6 In gentler language there the Lord The counsels of his grace imparts; Amidst the raging storm his word Speaks peace and courage to our hearts.
Psalm 30:1. First Part.
Sickness healed, and sorrow removed.
1 I will extol thee, Lord, on high, At thy command, diseases fly; Who but a G.o.d can speak and save From the dark borders of the grave?
2 Sing to the Lord, ye saints of his, And tell how large his goodness is; Let all your powers rejoice and bless, While you record his holiness.
3 His anger but a moment stays His love is life and length of days; Tho" grief and tears the night employ, The morning-star restores the joy.
Psalm 30:2. 6. Second Part.
Health, sickness, and recovery.
1 Firm was my health, my day was bright, And I presum"d "twould ne"er be night; Fondly I said within my heart, "Pleasure and peace shall ne"er depart."
2 But I forgot thine arm was strong, Which made my mountain stand so long; Soon as thy face began to hide, My health was gone, my comforts dy"d.
3 I cry"d aloud to thee, my G.o.d, "What canst thou profit by my blood?
"Deep in the dust can I declare "Thy truth, or sing thy goodness there?
4 "Hear me, O G.o.d of grace," I said, "And bring me from among the dead:"
Thy word rebuk"d the pains I felt, Thy pardoning love remov"d my guilt.
5 My groans, and tears, and forms of woe, Are turn"d to joy and praises now; I throw my sackcloth on the ground, And ease and gladness gird me round.
6 My tongue, the glory of my frame, Shall ne"er be silent of thy name Thy praise shall sound thro" earth and heaven, For sickness heal"d, and sins forgiven.
Psalm 31:1. 5 13-19 22 23. First Part.
Deliverance from death.
1 Into thine hand, 0 G.o.d of truth, My spirit I commit; Thou hast redeem"d my soul from death, And sav"d me from the pit.
2 The pa.s.sions of my hope and fear Maintain"d a doubtful strife, While sorrow, pain, and sin conspir"d To take away my life.
3 "My times are in thine hand," I cry"d, "Tho" I draw near the dust ;"
Thou art the refuge where I hide, The G.o.d in whom I trust.
4 O make thy reconciled face Upon thy servant shine, And save me for thy mercy"s sake, For I"m entirely thine.
PAUSE.
5 ["Twas in my haste, my spirit said, "I must despair and die, "I am cut off before thine eyes;"
But thou hast heard me cry.]
6 Thy goodness how divinely free!
How wondrous is thy grace To those that fear thy majesty, And trust thy promises!
7 O love the Lord, all ye his saints, And sing his praises loud; He"ll bend his ear to your complaints, And recompense the proud.
Psalm 31:2. 7-13 18-21. Second Part.
Deliverance from slander and reproach.
1 My heart rejoices in thy name, My G.o.d, my help, my trust; Thou hast preserv"d my face from shame, Mine honour from the dust.
2 "My life is spent with grief," I cry"d, "My years consum"d in groans, "My strength decays, mine eyes are dry"d, "And sorrow wastes my bones."
3 Among mine enemies my name Was a mere proverb grown, While to my neighbours I became Forgotten and unknown.
4 Slander and fear on every side, Seiz"d and beset me round; I to the throne of grace apply"d, And speedy rescue found.
PAUSE.
5 How great deliverance thou hast wrought Before the sons of men!
The lying lips to silence brought, And made their boastings vain!
6 Thy children, from the strife of tongues, Shall thy pavilion hide, Guard them from infamy and wrongs, And crush the sons of pride.
7 Within thy secret presence, Lord, Let me for ever dwell; No fenced city, wall"d and barr"d, Secures a saint so well.
Psalm 32:1. S. M.
Forgiveness of sins upon confession.
1 O blessed souls are they Whose sins are cover"d o"er!
Divinely blest, to whom the Lord imputes their guilt no more.
2 They mourn their follies past, And keep their hearts with care; Their lips and lives without deceit, Shall prove their faith sincere.
3 While I conceal"d my guilt I felt the festering wound, Till I confess"d my sins to thee, And ready pardon found.
4 Let sinners learn to pray, Let saints keep near the throne; Our help in times of deep distress, Is found in G.o.d alone.
Psalm 32:2. First Part. L. M.
Free pardon and sincere obedience; or, Confession and forgiveness.
1 Happy the man to whom his G.o.d No more imputes his sin, But wash"d in the Redeemer"s blood, Hath made his garments clean!
2 Happy, beyond expression, he Whose debts are thus discharg"d; And from the guilty bondage free, He feels his soul enlarg"d.
3 His spirit hates deceit and lies, His words are all sincere; He guards his heart, he guards his eyes, To keep his conscience clear.
4 While I my inward guilt supprest, No quiet could I find; Thy wrath lay burning in my breast, And rack"d my tortur"d mind.