An essay towards the rendring the first thirty Psalms of David in metre (of the old version of Thomas Sternhold, and John Hopkins and others.) Less obnoxious to exceptions, than it hath been; by moderate alterations, and amendments. And published, as a specimen of the whole book, done after the same manner, now in the hands of the author, a Divine of the Church of England.

Domine, Deus mi. Psalm vii.

T. S.

[verse 1] O Lord, my God, I cast my self with confidence on thee: From those who closely me pursue, save, and deliver me. [verse 2] Lest, Lion-like, my mighty foe in pieces small me rend: Whiles none appears to succour me, that can my life defend. [verse 3] O Lord my God, if I have done the thing that is not right: Or, of the crime they charge on me, be guilty in thy sight. [verse 4] If with my friend I brake the band of peace, by treachery: (Yea, rather, spar'd I his, that sought my life injuriously;)

[verse 5] Then let the foe pursue my soul, and spill, with anger just, My life upon the earth; and lay mine honour in the dust. [verse 6] Arise O Lord, with juster wrath, mine enemies to restrain: And judg me by thy righteous laws, who wrong from men sustain. [verse 7] Great numbers, then, shall come to thee, and croud about thy throne: Ascend it, Lord, and for their sakes, thence make thy Justice known. [verse 8] And since thou art of all men Judg; pronounce concerning me, According to my righteousness, and mine integrity.

PART ii.

[verse 9] Lord, cease the rage of wicked men; the just support, and guide: For by the righteous God, the hearts and reins of men are try'd. [verse 10] I own my help to come of God, who ever taketh part With all such, to preserve them safe, as upright are in heart. [verse 11] The just man, and the wicked both, the righteous Judg doth try: But ev'ry day, his wrath against the wicked, boyleth high. [verse 12] If warned, he will not repent, God whets his sword to smite: And bends his bow, the obstinate and hard'ned heart to hit. [verse 13] For execution he prepares his arrows, sharp, and keen;

To pierce them through, that persecute his Jewels, holy men. [verse 14] My foe with plots doth travel, in his wicked head forecast: But of the mischief there conceiv'd, lo, nothing comes at last. [verse 15] He dig'd a ditch, and delv'd it deep, in hope to hurt his Brother: But fell himself, into the pit, prepared for another. [verse 16] Thus wrong recoiling, hurts the man, From whom it did proceed: And all the mischief he contriv'd, shall crush its plotters head. [verse 17] I therefore will give thanks to God, that judgeth righteously: And with my Song extol the name of him that is most high.