Page 44
PSALM 44. (Book 44)
The faithful people of Israĕl, vanquished now and dispersed by their Hethen enimies, (it seems the Philistims,) in their thraldom also persecuted and martired for Gods true religion; in complaining sort prezent to the high throne of grace their present condition, beeing oppressed by the enimies of God, and yet persisting in Gods true woorship; and with great vehemenci implore his favour and succour, who to their Ancesters had shewed himself so miraculously benign and helpful.
OUR pleazed ears, renoumed Lord, haue heard
The ioious tongs of reverend elders tell;
What acts of thyn their state of old had reard;
Did cursed seed from chozen soil expell.
Thy powrful hand, them rac•…•…h'd vp, ours did plant:
Made them nor wo, nor blessing ours to want.
NOT mortal arm, extermind Giants race;
Nor swoord terrene, dezired land possesd.
Thy arm divine, thy right hand, lightsom face,
In favour deer, from heavĕn their armies blesd.
Thou self same God, my King doost still remain:
Command great King thy Iacobs strength again.
SOLE thou command; revived strength our foes
With horn should push, with feet shal trample doun.
Not swoord, not bowe; hopes failing: thou disclose
That aid, which foes in hates owne shame did droun.
Thy loveli name much ioy did then confess:
Much ioy same name in praise shal ay express.
THUS once we livĕd: but now in life we dy;
Cast off, debasĕd; no more our armies head:
Harts grief to speak; vile foes us force to fly;
And preying troops in dust our glories tread.
Thus scattĕred lo midst Hethen lands we live:
Where food to foes flock loved once doost give.
AH once beloved! now sold, and not for gain.
Thy wealth had yet our thralled lifes encreasd,
Less grief had been: but scorn we now remain
To neighbours round; whose hate our shames appeasd.
Derided heard hast made a proverb growe;
Which scoffing Hethĕn with wagging heads outcrowe.