Psalms and hymns composed and fitted for the present occasion of publick thanks-giving, October 24, 1651 by W. Barton ...

The Souldier's Hymn, Out of Psal. 144. 1. & 2. and Psal. 18. To anie general or common tune.

BLessed for ever bee the LORD, who is my strength and might, Who taught my hands to use the sword my fingers for to fight. My goodness and my fort likewise, my shield of saving power, My Saviour from mine enemies, and my exalted tower.

Psal. 18. 32, 33.

'Tis God that by his power and might strongly gird's up my loins; And make's mee take my waie aright to perfect my designs.

Hee make's my feet to bee as swift as are the Hindes in pace, And I must count it as his gift that gain's mee each high place.

35, 36.

Thou gav'st mee my Salvation's shield to arm mee most complete: And thy right hand hath mee upheld, thy favor made mee great. Thou gav'st mee scope and libertie, inlarging it so wide. That still my feet stood stedfastly, and did not slip aside. 40, 48. The necks thou gav'st mee of my foes, that I (impowr'd by thee) Might utterly destroie all those that greatly hated mee. 38 Thou lift's my head above them all that did my hurt conspire, And sav'dst mee from that tyrant Saul whom furie set on fire. 29 I ran through armed troops, by thee, and safely 'scap'd them all, And by my God assisting mee have I lept o're a wall. 37 I overtook my foes that fled, for I pursu'd apace: Nor till they were extinguished did I forsake the chase.

Mine enemies I did so greet with blows not dealt in vain, That down they fell under my feet, and could not rise again. They cri'd and call'd on everie side, but there was not to save: Yea even to the Lord they cri'd, but hee no answer gave.

49, 46.

Therefore will I give thanks to thee among the Gentiles, LORD In songs of prais with melodie, will I thy Name record. 46 O blessed bee my rock of power, that ever doth abide, And let the Lord my Saviour bee highly magnifi'd. 60 Deliverance great hee give's indeed, and mercie keep's in store For David and his sacred seed, and that FOR EVERMORE.

FINIS.