PSALM LXXVIII.-(N.V.)

The works of God the proper study, and his word the proper guide of Christians in all ages.

1 THY might, thy praises, Lord! which we
Of ancient times have known,
Which our forefathers' pious care
To us has handed down,

2 Be these proclaim'd from age to age,
From race to race be taught,
That worlds as yet unborn may know
The wonders Thou hast wrought;

3 May learn that in their God alone
Their hope securely stands ;
May ne'er his word or works forget,
Nor break his just commands.

PSALM LXXIX.-(N.V.)

The Christian, under a sense of sin, and in the hour of affliction, supplicateth pardon and deliverance from the God of his salvation.

1 How long wilt Thou be angry? Lord!
Must we for ever mourn?

Shall thy just indignation still
Like fire devouring burn ?

2 Oh, think not on our former sins,
But speedily prevent
Our utter ruin, now almost
With sin and sorrow spent.

3 Help, God of our salvation! help,
And free our souls from blame;
So shall thy mercy, and our praise,
Exalt thy glorious name.

PSALM LXXX.—(N.V.)

The church in adversity prayeth to her Saviour for grace and deliverance.

1 THOU, Israel's Shepherd, Joseph's Guide!
Our prayers to Thee indulgent hear,
Thou that on cherubim dost ride,
O let thy saving might appear.

2 Do Thou convert us, Lord! do Thou
Thy bright salvation's light display,
And all the ills we suffer now

Like scatter'd clouds shall pass away.

PSALM LXXXI.—(N.V.)

An exhortation to join in celebrating the praises of God upon the solemn festivals of the church.

1 To God, our never-failing strength,
With loud applauses sing,

And jointly raise your hallow'd mirth
To Israel's God and King.

2 Take, take the psalm, and hymns of praise,
With instruments of joy,
Let tabret, harp, and merry lute,
Your grateful skill employ.

3 Let trumpets at the festive moon
Their joyful voices raise,
To celebrate th' appointed time,
The solemn day of praise.

PSALM LXXXIV.-(N.V.)

The glory of God's temple, and the blessedness of those who worship therein.

1 0 GoD of hosts! the mighty Lord!
How lovely is the place,

Where Thou, enthron'd in glory, shew'st
The brightness of thy face.

2 Thrice happy they, who seek in Thee
The sure defence they need,
Who love to tread the sacred ways
Which to thy temple lead.

3 For Thou, O God! their sun and shield,
Wilt grace and glory give,
And no good thing wilt Thou withhold
From them who justly live.

4 Blest then for ever, Lord of hosts! And only blest is he,

Whose love and joy, whose hope and trust, Are all repos'd in Thee.

PSALM LXXXV.—(N.V.)

The church celebrateth her deliverance from the spiritual captivity of sin and death through the manifestation of her Redeemer.

1 LORD, Thou hast granted to our sins

The mercy we implor'd,

And graciously a captive race
To liberty restor❜d.

2 Lo! mercy now with truth is join'd,
And righteousness and peace,

Like blest companions sever'd long,
In amity embrace.

3 To all who fear thy holy name
Thy saving health is given;
Thy glory now on earth is seen
As 'tis beheld in heaven.

4 O Saviour Lord! may then our hearts
To thy obedience turn,

That, quench'd with our repentant tears,
Thy wrath no more may burn.

PSALM LXXXVI.—(N.V.)

The Christian praiseth the goodness and mercy of God in kis: redemption.

1 LORD! thou art good, nor only good,
But prompt to pardon too ;
Of plenteous mercy to all those
Who for that mercy sue.

2 The goodness Thou hast shewn to me
Transcends my power to tell,

For Thou hast oft redeem'd
From misery and hell..

my

3 Thee then I'll laud and magnify,
My Saviour, God, and King,

And to thy everlasting name
Eternal praises sing.

soul