The Psalms of David set forth in English meeter set forth by Francis Rous...

PSAL. XXXI.

LOrd, let me never be asham'd, because I trust in thee; But in thy righteousnesse and truth, save and deliver me. [verse 2] To me bow downe thy gracious eare,

and quickly set me free: A rocke of strength, a mighty fort of safety be to mee.

[verse 3] For, Lord, thou art my only rock, my strong defence and tower: For thy Names sake me therefore lead, and guide me in thy power. [verse 4] Pull me out of the net, which they for me have closely laid: Because thou only art my strength, I flie to thee for aid.

[verse 5] Into thy hands, Lord, I commit my spirit, which came from thee: Of thy free grace, Lord God of truth, thou hast redeemed me. [verse 6] Them do I hate that set their heart on lying vanities: But on the Lord I put my trust, my heart on him relies.

[verse 7] I in thy mercie will rejoyce, because my miseries Thou weighest, and dost know my soule in her adversities. [verse 8] And me into the enemies hand not closed up thou hast; But thou my feet at libertie in a large room hast plac't.

The second part.

[verse 9] I am in trouble, Lord, to me grant mercy and reliefe: My soule, my belly, and mine eye consume away with griefe. [verse 10]

My life is spent with griefe, my years in sighes away do flie: My strength doth faile, my bones con∣sume for mine iniquitie.

[verse 11] A scorne to foes, and most to those which here are dwelling nie: A feare unto my friends am I, who see me from me flie. [verse 12] I am forgotten, like a man that now hath long been dead; I like a broken vessell am that quite is perished.

[verse 13] For many slanders I have heard, and feare was every way; While they against me did conspire to take my life away. [verse 14] But yet when I was thus affraid my trust was, Lord, in thee; And then thou art my God, I said, a gracious God to mee.

[verse 15] My times are in thy mighty hand, then do thou set me free From bloudy hands of all my foes, that follow after mee. [verse 16] Upon thy servant make thy face to shine forth graciously: O save me for thy mercies sake, I to thy mercy flye.

The third part.

[verse 17] Lord, let not me ashamed be, for on thee call'd I have; But let the wicked be asham'd,

and silent in the grave. [verse 18] To silence put the lying lips, that grievous things do say; And hard reports in pride and scorne on righteous men do lay.

[verse 19] O how great good hast thou laid up for those that do thee feare; Whose trust before the sons of men fixt on thee doth appeare! [verse 20] In secret of thy presence thou shalt hide them from mans pride: From strife of tongues thou closely shalt as in a tent them hide.

[verse 21] For ever blessed be the Lord, for plainly shew'd hath he In a strong city kindnesse great, and marvellous to me. [verse 22] I in my haste did say, I am cut off before thine eies; But even then thou heard'st the voice of my requests and cries.

[verse 23] O love the Lord, all ye his Saints, the faithfull he preserves; And plentifully doth reward the proud, as he deserves. [verse 24] Be of good courage, and the Lord strength to your heart shall send; He shall you strengthen all, whose hope doth on the Lord depend.