The Book of Psalms Paraphrased, Book 5 · Psalm 119
PSALM CXIX.
ARGUMENT.
This Pſalm is contrived ſo artificially, that one would think, at firſt ſight, it was made after the foregoing: when God had ſubdued the reſt of David's enemies, (2 Sam. VIII. X.) and given him leiſure for ſuch curious compoſures. For it is divided into as many Parts as there are Letters in the Hebrew Alphabet; each Part containing eight Verſes; and every one of thoſe verſes beginning with that Letter, wherewith that Part begins. The Verſes, for inſtance, of the Firſt Part all begin with Aleph, or A; and all of the Second with Beth, or B, &c. And thence this Pſalm is called in the Maſora, the great Alphabet: which is an indication that David was now in a very ſedate condition, under no extraordinary motions, when he penned this Pſalm: but quietly conſidered things, as they were repreſented to his remembrance.
But when we obſerve how frequently he mentions his affliction as lying actually upon him, now w… he wrote theſe Meditations; it forces u… … …onclude that it was penned during Sa…s perſecution. In which there were, I ſuppoſe, ſome quiet intervals; (ſee Verſe 54.) either between the time that duplicate page duplicate page Saul, (having his life given him by David) reſolved to perſecute him no more, 1 Sam. XXIV; and his renewed attempts to deſtroy him, upon the information the Ziphites again gave him, 1 Sam. XXVI: or after David's freſh demonſtration of his loyalty to him, before he went to Gath: or while he was in that City: where he had liberty to meditate on the excellence of God's Laws, and the happineſs of thoſe that kept them; and the comfort they were to him in his affliction: which he found to be ſo ſweet and ſo great, that he begs of God little elſe, but that he might be more and more in love with them: which were already ſo much his delight, that he mentions them, under one name or other, in every Verſe of this Pſalm: none excepted, but one Ver. 122; or two at the moſt Ver. 90: where he celebrating God's Faithfulneſs, which relates to the ſtedfaſtneſs of his promiſe, (called in this Pſalm his word) it may well be thought to be no exception, to that obſervation.
I ſhall not be ſo curious as to examine the nice difference which is made by ſome, between Laws, Statutes, Teſtimonies, Judgments, Precepts, &c. becauſe they ſeem here to be uſed promiſcuouſly: or if there be any peculiar meaning in ſome Verſes, I ſhall endeavour to expreſs it plainly in the Paraphraſe.
Theodoret hath a conjecture concerning David's deſign in this Pſalm, (both in his preface to it, and upon Ver. 157.) which I ſhall mention, that the Reader may take his choice. David, it is well known, had great varieties in his condition; for he both fled from enemies, and chaſed them; lived ſometimes very melancholy, and again moſt pleaſantly; ran in God's ways, and ſtumbled, and roſe again to run that good courſe. Now all theſe things, ſays he (and it is not improbable) David afterward collected into this one Pſalm; connecting all the Prayers "which He had made to God, at ſeveral times and on ſeveral occaſions, and putting them together in this admirable Meditation, divided into XXII. Parts: which propound one and the ſame moſt profitable leſſon to all men; and teaches them how it is poſſible to live vertuouſly in the worſt condition. Nor doth he neglect dogmatical inſtruction, as he ſpeaks; but adds it to the other: ſo that this Pſalm is ſufficient to perfect thoſe that ſtudy exquiſite vertue; and to ſtir up the diligence of thoſe that are lazy; to comfort thoſe that are ſad; to correct the negligent, and in one word to afford all manner of medicines for the cure of the various diſeaſes of mankind. And if it would not have made this Book too big, I ſhould have taken the pains to ſhew the deſign of every Part, in an Argument before it.
ALEPH. PART I.
1. BLeſſed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
1. HAppy, more happy then can be expreſſed, are thoſe men, who do not take the liberty to live as they liſt: but, making the Law of the Lord their Rule, order their life in an exact conformity therewith.
2. Bleſſed are they that keep his teſtimonies, and that ſeek him with the whole heart.
2. The ſtricter they keep unto that Rule, (wherein He hath teſtified his will unto us) moſt heartily ſtudying to pleaſe Him; intirely devoting themſelves to ſeek his favour, in this way alone; the Happier ſtill they are.
3. They alſo doe no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
3. Eſpecially when they will not be tempted to doe an evil action, though it were to gain the greateſt good in this world: but conſtantly adhere to Him, in the way which He hath preſcribed them.
4. Thou haſt commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
4. We are infinitely beholden to Thee therefore, O Lord, that Thou haſt obliged us to be ſo happy: by requiring us to uſe our utmoſt diligence to obſerve thy Precepts, (which we our ſelves know to be good for us) with all care, and exactneſs.
5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy ſtatutes!
5. O that I may ever be one of thoſe happy men! I have no greater wiſh then this; that all the actions of my life, may be ordered and governed according to thy Will.
6. Then ſhall I not be aſhamed, when I have reſpect unto all thy commandments.
6. Then ſhall I never be diſappointed of my hopes, nor bluſh at the crimes which are laid to my charge: when my own conſcience tells me, that there is not one of thy Commandments, but is ever before my eyes, as the rule of my actions:
7. I will praiſe thee with uprightneſs of heart, when I ſhall have learned thy righteous judgments.
7. And is ſo dear unto me; that nothing can give me ſuch a joy, as to have learnt effectually, how juſt and how good they all are: for which I will moſt ſincerely thank Thee, as the greateſt benefit.
8. I will keep thy ſtatutes: O forſake me not utterly.
8. Deal with me, according to the uprightneſs of my heart in this reſolution; that I will obſerve even thoſe Statutes, for which I ſee no other reaſon, but onelyonly thy will: O do not abandon me too far; (1 Sam. XXVII. 1.) but ſtick to me, as I purpoſe to do to thy Statutes.
BETH. II.
9. Wherewith ſhall a young man cleanſe his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
9. But how ſhall a young man, ſuch as I am, (1 Sam. XVII. 33. 2. V. 4.) in an age that is prone to evil, be able to doe as he reſolves? keeping himſelf ſo pure in all his ways, that they maintain an exact conformity unto thy Word?
10. With my whole heart have I ſought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
10. Firſt, I implore, with all my Soul, thy gracious aſſiſtence: beſeeching Thee to afford me ſuch a meaſure of it; that, for want of thoſe heavenly ſupplies, I may not be drawn aſide at any time, from thy Commandments.
11. Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not ſin againſt thee.
11. Next, I have laid up thy Word in my heart, as the moſt precious treaſure: hoping that will be a ſecurity to me, and preſerve me from offending Thee, whoſe promiſes are no leſs comfortable, then thy threatnings are dreadfull.
12. Bleſſed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy ſtatutes.
12. And I know alſo, that Thou, O Lord, art kind, and doſt not envy thy favours to any of us; but wilt for ever be praiſed for thy bounty towards us: and therefore I expect that Thou wilt hear my prayer, and inable me effectually to learn thy Statutes.
13. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
13. On which I have ſo much ſet my heart; that I have not ſpared to declare to others, the great regard I have to every thing, which Thou haſt pronounced juſt, or condemned as unrighteous.
14. I have rejoyced in the way of thy teſtimonies, as much as in all riches.
14. I can ſafely ſay likewiſe, that I have taken more ſatisfaction, now that I am poor, in doing that which Thou haſt teſtified to be acceptable to Thee: then I ſhould in all the wealth of the world, were it heaped on me.
15. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have reſpect unto thy ways.
15. I will ruminate alſo often on thy Precepts, (which will be another means I truſt to preſerve me undefiled:) and never doe any thing, but conſider beforehand; how it agrees with the Rules which Thou haſt preſcribed me.
16. I will delight my ſelf in thy ſtatutes: I will not forget thy word.
16. The ſtudy of thy Statutes (ſee Ver. 8.) ſhall be my delight: and I will not let ſlip any word of thine; but preſerve it in faithfull remembrance.
GIMEL. III.
17. Deal bountifully with thy ſervant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
17. Let theſe reaſons move Thee to deal graciouſly with me, who am devoted to thy ſervice: Render to me according to my integrity; and let not my enemies take away my life, which I intend to imploy in doing whatſoever Thou haſt commanded.
18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
18. For which end, I beſeech Thee to illuminate the eyes of my mind: that I may clearly diſcern the admirable wiſedom, which diſcovers it ſelf in thy Law.
19. I am a ſtranger in the earth, hide not thy commandments from me.
19. I am no better then a ſtranger in the Land, wandring from place to place, (1 Sam. XXIII. 13.) and having no poſſeſſions: But do not let me want the knowledge of thy Will; and then I ſhall not think my ſelf deſtitute of an inheritance.
20. My ſoul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
20. For which my Soul longs ſo vehemently, that I am not more broken with the hardſhips of my baniſhment; then with my continual labour, and earneſt application of my mind, to have a full underſtanding of thy Judgments.
21. Thou haſt rebuked the proud that are curſed, which do err from thy commandments.
21. According to which, Thou haſt already given a ſevere rebuke to thoſe haughty men, who, without any reſpect to right or wrong, perſecute and abuſe thy ſervant: (1 Sam. XXIV. II, &c. XXV. 10, 37.) And the curſe which Thou haſt pronounced (XXVII. Deut. 26.) ſhall light on all ſuch men, as take the boldneſs to tranſgreſs thoſe bounds, which Thou haſt ſet them.
22. Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept thy teſtimonies.
22. And thereby remove from me that diſgrace and ſhame, unto which they expoſe me; as a Traitour to my King and Country: For I am not guilty of any ſuch wickedneſs; but carefully obſerve thy Teſtimonies, (Ver. 14.) 1 Chron. XII. 17.
23. Princes alſo did ſit and ſpeak againſt me: but thy ſervant did meditate in thy ſtatutes.
23. Though the Rulers and principal Senatours of the Kingdom, ſate in conſultation how to ruin me; declaring me guilty of the greateſt crimes: the onelyonly care of thy ſervant hath been to ſtudy how to behave himſelf unblameably according to thy Statutes.
24. Thy teſtimonies alſo are my delight, and my counſellers.
24. Of which I have not been weary; but made the ſtudy of thy Teſtimonies my recreation: and never took advice of any other counſellers.
DALETH. IV.
25. My ſoul eleaveth unto the duſt: quicken thou me according to thy word.
25. Conſider therefore the forlorn condition wherein I lie, ſtruggling for life and utterly unable to help my ſelf: and be pleaſed to revive and raiſe me out of it, according to thy promiſe, 1 Sam. XVI. 12.
26. I have declared my ways, and thou heardeſt me: teach me thy ſtatutes.
26. Thou knoweſt both my manner of life, and all the dangers to which I am expoſed; for I have ever laid them both before Thee, and found Thee ready on all occaſions to aſſiſt and relieve me: And therefore I hope Thou wilt not now leave me; but more perfectly inſtruct me in my Duty, as the ſureſt way to ſafety.
27. Make me to underſtand the way of thy precepts: ſo ſhall I talk of thy wondrous works.
27. Give me ſuch a right underſtanding, that I may ever be preſerved in the way of thy Precepts: then ſhall I eſcape the ſnares of my enemies; and my ordinary diſcourſe ſhall be, what wonderfull deliverances Thou haſt given me.
28. My ſoul melteth for heavineſs: ſtrengthen thou me according unto thy word.
28. Pity my ſad condition; and now that my heart ſinks under the weight of my affliction, ſupport and ſtrengthen me according to thy promiſe; that I may never take any undue courſe for eaſe and relief.
29. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciouſly.
29. Far be all fraud and falſhood from me, whereby my enemies contrive to undo me: I deſire not to learn any of their wicked Arts; but onelyonly beſeech Thee to give me grace to obſerve thy Laws conſtantly.
30. I have choſen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
30. That's the way I have reſolved upon, to deal truly and ſincerely: ſquaring all my actions according to thy judgments; which I have laid before me, as the moſt equal Rule of my life.
31. I have ſtuck unto thy teſtimonies: O LORD, put me not to ſhame.
31. And hitherto I have kept my reſolution, and never ſtarted from thy Teſtimonies: Preſerve me, good Lord, that I may not hereafter diſgrace my ſelf, by doing any thing contrary to them; nor be diſappointed of my hope, by falling into the hands of thoſe that ſeek my ruin.
32. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou ſhalt enlarge my heart.
32. And when Thou ſhalt have filled my heart with joy, by freeing me from theſe grievous ſtraits, I will doe Thee better ſervice; and be more forward chearfully to execute all thy Commandments.
HE. V.
33. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy ſtatutes, and I ſhall keep it unto the end.
33. Inſtruct me therefore, good Lord, more and more in the right way of ſerving Thee; and I will ſhew my ſelf moſt thankfull for it, by keeping exactly to it all the days of my life.
34. Give me underſtanding, and I ſhall keep thy law, yea, I ſhall obſerve it with my whole heart.
34. Illuminate my mind to underſtand the excellence of thy Law: and then I ſhall not onelyonly obſerve it; but ſet my ſelf to doe it, with a watchfull, impartial and moſt affectionate diligence.
35. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments, for therein do I delight.
35. Be Thou my Leader and Guide; that I may not ſtray from the path of thy Commandments: wherein I find the greateſt ſatisfaction.
36. Incline my heart unto thy teſtimonies, and not to covetouſneſs.
36. Incline my heart always to ſeek its contentment, in thy teſtimonies: and ſuffer it not to be drawn away, by the deſire of worldly goods; which, having no meaſure, is never ſatisfied.
37. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity: and quicken thou me in thy way.
37. Help me to overlook thoſe empty honours, and fading beauties; which we are apt to behold with too much admiration: and with lively affections and vigorous indeavours, to perſiſt in the purſuit of thy favour, in the way Thou haſt ſet before me.
38. Stabliſh thy word unto thy ſervant, who is devoted to thy fear.
38. And at laſt make good thy promiſe to thy ſervant, (2 Sam. V. 2.) who fears to doe any thing to offend Thee; though thereby he might win a Crown.
39. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
39. Turn from me that diſgrace, of which I cannot but be ſometime afraid, (1 Sam. XXVII. 1.) and muſt certainly ſuffer, if I fall into my enemies hands: for Thou wilt proceed I know, according to thy own judgments; which are all equitable, mercifull and gracious.
40. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteouſneſs.
40. I appeal to Thee, whether I have not a great zeal for thy Precepts; unto which I deſire above all things to be conform'd: let me not periſh therefore in theſe troubles; but in much mercy, revive me, according to thy faithfull promiſe.
VAƲ. VI.
41. Let thy mercies come alſo unto me, O LORD; even thy ſalvation according to thy word.
41. To thoſe infinite mercies of thine, which moved Thee to make me ſuch gracious promiſes, I betake my ſelf: and beſeech Thee to let me feel the happy effects of both in my deliverance.
42. So ſhall I have wherewith to anſwer him that reproacheth me: for I truſt in thy word.
42. So ſhall I be able to put to ſilence, thoſe that reproach me for my confidence in Thee: which they call a vain preſumption; but is a humble reliance on thy own gracious promiſes to me.
43. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
43. Which till Thou art pleaſed to fulfill, do not ſo far abandon me, as to let me be diſheartned in aſſerting their truth and faithfulneſs, (which I am wont to oppoſe to all the threats of my enemies) for my whole dependance is on this, that Thou wilt not fail me; but pronounce a righteous ſentence for me.
44. So ſhall I keep thy law continually, for ever and ever.
44. And I for my part promiſe, when Thou ſhalt be ſo gracious to me, not to ſuffer my ſelf to grow more negligent in thy ſervice: but to be more carefull then ever in the obſervance of thy Laws, to the very end of my days.
45. And I will walk at liberty: for I ſeek thy precepts.
45. For then I ſhall have no ſuch incumbrances on me, as I now have in theſe ſtraits and difficulties; from which when Thou freeſt me, I will doe my duty with the greater chearfulneſs and joy: for it is not liberty, no, nor a Kingdom that I ſeek, ſo much as better advantages to fulfill thy Precepts.
46. I will ſpeak of thy teſtimonies alſo before kings, and will not be aſhamed.
46. Which I will not be aſhamed to juſtifie before the greateſt perſons in the world, to be the moſt excellent Rule of life, and the beſt teſtimony of thy love to us: and will doe it with ſuch reaſons, that they ſhall never be able to diſprove me.
47. And I will delight my ſelf in thy commandments which I have loved.
47. Nor will I confute my ſelf, by leading a voluptuous life; when I have liberty to doe as I liſt: but as I have hitherto preferred thy Commandments before all other things, ſo then will I take the higheſt pleaſure in them:
48. My hands alſo will I lift up unto thy commandments which I have loved: and I will meditate in thy ſtatutes.
48. Not onelyonly in their ſtudy; but ſhew the truth of my love to them, by a diligent and zealous practice of them: which ſhall be the end of my meditation in them.
ZAIN. VII.
49. Remember the word unto thy ſervant, upon which thou haſt cauſed me to hope.
49. Be pleaſed therefore in due time, to perform the promiſe, which Thou haſt long ago made unto thy ſervant, (2 Sam. V. 2.) and, when I thought of no ſuch thing, given me an aſſured hope of it, (1 Sam. XVI. 11, 12, 13.)
50. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickned me.
50. Which as it hath been the occaſion of many and great troubles to me, ſo hath comforted me under them all: and, even when I deſpaired of ſafety, revived my ſpirit, and reſtored my courage to life again.
51. The proud have had me greatly in deriſion; yet have I not declined from thy law.
51. Though my inſulting enemies mocked exceedingly at my hope, and, in the pride of their hearts, attempted by the moſt unjuſt means to deſtroy me; it never moved me to imitate them, by taking any unlawfull method for my preſervation.
52. I remembred thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted my ſelf.
52. But I called to mind, O Lord, how, in all foregoing ages, Thou haſt ſuffered good men to fall into great calamities; thereby to render them, at laſt, the more illuſtrious: and with this conſideration alſo I comforted my ſelf.
53. Horrour hath taken hold upon me, becauſe of the wicked that forſake thy law.
53. I have been ſeiſed indeed ſometime with an horrible fear, when I thought what ſort of men were my perſecutours: who ſtuck at nothing, which would ſerve their ends; having no regard to right or wrong;
54. Thy ſtatutes have been my ſongs in the houſe of my pilgrimage.
54. Yet in all my wandrings up and down, (1 Sam. XXII. 1, 2, 5. XXIII. 13.) I never tarried long in any place; but I paſſed the time delightfully, in compoſing ſome ſuch Song as this in praiſe of thy Statutes.
55. I have remembred thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
55. When others were aſleep, I was calling to mind, how good, how powerfull, and how faithfull Thou art: and reſolving with my ſelf ſtill to obſerve thy Laws.
56. This I had, becauſe I kept thy precepts.
56. Which make thoſe ſo happy that obey them; that I aſcribe this ſweet compoſure of mind, and chearfulneſs of ſpirit, under all my grievous afflictions, to my ſtrict obſervance of them.
CHETH. VIII.
57. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have ſaid that I would keep thy words.
57. I have no poſſeſſions in this world, (I Sam. XXVI. 19.) which I ſee others greedily ſharing among them: But I do not think my ſelf poor, as long as I have an intereſt in thy love, and in thy promiſes, O Lord; whoſe words I have reſolved to keep as the greateſt treaſure.
58. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be mercifull unto me according to thy word.
58. For there is nothing comparable to thy favour; which I have beſought with the heartieſt affection, and the moſt importunate prayers: and do again beſeech Thee, to deal mercifully with me, according to thy repeated promiſes unto me.
59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy teſtimonies.
59. For upon ſerious deliberation, what courſe of life it was beſt to take; I rejected all other, which with ſpecious ſhews of worldly advantages would have ſeduced me: and determined to be guided wholly by thy Teſtimonies.
60. I made haſte, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
60. And being thus reſolved, I admitted no further debate about it; but inſtantly, without any delay, ſet my ſelf to the ſtrict obſervance of thy Commandments.
61. The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
61. Nor hath any thing been able to remove me from this reſolution; but, though I have been beſet with troops of wicked men, who ſtript me of all I had, (1 Sam. XXIII. 26.) it did not make me forget my duty; nor put me upon any unlawfull means of being revenged of them: (1 Sam. XXIV. 6, 7.)
62. At midnight I will riſe to give thanks unto thee: becauſe of thy righteous judgments.
62. But have bleſſed Thee, both night and day, and aroſe at midnight to give Thee thanks; for thoſe juſt and good Laws, which Thou haſt taught me to obſerve.
63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
63. Aſſociating my ſelf willingly, with none but ſuch, as fear to offend Thee; and do religiouſly obſerve thy Precepts: who are all truly dear unto me.
64. The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy ſtatutes.
64. And no other thing do I deſire of Thee, O Lord, whoſe kindneſs is ſo great that it diſpenſes its bleſſings plentifully throughout all the earth, but that Thou wilt inſtruct me ſtill to ſerve Thee as I ought.
TETH. IX.
65. Thou haſt dealt well with thy ſervant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
65. Many other benefits, I will thankfull acknowledge, O Lord, Thou haſt beſtowed upon thy ſervant: with whom Thou haſt faithfully kept thy Word.
66. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
66. And I am not ignorant of thy Commandments, which, by thy grace, I have believed to be the onelyonly way to happineſs: but ſtill I need thy further aſſiſtance, to give me a delightfull taſte and thorough ſenſe of what I know; which I beſeech Thee add to the reſt of the benefits I have received from Thee.
67. Before I was afflicted, I went aſtray: but now have I kept thy word.
67. And if it be neceſſary for this end, to deprive me ſtill of all other delights, I ſubmit unto it: for I muſt confeſs I committed many errours before I was thus afflicted; which ſince I have corrected, and grown more ſtrictly obſervant of thy Word.
68. Thou art good, and doeſt good; teach me thy ſtatutes.
68. Thou art in thy own nature kind and good; and nothing elſe can proceed from Thee, who deſigneſt our good even when Thou afflicteſt us: Take what methods Thou pleaſeſt with me; onelyonly teach me effectually, to doe as Thou wouldſt have me.
69. The proud have forged a lie againſt me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
69. They that diſdain to be tied to the common and plain rules of honeſty, have taken a great deal of pains to invent a lie againſt me: (1 Sam. XXIV. 9.) but as I am hitherto conſcious of no ſuch guilt, ſo I will always confute them by an impartial and moſt hearty obſervance of thy Precepts.
70. Their heart is as far as greaſe, but I delight in thy law.
70. Which give me infinitely greater ſatisfaction in a poor ſtarved condition; then all the dull delights of ſenſe, which they enjoy in the fulleſt plenty of worldly proſperity.
71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy ſtatutes.
71. This they ſtupidly imagin is the onelyonly happineſs; but I can truly ſay, it was more happy for me that I was afflicted: for thereby I learnt to apply my ſelf more ſeriouſly to thy Statutes.
72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me then thouſands of gold and ſilver.
72. Whereby thy will is declared unto us by a voice from heaven: (XX. Exod. 1.) which I prefer before all the gold and ſilver in the Kingdom.
JOD. X.
73. Thy hands have made me, and faſhioned me: give me underſtanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
73. Deſert me not then, who am thine own workmanſhip; that neither hath nor hopeth for any thing but thy almighty Power: and deſires above all things, to comprehend fully what thy will is, that he may obey it.
74. They that fear thee will be glad when they ſee me: becauſe I have hoped in thy word.
74. It will be a very great comfort and incouragement to all good men, when they ſee me delivered out of all theſe troubles: For thereby they will be confirmed in their belief, of thy faithfulneſs to thy promiſes; on which, it will appear, I have not vainly depended, though I ſtay long for the performance.
75. I know, O LORD, that thy judgements are right, and that thou in faithfulneſs haſt afflicted me.
75. And I am ſatisfied, O Lord, that while Thou makeſt me wait for the performance, Thou doeſt nothing contrary to thy juſtice, or to thy fidelity: but that all theſe croſs diſpenſations of thy Providence, in the heavy afflictions which have befaln me, are perfectly righteous: and will onelyonly make thy truth and faithfulneſs, at laſt, the more illuſtrious.
76. Let, I pray thee, thy mercifull kindneſs be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy ſervant.
76. O haſten that happy time; when I ſhall ſee thy loving kindneſs, turning this diſconſolate into a more comfortable condition: according to the promiſes which Thou haſt made unto thy ſervant, 1 Sam. XVI. 12, 13.
77. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
77. Let me feel the ſpeedy effects of thy compaſſionate mercy; reſcuing me from thoſe that ſeek my life, and raiſing me out of this forlorn eſtate, (1 Sam. XXIV. 14.) For howſoever I am repreſented, my higheſt ſatisfaction is in obedience to thy Law.
78. Let the proud be aſhamed, for they dealt perverſly with me without a cauſe; but I will meditate in thy precepts.
78. Confound all thoſe proud contemners of it, who, making no conſcience of what they ſay, have oppreſſed and overthrown me with lies and calumnies; as if I ſtudied to diſturb the Kingdom, when my onelyonly ſtudy is to obſerve thy Precepts.
79. Let thoſe that fear thee, turn unto me, and thoſe that have known thy teſtimonies.
79. Let all pious men, who have a due regard to thy teſtimonies, be convinced of this: and be no longer abuſed by theſe ſlanders; but turn to my ſide, and become my Friends.
80. Let my heart be ſound in thy ſtatutes; that I be not aſhamed.
80. And in order to it preſerve me ſo blameleſs before Thee, in ſuch integrity of heart as well as life; that I may not be aſhamed of the hope I have, that Thou and all good men will take my part.
CAPH. XI.
81. My ſoul fainteth for thy ſalvation: but I hope in thy word.
81. For which bleſſing I have now attended ſo many years, that I am ready ſometime to faint away with vehement deſire; to ſee thy long expected promiſe fulfilled, of deliverance from all my enemies.
82. Mine eyes fail for thy word, ſaying, When wilt thou comfort me?
82. That joyfull ſight I have looked for, till I am in danger to be weary with expectation; ſaying, When will the time come, of my deliverance from this diſconſolate condition?
83. For I am become like a bottle in the ſmoke: yet do I not forget thy ſtatutes.
83. I hope it will not be long delayed; for I am worn away, and my skin, (like an empty leathern bag that hath hung a great while in the ſmoke) is ſhrivelled up with toil and grief: and yet I have never taken any unlawfull courſe, to rid my ſelf of all this miſery.
84. How many are the days of thy ſervant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that perſecute me?
84. I leave that to Thee, O Lord; beſeeching Thee to conſider how my days ſpend apace in trouble and ſorrow: which force me to ſigh and ſay; How long muſt thy poor ſervant ſtill lie in this calamitous condition? O when wilt Thou doe me right againſt my perſecutours?
85. The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
85. Who proudly contrive, by all manner of frauds and treachery, to take away my life: directly contrary to thy Law; to which they are as injurious as unto me.
86. All thy commandments are faithfull: they perſecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
86. For all thy Commandments teach us to be juſt and true; being as faithfull, as thoſe men are falſe and perfidious: therefore make good thy promiſes to me; and deliver me from thoſe who perſecute me with lies and forgeries.
87. They had almoſt conſumed me upon earth: but I forſook not thy precepts.
87. Which they have imployed ſo ſucceſsfully, that I eſcaped very hardly with my life, when I was in the Land of Judah; (1 Sam. XXIII. 26.) and yet for all this I ſtuck to thy Precepts; and would not take away the life of him that ſought mine; when I could have eaſily done it, 1 Sam. XXIV. 6, 7.
88. Quicken me after thy loving kindneſs, ſo ſhall I keep the teſtimony of thy mouth.
88. Deal as kindly with me, O Lord; and not onelyonly ſpare my life, but raiſe me out of this forlorn eſtate, wherein I lie, like a man that is dead; (1 Sam. XXIV. 14.) and I will indeavour the more carefully to obſerve the Teſtimonies, which Thou haſt ſolemnly (Verſe 72.) given us in charge.
LAMED. XII.
89. For ever, O LORD, thy word is ſettled in heaven.
89. Thou art eternal, O Lord, and changeſt not; and thy promiſes are like thy ſelf, fixed and ſettled in the heavens: which are a lively emblem of their conſtancy, and unvariable truth.
90. Thy faithfulneſs is unto all generations: thou haſt eſtabliſhed the earth, and it abideth.
90. One generation goes, and another comes; but thy fidelity is ſtill the ſame to all: and alters no more then the earth; which Thou haſt firmly and immoveably eſtabliſhed, while all thoſe creatures that live upon it, paſs away and periſh.
91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy ſervants.
91. All things remain to this day in the order at firſt appointed; and never vary from the Laws which Thou haſt ſet them: for they are intirely ſubject to thy will and pleaſure.
92. Ʋnleſs thy law had been my delights, I ſhould then have periſhed in mine affliction.
92. Which was a moſt comfortable Meditation in my afflicted condition: when my heart would have failed me, and I ſhould have been undone; if thy Laws (which ſtand as faſt as heaven and earth) had not given me conſtant conſolation.
93. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou haſt quickened me.
93. I will never therefore be guilty of neglecting thy Precepts: which have revived me, (by the faithfull promiſes Thou haſt annexed to the obſervance of them) when I looked upon my ſelf, as a dead man, that could not eſcape the hands of thoſe that ſought to deſtroy me.
94. I am thine, ſave me: for I have ſought thy precepts.
94. And be Thou pleaſed ſtill to deliver me from falling into their hands: For, though they have driven me from thy inheritance (1 Sam. XXVI. 19.) I ſtill continue thine, and ſerve no other God; but have diligently inquired, in my greateſt dangers, what would be moſt pleaſing to Thee, as moſt advantagious to my ſelf.
95. The wicked have waited for me to deſtroy me: but I will conſider thy teſtimonies.
95. Thoſe wicked men, who are combined to deſtroy me, have long watched for an opportunity; which they confidently expect to meet withall: but it doth not diſcourage my ſtudy of thy Teſtimonies; as the beſt defence againſt their bloudy attempts.
96. I have ſeen an end of all perfection, but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
96. For had I greater forces then my enemies, alas! I never yet ſaw any thing ſo compleat, but as it had its bounds and limits, ſo it is exceeding frail; and when it is arrived at perfection, comes to a ſpeedy end: whereas the wiſedom which Thou haſt revealed to us, hath infinite ſatisfaction in it, durable and laſting ſatisfaction; which never fails thoſe that depend upon it.
MEM. XIII.
97. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
97. It is impoſſible to expreſs the love I have to thy Law: which entertains my Meditation, or inables me to entertain others, with admirable variety, whole days together.
98. Thou through thy commandments haſt made me wiſer then mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
98. My enemies are very crafty, and uſe many artifices to deſtroy me: But, by obſerving thy Commandments, I have defeated all their ſubtil devices; and confounded them, even by refuſing (becauſe thy Commandments, which are ever before my eyes reſtrained me) to be avenged on them, I Sam. XXIV. 17, 18, &c. XXVI. 21.
99. I have more underſtanding then all my teachers: for thy teſtimonies are my meditation.
99. I have outſtripped all the Doctours of the Law, of whom I formerly learnt; and underſtand more perfectly then they, the beſt means of ſecuring my ſelf: becauſe my mind is ſtill imployed in thy Teſtimonies, as the Rule of all my deſigns and undertakings.
100. I underſtand more then the ancients: becauſe I keep thy precepts.
100. Though I am but young, yet I have more underſtanding in things, then the Judges and grave privy Counſellours: becauſe my Maxime is, ſtrictly to obſerve thy Precepts.
101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way: that I might keep thy word.
101. Whatſoever advantage it promiſed me, I have never proceeded in any evil courſe to obtain my end: but refuſed the ſeeming gain; that I might not offend againſt thy Word.
102. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou haſt taught me.
102. My reſpect to Thee, hath hindred me from doing any injury unto others: becauſe I know Thou art the Authour of thoſe Laws which forbid it; and in the obſervance of them, I have learnt, conſiſts my happineſs.
103. How ſweet are thy words unto my taſte! yea, ſweeter then hony to my mouth.
103. And a happineſs it is, I feel already, incomparably above all other: the pleaſure I take in every word of thine, is inexpreſſibly far to be preferred, before all the delights of ſenſe; though never ſo ſweet and luſcious.
104. Through thy precepts I get underſtanding: therefore I hate every falſe way.
104. And by thy Precepts I am ſo fully inſtructed how to behave my ſelf; that I need not to betake my ſelf to any diſhoneſt ways, which I utterly abhor.
NƲN. XIV.
105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
105. Thy word is my onelyonly Guide; whoſe directions I follow in all the dark and difficult paſſages of my life.
106. I have ſworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
106. I have ſolemnly reſolved, and bound my ſelf by the moſt ſacred ties, which I will never break but do now confirm; that I will carefully obſerve thy Decrees, which I find to be both juſt and good.
107. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
107. I have ſuffered very much upon that account, and am ſtill ſorely afflicted: But I comfort my ſelf, O Lord, with thy promiſe; according to which I beſeech Thee to deliver me from thoſe that ſeek to deſtroy me; and raiſe me out of this forlorn condition, wherein I can ſcarce be ſaid to live.
108. Accept, I beſeech thee, the free-will-offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
108. I have no other ſacrifices that I am able in this exile to offer to Thee, but theſe of Prayer, and thankful acknowledgments, and vows of ſincere and chearfull obedience; with which I do moſt freely and heartily preſent Thee, O Lord: beſeeching Thee to teach me ſtill more effectually thy Judgments; that I may never fail to be conformed to thy will.
109. My ſoul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
109. To which I have hitherto ſo cloſely adhered, that, though I go in continual danger of my life, (XII. Judg. 3.) it doth not move me in the leaſt (whatſoever ſhifts I am forced to make) to ſave my ſelf by forſaking thy Law.
110. The wicked have laid a ſnare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
110. They that make no conſcience of their actions, have contrived a ſubtil plot to ruin me: But I have never ſtepped out of the way of thy Precepts, to avoid the ſnares they have laid for me.
111. Thy teſtimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
111. I had rather alway continue as poor as I am, then doe any thing againſt thy Teſtimonies; which I hold to be my chiefeſt good, and ſureſt poſſeſſion: out of which none can expell me; and which always yield me that inward ſatisfaction and joy, which none can take from me.
112. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy ſtatutes alway, even unto the end.
112. This infinitely outweighs all other conſiderations; and hath inclined my heart to reſolve, to doe alway as Thou biddeſt me, (whatſoever I may loſe by it) to the very end of my days.
SAMECH. XV.
113. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
113. I hate all double dealing, and crafty devices, that are not warranted by thy Law: to which I have reſolved to ſtick with hearty affection.
114. Thou art my hiding-place, and my ſhield: I hope in thy word.
114. In that way I will truſt to Thee for ſafety, and protection: having a firm hope, that Thou wilt be as good unto me as thy Word.
115. Depart from me, ye evil doers; for I will keep the commandments of my God.
115. Do not perſwade me any longer, O ye evil doers, to join with you; but get you gone from me: for I will follow none of your counſels; but ſtrictly obſerve the Commandments of my God, who hath hitherto moſt graciouſly delivered me.
116. Ʋphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be aſhamed of my hope.
116. And on whom I ſtill depend, that Thou wilt ſupport me, O Lord, according to thy promiſe, againſt all the aſſaults of my enemies that ſeek my life: and not let me be aſhamed of the hope and expectation I have, that Thou wilt defend and deliver me.
117. Hold thou me up, and I ſhall be ſafe: and I will have reſpect unto thy ſtatutes continually.
117. Be Thou my ſupport in this weak condition, I humbly again beſeech Thee: and then they ſhall not be able to throw me down; but, in ſafety and ſecurity, I ſhall make thy Statutes my perpetual ſtudy.
118. Thou haſt troden down all them that ere from thy ſtatutes: for their deceit is falſhood.
118. They ſhall fall to the ground, and not I; for Thou art wont, I obſerve, to abaſe and lay as low as the mire in the ſtreets, all thſoe that preſume to go out of the plain way of thy Statutes: for all their crafty tricks, and crooked arts, on which they rely, at laſt prove falſe unto them and deceive them.
119. Thou putteſt away all the wicked of the earth like droſs: therefore I love thy teſtimonies.
119. Thou caſteſt all ſuch wicked men out of the Land like droſs, that is good for nothing: which makes me addict my ſelf, with the greater love unto thy Teſtimonies:
120. My fleſh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments.
120. Trembling all over with fear leſt I ſhould, by any diſobedience to Thee, incurr thy ſevere diſpleaſure; and dreading, above all things, thy judgments: which are threatned in the Law, and which I ſee executed upon the contemners of it.
AIN. XVI.
121. I have done judgment and juſtice: leave me not to mine oppreſſours.
121. This pious fear laid ſuch a reſtraint upon me, that I never did any wrong to them, nor ſo much as dealt hardly with them, that now injure me: therefore ſuffer me not to fall into the hands of thoſe, who oppreſs me with their calumnies.
122. Be ſurety to thy ſervant for good: let not the proud oppreſs me.
122. Their pride is great, and, having power equal to their malice, they hope to prevail over me: but do Thou graciouſly undertake my protection, and be my ſecurity, againſt the miſchief they deſign me; that inſtead of being my ruin, their calumnies may turn to my greater good and advantage.
123. Mine eyes fail for thy ſalvation, and for the word of thy righteouſneſs.
123. I believe they will; but I have looked ſo long for that happy time, when Thou wilt deliver me (and yet am ſtill in apparent danger to fall into the hands of my enemies) that I am almoſt tired with expectance of thy promiſe: though I know it is faithfull and true; and ſhall certainly be performed.
124. Deal with thy ſervant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy ſtatutes.
124. Pity my infirmity, and, in much mercy, ſend ſpeedy relief unto thy ſervant: and in the mean time inſtruct me more perfectly in thy Statutes; that I may make the better uſe of that deliverance.
125. I am thy ſervant, give me underſtanding, that I may know by teſtimonies.
125. I am devoted to thy ſervice, and deſigned by Thee to a high imployment: inlighten my underſtanding therefore, that I may fully know my duty.
126. It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
126. For now is the time to doe all I can for the Lord (who may be pleaſed then to take this opportunity to perform his promiſe) when wicked men not onelyonly tranſgreſs; but are ſo prophane, that they reject, and would wholly lay aſide thy Law.
127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold.
127. This inflames my zeal, and heightens my love to thy Commandments: which I value far more then all the riches in the world; which ſhall not tempt me to violate one of them, or ſuffer them, if I can help it, to be contemned by others.
128. Therefore I eſteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every falſe way.
128. For the more I conſider them, the more I approve every one of them, (as the exacteſt and beſt Rule whereby I ſquare all my actions) and abhor all thoſe baſe and diſhoneſt ways, whereby others ſtudy to advance themſelves to riches and honours.
PE. XVII.
129. Thy reſtimonies are wonderfull: therefore doth my ſoul keep them.
129. I cannot ſufficiently admire and extoll the excellent wiſedom alſo of thy Laws; whereby Thou haſt teſtified thy will unto us: which makes me the more carefull faithfully to obſerve them.
130. The entrance of thy words giveth light: it giveth underſtanding unto the ſimple.
130. When a man doth but begin to be acquainted with thy Word, he finds his mind marvellouſly inlightned with ſuch clear and uſefull knowledge; as directs the moſt ſimple people how to live happily.
131. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
131. Which hath excited me to the moſt eager purſuit of this moſt excellent Wiſedom: for I longed to have a perfect underſtanding of thy Commandments; which at firſt ſight afford ſuch abundant ſatisfaction.
132. Look thou upon me, and be mercifull unto me, as thou uſeſt to do unto thoſe that love thy name.
132. Favour my deſires, I moſt humbly beſeech Thee; and vouchſafe me the ſame grace, which Thou art wont to beſtow on thoſe that ſincerely love Thee; and ſtudy, as I do, thy honour and glory.
133. Order my ſteps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
133. And firſt of all inable me to walk ſteadily, according to the rule of thy Word; that I may not be a ſlave to any ſin whatſoever:
134. Deliver me from the oppreſſion of man: ſo will I keep thy precepts.
134. And then deliver me from the oppreſſion of him (1 Sam. XXVI. 24.) who unjuſtly ſeeks to deſtroy me; that I may have the greater liberty to ſtudy and obſerve thy Precepts.
135. Make thy face to ſhine upon thy ſervant: and teach me thy ſtatutes.
135. Put an end to the troubles of thy ſervant: who is devoted to thy obedience; and for this reaſon, above all others, deſires to ſee better days, that he may have better opportunities to learn thy Statutes;
136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes: becauſe they keep not thy law.
136. Which it is a very great grief to me, to behold ſo univerſally neglected: and hath coſt me many a tear; when I conſider, not merely the perſecution which I ſuffer, but how thereby my enemies violate thy Law.
TSADDI. XVIII.
137. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
137. I leave it to Thee, O Lord, to redreſs theſe evils: who art both juſt and good; and governeſt all things with an unerring equity.
138. Thy teſtimonies that thou haſt commanded, are righteous, and very faithfull.
138. For as all the Laws Thou haſt given us are perfectly righteous: ſo Thou doſt exactly and moſt faithfully fulfill all the promiſes or threatnings; which Thou haſt made to the obſervers, or againſt the breakers of them.
139. My zeal hath conſumed me: becauſe mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
139. The conſideration of which moves my indignation to ſuch a degree; that I am tormented to ſee my enemies ſo forgetfull of their own intereſt, as not to regard thy words.
140. Thy word is very pure: therefore thy ſervant loveth it.
140. Which I know to be infallibly true, and perfectly free from all falſhood and deceit: which is the reaſon of that ardent affection thy ſervant hath unto them.
141. I am ſmall and deſpiſed: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
141. Which will not ſuffer me, though I am mean and contemptible, in the eyes of my enemies (who are honourable and mighty) to be guilty of neglecting any of thy Precepts.
142. Thy righteouſneſs is an everlaſting righteouſneſs, and thy law is the truth.
142. For ſtill I think with my ſelf that thy juſtice, goodneſs and fidelity are unchangeable; and whatſoever Thou haſt ſaid in thy Law is the very truth: upon which we may certainly depend, and never be deceived.
143. Trouble and anguiſh have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
143. And therefore, though I am unexpectedly (1 Sam. XX. 3.) involved in very ſore ſtraits and difficulties; yet I do not forſake, but find great conſolation in the ſtudy of thy Commandments.
144. The righteouſneſs of thy teſtimonies is everlaſting: give me underſtanding, and I ſhall live.
144. Eſpecially in this conſideration, (which comes often into my mind, Verſe 140, 142.) that all the declarations Thou haſt made of thy will to us, are ſo juſt and true; that they will never fail our expectation: O give me wiſedom to order my life according to them; and then it ſhall not be in the power of my enemies, to make me miſerable.
KOPH. XIX.
145. I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy ſtatutes.
145. I have beſought thy favour, in this ſorrowfull and diſtreſſed condition, with moſt vehement cries and hearty affection: Be pleaſed to reſcue me out of it, O Lord, and I promiſe with the greater care to obſerve thy Statutes.
146. I cried unto thee, ſave me, and I ſhall keep thy teſtimonies.
146. I have made it my conſtant buſineſs to cry unto Thee for help; from whom alone I ſeek it: deliver me, I again beſeech Thee, and I will not fail to make good my promiſe of obſerving thy Teſtimonies.
147. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
147. I have ſent up early cries unto Thee, before the morning light appeared: conſtantly expecting the performance of thy promiſe to me.
148. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
148. Nor have I been leſs forward in the ſtudy of my duty, then in the imploring of thy mercy: but have awaked, before all the watches were ſet, to meditate in thy word.
149. Hear my voice, according unto thy loving kindneſs: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
149. Let my prayer prevail with Thee, O Lord, for that favour and kindneſs, which I have oft experienced: and preſerve my life, as Thou haſt done hitherto, by ſuch means as Thou judgeſt beſt for me.
150. They draw nigh that follow after miſchief: they are far from thy law.
150. I am cloſely beſet Thou ſeeſt, and in danger to be ſeized (1 Sam. XXIII. 26.) by thoſe, who as they perſecute me and ſeek my ruin, ſo care not by what wicked arts they compaſs their deſign: for they have no regard at all to thy Law.
151. Thou art near, O LORD: and all thy commandments are truth.
151. My onelyonly comfort is, that they cannot approach ſo near to hurt me, as Thou, O Lord, art to defend and preſerve me: and that all thy promiſes annexed to thy Commandments (ſtill I think of that Ver. 142.) ſhall faithfully be fulfilled.
152. Concerning thy teſtimonies, I have known of old, that thou haſt founded them for ever.
152. This hath ever been my ſupport, long before I fell into theſe troubles; that whatſoever Thou haſt teſtified to be thy will and pleaſure is firm and ſtedfaſt; and ſhall never fail thoſe that depend upon it, Verſe 144.
RESH. XX.
153. Conſider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
153. Shew then that Thou doſt not neglect me; but art as mindfull of me, as I am of thy Law in this afflicted condition: out of which I beſeech Thee to deliver me; for none of the evils that have befaln me, have made me forget my duty to Thee.
153. Conſider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154. I appeal to Thee, whether I have not a righteous cauſe; beſeeching Thee to doe me juſtice upon my enemies, (1 Sam. XXIV. 15.) and reſcue me from their perſecutions: for I am in great danger of periſhing; but depend upon thy promiſe for my ſafety.
155. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they ſeek not thy ſtatutes.
155. Far be it from Thee to afford any help to the wicked: for they have no regard to thy Statutes; but ſeek onelyonly how they may ſatisfie their own lewd, and cruel deſires.
156. Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
156. To which I oppoſe the bowels of thy compaſſion, O Lord; whoſe tender mercies are many and great: and will preſerve my life, I hope, according to thy wonted care over me, and kindneſs to me, Ver. 149.
157. Many are my perſecutours, and mine enemies: yet do I not decline from thy teſtimonies.
157. I am not diſcouraged, either by the number or the ſtrength (which are both very great) of thoſe that perſecute me, with a deadly enmity: which doth not move me in the leaſt to depart from thy Teſtimonies (XIX. Lev. 18.) by ſeeking their deſtruction, as they do mine, 1 Sam. XXIV. XXVI.
158. I beheld the tranſgreſſours, and was grieved: becauſe they kept not thy word.
158. It onelyonly provokes my ſorrow, to ſee that there is no faith, nor truth, nor gratitude in them, (1 Sam. XXIV. 17, &c. XXVI. 2.) and troubles me beyond meaſure, that they have no regard to what Thou commandeſt, or forbiddeſt.
159. Conſider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy loving kindneſs.
159. Such is the love I have to thy Precepts; which, I beſeech Thee, let the world ſee Thou doſt obſerve: and both preſerve my life, O Lord, and, according to the exceeding greatneſs of thy goodneſs, deliver me out of this ſad condition.
160. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgements endureth for ever.
160. As I doubt not Thou wilt; for none of thy promiſes have ever failed: but the very firſt of them which Thou madeſt to our Forefather Abraham (XII. Gen. 2.) hath been faithfully fulfilled; and ſo ſhall every thing elſe, which Thou haſt reſolved and declared to be thy will, be punctually performed to the end of the world.
SCHIN. XXI.
161. Princes have perſecuted me without a cauſe: but my heart ſtandeth in awe of thy word.
161. The Rulers, and prime Counſellours of the Kingdom perſecute me, for pretended crimes: of which as I am not guilty; ſo I do not fear ſo much what they can doe againſt me, as leſt I ſhould doe any thing, in my own vindication, againſt thy word, 1 Sam. XXIV. 6. XXVI. 9.
162. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great ſpoil.
162. I would not purchaſe my liberty, my peace, or the honour they enjoy, by any unlawfull actions: for I take far more joy in doing thy will, and in what Thou haſt promiſed to doe for me; then in the compleateſt Victory over all my enemies.
163. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
163. I hate all fraud and deceit; even to the degree of abhorrence and abomination: but moſt heartily love thoſe honeſt courſes, to which thy Law directs me.
164. Seven times a day do I praiſe thee: becauſe of thy righteous judgments.
164. It is the ſubject of my perpetual thanks and praiſe; that I have the happineſs to be acquainted with the juſtice and goodneſs of thoſe Laws, whereby Thou governeſt us.
165. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing ſhall offend them.
165. The obſervance of which gives ſuch inward ſatisfaction, and brings ſo many and great bleſſings to thoſe who truly love them: that they take all things which befall them in good part; and nothing will tempt them to turn aſide, and leave thoſe vertuous paths wherein they lead them.
166. LORD, I have hoped for thy ſalvation, and done thy commandments.
166. I have met with the moſt grievous diſcouragements: But, Lord, in the midſt of the greateſt ſtraits I have expected deliverance onelyonly from Thee; and never done any thing, for my preſervation, contrary to thy Commandments.
167. My ſoul hath kept thy teſtimonies: and I love them exceedingly.
167. All my care hath been, ſtill moſt heartily to obſerve thy Teſtimonies: which I prefer infinitely before all earthly injoyments.
168. I have kept thy precepts and thy teſtimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
168. There is not one of thy Laws, of any ſort, but I have carefully obſerved; even then when I might have privily broken them, and been a gainer by it: (1 Sam. XXIV. 4, &c.) for I knew that nothing can be done ſo ſecretly, but Thou art perfectly acquainted with it.
TAƲ. XXII.
169. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me underſtanding according to thy word.
169. As Thou art alſo with my moſt earneſt petitions; to which I beſeech Thee, O Lord, vouchſafe a gracious anſwer: and in the firſt place teach me, according as Thou haſt promiſed, to walk, not onelyonly innocently, but prudently, in the midſt of all the ſnares that are laid for me.
170. Let my ſupplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
170. Do not deny admittance to this humble ſuit; but in due time grant this further requeſt: that I may, according to the ſame promiſe, be perfectly delivered from this long perſecution.
171. My lips ſhall utter praiſe, when thou haſt taught me thy ſtatutes.
171. Then will I praiſe Thee without ceaſing: firſt for inſtructing me how to pleaſe Thee in all things:
172. My tongue ſhall ſpeak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteouſneſs.
172. And next for fulfilling thy promiſe to me: which I will loudly proclaim, with my thankfull acknowledgments; that whatſoever Thou haſt ſaid is truly and faithfully performed.
173. Let thine hand help me: for I have choſen thy precepts.
173. Let thy Divine power therefore ſuccour me, in this weak and diſtreſſed condition wherein I am: for I relie on that alone; having reſolved to be guided wholly by thy Precepts.
174. I have longed for thy ſalvation, O LORD: and thy law is my delight.
174. And I have long expected, with moſt ardent deſires, thy help, O Lord, for my deliverance: delighting my ſelf, in the mean time, in thy Laws; while Thou art pleaſed to delay it.
175. Let my ſoul live, and it ſhall praiſe thee: and let thy judgments help me.
175. O let me not periſh in theſe ſtraits, wherein I am involved; but ſpare my life, according to thy wonted kindneſs, and I will ſpend it in thy praiſes: Send me relief, by executing the judgments, Thou haſt decreed againſt my enemies.
176. I have gone aſtray like a loſt ſheep, ſeek thy ſervant: for I do not forget thy commandments.
176. Who have ſo chaſed me from place to place, during this tedious baniſhment; that like a wandring ſheep, which hath loſt its way, I know not whither to betake my ſelf for ſafety: But be Thou pleaſed, like a carefull ſhepherd, to look after me, and to put thy ſervant into the right way of eſcaping all the dangers to which I am expoſed, and of recovering my liberty, reſt and peace again: For, how hard ſoever my condition hath been (I can ſtill ſeriouſly profeſs it) I have not been careleſs in the obſervance of thy Commandments.