2 When, thoughtful, we survey the heavens, Fram'd by thy pow'r divine,

The sun, the moon, and all the stars,
In order as they shine;

3 Lord! what is man, that Thou of him
Tak'st such abundant care?

Or what the son of man, whom Thou
To visit dost not spare?

4 For Thou hast made him little less
Than angels in degree;

And hast ordain'd him to be crown'd
With endless dignity.

5 O God, our Lord, in earth how great
Is thy most glorious name!
Above the highest firmament
Exalted is thy fame.

PSALM IX.-(N.V.)

The praise of God for his mercy and goodness.

1 To celebrate thy praise, O Lord,
We will our hearts prepare;
To all the list'ning world thy works,
Thy wondrous works, declare.

2 The thoughts of them shall to our souls
Exalted pleasure bring ;

While to thy name, O God most high !
Triumphant praise we sing.

3 All those who have this goodness prov'd,
Will in thy truth confide;
Whose mercy ne'er forsook the man
Who on thy help relied.

4 Our grateful songs to Thee, O Lord,
We therefore will address;
Proclaim thy deeds, till all the world
No other God confess.

PSALM X.

Supplicateth the vengeance of God on the presumption of the wicked.

(FOR A FAST-DAY).

1 WHY doth the Lord stand off so far,
And why conceal his face,

When great calamities appear,
And times of deep distress?

2 Lord, shall the wicked still deride
Thy justice and thy might?

Shall they exalt their heads in pride,
And do thy saints despite ?

3 They put thy judgments from their sight,
And then insult the poor;
They boast in their exalted height
That they shall fall no more.

4 Arise, O God, lift up thine hand;
O hear our humble cry:
No enemy shall dare to stand,
When God our help is nigh.

PSALM XI.—(N.V.)

God the refuge of the righteous.

1 SINCE I have plac'd my trust in God,
A refuge always nigh,

Why should I, like a tim'rous bird,
To other refuge fly?

2 For, lo! the wicked bend their bow,
And ready fix their dart,
Lurking in ambush to destroy
The man of upright heart.

3 But God that in his temple dwells,
Most holy and most high,

And in the highest heavens doth sit
In royal majesty,

4 The poor and simple man's estate
Considers in his mind,

And searcheth out full narrowly
The manners of mankind.

5 Then, righteous Lord, all righteous deeds
Do Thou with favour grace,
And to the upright man disclose
The brightness of thy face.

PSALM XII.

Confidence in God's promises.

1 HELP, mighty Lord, for none I see
On earth are nigh to help, but Thee :
Nor truth nor faith my search can trace,
Amid the sons of human race.

2 But firm thy truth, and pure thy word,
As silver pure, by fire explor'd;
And safe in thy protecting care,
Thy steadfast love thy servants share.
Save then, O Lord, for none I see
On earth are nigh to save but Thee.

PSALM XIII.

The prayer of hope under affliction.

1 How long wilt Thou forget to hear
Thy suppliant's sigh, thy suppliant's prayer?
Wilt Thou thy face for ever hide?
My sighs unheard, my prayers denied.

2 How long shall my presumptuous foe
Exulting triumph in my woe?
Hear me, O Lord, and let thy ray
Death's threaten'd darkness chase away.

3 That so, while earthly foes oppress,
And anxious fears my soul distress,
Thy mercies sure may hope impart,
And thy salvation glad my heart.

Then, Lord, to Thee my voice I'll raise,
In songs of everlasting praise.

PSALM XIV.

The folly and madness of sinners.

1 FOOLS in their heart have madly said, "There is no God above;" Corrupt they thus his power defy, Corrupt despise his love.

2 Great God! appear to their surprise,
Reveal thy dreadful name;

Let them no more thy wrath despise,
Nor turn our hope to shame.

3 Dost Thou not dwell among the just?
Why then do fools deride,

That we should make thy name our trust,
And in thy love confide?