Part 15 (2/2)

4 What tho' the sorrows here they taste Are sharp and tedious too, The Lord, who saves them all at last, Is their supporter now.

5 Evil shall smite the wicked dead; But G.o.d secures his own, Prevents the mischief when they slide, Or heals the broken bone.

6 When desolation like a flood, O'er the proud sinner rolls, Saints find a refuge in their G.o.d, For he redeem'd their souls.

Psalm 35:1. 1-9. First Part.

Prayer and faith of persecuted saints; or, Imprecations mixed with charity.

1 Now plead my cause, almighty G.o.d, 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 G.o.d.”

3 They plant their snares to catch my feet, And nets of mischief spread; Plunge the destroyers in the pit That their own hands have made.

4 Let fogs and darkness hide their way, And slippery be their ground; Thy wrath shall make their lives a prey, And all their rage confound.

5 They fly like chaff before the wind, Before thine angry breath; The angel of the Lord behind Pursues them down to death.

6 They love the road that leads to h.e.l.l; Then let the rebels die Whose malice is implacable Against the Lord on high.

7 But if thou hast a chosen few Amongst that impious race, Divide them from the b.l.o.o.d.y crew By thy surprising grace.

8 Then will I raise my tuneful voice To make thy wonders known; In their salvation I'll rejoice, And bless thee for my own.

Psalm 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 mortify'd his soul, While for their life he pray'd.

4 They groan'd; and curs'd him on their bed, Yet still he pleads and mourns; And double blessings on his head The righteous G.o.d returns.

5 O glorious type of heavenly grace!

Thus Christ the Lord appears; While sinners curse, the Saviour prays, And pities them with tears.

6 He, the true David, Israel's king, Blest and belov'd of G.o.d, To save us rebels dead in sin, Paid his own dearest blood.

Psalm 36:1. 5-9. L. M.

The perfections and providence of G.o.d; or, General providence and special grace.

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