PAGE 156:
PSALM 91. First Part. L.M.
Safety in public diseases and dangers.
1 |
HE, that hath made his refuge God,
Shall find a most secure abode;
Shall walk all day beneath his shade,
And there at night shall rest his head.
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2 |
Then will I say, "My God, thy pow'r
"Shall be my fortress and my tow'r:
"I, that am form'd of feeble dust,
"Make thine almighty arm my trust."
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3 |
Thrice happy man! thy Maker's care
Shall keep thee from the fowler's snare,
Satan, the tempter, who betrays
Unguarded souls a thousand ways.
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4 |
Just as a hen protects her brood
From birds of prey, that seek their blood,
Under her feathers; so the Lord
Makes his own arm his people's guard.
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5 |
If burning beams of noon conspire
To dart a pestilential fire,
God is their life: his wings are spread
To shield them, with an healthful shade.
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6 |
If vapours with malignant breath
Rise thick, and scatter midnight death,
Israel is safe: the poison'd air
Grows pure, if Israel's God be there.
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7 |
What tho' a thousand at thy side,
At thy right hand ten thousand died;
Thy God his chosen people saves
Among the dead, amid the graves.
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8 |
But if the fire, or plague, or sword,
Receive commission from the Lord,
To strike his saints among the rest;
Their very pains and deaths are blest.
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PAGE 157
PSALM 91. First Part. L.M.
Safety in public diseases and dangers. (cont.)
9 |
The sword, the pestilence, or fire,
Shall but fulfil their best desire:
From sins and sorrows set them free,
And bring thy children, Lord, to thee.
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PSALM 91. Second Part. C.M.
Protection from evil, guard of angels, and salvation.
1 |
YE sons of men, a feeble race,
Expos'd to ev'ry snare,
Come, make the Lord your dwelling-place,
And try, and trust his care.
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2 |
No ill shall enter where you dwell;
Or if the plague come nigh,
And sweep the wicked down to hell,
'Twill raise his saints on high.
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3 |
He'll give his angels charge to keep
Your feet in all their ways;
To watch your pillow, while you sleep,
And guard your happy days.
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4 |
Their hands shall bear you, lest you fall,
And dash against the stones:
Are they not servants at his call,
And sent t' attend his sons?
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5 |
Adders and lions ye shall tread;
The tempter's viles defeat:
For he that broke the serpent's head
Puts him beneath your feet.
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6 |
"Because on me they set their love,
"I'll save them; (saith the Lord)
"I'll bear their joyful souls above
"Destruction, and the sword.
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6 |
"My grace shall answer when they call;
"In trouble I'll be nigh:
"My pow'r shall help them when they fall,
"And raise them when they die.
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