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 117:3. S. M.
1 Thy Name, almighty Lord, Shall sound thro' distant lands; Great is thy grace, and sure thy word, Thy truth for ever stands. 2 Far be thine honour spread, And long thy praise endure, Till morning light and evening shade Shall be exchang'd no more.…
45 wordsSECTION 302Psalm 118:1. 6-15. First Part. Deliverance from a tumult.
1 The Lord appears my helper now, Nor is my faith afraid What all the sons of earth can do, Since heaven affords its aid. 2 'Tis safer, Lord, to hope in thee, And have my God my friend, Than trust in men of high degree, And on their truth depend. 3 Like bees my foes beset me round, A large and angry swarm; But I shal…
147 wordsSECTION 303Psalm 118:2. 17-21. Second Part. Public praise for deliverance from death.
1 Lord, thou hast heard thy servant cry, And rescu'd from the grave; Now shall he live: (and none can die If God resolve to save.) 2 Thy praise, more constant than before, Shall fill his daily breath; Thy hand that hath chastis'd him sore, Defends him still from death. 3 Open the gates of Zion now, For we shall worsh…
98 wordsSECTION 304Psalm 118:3. 22 23. Third Part. Christ the foundation of his church.
1 Behold the sure foundation-stone Which God in Zion lays To build our heavenly hopes upon, And his eternal praise. 2 Chosen of God, to sinners dear, And saints adore the Name, They trust their whole salvation here, Nor shall they suffer shame. 3 The foolish builders, scribe and priest, Reject it with disdain; Yet on…
91 wordsSECTION 305Psalm 118:4. 24 25 26. Fourth Part. Hosanna; the Lord's day; or, Christ's resurrection and our salvation.
1 This is the day the Lord hath made, He calls the hours his own; Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, And praise surround the throne. 2 To-day he rose and left the dead, And Satan's empire fell; To-day the saints his triumphs spread, And all his wonders tell. 3 Hosanna to th' anointed King, To David's holy Son: He…
120 wordsSECTION 306Psalm 118:5. 22-27. S. M. An hosanna for the Lord's day; or, A new song of salvation by Christ.
1 See what a living-stone The builders did refuse; Yet God hath built his church thereon In spite of envious Jews. 2 The scribe and angry priest Reject thine only Son; Yet on this rock shall Zion rest, As the chief corner-stone. 3 The work, O Lord, is thine, And wondrous in our eyes; This day declares it all divine, …
130 wordsSECTION 307Psalm 118:6. 22-27. L. M. An hosanna for the Lord's day; or, A new song of salvation by Christ.
1 Lo! what a glorious corner-stone The Jewish builders did refuse; But God hath built his church thereon, In spite of envy and the Jews. 2 Great God, the work is all divine, The joy and wonder of our eyes; This is the day that proves it thine, The day that saw our Saviour rise. 3 Sinners rejoice, and saints be glad: …
200 wordsSECTION 308Psalm 119:01. First Part. The blessedness of saints, and misery of sinners.
Ver. 1 2 3. 1 Blest are the undefil'd in heart, Whose ways are right and clean; Who never from thy law depart, But fly front every sin. 2 Blest are the men that keep thy word, And practise thy commands; With their whole heart they seek the Lord, And serve thee with their hands. Ver. 165. 3 Great is their peace who lo…
161 wordsSECTION 309Psalm 119:02. Second Part. Secret devotion and spiritual mindedness; or, Constant converse with God.
Ver. 147 55. 1 TO thee, before the dawning light, My gracious God, I pray; I meditate thy Name by night, And keep thy law by day. Ver. 81. 2 My spirit faints to see thy grace, Thy promise bears me up; And while salvation long delays, Thy word supports my hope. Ver. 164. 3 Seven times a day I lift my hands, And pay my…
102 wordsSECTION 310Psalm 119:03. Third Part. Profession: of sincerity, repentance, and obedience.
Ver. 57 60. 1 Thou art my portion, O my God; Soon as I know thy way, My heart makes haste t' obey thy word, And suffers no delay. Ver. 30 14. 2 I choose the path of heavenly truth, And glory in my choice: Not all the riches of the earth Could make me so rejoice. 3 The testimonies of thy grace I set before my eyes; Th…
160 wordsSECTION 311Psalm 119:04. Fourth Part. Instruction from scripture.
Ver. 9. 1 How shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives from sin? Thy word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean. Ver. 130. 2 When once it enters to the mind, It spreads such light abroad, The meanest souls instruction find, And raise their thoughts to God. Ver. 105. 3 'Tis like the…
218 wordsSECTION 312Psalm 119:05. Fifth Part. Delight in scripture; or, The word of God dwelling in us.
Ver. 97. 1 O How I love thy holy law! 'Tis daily my delight; And thence my meditations draw Divine advice by night. Ver. 148. 2 My waking eyes prevent the day To meditate thy word; My soul with longing melts away To hear thy gospel, Lord. Ver. 3 13 54. 3 How doth thy word my heart engage! How well employ my tongue! A…
154 wordsSECTION 313Psalm 119:06. Sixth Part. Holiness and comfort from the word.
Ver. 128. 1 Lord, I esteem thy judgments right, And all thy statutes just; Thence I maintain a constant fight With every flattering lust. Ver. 97 9. 2 Thy precepts often I survey; I keep thy law in sight, Thro' all the business of the day, To form my actions right. Ver. 62. 3 My heart in midnight silence cries, "How …
105 wordsSECTION 314Psalm 119:07. Seventh Part. Imperfection of nature, and perfection of scripture.
Ver. 96. paraphrased. 1 Let all the heathen writers join To form one perfect book, Great God, 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…
147 wordsSECTION 315Psalm 119:08. Eighth Part. The word of God 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 noblest 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 Wher…
94 wordsSECTION 316Psalm 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 fashion'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…
218 wordsSECTION 317Psalm 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 …
106 wordsSECTION 318Psalm 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 God 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 corru…
157 wordsSECTION 319Psalm 119:12. Twelfth Part. Breathing after comfort and deliverance.
Ver. 153. 1 My God, consider my distress, Let mercy plead my cause; Tho' I have sinn'd against thy grace, I can't forget thy laws. Ver. 39 116. 1 Forbid, forbid the sharp reproach Which I so justly fear; Uphold my life, uphold my hopes, Nor let my shame appear. Ver. 122 135. 3 Be thou a surety, Lord, for me, Nor let …
130 wordsSECTION 320Psalm 119:13. Thirteenth Part. Holy fear, and tenderness of conscience.
Ver. 10. 1 With my whole heart I've sought thy face, O let me never stray From thy commands, O God of grace, Nor tread the sinner's way. Ver. 11. 2 Thy word I've hid within my heart To keep my conscience clean, And be an everlasting guard From every rising sin. Ver. 63 53 158. 3 I'm a companion of the saints Who fear…
160 wordsSECTION 321Psalm 119:14. Fourteenth Part. Benefit of afflictions, and support under them.
Ver. 153 81 82. 1 Consider all my sorrows, Lord, And thy deliverance send; My soul for thy salvation faints, When will my troubles end? Ver. 71. 2 Yet I have found, 'tis good for me To bear my Father's rod; Afflictions make me learn thy law, And live upon my God. Ver. 50. 3 This is the comfort I enjoy When new distre…
157 wordsSECTION 322Psalm 119:15. Fifteenth Part. Holy resolutions.
Ver. 93. That thy statutes every hour Might dwell upon my mind! Thence I derive a quickening power, And daily peace I find. Ver. 15 16. 2 To meditate thy precepts, Lord, Shall be my sweet employ; My soul shall ne'er forget thy word, Thy word is all my joy. Ver. 32. 3 How would I run in thy commands, If thou my heart …
161 wordsSECTION 323Psalm 119:16. Sixteenth Part. Prayer for quickening grace.
Ver. 25 37. 1 My soul lies cleaving to the dust; Lord, give me life divine; From vain desires and every lust Turn off these eyes of mine. 2 I need the influence of thy grace To speed me in thy way, Lest I should loiter in my race, Or turn my feet astray. Ver. 107. 3 When sore afflictions press me down, I need thy qui…
162 wordsSECTION 324Psalm 119:17. Seventeenth Part. Courage and perseverance under persecution; or, Grace shining in difficulties and trials.
Ver. 143 28. 1 When pain and anguish seize me, Lord, All my support is from thy word: My soul dissolves for heaviness, Uphold me with thy strengthening grace. Ver. 51 69 110. 2 The proud have fram'd their scoffs and lies, They watch my feet with envious eyes, And tempt my soul to snares and sin, Yet thy commands I ne'…
97 wordsSECTION 325Psalm 119:18. Last Part. Sanctified afflictions; or, Delight in the word of God.
Ver. 67 59. 1 Father, I bless thy gentle hand; How kind was thy chastising rod, That forc'd my conscience to a stand, And brought my wandering soul to God! 2 Foolish and vain I went astray Ere I had felt thy scourges, Lord, I left my guide, and lost my way; But now I love and keep thy word. Ver. 71. 3 'Tis good for m…
183 wordsSECTION 326Psalm 120. Complaint of quarrelsome neighbours; or, A devout wish for peace.
1 Thou God of love, thou ever blest, Pity my suffering state; When wilt thou set my soul at rest From lips that love deceit? 2 Hard lot of mine! my days are cast Among the sons of strife, Whose never-ceasing brawlings waste My golden hours of life. 3 O might I fly to change my place, How would I chuse to dwell In som…
148 wordsSECTION 327Psalm 121:1. L. M. Divine protection.
1 Up to the hills I lift mine eyes, Th' eternal hills beyond the skies; Thence all her help my soul derives; There my Almighty refuge lives. 2 He lives, the everlasting God, That built the world, that spread the flood; The heavens with all their hosts he made, And the dark regions of the dead. 3 He guides our feet, h…
189 wordsSECTION 328Psalm 121:2. C. M. Preservation by day and night.
1 To heaven I lift my waiting eyes, There all my hopes are laid: The Lord that built the earth and skies Is my perpetual aid. 2 Their feet shall never slide to fall Whom he designs to keep; His ear attends the softest call, His eyes can never sleep. 3 He will sustain our weakest powers With his almighty arm, And watc…
140 wordsSECTION 329Psalm 121:3. As the 148th Psalm. God our preserver.
1 Upward I lift mine eyes, From God is all my aid; The God that built the skies, And earth and nature made: God is the tow'r To which I fly: His grace is nigh In every hour. 2 My feet shall never slide And fall in fatal snares, Since God, my guard and guide, Defends me from my fears: Those wakeful eyes That never slee…
150 wordsSECTION 330Psalm 122:1. Going to church. 1 How did my heart rejoice to hear My friends devoutly say, "In Zion let us all appear, "And keep the solemn day!"
2 I love her gates, I love the road: The church adorn'd with grace Stands like a palace built for God, To shew his milder face. 3 Up to her courts with joys unknown The holy tribes repair; The Son of David holds his throne, And sits in judgment there. 4 He hears our praises and complaints; And while his awful voice D…
119 wordsSECTION 331Psalm 122:2. Proper Tune. Going to church.
1 How pleas'd and blest was I To hear the people cry, "Come, let us seek our God to-day!" Yes, with a cheerful zeal, We haste to Zion's hill, And there our vows and honours pay. 2 Zion, thrice happy place, Adorn'd with wondrous grace, And walls of strength embrace thee round; In thee our tribes appear To pray, and pra…
179 wordsSECTION 332Psalm 123. Pleading with submission.
1 O thou whose grace and justice reign Enthron'd above the skies, To thee our hearts would tell their pain, To thee we lift our eyes. 2 As Servants watch their master's hand, And fear the angry stroke; Or maids before their mistress stand, And wait a peaceful look; 3 So for our sins we justly feel Thy discipline, O G…
119 wordsSECTION 333Psalm 124. A song for the fifth of November.
1 Had not the Lord, may Israel say, Had not the Lord maintain'd our side, When men to make our lives a prey, Rose like the swelling of the tide; 2 The swelling tide had stopt our breath, So fiercely did the waters roll, We had been swallow'd deep in death; Proud waters had o'erwhelm'd our soul. 3 We leap for joy, we …
142 wordsSECTION 334Psalm 125:1. C. M. The saint's trial and safely.
1 Unshaken as the sacred hill, And firm as mountains be, Firm as a rock the soul shall rest That leans, O Lord, on thee. 2 Not walls nor hills could guard so well Old Salem's happy ground, As those eternal arms of love That every saint surround. 3 While tyrants are a smarting scourge To drive them near to God, Divine…
120 wordsSECTION 335Psalm 125:2. S. M. The saints' trial and safety; or, Moderated afflictions.
1 Firm and unmov'd are they That rest their souls on God; Firm as the mount where David dwelt Or where the ark abode. 2 As mountains stood to guard The city's sacred ground, So God and his almighty love Embrace his saints around. 3 What tho' the Father's rod Drop a chastising stroke, Yet, lest it wound their souls to…
133 wordsSECTION 336Psalm 126:1. L. M. Surprising deliverance.
1 When God restor'd our captive state, Joy was our song, and grace our theme; The grace beyond our hopes so great, That joy appear'd a painted dream. 2 The scoffer owns thy hand, and pays Unwilling honours to thy Name; While we with pleasure shout thy praise, With cheerful notes thy love proclaim. 3 When we review ou…
109 wordsSECTION 337Psalm 126:2. C. M. The joy of a remarkable conversion; or, Melancholy removed.
1 When God reveal'd his gracious Name, And chang'd my mournful state, My rapture seem'd a pleasing dream, The grace appear'd so great. 2 The world beheld the glorious change, And did thy hand confess; My tongue broke out in unknown strains, And sung surprising grace: 3 "Great is the work," my neighbours cry'd, And ow…
145 wordsSECTION 338Psalm 127:1. L. M. The blessing of God on the business and comforts of life.
1 If God succeed not, all the cost And pains to build the house are lost: If God the city will not keep, The watchful guards as well may sleep. 3 What if you rise before the sun, And work and toil when day is done, Careful and sparing eat your bread, To shun that poverty you dread; 3 'Tis all in vain, till God hath b…
113 wordsSECTION 339Psalm 127:2. C. M. God all in all.
1 If God to build the house deny, The builders work in vain; And towns, without his wakeful eye, An useless watch maintain. 2 Before the morning beams arise, Your painful work renew, And till the stars ascend the skies Your tiresome toil pursue. 3 Short be your sleep, and coarse your fare; In vain, till God has blest…
94 wordsSECTION 340Psalm 128. Family blessings.
1 O happy man, whose soul is fill'd With zeal and reverend awe; His lips to God their honours yield, His life adorns the law. 2 A careful providence shall stand And ever guard thy head, Shall on the labours of thy hand Its kindly blessings shed. 3 [Thy wife shall be a fruitful vine; Thy children round thy board, Each…
124 wordsSECTION 341Psalm 129. Persecutors punished.
1 Up from my youth, may Israel say, Have I been nurs'd in tears; My griefs were constant as the day, And tedious as the years. 2 Up from my youth I bore the rage Of all the sons of strife; Oft they assail'd my riper age, But not destroy'd my life. 3 Their cruel plough had torn my flesh With furrows long and deep, Hou…
220 wordsSECTION 342Psalm 130:1. C. M. Pardoning grace.
1 Out of the deeps of long distress, The borders of despair, I sent my cries to seek thy grace, My groans to move thine ear. 2 Great God, should thy severer eye, And thine impartial hand, Mark and revenge iniquity, No mortal flesh could stand. 3 But there are pardons with my God For crimes of high degree; Thy Son has…
197 wordsSECTION 343Psalm 130:2. L. M. Pardoning grace.
1 From deep distress and troubled thoughts, To thee, my God, I rais'd my cries; If thou severely mark our faults, No flesh can stand before thine eyes. 2 But thou hast built thy throne of grace, Free to dispense thy pardons there, That sinners may approach thy face, And hope and love, as well as fear. 3 As the benigh…
142 wordsSECTION 344Psalm 131. Humility and submission.
1 Is there ambition in my heart? Search, gracious God, and see; Or do I act a haughty part? Lord, I appeal to thee. 2 I charge my thoughts, be humble still, And all my carriage mild, Content, my Father, with thy will, And quiet as a child. 3 The patient soul, the lowly mind Shall have a large reward: Let saints in so…
71 wordsSECTION 345Psalm 132:1. 5 13-18. L. M. At the settlement of a church; or, The ordination of a Minister.
1 Where shall we go to seek and find An habitation for our God, A dwelling for th' Eternal Mind Amongst the sons of flesh and blood? 2 The God of Jacob chose the hill Of Zion for his ancient rest; And Zion is his dwelling still, His church is with his presence blest. 3 Here will I fix my gracious throne, And reign fo…
190 wordsSECTION 346Psalm 132:2. 4 5 7 8 15-17. C. M. A church established.
1 [No sleep nor slumber to his eyes Good David would afford, Till he had found below the skies A dwelling for the Lord. 2 The Lord in Zion plac'd his Name, His ark was settled there; To Zion the whole nation came, To worship thrice a year. 3 But we have no such lengths to go, Nor wander far abroad; Where'er thy saint…
72 wordsSECTION 347PAUSE.
4 Arise, O King of Grace, arise, And enter to thy rest! Lo! thy church waits, with longing eyes, Thus to be own'd and blest. 5 Enter with all thy glorious train, Thy Spirit and thy word; All that the ark did once contain Could no such grace afford. 6 Here, mighty God, accept our vows, Here let thy praise be spread; B…
121 wordsSECTION 348Psalm 133:1. C. M. Brotherly love.
1 Lo! what an entertaining sight Are brethren that agree, Brethren, whose cheerful hearts unite In bands of piety! 2 When streams of love from Christ the spring Descend to every soul, And heavenly peace, with balmy wing, Shades and bedews the whole; 3 'Tis like the oil divinely sweet, On Aaron's reverend head, The tr…
88 wordsSECTION 349Psalm 133:2. S. M. Communion of saints; or, Love and worship in a family.
1 Blest are the sons of peace, Whose hearts and hopes are one, Whose kind designs to serve and please Thro' all their actions run. 2 Blest is the pious house Where seat and friendship meet, Their songs of praise, their mingled vows Make their communion sweet. 3 Thus when on Aaron's head They pour'd the rich perfume, …
93 wordsSECTION 350Psalm 133:3. As the 122nd Psalm. The blessings of friendship.
1 How pleasant 'tis to see Kindred and friends agree, Each in their proper station move, And each fulfil their part With sympathizing heart, In all the cares of life and love! 2 'Tis like the ointment shed On Aaron's sacred head, Divinely rich, divinely sweet; The oil, thro' all the room, Diffus'd a choice perfume, Ra…
103 wordsSECTION 351Psalm 134. Daily and nightly devotion.
1 Ye that obey th' immortal King, Attend his holy place, Bow to the glories of his power, And bless his wondrous grace; 2 Lift up your hands by morning-light, And send your souls on high; Raise your admiring thoughts by night Above the starry sky. 3 The God of Zion cheers our hearts With rays of quickening grace; The…
71 wordsSECTION 352Psalm 135:1. 1-4 14 19 21. First Part. L. M. The church is God's house and care.
1 Praise ye the Lord, exalt his Name, While in his holy courts ye wait, Ye saints, that to his house belong, Or stand attending at his gate. 2 Praise ye the Lord; the Lord is good; To praise his Name is sweet employ; Israel he chose of old, and still His church is his peculiar joy. 3 The Lord himself will judge his s…
138 wordsSECTION 353Psalm 135:2. 5-12. Second Part. L. M. The works of creation, providence, redemption of Israel, and destruction of enemies.
1 Great is the Lord, exalted high Above all powers and every throne; Whate'er he please in earth or sea, Or heaven, or hell, his hand hath done. 2 At his command the vapours rise, The lightnings flash, the thunders roar; He pours the rain, he brings the wind, And tempest from his airy store. 3 'Twas he those dreadful…
136 wordsSECTION 354Psalm 135:3. C. M. Praise due to God, not to idols.
1 Awake, ye saints; to praise your King, Your sweetest passions raise, Your pious pleasure, while you sing, Increasing with the praise. 2 Great is the Lord; and works unknown Are his divine employ; But still his saints are near his throne, His treasure and his joy. 3 Heaven, earth, and sea, confess his hand; He bids …
199 wordsSECTION 355Psalm 136:1. C. M. God's wonders of creation, providence, redemption of Israel, and salvation of his people.
1 Give thanks to God the sovereign Lord; His mercies still endure! And be the King of kings ador'd; His truth is ever sure. 2 What wonders hath his wisdom done! How mighty is his hand! Heaven, earth, and sea, he fram'd alone: How wide is his command! 3 The sun supplies the day with light; How bright his counsels shin…
244 wordsSECTION 356Psalm 136:2. As the 148th Psalm. God's wonders of creation, providence, redemption of Israel, and salvation of his people.
1 Give thanks to God most high, The universal Lord; The sovereign King of kings; And be his grace ador'd. His power and grace Are still the same; And let his Name Have endless praise. 2 How mighty is his hand! What wonders hath he done! He form'd the earth and seas, And spread the heavens alone. Thy mercy, Lord, Shall…
207 wordsSECTION 357PAUSE.
The kings of Canaan fell Beneath his dreadful hand: While his own servants took Possession of their land. His power and grace Are still the same; And let his name Have endless praise.] 8 He saw the nations lie All perishing in sin, And pity'd the sad state The ruin'd world was in. Thy mercy, Lord, Shall still endure; …
134 wordsSECTION 358Psalm 136:3. Abridged. L. M. God's wonders of creation, providence, redemption and salvation.
1 Give to our God immortal praise; Mercy and truth are all his ways: 'Wonders of grace to God belong, 'Repeat his mercies in your song.' 2 Give to the Lord of lords renown, The King of kings with glory crown: 'His mercies ever shall endure, 'When' lords and kings are known 'no more.' 3 He built the earth, he spread t…
221 wordsSECTION 359Psalm 138. Restoring and preserving grace.
1 [With all my powers of heart and tongue I'll praise my Maker in my song: Angels shall hear the notes I raise, Approve the song, and join the praise. 2 Angels that make thy church their care Shall witness my devotions there, While holy zeal directs my eyes To thy fair temple in the skies.] 3 I'll sing thy truth and …
189 wordsSECTION 360Psalm 139:1. First Part. L. M. The all-seeing God.
1 Lord, thou hast search'd and seen me thro'; Thine eye commands with piercing view My rising and my resting hours, My heart and flesh with all their powers. 2 My thoughts, before they are my own, Are to my God distinctly known; He knows the words I mean to speak Ere from my opening lips they break. 3 Within thy circ…
136 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.