief and bribes are in their hand : —

11 But as for me, I with the good

Will walk uprightly in the Land.

Redeem me, Lord, and show me grace,
Confirm me in my righteousness !

12 My foot stands in an even place ;

Thee in th' assemblies I will bless.

PSALM XXVII.

THE Lord my Saviour is, and Light ;
Whom should I fear with Him to aid ?
My life's stronghold and secret might ; —
What cause have I to be afraid ?

2 When like some hungry beast of prey,

My foes came on me to devour,
They stumbled, fell — and snatched away
I live unhurt until this hour.

3 Not though a host 'gainst me encamp,

And war its ugly front uprear.
Shall this my trust or courage damp.
Or cowardize my heart with fear.

* Tlie Shckinah.

48 THE PSALMS. XXVII

4 One thing I greatly have desired,

For which I will not cease to pray,
That I, from scenes of strife retired.
Of battle fierce and bloody fray,

In the Lord's House may dwell in peace
All my life long, with ravished eyes

His beauty to behold, nor cease

To ask of Him and grow more wise.

5 In time of trouble, He'll me hide

In His pavilion strong and safe ;
He to a rock my feet shall guide

6 High o'er my foes that vainly chafe.

I '11 in His Tabernacle make

Offerings of joy with trumpet sound ;

His praises loudly sing, and wake
Melodious echoes all around.

7 Hear me, O Lord ! When Thou didst deign,

8 Those words, " Seek ye My Face," to speak,
My grateful heart in contrite pain

Replied, "Thy Face, Lord, will I seek."

9 Hide not Thy Face from me, I pray !

Thou hast my help been in the past :
In anger turn me not away ;

Forsake me not, nor from Thee cast.

XXVIII THE PSALMS. 49

10 When of my parents I 'm bereft

Earth's holiest ties have sundered been,
I know I have a Father left,

Who will adopt and take me in.

11 Teach me Thy perfect way, O Lord !

Because of foes that lie in wait ;

12 From slanderers and others, guard,

That breathe out cruelty and hate.

13 Unless I had believed to see

Thy goodness. Lord, here verified,
Sometime, somehow, it seems to me
I must have fainted, must have died.

14 Wait on the Lord : Be strong, and let

Thy heart take courage ! Banish fear !
No one defeat has suffered yet —

Wait on the Lord : Be of good cheer !

PSALM XXVIII.

TO Thee, O Lord, I lift my cry-
Be Thou, my Rock, not deaf to it.
Lest I become like them that die —
Them that go down into the pit.

2 Now, while I on Thy footstool dwell,
I raise my hands, my heart to Thee !
Speak from Thy Holy Oracle,
O be not silent, answer me !

50 THE PSALMS. XXIX

3 Gather me not with those, who play

Their cunning and deceitful parts !
Peaceful and kind the words they say,
But mischief lurks within their hearts.

4 Render to them their just desert :

5 Because Thy works they disregard,
Break down and lay them in the dirt —

Be utter ruin their reward.

6 Thrice blessed be the Lord, for He

Has silence broke, and answer given ;

7 He is my Strength, He strengthens me,

My Shield, my Helper, out of Heaven.

'Tis good to trust and wait I find ;

I trusted, and deliverance came ;
Therefore will I with heart and mind,

Rejoice in Him, and praise His Name.

8 He is His people's Strength; He is

To His Anointed a Stronghold :
A shepherd's tenderness is His,
• He feeds His flock and guards the fold.

PSALM XXIX.

/~^ IVE to the Lord, ye sons of might,
VlT' Glory and strength — His throne address ;
2 Him worship, clothed in robes of light.
The beauty born of holiness.
Ye angel hosts on high proclaim
The dreadful honors of His Name.

XXX THE PSALMS. 5 1

3 His voice is on the billowy sea,

Heard in the thunder of its waves,

4 Is full of power and majesty.

Resounding through its countless caves,
And, with its loud and deafening roar.
It shakes and terrifies the shore.

5 Cedars of Lebanon it breaks ;

6 They like a calf affrighted skip ;
It Lebanon and Hermon makes

Like a young unicorn to trip ;
S The desert, Kadesh, quakes to hear ;
9 And hinds untimely calve through fear,

7 His voice it cleaves the lightning's wing ;
9 It strips and leaves the forest bare ;

And all Creation worshipping

Saith, " Glory ! glory ! " everywhere :
lo He at the Flood and through all time
Sits King upon His throne sublime,

PSALM XXX.

I WILL extol Thee and adore.
For Thou hast raised me up once more ;
And hast not chosen to fulfill.
The hope of those who wish me ill.

2 O Lord, my God, I Thee besought,

3 And Thou hast healed me : Thou hast brought
Up from the underworld my soul —

Saved from the grave and made me whole.

52 THE PSALMS. XXX

4 Sing to Jehovah, sound the fame
Of His memorial Holy Name!

5 While that His anger is most brief,
A sharp but momentary grief.

His favor is a life time ; pain
And weeping may perchance remain
O'er night, but when the morning breaks,
The sleeping joy to praise awakes.

6 But foolishly, by pride misled,

"I never shall be moved," I said —

7 " Thy favor, Lord, continued long.

Has made my mountain to stand strong."

When Thou Thy loving Face didst hide,

8 Then was I troubled, and I cried

9 To Thee, O Lord ! and said : " What good
Or profit is there in my blood ?

"When I go down into the pit,

Shall the dust praise Thee? or shall it

10 Declare Thy truth ? — Jehovah, hear,
Pity and help, in love draw near ! "

11 Thou hast (my penitence discerned)
My mourning into dancing turned ;
My sackcloth loosed ; and girded me

12 With joy — that I may sing to Thee.

XXXI THE PSALMS. 53

PSALM XXXI.

IN Thee, O Lord, I put my trust —
Let me not come to shame :

2 Haste tQ my help, deliver me,

In Thy most righteous Name !

Be Thou to me a rock of strength,
Where I may safely bide :

3 And so Thou art ; for Thy Name's sake

Thou wilt me lead and guide.

4 Pluck from the net they 've hid for me,

For Thou art my sure Friend ;

5 Hast me redeemed — into Thy hand

My spirit I commend.

6 Them that vain idols serve I hate ;

My soul on Thee relies,

7 I will be glad, for Thou hast seen

My woes with pitying eyes ;

8 And hast not me delivered up

A prisoner to my foe ;
But set my feet in a large place,
Left free to come and go.

9 Have mercy on me. Lord ! mine eye
With weeping wastes away ;
My powers of soul and body fail.
And fall into decay.

54 THE PSALMS. XXXI

10 For all my life with grief is spent ;

With sighing all my years :

By reason of my sins, I weep

My strength away in tears.

11 Because of all my foes, reproach

Me everywhere attends ;
A scorn I to my neighbors am,
A terror to my friends.

They that did see me in the street
Immediately fled :

12 I am forgotten, out of mind,

Like one already dead.

13 I heard the many me traduce —

The envious sons of strife —
While they took counsel, and devised
To take away my life.

14 But in the Lord I trusted still :

I said : " Thou art my God ;

15 My times are in Thy hand, I wait

For Thy delivering rod."

16 Upon me cause Thy Face to shine ;

Save, for Thy mercies' sake :

17 Let me not be ashamed, O Lord !

But so the wicked make,

XXXI THE PSALMS. 55

Let them in Sheol silent be ;
iS Let lying lips be dumb,

From which proud words and insolent
Now 'gainst the righteous come.

19 How great Thy goodness treasured up,

Ne'er told by tongue or pen.
For those who fear and trust in Thee
Before the sons of men !

20 Thou in Thy presence wilt them hide,

From plotters 'gainst their life ;
In Thy pavilion them conceal,
Safe from the tongues of strife.

21 O blessed be the Lord, for He

Strange kindness me hath shown,
In a strong city, fenced with walls,
That could not be o'erthrown.

22 In my alarm and haste, I said :

" I am cut off," but no —
For when I cried for help, Thou didst
The needed help bestow.

23 O love the Lord, all ye His saints ;

The proud He will reward :

24 Be strong, take courage, O all ye,

Whose hope is in the Lord !

56 THE PSALMS. XXXII

PSALM XXXII.

BLEST is the man, who stands forgiven
Of trespasses and debts ;
To whom the Lord imputes not guilt,
But cancels and forgets.

2 Whose penitence is found sincere ;

Whose spirit knows no guile ;
Whose earthly pilgrimage is cheered
By God's approving smile.

3 When I kept silence I waxed old,

Through moaning all day long ;

4 Thy hand was heavy day and night.

For unacknowledged wrong.

The moisture of my fevered frame
Was changed to summer drought ;

I felt the sting of conscious guilt,
But could not pluck it out.

5 Acknowledged I my sin to Thee,

With sense of what was fit ;
I said, I will confess my fault,
And Thou forgavest it.

6 For this let every godly one

To Thee in prayer abound
In an accepted time, when Thou
May'st certainly be found.

XXXTI THE PSALMS. 57

They surely shall not reach to him,
When whelming waters rave ;

When danger 's near, Thou 'rt nearer yet,
And powerful to save.

7 Thou art for me a Hiding Place
In trouble, Thou wilt make
Songs of divine deliverance
On every side to break.

8 I will instruct Thee in the way.

Thy duty 't is to go —
With mine eye on Thee, counsel thee
What paths to tread below.

9 Be not as horse or mule that must,

Irrational and dumb,
With bit and bridle be held firm.
To make them stay or come :

10 The wicked many sorrows have ;

But whoso trusts the Lord,
Mercy shall compass him about
And grace be on him poured.

11 Exult, ye righteous, and rejoice ;

In praise bear each his part ;
Ring out your gladness, O all ye
Who upright are in heart !

58 THE PSALMS. XXXIII

PSALM XXXIII.

EEJOICE, ye righteous, in the Lord,
For praise and thanks the upright suit ;

2 Now test the sweetness of each chord

Of holy harp and ten-stringed lute —

3 Awake new ecstasies and joys ;
Play skillfully with a loud noise !

4 Sing how Jehovah's word is right —

The awful rule of rectitude :
His works of mercy and of might,
How faithfully He has pursued :

5 How loves He righteousness ; how earth
He fills with melody and mirth !

6 Say, By His word the heavens were made,

And their unreckonable hosts :

7 He garnered seas, their depths uplaid

In magazines shut in by coasts :
He bound the whole by chains of law —

8 Let the earth fear and stand in awe.

All things that are, in Him begun —

By Him created in the past !
He spake the word, and it was done ;

Commanded, and the world stood fast.
On high He sits, serene and calm,
Holding creation in His palm.

XXXIII HIE rSALMS. 59

10 The counsels of the nations He

Makes void, their thoughts of none effect ;

11 His counsels stand eternally,

Impaired by time in no respect.

12 Happy the nation, happiest known.
Whose God Jehovah is alone.

13 The Lord from heaven at once surveys

The myriads of human birth ;

14 From His high throne directs His gaze

On all th' inhabitants of earth :

15 He fashioned all their hearts, and knows
Who are His friends and who His foes.

16 Not by the number of his host

Is the king saved, and victory gained ;
Not by his might, the warrior's boast,
Is his deliverance obtained.

17 The war-horse, when it has to cope
With mightier strength, is a vain hope.

iS Jehovah watches from above

The trembling footsteps of the just :

iQ From famine, and from death, in love,
Preserves all those who in Him trust.

20 To us, O Lord ! our Help ! our Shield !
Be now Thy saving power revealed !

21 Our heart in Thee shall happy rest.

Because we 've trusted in Thy Name ;

6o THE PSALMS. XXXIV

Thy faithfulness 't is sweet to test —
Thou Who forever art the same.
22 Thy mercy, Lord, upon us be,
According as we hope in Thee.

PSALM XXXIV.

I WILL bless the Lord, and raise
Ceaseless canticles of praise ;
From full fountains running o'er,
I perpetual thanks will pour.

2 I will praise Him Vv^hen I 'm glad ;
I will praise Him when I 'm sad ;
While my eyes with tears are dim,
I will make my boast of Him.

3 Magnify the Lord with me ;
Let His Name exalted be :

4 When I seek the Lord, He hears
And delivers from my fears.

5 They who look to Him, their gloom
He shall scatter and illume :
Whoso call upon His Name,

They shall never blush for shame.

6 To the poor man in his grief,
Brings He succor and relief :

7 And His angel camps about
All the pious and devout.

XXXIV THE PSALMS. 6 1

8 Taste and see the Lord is good :
'T is a truth not understood,
They alone are truly blest
Who upon His bosom rest.

9 Fear the Lord all ye His saints ;
Wants He '11 banish and complaints —

10 Though young lions suffer lack,
He '11 no good from you keep back.

11 Come, ye children, now draw near.
Hear me teach Jehovah's fear:

12 Would ye walk in pleasant ways,
See long life and happy days,

13 Keep your tongue from slanders vile,
And your lips from speaking guile ;

14 Practice good, no evil do ;
Seek ye peace and it pursue.

15 Turns the Lord approving eyes
On the good. He hears their cries ;

16 But His face is turned away
From the wicked, them to slay.

17 To the broken-hearted, He,
Dweller in eternity,

18 Stoops contrition's sigh to hear.
And to wipe the bitter tear.

62 THE PSALMS. XXXV

19 Many are the good man's woes,
But they spoil not his repose :

20 Of his bones God keeps each one,
And of all there 's broken none,

21 Evil shall the wicked slay —
Doomed the penalty to pay :

22 They, who in Jehovah trust,
Shall accounted be as just.

PSALM XXXV.

STRIVE Thou with those who strive with me ;
Fight Thou gainst those who 'gainst me fight ;

2 Grasp shield and buckler ; And, O be,

Jehovah, helper of my right !

3 Draw out the spear, and block their way ;

And, " I will save thee," to me say.

4 Confound and put to shame all those.

Who seek my life, my hurt contrive ;
Turn Thou them back ; and make my foes

5 Like chaff that storm-winds fiercely drive :

6 Let, through a dark and slippery place.
The Angel of the Lord them chase.

7 P'or without cause, for me a snare

They hid, and digged for me a pit ;
S As for their trap, all unaware
9 May they themselves fall into it.
10 " Who is like Thee," I then shall say,
" Who spoils the spoiler of his prey ? "

XXXV THE PSALMS. 63

11 Malicious witnesses arise ;

They ask me things I do not know ;

12 They ill for good 'gainst me devise ;

Bereave, and plunge my soul in woe.

13 Whereas, when they were sick, I wore
Sackcloth, kept fast, watched, prayed, wept sore.

14 As to a cherished friend or brother

I bore myself, I to him clung ;
I mourned as for a dying mother ;

15 But at my halting, their sharp tongue
They did like sword 'gainst me unsheath —

16 They gnashed upon me with their teeth.

17 How long, O Lord, wilt Thou look on ?

Restore destructions ! Let my life
From the young lion's jaws be won —

The purposed prey of men of strife :
iS In the great congregation I

Will then Thy goodness magnify.

19 Let not them, wrongfully my foes.

Rejoice o'er me ; permit not them,

20 Who without cause hate and oppose,

To sneer, wink with the eye, contemn,

21 And with wide mouth exclaim, "Ha ! ha !
We'd have it so, we 're glad we saw."

22 Lord ! Thou hast seen it — Be not far ;

23 Wake to the justice of my cause :

64 THE PSALMS, XXXVI

24 Judge me, judge them, who guilty are,

According to Thy righteous law.

25 Let them not say with humor grim,

" Ha ! ha ! we now have swallowed him."

26 May those who at my hurt rejoice,

Confounded and dishonored lie,
My foes, who with united voice
Themselves against me magnify.

27 Friends of my right, let them in song,
Sing Thy glad praises all day long I

PSALM XXXVI.

WICKEDNESS within the heart
Of the sinner whispers lies.
Drawn to act the atheist's part.
To God's fear he shuts his eyes ;-

2 Duped by that false oracle.

By self-flatteries within —
Thinks that none will know or tell
Th' odious secret of his sin.

3 False his words are ; to be wise.

And do good he has left off :

4 Plans in bed iniquity ;

His chief business is to scoff.

XXXVI THE PSALMS, 65

5 Lord, Thy truth and goodness strike

Highest reaches of the sky ;

6 And Thy righteousness is like

Thy great mountains lifted high :

And Thy judgments are a deep,
Deeper than the deepest sea :

Man and beast. Thou, Lord, dost keep-
All would perish without Thee.

7 Precious is Thy love and dear;

Safe the shelter of Thy wing ;

8 Great abundance of good cheer

Thou wilt to Thy children bring

Thou wilt make them drink their fill
From Thine Eden river bright :
9 With Thee is life's fountain still,
In Thy light shall we see light.

10 Let Thy goodness bide and stay :

11 Let not foot of pride o'ertake :
Let no hand drive me away :

12 They shall fall who Thee forsake.

66 THE PSALMS. XXXVII

PSALM XXXVII.*

T evil-doers do not fret ;

Let their success not thee disturb —
They soon like grass will be cut down,
And withered be like the green herb !

3 But in Jehovah trust ; do good ;

Dwell in the land and safely feed :

4 And in the Lord delight thyself,

And He '11 supply thy every need.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord :

Confide in Him to make all right.

6 He will bring forth thy righteousness,

And judgment as the noonday light.

7 Depend upon the Lord, and wait ;

Fret not thyself at other's gain :

8 From anger cease, and wrath forsake —

It tends to crime, is worse than vain.

9 Evil who sow, shall evil reap ;

But those who wait, shall yet possess.
lo The wicked soon shall be no more, —
His mansion be left tenantless.

♦This Psalm belongs to the acrostic or alphabetic class, in which ihe initial
letters of the Hebrew alphabet, in their regular order, are the initial letters of the
successive lines or stanzas of the poem. They are seven in number, viz. : Psalms
25, 34, 37, III, 112, 119, 145. The aphoristic character is common to them all.
Made up of practical precepts to be learned by heart, it is probable that the al-
phabetic arrangement was meant to serve as a mnemonic device to assist in re-
membering them. In the present case the English alphabet has been substituted
for the Hebrew.

XXXVII THE PSALMS. 67

11 ITavored of God are all the meek,

The meek inherit shall the earth —
Abundance shall they have of peace,
In testimony of their worth.

12 Giris for the good the wicked lays,

He gnashes on him with his teeth.

13 The Lord shall laugh at him ; He sees

Destruction moving from beneath.

14 Hands of the wicked draw the sword,

They bend the bow to slay the upright —

15 Their sword shall enter their own hearts ;

Their bow shall broken be outright.

16 In little has the righteous more,

Than many wicked have in much :

17 The arms of these shall shattered be,

But God lets none the righteous touch.

i3 Knows God the days of the upright ;
Their heritage shall aye endure ;

19 They shall at no time come to shame ;

Their bread in famine shall be sure.

20 Let all the wicked know, that theirs

Is the brief glory of the meads :
Like smoke it vanishes away,
The final fate of fairest weeds.

68 THE PSALMS. XXXVII

21 Money they borrow and pay not ;

The righteous favor show, and give :

22 Those whom God blesses, title gain

To vast estates, and long shall live.

23 N^eed is our steps should ordered be

By God, who therein takes delight ;

24 For though we fall, we *11 rise again,

By help of His upholding might.

25 On the Lord's faithfulness rely :

For I 've been young and now am old.
Yet have I seen forsaken none

Who trusted God, and kept fast hold.

26 Practice the precepts thou hast learned :

Keep God's pure law thine eyes before :
Depart from evil and do good ;
And so abide forevermore.

28 Quite sure it is He judgment loves ;

And He will not His saints forsake : —
They are preserved for aye ; but He
An end will of the wicked make.

29 Revolves the righteous in his heart

30 The words of wisdom he would speak ;

31 His steps they waver not, because

God's law makes steadfast what is weak.

XXXVII THE PSALMS. 69

32 Sly secret watch the wicked keeps —

Lying in wait just blood to spill :

33 God will explode a sentence given,

Where Hate sits judge and thirsts to kill.

34 Thou on Jehovah wait ; stand fast !

He '11 raise thee to possess the land :
And when the wicked is cut ofif,
Thou shall it see and understand,

35 Under a golden canopy

I saw a wicked man and proud,
Having great power unjustly got,
Claiming base worship from the crowd,

36 Vain glorious, self-deified.

Spreading himself like a green tree
In its own soil. I passed again,
And he was not — gone utterly.

37 Watch thou the perfect man, behold

The upright, for his end is peace :

38 As for transgressors they shall be

Destroyed together, and shall cease.

39 'Xult — salvation 's of the Lord ;

In time of trouble your Stronghold,

40 Vour Help and your Deliverer

From the ungodly, as of old.

70 THE PSALMS. XXXVIII

PSALM XXXVI II.

SPARE me ! howe'er deserved,
My punishment curtail :
Let Thy abundant mercy, Lord,
O'er wrath provoked prevail.

2 Thine arrows are sunk deep ;

There 's nothing in me whole ;

3 There is no soundness in my flesh,

No comfort in my soul.

4 I sink, weighed down by sins

That heavier are than lead,
In whelming waters whose loud waves
Are roaring o'er my head.

5 My stripes are festering wounds ;

6 My agony is great ;

I with unceasing tears bewail
My sorrowful estate :

7 There 's burning in my loins ;

S I am benumbed and bruised ;
I cry out from disquietude
That 's everywhere diffused.

9 My longing is not hid ;

To Thee each sigh and groan,
lo My fluttering heart, my failing eyes,
My feebleness, are known.

XXXVIII THE PSALMS. 7I

11 My lovers and my friends,

My kinsmen stand aloof ;

12 My foes weave hateful calumnies,

Most false in warp and woof.

13 But I 've been deaf and dumb,

14 Like one that did not hear ;

15 For Thee I waited, O my God !

My character to clear.

16 They will, I said, exult.

If I commit a fault —
If slips my foot, and well I know

17 I ready am to halt.

iS My grief I kept in mind —
How guilty I have been ;
I will my guiltiness declare.
Be sorry for my sin.

19 But many are my foes.

They deadly are and strong ;

20 Evil for good they render me.

For kindness do me wrrong.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord !

Be never far away ;

22 Make haste to help me, O my God !

Thy saving power display.

72 THE PSALMS. XXXIX

PSALM XXXIX.

I SAID, I will take heed, that I
Offend not with my tongue ;
My mouth with bridle keep, while I
The wicked am among.

2 And I was dumb, I held my peace,

I uttered not a word,
Abstained from even proper speech —
Then was my sorrow stirred ;

3 My heart was hot within ; the fire

While I was musing, burned ;
Then spake I with my tongue once more
Of what me most concerned.

4 Make me to know my end, O Lord !

The measure of my days ;
That I may know how frail I am,
How fatal my delays.

5 Behold my days as handbreadths are.

So brief are they and few ;
My life is naught — a bubble I
And bubbles I pursue.

6 Man at his best, when standing firm.

In truth is but a breath ;
He heaps up gold with restless toil
For unknown heirs at death.

XL THE PSALMS. 73

7 And now, what wait I for, O Lord ?

My hope is all in Thee ;

8 O make me not the sceptic's scorn ;

From my transgressions free.

9 Because Thou didst it, I was dumb,

I opened not my mouth :

10 Remove Thy stroke away from me,

That parches likes a drouth.

11 When Thou with just rebukes dost man

For his misdeeds correct ;
Thou spoil'st his beauty as a moth,
And turn'st away respect.

12 Hear Thou my prayer for help, O God !

Reply to tears I pour :

13 Let me recover strength*, ere I

Go hence and be no more !

PSALM XL.

I WAITED for the Lord till He
His answer did no more delay ;
2 With a strong arm He lifted me

From darksome pit and miry clay,
And placed my feet on rocky ground.
And made my joy and peace abound.

* Or, O let me smile again,

74 THE PSALMS. XL

3 He gave me a new song to sing,

And His great goodness was my theme ;
I made the hills and valleys ring,

For O my rapture was supreme !
Many shall see and fear and trust,
Happy is he whom lies disgust.

5 Many the wonders Thou hast wrought,

0 Lord my God, on our account :
Tried I to tell each gracious thought,

1 could not to the number mount.

O Thou with whom none can compare.
How can I speak Thee or declare ?

6 Since sacrifice and offering Thou

Hast no delight in any more,
But only in obedience now,

Thou didst mine ears for service bore —
Then said I, " Lo, I come Thy will,
My God, completely to fulfill."

9 To preach glad news of righteousness,

Thou knowest, Lord, I 've not refrained ;
Mid gathered Israel's mighty press.
My ardent lips I've not restrained,
10 From publishing and making known
The truth and mercy of Thy throne.

II Withhold not Thy compassions, let
Thy love and truth continued be :

XLI THE PSALMS. 75

12 For countless ills have me beset,

My sins have overtaken me —
So many are they, shame and dread
Forbid that I should lift my head.

13 Make haste to answer me, O Lord !

14 Let those, who would my soul destroy,
Confusion have for their reward,

And those who in my hurt would joy.

15 Let them therefore be desolate,
Who say Aha ! in scorn and hate.

16 Make glad all who in Thee confide ;

Let such as Thy salvation prize,
Repeat : '' The Lord be magnified ! "

17 Though poor, Thou dost not me despise ;
Thou art my Help — deliv'rance bring.
Make, O my God, no tarrying !

PSALM XLI.

APPY is he whose heart unlocks
And swings a hospitable door,
Whene'er the hand of pity knocks,

And claims admittance for the poor
Who lends to grief a willing ear,
And sheds the sympathizing tear:

2 The Lord will in the evil day
Deliver such, and keep alive ;
He '11 prosper him and turn away
The ruin that his foes contrive:

76 THE PSALMS. XLI

3 Stretched on his couch will stay his head,
And in his sickness make his bed.

4 Have mercy on me, Lord, I said,

Heal Thou my soul, for I have sinned :

5 My foes speak evil, wish me dead :

6 Visits he me? My ears are dinned
With falsehood. He employs his wit

To frame a lie, then blazons it.

7 Gather in knots all who me hate ;

Malicious whispers go around ;
They feign much grief, calumniate.

And try which can the deepest wound :

8 There clings, say they, some evil thing
To him that will to death soon bring.

9 My trusted own familiar friend,*

Who ate my bread, has lifted up
His heel against me — to same end

Held to my lips a poisoned cup :
In secret played a traitor's part.
With stabs directed at my heart.

10 Be gracious. Lord, and me restore.

That I may properly requite ;

11 Because my foe's short triumph 's o'er,

I know Thou dost in me delight,

12 In my integrity dost place
Me evermore before Thy face.

* Ahithophel.

XLI THE PSALMS. yy

13 O blessed and thrice blessed be,
Jehovah, God of Israel !
Whose dwelling is eternity,

Whose being is perpetual —
From everlasting it begun —
To everlasting it will run.

Amen and Amen.

The supposition, that Psalms 38, 39, 41 and 55 were composed while David was
weighed down by the debilitatin}^ languors of a protracted bodily iUness, aggra-
vated by cruel rumors of the unnatural conduct of his son Absalom, and the secret
or open defection and treachery of some of his most trusted counsellors (Ahitho-
phel, in particular), is favored not only by direct hints and allusions, but by the
help it affords in explaining some things otherwise unaccountable — for example,
the supineness and slackened vigor which allowed the conspiracy to ripen with-
out any steps being taken to defeat it. The King's inability, moreover, from this
cause, to perform the duties of his office would naturally give rise to those post-
ponements and delays in the administration of justice and the hearing of causes,
which Absalom so adroitly turned to his own advantage in breeding disaffec-
tion, and stealing the hearts of the people (2 Sam. 15 : 4-6) by an ostentatious for-
wardness and pretended zeal for their welfare.

David's sin in the matter of Uriah was ever before him (Ps. 51: 3) and darkened
the whole of his subsequent life. If sin be, as etymologically defined, " a missing
of the mark," it was never more strikingly verified than in his case. He was soon
made aware that he had committed aot only a crime but a blunder. Though for-
given, he carried a dull ache in his heart's core, that never left him. His heart
oft failed him; he was degraded in his own eyes; he was so ashamed that he was
not able to look up; his iniquities had laid hold of him (Ps. 40: 12) and would not
let go. Ever after his fall, all his adverse fortune he never doubted was a chas-
tisement for that sin — a buffet (Ps. 39 : lo) of the Divine Hand. Again and again
he refers to it. It is an interesting psychological study to note how the recollec-
tion of his great fault affected him. He who had said " I will walk within my house
with a perfect heart" (Ps. 102 : 2) had been guilty of treachery, adultery and mur-
der. O the shame of it ! During all thii miserable months which passed prior to
Nathan's visit he penned no psalms nor sung any. His harp was silent. The
Nemesis of a troubled conscience kept his eyes waking. He speaks of his " roaring
all the day long." The anguish of his mind fevered his body. Then came con-
fession. Both (Ps. 51 and 32) arc saturated with the tears of penitence and a
broken heart. But the sickness, noted in Psalm 41, is evidently of a more chronic
kind, in which figure the plotters concerned in the Absalom rebellion. Com-
pare Ps. 55.

BOOK II

PSALMS XLII AND XLIII.^

S the flying hart, pursued,

Pants for streamlets running free,
So in this lone solitude

Pants my soul, O God, for Thee —

2 Thirsts for Thee, the Living God :

When before Thee shall I come ?

3 Tears have been my daily food,

While they asked and I was dumb,

" Where is now Thy God ? O where ? "

4 I recall, how with the throng,
While thanksgivings shook the air.

To Thy House I passed along.

Dear to memory those days.

When dense crowds went up to pray ;
And with voice of joy and praise

In Thy Courts- kept holy day.

♦These two Psalms, which are properly one, are strophic in form, being di-
vided into three parts by a refrain. David, a discrowned fugitive, has reached
Mahanaim, or is on his way thither. The Psalm has for its entourage, frame, or
setting, the Jordan with its cataracts ; its mountain affluent, the Jabbok, visited
by the hunted hart ; and Mt. Hermon with its three summits. He laments his ex-
clusion from the Sanctuary at Jerusalem. See 2 Samuel 15 : 25.

XLII-XLIII THE PSALMS. 79

5 Why art thou cast down, my soul ?

Why this tossing, sick unrest?
Hope in God, and Him extol.
Who the health is of thy breast.

6 O my God ! I, sad and ill.

From the land of Jordan cry :
Hermon's heights and Mizar's hill
Refuge for the time supply.

7 Musing on the farther shore,

On successful treason's acts,
In full hearing of the roar
Of the mighty cataracts.

Bounds no more my spirit keeps,

Voicing deeps assume control,
All Thy waves and billows sweep

Over my astonished soul.

8 Yet the Lord will be, I know,

Gracious as He was of yore ;
Will His loving-kindness show,
And will former songs restore.

9 I will say, My God ! My Rock !

Why hast Thou forgotten me ?
10 Why do I endure the mock
Of th' insulting enemy ?

80 THE PSALMS. XLII-XLVIII

II Why art thou cast down, my soul ?
Why this tossing, sick unrest?
Hope in God, and Him extol,
Who the health is of thy breast.

1 Judge me, Lord ! defend my right,

'Gainst a nation in revolt ;
From chief traitor* urging fight,
Rescue, and repel assault.

2 Thou who art my Strength, O why

Dost Thou cast me off and spurn?
Why, oppressed by foes, go I
Mourning, waiting Thy return ?

3 Send out now Thy light and truth !

They shall guide me, they shall bring
To Thy Holy Hill, in sooth.
Where I '11 lay thank-offering

4 On Thine altar. For relief

From my tribulation sharp.
For great joy succeeding grief,
I will praise Thee on the harp.

5 Why art thou cast down, my soul ?

Why this tossing, sick unrest?
Hope in God, and Him extol
Who the health is of thy breast.

* Ahithophel ?

XLIV THE PSALMS. 8l

PSALM XLIV.

OGOD ! we with our ears have heard,
Our fathers have us told,
What work Thou wroughtest in their days
The famous days of old.

2 Thou didst the heathen dispossess,

And plantedst them therein :

3 They by the sword gat not the Land,

Nor by their arm did win ;

But Thou, by Thy right hand and arm,

Didst mightily befriend ;
Their conquests multiply, their bounds

On every side extend.

4 Thou art my King : Do Thou, O God,

Deliverance command
Once more for Jacob ; yet once more
Display Thy helping hand.

5 Through Thee we will push down our foes,

Trample and put to shame ;

6 For I '11 not trust in bow or sword ;

7 But only in Thy Name.

Thou hast our adversaries quelled,
And chased their flying ranks :
S In Thee we made all day our boast,
To Thee will still give thanks.

82 THE PSALMS. XLIV

9 But now Thou hast us quite cut off,
And to dishonor brought :
Thou hast not gone forth with our hosts,
Nor on our side hast fought ;

10 And they who hate have us for spoil ;

We at their feet are flung :

11 Thou givest us as sheep for food,

And scatterest them among.

12 Thy people Thou dost sell for naught ;

13 We 're sneered at without rest ;

14 Among the nations a by-word,

The Gentiles' constant jest.

15 I have all day before my eyes

These tokens of disgrace ;

16 The shame of their loud blasphemies

Calls blushes to my face.

17 All this has come upon us. Lord !

But we 've not Thee forgot ;

18 Nor false been to Thy covenant ;

From Thee departed not :

19 Though Thou hast crushed us in the place

Of jackals howling near ;
Hast shrouded us with shades of night,
And blackest glooms of fear.

XLV THE PSALMS. 83

20 If we 've the Name of God forgot,

And played a treacherous part ;

21 Shall God not search this out? He knows

The secrets of the heart.

22 We 're all day long for Thy sake slain ;

Accounted are as sheep
Designed for slaughter, each in turn,
Our life is held so cheap.

23 Awake : why sleepest Thou, O Lord ?

Arise for our relief :

24 Why hidest Thou Thy face from us.

Forgetful of our grief?

25 For to the dust are we bowed down,

We cleave unto the clod —

26 Rise for our help, redeem us for

Thy mercies' sake, O God !

PSALM XLV.

FROM my heart's fountain, my great theme
Wells up, an overflowing stream ;
Because my words concern the King,
Uprushing, copious, they spring :
My tongue possesses a new gift.
The ready writer's pen less swift.

84 THE PSALMS. XLV

2 Fair, fair art Thou, O fairer far
Than fairest of earth's children are :
What grace into Thy lips is poured !
What hives of sweetness there are stored !
Therefore has God pronounced Thee blest —
Th' Eternal Darling of His breast.

3 Gird Thou Thy sword upon Thy thigh,

4 O Mighty One, for triumphs high :
In glory and in majesty

Ascend Thy car, ride prosperously :
Because of meekness, truth and right.
Thy trained hand terribly shall smite.

5 Sharp are Thine arrows in Thy foes,
Whereby the people that oppose
Fall under Thee : Thy work pursue,
Till Thou all nations shalt subdue.

6 Thy throne, O God, forever stands —
Thy righteous sceptre sways all lands.

7 Thou righteousness lov'st evermore.
And hatest wickedness— therefore,
Hath God, Thy God, anointed Thee
With oil of gladness plenteously
Above Thy fellows. When astir,

8 All Thy rich garments smell of myrrh.

Of aloes, cassia, fragrant gums —
While, ever and anon, there comes

XLV THE FSALMS. 85

Out of the ivory palaces

The noise of instruments to please —

The mighty melody of strings,

That lifts the soul on heavenly wings.

9 Daughters of kings are with Thee seen :
On Thy right hand there stands the Queen,
In gold of Ophir : Daughter, hear !

10 Forget thy father's house once dear;

11 So shall the King thy beauty prize :
For He 's thy Lord, lift reverent eyes !

His beauty makes thy beauty dim ;
But thou art fair since fair to Him :
The sweet reflections of His face
Give majesty to thine and grace —
Thou art a portion of His state,
So that His greatness makes thee great.

12 Therefore proud Tyre, will, bowing low.
On thee rich nuptial gifts bestow ;

Th' opulent will thee entreat,
And sue for favors at thy feet :
Honors flow in from every side,
Such as befit a royal bride.

13 Lo, the king's daughter sits admired
In her apartments : all attired

In gorgeous dress inwrought with gold —
Embroidered work fair to behold —

14 She shall be led in to the King ;

15 Attendant virgins shall her bring.

86 THE PSALMS. XLVI

i6 Thou in Thy fathers' stead shalt see

Thy sons, a royal progeny,

Whom Thou, in view of their high birth,

Shalt princes make in all the earth.
17 Thy Name shall still remembered be,

And praise forever rise to Thee.

PSALM XLVI.

aOD is our Refuge and our Rock,
Our Help in tribulation —

2 Therefore we will not fear the shock

That moves the world's foundation.
Let mountains be
Sunk in the sea ;

3 Its waters roar

And shake the shore —
Our hearts shall ne'er be shaken.

There is a river, whose pure streams

Make glad the Holy City ;
Hard by the Hill it glides and gleams.
Where dwells the God of Pity.
Where God abides
No danger hides ;
Seems He withdrawn,
At break of dawn,
His help will be extended.

XLVI THE PSALMS. 8/

6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were

In turmoil and commotion ;
He spake, earth melted ; ceased the stir
And madness of the ocean.

7 The Lord of hosts
Defends our coasts ;
In perils high

To Him we fly,
And all the peril passes.

8 Come, see Jehovah's works of peace —

Who wrought earth's desolations,

9 Now causing wars and strifes to cease

Among all tribes and nations :
He breaks the bow.
The spear also ;
The chariot burns ;
To ashes turns
The engines of destruction.

10 Be still, and know that I am God \

My name shall be exalted —
I Ml stretch my peace-restoring rod
O'er nations that revolted.

11 The Lord of hosts
Defends our coasts ;
In perils high.

To Him we fly,
And all the peril passes.

88 THE PSALMS. XLVII

PSALM XLVII.

OALL ye peoples, clap your hands :
Shout unto God, the Lord Most High ;

2 Who is the Monarch of all lands,

Whose dreadful sceptre rules the sky !

3 He nations under us subdues ;

Puts hostile kingdoms 'neath our feet :

4 Our heritage He deigns to choose —

The pride of Jacob makes His seat.

5 God has gone up with shouts — the Lord

With blare of trumpets echoing —

6 Strike harps of praise ; instruct each chord

To testify God is our King.

7 Sing praise to God with harpings loud !

8 He o'er the nations reigns alone —
In unshared rule, above the proud,

He sits upon His holy throne.

■g Princes of peoples hither throng,
People of Abrah'm's God to be :
The shields of earth to God belong —
Exalted high o'er all is He.

XLVIII THE PSALMS. 89*

PSALM XLVIII.

OD is great, and only great ;
Be His praise proportionate !
In the City of our God,
In the Place of His abode,
In the Mount of Holiness,
Magnify His Name and bless !

2 Rare and beautiful for site,
Earth's chief wonder and delight

3 Is Mount Zion : God is known
For a refuge there alone :
City, for defence renowned,
Castles, gates, and walls around.

4 Kings, assembled, on her gazed,

5 Hastened then away amazed.

6 By dismay and grief o'erta'en,
Like a travailing woman's pain ;

7 Like the ships of Tarshish broke
By the east-wind's dreadful stroke.

8 As we 've heard, so we have seen^
In Jehovah's City clean,

By His presence holy made —
Its foundations by Him laid
On the everlasting flint,
Which no violence can dint.

90 THE FSALMS. XLIX

9 In Thy Temple, Lord, oft sought,
On Thy kindness we have thought,

10 To the earth's remotest ends
Praise of Thy great Name extends.

11 Let the City of Thy choice
In Thy righteousness rejoice !

12 Compass Zion, she is ours ;

Walk about her ; count her towers ;

13 Mark her bulwarks ; note ye well
All her palaces, to tell

14 To your sons her strength and pride :
God till death will be our Guide.

PSALM XLIX.

ALL men, where'er ye dwell, give ear —
Both high and low, both rich and poor ;

3 While I upon my harp make clear

4 Dark truths, discredited but sure :

5 In evil days, why should I dread

Crafty supplanters of my right ?

6 Who, glorying in their wealth, are led

To trust in gold's imagined might.

7 No one his brother can redeem,

A ransom give to God for him ;
When death arrests life's flowing stream,
And rigid grow each joint and limb :

XLIX THE PSALMS, 9 1

8 When strikes the hour, a moment more

Too costly is for him to buy ;

9 However great his golden store,

Though all were his beneath the sky.

10 Yea, he shall see it ; wise men die —

The fool, the brutish too, bereft
Of brief pre-eminence and rule.

The wealth they prize to others left.

11 Their inward thought is, that their fame

And houses will forever last :
They call their lands by their own name
To tell their greatness in the past.

12 But man in honor does not stay ;

He 's like the beasts that perish all ;

13 Though men approve their foolish way,

And their vain sayings wisdom call.

14 They are like sheep the shepherd, Death,

Gathers in Sheol's gloomy fold,
Found in the morning without breath ;
While live th' upright strong and bold.

Sheol their beauty shall devour,

And of their frame shall nothing leave :

15 But God my soul shall from hell's power

Deliver, and shall me receive.

92 THE PSALMS.

i6 Fear not, should chance on one convey
Riches and honors without end ;

17 He dying carries naught away,
No honors after him descend.

i3 Though while he lived he blessed his soul,
And though success men glorify ;

19 Yet shall he perish as a whole,

And in perpetual darkness lie.

20 Man that is high in honor, yet

Wisdom to learn no time allots.
Is like (his thoughts on vain things set)
The beast that perishes and rots.

PSALM L.

THE Mighty God, the Lord of All,
The earth from east to west doth call :

2 From Zion (His most Holy Shrine,
Perfect in beauty) God doth shine.

3 Be sure, that when our God shall come,
His holy lips will not be dumb :

A fire before Him shall devour ;
Round and above black tempests lower.

4 He both the heavens and earth will cite
To witness that He judges right :

5 " Let all My saints assembled be
That made a covenant with Me."

THE PSALMS, 93

6 The heavens declare His righteousness,
And sinful earth the same confess :
For God Himself is Judge, and He

Is perfect truth and equity.

7 " Hear, Israel, I thee arraign ;

Will speak against Thee, and complain,
I that am God, Thy God — draw nigh,
S Not for thy sacrifices, I

" Will blame thee : thy burnt offering
Is frequent and most wearying.
9 No bullock I from thee require ;
No he-goats from thy folds desire :

10 " Each beast is mine the forest fills ;
The cattle on a thousand hills ;

11 Birds of the mountains, one and all,
Beasts of the fields are at my call.

12 " If hungry, I 'd not ask for thine ;
The fulness of the world is Mine.

13 Think ye on flesh of bulls I feed ?
That blood of goats for drink I need !

14 " Offer to God thanksgiving ; pay
Thy righteous vows ; and to Me pray

15 In trouble, and I 'II answer thee ;
And thou with praise shalt honor Me.

94 THE PSALMS. LI

i6 " But God saith to the wicked : What
Hast thou to do, thy right whence got
My statutes to declare, to take

17 Into thy mouth laws thou dost break ?

18 " No vile companionship thee grieves ;
Thy friends adulterers are and thieves'::

19 Assassin thou, false to each trust,

20 That dost behind thy brother thrust.

21 '' Meanwhile, because I silence kept,
Thou vainly thoughtest justice slept ;;
But all thy sins, stript of disguise,

I will array before thine eyes.

22 " O ye, that God forget, attend !'
Lest I in pieces you shall rend.

23 To him who orders well his way
I My salvation will display."

PSALM LI.

AVE pity on me. Lord !
Withhold forgiveness not ;
According to Thy mercy spare,
And my trangressions blot.

2 O wash me from my guilt.

And make me clean within :

3 For my trangressions I confess,

Before me is my sin.

LI THE PSALMS, 95

4 Against Thee only, I

This evil did commit ;
That so thou may'st be justified
When I 'm condemned for it.

5 Lo, in iniquity

I shapen was and born —
In sin my mother me conceived,
And I 'm a wietch forlorn.

6 Behold, Thou hast desired

Truth in the inward part :
With wisdom, secret and sincere,
Acquaint my darkened heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, I

Shall then true cleansing know :
Me in Thy laver wash, and I
Shall whiter be than snow.

8 Make me the music hear

And gladness of Thy voice ;
That so the bones which justly Thou
Hast broken may rejoice.

9 My wickedness wipe out ;

Thy face hide from my sin ;
A clean heart me create ; renew
A spirit right within.

96 THE PSALMS. LI

11 O cast me not away

From Thy dear presence ; take
Thy Holy Spirit not from me,
Nor wholly me forsake.

12 Restore to me the joy

Of Thy salvation, Lord !
With a free spirit me uphold,

13 Then I will teach Thy word,

And other sinners shall
Converted be to Thee :

14 O God of my salvation, from

Blood-guiltiness me free.

15 My tongue shall sing aloud

Then of Thy righteousness :

Lord, open Thou my lips, and I

Will praise to Thee address.

16 For not in sacrifice,

Nor in burnt-offering
Delightest Thou, else I would these
Unto Thine altar bring.

17 A broken spirit is

God's only sacrifice ;
A broken and a contrite heart
Thou, Lord, wilt not despise.

LI THE PSALMS. 97

i8 In Thy good pleasure, Lord !
Do good to Zion ; build
The ramparts of Jerusalem ;
19 Then bullocks shall be killed.

SECOND VERSION. — Paraphrase.

AVE mercy, my offended God ;
According to Thy goodness, spare !
Let not the judgment of Thy rod
Sink me still deeper in despair !

O hear, and my transgressions blot :
Save me from my enormous guilt :

2 Wash from my soul each leprous spot,

For Thou canst cleanse me if Thou wilt.

3 My sins are mountainous, the)^ climb

The heights of air and reach the skies ;
The ghastly horror of my crime
Is night and day before my eyes.

4 'Gainst Thee this odious deed was done ;

I struck my Maker in the face ;
No wonder blushed th' astonished sun,
And earth saw shuddering the disgrace.

Were not Thy mercies as the sand,
I do not know that I would dare

Thus lift to Thee these bloody hands,
In agonizing act of prayer.
5

98 THE PSALMS. LII

Though well, I know, there cries to Thee
The crimson of th' accusing sod,
14 Hide not Thy face, deliver me

From my blood-guiltiness, O God !

16 Burnt offerings and sacrifice,

Didst Thou desire, I would impart :

17 One off'ring Thou wilt not despise —

A broken and a contrite heart.

10 Create in me a heart that 's pure ;

Renew, transform, and make me o'er ;
Not otherwise can I be sure,
I will not stumble as before.

By Thy free Spirit me uphold ;
For I am weak and sick and sad ;

12 Forgive, and love me as of old,

And give me back the peace I had,

13 Then to transgressors I will teach,

How there are none so far from Thee,
But Thy salvation can them reach,
For, lo, it did extend to me.

PSALM LII.

SONNET.

WHY boastest thou thyself in mischief, mighty man?
The mercy of th' Almighty never fails ;
2 Thy tongue, like a sharp razor, wickedness doth plan,
Working deceitfully, inventing tales.

LIII THE PSALMS. 99

3 Thou lovest evil more than good ; and lies

4 Far more than truth, O thou deceitful tongue !

5 He shall destroy thee, fatal man, likewise.

He shall lay hold of thee ; thou shalt be flung
Out of thy tent ; He '11 thee uproot at length :

6 Good men shall laugh at thee, and say,

7 " Lo, this is he that made not God his strength,

Making th' abundance of his wealth his stay."

8 But I am like an olive tree, forever seen

9 In the Lord's house still flourishing and green.

PSALM LIII.

THERE is no God" — the fool hath said,
His heart dictating to his head.
To every noble feeling dead.

Corrupt are they, from sun to sun
They foul iniquity have done,
None doeth good, not one, not one.

2 The Lord looked down from heaven to see
Who understood, who bowed the knee :
Complete is the apostasy ;

3 All are gone back, all filthy found,
All vilest infamies abound,

No one does good above the ground.

100 THE PSALMS. LIV

4 Are evil-doers mad, who eat
My people up as they do meat,

And think they need not God entreat ?

5 Where no fear was, great fear arose :
The bones of the besieging foes

God scattered — for despised were those.

6 O that from Zion might proceed
Salvations great for Israel's need —
Jacob made glad, from bondage freed.

P S A L M L I V.

PRESERVE me by Thy Name, O God !
Thy Name is my Strong Tower ;

2 Defend me by Thy might against

The cruelty of Power.

3 For strangers have against me risen.

The violent have sought
To take away my life — they have
Of God nor fear nor thought.

4 God is my Helper, and He yet

My life upholds ; and will
5^ Return the evil of my foes
By killing them who kill.

LV THE PSALMS. 101

6 I, with a free-will offering,

Will sacrifice to Thee ;

7 Will praise Thy Name, for praise is good,

For Thou hast rescued me.

PSALM L V .

/^ IVE ear unto my prayer, O God !
V3T Attend and answer me :

2 I 'm tost in my lament, and moan

Like an unquiet sea ;

3 Because my foes iniquity

On me precipitate —
Revile, oppress, and persecute
In anger and in hate.

4 My heart is pained within me, I

With mortal terrors quake :

5 Trembling and fear lay hold, great waves

Of horror o'er me break.

6 O that I wings had like a dove,

Then would I fly away

7 And be at rest : would wander off

And in the desert stay.

8 I would me to some shelter haste.

Where safety can be found ;

Out of the reach of stormy wind,

And tempest howling round.

102 THE PSALMS. LV

9 Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues ;*
Confound their counsels ; thwart
The wiley chief's state policies.
And his consummate art.

10 For I have in the City seen

The circulating life —
The daily movements on the walls.
Significant of strife.

11 All forms of wickedness are there,

Oppressions and deceits ;
Corruption 's in her market-place,
And fraud in all her streets.

12 I could have borne it, had it been

A foe the evil did,
One hating me, for then I would
From him myself have hid.

13 But it was thou, mine equal held.

My most familiar friend —

14 Together we sweet counsel took ;

And we were wont to wend

Our way together to God's House,

With all the festal throng :
I knew not then thy perfidy

Would work me shame and wrong.

* Absalom had been hatching treason during four years. Practically the City
was now in his hands. David's fondness for his son, even after the discovery,
would lead him to temporize. Ahithophel's defection was a serious blow.

LV THE PSALMS. IO3

15 Let sudden death upon them come ;
Earth swallow them alive ;
For all the seeds of wickedness
Within them lodge and thrive.

16 But I will call on God ; the Lord

Will save me from His throne :

17 Evening and morning and at noon

I will complain and moan.

18 He hath redeemed my soul in peace,

For me deliverance wrought ;
Of doubtful battle turned the scale,
For many 'gainst me fought.

19 God shall yet hear and answer them ;

He Judge sits from of old :
Having no changes, and no fear,
They 've grown in sinning bold :

20 He has dealt treacherously, broke faith-

Butter and oil his words,

21 All smooth and soft, but meaning war,

The conflict of drawn swords.

22 Thy burden cast upon the Lord,

And He will thee sustain.
The righteous man shall ne'er be moved
But stablished shall remain,

104 THE PSALMS. LVl

23 While bloody and deceitful men
Shall not live half their days,
Plunged by Thy hand into th' abyss —
I '11 trust in Thee always.

PSALM L V I .

BE merciful, O God, to me.
For man would me devour :

2 I am hard pressed, for many join

To get me in their power.

3 What time I am afraid, I then

Will put my trust in Thee ;

4 And, reassured, I '11 cease to fear

What flesh can do to me.

5 All the day long they wrest my words,

Their thoughts are full of hate ;

6 Gathered in bands they mark my steps,

In ambush for me wait.

7 Would-be supplanters of my right.

Do thou upon them frown :
Prevent iniquitous escape,
And cast the peoples down.

3 Thou counted hast my wandering steps,
Now on my sorrows look ;
Into Thy bottle put my tears —

Are they not in Thy book ?

LVII THE PSALMS. IO5

9 Then shall mine enemies turn back,
When I to God have cried ;
And this I say because I know
That He is on my side.

In God I '11 trust ; Jehovah's word,

10 Theme of my praise shall be ;

11 Because I 've trusted, I'll not fear

What man can do to me.

12 Thy vows upon me are, O God !

Thank-offerings I will pay :

13 To Thee I owe it that I still

Enjoy the light of day.

PSALM LVII.

BE merciful to me, O God !
Where Thy great wings their shadow cast,
There shalt my place of refuge be,
Till these calamities are past.

2 I '11 cry to God, the Mighty One,

Whose love ne'er stops short of its end —
Completing what it has begun —

3 And He from heaven shall swiftly send

Mercy and Truth, celestial powers.
From His right hand my life to save,

To quell the monster that devours.
And snatch me from a cruel grave.

I06 THE PSALMS. ., LVU

4 My soul fierce lions is among ;

I must lie down, distraught with fears,
Midst fiery ones — a sword their tongue,
Arrows their teeth and pointed spears.

5 Be Thou exalted, God Most High,

Above all praise, all thought above.
Above the earth, above the sky,

High seated on Thy Throne of Love !

6 They for my steps prepared a net ;

They bowed my soul, they dug a pit —
The trap which they for me had set
They fell into the midst of it.

7 My heart is fixed, my heart is fixed,

I will, O God, Thy praises sing :

8 Awake, my tongue ! With voice be mixed^

O harp and lyre, your every string.

9 I '11 wake the dawn ! I '11 celebrate

Thy praise among the nations, Lord !

10 For high Thy mercy is and great.

And true and faithful is Thy word.

11 Be Thou exalted, God Most High,

Above all praise, all thought above.
Above the earth, above the sky.

High seated on Thy Throne of Love !

LVIII THE PSALMS. IO7

PSALM LVIII.

HOW is it, judges, ye sit dumb,
When crime and wrong before you come —
Silent what time ye ought to speak ?

2 Who equity and right betray,
Work wickedness, corruptly weigh

Out violence unto the weak.

3 Men from the womb devoid of worth,
Habitual liars from their birth,

With serpent's deadly poison filled :

4 Like adder deaf that stops her ear,

5 And will the charmer's voice not hear,

Howe'er the charmer may be skilled.

6 Lord ! crush their teeth ; the grinders break
Of the young lions ; and them make

■ 7 Like water hurrying fast away :
Like arrow snapped upon the bow,

8 Like snails dissolving as they go.

Abortions that ne'er saw the day.

9 Before your pots can feel the thorn.
On swiftest whirlwind shall be borne

The burning and the green alike :
10 The righteous shall rejoice, when he
God's holy arm revealed shall see,
Audacious wickedness to strike.

I08 THE PSALMS. LIX

II Seeing His judgments, men will say :
** There is full recompense and pay,

For men of piety and worth —
He blesses them, and calls them His,
Whereby it is made plain, there is
A God that judges in the earth."

PSALM LIX.

ELIVER me from those,
O God, who are my foes ;

2 Above their utmost reach set me on high !

Save me from men of blood,
The banded foes of good,

3 Strong ones who for my life in ambush lie !

It is not for my fault

4 They run, prepare assault :
Awake to meet me, Lord, their malice see !

5 O Thou Unspeakable !
Thou God of Israel !

The heathen smite, spare none who traitors be.

6 At evening they return.
Of me they nothing learn ;

They howl like dogs, and round the city go ;

7 They belch out evil words,
That cutting are as swords,

'Tor who doth hear?" they say, "and who doth know ?

LIX THE PSALMS. IO9

8 But Thou shalt laugh at them ;
Shalt mock them and contemn :

9 I'll wait on Thee, O Thou who art my Strength I

For Thou art my High Place,

10 Wilt meet me, God of Grace,

And give me triumph o'er my foes at length.

11 Lord ! slay them not ; lest yet
My people should forget,

Scatter and bring them down, O Lord, our Shield !

12 Whose mouth, whose lips are sin :
Let them be taken in

Their pride, and for their blasphemies revealed.

13 Thine anger on them pour,
Consume till they 're no more ;

And let them know that God in Israel rules :
Let the report go forth
To east, west, south and north,

For warning to all atheists and fools.

14 They will return at eve ;
Sullen and snarling, grieve ;

Howl like a dog, and go the city round :

15 They'll wander all the night.
Until the morning light.

Wolfish and lean in quest of prey not found.

16 But I '11 the morning crowd
With anthems sweet and loud.

no THE PSALMS. LX

In praise of Thy dear might and faithfulness :
17 For Thou in danger's hour

Hast still been my High Tower,
A Refuge in the day of my distress.

P S A L M LX .

THOU, God, hast cast us off ;
Thou hast us broken down ;
Thou hast been angry — from Thy face
O drive away Thy frown !

2 Thou shaken hast the land ;

Hast it with earthquakes rent ;
Great breaches made, it trembles still
With dread astonishment.

3 Thou hast Thy people showed

O many a hard thing !
Hast for our sins made us to drink.
The wine of staggering.

4 To them who fear Thee, yet

Thou hast a banner given,
That it may be, because of truth,
Displayed in sight of heaven.

5 That Thy beloved ones

May be delivered, save
With thy right hand, and o'er us let.
Victorious ensigns wave.

LX THE PSALMS. 1 1 1

6 God in His holiness

Has spoken — I, therefore,
Will triumph in the confidence
He will the Igst restore :

Then the reconquered Land

I will again divide —
Shechem and Succoth* — and mete out

His part to every Tribe.

7 Mine 's Gilead ; and mine 's

Manassah's either half ;
My head's defence is Ephraim ;
Judah 's my royal staff ;

8 Moab my washpot is,

Wherein I '11 wash my feet ;
O'er Edom will extend my sway ;
Philistia will unseat.

9 Who will me bring into

Edom's fenced capital ?
Surmount its muniment of rocks
Impregnable high wall ?

10 Thou who didst cast us off,

Wilt Thou Thyself not lead ?
Wilt Thou not go forth with our hosts,
And help us in our need ?

* Representing the two great divisions of the Country, east and west of the
Jordan, where Jacob pitched his tent on his return from exile.

112 THE PSALMS, LXI

II Give us Thy help ! In vain
We on man's help repose :
Through God we shall do valiantly.
For He '11 tread down our foes.

PSALM LXI.

EAR Thou, O God, my cry ;
A mourning exile, I
From Zion weeping pass and its encircling hills —
Beyond the bounding blue
That terminates the view
To where a prospect strange a new horizon fills.

•2 From thence I to Thee call

Who art my all in all —
Homesick, o'ervvhelmed, and faint at heart — and
Thou '11 me lead

To craggy rock and high,
Up towering toward the sky,

3 Too high for foes to reach — sure refuge in my need.

4 To dwell I were content
Aye in Thy Holy Tent ;

Kept safe beneath the shade and shelter of Thy wings:

5 For Thou, O God, hast heard
My vows, and pledged Thy word

To pass the heritage to my descendant kings.

LXII THE PSALMS, 1 1 3,

6 The King's life, hale and strong,
To ages Thou 'It prolong :

7 He before God shall sit enthroned forevermore,

Mercy and Truth shall be
For his security —
S So will I to Thy Name eternal praises pour.

PSALM LXII.

MY soul is silent unto God,
My Rock is only* He,

2 My sole Salvation and High Tower —

I shall not shaken be.

3 How long will ye set on a man,

All banded him to slay,
Like bowing wall or tottering fence.
Which yet does not give way ?

4 Only from his imperial seat

To thrust him down they plan ;
Delight in lies, bless with their mouth,
But inwardly him ban.

5 Only in God confide, my soul !

On Him my hope I base —

6 He only is my Rock, my Rest,

Salvation and High Place.

* The repetition of the word " only" is characteristic of this Psalm.

114 THE PSALMS. LXIII

7 My honor and salvation rest

On God ; I firm shall stand —
Rock of my Strength, my Refuge, He
Guards me on every hand.

8 Ye people, put your trust in Him,

At all times, and ye thus
Will have sure proof how only God
A Refuge is to us.

9 Only a breath are men, both those

Of low and high degree ;
Empty and false, they are when weighed
Lighter than vanity.

10 Trust in oppression not ; nor grow

In robbery vain ; nor let,
In case your wealth and power increase,
Your heart thereon be set.

11 Once has God said, twice have I heard ;

All power to Him pertains,

12 And mercy too, and He to each,

Right recompense ordains.

PSALM LXIII.

GOD, my God Thou art
I dare to call Thee mine :
My thirsty soul and longing heart
For Thy sweet presence pine.

LXIII THE PSALMS, II5

Here in a land of drought,
Where all the brooks are dry,

Methinks I perish must, without
Some token Thou art nigh.

2 Grant, Lord, that I may now

Thy power and glory see.
As in the Sanctuary Thou
Hast shown them unto me.

3 Better than life Thy love :

I '11 bless Thee all my days :
Will in Thy Name to Thee above
Lift up my hands in praise.

My hungry soul shall feed

4 On viands rich and choice,

5 And — satisfied my every need —

I will in Thee rejoice.

6 Upon my bed at night,

Will meditate on Thee ;
Recall the mercies of the light —
Thy goodness unto me.

7 Rejoicing in the shade

Of Thy protecting wing :
■8 My eager soul shall not be stayed,
On Thee hard following.

Il6 THE PSALMS. LXIV

9 But those who would me kill

10 Shall by the sword of power
Be slain, and howling jackals will

Their carcasses devour.

11 In God I will rejoice,

Their boast who by Him swear :
Stopped is the mouth, stilled is the voice
Of them that lies declare.

PSALM LXIV.

OGOD ! hear my complaint and prayer,
And make my threatened life Thy care :

2 O hide me from the secret league.
The wicked masters of intrigue.
Who whisper first, then speak aloud
Their treason to the noisy crowd.

3 Their tongue they sharpen as a sword ;
Their arrow fit (a bitter word)

4 To shoot — naught fearing — th' upright.
Shoot suddenly, concealed from sight.

5 They strengthen their malicious plot ;
Lay snares, quite sure they seen are not.

6 Fine villainies, far-sought and nice,
They count an exquisite device :
"All things are ready now and ripe,

We have him," say they, "in our gripe."

7 But God has with a surer aim

Shot them — the shooter made the game.

LXV THE PSALMS. W]

8 Smitten they stumble ; they are stung
With their own sharp envenomed tongue,

9 They flee away, and every one

That sees, admires what God has done,
ro The righteous in the Lord shall trust ;
In Him shall triumph all the just.

P S A L M L X V .

PERPETUAL worship for Thee waits
Within hushed Zion's Temple-gates —
A prayerful silence, Lord ! and then
Breaks forth the uttered praise of men ;
Who hither come, before Thee bow,
And punctually pay their vow.

2 O Thou who hearest prayer, to Thee
Must all flesh come, who blest would be ;

3 Conscious iniquities assail.

But our transgressions Thou wilt veil.
Heal our backslidings when we stray,
And purge our many sins away.

4 Happy the man whom Thou even here
Shalt choose, and to Thyself bring near ;
That in Thy House he may abide,

And with its good be satisfied ;
May in Thy Holy Temple rest
A permanent and honored guest.

Il8 THE PSALMS. LXV

5 By fearful things in righteousness —
Mercies and judgments numberless —
O God of our salvation, Thou

Wilt answer us : Be gracious now !
Ends of the earth confide in Thee,
And dwellers on the far-off sea.

6 Girded with might, Thou dost set fast

By Thy great strength the mountains vast :.

7 Dost roaring seas hush at Thy will,
And tumult of the peoples still :

8 Dwellers on farthest shores are made
By tokens of Thy power afraid.

Thou makest with rich purple clad
Th' outgoings of the morning glad ;
With golden splendors renderest gay
The footsteps of departing day,
Like bird with outspread gorgeous^wing,.
The bards of morn and evening sing.

9 Thou floodest all the fields, by which
The earth Thou greatly dost enrich :
Fed by th' unfailing streams of God,
With mighty marvels teems the sod —

10 Its furrows drenched, made soft with showers^
How spring the grain, the grass, the flowers^T

11 With goodness Thou hast crowned the year ;
Where Thy feet pass fair sights appear —

LXVI THE PSALMS. Ug,

12 The wilderness fat pastures yields,

13 Joy girds the hills, flocks clothe the fields,
Grain all the valleys covering —

They shout for joy, they also sing.

PSALM LXVI.

SHOUT unto God, all lands,
His majesty proclaim !

2 Ascribe to Him the honor due,

And glorify His Name !

3 How fearful are Thine acts :

Through knowledge of Thy power.
Thine enemies submission feign,
And at Thy footstool cower.

4 All lands shall worship Thee,

The Universal Lord —
They shall sing praises to Thy Name
On harp and decachord.

5 Come, see what He has done !

The dreadful power of God —

6 He turned the sea into dry land,

They Jordan crossed dry shod :

Tnen we rejoiced in Him.

7 He rules on high and here,

His eyes keep watch the nations o'er —
Let the rebellious fear :

120 ■ THE PSALMS. lXVI

8 Ye nations, bless our God !

Be praise to Him preferred,

9 Who holds our soul in life, nor lets

Our firm-set foot be stirred.

10 For Thou hast proved us. Lord !

Tried us as silver 's tried ;

11 Brought us within the hunter's net,
■ Our loins with burdens plied.

12 Hast suffered men to ride

Triumphant o'er our head :
Through fire and flood we went, but Thou
To a rich place hast led.

13 I with burnt offerings

Into Thy House will come :

14 Of vows I made in my distress,

Will pay the perfect sum.

15 I will burnt offerings

Of fatlings bring to Thee ;
Incense of rams, bulls and he-goats
Shall my oblation be.

16 Come, hear, and I '11 declare,

All ye that fear the Lord,
^ That which He for my soul has done,
The favor on me poured.

LXVII THE PSALMS. 121

17 I said — what time I cried,

And offered praise sincere —

18 If in my heart I sin regard

I know He will not hear.

19 But, verily, God heard :

His Name thrice blessed be,

20 Who hath not turned away my prayer,

His mercy kept from me.

PSALM LXVI I.

E merciful and bless.
Eternal God of grace !
Upon us let the brightness fall
And gladness of Thy Face.

2 That Thy most blessed way

May on the earth be known ;
Thy saving power and goodness be
Among all nations shown.

3 Let peoples of all lands

In praise find sweet employ ;

4 The various nations one and all

Be glad and sing for joy !

For Thou with equity

Shalt judge them from above ;
And they shall see stretched over them

The sceptre of Thy love.

122 THE PSALMS. J.XVIII

5 Let Thee the peoples thank,

6 For bounties of the year ;

7 Let the extremities of earth

Be made to learn thy fear.

PSALM LXVIII.*

OD shall arise and scatter them,
And push His flying foes :
As smoke is driven, Thou wilt them drive ;

As melts away and goes
Th' unstable wax before the fire,
So pass the wicked in Thine ire.

3 They perish ; but the righteous shall

Exceedingly rejoice.

4 Sing ye to God, sing to His Name

With harp and lute and voice !
Cast up, prepare a way for Him.
Who rides upon the Cherubim !

* This magnificent Battle Hymn, or Triumphal Song, composed in celebration
of some recent victory or success achieved through Divine Help, is made com-
memorative of gracious interventions and deliverances in the past, outlining the
history of Israel from the exodus to the full establishment of the monarchy on
Zion. Jehovah is described (v. 4) as " riding th^-oiigh the deserts " [not " upofi the
heavens'''' as the Common Version has it] in the manner of a king marching at the
head of his army. Special reference is made (vs. 7-10) to the journeying through
the Wilderness, where the " Cloud," otherwise, " the Glory of the Lord," the visi-
ble manifestation of the Divine Presence accompanying the Ark with its symbolic
Cherubim, was the signal to all the people to move forward or to halt. If by
Cherubim be understood Nature (as argued in Note, p. 27) ; and by God's en-
thronement above them, the subjection of all things to Him, we see how it
belongs, not only to poetic but intrinsic fitness, that the announcement of any
special Appearance of the great Lord of All should be attended with extraordi-
nary natural phenomena — such as thunderings and lightnings and earthquakes,
testifying to a mighty, trembling, and adoring awe. We think, moreover, that

LXVIII THE PSALMS. 1 23

Not up the skyey steeps, star-paved,

His sacred car He guides ;
Not o'er the ample plains of heaven —

He through the desert rides
By His Name Jah : Unto Him'^sing,
Who leads you in your journeying.

5 God in His Sanctuary is, •

The widow's Judge and Friend ;
A Father of the fatherless
To care for and defend :

6 No more the solitary roam,

He gives fixed dwellings and a home.

The sons of bondage He brings forth.

And blesses with full hand :
But the rebellious and perverse

Inhabit a parched land —
The prisoner, who hugs his chains,
In bondage rightfully remains!

Verse 17 admits of being construed in the same sense. It is there said, "The
chariots of God are myriad-fold, thousand upon thousands; the Lord is among
them — Sinai in the Sanctuary," meaning that the vehicles of Divine Power as
found in Nature defy enumeration ; that God is a God of law : that the Ark of
the Covenant, containing the Decalogue, having the Mercy-Seat above, is signfi-
cant of the fact that even mercy rests on law, or, as it is poetically expressed,
" Sinai is in the Sanctuary." While the close conjunction of the Cherubim, so
close as to form a part of it (/. e., the Mercy-Seat), is fitted to suggest that the
God of Nature is likewise the God of Grace.

The true reading of Verse 5 is, "The Lord gives the word: the women that
publish the glad tidings [of victory] are a mighty host," as inE.x. 15 :29; 2 Sam.
18 : 16. The accepted reading of Verse 12 is, " Will ye lie among the sheep-folds-
as the wings of a dove covered with silver and her pinions with yellow gold ?" —
the allusion being to Judges 5 : 16, where Deborah in her song rebukes the recre-
ancy of Reuben, who luxuriated in the selfish indulgence of a soft pastoral repose,
unsoilcd with the dust of conflict, while others, like Zebulun and Naphtali were

124 THE PSALMS. LXVIII

7 O God ! when through the wilderness

Their march Thy people made,

8 Earth trembled, and the heavens dropped rain,

And Sinai was afraid:
All Nature knew Thy presence well —
The mighty God of Israel !

9 Thou didst, O God, Thy heritage

Refresh with plenteous rain ;
Didst visit it when it was faint,
And make it strong again :

10 Thy flock therein was made to bide ;
And for the poor Thou didst provide.

11 God gives the word, the battle won,

Women, a mighty throng,
Triumphing, publish the good news,
With timbrel, dance and song.

12 The kings of armies flee, they flee.
Rich spoils rewarding victory.

13 Will ye among the sheepfolds lie

In pastoral repose —
Like bright-winged dove in her soft nest,
Not helping 'gainst God's foes —

14 What time He puts leagued kings to flight
On Zalmon, made with bones snow-white ?

jeoparding their lives unto the death in the high places of the field." Verses ii-
14 belong apparently to the period of the Judges ; verses 15-19 to the establish-
ment of the monarchy and the national worship on Mt. Zion ; verses 24-27 de-
scribe the triumphal procession ; verses'28-31 point to the universal conquest yet to
come. In the concluding verses (vs. 32-35) all nations are called on to unite in
praise to the God of Israel.

LXVIII THE PSALMS 12$

15 Mountain of Bashan, mountain high,

Proud peak and pinnacle !

16 Why look askance ye at the Mount

Where God vouchsafes to dwell ?
If height is less, by easier road
We climb the Hill of His Abode.

17 Zion is strong, God in her midst :

His chariots of war
Thousands on thousands, myriads

Incalculable, are ;
Approach that Sacred Place with awe,
Where God of Sinai guards His Law.

18 Thou hast ascended. Lord, on high,

The captured captive led ;
For distribution gifts received —

The conquest perfected.
Preserve, while men Thy triumphs hymn,
Thy place between the Cherubim.

19 Blessed be God who daily bears

The burden on us laid —

20 Ev'n God, who our salvation is,

Our ever-present aid ;
We to Jehovah owe our breath.
And manifold escapes from death.

2r But God will crush the head of foes ;

In vain the wicked flee :
22 He said : "From Bashan I '11 bring back

From depths ev'n of the sea,

126 THE PSALMS. LXVIII

The fugitives o'er Jordan's flood,

23 That thou may'st dip thy foot in blood."

24 They Thy triumphal goings saw ;

Thy goings, God our King !
Thine entrance in the Holy Place ;

25 While those engaged to sing,

Went foremost praising ; harpers then ;
Maids beating timbrels ; marching men.

26 In companies they bless the Lord,

Tribes that from Israel spring :

27 There, is the ruler Benjamin ;

There, Judah's following ;
There, banners of the princes fly
Of Zebulon and Naphtali.

28 That we be strong is God's command —

Strengthen what thou hast wrought.

29 To Thee, Lord, at Jerusalem,

Shall gifts of kings be brought.

30 Egypt rebuke, and scatter far
The peoples that delight in war.

31 Princes shall out of Egypt come ;

And Ethiopia soon
• Shall stretch out eager hands to God,
And His high praises tune.

32 Kingdoms of earth I praise Him who rides

33 On whirling spheres, and planets guides !

LXIX THE PSALMS. 12/

34 Ascribe ye strength to God, your Strength !

His majesty He shrouds —
But high o'er Israel spreads His wings,
And thunders in the clouds.

35 Out of Thy holy places, Lord,

The strength Thy people need, afford.

PSALM LXIX.

SUCCOR, O God ! and save
From drowning waters deep !

2 I sink in mire of the abyss,

Great billows o'er me sweep.

3 With calling I am tired,

My throat is parched and dry ;
Mine eyes are wasted and worn out,
While I wait Thy reply.

4 O numberless are those

Who hate me without cause ;
They mighty are to cut me off,
Despisers of Thy laws.

5 My foolishness and sin

Not hidden are from Thee :

6 Let them not. Lord ! who on Thee wait

Be made ashamed through me.

12 8 THE PSALMS. LXIX

, 7 I for Thy sake have borne
Reviling and disgrace ;

8 A stranger to my brethren been,

An alien to my race.

9 Because zeal for Thy House

Within me quenchless burned,
Those, who reproached Thee, have on me
Their sharp reproaches turned.

lo I wept and fasted, they

Stood ready to contemn ;
I put on sackcloth, I became
A proverb unto them.

12 I am their public talk ;

Drunkards make me their song;

13 But, Lord, my prayer is unto Thee,

Delay not answer long.

14 Out of the mire me raise.

The waters of my foes ;

15 Let not the deep me swallow up, ,

The pit's mouth on me close.

t6 Hear, Lord, and answer me.
For Thy abundant grace ;
In Thy compassion turn to me
17 And do not hide Thy face.

LXIX THE FSALMS. 129

For I am in distress ;

Make haste me, Lord, to hear :

18 Draw nigh my soul to ransom it :

Because my foes are near.

19 Thou knowest my reproach,

My shame and my despite,
Mine adversaries one and all
Are ever in Thy sight.

20 Reproach has broke my heart ;

I 'm full of heaviness ;
I looked for some to pity me,
But all were pitiless.

There comforters were none ;
All men from me did shrink ;

21 They gave me also gall for meat.

Me vinegar to drink.

The Chorus speaks :*

22 Their table make a snare ;

Their confidence a trap ;

23 Darken their eyes ; make their loins shake ;

Their strength and vigor sap !

♦That Verses 22-28 are the utterances of another speaker, may, we think, be
confidently asserted. For why should the dramatic character, so freely accorded
to other Psalms, be denied to this, where it is most needed ? Assume the exist-
ence of two speakers and all is clear. The words spoken no longer are an offense.
Instead of being painfully discordant with all that precedes and follows, they are
seen to possess a dramatic propriety of the highest order, heightening immensely
the tragic interest of the whole composition. For they are exactly the words

I30 THE PSALMS. LXIX

24 On them Thine anger pour ;

25 Make their house desolate ;

Let none dwell in their tents — because

26 They persecute and hate

Him, Thou hast smitten sore :
His woes they tell with zest ;

Pain of his wounds they make the theme
Of coarse unfeeling jest.

27 Add sin to sin, heap guilt !

Let them not pardoned be !

28 But blotted from the book of life —

Condemned by just decree.

which the sympathetic reader is burning to say. They are the mildest possible
expression of an irrepressible indignation which must fill every virtuous heart
let the condemnation concern whom it will. It matters little who the second
speaker may be supposed to represent — whether it be Justice personified; or some
horrified spectator, say James or John, who on one occasion were ready to cal
down fire from heaven on the perpetrators of a slight affront put upon their
Master. Or was it the weeping daughters of Jerusalem that performed the office
of Chorus as described in Note to Psalm 22, page 39 ? For the sake of the
argument, let us suppose the first speaker — a meek Sufferer — to be the Christ that
was to come. We listen to His prolonged wail: how He was hated without cause;
how He was despised and rejected of men ; became a stranger and an alien to
His own countrymen who refused to receive Him; was made a terror to His
friends; was forsaken and disowned by His disciples; how reproach broke His
most loving heart; how, hanging on the cross, vinegar mi.xed with gall was given
Him to drink. Everybody must be struck with the strict correspondence be-
tween this recital and what actually took place. But Christ prayed ior forgiveness^
To suppose He imprecated vengeance is to contradict the verity of Scripture. The
thing is impossible. While Christ quotes and appropriates parts of this Psalm
to Himself, the reader is sure that verses 5, 6 do not belong to Him. May it not
be that when "holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," the
prophetic utterance was sometimes designedly mixed up with the human and
personal, but in a way to be easily distinguished ?

LXX THE PSALMS. 13'

2Q Tm poor and sorrowful —

Lord ! set me safe on high,

30 And I will praise Thy Name in song,

Thank Thee and magnify ;

31 And it shall please Thee more,

These loud resounding proofs,
Than offered ox or bullock slain
With horns and cloven hoofs.

32 The meek have seen with joy

A high deliverance wrought :
Seekers of God ! be cheered, for you
Shall have th' assistance sought.

33 The Lord the needy hears,

The prisoners as well :

34 Let heaven and earth Him praise, ]the seas

And all that therein dwell.

35 For God will Zion save ;

And Judah's cities build —

36 The Land by His true servants shall

Be occupied and tilled.

PSALM LXX.*

DELIVER me, O God !
Lord, to my help make haste ;
2 Let them who seek my life be shamed,
Confounded and disgraced.

♦ This Psalm is a repetition of Psalm xl. 13-17.

132 7 HE PSALMS. LXXI

3 Let them be backward turned ;

Be to dishonor brought ;
Turned back for a reward of shame,
That say, Aha ! for naught.

4 Let all those that Thee seek.

With joy in Thee abide !
Let such as Thy salvation love,
Say, " God be magnified ! "

5 Needy and poor am I,

O Lord, do not delay ;
My Help and my Deliverer,
Make haste to come this way !

PSALM LXXI.

I PUT my trust. Lord ! in Thy Name :
O let rne never come to shame !

2 Promised deliverance I crave.
Incline Thine ear to me, and save !

3 A Rock of Habitation be,
Where I may come continually !

Since Thou my rescue hast decreed —
My Cliff, My Fort, in time of need —

4 Now my deliverance command
Out of the wicked's cruel hand !

5 Thou art my Hope, my Trust— Thy truth,
Have I relied on from my youth.

LXXI THE PSALMS. 1 33

6 Yea, from the womb have leaned on Thee ;
Thou art my praise continually ;

Many me as a wonder rate,

7 But Thou 'rt my Refuge, strong and great ;

8 I, all the day, will sing Thy praise,
And to the stars Thy glory raise.

9 Cast me not off in my old age :
When failing powers my end presage,

10 Do not forsake me : but disclose
How false is the pretence of foes,

11 Who say — their malice peeping through —
"There 's none to rescue, take ! pursue ! "

12 Haste to my help ! O be not far !

13 Confound, consume all those who are
Foes of my life. Lay in the dirt
The evil men that seek my hurt.

14 But I '11 still hope, and thanks will pour,
And love and praise Thee more and more.

15 My mouth shall tell Thy righteous acts ;
And all the day rehearse the facts

16 Of Thy salvation — mighty deeds
Which all arithmetic exceeds —

I will Thy righteousness make known
And speak of it, and it alone.

17 Lord ! from my youth Thou hast me taught
To sing the wonders Thou hast wrought.

134 ^-^-^ PSALMS. LXXH

i8 Forsake me not, now I am old —
I would Thy saving power unfold
To every one that is to come,
Ere yet my mouth and lips are dumb.

19 Who is like Thee, so great, so high,
Whose righteousness surmounts the sky?

20 Thou, who hast showed me troubles sore,
Shalt quicken and again restore ;

21 My greatness shalt make greater still,
And me with every comfort fill.

22 With psaltery and harp and voice

23 I '11 sing Thy praises and rejoice !

24 Thy truth and faithfulness will tell,
O Holy One of Israel !

Thy righteousness shall all day long
Be the sweet subject of my song.

PSALM LXXII.

GOD ! Supremest Source
Of government below :
Thy judgments and Thy righteousness
Upon the King bestow.

2 Then he upon the earth,
Thy deputy, shall reign ;
With rectitude Thy people judge,
And equity maintain.

LXXII THE PSALMS, 1 35

3 The mountains and the hills

Shall yield the people peace,

4 Beneath his just and gentle sway,

Shall all oppression cease.

5 While sun and moon endure,

And night succeeds to day.
Throughout all generations, men
Shall fear him and obey.

6 He shall come down like rain.

As earth-refreshing showers
On new-mown meadows, made to smile
With springing grass and flowers.

7 The righteous in his days

Shall flourish and prevail ;
And peace shall everywhere abound,
Until the moon shall fail.

8 His empire shall extend.

Likewise, the wide world o'er,
From sea to sea — Euphrates' banks
To earth's remotest shore.

9 The dwellers in the wild

Shall crouch and kiss his feet ;
His enemies shall lick the dust ;
10 The kings bring presents meet,

1 36 THE PSA LMS. LXXII

From Tarshish and the Isles ;
Sheba and Seba — yea,

11 All kings before him shall bow down,

All nations homage pay.

12 He shall the needy save,

13 The poor too when he cries ;

14 The lives of all his subjects shall

Be precious in his eyes.

15 And he shall live ; to him

Shall Sheba's gold be given ;
And ceaseless prayer for him be made,
With daily thanks to heaven.

16 From handful of seed-corn

On top of mountains sown —
Vast fruit shall shake, great harvests wave
Like Lebanon wind-blown.

Jerusalem shall bloom,

New cities shall have birth ;
They flourish shall like the green herb

That beautifies the earth.

17 While shines the sun, shall last

His undecaying fame :
Men everywhere be blest in him
All nations bless his name.

LXXir THE PSALMS. 137

i8 The Lord God blessed be,
The God of Israel !
Who only doeth wondrous things,
And doeth all things well ;

19 And be His glorious Name
Blessed forevermore ;
The earth be with His glory filled,
And all men Him adore.

Amen and Amen.

The prayers of David the Son of Jesse are ended.

* How this line of prose came to be inserted in this place we have no certain
means of knowing. We know that the Psalms that precede are not all by David ;
and that, among those that follow, there are several undoubtedly his, being e.x-
oressly attributed to him.

O O K III

PSALM LXXIII.

Y tongue was loosed, I broke the spell,
I sternly bade the fiend depart :
Sure God is good to Israel,

To Him is dear the pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my tempted feet

Were almost gone, by folly tripped :
My steps, perplexed by vain deceit,

In slippery paths had well-nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious of the proud,

Seeing th' abundance of their wealth ;

4 The easier death to them allowed.

Their full-fed happiness and health.

5 Because not plagued as others are,

6 Disdain they as a necklace wear ;

7 From common men they stand afar :

Oily and round, with haughty air.

LXXIII THE PSALMS. 1 39

8 They from on high oppression speak ;

9 They in the heavens their mouth have set ;
Their tongue walks through the earth ; the weak

They trample down without regret :

10 Therefore His people, tossed with doubt,

Sorely perplexed, are made to drain
Waters of a full cup, wrung out
With agonies of heart and brain.

11 They 're moved to say : " How does God know ?

Knowledge is there in the Most High ?

12 The wicked prosper here below,

'T is vain to ask the reason why :

13 " 'T is all in vain I've cleansed my heart ;

In innocence have washed my hands ;

14 My chastisements do not depart ;

My daily wailings fill the land."

15 If I had said, I '11 thus speak out,

I had thy children drugged with lies :

16 Yet when I thought to solve my doubt,

It was too painful in my eyes,

17 Till to the House of God I went.

And knew their end ; and how they stood

18 Upon a slippery descent ;

That false and fleeting was their good.

I40 THE PSALMS. LXXIII

19 Behold, the doom that long had slept

An utter desolation makes ;
They instantly away are swept,

20 Like to a dream when one awakes.

Now that I know Thou dost despise
Their image, th' unreal show

21 No longer dupes and grieves mine eyes :

I brutish was and did not know.

22 A beast before Thee I have been,

But Thou hast with my folly borne ;
And hast forgiven me my sin ;

23 And I 'm still with Thee night and morn.

Thou hast of my right hand kept hold :

24 Thou by Thy counsels wilt me guide,
A straying sheep of Thy dear fold,

And wilt receive me to Thy side.

25 For whom in heaven have I but Thee ?

With Thee on earth I none require :

26 My everlasting fortress be.

Rock of my heart ! my sole Desire !

27 Those far from Thee Thou wilt destroy,

Who 'gainst their marriage vows rebel ;

28 But to draw near Thee is my joy,

In thee to trust, Thy works to tell.

LXXIV THE PSALMS. I4I

PSALM LXXIV.

GOD. why dost Thou cast us off?
Thy tenderness revoke ?
Against Thy once loved flock, O why
Doth Thy long anger smoke ?

2 Remember Thine own Israel,

Thy purchase long ago ;
And this Mount Zion which has been
Thy Dwelling here below.

3 Lift up Thy feet, draw near and see

Perpetual ruins piled ;
The ill Thy Sanctuary done,
How ravaged and defiled.

4 Thine adversaries mid the place

Of Thine assembly roared ;
Their ensigns they set up for signs.
Who other gods adored.

5 They like to men with lifted axe

Among thick-growing trees,

6 With sledge and hatchet broke and hacked

The carvings of the frieze.

7 They set Thy Sacred House on fire,

Thy Dwelling-place profaned ;
S They burned up all God's synagogues
That in the Land remained.

142 THE PSALMS. LXXIV

9 No signs we see, there proof is none
Of gift of prophecy : —
No one among us knows how long
Before the end will be.

10 How long, Lord, shall the foe blaspheme ?

Shall he forever stand ?

11 Why from thy bosom dost Thou not

Pluck Thy destroying Hand?

12 Yet God 's my King of old, who wrought

Salvation in the earth :

13 Thou by Thy strength the sea didst part.

And gav'st a nation birth :

Didst heads of huge sea-monsters crush ;

14 Leviathan didst quell,

And gavest him for food to them,
That in the desert dwell :

15 Didst cleave the fountain and the flood.

Didst mighty rivers dry :

16 The day is Thine, the night is Thine,

The sun that climbs the sky.

17 Thou all the bounds of earth hast set,

Summer and winter made —
The frame of mighty nature formed,
And her foundations laid.

LXXV THE PSALMS. 1 43

18 Remember this. Lord ! how the foe

Blaspheme Thee and contemn —

19 A greedy herd, the turtle-dove

Surrender not to them.

20 Have to Thy covenant respect :

For earth's dark places are
Full of the homes of cruelty,
And everlasting jar.

22 Arise, O God ! plead Thine own cause :

Make their reproaches end :

23 The tumults of Thine enemies,

Continually ascend.

PSALM LXXV.

E give Thee thanks, O God !
We give Thee thanks sincere :
Thy wondrous doings in our midst
Declare Thy Name is near.

2 " I will a set time take ;

The judgment-seat ascend ;
Myself will judge in equity ;
Myself the right defend.

3 "The earth and its inhabitants

Are falling into wreck :
I poise the pillars ; I alone
The rushing ruin check.

144 THE PSALMS. LXXVI

4 " I said unto the arrogant :

' Do not lift up your horn ;

5 Speak not with a stiff neck proud words

Of insolence and scorn.' "

6 For not from east or west

Nor south promotion springs :

7 But God is judge, He puts down one,

To power another brings.

8 A cup is in His hand.

It foams high o'er the brink ;
The wine is mixed, the wicked shall
Its dregs wring out and drink.

9 But as for me, I will

Forever sing Thy praise ;
lo Horns of the wicked I will lop.
Horns of the righteous raise.

PSALM LXXVI.

IN Judah God is known ; His Name
To Israel He showed ;

2 In Salem His Pavilion spread,

Made Zion His Abode.

3 Bolts of the bow He shattered there,

Swift flashing from afar ;
Buckler He broke, and sword, and all
Th' implements of war.

LXXVI THE PSALMS. I45

4 High up Thy dread magnificence

Majestically towers
Above the mountains, whence descend
Fierce predatory powers.*

5 Spoiled are the stout of heart — they slept,

Bound in death's iron bands —
And all the men of might have found
No use for their strong hands.

6 At Thy rebuke, O God, they lay.

Both chariot and horse,
In a deep sleep and motionless —
On every side a corse.

7 Thou, even Thou, art to be feared :

When once Thou angry art,
Ah ! who can stand before Thee then,
With guilt within his heart?

« Sentence from heaven was heard proclaimed :

The earth feared and was still,
9 When God to judgment rose to save

Meek doers of His will.

10 Man's wrath is made to praise Thee ; Thou
Shalt future vvrathsf restrain —
Shalt hold in check the residue
While any shall remain.

* Assyrian hosts under Sennacherib. See 2 Kings .xi.r, 35.
t The Hebrew original is plural.

146 THE PSALMS. l.XXVII

11 Vow to the Lord your God and pay :

Bring tribute to your Dread —

12 Kings of the earth ! lest He cut off

And count you with the dead.

PSALM LXXVII.

I'LL lift my voice to God,
And He my cry will hear ;
I'll lift my voice to God, who will
Incline a gracious ear,

2 As when I sought the Lord

In time of heavy grief,
All day and night, with hand stretched out —
My soul refused relief.

3 I think on God, and sigh ;

I moan, my spirit 's weak ;

4 Mine eyes Thou waking hold'st, I am

So tost I cannot speak.

5 I days of old recall ;

6 My carol in the night ;

I with my heart communion hold,
And grope and seek for light.

7 Will God for aye cast off?

Be favorable no more ?

8 Forever has His mercy ceased ?

Is there no hope in store ?

LXXVII THE PSALMS. 1 47

Has the old promise failed ?
9 The Mighty One forgot?
No longer do His bowels yearn,
His anger is so hot ?

10 I said, these ghastly doubts

Of a sick mind deny
Facts of the years of the right hand.
And arm cf the Most High.

11 I will commemorate

The doings of the Lord :

12 The wonders which of old He wrought

Will gratefully record.

13 Thy way, O God, is pure :

Who mighty is like Thee?

14 Among the nations Thou hast shown

Thy power and majesty.

15 Thy people were set free,

By Thy delivering aid :

16 The waters saw Thee, O our God,

They saw and were afraid.

They trembled in their depths ;

17 The clouds their waters poured ;

18 The firm earth shook, while lightnings blazed

And skies with thunder roared.

148 THE PSALMS. LXXVIII

19 Thy way was in the sea ;

Thy footsteps were not known ;

20 Thou led'st Thy people like a flock

Through all the desert lone.

PSALMS LXXVIII.

HEAR, O my people, I will tell
Deep meanings in a parable ;
Repeat dark sayings from of old

3 To us by our grey fathers told :

The things they did to us confide,

4 We will not from their children hide :
Jehovah's praises we '11 recite.

And all the wonders of His might.

5 For to this end and for this cause,
In Jacob He established laws ;
That handed down from sire to son.
They might be known, observed and done :

6 That children which should yet be born
To theirs might tell them night and morn ;

7 Their hope in God might firmly set.
And not His mighty works forget :

8 And not be as their fathers were.
Stubborn, perverse and prone to err ;
Their hearts unsteadfast and untrue
From God withholding service due.

I.X win THE PSA LMS. 1 49

9 The sons of Ephraim* turned back,
In time of conflict and attack ;

10 Kept not the covenant of God,
But, faithless, left His ways untrod :

11 Forgot the doings of His Hand

Of which the fame tilled all the land —

12 His wondrous works, with judgment fraught,
In Egypt for their fathers' wrought.

13 The Red Sea waves He cleft in two,

And caused them, dry-shod, to pass through —
Making the waters of the deep
To stand suspended as a heap.

14 By day He with a cloud them led ;
By night with light of fire instead ;

15 The rock He in the desert clave.
And drink abundantly them gave ;

16 Out of the cliff, beneath the sun

He streams like rivers made to run :

17 But 'gainst the Highest none the less
Rebelled they in the wilderness.

18 They tempted God with lustful greed,
Asking for food they did not need :

19 Doubted His power; "Can God," they said,
"A table in the desert spread ?"

* The chief of the Ten Tribes rhal revolted, representing the wliole.

ISO THE PSALMS. LXXVIII

20 "He smote the rock and streams did flow.
But can he give us bread also ?

He water has, 't is true supplied,
But can He flesh for us provide ?"

21 Jehovah heard this, and His ire
Burned against Jacob like a fire ;

22 Because the}', impious and unjust,
Did not in His salvation trust.

32 For all this, they ceased not to sin,
Grey unbelievers hard to win ;

33 Therefore, in vanity and fears.

Did He consume their days and years.

34 When He them slew, they sought Him then,
Made eager quest for God again

35 Their sometime Rock, their Refuge nigh,
Their strong Redeemer, God Most High.

36 But with the mouth they Him deceived ;
Lied with their tongues and disbelieved.

37 Their heart, not fixed the right to do,
Was to His covenant untrue.

38 But pitiful He did not slay ;
His anger often turned away ;

39 Forgave, when they transgressed afresh,
Remembering they were but flesh.

LXXVIII THE rS ALMS. I5I

40 How oft against Him they rebelled,
The Holy One of Israel !

41 Each day they tempted God anew,
And grieved Him all the desert through.

42 It was, as if they did not know

Whose hand redeemed them from the foe —

43 As if the signs in Egypt wrought

Were strangers to their mind and thought.

44 He turned their rivers into blood.

So none could drink the crimson flood :

45 Devouring flies among them sent.
And frogs for their destruction meant.

46 He gave their labor and produce
Up to the caterpiller's use :

47 Destroyed their vines (by hailstones lost),
Their sycamores with fatal frost ;

48 Gave over, to hail-slaughtering knocks
And thunderbolts, their herds and flocks :

49 Let loose the fierceness of His wrath,

50 And made for it a level path :

51 Sent on an embassy of death,
Angels of evil with hot breath.
The pestilence with fiery throat —
All the first-born of Egypt smote,

152 THE PSALM i). LXXVIII

52 But like a flock His people led
Into the wilderness, and fed.

53 While they passed safe from terror free,
Their foes were buried in the sea.

54 He brought them to the Holy Land,
The Mountain won by His right hand —

55 Proceeded nations to expel.

That so the tribes might therein dwell.

56 Yet they resisted God Most High,
And would not with His laws comply —

57 Aside, as did their fathers, so
They turned like a deceitful bow :

5S High places built which He forbade ;
Him with their idols jealous made :

59 So high their impious daring soared,
God greatly Israel abhorred.

60 The Tent at Shiloh He forsook ;

Ark of His Strength they captive took —

61 His Glory* passed to heathen hands,

62 And blood and carnage filled the lands,

63 The fire devoured their young and strong ;
Their maidens were unpraised in song ;

64 Priests by the sword in numbers slept,
And by their widows were unwept.

*Thc Ark, where the " Glory of the Lord" or Shekinah had rested, was still
called His Glory, when this visible token of His Presence was withdrawn.

LXXIX THE PSALMS. 1 53

65 Then waked the Lord as out of sleep,

66 Drove back His foes with dreadful sweep,
And fastened to their hated name
Perpetual reproach and shame.

67 The house of Joseph pleased not Him.
So He rejected Ephraim ;

68 But Judah's loyal tribe approved ;
And on Mount Zion which He loved,

69 He built His Sanctuary, cast
Foundations made for aye to last :

70 David his servant too did choose,

71 Took Him from following the ewes,

To feed His people Israel,

72 And he fulfilled his office well —
With honest heart, and skillful hand.
And shepherd-care, he ruled the Land.

PSALM LXXIX.

THE heathen in Thine heritage,
O God, have hostile inroads made ;
Thy Holy Temple have defiled.
Jerusalem in ruins laid.

2 They have Thy servants' bodies given

As food to birds and beasts of prey ;

3 Their blood, like water, shed — all round

Thy slaughtered saints unburied lay.

154 THE PSALMS. ' LXXIX

4 We have become our neighbors' scorn :

5 How long, O Lord ? Will Thy just ire
And jealousy forever last,

And burn unquenchably like fire?

6 Wrath ra,ther on the nations pour,

That know Thee not, nor on Thee wait ;

7 For they have Israel devoured,

And made his dwellings desolate.

8 Remember not againt us, Lord,

Our fathers' sinnings long ago :
Let us Thy tender mercies meet.
For we are brought exceeding low !

9 O God of our salvation, help !

Help for the glory of Thy Name !
For Thy Name's sake deliver us,

And purge away our guilt and shame.

10 O wherefore should the heathen say.

Where is their God ? Display Thy might ;
And be Thy servants' blood avenged.
Among the nations in our sight.

11 Incline a favorable ear.

And hear the groaning captive's cry :
After the greatness of Thy power

Preserve Thou those condemned to die

LXXX THE PSALMS. 155

12 Return our neighbors' scorn sevenfold :

13 So we, Thy flock, will give to Thee
Eternal thanks : Thy praise show forth

To generations yet to be.

PSALM LXXX.*

SHEPHERD of Israel, give ear—
Who like a flock dost Joseph lead'!
Throned on the Cherubim, shine clear.
Forth from Thy Cloud let light proceed !

2 Arouse Thy might ; Lord, save, restore !

3 Let Thy Face shine on us once more !

4 Lord God of Hosts, how long wilt Thou

Be angry 'gainst Thy people's prayer?

5 For food, for drink Thou giv'st them now

Abundant tears, their only fare.

6 Our neighbors laugh : Lord, save, restore !

7 Let Thy Face shine on us once more !

8 Thou didst a Vine from Egypt fetch.

And plant, and drive the nations out

9 To give it room — and let it stretch

Its mighty roots and boughs about,

10 To fill and cover all the Land,

11 Extending to Tuiphrates' strand.

* The occasion of this Psalm is supposed to have been the overthrow and de-
portation of the Ten Tribes— known as the Kintjdom of Israel, in distinction from
the Kingdom of Judah.

1 56 THE PSALMS. LXXX

12 Why hast Thou broken down its wall,

So all may pluck it in their greed ?

13 Boar from the wood it strips, and all

Beasts roaming wild upon it feed.

14 Visit the Vine, which Thou didst plant,

15 O God of Hosts, and shelter grant !

16 'T is burned with fire ; it is cut down :

At Thy rebuke they cease to be.

17 Make strong our Champion of renown,

18 So we shall not backslide from Thee.

19 Lord God of Hosts, revive, restore !
Let Thy Face shine on us once more !

PSALM LXXXI.

SHOUT to the Lord, our Strength !
To God of Israel sing !

2 Take up the psalm ! The timbrel strike !

Wake every tuneful string

Of the sweet harp and lute !
And let the trumpets sound !

3 As at new moon, so now at full,

Spread the announcement round,

4 This is the happy day

Of the Passover Feast,

5 Appointed to commemorate

When Jacob was released,

LXXXI THE PSALMS. 1 57

And out of Kgypt went —

To him a foreign land,
Where he another language heard,

He did not understand.

6 "From his tasked shoulders I

Removed the crushing load ;
His hands I from the basket freed,
Great favor to him showed.

7 " In trouble thou didst call :

And I did set thee free —
I from the cloud, the secret place
Of thunder, answered thee.

" When thou at Meribah

Didst murmur, I thee tried ;

I gave thee water from the rock,
Miraculously supplied.

S " O, Israel, bend now
To me a listening ear,
And I will to thee testify,
If thou wilt only hear.

9 There shall no foreign god

In thee permitted be ;
And thou shalt worship no strange god,

But worship only Me.

158 THE PSALMS. LXXXII

10 " I am the Lord thy God,

Who did from Egypt bring :
Ope wide thy mouth, and I 'II it fill
With every needful thing.

11 "When Israel refused

To hear Me and obey,

12 I gave them up to stubbornness.

To walk in their own way.

13 "O that My people would

But hearken to My voice !

14 I 'd soon subdue their enemies.

And make their hearts rejoice.

15 " The haters of the Lord

Should unto Him submit ;
The nation then should long endure.
No end should be to it.

16 "I would them also feed

With finest of the wheat,
And satisfy them from the rock
With honey too to eat."

PSALM LXXXII.

HE mighty God of Heaven
In His assembly stands,
Judging the gods who judge below-
The princes of the lands.

LXXXIII THE PSALMS. 1 59

2 *' How long will ye judge wrong ;

Just laws corruptly wrest ?

3 Right ye the weak and fatherless,

4 And rescue th' opprest ! "

5 Perversely, they prefer

In darkness still to walk ;
The earth's foundations shake, while they
The ends of justice balk.

6 "Though I said, 'Ve are gods,

All sons of the Most High,'

7 Yet ye shall from your places fall.

Like common men shall die !"

8 Arise, O God ! and judge

The earth in righteousness :
Assert thy claim, whose right it is
All nations to possess !

P S A L lA LXXXIII.

KEEP silence not. O God !
Hold not Thy peace, nor rest ;

2 For, lo. Thy foes a tumult make,

Proud hatred swells their breast.

3 They craftily combine ;

" Come," say they, " we will plot,,

4 And from the roll of nations will

The name of Israel blot."

iCo THE PSALMS. LXXXIII

6 Edom and Ishmael,

Philistia and Tyre,

7 Asshur and Amalek, to help

8 The sons of Lot, conspire.

■9 Do as to Midian,
And as to Sisera,
When Thou at the brook Kishon didst
The hosts of Jabin slay :

10 Destroyed at Endor, these

Were dung unto the ground ;
The bodies of ten thousand slain
Lay festering around.

11 Their nobles do Thou like

Oreb and Zeeb make ;
Like Zeba and Zalmunna, let
Destruction them o'ertake,

11 Who impudently said :

"Let us the dwellings seize
And fertile pasture grounds of God,
And henceforth live at ease."

53 Make, O my God, them like
The whirl of flying wheels ;
Like chaff before the wind them drive,
Grim slaughter at their heels.

LXXXIV THE rSALMS. l6l

14 As fire the forest burns,

Flame kindles mountains, so

15 Do Thou pursue them with Thy storm —

Make them Thy terrors know :

16 Their face fill with contempt,

Till they shall seek Thy Name —

17 Let them forever be abashed,

And perish in their shame.

iS Then shall men know that Thou,
Jehovah ! Thou alone,
Art the Most High o'er all the earth.
And worship at Thy throne.

PSALM LXXXIV.

OW lovely are Thy Dwellings, Lord !
My spirit longs, yea faints to see
Thy far-off Courts, where praise is poured
By lips thrice-privileged to Thee.
My heart and flesh
Cry out afresh
For those dear precincts, long untrod,
And most for Thee, the Living God.

3 The favored sparrow there appears ;
And there the swallow has her nest,
In which her callow brood she rears,
A fearless unforbidden guest.

1 62 THE PSALMS. LXXXIV

Thine altars nigh,

O Lord Most High-
While I am banished from the place,
Thy Mercy Seat and Throne of Grace.

4 Happy the dwellers in Thy Courts,

Who permanently spend their days
Within Thy Temple's sacred ports.
In offerings of prayer and praise :

5 Happy is he.

Whose strength 's in Thee,
With highways in his iieart that lead
To Zion's Hill, cast up for speed.

6 They, passing through the Vale of Tears,

Make it a place of welling springs :
The early rain the pilgrim cheers,
And seasonable blessings brings.
From strength to strength
They go — at length
They all appear, their journey done,
'Fore God in Zion, every one.

8 Jehovah, God of Hosts, incline

A gracious ear, and hear my cry !
"9 O God, my Shield ! look Thou on Thine

Anointed with a loving eye I
lo Better one day

Is it to stay
Within Thy House, and keep the door,
Than tents of sin a thousand more.

I^XXXV THE PSALMS. 1 63

11 Jehovah is a Sun and Shield ;

He grace and glory will bestow ;
No good but He will to them yield
Who walk uprightly here below.

12 O Lord of Hosts,
Guard Thou our coasts ;

Our light and our protection be —
Happy the man who trusts in Thee !

PSALM L X X X V .

THOU hast, O Lord, in former years
Been gracious to Thy Land ;
Hast captive Israel brought back,
By Thy restoring hand.

2 Thy people's guilt Thou hast removed,

Their sins hast covered o'er ;

3 Withdrawn the fierceness of Thine ire,

So that it smoked no more.

4 O God of our Salvation, now

Return to us ; and make
Thine indignation towards us cease,
For Thine own mercy's sake.

5 Wilt Thou be angry, and draw out

Thine anger evermore ?
•f) Wilt Thou not quicken us again,
And former joys restore ?

164 THE PSALMS. LXXXVI

7 Show us Thy mercy, gracious Lord !

And Thy salvation grant :

8 I wait to hear Thee speak the peace

For which Thy people pant.

Let them no more to folly turn ;
But fear, and steadfast stand ;

9 That Thy indwelling presence may

Make glorious the Land.

10 Mercy and Truth together meet,

And Righteousness and Peace
Embrace and kiss — Thy covenant
Is sure and does not cease.

11 Attesting Truth springs up like grain

Out of the teeming sod ;
And Righteousness looks down from heaven,.
Like rainbow-pledge from God.

12 The Lord the promised good shall give ;

Our Land her increase pour:

13 And Righteousness, His harbinger,

Shall go His steps before.

PSALM LXXXVI.

BOW down Thine ear, O Lord, to me,
Needy and poor I succor crave :
2 Preserve my soul, beloved of Thee,
Thy servant trusting in Thee, save L

LXXXVI THE PSALMS. 165

3 Be merciful to me, for I

The whole day long unto Thee cry.

4 Rejoice Thy servant's soul ! I lift

To Thee a meek, confiding heart :
Descends from Thee each perfect gift —

5 Good and forgiving. Lord, Thou art ;
Plenteous in mercy unto all

Who unto Thee contritely call.

6 Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer ;

7 In trouble Thou wilt hear my cry ;

8 No gods with Thee can e'er compare.

No works of theirs with Thine can vie ;
9' All nations shall their Maker own,

10 And worship Thee and Thee alone.

11 Teach me to walk in wisdom's ways ;

Unite my heart to fear Thy Name ;

12 With my whole heart I will Thee praise,

And evermore resound Thy fame.

13 Great is Thy mercy, for 't was it
That snatched me from the lowest pit.

14 Proud ones against me have rebelled —

The violent, the sons of strife —
Thy fear they 've not before them held.
Ungodly men that sought my life ;

15 But Thou a God art, full of ruth —
Plenteous in mercy and in truth.

1 66 THE PSALMS. LX XXVII

i6 O to me turn and gracious be !

Strength and salvation to me give !
17 A sign of favor show to me,

That, seeing by whose help I live,
All those towards me with hate inflamed,
May be confounded and ashamed.

PSALM LXXXVII

N consecrated ground,

The holy mountains round,
Rest Zion's bulwarks and her lofty domes :

2 Jehovah loves her gates.

And them more precious rates
Than all the lordliest of Jacob's homes.

Dear City of our God,
The Place of His Abode !

3 Most glorious things are prophesied of thee ;

To the true worship won,

4 Egypt and Babylon,
Philistia and Tyre and Cush shall be.

By God established —
In Thee, it shall be said,

5 This man was born and that ; and so when He

6 The nations shall convert,
Of each He will assert,

7 There this was born — the mother of the free.

LXXXVllI THE PSALMS. 167

.PSALM L X X X V I I I .

LORD God of my salv^ation, I
By day, by night before Thee cry,

2 O let my prayer to Thee ascend,
Thine ear to my petition bend !

3 For, oh, my soul is full of fear,
And my life draws to Sheol near :

4 I 'm counted with th' already dead,
And all my inanly strength is fled.

5 Cast off, I with the dead remain,
Forsaken, like the buried slain,
Whom Thou Thyself rememberest not,
From Thee cut off and doomed to rot.

6 Thou hast in lowest pit me hurled,
Th' abysses of the underworld ;

7 Thy wrath lies heavy on my soul,
Great waves of sorrow o'er me roll.

8 Thou my acquaintance hast estranged,
And hast their love to loathing changed ;
Shut up, I can go forth no more,

9 Mine eye decays through weeping sore.

I Thee invoke, Lord, every day ;
I stretch forth wearied hands and pray :
10 Wilt Thou show wonders to the dead,
Shall shades * arise Thy praise to spread ?

* Disembodied spirits, implyintj the separate existence of the soul after death.

l68 THE PSALMS. LXXXVIII

11 Shall any in the grave rehearse
Thy loving kindnesses in verse?
Or any in Abaddon* bless
And celebrate Thy faithfulness?

12 Any in that lone darksome land
Recite the wonders of Thy hand ? —
Land of forgetfulness and night
Where reaches not one ray of light.

13 To Thee I come with tears and cries ;
At early morn my prayer shall rise —

14 Why cast me off, O God of grace ?
Why dost Thou hide Thy lovely Face?

15 I long have draw^n uncertain breath,
A ready candidate for death :

Have borne Thy terrors and still bear,
A wretched victim of despair.

16 Thine indignations like a sea.
Loud roaring, have passed over me :

17 Thy terrors have made me a prey,
Like waters compassed me all day.

iS Of lover and of friend bereft,
Darkness to me alone is left —
My path is lost. Great Shepherd, say.
Shall I still wander from Thy way ?

* A poetical equivalent of Grave and Death. See Prov. x\\\. 11 ; Job .\xvi. 6 ;
xxviii. 22.

LXXXIX yy/A J'SA/.MS. 1 69

PSALM LXXXIX.

THE mercies of the Lord
I will forever sinj^ ;

2 Make known ih' enduring faithfulness

(3f our Internal King.

3 For, Mercy, I have said,

Shall be built up for aye :
Thy faithfuln^iss, fixed in the heavens,
Be permanent as they.

" I have with David made
A covenant, and sworn :

4 ' I stablish will thy seed ; build up

Thy throne for sons unborn.' "

5 The heavens shall celebrate,

The skilled angelic choirs,
The wonders of Thy faithfulness
Upon their golden lyres.

6 For who in all the Sky —

Sons of the mighty there,
The angels that excel in strength —
Can with the Lord compare?

7 A God most terrible.

With awful glory crowned —
High seated at His council board.
The holv ones around.

I/O THE PSALMS. LXXXIX

8 Jehovah, God of Hosts,

Who mighty is like Thee ?
Thy faithfulness the girdle is
Of Thy eternity.

9 The proud imperious deep

Acknowledges Thy sway :
Th' obsequious waves Thy mandate hear
And instantl)'' obey.

lo Thou hast proud Egypt crushed.
Inflicting mortal harm ;
Thy foes hast scattered by the strength
Of Thine almighty arm.

Ti The heavens and earth are Thine,

Thou didst all nature frame :
12 All quarters of the world rejoice

In their Creator's Name.

14 Justice and judgment are

Thy throne's eternal base ;
Mercy and Truth, celestial forms,
Shall go before Thy face.

15 Happy the people, who,

Knowing the joyful sound,

16 Walk in the sunshine of Thy Face,

Glad daylight all around.

LXXXIX THE PSALMS, I7I

17 For Thou, Lord, art our Strength ;

Our Ornament, as well ;

18 Our Shield, our King, the Holy One

Of favored Israel.

19 In vision Thou didst speak

And saidst : " I help have laid
Upon a Mighty One and fit.

Of whom I choice have made —

20 "David, my servant, him

I have anointed King ;

21 My hand and arm shall present be

For his establishing.

22 '' No foe shall him compel.

Or vanquish him in fight ;

23 His adversaries I '11 beat down,

And those who hate him smite.

24 "My faithfulness and love

Shall him exalt and bless ;

25 I '11 set his hand too on the seas

And rivers to possess.

26 "From his warm lips to Me

Shall burst the filial cry :
'Thou art my Father, Thou my God,
The Rock to which I fly.'

172 THE PSALMS. LXXXIX

27 "I '11 make him my First-born,

Highest of earthly kings ;

28 His throne shall, like the days of heaven,

29 Exceed all reckonings.

30 " If Me his sons forsake,

31 And from my laws diverge,

. 32 Their sin I '11 visit with a rod,

Their trespass with a scourge ;

33 " But I '11 not utterly

My mercy from him take ;
I '11 not My faithfulness let fail,

34 My covenant not break.

35 "Once by My holiness

I have to David sworn.

36 His seed shall last, his throne abide

37 While night succeeds to morn.

38 And yet Thou hast cast off.

On Thine anointed frowned,

39 Abhorred his covenant, profaned

His crown hurled to the ground

40 Hast broken down his walls.

His strongholds hast uptorn :

41 All spoil him that pass by — he has

Become his neighbors' scorn.

LXXXIX THE PSALMS \y-

42 Thou hast made strong his foes,

And trium{)li to them given;

43 Turned back the keenness of his sword,

And from the field him driv'^en.

44 And Thou hast made to cease

The brightness of his fame ;

45 His throne cast down, his days cut short.

And covered him with shame.

46 How long, 0 Lcird ? wilt Thou

Thyself forever hide ?
How long shall burn like fire Thy wrath ?
How long shall foes deride ?

47 Remember, Lord, how short

48 My time is : To what use

Hast Thou made man ? No one the grasp
Of Sheol's hand* can loose.

49 Where are Thy mercies which

Thou didst to David swear ?

50 Remember, Lord, I the reproach

Of many peoples bear.

Blessed be Jehovah forevermore,
Amen, and Amen.

* So tlic Hebrew.

BOOK IV.

PSALM X C

LORD, Thou hast been our dwelling-place,
Our refuge in the past :

2 Before the mountains were brought forth

Or earth's foundations cast,

Thou wast, and art, and wilt be God :

From everlasting Thou
To everlasting still the same,

An unbeginning NOW.

The generations come and go.
Appear, and perish then ;

3 Thou turnest man to dust, and say'st :

'* Return ye sons of men ! "

4 For in Thy sight a thousand years

Are but as yesterday,
And as a brief watch in the night
When it hath passed away.

XC THE PSALMS. I/S

5 Thou bearesl them as with a flood

On to the silent deep ;
So unsubstantial and so vain
Their life is as a sleep.

They are like grass, which groweth up

6 In the sweet morning light,
And in the evening is cut down,

And withered to the sight.

7 We by Thine anger are consumed ;

8 Our secret sins are known ;

9 The troubled years in sorrow pass.

Their end a sigh,* a groan.

10 Three score and ten complete our term,

And should it reach four score,
'T is soon cut off, we fly away,
And here are seen no more.

11 Who knows the power of love incensed ?

Of Thy just anger, who ?
Of wrath proportioned to Thy fear,
And awe that is Thy due ?

12 Teach us to so compute our days.

That we each hour may prize ;
Apply our hearts to learn the lore
And wisdom of the skies.

* Marj^inal rcadinj;.

176 THE PSALMS. XCI

13 Return, O Lord, how long? Do Thou

Compassionate our case ;

Let it repent Thee so to hide

The comfort of Thy Face.

14 With early mercy satisfy.

And all our days make glad,

15 According to the days and years

Wherein Thou mad'st us sad.

16 Let Thy redeeming work be seen ;

17 Thy beauty on us rest ;
Establish Thou what we attempt.

And be our labors blest.

PSALM XCI.

WHO has his refuge in the sky,
And secret place of the Most High,
On whom the Almighty's shadow falls,
Can have no need of towers and walls :

2 Who puts in God his trust sublime,
Is safe from all the ills of time.

3 The Lord is his deliverance

From fowler's snare, and pestilence :

4 His wings shall a safe covert yield ;
His truth a buckler be and shield.

5 Thee shall no terror of the night,
Nor dart that flies by day affright ;

XCI THE PSALMS. 1 77

6 No pest that in the darkness hastes,
Nor sickness that at nooa-day wastes ;

7 Thousands shall fall at thy right hand,
But unmolested thou shalt stand :

8 Thou only with thine eyes shalt see,
Shalt only a spectator be,

Of the reward and recompense
God doth to wicked men dispense.

9 And inasmuch as thou hast said,

" The Lord my refuge is ; " and made
Thy habitation the Most High ;

10 No plague shall come thy dwelling nigh :

11 For He shall give His angels charge.
With heavenly orders strict and large,
To keep thee safe in all thy ways,

12 And in their hands to thee upraise —
Lest, left unto thyself alone.

Thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt upon the lion tread,
And trample on the serpent's head.

14 Jehovah saith : "Because that he
Hath set his love supreme on Me —
Because that he My Name hath known,
I will deliver him and own.

15 " He shall upon Me call, and I

Will answer, and to him draw nigh :

1/8 THE PSALMS. XCII

Will with him in his trouble be,
Will honor him and set him free :
i6 Long life I will on him bestow,
And to him My salvation show."

PSALM X c n .

To give Jehovah thanks,
And Thy high praises sing,
O Thou Most High, is a most good
And necessary thing.

2 Thy kindness to show forth

Is meet at morning light ;
And laud Thy love and faithfulness.
At each return of night,

3 Upon the decachord,

With psaltery and lute,
And harp of soft and solemn sound
The holy strains to suit.

4 For Thou hast made me glad,

Through knowledge of Thy works —
In all a glorious goodness shines
An awful beauty lurks.

3 How infinite Thy works !

Thy thoughts are an abyss ;
6 The brutish man and fool alike

Are ignorant of this.

XCII THK PSALMS. 1 79

7 When spring they as the grass,

The wicked, overjoyed,
Know not it is that they may soon
Forever be destroyed.

8 But Thou, Jehovah, art

For evermore on high :

9 Thy foes shall perish, all their hosts

Be scattered from the sky.

10 Thou hast my honored head,

Anointed with fresh oil —

11 Mine eye hath seen Thy Hand stretched out

Mine enemies to foil.

12 The righteous as a palm

Shall grow and flourish, like
Cedars of Lebanon whose roots
In soil congenial strike.

13 They, planted in Thy House,

Shall in Thy Courts be seen

14 Producing fruit — ev'n in old age

Still full of sap and green.

15 Just is the Lord, who sits

Between the Cherubim —
He is my Rock, and there is no
Unrighteousness in Him.

I So THE FSALMS. XCIV

PSALM XCIII.

JEHOVAH reigns, and reigns alone :
Earth is His footstool, heaven his throne ;
He. with omnipotence arrayed,
Of old the world 's foundations laid.

2 O universal is Thy sway ;
The loyal atoms Thee obey ;

All being. Lord, proceeds from Thee,
Who dwellest in eternity.

3 Let angry waves lift up their roar,
And dash themselves against the shore ;

4 Above the voices of the deep.

Thine shall be heard commanding sleep.

5 Thy testimonies. Lord, endure ;
Thy promises are very sure ;
While holiness Thy house and door
Makes beautiful forevermore.

PSALM XCIV.
ORD God of recompense,

Shine forth with bickering flame ;*
2 Lift up Thyself, Judge of the earth.
Reward the proud with shame.

* And from about Him fierce effusion rolled
Of smoke, and bicker in j^Viasae., and sparkles dire.

—Milton, P. Z., B. VI, I. jbb.

XCIV THE PSALMS. l8l

3 How long, O Lord, how long

Shall wicked men exult ?

4 In saucy triumph speak hard words,

And cruelly insult ?

5 They grind the people, they

Thy heritage oppress ;

6 The widow and the stranger kill,

Murder the fatherless.

7 They say : " Jah will not see,

The God of Jacob know " —

8 Reflect, ye brutish ones ; ye fools,

When will ye wiser grow ?

9 Who made the ear and eye,

Shall He not hear and see ?

10 From Him who gives the power to know,.

Shall knowledge hidden be ?

11 He knows men's thoughts are vain.

And like the breath they draw :

12 Happy is he whom Thou dost warn,

And teach, Lord, from Thv law.

13 Thy chastisements are meant

To profit not to grieve,
Against the time the pit is dug
The wicked shall receive.

1 82 • THE PSALMS. XCIV

14 The Lord will not cast off

His people, nor forsake :

15 For banished Justice shall return,

And righteous judgment make.

16 Who will for me against

The evil-doers rise ?
For me stand up against those who
Iniquity devise ?

17 Unless Jehovah were

A present help for me,
My soul would soon in Silence dwell —
My struggles ended be.

18 When I said. My foot slips.

Thy mercy, Lord, was near ;

19 Mid whirling thoughts Thy comforts did

My troubled spirit cheer.

■^o Shall Crime beside Thee sit,
High seated on a throne.
To frame iniquity by law
And right be overthrown ?

21 They haste to congregate.

They rush in crowds, they hem
Souls of the righteous in, the blood
Of innocence condemn.

XCV THE PSALMS. 1 83

22 But God has been my Tower,

My Rock, my sure Defence ;

23 He in their sins will cut them off,

Their evil recompense.

PSALM XCV.

ET us to Jehovah raise,
Rock of our Salvation, praise !

2 Let us come with lifted palms !
Let us shout to him in psalms !
Let our joyful thanks arise

To the Monarch of the Skies !

3 Inexpressible the odds
'Twixt Him and all other gods.

4 Depths of earth to Him belong,
And the heights of mountains strong

5 His the sea, made by His hand
That created the dry land.

6 Let us worship ! let us bow
'Fore the Lord, our Maker now !

7 He 's our God, our Shepherd He,
People of His pasture we,

Objects of His shepherd-care —
Thus He doth His mind declare :
" O that ye to-day would hear !

8 Steel your hearts not 'gainst my fear,

1 84 THE PSALMS. XCVI

As at Meribah, no less
Massah in the wilderness,
9 When your fathers tempted Me,
Proved Me, and My work did see !

lo " Forty years I, grieving sore,
With that generation bore :
' They a people are,' I said,
'That have always erred and strayed ;
Irreclaimably preverse.
Aye addicted to the worse ; '
So in wrath I did protest
They should enter not my rest."

PSALM XCVI.

SING to Jehovah a new song.
His great salvation sing :

2 Sing to Jehovah, bless His name,

The good news publishing ;
Let earth her guilty silence break.
And sweet melodious thunder make.

3 Among the nations day by day

Declare His power and love.

4 How greatly He is to be feared

All heathen gods above —

5 Vain senseless things of wood and stone-
Jehovah made the heavens alone.

XCVI THE PSALMS. 1 85

6 Honor and majesty attend,

And go before His Face ;
Beauty and excellence and strength
Arc in His Holy Place :

7 Ye peoples, long estranged, proclaim
The glory of Jehovah's Name.

8 An offering bring and come into

His Courts, His throne aadress !

9 O worship Him in beauty clad.

Adorned with holiness !
Tremble before Him all the earth,
From whom all creatures have their birth.

10 Among all nations publish ye,
Jehovah reigns on high :
The world stands fast : His equity

From the impartial sky
He '11 make on all alike descend.
And Right be honored in the end.

11 Let heaven and earth be glad, the sea

With all its fullness roar:

12 Let fields exult, let happy trees.

Their whispered gladness pour :

13 For, lo, He comes in glorious dress
To judge the world in righteousness.

1.86 THE PSALMS. XCVIl

PSALM XCVII.

JEHOVAH reigns : let earth rejoice ;
Let all the isles be glad !
He rules the world in equity,
And is with mercy clad.

2 Thick clouds and darkness Him surround ^

But this great truth is known,
That righteousness and judgment are
The basis of His throne.

3 Before Him went a fire that burned ;

The kindlings of His look

4 His foes consumed : His lightnings flamed,.

The earth beheld and shook.

5 Melted the hills like wax before

The presence of the Lord ;

6 Loud thundering the skies declared

His right to be adored.

7 Put shame on those who idols serve —

Things deaf and dumb and blind ;
Bow down yourselves to Him, ye gods.
Vain phrenzies of the mind.

8 Lo, Zion heard it and was glad ;

And Judah's daughters sang,
How just Thy judgments are, O Lord T
Till all the mountains rang.

XCVIII THE PSALMS. 1 87

() For Thou, O Lord, art hig^h above
All that on earth bear sway :
Thy throne is in the heaven of heavens
And doth not pass away.

10 O ye that love the Lord, be sure

Ye evil hate, and fight :

11 For light is for the righteous sown,

And joy for the upright.

PSALM X C \' I I I .

SING a new song of matchless charm !
The Lord most wondrous things hath done '
With His right hand and holy arm
He hath a victory for Him won ;

2 Before the nations hath displayed
His righteousness and saving aid.

3 He hath been faithful to His word,

Each holy pledge remembered still ;
And in His mercy hath conferred

This crowning grace on Israel —
Famous where'er man's foot hath trod
As " Thk Salvation or cur God."

4 Make to the Lord a joyful noise ;

Break forth ; His praise with rapture sing ;

5 Make melody with harp and voice,

6 And sound of trumpet to our King ;
Join, all ye dwellers on the earth,

To give the mighty transport birth.

THE PSALMS. XCIX

7 Let the sea roar, each wave a tongue ;

8 And let the rivers clap their hands ;
And joy resound the hills among ;

And shouts of welcome fill all lands :

9 For, lo, He comes in holy dress

To judge the world in righteousness.

PSALM XCIX.

JEHOVAH reigns, the Mighty God,
Let all the nations shake !
He 's throned above the Cherubim,
Let conscious Nature quake I

2 Jehovah is in Zion, great ;

Above all people, high ;

3 Let them extol Thy dreadful Name,

And give the reason why.

For it is holy.

4 Thy kingly strength doth judgment love ;

Thou dost establish right ;
Thou innocence dost vindicate.
And wickedness requite.

5 Exalt the Lord our God ; approach

His awful Mercy Seat ;
Prostrate yourselves before His throne,
And worship at His feet,

For He is holy.

■J HE PSALMS. 189

() Moses and Aaron were to God
As priests to intercede ;
And Samuel called upon His name,
And did for Israel plead.

7 They called. He answered them ; He in

The cloudy pillar spake ;
They kept His statues which He gave
And warned them not to break.

8 Thou didst, Jehovah, answer them —

Wast a forajiving God ;
But mad'st them tecl for their misdeeds
The vengeance of Thy rod.

(} R^xalt the Lord our God, bow down ;
Ve people all draw near I
Assemble at His Holy Mount
And worship in His fear,

For He is holy \

P S A L M C.

OALL ye lands, unite your joys ;
Make to the Lord a joyful noise ;

2 Serve Him with gladness ; come before

His presence, and with songs adore !

3 The Lord is God, for He it is

Who us has made, and we are His ;
We arc His people, we His sheep

Whom He delights to tend and keep.

igO THE PSALMS. CI

4 Enter His Temple gates with praise ;

Songs of thanksgiving to Him raise,

5 For He is good, His mercy vast

And faithfulness forever last.

PSALM CI.

ERCY and judgment will I sing ;
To Thee, O Lord, will I sing praise ;
When Thou shalt come, I, in Thy strength,

Will walk in wisdom's perfect ways ;
1 will at home perform my part,
And serve Thee with an honest heart.

■3 I'll no base thing before me set ;

I hate their work who turn aside ;
4 Their vileness shall not cleave to me,

Naught evil shall with me abide.
■5 The slanderer I will not spare.
The proud of heart I will not bear.

-6 I'll seek them out, mine eyes shall be
Upon the faithful of the Land,
That they may dwell with me, and be
The trusted men of my right hand.

7 Men of deceit I '11 not employ,

8 All evil-doers I '11 destroy.

CI I THE PSALMS. I9I

PSALM CI I.

HEAR, O Jehovah, let my cry
Reach Thy high dwelling-place :

2 In this dark day of my distress

Hide not Thy loving Face.

3 Make haste to answer, for my days

Have vanished into smoke;
My fevered bones cease not to burn.
And fiery pangs provoke.

4 My heart is smitten, like the grass

All withered, scorched, and dried ;
For I forget to eat my bread,
By groans preoccupied.

5 So lean, my skin cleaves to my bones,

I solitary moan,

6 Like pelican in the wilderness,

Like owl 'mid ruins lone ;

7 Like sparrow on the house-top, I

Unsleeping sit forlorn ;

8 While all day long my maddened foes

Belch curses mixed with scorn.

9 Sitting in sackcloth, ashes vile

I eaten have like bread ;
My tears have mingled with my drink,
lo For Thy displeasure shed.

192 THE PSALMS. CII

As by the whirlwind taken up,
Thou hast me borne away :

11 My life is as the lengthened shade

That marks the close of day.

12 I withered am like grass, but Thou

Forever shalt endure ;
And to all generations, Lord !
Is Thv remembrance sure.

13 Thou wilt arise and Zion build ;

For the set time and right

14 Is when Thy servants love her stones,

And in her dust delight.

15 So shall the nations fear Thy Name ;

All kings Thy greatness own ;

16 Because the Lord has Zion built,

And made His glory known ;

17 And stooped to hear the destitute,

Despising net their prayer —

18 The grace of which the written page

To after times shall bear.

19 Jehovah looked down from the height

Of heaven itself to hear

20 The groaning of the prisoner

And loose him from his fear ;

CI I THE PSALMS. 1 93

21 That men in Zion might declare

His pity to the race,

22 When gathered at Jerusalem

The kingdoms seek His face.

23 My strength He weakened in the way ;

My days He has made few :

24 I said, "Remove me not, my God,

Before my life 's half through !

"Thy years are endless ; grudge me not

The remnant of my term —
Thou art the Everlasting God

And I am but a worm ! "

25 Of old hast Thou, Almighty One !

The earth's foundation laid ;
The heavens the work are of Thy hands,
And are by Thee upstayed.

26 While they shall perish, Thou shalt last —

These, like a garment worn,
Thou wilt put off, new dress to wear
On that eternal morn.

27 But Thou art evermore the same.

Thy years shall have no end ;
23 Thy servants shall endure, their seed

Prosperity attend.
9

194 THE PSALMS. CIIl

PSALM C I I I.

O BLESS the Lord, my soul !
Let all within me bless ;
Join, all my powers, in psalms of praise
And hymns of thankfulness !

2 O bless the Lord, my soul !

Let memory awake,
And think of all His benefits.
And grateful mention make :

3 Who all thy sins forgives ;

All thy diseases heals ;

4 Who saved thy life from threatened death,

And for thee pity feels.

5 Who gives thee pleasant food,

And makes an end of pain ;
So, like an eagle, is renewed
Thy faded youth again.

6 He judgment executes

For all that are oppressed ;

7 He made to Israel of old

His goodness manifest.

8 The Lord is merciful,

And is to anger slow ;
The plenteous fountains of His grace
Continually o'erflow.

^^I^ THE PSALMS. I95

9 He will not always chide,
His anger always keep ;

10 He has not dealt with us to match

Our soul's demerit deep.

11 For as the heaven is high

Above this lower sphere,
So great His mercy is toward them,
Who reverence Him and fear.

12 Far as from east to west,

He doth our sins remove ;

13 He pities us, as parents do

The children of their love.

14 For He knows well our frame ;

How frail we are. He knows ;
How man's original is dust.
And back to it he goes.

15 His days are as the grass ;

He blossoms like the flower,

16 The wind sweeps o'er it, and 't is gone

The vision of an hour.

17 But then His mercies are

Forever and for aye,

18 To such as keep His covenant,

And His commands obey.

196 THE PSALMS. CIV

19 His throne is in the heavens,

His kingdom over all :

20 Ye angels — that excel in strength,

Who hearken to His call.

Then fly to execute

His powerful decrees —

21 Bless ye the Lord ; and thou, my soul !

22 Bless Him on bended knees.

PSALM CIV.*

LORD, my God ! Thou art
Above conception great ;
Nature Thy wardrobe is in part-
The purple of Thy state.

2 Thy garment is the light —
Around Thee, lo, are drawn
The starry mantle of the night,
The vesture of the dawn.

* Alexander Von Humboldt, in his " Cosmos," remarks : "It might be said one
single Psalm (the 104th) represents the image of the whole Cosmos. . . We are
astonished to find in a lyrical poem of such limited compass, the whole universe
— the heavens and the earth — sketched with a few bold touches." Bishop Lowth
in his Lectures refers again and again to this Psalm (or Idyllium, as he some-
where calls it) in terms of unbounded admiration. He says : " There is nothing
of the kind extant (indeed nothing can be conceived) more perfect than this
Hymn, whether it be considered with respect to its intrinsic beauties, or as a
model to this species of composition." Lord Bacon dedicates to his " very good
friend, Mr. George Herbert," a version executed in the heroic couplet :
" Father and King of Powers, both high and low.
Whose sounding fame all creatures serve to blow," etc.

CIV THE PSALMS. 1 97

The heavens Thou dost extend
As a pavilion fair ;

3 Thy chambers' beams Thou dost suspend

In watery depths of air.

The clouds Thy chariots are ;

4 The winged winds Thy steeds ;
To bear Thy messages afar

The flaming lightning speeds.

5 Thou founded hast the earth

On law's eternal base,
That nothing should, while time shall last,
Remove it from its place.

6 The garment of the deep

Around it all was poured ;
Above the mountains' highest steep
The haughty waters roared.

7 Thy dread rebuke they heard ;

They fled, they hasted down,
Before the thunder of Thy word,
The terror of Thy frown.

8 They climb the mountains' height,

They down the valleys roll.
Wave chasing wave in headlong flight.
To the appointed goal.

198 THE PSALMS. CIV

9 There Thou a bound hast set,
That nevermore the main,
Howe'er the loud waves rage and threat,
May drown the earth again.

10 Among the vales and hills

A thousand fountains burst ;

11 There run cool brooks and murmuring rills

For beasts to slake their thirst.

12 The fowls of heaven have near

Their favorite retreat,
Among the branches singing clear
Their happy songs and sweet.

13 From out the blessed sky

Thou send'st the genial rain ;
And thirsty vales and hill-tops dry
Revive and laugh again.

14 Thy breath is in the fields ;

Thy power beneath the sod ;
Each mead and cornfield tribute yields.
And owns the present God.

15 For sake of man and beast,

To satisfy their needs,
Exhaustless Nature spreads this feast,
This miracle proceeds.

CIV THE PSALMS, 199

i6 Majestic cedars prop

The nests on Lebanon ;

17 The stork prefers the fir-tree's top

To build her house upon.

18 On craggy summit, where

Can tread no other feet,
The wild goats and the conies there
Find both a safe retreat.

Thou dost for all provide

Whate'er their natures ask,
A sphere and faculty to guide,

A purpose and a task.

19 Alike the sun and moon

Their proper seasons wait —
For punctual Nature 's ne'er too soon,
Nor ever yet too late.

20 As down heaven's headlong steep

The dewy night is hurled,
Forth from their dens all wild beasts creep,
While darkness wraps the world.

21 Young lions roar for prey,

And seek their meat from God ;

22 But when the sun arises, they

No longer roam abroad.

200 THE FSALMS. CIV

23 Man, now, refreshed by sleep,

Goes forth at morning light
To plough the fields, to sow, or reap,
Till the return of night.

24 O Lord, how manifold

The products of Thy hand —
How wise ! how wondrous to behold !
How admirably planned !

25 And not the earth alone.

But the unfathomed sea
Is filled with myriads unknown.
Whose being is in Thee.

26 There go the ships ; and there

Leviathan disports.
And other beasts the waters bear —
Innumerable sorts.

27 These all on Thee depend ;

All wait on Thee for food ;
23 Thine open hand Thou dost extend,
And they are filled with good,

29 That moment Thou dost hide,
Benignant Lord, Thy Face,
They down to swift destruction glide,
They die and leave no trace.

CIV THE PSALMS. 201

30 Thou spread'st Thy brooding wing :

Thou sendest forth Thy breath,
And countless forms of life upspring
From out the dust of death.

The earth, that late was seen

Shrunk by the fatal cold,
Warmed by Thy smile appears as green

And beauteous as of old.

31 Thy glory doth endure,

Thy goodness doth not pass,
Thy works reflect Thine image pure
Distinct as in a glass.

32 Awe-struck beneath Thy gaze,

Earth shakes from south to north —
At Thy bare touch the mountains blaze,
Volcanic fires burst forth.

33 While I have power to praise,

And being have and breath,
My joyful songs to Thee I '11 raise,
Nor shall they cease at death.

34 What tongue cannot repeat,

That silence shall express ;
My thoughts of Thee shall still be sweet.
Whose love is fathomless.

202 THE PSALMS. CIV

35 Though Thou canst be severe,
As impious men shall know,
Yet to the humble and sincere
Thy grace doth overflow.

My soul, bless thou the Lord !

Glad hallelujahs sing !
Let rapturous praise be ever poured

From an exhaustless spring.

SECOND VERSION.

LORD my God ! Thou art
Of all that is the eoul —
The mystery of every part,
The glory of the whole.

2 Thou art the Light of light.

Light is Thy dazzling veil —
Compared with this, Thy raiment white,
The light of suns is pale.

With high aerial grace.

The azure firmament
Thou hangest o'er the empty place.

In likeness of a tent.

3 Thy chambers' buoyant beams

Rest on that upper sea.
Where unseen rivers flow, and streams
Pour tribute silently.

CIV THE PSALMS. 203

Thou makest clouds Thy car,
By winds tempestuous driven ;

4 Th' obedient lightnings bear afar

The messages of Heaven.

5 Immovably Thy hand

The earth established — still
Beneath its strong foundations stand
The pillars of Thy will.

6 Thou poured'st the deep around,

Whose waters roared and swirled
Above the mountains of a drowned
And ocean-buried world.

7 At Thy rebuking word,

They trembling fled away —
The thunder of Thy voice they heard
And hastened to obey.

8 In endless ebb they shrink

To lower levels fast ;
The mountains rise, the valleys sink,
Till, gathered at the last,

9 They keep the place assigned —

Th' unsounded depths of seas,
By bars of adamant confined.
And Thy unchanged decrees.

204 ^-^^ PSALMS. CIV

10 In valleys cool and sweet,

Spring brooks and murmuring rills,
That walk the meads with shining feet,
And run among the hills.

11 Beasts of the field there drink :

Wild asses thirst allay ;

12 Among the trees that shade the brink

Sing happy birds all day.

13 Thou water'st all the land,

And makest glad the sod ;
The earth contented owns the hand
And husbandry of God.

14 Thou makest grass to spring

For cattle ; and dost plan
Supplies of every needful thing
For the support of man.

15 The tilled and teeming soil

Brings forth the foodful wine,
That cheers the heart of man, and oil
That makes his face to shine.

16 The cedars of the Lord,

The pride of Lebanon,
With plenteous sap and vigor stored,
Thou planted'st every one.

CIV THE PSALMS. 205

17 The birds there build, and hide

Their nests from human ken ;
Fir trees for storks a house provide,
Far from the haunts of men.

18 The wild goats climb the steep

Of friendly hills that mocks
Pursuing feet ; and conies creep
For safety in the rocks.

All these Thy thoughts employ ;

Thy tender mercies share ;
The great and mean alike enjoy

Thy universal care.

19 The changeful moon observes

Thine ordinances yet ;
The sun his orbit keeps, nor swerves,
And knows his time to set.

20 Thou makest dark : 't is night.

Mid settling shadows brown,
Wild beasts with eyeballs flashing light
The forests trample down.

21 Young lions roar for prey,

And food from Thee require ;

22 But, when the sun arises, they

Back to their dens retire.

2o6 THE PSALMS. CIV

23 After the night's repose,

Refreshed in every power,
Man to his work and labor goes,
Until the evening hour.

24 O Lord, how manifold

Thy works, in wisdom framed ;
The earth is full of wealth untold,
Beneficence unnamed.

25 So this great sea and wide,

Where things unnumbered creep ;
Beasts small and great there swiftly glide
And populate the deep.

26 There go the ships ; there plough

Monsters of mighty fin —
That huge leviathan, whom Thou
Hast made to play therein.

27 These wait without alarm

On Thee, their bounteous Lord,
Who hang'st Creation on Thine arm,
And feed'st it at Thy board.

2S Thy love and pity grand

Assure them timely food ;
Thou op'nest Thy paternal hand,
And they are filled with good.

CIV THE PSALMS.

29 Thou hid'st Thy Face and they

Are struck with mortal fear ;
Thou takest soon their breath away,
They die and disappear.

30 Thy Spirit broods above,

They live, in numbers more ;
The earth beneath Thy smile of love
Seems fairer than before.

31 The glory of Thy power

Shall stand as it has stood.
Since that divine rejoicing hour
When Thou mad'st all things good.

32 Earth trembles at the stroke

Of Thy swift-glancing eyes ;
The hills Thou touchest and they smoke-
Volcanic flames arise.

33 O Lord my God ! I fling

Me down at Thy dear feet ;
There will I lie and gladly sing
Adoring anthems sweet.

34 Bless thou the Lord, my soul !

Permitted as thou art,
Of this majestic cosmic whole
To form a noble part.

207

208 THE PSALMS. CV

PSALM C V.

IVE to Jehovah thanks and praise !
And call upon His Name —
Th' Eternal, Self-existent One,
From age to age the same.

Among the nations it declare,
And make His doings known \

2 Talk ye of all His wondrous works.

His grace to Israel shown.

3 O glory in His Holy Name !

Who seek Him shall rejoice :

4 Ye people, seek ; Jehovah choose.

And triumph in your choice ;

5 And keep perpetually in mind

The miracles He wrought ;
The judgments of His mouth, likewise,
With dreadful warning fraught.

6 Ye faithful Abrah'm's chosen seed,

Jehovah is our God !

7 His judgments are in all the earth —

He wields a chastening rod.

8 He made a lasting covenant

9 With Abrah'm, and it sealed
10 By oath, and it a statute made

Never to be repealed ;

CV THE PSALMS. 20g

11 Sayinof, "To thee I '11 give the land

Of Canaan ; it shall be
The lot of your inheritance
By title got from Me " —

12 A promise made, what time they were

In number very few,
And strangers there, mere travelers,
The country passing through.

13 From nation they to nation went ;

Their trust in God they put ;
From realm to realm they journeyed safe,
With free unfettered foot.

14 He suffered none to do them wrong ;

Rebuked kings for their sake ;

15 Said, " Touch not my anointed ones ;

Let them no injury take ! "

16 He brought a famine on the land ;

He brake the staff of bread ;

17 He sent a man before them, that

The starving might be fed.

18 Joseph was sold in Egypt, where,

Upon false charges made,
His feet they with strong fetters hurt
And him in irons laid :

2IO THE PSALMS, CV

19 Till when his word had come to pass,
And him the Lord had proved,
The ruler of the people sent
And had his chains removed ;

21 And made him lord of all his house,

And gave him full control
Of all his wealth, to follow out
The pleasure of his soul ;

22 To bind his chiefs ; his elders teach

The arts of wise command.

23 Then Israel into Egypt came

And sojourned in the land.

24 When much increased, and stronger grown

Than those they served, these say :

25 "We '11 shrewdly deal, we '11 them oppress.

Each son at birth will slay."

26 He Moses did depute and send,

And Aaron whom He chose ;

27 They signs and prodigies displayed

Among their cruel foes.

28 He darkness sent, and made it dark,

Their hearts with terror filled ;

29 He turned their waters into blood,

And all their fish He killed.

CV THE PSALMS. 211

30 Their land was filled with countless frogs,

Ev'n chambers of their kings :

31 He spake, there came great swarms of flies,

And gnats inflicting stings.

32 He gave them hail instead of rain,

And flame swept through the land ;

33 Their vines and fig trees smote, and brake

The trees on every hand.

34 He spake, and straight the locusts came

In numbers without bound ;

35 Grasshoppers, too, that ate up all

The products of the ground.

36 He smote likewise all their first-born,

The chief of all their strength :

37 Laden with silver and with gold

He brought them forth at length.

Among the tribes there was not one
That feebleness betrayed :

38 Egypt was glad when they were gone,

Because she was afraid.

39 A cloud He for a covering spread ;

For light at night a fire ;

40 Fed them with bread from heaven, and quails

To answer their desire.

212 THE PSALMS. CVI

41 He smote the rock, and waters gushed,

That like a river ran
Through dry and thirsty places where
There was no drink for man.

42 He kept His holy word in mind

To Abrah'm pledged, and brought

43 His chosen people forth with joy

Unto the Land they sought.

44 The Land of many peoples gave

Them richly to possess ;

45 That they might all His statutes keep —

Praise ye the Lord and bless.

PSALM CVI.

PRAISE ye the Lord, for He is good.
His mercy lasts the ages through :

2 What tongue can tell His mighty acts

Or utter all His praises due ?

3 Happy are they who judgment keep ;

Who never from Thy law depart ;
Who love the ways of righteousness
And serve the Lord with perfect heart.

4 Regard me with the favor, Lord,

Thou bear'st Thy people ; visit me

5 With Thy salvation, that I may

The welfare of Thy chosen see I

CVI THE PSALMS. 2 1 3

6 But we have with our fathers sinned ; •

Have from Thy testimonies swerved ;
Our covenant with Thee have broke ;
And all we suffer have deserved.

7 Mindless of signs in Egypt wrought.

Rebellious words our fathers spake

8 At the Red Sea ; He yet them saved,

By His great power for His Name's sake.

9 The Sea dried up at His rebuke :

He through its hidden depths them led —
That seemed a low and level plain,
Solid and firm beneath their tread.

10 When safe upon the further shore.

The waters, which for them were cleft,

11 Closed over the pursuing foe.

Not one of their whole member left.

12 Then they believed His words ; they sang

13 His praise, but soon His wotks forgot —
Self-willed, impatient, they made haste,

And waited for His counsel not.

14 They lusted in the wilderness,

And tempted God — on having bent —

15 Displeased, He gave them their request,

But in their souls He leanness sent.

214 ^^^ PSALMS. CVI

i6 They Moses envied in the camp,

And Aaron, made high priest to be ;

17 Earth oped — with Dathan swallowed were
Abiram and his company.

iS A fire was kindled, and consumed
Korah and all his wicked crew.
In spite of judgments Israel still
Remained rebellious and untrue.

19 They made a calf at Horeb ; thus

20 They changed their Glory for, alas !
The molten likeness of an ox

That chews his cud and feeds on grass.

21 They God forgat, their Saviour, who

Had graciously, to set them free,

22 In Egypt done great things for them

And terrible by the Red Sea.

23 Therefore He said : " I '11 them destroy ! "

But nevertheless allowed to plead,
Moses His chosen — who in the breach
Before Him stood to intercede.

24 Yea, they despised the pleasant Land ;

And they discredited His word ;

25 They daily murmured in their tents,

And harkened not unto the Lord.

CVI THE PSALMS. 215

26 So with uplifted hand He sware

They should the Promised Land not see —

27 Their seed should 'mong the nations fall,

And in all lands should scattered be.

2S To Baal-Peor they them joined ;
Things offered to dead idols ate ;

29 By their nefarious deeds provoked,

A plague them slew in numbers great.

30 Then stood up Phinehas alone,

And executed judgment fell !
The plague was stayed — in this bold act

31 'T was ever held that he did well.

32 At Meribah they angered Him ;

And Moses suffered for their sake,

33 Because, beyond endurance vexed,

He foolishly and rashly spake.

34 The peoples they did not destroy —

Unmindful of the Lord's commands —

35 But mixed with them, and learned their works,

36 And served their idols made with hands ;

And these became a snare to them ;
By horrible example led,

37 They sons and daughters sacrificed —

38 Their guiltless blood to demons shed.

2l6 THE PSALMS. CVl

■*

39 Thus they the Land with blood defiled,

And played the harlot 'fore the Lord ;

40 Therefore His wrath was kindled so

He His inheritance abhorred.

41 He to the nations gave them up,

Up to the tyranny of those

42 Who hated them — caused them to bow

Their stiff proud necks to cruel foes.

43 He many times delivered them,

But they, rebellious and perverse,
Were by their crimes, full oft, brought low —
Such their propension to the worse.

44 Yet when He heard their moaning cry,

45 His covenant He called to mind,

46 And pitied them, and made the hearts

Of captors pitiful and kind.

47 Save us, O Lord ! and gather us

From out the nations, and restore,
That we may give Thee sounding thanks
And triumph in Thy praise once more.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to
everlasting; and let all the people say. Amen. Praise
ye the Lord.

BOOK V

PSALM C V I I.

IVE Jehovah thanks, for He
Is most good ; His mercy vast
Compasses eternity,

Future ages and the past.

2 So let His redeemed attest,

3 Whom He gathered and led forth
From the east and from the west,

From the south and from the north.

4 They the desert wandering o'er,

Found no permanent abode ;

5 Hungry and athirst, foot-sore,

Faint they sunk beneath the load.

6 Then unto the Lord they cried,

In their hour of bitter need ;
He with their requests complied,
And from their distresses freed.
10

2l8 THE PSALMS. CVII

7 By a straight way He them led

From the wilderness, to go
To a land inhabited,

Where abundant harvests grow.

8 O that men would praise the Lord,

And Him never grieve again,
For His goodness that restored,
And His wondrous works to men !

9 For He satisfies the needs

Of the longing soul with food,
And the hungry soul He feeds
With a plentitude of good.

10 Those that in dark prisons lay.

Being bound with iron bands —

11 Having dared to disobey,

And contemn the Lord's commands-

12 Were brought down with heavy toil,

Victims of oppression made.
Slaves compelled to drudge and moil,
With no hand to render aid :

13 Then unto the Lord they cried.

In their hour of bitter need ;
He with their requests complied,
And from their distresses freed.

evil THE PSALMS. 319

14 Out of death-shade made them pass,

Iron bands asunder broke,
Burst the mighty gates of brass,
Loosed the captive from his yoke.

15 O that men would praise the Lord,

And Him never grieve again,
For the goodness that restored,
And His wondrous works to men !

17 Fools, because of their misdeeds,

Painful fetch uncertain breath ;

18 Mid the loathings sickness breeds.

They draw near the gates of death.

They but reap what they have sown —
Tossed with fever, racked with pain,

Conscious they deserve each groan.
Guilt forbids them to complain.

19 Then unto the Lord they cry.

Bending unaccustomed knees :
He beholds with pitying eye.
And from their distresses frees.

20 He sends forth His healing word.

Pain and weakness to dispel :
With new life the frame is stirred,
And the sick again are well.

220 THE PSALMS. CVlI

21 O that men would praise the Lord,
And Him never grieve again,
For the goodness that restored,
And His wondrous works to men !

23 They that with stout hearts and bold

O'er the sea in vessels sweep,

24 These Jehovah's works behold,

And His wonders in the deep.

25 He commands : a stormy wind

Lifts the ocean from its bed ;
In fierce battle now combined
Each mad billow lifts its head.

26 Up to heaven the bark is tost ;

Poised upon the steep wave's brink,
They give up themselves for lost,
As again they downward sink.

27 Like a drunken man they reel,

Pitching, staggering to and fro ;
All their skill is vain they feel —
What to do they do not know.

28 Then unto the Lord they cry.

Bending unaccustomed knees ;
He beholds with pitying eye.
And from their distresses frees.

evil THE PSALMS. 221

29 Howls the tempest now no more ;

Calm and peaceful is the sea ;

30 So He brings them safe to shore,

To the port where they would be.

31 O that men would praise the Lord,

And Him never grieve again ;
For the goodness that restored,
And His wondrous works to men !

32 Let the people Him extol,

When they in th' assembly meet !
Let the elders one and all

Praise Him in the council-seat !

33 He a barren desert makes

34 Of fair fields and watered plains ;
For the sinful dwellers' sake,

Fire and brimstone on them rains.

35 He the burning desert cools ;

Springing waters upward burst;
Sky-reflecting crystal pools,

Running streamlets slaking thirst,

Turn the sand to fruitful loam ; —

36 And He makes the hungry there
Dwell in peace, that they a home

And a city may prepare,

'^'2'2 THE PSALMS. CVIII

37 Sow the fields, and plant the vine :

He doth them increase and bless,

38 Fostered by His power divine,

Lets their cattle grow no less.

39 They are minished and bowed down,

By oppression's hand abased ;

40 Princes blasted by His frown,

Wander in a pathless waste.

41 He the poor in families

Sets, where no afflictions come ;

42 It the upright gladly sees

And iniquity is dumb.

43 Who is wise will ponder well,

Nor despise the warning voice ;
Will upon His mercies dwell.

And with trembling heart rejoice.

P S A L M C V I I I . *

MY heart is fixed, my heart is fixed,
I will, O God. Thy praises sing :

2 Awake, my soul ! with voice be mixed,

Both lute and harp ! your every string.

3 I '11 wake the dawn ; I '11 celebrate

Thy praise among the nations, for

4 Thy Mercy and Thy Truth are great,

High o'er the heavens for evermore.

•This Psalm is compiled from two others— verses 1-5 are substantially tlie same
as Ps. 57 : 7-11 ; vs. 6-rj as Ps. 60 : 5-12.

CVIII THE PSALMS. 223

5 Be Thou exalted, God Most High !
Above all praise, all thought above,
Above the earth, above the sky,

High seated on Thy throne of love !

6 That Thy beloved ones

May be delivered, save
With Thy right hand, and o'er us let
Victorious ensigns wave !

7 God in His holiness

Hath spoken — I, therefore,
Will triumph in the confidence
He will the lost restore :

Then the reconquered Land

I will again divide —
Succoth and Schechem — and his part

Mete out to every tribe.

8 Mine 's Gilead ; and mine 's

Manasseh's either half ;
My head's defence is Ephraim ;
Judah 's my royal staff ;

9 Moab my wash-pot is,

Wherein I '11 wash my feet ;
O'er Edom I '11 extend my sway,
Philistia I '11 unseat.

224 THE PSALMS. CIX

10 Who will me bring into

Edom's fenced capital ?
Surmount its muniment of rocks,
Impregnable high wall?

11 Thou who hast cast us off,

Wilt Thou not lead our van ?

12 O give us help from trouble, for

Vain is the help of man :

13 Go forth Thou with our hosts.

And marshal and dispose !
We shall through God do valiantly,
For He '11 tread down our foes.

P S A L M CI X.

HOLD not Thy peace, God of my praise!
For they against me slanders raise;
With tongue of falsehood and deceit

3 They words of causeless hate repeat.

4 They for my love return ill-will.
But I to prayer devote me still ;

5 Evil for good they 've on me laid,
My love with hatred have repaid.

6 Measure for measure him be given.
By the dispensing hand of heaven ;
The woes he loves to others deal,
Let him in his own person feel.

CIX THE PSALMS. 225

O'er him the wicked give command ;
Th' accuser set on his right hand ;

7 When tried, let him no favor win,
His prayer for mercy be for sin.

8 His days make few and evil make ;
His office let another take ;

9 His children be of sire bereft.
And be his wife a widow left.

10 And let his orphaned children roam,
Poor vagabonds without a home —
From some decayed and ruined shed
Let them creep forth to beg for bread.

11 Let the extortioner lay toils ;

And strangers from him gather spoils ;

12 Pity to show let there be none
Either to father or to son.

13 Let him posterity have not ;
His name be blotted and forgot ;

14 His father's guilt, his mother's sin,

15 Make him as though he 'd never been ;

16 Because that he no pity knew.
And did th' afflicted one pursue ;
With deadly malice and hot breath
The broken hearted hunt to death.

226 THE PSALMS. CIX

17 Cursing he loved, and so the same
Down on himself revolving came :
He had in blessing no delight
And so 't was far from him of right.

i8 He on him as a garment put

Cursing, that reached from head to foot —
Close fitting, clinging to the skin
That sucked the raging madness in.

19 Be it to him a poisoned vest ;
And let his bones imbibe the pest ;

20 And let this be his just reward,

A righteous judgment from the Lord.

21 But, Thou. Lord, gracious be to me,
(For Thou art good) and set me free ;
Because I needy am and poor,

22 And wounded is my heart and sore.

23 Like shadows, which at close of day
Lengthen, I passing am away ;
Like locust, tost and helpless driven
Before the stormy winds of heaven.

24 My tottering knees beneath me fail ;
Through fasting I 've grown lean and pale ;

25 Reproach, of scorn and hatred bred,
They cast on me, and wag their head.

ex THE PSALMS. 22;

26 Thy help, O Lord my God, I crave ;
According to Thy mercy, save !

27 That they the act may understand
Is done by Thy delivering hand.

28 They will me curse, but Thou wilt bless;

29 Shame shall them cover as a dress ;
Like to a mantle shall their own
Confusion be around them thrown.

30 I to the Lord great thanks will give.
And sound His praises while I live ;

31 For He is present to console

And save from them that judge my soul.

PSALM ex.

JEHOVAH said unto my Lord :
"Sit Thou on My right hand.
Till I Thy foes Thy footstool make.
Thy foes of every land."

2 Jehovah out of Zion shall

Rod of Thy strength extend ;
Thine enemies shall own Thy rule,
All nations to Thee bend.

3 Thy people free-will offerings* are,

Men to Thy service sworn ;
Decked with the pearls of holiness,
Like dew-drops of the morn.

* So the Hebrew.

228 THE PSALMS. CXI

4 Sworn hath Jehovah, He '11 not change :
"Thou shalt forever be,
After the order of Melchizedek,
A Royal Priest to Me ! "

5 The Lord, the strength of Thy right hand,
Opposing kings shall smite :
He will among the nations judge,
And vindicate the right.

6 In many countries o'er broad lands

The warrior heaps the dead ;

7 Quenches his thirst by way-side brook

And victor lifts his head.

PSALM CXL

RAISE Jehovah ! I will bring

All my powers His praise to sing ;
Mid the consecrated ranks
Of the upright will give thanks.

2 Great the works Jehovah wrought,
To be diligently sought,

3 Memorable, matchless, grand —
Aye His righteousness shall stand :

4 Kind, compassionate, and dear,

5 Food He gives to them who fear :
Of His covenant He will be
Mindful to eternity.

CXII THE PSALMS. 229

6 To His people He made known
His great power, in Canaan shown ;
'Gainst the nations war did wage ;
Made the Land their heritage.

7 All His works are just and pure ;
And His precepts all are sure ;

8 Stablished are for aye each one,
Truly spoke and rightly done.

9 Their redemption He obtained ;
He His covenant ordained ;
True to His eternal pact —
Gracious promise turned to fact.

All His mighty works proclaim
Fearful is His Holy Name :
lo Whosoever wisdom wins
With Jehovah's fear begins.

He is wise who understands,
Keeps His precepts and commands ;
Whose great goodness ceases never,
And His praise endures forever.

PSALM CXII.

\LLELUJAH ! This attest
He who fears the Lord is blest ;
Knowing His commands are right
He in them finds great delight.

230 THE PSALMS. CXI I

2 Mighty shall his offspring be ;
Blest with great prosperity ;

3 Wealth be in his house and hand ;
Aye his righteousness shall stand.

4 There arises to the upright,

In the midst of darkness, light :
Righteous he, compassionate,
Kind to the unfortunate.

5 Happy he who favor shows,
Lends, or generously bestows ;
He '11 his course by justice guide,

6 And unmoved shall e'er abide :

And his righteousness shall be
Always kept in memory —
Fixed his heart and void of fear.
Trusting, loving, and sincere.

7 Of bad news he 's not afraid ;
On the Lord his heart is stayed ;

8 He shall no misgivings own.
Till his foes are overthrown.

9 He has to the needy given ;
He accepted is of Heaven !
High his horn shall lifted be ;

lo Grieved the wicked shall it see.

CXIV THE I'SALMS. 23!

PSALM C X I I I.

HALLELUJAH ! praise accord,
O ye servants of the Lord !

2 Let His Name exalted be
Now, and through eternity ;

3 From the rising of the sun
To its setting be it done !

4 High above all nations His
Everlasting Kingdom is ;
Higher than His dwelling-place,
Is the glory of His grace.

5 Who 's like Him who stoops to see
What in heaven and earth there be ?

7 [He the needy and the poor

Raises up to sit secure

8 With the nobles of the land,
Princes holding high command.
He the barren woman takes
And a joyful mother makes.

Hallelujah !

PSALM CXIV.

WHEN Israel, held in bondage long,
Out from the land of Egypt went,
2 She was His sanctuary strong.

And from her midst His law was sent.

232 THE PSALMS. CXV

3 The Sea affrighted saw, and fled ;

Jordan amazed was driven back ;
While down across the waters' bed
Dry-shod, she kept her onward track.

4 The conscious Mountains skipped like rams —

Sinai and Floreb in their place —
The quickened Hills leaped up like lambs,
Thrilled with deep awe from top to base.

5 Why fleddest thou, O Sea ? and why

O Jordan, did thy waters shrink?
Why then were left your channels dry,
That moment Israel touched your brink?

6 Ye Mountains, why skipped ye like rams,

Sinai and Horeb in your place ?
And why, ye Hills, leaped ye like lambs,
Thrilled with deep awe from top to base ?

7 Tremble, thou Earth, and be afraid !

The Lord, the God of Israel hear ;

8 Whose presence turned the rock, and made

The flint a fount of waters clear.

PSALM CXV.

nVTOT unto us, but glory give,

_]_ 1 O Lord, to Thy dishonored Name !

Thy truth and mercy vindicate.
And impious rulers put to shame.
2 Why should the taunting nations say :

"Where 's now their God, where is He, pray ?"

CXV THE PSALMS.

3 Our God 's in heaven, He reigns supreme,

And whatsoe'er He pleased has done:

4 Their gold and silver idols, made

By human hands, have functions none —

5 Mouth, eyes, ears, noses, hands and feet,

6 That cannot move, perceive, nor eat.

7 They make no sound, poor senseless things :

8 Like them shall be those who them made ;
And every one who trusts in them —

Blockish, incapable of aid :

9 Trust, Israel ! and keep the field —
Jehovah is thy Help and Shield.

10 O house of Aaron, in Him trust :

11 All who Him fear in Him confide ;
It matters not what threatens, while

Omnipotence is on your side.
Be not dismayed, refuse to yield,
Jehovah is your Help and Shield.

12 Jehovah has remembered us ;

He will the house of Israel bless :
Will bless the house of Aaron ; crown

13 Those fearing Him with happiness.
Both small and great ; and He will add
To you, diminished now and sad.

15 Ve of Jehovah blessed are —

Creator of the earth and heaven —

233

234 THE PSALMS. CXVI

i6 The heavens are for Himself ; the earth
He to the sons of men has given.

17 The dead praise not, their lips are dumb,

18 But we '11 Him bless all time to come.

Hallelujah !

PSALM CXVI.

I LOVE the Lord, because to me,
He audience deigned to give ;

2 Inclined His ear, I '11 on Him call,

And bless Him while I live.

3 The cords of death encompassed me,

The pains of death gat hold ;
I trouble and deep sorrow found.
And terrors manifold.

4 Then called I on Jehovah's Name :

'' Deliver, Lord, and save ! "

5 And He, who is most pitiful,

Me kind deliverance gave.

6 Preserver of the simple, when

I was brought very low,
He helped me, and He raised me up,
And did new life bestow.

7 Return, my soul, unto Thy rest ;

Be thankful for thy breath !

8 The Lord has with me kindly dealt,

And rescued me from death :

CXVI THE PSALMS. 235

Delivered has mine eyes from tears,
My feet from falling ; so
9 I in the land of living men
Before the Lord will go.

10 My faith enabled me to speak,
I turned to God for aid ;
I was afflicted greatly, but
To trust man was afraid.

n I in my haste and terror said :
" All men are liars ; I
Will put my trust in none of them,
But on the Lord rely."

12 What shall I render to the Lord.

From whom salvation came ?

13 I will the cup of blessing take

And call upon His Name ;

14 Will to Jehovah pay my vows

For His new gift of breath —

15 Most dear His saints are in His eyes,

And precious is their death.

16 I am Thy servant, am the son

Of Thy handmaiden, Lord I
My fetters Thou hast loosed, and dost
True freedom me afford.

236 THE PSALMS. CXVIII

17 I '11 in Thy Courts thank-offerings bring,

And on Thy Name will call ;

18 Among Thy people pay my vows,

In presence of them all.

Hallelujah !

PSALM CXVII.

O PRAISE the Lord, His name extol,
O all ye nations ! all ye lands !
2 For great His mercy is toward all ;
His truth unchanged forever stands.

Hallelujah !
No. 2.

O praise the Lord, who reigns above !
Ye nations, your allegiance own !
2 Great is His mercy and His love ;
His truth 's eternal as His throne.

Hallelujah !
No. 3.

Ye nations, praise the Lord !

Before His footstool bend !
Great is His mercy, sure His word,

His Kingdom without end.

Hallelujah !

PSALM CXVIII.

O THANK the Lord, for He is good-
Let Israel, let Aaron say ;
4 And all who fear Him, too, declare,
His loving-kindness is for aye.

CXVIII THE PSALMS. 237

5 I called on Him in my distress,

And He enlarged and set me free.

6 Since He is on my side, I will

7 Not fear what man can do to me.

8 It 's better far to trust in Him,

9 Than help of princes to enjoy ;

10 All nations compass me about,

I in His Name will them destroy.

11 They compass me about like bees,

12 And use their stings to me annoy ;
Quenched are they like the fire of thorns —

I in His Name will them destroy.

13 They thrust at me that I might fall ;

Jehovah hastened to my aid —

14 Jehovah is my strength and song.

And He is my salvation made.

15 The voice of joy and triumph sounds

In all the dwellings of the just ;

16 Jehovah mightily has wrought.

And lifted Israel from the dust.

17 I shall not die, but live ; and will

Recount His works while I have breath :

18 Though he has sorely chastened me,

He has not given o'er to death.

238 THE PSALMS. CXVIII

19 Open the gates of righteousness,

20 And I will enter and give thanks ;

21 The righteous shall march through, and praise

Ascend from their exulting ranks.

22 The stone the builders did reject,

And in their ignorance despise.
Head of the corner He has made —

23 A thing most wondrous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the Lord has made ;

We '11 triumph and rejoice therein !

25 Save now, Jehovah, 1 beseech ;

Let new prosperity begin.

26 Blessed be he, the coming one.

That enters in Jehovah's Name !
We from Jehovah's House you bless.

From whom the great deliverance came

27 The Lord is God, He gives us light-^

The victim to the altar bind !

28 Thou art my God, I will Thee thank.

Will Thee extol with heart and mind.

29 Give thanks to God, for He is good.

His mercy is for evermore;
Exhaustless is it as the sea,
A sea unbounded by a shore.

ex IX THE PSALMS. 239

PSALM C X I X .♦

ALEPH.

BLEST are the perfect in the way,
Who never from God's law depart :

2 Blest who His testimonies keep,

And seek the Lord with all their heart.

3 . Yea, no unrighteousness they do ;

Walk in His ivays with careful feet ;

4 They keep the precepts He enjoins,

And find their strict observance sweet.

5 O that my ways directed were

To keep Thy statutes, void of blame ;

6 Then when to all of Thy cotnmarids

I have respect, I '11 feel no shame.

♦The 119th Psalm is wholly occupied with the praises of God's Word, under
the various names of Law, Commandments, Precepts, Testimonies, Judgments,
Statutes, Ways, and the like, of which at least one is expressly mentioned in
every verse with the single exception of verse 122^ In the metrical version here
given, the particular name employed has been put into Italics to mark it rather
than emphasize it. The Psalm is divided into Twenty-two Parts or Stanzas, cor-
responding to the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew Alphabet — Aleph, Beth,
Gimel, etc.— each Stanza being composed of eight verses, couplets, or two-lined
parallelisms, the first line of each parallelism beginning with the initial letter of
the Stanza. Its aplioristic character fits it for pious meditation rather than for
continuous perusal.

Since to love God is to love every thing that proceeds from Him— every intima-
tion of His will, every spoken word— this explains the Psalmist's attitude towards
the Divine Law whose praises are here celebrated. An object of passionate re-
gard, we no longer wonder that he sets the Decalogue to music, and here as
elsewhere indulges in frequent ecstatic outbursts, such as " O how I love Thy
Law !" " It is more precious to me than gold and silver," "It is sweeter to me
than honey and the honey comb." Truly,

" Never praise of love or wine,
Panted forth a flood
Of rapture so divine."

240 THE PSALMS. CXIX

7 With upright heart I will Thee praise,

When I Thy x'x'^Xo.ows, ji{dgme?its learn ;

8 I all Thy statutes will observe —

Forsake me not, nor from me turn.

BETH.

9 How shall a young man cleanse his way ?

By due attention to Thy ivord.

10 With my whole heart I have Thee sought.

From Thy commandments have not erred.

11 I have Thy 7iiord hid in my heart,

That I against Thee might not sin.

12 Thy statutes, blessed Lord, me teach.

And firmly stablish me therein.

13 I have recounted with my lips

The Judgments of Thy mouth entire ;

14 Thy testimonies making glad,

More than all riches I desire.

15 I '11 in Thy precepts meditate,

Thy ways by me shall be preferred ;
i6 I in Thy statutes will delight.

And I will not forget Thy woj'd.

GIMEL.

17 Be to Thy servant kind that I

May live, and I Thy ivord will keep ;

i8 Open mine eyes, that in Thy taw

I may see wondrous things and deep.

CXIX THE FSALMS. 24 1

19 I am a stranger in the earth,

Hide Thy commandments not from me ;

20 My soul breaks from the longing it

Has toward Thy Judgments ceaselessly.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud, accursed,

Who have from Thy commandments swerved.

22 Roll off reproach from me, for I

Thy testimonies have observed.

23 Princes against me sit and talk —

Thy servant on Thy statutes pores ;

24 Thy testimonies also are

My chief delight and counsellors.

DALETH.

25 My soul cleaves to the dust : Thou me

Quicken according to Thy word.

26 I told my 2CKiys, Thou heardest me,

Teach me Thy statutes, gracious Lord !

27 Make me Thy precepts understand,

I '11 on Thy wonders meditate.

28 My soul sinks down from heaviness,

Make Thy word strong to lift the weight.

29 Cause me from falsehood to depart,

And grant me graciously Thy taw.

30 The way of truth 1 've made my choice,

T\\y judgtne?its, I have held in awe.
II

242 2HE PSALMS. CXIX

31 I to Thy testimonies cleave,

Preserve me clear from shameful charge.

32 I '11 run the way of Thy commands,

Then when Thou shalt my heart enlarge.

HE.

33 Teach me Thy statutes, and I 'II keep

Them to the end in every part.

34 Give understanding, and I will

Observe Thy la^u with my whole heart.

35 Make me in Thy comtnandments tread,

For I therein great joy obtain.

36 Me to Thy testimonies bend,

And not to covetousness and gain.

37 Turn off mine eyes from vanity.

Me quicken in Thy ways, and cheer ;

38 Make to Thy servant good Thy word,

Who is devoted to Thy fear.

39 Turn the reproach away I dread,

For good Thy judgments are and true ;

40 Behold, I for Thy precepts long.

Me in Thy righteousness renew.

VAU.

41 And let Thy mercies come to me

According to Thy promise, Lord !

42 Then I '11 him answer that reviles,

For I have trusted in Thy word.

CXIX THE PSALMS. 243

43 Take not the luord of truth from me,

Seeing I for Thy Judgments wait.

44 So I Thy laiv for aye will keep,

By it my conduct regulate.

45 And I will walk at liberty.

For I to know Thy precepts seek :

46 And of Thy testimonies pure

I unashamed 'fore kings will speak.

47 In Thy commandments which I love

I '11 take delight ; and will as well
43 To them lift up my hands and heart,
And on Thy statutes fondly dwell.

ZAIN.

49 Thy word o( promise call to mind,

In which Thou hast caused me to hope.

50 This is my comfort in my grief,

Thy quickening word new doors can ope.

51 The proud ones have laughed me to scorn,

Yet from Thy /ato I 've not declined.

52 Thy judgments I of old recalled,

And they consoled my troubled mind.

53 Horror me seized, beholding men

Forsake Thy lata, its sanctions spurn.

54 Thy statutes still have been my songs,

Here in the house of my sojourn.

244 ^"^-^ PSA /.MS. CXIX

55 Thy Name I 've thought on in the night,

And sought for strength to keep Thy laiv,

56 I have Thy precej>ts kept, and so

Knowledge from sweet experience draw.

CHETH.

57 Thou art my portion, Lord, to keep

Thy words will I devote my mind ;

58 I sought Thy help with my whole heart,

According to Thy ivord be kind !

59 I thought upon my ways, my feet

I to Thy testimonies turned.

60 I hastened Thy commands to keep,

With holy zeal my bosom burned.

61 Cords of the wicked wrapped me round.

But on Thy law meanwhile I thought ;

62 I '11 rise at midnight to give thanks

Because of r'xghttous judgments wrought.

63 All those who fear Thee and who keep

Thy precepts, my companions be.

64 The earth is of Thy mercies full,

Make plain Thy statutes, Lord, to me.

TETH.

65 Thou with Thy servant has dealt well.

According to Thy word relieved.

66 Me knowledge and good judgment teach,

For Thy commandments I 've believed.

CXIX THE PSALMS, 245

67 Before I smitten was, I strayed,

But now Thy 7vord I keep fast hold.

68 Thou art most good and doest good,

Thy statutes teach me and unfold.

69 The proud 'gainst me have forged a lie,

But to Thy precepts I '11 be true.

70 Their heart is fat and gross, but I

Will with delight Thy laiv pursue.

71 'T is for my good I 've been chastised.

That I might learn Thy statutes old :

72 Law of Thy mouth is better than

Thousands of silver and of gold.

JOD.

73 Thy hands they made and fashioned me,

Make me Thy pure commandments learn :

74 All they that fear Thee will rejoice

That to Thy word for hope I turn.

75 I know Thy judgments, Lord, are right.

In faithfulness Thou smotest me.

76 According to Thy tvord, O let

Thy mercy for my comfort be.

77 Be merciful that I may live,

For my delight is in Thy law.

78 Shame those who wronged me without cause,

I '11 on Thy precepts muse with awe.

246 THE PSALMS. CXIX

79 Let them that fear Thee, turn to me,

Those that Thy testimonies know :

80 Make my heart in Thy statutes sound,

Lest I meet shameful overthrow.

CAPH.

81 My soul for Thy salvation faints,

I for Thy word with longing wait :

82 Mine eyes fail for Thy promise, made

To comfort the disconsolate.

83 I 'm like a bottle in the smoke,

Yet I Thy statutes keep in view :

84 When wilt T\\ovi judgment execute

On them who hotly me pursue ?

85 The proud ones have digged pits for me.

Whose lives are by Thy laiv not swayed :

86 All Thy commandments faithful are,

Against my persecutors, aid.

87 They nigh consumed me on the earth,

I from Thy precepts did not swerve :

88 After Thy mercy quicken me.

Thy testimonies I '11 observe.

LAMED.

89 Thy word in heaven forever stands,

From age to age Thy faithfulness :

90 As earth abides which Thou didst found,

Thy trutfi is permanent no less ;

ex IX THE PSALMS. 247

91 By Thy decrees they stand this day,

For Jill Thy servants are, I know ;

92 Had not Thy laiL' been my delight,

I should have perished long ago.

93 Thy J>/rce/>/s I will ne'er forget ;

For with them Thou hast quickened me.

94 Lord, I am Thine, me save, for I

Have sought T\\y precepts diligently.

95 The wicked wait to me destroy ;

But I Thy testimonies laud :

96 An end I 've to perfection seen,

For Thy commandment 's very broad,

MEM.

97 O how I love Thy /aw ; it is

My meditation all the day.

98 Above my foes I am made wise

For Thy commandments with me stay.

99 I 'm wiser than my teachers, for

Thy testimonies are my school ;
100 Am wiser than the ancients, for

Thy precepts all my conduct rule.

loi My feet have shunned each evil way,

That in Thy word I might abide :
102 I have not from Thy judgments strayed.

For Thou Thyself hast been my guide.

248 THE PSALMS, CXIX

103 How sweet Thy words are to my taste.

Than honey to my mouth more sweet.

104 Instructed by Thy precepts, far

From each false way I turn my feet.

NUN.

105 Thy word's a lantern to my feet,

A light to make my pathway clear.

106 I 've sworn, and will perform my oath,

I '11 hold Thy righteous/z/^/^ifw^j' dear.

107 I am afflicted very much,

According to Thy word, restore :
loS Accept my free-will offerings, Lord,
Teach me Thy JudgJtients to adore.

109 My soul is ever in my hand.

Yet have I not thy law forgot :
no The wicked laid a snare for me.

Yet from Thy precepts strayed I not,

111 Because Thy testimonies are

My heart's rejoicing, I them take

112 As my eternal heritage,

And I '11 Thy statutes ne'er forsake.

SAMECH.

113 Those of a double mind I hate,

But love Thy law and do not feign.

114 Thou art my Hiding-Place and Shield,

I from Thy word assurance gain.

CXIX 7 JiE PSALMS, 249

115 Ye evil-doers, hence depart !

My God's commands I '11 keep unblamed.
n6 According to Thy ziw^/ uphold,

That I may live, and not be shamed.

117 Hold Thou me up, and I'll be safe,

I 'II on Thy statutes fix my eye :

118 Who err from these Thou 'It set at naught,

For their deceit is their own lie.

119 The wicked purgest Thou like dross,

Thy testimonies I hold dear.

120 Trembles my flesh for dread of Thee,

And I Thy judgments greatly fear.

AIN.

121 Justice diXid Judgment I have done,

Me not to my oppressors leave.

122 Be surety, Lord, for good to me,

Let not the proud me crush and grieve.

123 Mine eyes for Thy salvation fail.

Waiting Thy 7uords's fulfillment long.

124 Deal kindly with Thy servant, me

Thy statutes teach, to make me strong.

125 I am Thy servant, make me wise.

May I Thy testimonies know.

126 'T is time. Lord, Thou should'st work, when men

Thy la2v make void and overthrow.

250 THE PSALMS. CXIX

127 I, therefore, Thy conwiandments love,

Above fine gold them estimate ;

128 Thy precepts I esteem all right,

And every lying way I hate.

PE.

129 Wondrous Thy iesthnonies are ;

In them my soul I exercise.

130 The entrance of Thy 7vord gives light,

And serves to make the simple wise.

131 I stretched my mouth and panted — for

I longed for Thy commandments much.

132 Turn Thou to me for I Thee love.

And do as Thou art wont to such.

133 Order my footsteps in Thy wo7-d ;

Let no iniquity have sway :

134 From man's oppression me redeem,

So I Thy precepts will obey.

135 Make Thou Thy Face on me to shine.

Thy statutes teach, by them me draw.

136 Rivers of tears run down mine eyes.

Because men do not keep Thy latv.

TZADDI.

137 Righteous and true, O Lord, Thou art,

Upright Thy judgments are, and just.

138 Thy testimonies faithful are,

On us enjoined that we may trust.

CXIX THE PSA T.MS. 2$ I

139 My zeal for Thee has me consumed,

Because my foes Thy words forget.

140 Thy word is tried and very pure,

Therefore my heart is on it set.

141 Though I am little and despised,

Thy precepts I have loved from youth.

142 Eternal is Thy righteousness,

Thy laic is everlasting truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have me seized.

Yet Thy commandments gladness give :

144 Right are Thy testimonies, make

Me understand and I shall live.

KOPH.

145 With my whole heart I Thee invoke.

Hear me and I '11 Thy statutes keep ;

146 Save, and Thy testimonies, I

Will cherish with affection deep.

147 I cry for help at early dawn,

And for Thy 7C'^/-</ devoutly wait :
u8 I shorten the night watches that
I in Thy 7oord may meditate.

149 According to Thy mercy hear.

Just to Thy judgments, save alive !

150 For they are near, who, far from law,

Ingenious wickedness contrive.

252 THE PSALMS. CXIX

151 Thou too art near, O Lord, and Thy

Commandments are immortal truth :

152 I have Thy testimonies known

To be eternal from my youth.

RESH.

153 See my afifliction, and me save ;

Naught from my breast Thy laiv shall drive,

154 Plead Thou my cause, and me redeem,

According to Thy 7vord, revive.

155 Salvation 's from the wicked far ;

They 've for Thy statutes no regard.

156 Great are Thy mercies, quicken me

According to Thy Judgments, Lord !

157 My foes are many, yet do I

Not from Thy testimonies swerve.
15S I saw the faithless, and was grieved,

That they did not Thy rf^?/-^ observe.

159 Behold, how I Thy precepts love,

After Thy mercy quicken me.

160 Thy word is from creation true,

Thy judgments span eternity.

SCHIN.

161 Princes pursue me without cause.

Awe of Thy ii'ord my heart appals :

162 And yet I at Thy luord rejoice

As one to whom great booty falls.

CXIX THE PSALMS. 253

163 Falsehood I hate and I abhor,

But love Thy la'd' with all my might.

164 Seven times a day do I Thee praise

Because Thy judgments are upright.

165 Great peace have they who love Thy laic,

Occasion have of stumbling none.

166 I have for Thy salvation hoped,

And Thy commandments I have done.

167 I have Thy testimonies kept,

And them I love exceedingly,

168 I all Thy precepts have observed.

For all my ways are known to Thee.

TAU.

169 Let my cry come before Thee, Lord !

True to Thy ivord me wisdom give :

170 Hear me, according to Thy word.

Deliver me that I may live.

171 My lips shall praise Thee, for Thou wilt

With knowledge of Thy statutes bless,

172 My tongue shall celebrate Thy icord,

For Thy commatids are righteousness.

173 Be ready with Thy hand to help,

For I 've Thy precepts made my choice,

174 I 've longed for Thy salvation, Lord !

I greatly in Thy laiv rejoice.

2 54 THE PSALMS. CXXI

175 Let my soul live to praise Thee, let

Thy J udg me /its help me ; and O, when

176 I go astray like a lost sheep,

Bring Thou Thy servant back again.

PSALM CXX.

I PRAYED the Lord in my distress,
And He deferred not answer long :

2 " O Lord ! " I cried, " deliver me

From lying lips and guileful tongue."

3 What shall He give or do to thee,

O tongue of infinite deceit ?

4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, give !

With burning coals of fiercest heat.

5 Woe 's me that I in Mesech dwell.

Among the tents of Kedar stay —
Men of contention and of strife.
Inclined to violence alway.

6 I 've had my dwelling long with him,

Who hated peace, and drove it far :

7 I am an advocate of peace,

But when I speak, they are for war.

PSALM CXXI.

P to the Hills I lift mine eyes.

Whence comes my help? My help proceeds
From Him who made the earth and skies,
Who at His board creation feeds.

CXXII THE PSALMS. 255

3 He will not let Thy foot be moved ;

He will not slumber who thee keeps ;

4 He, who o'er Israel beloved

Still watches, slumbers not nor sleeps.

5 The Lord thy Keeper is, thy Shield ;

6 The sun by day shall not thee smite,
Screened by His hand — innoxious made,

The moon shall not thee harm by night.

7 The Lord, who has thy safety been,

Shall shield from evil, and watch o'er

8 Thy going out and coming in

From henceforth and forevermore.

PSALM CXXII.

01 WAS glad then, when they said
" Let us together go,
A festal throng, up to God's House —
His Dwelling here below."

2 Our feet are standing in Thy gates,

3 Jerusalem, that art
Compactly as a city built,

And fair in every part.

4 Thither the tribes go up ; there they

Before the Lord appear,
(A law ordained for Israel)
At stated times each year.

256 THE PSALMS. CXXIII

To tell His mercies, and give thanks
In loud and joyful tones ;

5 For there are seats for judgment set —

The house of David's thrones.

6 Pray for her peace, whose name is peace —

Thine, fair Jerusalem !
All they shall prosper who thee love,
And peace shall fall on them.

7 Let peace within thy ramparts be,

Prosperity be found
Within thy palaces and homes.
And everywhere abound.

8 I '11 for my friends' and brethren's sake,

Say, Peace within thee be !

9 And for the sake of the Lord's House

Seek thy prosperity.

PSALM CXXIII.

I UNTO Thee do lift my eyes,
O Thou Who art enthroned in heaven !

2 As servants to their masters look.

So I to Thee, till mercy 's given.

3 Have mercy on us. Lord, for we

Are greatly sated with disdain —

4 Sated with scorn of our proud foes.

Who scoff at us with lips profane.

CXXV THE PSALMS. 257

PSALM C X X I V .

IF GOD had not been on our side,
Let grateful Israel now say,

2 If God had not been on our side.

So weak were we, so strong were they.
When men rose up 'gainst us to strive,

3 They then had swallowed us alive.

4 Deep waters then had us o'erwhelmed,

And drowning flood gone o'er our soul,

5 Proud waters o'er our soul had gone.

And we had perished as a whole.

6 Thrice blessed be His Name for aye.
Who gave us not to them a prey.

7 Our soul has like a bird escaped

Out of the iowler's fatal snare —
The snare is broke, and we 've escaped.
Thanks to the Lord's delivering care ;

8 He is our Helper, He who made

The heavens, and earth's foundations laid.

PSALM CXXV.

A LL who in Jehovah trust,
il\- They shall as Mount Zion be,
Which, immovable, abides.
Fixed to all eternity.

258 THE PSALMS. CXXVI

2 As the firm-set mountains are

Round about Jerusalem ;
So the Lord is evermore

Round His people, guarding them.

3 For the rod of wickedness

Shall not on the righteous rest,
Lest to sin they tempted be,

By perplexing doubts oppressed.

4 To the good, O Lord, do good :

But all such as turn aside
Shall as evil-doers fare.
Peace on Israel abide !

PSALM CXXVI.

WHEN captive Zion God brought back,
We were as those that dreamed :
We scarce could think it real, so
Incredible it seemed.

2 Then was our mouth with laughter filled,
Our tongue with singing rapture thrilled.

The wondering nations said, *' The Lord
For them great things has done ! "

3 The Lord has done great things for us,

Our glad return begun :

4 Complete it. Lord, as after drouth

Come back the dried streams of the south.

CXXVII THE PSALMS. 259

5 The mourning souls tliat sow in tears,

Shall yet in gladness reap :

6 Though he that goes forth bearing seed

Upon his way may weep,
He shall with singing come again.
Bringing his sheaves in loaded wain.

PSALM CXXVII.

EXCEPT the Lord shall build the House,
Man's labor is but fruitless pain ;
Except the Lord the City keep.

The human watchman wakes in vain.

2 Vainly you eat the bread of toil,

Rise early and late vigils keep ;
Seeing to His beloved God

Gives time for needful rest and sleep.

3 Lo, children are a heritage,

Which parents from the Lord acquire —

4 As arrows in a warrior's hand,

Are sons of youth to aged sire.

5 O happy is the man, who has

His quiver full, to him defend :
They '11 not be shamed, when in the gate
With adversaries they contend.

26o THE PSALMS. CXXIX

PSALM CXXVIII.

HAPPY the man who fears the Lord,
That walks in His appointed ways !

2 Eating the labor of thy hands,

Thou shalt be prospered all thy days.

3 Thy wife shall be a fruitful vine

Within thy house : thy children be,
Like olive plants around thy board,
An ornament and joy to thee.

4 Behold all those shall thus be blest,

Who fear the Lord ; the Lord shall them
Bless out of Zion, they shall see
The welfare of Jerusalem.

PSALM CXXIX.

THEY many a time," let Israel say,
'"From my youth up have me assailed ;

2 They many a time have me oppressed.

But have against me not prevailed."

3 The plowers plowed upon my back

Long furrows, by the scourge produced ;

4 The righteous Lord, He cut the trace,*

And from the galling yoke me loosed.

5 Let all that Zion hate be shamed

And backward turned ; like grass chance-sown

6 Upon the house-tops which springs up

And withers ere 't is fully grown ;

* " Cord (not cords) that fcistened the ox to the plow."—/. A. AUjcander.

CXXXI THE PSALMS. 26l

7 Wherewith who reaps fills not his hand ;

Nor he who binds the sheaves his breast ;

8 Neither do they, which go by, say,

"Jehovah's blessing on you rest,"

PSALM C X X X .

OUT of the depths I call on Thee,
Hearken, O Lord, unto my prayer ;

2 Let me not unregarded sink

In the deep waters of despair !

3 If Thou iniquities should'st mark.

Who shall, O God, from guilt be cleared ?

4 Forgiveness is with Thee alone.

To the intent Thou may'st be feared.

5 I wait, my soul waits for the Lord —

By hope in His dear Name upborne —

6 Waits for His wished-for coming, more

Than weary watchers for the morn.

7 Hope in the Lord, O Israel !

For with the Lord is grace supreme,

8 And plenteous redemption — He

Will thee from all thy sins redeem.

PSALM CXXXI.

OT haughty is my heart ;
Not lofty are mine eyes ;
Myself, in matters great and high,
I do not exercise.

262 THE FSALMS. CXXXII

2 I cherish humble thoughts ;

I 've hushed my soul to rest ;
As a weaned child, whose cries are stilled,
Leans on its mother's breast.

3 Hope thou, O Israel !

In the Eternal One,
From this time forth and evermore,
And let His will be done !

PSALM CXXXII.

EEMEMBER David's deep concern,
O Lord; for Thy neglected Shrine ;

2 How that he swore he would postpone

All else to further one design.

3 "Surely," he said, "I will not come

Into the tent in which I dwell,
Ascend the couch on which I sleep —

4 But slumber from mine eyes dispel,

5 " Until I for Jehovah find

A Place, and Tabernacle fit."

6 We heard of it at Ephratah,

In Kirjath-jearim found we it.

7 We '11 in His Tabernacles go,

And at His footstool lowly bend ;

8 Arise into Thy Resting Place :

Ark of Thy Strength, O Lord, ascend !

CXXXII THE PSALMS. 263

9 Clothe Thou Thy priests with righteousness,
And let Thy saints for gladness sing ;

10 For David's sake, turn not away

The face of Thine anointed king,

11 Jehovah has to David sworn —

And from it He will ne'er turn back :
"Of thine own offspring there shall be
To sit upon thy throne no lack,

12 "If they will keep My covenant,

My testimony that I teach,
Their sons shall sit too on thy throne,
And this to latest times shall reach."

13 So honored by Jehovah's choice,

How far does Zion all excel !

14 " This is," He says, "My Resting Place,

And here forever will I dwell :

15 " I will abundantly her bless.

Her poor with bread will satisfy,

16 Her priests will with salvation clothe.

Her saints with shouts shall fill the sky ;

17 "I* 11 make a horn for David bud,

A lamp for my Anointed trim ;

18 His enemies will clothe with shame.

And flourish shall his crown on him."

264 THE PSALMS. CXXXIV

PSALM CXXXIII.

HOW good and pleasant 't is
For brethren to agree —
To dwell in unity of love,
From strife and envy free.

2 'T is like the precious oil,

Poured out on Aaron's head,
That flowing down on beard and dress,
A grateful fragrance shed,

3 'T is like the drops of dew

Of Hermon, falling bright
On Zion's consecrated Hill,
The jewels of the night.

For there Jehovah doth

Selectest influence pour:
He there His blessing doth command,

Ev'n life forevermore.

PSALM CXXXIV.

LO, we you greet ! Jehovah bless,
All ye. His servants, made to stand
Here in Jehovah's House by night,

2 Raise to the Holy Place your hand

3 '' And bless Jehovah ! " " Welcome here,

Ye pilgrims ! seeking heavenly aid ;
May out of Zion He you bless

Who heaven and earth and all things made.

CXXXV THE PSALMS. 265

PSALM CXXXV.

HALLELUJAH ! Praise ye Jah ;
Ye, His servants, standing there

2 In the courts of the Lord's House,

His Eternal Name declare !

3 Praise ye Jah, for He is good ;

Music make to His dear Name ;

4 Jacob for Himself He chose —

His electing grace proclaim.

5 For I know Jehovah 's great,

High above all gods ; that He

6 Works His will in heaven and earth

And th' abysses of the sea ;

7 Causes vapors to ascend ;

And makes lightnings for the rain ;
From His store-house brings the wind,
Then commands it back again.

8 He all Egypt's first-born smote.

Both of man and beast, and sent

9 Signs and wonders in her midst

To make Pharaoh relent.

10 He great nations smote, and slew
Mighty kings in many fights —
ti Og of Bashan ; Sihon, king
Of th' opposing Amorites.
12

266 THE PSALMS. CXXXV

All the kings of Canaan slew,

Executing righteous doom ;
Drove the dwellers from the Land,

For His people to make room.

12 All the Land to Israel gave,

For a lasting heritage :

13 Everlasting is Thy Name,

Handed down from age to age.

14 For Thou wilt Thy people judge —

For Thy servants' sake, repent,
When Thy purpose shall be served
Of paternal chastisement.

15 Idols of the nations are

Gold and silver, man-begot ;

16 Mouths have they, but have not speech ;

Eyes have they, but sight have not,

17 They have ears, but do not hear ;

In their mouths they breath have none ;

18 They that made shall be like them,

They that trust in them, each one.

19 House of Israel, bless the Lord !

House of Aaron, sound His fame !

20 House of Levi, render praise !

And all fearers of His Name !

CXXXVI THE PSALMS. 267

PSALM CXXXVI.

PRAISE the Lord for He is good,
O ye faithful brotherhood !
For His mercy firm and sure
Doth from age to age endure.

2 Lift to Him your hymns of laud,
Who of gods alone is God.