PSALM II.

WHY do the heathen rage? and why do the people imagine a vain thing?

The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against his anointed.

Let us break, say they, their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

He who dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision.

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and rebuke them in his sore displeasure.

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree; the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye who are judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord in fear; and rejoice before him with reverence.

Submit to the Son, lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the right way, if his wrath be kindled, yea, but a little. Blessed are all they who put their

trust in him.

PSALM III.

LORD, how are they increased who trouble me! many are they who rise up against me.

How many are they who say of my soul, There is no help for him in his God.

But thou, O Lord, art my defender; thou art my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

I call upon the Lord with my voice, and he heareth me out of his holy hill.

I lay me down and sleep; I awake; for the Lord sustaineth me.

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord, and thy blessing is upon thy people.

PSALM IV.

HEAR me when I call, O God of my righteousness; thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble; have mercy upon me, and hearken unto my prayer.

O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame, and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after falsehood?

Know this, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man who is godly; when I call upon the Lord he will hear me.

Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say, Who will show us any good?

Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than when their corn, and wine, and oil increased.

I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest, for it is thou, O Lord, only, who makest me dwell in safety.

PSALM V.

GIVE ear unto my words, O Lord; consider my meditation.

O hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, my King and my God; for unto thee will I make my prayer.

My voice shalt thou hear betimes, O Lord; early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

For thou art a God who hast no pleasure in wickedness; neither shall any evil dwell with thee.

Such as be foolish shall not stand in thy sight; for thou hatest all those who work iniquity.

Thou shalt destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord will abhor both the bloodthirsty and deceitful

man.

But as for me, I will come into thy house, in the multitude of thy mercy; and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, because of mine enemics; make thy way plain before my face.

Let all those who put their trust in thee rejoice; they shall ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them; they who love thy name shall be joyful in thee.

For thou, Lord, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous; and with thy favor wilt thou defend him as with a shield.

PSALM VI.

O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy heavy displeasure.

Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my heart is vexed.

My soul is also sorely troubled; but thou, O Lord, how long?

Return, O Lord, deliver my soul; O save me for thy mercies' sake.

For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my pillow to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; but the Lord will hear the voice of my weeping.

The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will answer my prayer.

PSALM VII.

O LORD my God, in thee have I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me, and deliver me:

Lest he devour my soul like a lion, and tear it in pieces, while there is none to help.

O Lord my God, if I have done this thing; or if there be any wickedness in my hands;

If I have rewarded evil unto him who dealt friendly with me; (yea, I have delivered him who without any cause is mine enemy ;)

Then let mine enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread my life down upon the earth, and lay mine honor in the dust.

The Lord shall judge the people; give sentence with me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to the integrity that is in me.

O let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end; but guide thou the just.

For the righteous God trieth the very hearts and reins.

My help cometh of God, who preserveth those who are true of heart.

God is a righteous judge; and God is angry with the wicked every day.

I will give thanks unto the Lord, according to his righteousness; and I will praise the name of the Lord most high.

PSALM VIII.

O LORD our God, how excellent is thy name in all the world! thou who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou