Six centuries of select hymns and spiritual songs collected out of the Holy Bible together with a catechism, the canticles, and a catalogue of vertuous women
Barton, William, 1598?-1678., Barton, William, 1598?-1678. Three last centuries of select hymns collected out of the Psalms of David., Barton, William, 1598?-1678. Canticles., Barton, William, 1598?-1678. Song of Solomon paraphrased., Barton, William, 1598?-1678. Catalogue of vertuous women recorded in the Old and New Testament.
HYMN 526. Life of Religion.
Psalm▪ 119. (1. PART.)
O Blessed are the innocent
and perfect in the way:
Who from the Lord's Commandement
do Never go astray.
2.
Blessed are they that care to keep
his Testaments entire:
And such as for the Lord do seek
with all their hearts desire.
Page 618
3, 4.
3, 4.
They practice no iniquity,
but in God's ways they go:
And we must serve thee diligently
for thou hast charg'd us so.
5, 6.
O that my ways were made direct,
and to thy Statutes fram'd:
Which when I generally respect,
I shall not be asham'd.
With upright heart I'll give thee praise,
and keep thy Laws aright:
When I have learn'd thy righteous ways,
O do not leave me quite.
(2. METRE.)
Psalm 119.1. All People, &c.
BLessed, O blessed are the pure
that never from God's Laws depart:
That keep his Testimonies sure,
and seek him with a perfect heart.
They also do no wickedness,
but keep his Laws and never swerve:
So strict a precept thou dost press,
that we with care thy Laws observe.
O that my ways were made direct,
and to thy Statutes rightly fram'd:
Which when I wholly do respect,
doubtless I shall not be asham'd:
With upright heart I'll give thee praise
when I have learn'd thy judgments right:
And I will surely keep thy ways,
O do not, Lord, forsake me quite.
Page 619
The Corruption of youth bridled. 2. PART.
Psalm 119. v. 9, to 16.
HOW may a young man cleanse his way,
and curb the lusts of youth?
If that he mark what thou dost say,
and keep the word of truth:
Lord I have sought thee all my days,
with heart unfeign'd and free:
Let me not wander from thy ways,
through ignorance in me.
I hid thy word within my heart
that I might not transgress:
A blessed one, O Lord, thou art,
thy laws to me express.
The righteous Judgments of thy mouth
My lips have spoke with pleasure:
Rejoycing more to keep thy truth
than get the greatest treasure.
And I will study of thy Name,
and thereof frame my talk,
As at a mark so will I aim,
thy ways how I may walk:
And my delight upon thy Laws
shall be so surely set,
That I will not for any cause
thy holy word forget.
Page 620
The Devotion of pious Pilgrims.
Psalm 119. from v. 17, to 24. (3. PART.)
DEAL largely with thy Servant, Lord,
That I may live and keep thy word:
Open mine eyes that I may see
What wonders in thy Laws there be.
I am a stranger here below,
Hide not the Laws which I should know;
My soul doth break with longing sore,
After thy Statutes evermore.
Thou hast rebuk'd the proud that durst
Err from thy Laws, and are accurst:
Remove from me reproach and shame,
For I have walkt as free from blame.
Princes that sat, condemn•d my cause,
Yet did thy Servant mind thy Laws:
Thy Testaments are my delight,
And Counsellors to set me right.
The dull and drooping Saints quickened.
Psalm 119. from v. 25, to 32. (4. PART.)
MY Spirit cleaveth to the dust,
Lord quicken me as thou art just,
I have declar'd my ways to thee,
And thou hast hearkened unto me.
Teach me thy Statutes I thee pray,
And let me know thy Precepts way,
So my discourse shall wholly tend,
Thy works and wonders to commend.
Page 621
My heart doth melt for very grief,
Lord for thy Word-sake send relief,
The way of lies from me withdraw,
And grant me gratiously thy Law.
Lord I have chosen prudently
The way of truth and verity:
I laid thy judgments in my sight
That I might always do aright.
Thy Testaments I stuck unto,
Lord shame me not for what I do:
I'll run the way thou giv'st in charge
When as thou shalt my heart enlarge.
5. PART. 1. METRE. The faithfulness of Saints to the end.
Psalm 119. v. 33, to 40.
LORD teach me in thy Statutes way,
and I shall keep it to the end:
O give me knowledge that I may
with all my heart thy Law attend.
Yea I shall keep, and keep them sure,
make me therefore to go aright;
In paths of thy Commandments pure,
for therein onely I delight.
Incline my heart unto thy Law,
and not to avarice I pray:
From vain delights mine eyes withdraw,
and quicken me in thy good way.
Page 622
Thy promise to thy Servant prove,
who is devoted to thy fear:
My fear'd reproach from me remove,
for, Lord, thy judgments are sincere,
Lord, I have long'd with earnestness
thy blessed Laws to know and do,
Vouchsafe then in thy righteousness,
to move and quicken me thereto.
5. PART. 2. METRE.
Life of Religion in practice.
Psalm 119. v. 33, 34.
TEach me, O Lord, the way
whereto thy Statutes tend:
So shall I never stray
but keep it to the end.
Give me to understand,
and then shall I endeavour
To act by thy command
with my whole heart for ever.
35, 36.
In paths of thy Commands
Lord make me go aright;
For my desire so stands,
and therein I delight.
Incline my heart, O Lord,
that I may not digress:
Incline it to thy word,
and not to covetousness.
37, 38.
Lord, turn away mine eyes,
turn them, O Lord, I pray:
Page 623From viewing vanities,
and quick'n me in thy way.
Establish thou thy word
unto thy servant dear:
Who is devoted, Lord,
unto thy faithfull fear.
39, 40.
The obloquy I fear,
Lord, turn away from me:
Eor I confess how clear,
how good thy judgments be.
Behold how my desires
do for thy precepts press,
O stir those holy fires
to shew thy righteousness.
Psalm 119. v. 41, to 48· (6. PART.)
The great freedom of the Godly.
LORD, let thy mercies come to me,
The saving health that flows from thee,
according to thy promise, Lord;
So shall I have to answer those
That are my most reproachfull foes,
for I have trusted in thy word.
And take not, Lord, the word of truth,
Take it not quite out of my mouth,
for in thy judgments do I hope:
So shall I keep and not, and not give or'e
To keep thy Statutes evermore,
for that is all my aim and scope.
And I will walk at liberty,
Because I seek unfeignedly
the precepts which thou hast proclaim'd:
Page 624Thy Testimonies are such things,
That I will mention them to Kings,
and never be thereof asham'd:
And I will much delight my mind
In thy Commandements enjoyn'd,
which I have loved to relate:
My hands likewise I will direct
To thy commands, which I affect,
and in thy Statutes meditate.
Psal. 119. v. 49, to 56. (7. PART.)
Hearty comfort had in Godliness.
THY promise to thy servant mind
whereon thou mad'st me rest:
This comfort in thy word I find,
it cheers me when distrest.
Though proud men have me greatly scoft,
thy laws I did not leave;
Thy judgments old I thought on oft,
and comfort did receive.
Yet horrour takes me for this age,
that leaves thy Statutes quite:
But in my house of Pilgrimage
thy laws were my delight.
Thy name in mind I have retain'd,
when night her curtain draws▪
I kept thy word and thus I gain'd
because I kept thy laws.
Page 625
Psalm 119. v. 57, to 64. (8. PART.)
The Just man's portion and practice.
THOU art my portion, O my Lord,
I said that I would keep thy word,
according to thy flat decree:
I beg thy favour from my heart,
Thy mercy, Lord, to me impart,
as thou hast kindly promis'd me.
I thought upon my sinfull way,
And turn'd my feet without delay
unto thy Testimonies true:
I hastned and have not delay'd
To keep the word which thou hast said
commanding our obedience due.
The wicked men by troops and bands
Have rob'd me with injurious hands,
yet have I not forgot thy Laws:
But ev'n at mid-night I will rise,
To reader thanks in Sacrifice,
thy righteous Judgments give such cause▪
A dear cumpanion, Lord, am I
To all that fear thee faithfully,
and of them all that keep thy way
The Earth, O Lord, is richly stor'd
With mercies which thou dost afford,
teach me thy Statutes to obey.
Page 626
Psalm 119. v. 65, to 72. (9. PART.)
The keenest affliction profitable.
ACcording to thy promise free,
Lord thou hast dealt full well with me,
Who am thy Servant fearing thee:
Teach me good judgment, Lord, I pray,
And knowledge of thy word and way,
for I believe what thou dost say.
While unchastised with thy rod
I went astray from thee, O God,
but in thy paths I since have trod:
Lord thou art good, thy nature's so,
And thou dost good, thy works do show,
teach me, O Lord, thy Laws to know.
The proud against me forg'd a lie,
But my whole heart I will apply
to keep thy precepts faithfully:
As fat as grease their heart is grown,
But, Lord, the Law which thou dost own
is my delight and that alone.
'Twas good for me to undergo
Th' afflicting hand of God, I know,
that I might keep thy Statutes so:
The Law of thy dear mouth I hold
Better to me a thousand fold,
than heaps of Silver and of Gold.
Page 627
Psalm 119. v. 73, to 80. (10. PART.)
The love of Saints to Grace and Godliness.
I Am created, Lord,
and fashion'd by thy hand,
O give me skill to know thy will,
and practice thy command:
All they that fear thy Name
to see me will be glad,
For I O Lord believ'd thy word,
and therein help I had.
Thy Judgments, Lord, are just,
I know them so to be,
And in thy fidel•ty
thou hast afflicted me:
Let thy kind love I pray,
for my true comfort make;
According to thy promise do,
for thy dear servants sake.
O let thy tender love
come to me in thy sight,
That sweetly I may live thereby
who in thy Law delight:
Let proud men be asham'd,
for they without a cause
Have used me with injury,
but I will mind thy Laws.
Psalm 119. v. 81, to 88. (11. PART.)
The making God our hope.
MY soul for thy salvation faints
with vehement desire,
Yet doth thy word uphold my heart
with hope that cannot tire:
Mine eyes do fail for thy sweet word,
and thus they seem to say,
When wilt thou comfort me O Lord,
why dost thou thus delay?
For I am like a bottle, Lord,
that in the smoak is set,
Yet do not I at any time
thy holy word forget▪
But, Lord, how long must I compute
the time, to bear controll?
When wilt thou Judgment execute
on them that hunt my soul?
The proud have digged pits for me,
far from thy Law they are:
Thy precepts and their practices
do differ very far.
But thy commandments, O most high,
are faithfull, just, and true,
O help me, for most wrongfully
do they my soul pursue.
Page 629
They had almost consumed me,
and sent me to the Grave,
Yet did not I forsake thy Law,
my very life to save:
Therefore in loving kindness, Lord,
now quicken me with speed:
So shall I keep the righteous word
which doth from thee proceed.
Psalm 119. v. 89, to 96. (12. PART.)
The never failing of God's word.
FOR ever, Lord, thy word doth last,
And is in Heaven fixed fast:
Thy faithfulness all ages see,
The Earth abides as fix'd by thee.
They all continue to this day,
As thou appointest all obey:
Had not thy Law been my delight,
Affliction had o're-whelm'd me quite.
Never will I forgetfull be
Of thy sweet Laws that quickened me:
Save me, O Lord, for I am thine,
And I have sought thy Laws divine.
The wicked have my death design'd,
But I thy Testimonies mind:
I find the worlds perfections fail,
But above all thy Laws avail.
Page 630
Psalm 119. v. 97, to 104. (13. PART.)
The power of Religion in practice.
THY Law O how I prise,
I mind it all the day:
Thereby thou mak'st me wise,
yea wiser, Lord, than they
that are my foes:
For still with me thy precepts be,
whence wisedom flows.
I have attain'd more skill
than all my teachers have,
By studying on thy will:
and more than men more grave,
I understand:
Because I do keep close unto
thy strict command.
My feet I have refrain'd
from every evil way:
That I might keep unstain'd
the word which thou dost say:
I have not gone
From thy decrees, for thou by these,
hast led me on.
Thy Words how sweet they are,
how sweet unto my taste?
Yea sweeter, Lord, by far
than honey for repast:
thy precepts praise
It Is, that I get skill, and fly
from all false ways.
Page 631
Psalm 119. v. 105, to 112. (14. PART.)
The pure Lamp of the word.
THY word's a Lamp unto my feet,
A light to guide my paths most meet,
that I may never go astray:
And I have made a solemn Oath,
And to perform it, am not loath,
that I will keep thy righteous way.
I am afflicted very sore,
Now quicken me, O Lord, therefore,
according to thy promise free:
The free-will Offerings which I mov'd,
I pray thee, Lord, let •e approv'd,
and teach thy judgments unto me.
My soul is ever in my hand,
My life doth in such danger stand,
yet do I not forget thy Law:
The wicked laid a snare for me,
And yet I erred not from thee,
Nor from thy precepts did withdraw.
Thy Testimonies I have stor'd,
My heritage for ever, Lord,
for all my hearts delight they be:
I have inclin'd my heart therefore,
To keep thy Statutes evermore,
untill I die and come to thee.
Page 632
Psalm 119. v. 113, to 120. (15. PART.)
The renouncing of ill courses and companions.
I Hate vain thoughts, but love thy Law,
thou art my hiding place, O Lord:
My shield, when dangers near me draw,
and I have hoped in thy word.
Ye evil doers from me depart,
your company my course withstands;
For I am purpos'd in my heart
to serve my God, as he commands.
Uphold me, Lord, that I may live,
and, Lord, perform thy promise claim'd;
That of the hope which thou dost give,
I may at no time be asham'd.
Uphold me, for if thou protect,
I shall be very safe thereby;
And I will have a due respect
unto thy Laws continually.
Thou hast in anger under-trod
all those that from thy Statutes stray:
For all their subtle shifts, O God;
is but a foul deceiving way.
For all the wicked of the Earth
as basest dross, thou turnest by,
Therefore as things of greatest worth,
I love thy precepts wondrously.
Page 633
Yet when I find what judgments fall,
my flesh doth quake for fear of thee,
Whose dreadfull hand so acts them all,
as makes me sore afraid to see.
Psalm 119. v. 121, to 128. (16. PART.)
Supplication for deliverance and direction.
I Do what equity commands,
O leave me not to Tyrants hands,
that would oppress me out of spight:
Be surety for thy servants good,
Let proud oppressors be withstood,
and let them not o'rethrow my right:
Mine eyes for thy salvation fail,
I wait to see thy word prevail,
that rghteous word of thy decree.
Deal with thy Servant, I intreat,
According to thy mercy great,
and all thy Statutes teach to me.
I am thy Servant, give me skill,
That I may understand thy will.
and may thy Testimonies know;
And now it is a needfull time,
For thee, O Lord, to work for thine,
for all thy Laws they overthrow:
Therefore do I thy Statutes love
Above bright Gold, yea far above
The Gold that goes at greatest rate:
Therefore I count all thy decrees,
In all things right and none but these,
and all false ways I truly hate.
Page 634
Psalm 119. v. 127, to 136. (17. PART.)
The true Zeal and Charity of Christians.
THY Testimonies are most rare,
Therefore my souls delight they are:
The entrance of thy word gives light,
And makes the simple know aright.
I gaspt and panted very much,
My longing for thy Laws was such;
Look on me, Lord, and let me claim
Thy Grace, as one that loves thy Name.
Order my steps in thy good way,
And let no sin in me bear sway:
From mans oppression set me free,
So shall I keep to thy decree.
Thy face let on thy servant shine,
And teach to me thy Laws divine:
Rivers of tears run down mine eyes,
Because thy Statutes they despise.
Psal. 119. v. 137, to 144. (18. PART.)
The true zeal and purity of Christians.
RIghteous art thou, O Lord,
thy judgments are upright,
The precepts of thy word
to which thou dost excite
so earnestly,
Are most express for righteousness
and equity.
Page 635
My zeal, Lord, after those,
made me consume and pine;
Because my wicked foes
forgot those words of thine:
but O most pure
Is thy sweet word, thy servant, Lord,
loves it therefore.
And though I am but small,
and of as small regard,
Yet mind I most of all
thy words which I have heard:
for ever doth
Thy righteous word remain, O Lord,
thy Law's the truth.
And though adversity
in very deep degree,
And great perplexity
have taken hold on me:
yet (in this plight)
My comfort stands, in thy commands,
there's my delight.
The righteousness, O Lord,
Of thy Decrees Divine;
Doth stand on sure record,
and never can decline:
to me O give
Compleater skill to do thy will,
and I shall live.
Page 636
Psal. 119. v. 145, to 152. (19. PART▪)
The unwearied seeking of God.
WITH earnest voice I cry and call,
Lord hear the words which I let fall,
for I will keep thy Statutes all▪
O save me, Lord, I cry'd to thee,
Thy Testimonies then shall be
most faithfully observ'd by me:
I did prevent the dawning day
I'th morning I did cry and pray,
I made thy word my hope and stay:
Mine eyes prevent the watches late
That I might freely contemplate
and on thy word might meditate.
According as thy judgments be,
And after thy compassions free,
Lord hear my voice and quicken me:
Lo they draw nigh and near me press,
That follow after wickedness,
but from thy laws they far digress:
But thou, O Lord, art very nigh,
And thy commandments generally,
are perfect truth and equity:
Concerning thy decrees, behold,
I knew, O Lord, I knew of old,
that thou hast founded them to hold.
Page 637
Psalm 119. v. 153, to 160. (20. PART.)
The unworthiness of the wicked counterpoised.
THINK how I am beset,
and, Lord, deliver me:
For I do not forget
the word ordain'd by thee.
plead for me, Lord,
And set me free, and quicken me
by thy good word.
Thy saving health is far
from all ungodly men,
For what thy Statutes are
is not sought out by them:
thy mercies kind
Are great, O Lord, O let thy word
cheer up my mind.
Many, O Lord, are those,
(for they are not a few)
That are my utter foes,
and do my soul pursue
with ill intents,
Yet do not I decline from thy
Commandements.
Transgressors of thy laws
I saw, and seeing wept,
For I was griev'd,
thy word they have not kept:
consider, Lord,
The love sincere which I do bear
unto thy word.
Page 638
Lord quicken me anew
by thy kind love restor'd,
Because thy word is true
from the beginning, Lord;
it faileth never:
And every clause of thy just laws,
abide for ever.
Psalm 119. v. 161, to 168. (21. PART)
The watchfulness of Saints.
PRinces have persecuted me
without a cause, O Lord,
Yet stands my heart in awe of thee,
and trembles at thy word.
And in that word, Lord, all the while
I did as much rejoyce,
As he that finds the greatest spoil,
and bears away the choice.
But lying Doctrines of deceit
I ever have abhorr'd:
While my affection is full great
unto thy Law, O Lord:
And surely seven times a day
I will give thanks to thee,
Because thy judgments do display
such righteousness to me.
All they that love thy Law to find
such great content and peace,
That nothing shall offend their mind
to make their comforts cease:
Page 639And for thy sweet salvation,
Lord, I have waited still,
And led my conversation
according to thy will.
My soul hath kept with constancy
thy laws in every part,
I love them so exceedingly,
and from my very heart.
Thy Testimonies I have kept,
thy precepts I pursue,
For thou beholdst me every step,
and seest what 'ere I do.
Psalm 119. v. 169, to 172. (22. PART.)
The work of Grace permanent.
UNto the Lord let my cry come,
and near approach to thee:
Of understanding give me some,
as with thy words agree.
My humble supplication
before thee let appear;
For thou art my salvation,
my God, my Lord, most dear.
Then shall my lips applaud thy name
in holy Songs of praise:
And to thy Statutes my heart frame
when I am taught thy ways.
My tongue shall thy true word declare,
thy righteousness unfold:
Thy Commandments that are so rare,
shall to the Saints be told.
Page 640
O help me, Lord, by thy right hand
because I trust in thee,
Thy chosen precepts shall command
me, with humility.
For thy salvation, Lord, I sought,
and longed very much:
Thy laws delight me wisedom taught,
I never pains did grutch.
Long live my soul the Lord to praise,
his Name to glorifie,
And by thy judgments guide my ways
to all eternity.
Lord, like a sheep thy servant stray'd,
in pity Lord seek me,
For of thy law I'm not affraid,
forgot ne're let me be.
