The Psalms of David Part 51

Imperfection of nature, and perfection of scripture.

Ver. 96. paraphrased.

1 Let all the heathen writers join To form one perfect book, Great G.o.d, if once compar'd with thine, How mean their writings look!

2 Not the most perfect rules they gave Could shew one sin forgiven, Nor lead a step beyond the grave; But thine conduct to heaven.

3 I've seen an end of what we call Perfection here below; How short the powers of nature fall, And can no farther go!

4 Yet men would fain be just with G.o.d By works their hands have wrought; But thy commands, exceeding broad, Extend to every thought.

5 In vain we boast perfection here, While sin defiles our frame, And sinks our virtues down so far, They scarce deserve the name.

6 Our faith and love, and every grace, Fall far below thy word; But perfect truth and righteousness Dwell only with the Lord.

Psalm 119:08. Eighth Part.

The word of G.o.d is the saint's portion; or, The excellency and variety of scripture.

Ver. 111. paraphrased.

1 Lord, I have made thy word my choice, My lasting heritage; There shall my n.o.blest powers rejoice, My warmest thoughts engage.

2 I'll read the histories of thy love, And keep thy laws in sight, While thro' the promises I rove, With ever fresh delight.

3 'Tis a broad land of wealth unknown Where springs of life arise, Seeds of immortal bliss are sown, And hidden glory lies.

4 The best relief that mourners have, It makes our sorrows blest; Our fairest hope beyond the grave, And our eternal rest.

Psalm 119:09. Ninth Part.

Desire of knowledge; or, The teachings of the Spirit with the word.

Ver. 64 66 18.

1 Thy mercies fill the earth, O Lord, How good thy works appear!

Open mine eyes to read thy word, And see thy wonders there.

Ver. 73 125.

2 My heart was fas.h.i.+on'd by thy hand, My service is thy due: O make thy servant understand The duties he must do.

Ver. 19.

3 Since I'm a stranger here below, Let not thy path be hid; But mark the road my feet should go, And be my constant guide.

Ver. 26.

4 When I confess'd my wandering ways, Thou heardst my soul complain; Grant me the teachings of thy grace, Or I shall stray again.

Ver. 33 34.

5 If G.o.d to me his statutes shew, And heavenly truth impart, His work for ever I'll pursue, His laws shall rule my heart.

Ver. 50 71.

6 This was my comfort when I bore Variety of grief; It made me learn thy word the more, And fly to that relief.

Ver. 51.

7 [In vain the proud deride me now; I'll ne'er forget thy law, Nor let that blessed gospel go Whence all my hopes I draw.

Ver. 27 121.

8 When I have learn'd my Father's will I'll teach the world his ways; My thankful lips inspir'd with zeal Shall loud p.r.o.nounce his praise.]

Psalm 119:10. Tenth Part.

Pleading the promises.

Ver. 38 49.

1 Behold thy waiting servant, Lord, Devoted to thy fear; Remember and confirm thy word, For all my hopes are there.

Ver. 41 58 107.

2 Hast thou not writ salvation down, And promis'd quickening grace?

Doth not my heart address thy throne?

And yet thy love delays.

Ver. 132 42.

3 Mine eyes for thy salvation fail; O bear thy servant up; Nor let the scoffing lips prevail, Who dare reproach my hope.

Ver. 49 74.

4 Didst thou not raise my faith, O Lord?

Then let thy truth appear: Saints shall rejoice in my reward, And trust as well as fear.

Psalm 119:11. Eleventh Part.

Breathing after holiness.

Ver. 5 33.

1 O that the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still!

O that my G.o.d would grant me grace To know and do his will!

Ver. 29.

2 O send thy Spirit down to write Thy law upon my heart!

Nor let my tongue indulge deceit, Nor act the liar's part.

Ver. 37 36.

3 From vanity turn off my eyes: Let no corrupt design, Nor covetous desires arise Within this soul of mine.

Ver. 133.

4 Order my footsteps by thy word, And make my heart sincere, Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.

Ver. 176.

5 My soul hath gone too far astray, My feet too often slip; Yet since I've not forgot thy way, Restore thy wandering sheep.

Ver. 35.

6 Make me to walk in thy commands, 'Tis a delightful road; Nor let my head, or heart, or hands, Offend against my G.o.d.