PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament and Applied to the Christian State and Worship
Watts, Isaac, 1674-1748 · 65,021 words · 393 reading sections
Psalm 20. Prayer and hope of victory. For a day of prayer in time of war.
1 Now may the God of power and grace Attend his people's humble cry! Jehovah hears when Israel prays, And brings deliverance from on high. 2 The name of Jacob's God defends Better than shields or brazen walls; He from his sanctuary sends Succour and strength, when Zion calls. 3 Well he remembers all our sighs, His lo…
183 wordsSECTION 62Psalm 21:1. C. M. Our king is the care of heaven.
1 The king, O Lord, with songs of praise, Shall in thy strength rejoice; And, blest with thy salvation, raise To heaven his cheerful voice. 2 Thy sure defence, thro' nations round, Has spread his glorious name; And his successful actions crown'd With majesty and fame. 3 Then let the king on God alone For timely aid r…
139 wordsSECTION 63Psalm 21:2. 1-9. L. M. Christ exalted to the kingdom.
1 David rejoic'd in God his strength, Rais'd to the throne by special grace; But Christ, the Son, appears at length, Fulfils the triumph and the praise. 2 How great is the Messiah's joy In the salvation of thy hand! Lord, thou hast rais'd his kingdom high, And given the world to his command. 3 Thy goodness grants wha…
130 wordsSECTION 64Psalm 22:1. 1-16. First Part. C. M, The sufferings and death of Christ.
1 "Why has my God my soul forsook, "Nor will a smile afford?" (Thus David once in anguish spoke, And thus our dying Lord.) 2 Tho' 'tis thy chief delight to dwell Among thy praising saints, Yet thou canst hear a groan as well, And pity our complaints. 3 Our fathers trusted in thy name, And great deliverance found; But…
147 wordsSECTION 65PAUSE.
7 Behold thy darling left among The cruel and the proud, As bulls of Bashan fierce and strong, As lions roaring loud. 8 From earth and hell my sorrows meet To multiply the smart; They nail my hands, they pierce my feet And try to vex my heart. 9 Yet if thy sovereign hand let loose The rage of earth and hell, Why will…
148 wordsSECTION 66Psalm 22:2. 20 21 27-31. 2d Part. C. M. Christ's sufferings and kingdom.
1 "Now from the roaring lion's rage, "O Lord, protect thy Son; "Nor leave thy darling to engage, "The powers of hell alone." 2 Thus did our suffering Saviour pray, With mighty cries and tears; God heard him in that dreadful day, And chas'd away his fears. 3 Great was the victory of his death, His throne exalted high;…
137 wordsSECTION 67Psalm 22:3. L. M. Christ's sufferings and exaltation.
1 Now let our mournful songs record The dying sorrows of our Lord; When he complain'd in tears and blood As one forsaken of his God. 2 The Jews beheld him thus forlorn, And shake their heads, and laugh in scorn; "He rescu'd others from the grave, "Now let him try himself to save. 3 "This is the man did once pretend "…
166 wordsSECTION 68Psalm 23:1. L. M. God our Shepherd.
1 My shepherd is the living Lord; Now shall my wants be well supply'd His providence and holy word Become my safety and my guide. 2 In pastures where salvation grows He makes me feed, he makes me rest; There living water gently flows, And all the food's divinely blest. 3 My wandering feet his ways mistake, But he res…
214 wordsSECTION 69Psalm 23:2. C. M. The same.
1. My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is his name; In pastures fresh he makes me feed Beside the living stream. 2 He brings my wandering spirit back, When I forsake his ways; And leads me for his mercy's sake, In paths of truth and grace. 3 When I walk thro' the shades of death, Thy presence is my stay; A word …
147 wordsSECTION 70Psalm 23:3. S. M. The same.
1 The Lord my shepherd is, I shall be well supply'd; Since he is mine, and I am his, What can I want beside? 2 He leads me to the place Where heavenly pasture grows, Where living waters gently pass, And full salvation flows. 3 If e'er I go astray, He doth my soul reclaim, And guides me in his own right way, For his m…
138 wordsSECTION 71Psalm 24:1. C. M. Dwelling with God.
1 The earth for ever is the Lord's, With Adam's numerous race; He rais'd its arches o'er the floods, And built it on the seas. 2 But who among the sons of men May visit thine abode? He that has hands from mischief clean, Whose heart is right with God. 3 This is the man may rise, and take The blessings of his grace; T…
124 wordsSECTION 72Psalm 24:2. L. M. Saints dwell in heaven; or, Christ's ascension.
1 This spacious earth is all the Lord's, And men, and worms, and beasts, and birds: He rais'd the building on the seas, And gave it for their dwelling-place. 2 But there's a brighter world on high, Thy palace, Lord, above the sky: Who shall ascend that blest abode, And dwell so near his Maker God? 3 He that abhors an…
111 wordsSECTION 73PAUSE.
5 Rejoice, ye shining worlds on high, Behold the King of glory nigh! Who can this King of glory be? The mighty Lord, the Saviour's he. 6 Ye heavenly gates, your leaves display To make the Lord the Saviour way: Laden with spoils from earth and hell, The conqueror comes with God to dwell. 7 Rais'd from the dead he goes…
80 wordsSECTION 74Psalm 25:1. 1-11. First Part. Waiting for pardon and direction.
1 I Lift my soul to God, My trust is in his name; Let not my foes that seek my blood Still triumph in my shame. 2 Sin and the powers of hell Persuade me to despair; Lord, make me know thy covenant well, That I may 'scape the snare. 3 From the first dawning light Till the dark evening rise, For thy salvation, Lord, I …
138 wordsSECTION 75Psalm 25:2. 12 14 10 13. Second Part. Divine instruction.
1 Where shall the man be found That fears t' offend his God, That loves the gospel's joyful sound, And trembles at the rod? 2 The Lord shall make him know The secrets of his heart, The wonders of his covenant show, And all his love impart. 3 The dealings of his hand Are truth and mercy still With such as to his coven…
92 wordsSECTION 76Psalm 25:3. 15-22. Third Part. Distress of soul; or, Backsliding and desertion.
1 Mine eyes and my desire Are ever to the Lord; I love to plead his promises, And rest upon his word. 2 Turn, turn thee to my soul, Bring thy salvation near: When will thy hand release my feet Out of the deadly snare? 3 When shall the sovereign grace Of my forgiving God Restore me from those dangerous ways My wanderi…
107 wordsSECTION 77PAUSE.
6 Behold the hosts of hell How cruel is their hate! Against my life they rise, and join Their fury with deceit. 7 O keep my soul from death, Nor put my hope to shame, For I have plac'd my only trust In my Redeemer's name. 8 With humble faith I wait To see thy face again; Of Israel it shall ne'er be said, "He sought t…
70 wordsSECTION 78Psalm 26. Self-examination; or, Evidences of grace.
1 Judge me, O Lord, and prove my ways, And try my reins, and try my heart; My faith upon thy promise stays, Nor from thy law my feet depart. 2 I hate to walk, I hate to sit, With men of vanity and lies; The scoffer and the hypocrite Are the abhorrence of mine eyes. 3 Amongst thy saints will I appear, With hands well …
139 wordsSECTION 79Psalm 27:1. 1-6. First Part. The church is our delight and safety.
1 The Lord of glory is my light, And my salvation too; God is my strength, nor will I fear What all my foes can do. 2 One privilege my heart desires; O grant me an abode Among the churches of thy saints, The temples of my God! 3 There shall I offer my requests, And see thy beauty still, Shall hear thy messages of lov…
116 wordsSECTION 80Psalm 27:2. 8 9 13 14. Second Part.
Prayer and Hope. 1 Soon as I heard my Father say, "Ye children, seek my grace;" My heart reply'd without delay, "I'll seek my Father's face." 2 Let not thy face be hid from me, Nor frown my soul away; God of my life, I fly to thee In a distressing day. 3 Should friends and kindred near and dear Leave me to want, or …
128 wordsSECTION 81Psalm 29. L. M. Storm and thunder.
1 Give to the Lord, ye sons of fame, Give to the Lord renown and power, Ascribe due honours to his name, And his eternal might adore. 2 The Lord proclaims his power aloud Over the ocean and the land; His voice divides the watery cloud, And lightnings blaze at his command. 3 He speaks, and tempest, hail, and wind, Lay…
157 wordsSECTION 82Psalm 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 God 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…
83 wordsSECTION 83Psalm 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 th…
174 wordsSECTION 84Psalm 31:1. 5 13-19 22 23. First Part. Deliverance from death.
1 Into thine hand, 0 God of truth, My spirit I commit; Thou hast redeem'd my soul from death, And sav'd me from the pit. 2 The passions 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 ;" T…
97 wordsSECTION 85PAUSE.
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 …
72 wordsSECTION 86Psalm 31:2. 7-13 18-21. Second Part. Deliverance from slander and reproach.
1 My heart rejoices in thy name, My God, 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…
94 wordsSECTION 87PAUSE.
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 d…
69 wordsSECTION 88Psalm 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 …
91 wordsSECTION 89Psalm 32:2. First Part. L. M. Free pardon and sincere obedience; or, Confession and forgiveness.
1 Happy the man to whom his God 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 gua…
139 wordsSECTION 90Psalm 32:3. L. M. Repentance and free pardon; or, Justification and sanctification.
1 Blest is the man, for ever blest, Whose guilt is pardon'd by his God, Whose sins with sorrow are confess'd, And cover'd with his Saviour's blood. 2 Blest is the man to whom the Lord Imputes not his iniquities, He pleads no merit of reward, And not on works, but grace relies. 3 From guile his heart and lips are free…
106 wordsSECTION 91Psalm 32:4. Second Part. L. M. A guilty conscience eased by confession and pardon.
1 While I keep silence, and conceal My heavy guilt within my heart, What torments doth my conscience feel! What agonies of inward smart! 2 I spread my sins before the Lord, And all my secret faults confess; Thy gospel speaks a pard'ning word Thine Holy Spirit seals the grace. 3 For this shall every humble soul Make s…
105 wordsSECTION 92Psalm 33:1. First Part. C. M. Works of creation and providence.
1 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord, This work belongs to you: Sing of his name, his ways, his word, How holy, just, and true! 2 His mercy and his righteousness Let heaven and earth proclaim; His works of nature and of grace Reveal his wondrous name. 3 His wisdom and almighty word The heavenly arches spread; And by …
138 wordsSECTION 93Psalm 33:2. Second Part. C. M. Creatures vain, and God all-sufficient.
1 Blest is the nation where the Lord Hath fix'd his gracious throne; Where he reveals his heavenly word, And calls their tribes his own. 2 His eye, with infinite survey, Does the whole world behold; He form'd us all of equal clay, And knows our feeble mould. 3 Kings are not rescu'd by the force Of armies from the gra…
149 wordsSECTION 94Psalm 33:3. First Part. As the 113th Psalm. Works of creation and providence.
1 Ye holy souls, in God rejoice, Your Maker's praise becomes your voice; Great is your theme, your songs be new: Sing of his name, his word, his ways, His works of nature and of grace, How wise and holy, just and true. 2 Justice and truth he ever loves, And the whole earth his goodness proves, His word the heavenly ar…
161 wordsSECTION 95Psalm 33:4. Second Part. As the 113th Psalm. Creatures vain, and God all-sufficient.
1 O Happy nation, where the Lord Reveals the treasure of his word, And builds his church his earthly throne! His eye the heathen world surveys, He form'd their hearts, he knows their ways; But God their Maker is unknown. 2 Let kings rely upon their host, And of his strength the champion boast; In vain they boast, in v…
160 wordsSECTION 96Psalm 34:1. First Part. L. M. God's care of the saints; or, Deliverance by prayer.
1 Lord, I will bless thee all my days, Thy praise shall dwell upon my tongue; My soul shall glory in thy grace, While saints rejoice to hear the song. 2 Come, magnify the Lord with me, Come, let us all exalt his name; I sought th' eternal God, and he Has not expos'd my hope to shame. 3 I told him all my secret grief,…
173 wordsSECTION 97Psalm 34:2. 11-22. Second Part. L. M. Religious education; or, Instructions of piety.
1 Children in years and knowledge young, Your parents' hope, your parents' joy, Attend the counsels of my tongue, Let pious thoughts your minds employ. 2 If you desire a length of days, And peace to crown your mortal state, Restrain your feet from impious ways, Your lips from slander and deceit. 3 The eyes of God reg…
134 wordsSECTION 98Psalm 34:3. 1-10. First Part. C. M. Prayer and Praise for eminent deliverance.
1 I'll bless the Lord from day to day; How good are all his ways! Ye humble souls that use to pray, Come, help my lips to praise. 2 Sing to the honour of his name, How a poor sufferer cry'd, Nor was his hope expos'd to shame, Nor was his suit deny'd. 3 When threatening sorrows round me stood, And endless fears arose,…
99 wordsSECTION 99PAUSE.
5 [O sinners, come and taste his love, Come, learn his pleasant ways, And let your own experience prove The sweetness of his grace. 6 He bids his angels pitch their tents Round where his children dwell What ills their heavenly care prevents No earthly tongue can tell.] 7 [O love the Lord, ye saints of his; His eye re…
96 wordsSECTION 100Psalm 34:4. 11-22. Second Part. C. M. Exhortations to peace and Holiness.
1 Come, children, learn to fear the Lord; And that your days be long, Let not a false or spiteful word Be found upon your tongue. 2 Depart from mischief, practise love, Pursue the works of peace; So shall the Lord your ways approve, And set your souls at ease. 3 His eyes awake to guard the just, His ears attend their…
146 wordsSECTION 101Psalm 35:1. 1-9. First Part. Prayer and faith of persecuted saints; or, Imprecations mixed with charity.
1 Now plead my cause, almighty God, With all the Sons of strife; And fight against the men of blood, Who fight against my life. 2 Draw out thy spear and stop their way, Lift thine avenging rod; But to my soul in mercy say, "I am thy Saviour God." 3 They plant their snares to catch my feet, And nets of mischief spread…
194 wordsSECTION 102Psalm 35:2. 12-14. Second Part. Love to enemies; or, The love of Christ to sinners typified in David.
1 Behold the love, the generous love That holy David shows; Hark, how his sounding bowels move To his afflicted foes! 2 When they are sick his soul complains, And seems to feel the smart; The spirit of the gospel reigns, And melts his pious heart. 3 How did his flowing tears condole As for a brother dead! And fasting…
141 wordsSECTION 103Psalm 36:1. 5-9. L. M. The perfections and providence of God; or, General providence and special grace.
1 High in the heavens, eternal God, Thy goodness in full glory shines; Thy truth shall break thro' every cloud That veils and darkens thy designs. 2 For ever firm thy justice stands, As mountains their foundations keep; Wise are the wonders of thy hands; Thy judgments are a mighty deep. 3 Thy providence is kind and l…
159 wordsSECTION 104Psalm 36:2. 1 2 5 6 7 9 C. M. Practical atheism exposed; or, The being and attributes of God asserted.
1 While men grow bold in wicked ways! And yet a God they own, My heart within me often says, "Their thoughts believe there's none." 2 Their thoughts and ways at once declare (Whate'er their lips profess) God hath no wrath for them to fear, Nor will they seek his grace. 3 What strange self-flattery blinds their eyes! …
183 wordsSECTION 105Psalm 36:3. 1-7. S. M. The wickedness of man, and the majesty of God; or. Practical atheism exposed.
1 When man grows bold in sin My heart within me cries, "He hath no faith of God within, Nor fear before his eyes." 2 [He walks awhile conceal'd In a self-flattering dream, Till his dark crimes at once reveal'd Expose his hateful name.] 3 His heart is false and foul, His words are smooth and fair; Wisdom is banish'd f…
327 wordsSECTION 106PAUSE.
7 Rest in the Lord and keep his way, Nor let your anger rise, Tho' providence should long delay To punish haughty vice. 8 Let sinners join to break your peace, And plot, and rage, and foam; The Lord derides them, for he sees Their day of vengeance come. 9 They have drawn out the threatening sword, Have bent the murde…
99 wordsSECTION 107Psalm 37:2. 16 21 26-31. Second Part. Charity to the poor; or, Religion in words and deeds.
1 Why do the wealthy wicked boast, And grow profanely bold? The meanest portion of the just Excels the sinner's gold. 2 The wicked borrows of his friends, But ne'er designs to pay; The saint is merciful and lends, Nor turns the poor away. 3 His alms with liberal heart he gives Amongst the sons of need; His memory to …
138 wordsSECTION 108Psalm 37:3. 23-27. Third Part. The way and end of the righteous and the wicked.
1 My God, the steps of pious men Are order'd by thy will; Tho' they should fall, they rise again, Thy hand supports them still. 2 The Lord delights to see their ways, Their virtue he approves; He'll ne'er deprive them of his grace, Nor leave the men he loves. 3 The heavenly heritage is theirs, Their portion and their…
100 wordsSECTION 109PAUSE.
5 The haughty sinner have I seen, Nor fearing man nor God, Like a tall bay-tree fair and green, Spreading his arms abroad. 6 And lo! he vanish'd from the ground, Destroy'd by hands unseen: Nor root, nor branch, nor leaf was found Where all that pride had been. 7 But mark the man of righteousness, His several steps at…
72 wordsSECTION 110Psalm 38. Guilt of conscience and relief; or, Repentance, and prayer for pardon and health.
1 Amidst thy wrath remember love, Restore thy servant, Lord; Nor let a father's chastening prove Like an avenger's sword. 2 Thine arrows stick within my heart, My flesh is sorely prest; Between the sorrow and the smart My spirit finds no rest. 3 My sins a heavy load appear, And o'er my head are gone; Too heavy they f…
240 wordsSECTION 111Psalm 39:1. 1 2 3. First Part. Watchfulness over the tongue; or, Prudence and zeal.
1 Thus I resolv'd before the Lord, "Now will I watch my tongue, "Lest I let slip one sinful word, "Or do my neighbour wrong." 2 And if I'm e'er constrain'd to stay With men of lives profane I'll set a double guard that day, Nor let my talk be vain. 3 I'll scarce allow my lips to speak The pious thoughts I feel, Lest …
98 wordsSECTION 112Psalm 39:2. 4-7. Second Part. The vanity of man as mortal.
1 Teach me the measure of my days, Thou maker of my frame; I would survey life's narrow space, And learn' how frail I am. 2 A span is all that we can boast, An inch or two of time; Man is but vanity and dust In all his flower and prime. 3 See the vain race of mortals move Like shadows o'er the plain; They rage and st…
150 wordsSECTION 113Psalm 39:3. 9-13. Third Part. Sick-bed devotion; or, Pleading without repining.
1 God of my life, look gently down, Behold the pains I feel; But I am dumb before thy throne, Nor dare dispute thy will. 2 Diseases are thy servants, Lord, They come at thy command; I'll not attempt a murmuring word Against thy chastening hand. 3 Yet I may plead with humble cries, Remove thy sharp rebukes; My strengt…
160 wordsSECTION 114Psalm 40:1. 1 3 5 17. First Part. C. M. A song of deliverance from great distress.
1 I waited patient for the Lord, He bow'd to hear my cry; He saw me resting on his word, And brought salvation nigh. 2 He rais'd me from a horrid pit Where mourning long I lay, And from my bonds releas'd my feet, Deep bonds of miry clay. 3 Firm on a rock he made me stand, And taught my cheerful tongue To praise the w…
149 wordsSECTION 115Psalm 40:2. 6-9. Second Part. C. M. The incarnation and sacrifice of Christ.
1 Thus saith the Lord, "Your work is vain, "Give your burnt offerings o'er, "In dying goats and bullocks slain "My soul delights no more." 2 Then spake the Saviour, "Lo, I'm here, "My God, to do thy will; "'Whate'er thy sacred books declare, "Thy servant shall fulfil. 3 "Thy law is ever in my sight, "I keep it near m…
138 wordsSECTION 116PAUSE.
7 No blood of beasts on altars shed Could wash the conscience clean, But the rich sacrifice he paid Atones for all our sin. 8 Then was the great salvation spread, And Satan's kingdom shook; Thus by the woman's promis'd seed The serpent's head was broke.…
46 wordsSECTION 117Psalm 40:3. 5-10. L. M. Christ our sacrifice.
1 The wonders, Lord, thy love has wrought, Exceed our praise, surmount our thought; Should I attempt the long detail, My speech would faint, my numbers fail. 2 No blood of beasts on altars spilt, Can cleanse the souls of men from guilt, But thou hast set before our eyes An all-sufficient sacrifice. 3 Lo! thine eterna…
187 wordsSECTION 118Psalm 41. 1 2 3. Charity to the poor; or, Pity to the afflicted.
1 Blest is the man whose bowels move, And melt with pity to the poor, Whose soul, by sympathising love, Feels what his fellow-saints endure. 2 His heart contrives for their relief More good than his own hands can do; He, in the time of general grief, Shall find the Lord has bowels too. 3 His soul shall live secure on…
107 wordsSECTION 119Psalm 42:1. 1-5. First Part. Desertion and hope; or, Complaint of absence from public worship.
1 With earnest longings of the mind, My God, to thee I look; So pants the hunted hart to find And taste the cooling brook. 2 When shall I see thy courts of grace, And meet my God again? So long an absence from thy face My heart endures with pain. 3 Temptations vex my weary soul, And tears are my repast; The foe insul…
146 wordsSECTION 120Psalm 42:2. 6-11. Second Part. Melancholy thoughts reproved; or, Hope in afflictions.
1 My spirit sinks within me, Lord, But I will call thy name to mind, And times of past distress record, When I have found my God was kind. 2 Huge troubles, with tumultuous noise, Swell like a sea, and round me spread; Thy water-spouts drown all my joys, And rising waves roll o'er my head. 3 Yet will the Lord command …
174 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.