052) The Second Part.

The Second Part.

11 Approach, ye piously disposed, and my instruction hear:

I’ll teach you the true discipline of his religious fear.

12 Let him, who length of life desires, and prosp’rous days would see, 13 From sland’ring language keep his tongue, his lips from falsehood free.

14 The crooked paths of vice decline, and virtue’s ways pursue;

Establish peace where ’tis begun, and where ’tis lost renew.

15 The Lord from heav’n beholds the just with favorable eyes;

And, when distressed, his gracious ear is open to their cries:

16 But turns his wrathful look on those, whom mercy can’t reclaim, To cut them off, and from the earth blot out their hated name.

17 Deliv’rance to his saints he gives, when his relief they crave;

18 He’s nigh to heal the broken heart, and contrite spirit save.

19 The wicked oft, but still in vain, against the just conspire;

20 For under their affliction’s weight he keeps their bones entire.

21 The wicked from their wicked arts their ruin shall derive;

While righteous men, whom they detest, shall them and theirs survive.

22 For God preserves the souls of those who on his truth depend, To them and their posterity his blessings shall descend.

___________________