Imperfection of nature, and perfection of scripture.
Ver. 96. paraphrased.
1 Let all the heathen writers join To form one perfect book, Great G.o.d, if once compar"d with thine, How mean their writings look!
2 Not the most perfect rules they gave Could shew one sin forgiven, Nor lead a step beyond the grave; But thine conduct to heaven.
3 I"ve seen an end of what we call Perfection here below; How short the powers of nature fall, And can no farther go!
4 Yet men would fain be just with G.o.d By works their hands have wrought; But thy commands, exceeding broad, Extend to every thought.
5 In vain we boast perfection here, While sin defiles our frame, And sinks our virtues down so far, They scarce deserve the name.
6 Our faith and love, and every grace, Fall far below thy word; But perfect truth and righteousness Dwell only with the Lord.
Psalm 119:08. Eighth Part.
The word of G.o.d is the saint"s portion; or, The excellency and variety of scripture.
Ver. 111. paraphrased.
1 Lord, I have made thy word my choice, My lasting heritage; There shall my n.o.blest powers rejoice, My warmest thoughts engage.
2 I"ll read the histories of thy love, And keep thy laws in sight, While thro" the promises I rove, With ever fresh delight.
3 "Tis a broad land of wealth unknown Where springs of life arise, Seeds of immortal bliss are sown, And hidden glory lies.
4 The best relief that mourners have, It makes our sorrows blest; Our fairest hope beyond the grave, And our eternal rest.
Psalm 119:09. Ninth Part.
Desire of knowledge; or, The teachings of the Spirit with the word.
Ver. 64 66 18.
1 Thy mercies fill the earth, O Lord, How good thy works appear!
Open mine eyes to read thy word, And see thy wonders there.
Ver. 73 125.
2 My heart was fashion"d by thy hand, My service is thy due: O make thy servant understand The duties he must do.
Ver. 19.
3 Since I"m a stranger here below, Let not thy path be hid; But mark the road my feet should go, And be my constant guide.
Ver. 26.
4 When I confess"d my wandering ways, Thou heardst my soul complain; Grant me the teachings of thy grace, Or I shall stray again.
Ver. 33 34.
5 If G.o.d to me his statutes shew, And heavenly truth impart, His work for ever I"ll pursue, His laws shall rule my heart.
Ver. 50 71.
6 This was my comfort when I bore Variety of grief; It made me learn thy word the more, And fly to that relief.
Ver. 51.
7 [In vain the proud deride me now; I"ll ne"er forget thy law, Nor let that blessed gospel go Whence all my hopes I draw.
Ver. 27 121.
8 When I have learn"d my Father"s will I"ll teach the world his ways; My thankful lips inspir"d with zeal Shall loud p.r.o.nounce his praise.]
Psalm 119:10. Tenth Part.
Pleading the promises.
Ver. 38 49.
1 Behold thy waiting servant, Lord, Devoted to thy fear; Remember and confirm thy word, For all my hopes are there.
Ver. 41 58 107.
2 Hast thou not writ salvation down, And promis"d quickening grace?
Doth not my heart address thy throne?
And yet thy love delays.
Ver. 132 42.
3 Mine eyes for thy salvation fail; O bear thy servant up; Nor let the scoffing lips prevail, Who dare reproach my hope.
Ver. 49 74.
4 Didst thou not raise my faith, O Lord?
Then let thy truth appear: Saints shall rejoice in my reward, And trust as well as fear.
Psalm 119:11. Eleventh Part.
Breathing after holiness.
Ver. 5 33.
1 O that the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still!
O that my G.o.d would grant me grace To know and do his will!
Ver. 29.
2 O send thy Spirit down to write Thy law upon my heart!
Nor let my tongue indulge deceit, Nor act the liar"s part.
Ver. 37 36.
3 From vanity turn off my eyes: Let no corrupt design, Nor covetous desires arise Within this soul of mine.
Ver. 133.
4 Order my footsteps by thy word, And make my heart sincere, Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.
Ver. 176.
5 My soul hath gone too far astray, My feet too often slip; Yet since I"ve not forgot thy way, Restore thy wandering sheep.
Ver. 35.
6 Make me to walk in thy commands, "Tis a delightful road; Nor let my head, or heart, or hands, Offend against my G.o.d.