PSALM XXXIV.

Tate and Brady

2 Of his deliv'rance I will boast,
Till all that are distrest
From my example comfort take,
And charm their griefs to rest.

3 O magnify the Lord with me,
With me exalt his Name;
4. When in distress to him I call'd,
He to my rescue came.

5 Their drooping hearts were soon refresh'd,
Who look'd to him for aid;
Desir'd success in ev'ry face
A cheerful air display'd.

6 Behold, say they, behold the man
Whom Providence reliev'd;
The man so dang'rously beset,
So wondrously retriev'd

7 The hosts of God encamp around
The dwellings of the just;
Deliv'rance he affords to all
Who on his succour trust.

8 O make but trial of his love,
Experience will decide,
How bless'd they are, and only they,
Who in his truth confide.

9 Fear him, ye saints, and you will then
Have nothing else to fear;
Make you his service your delight,
Your wants shall be his care.

10 While hungry lions lack their prey,
The Lord will food provide:
For such as put their trust in him,
And see their needs supplied.

11 Approach, ye piously dispos'd,
And my instruction hear:
I'll teach you the true discipline
Of his religious fear.

12 Let him, who length of life desires,
And prosp'rous days would see,
13 From sland'ring language keep his tongue,
His lips from falsehood free.

14 The crooked paths of vice decline,
And virtue's ways pursue;
Establish peace where 'tis begun,
And where 'tis lost renew.

15 The Lord from heaven beholds the just
With favourable eyes;
And, when distress'd, his gracious ear
Is open to their cries:

16 But turns his wrathful look on those
Whom mercy can't reclaim,
To cut them off, and from the earth
Blot out their hated name.

17 Deliv'rance to his saints he gives,
When his relief they crave;
18 He's nigh to heal the broken heart,
And contrite spirit save.

19 The wicked oft, but still in vain,
Against the just conspire;
20 For under their affliction's weight
He keeps their bones entire.

21 The wicked from their wicked arts
Their ruin shall derive;
Whilst righteous men, whom they detest,
Shall them and theirs survive.

22 For God preserves the souls of those
Who on his truth depend,
To them and their posterity
His blessings shall descend.