PSALM LXVIII. (Old 113th, proper) This sublime and beautiful Psalm is appointed by the Church for Whitsunday. It seems to have been composed on the joyful occasion of the removal of the ark to Mount Zion, I Chron. xx. and prophetically celebrates the ascension of MESSIAH, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the conversion of the Gentiles. 1 L ET GOD, the immortal GOD, arise; The widow's GOD and Friend. 2 The great JEHOVAH gave the word; 3 The Church of CHRIST, ye saints, behold, 4 See, hosts of angels fill the sky; For fallen man the Conqueror bled, 5 Lo! Sion's portals wide expand; Gentiles around her altars stand, With one divine accord: : Sing praise to GOD; O praise His name: PSALM LXVIII. ver. 17 & 18. (L.M.) 1 LORD, when Thou didst ascend on high, 2 Not Sinai's mountain could appear 3 How bright the triumph none can tell, 4 Rais'd by Thy Father to Thy throne, 5 Kingdoms and thrones to GOD belong; 6 By His right hand His saints shall rise, PSALM LXIX. (L. M.) Appointed by the Church for Good-Friday. MESSIAH describes his sufferings for the sins of men; makes his prayer to JEHOVAH; foretels the judgments of Heaven on the Jews, and the salvation of Zion. 1 SAVE me, O GOD, MESSIAH pray'd, 2 My spirit fails, my throat is dry, 3 Rebuke hath broke my anxious heart; 4 Hear, LORD, in tender mercy hear, 5 The humble shall behold and praise; Let heav'n and earth their anthems raise; While foes to truth, who hate the light, 6 O LORD, arise; Thy Zion save From chains of darkness and the grave; PSALM LXX. (C. M.) This Psalm occurs, without any material deviation, in Psalm 40-verse 13th, to the end. IO LORD, make haste, deliv'rance send, In my behalf arise: Dangers surround; my GOD, defend; 2 Let all who seek Thy face above, 3 Though poor and needy, since by Thee I'll trust in Thee, and daily say, 4 Thou my deliv'rer art, O LORD, PSALM LXXI. (S. M.) The Psalmist, sorely distressed in his old age, by the rebellion of Absalom, prays for divine assistance, pleads the righteousness and promise of GOD, and expresses his faith, hope, and gratitude, in the prospect of final redemption. 1 IN Thee, O GOD, my LORD, 2 Since first I drew my breath. 3 When life and strength decays, 4 Forsake me not, O LORD, My refuge, shield, and tow'r; 5 1'll go forth in Thy strength, 6 Thy love in dangers past Shall all my fears controul; I'll trust Thy love while dangers last, |