The Psalms of David Part 13

6 In gentler language there the Lord The counsels of his grace imparts; Amidst the raging storm his word Speaks peace and courage to our hearts.

Psalm 30:1. First Part.

Sickness healed, and sorrow removed.

1 I will extol thee, Lord, on high, At thy command, diseases fly; Who but a G.o.d can speak and save From the dark borders of the grave?

2 Sing to the Lord, ye saints of his, And tell how large his goodness is; Let all your powers rejoice and bless, While you record his holiness.

3 His anger but a moment stays His love is life and length of days; Tho' grief and tears the night employ, The morning-star restores the joy.

Psalm 30:2. 6. Second Part.

Health, sickness, and recovery.

1 Firm was my health, my day was bright, And I presum'd 'twould ne'er be night; Fondly I said within my heart, "Pleasure and peace shall ne'er depart."

2 But I forgot thine arm was strong, Which made my mountain stand so long; Soon as thy face began to hide, My health was gone, my comforts dy'd.

3 I cry'd aloud to thee, my G.o.d, "What canst thou profit by my blood?

"Deep in the dust can I declare "Thy truth, or sing thy goodness there?

4 "Hear me, O G.o.d of grace," I said, "And bring me from among the dead:"

Thy word rebuk'd the pains I felt, Thy pardoning love remov'd my guilt.

5 My groans, and tears, and forms of woe, Are turn'd to joy and praises now; I throw my sackcloth on the ground, And ease and gladness gird me round.

6 My tongue, the glory of my frame, Shall ne'er be silent of thy name Thy praise shall sound thro' earth and heaven, For sickness heal'd, and sins forgiven.

Psalm 31:1. 5 13-19 22 23. First Part.

Deliverance from death.

1 Into thine hand, 0 G.o.d of truth, My spirit I commit; Thou hast redeem'd my soul from death, And sav'd me from the pit.

2 The pa.s.sions of my hope and fear Maintain'd a doubtful strife, While sorrow, pain, and sin conspir'd To take away my life.

3 "My times are in thine hand," I cry'd, "Tho' I draw near the dust ;"

Thou art the refuge where I hide, The G.o.d in whom I trust.

4 O make thy reconciled face Upon thy servant shine, And save me for thy mercy's sake, For I'm entirely thine.

PAUSE.

5 ['Twas in my haste, my spirit said, "I must despair and die, "I am cut off before thine eyes;"

But thou hast heard me cry.]

6 Thy goodness how divinely free!

How wondrous is thy grace To those that fear thy majesty, And trust thy promises!

7 O love the Lord, all ye his saints, And sing his praises loud; He'll bend his ear to your complaints, And recompense the proud.

Psalm 31:2. 7-13 18-21. Second Part.

Deliverance from slander and reproach.

1 My heart rejoices in thy name, My G.o.d, my help, my trust; Thou hast preserv'd my face from shame, Mine honour from the dust.

2 "My life is spent with grief," I cry'd, "My years consum'd in groans, "My strength decays, mine eyes are dry'd, "And sorrow wastes my bones."

3 Among mine enemies my name Was a mere proverb grown, While to my neighbours I became Forgotten and unknown.

4 Slander and fear on every side, Seiz'd and beset me round; I to the throne of grace apply'd, And speedy rescue found.

PAUSE.

5 How great deliverance thou hast wrought Before the sons of men!

The lying lips to silence brought, And made their boastings vain!

6 Thy children, from the strife of tongues, Shall thy pavilion hide, Guard them from infamy and wrongs, And crush the sons of pride.

7 Within thy secret presence, Lord, Let me for ever dwell; No fenced city, wall'd and barr'd, Secures a saint so well.

Psalm 32:1. S. M.

Forgiveness of sins upon confession.

1 O blessed souls are they Whose sins are cover'd o'er!

Divinely blest, to whom the Lord imputes their guilt no more.

2 They mourn their follies past, And keep their hearts with care; Their lips and lives without deceit, Shall prove their faith sincere.

3 While I conceal'd my guilt I felt the festering wound, Till I confess'd my sins to thee, And ready pardon found.

4 Let sinners learn to pray, Let saints keep near the throne; Our help in times of deep distress, Is found in G.o.d alone.

Psalm 32:2. First Part. L. M.

Free pardon and sincere obedience; or, Confession and forgiveness.

1 Happy the man to whom his G.o.d No more imputes his sin, But wash'd in the Redeemer's blood, Hath made his garments clean!

2 Happy, beyond expression, he Whose debts are thus discharg'd; And from the guilty bondage free, He feels his soul enlarg'd.

3 His spirit hates deceit and lies, His words are all sincere; He guards his heart, he guards his eyes, To keep his conscience clear.

4 While I my inward guilt supprest, No quiet could I find; Thy wrath lay burning in my breast, And rack'd my tortur'd mind.