Psalms.

PSALM I. DONE INTO VERSE, 1653.

BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray
In counsel of the wicked, and i' th' way
Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat
Of scorners hath not sat. But in the great
Jehovah's law is ever his delight,

And in his law he studies day and night.
He shall be as a tree which planted grows
By watery streams, and in his season knows
To yield his fruit, and his leaf shall not fall,
And what he takes in hand shall prosper all.
Not so the wicked, but as chaff which fann'd
The wind drives, so the wicked shall not stand
In judgment, or abide their trial then,
Nor sinners in th' assembly of just men.
For the Lord knows th' upright way of the just,
And the way of bad men to ruin must.

WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations
Muse a vain thing, th' kings of the earth upstand
With pow'r, and princes in their congregations
Lay deep their plots together through each land
Against the Lord and his Messiah dear?

Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand
Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear,

Their twisted cords: He who in heav'n doth dwell Shall laugh; the Lord shall scoff them, then severe Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell

And fierce ire trouble them; but I, saith He,
Anointed have my King (though ye rebel)

On Sion my holy hill. A firm decree

I will declare; the Lord to me hath said
Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee

(153)

For thou art not a God that takes

In wickedness delight,

Evil with thee no bidding makes,

Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight,
All workers of iniquity

Thou hat'st; and them unblest

Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie;

The bloody and guileful man God doth detest.
But I will in thy mercies dear,

Thy numerous mercies, go

Into thy house; I in thy fear

Will towards thy holy temple worship low.
Lord, lead me in thy righteousness

Lead me because of those

That do observe if I transgress,

Set thy ways right before, where my step goes,
For in his falt'ring mouth unstable

No word is firm or sooth;

Their inside, troubles miserable;

An open grave their throat, their tongue they smooth.
God, find them guilty, let them fall

By their own counsels quell'd;
Push them in their rebellions all

Still on; for against thee they have rebell'd.
Then all who trust in thee shalt bring
Their joy, while thou from blame
Defend'st them, they shall ever sing

And shall triumph in thee, who love thy name.
For thou, Jehovah, wilt be found

To bless the just man still,

As with a shield thou wilt surround

Him with thy lasting favour and good-will.