Part 60 (1/2)

Psalm 139:6. 14 17 18. Third Part. C. M.

The mercies of G.o.d innumerable.

An evening psalm.

1 Lord, when I count thy mercies o'er, They strike me with surprise; Not all the sands that spread the sh.o.r.e To equal numbers rise.

2 My flesh with fear and wonder stands, The product of thy skill, And hourly blessings from thy hands, Thy thoughts of love reveal.

3 These on my heart by night I keep; How kind, how dear to me!

O may the hour that ends my sleep Still find my thoughts with thee.

Psalm 141. 2-5.

Watchfulness, and brotherly reproof.

A morning or evening psalm.

1 My G.o.d, accept my early vows, Like morning incense in thine house, And let my nightly wors.h.i.+p rise Sweet as the evening sacrifice.

2 Watch o'er my lips, and guard them, Lord, From every rash and heedless word; Nor let my feet incline to tread The guilty path where sinners lead.

3 O may the righteous, when I stray, Smite, and reprove my wandering way!

Their gentle words, like ointment shed, Shall never bruise, but cheer my head.

4 When I behold them prest with grief, I'll cry to heaven for their relief; And by my warm pet.i.tions prove how much I prize their faithful love.

Psalm 142.

G.o.d is the hope of the helpless.

1 To G.o.d I made my sorrows known, From G.o.d I sought relief; In long complaints before his throne I pour'd out all my grief.

2 My soul was overwhelm'd with woes, My heart began to break; My G.o.d, who all my burdens knows, He knows the way I take.

3 On every side I cast mine eye, And found my helpers gone, While friends and strangers pa.s.s'd me by Neglected or unknown.

4 Then did I raise a louder cry, And call'd thy mercy near, ”Thou art my portion when I die, ”Be thou my refuge here.”

5 Lord, I am brought exceeding low, Now let thine ear attend, And make my foes who vex me know I've an almighty Friend.

6 From my sad prison set me free, Then shall I praise thy Name, And holy men shall join with me Thy kindness to proclaim.

Psalm 143.

Complaint of heavy afflictions in mind and body.

1 My righteous Judge, my gracious G.o.d, Hear when I spread my hands abroad And cry for succour from thy throne, O make thy truth and mercy known.

2 Let judgment not against me pa.s.s; Behold thy servant pleads thy grace: Should justice call us to thy bar, No man alive is guiltless there.