Psalms 18-19

Psalm 18 (2 of 3)

1 NO change of times shall ever shock My firm affection, Lord, to Thee; For Thou hast always been my rock, A fortress and defence to me.

2 Thou my deliv'rer art, my God, My trust is in Thy mighty power;

Thou art my shield from foes abroad, At home my safeguard and my tower.

3 Let the eternal Lord be praised, The rock on whose defence I rest;

O'er highest heavens His name be raised, Who me with His salvation blest.

4 Therefore to celebrate His fame My grateful voice to heav'n I'll raise; And nations, strangers to His name. Shall thus be taught to sing His praise.

Tate and Brady, 1696.

Psalm 18 (3 of 3)

1 JUST are Thy ways, and true Thy Word, Great Rock of my secure abode: Who is a God beside the Lord? Or where's a refuge like our God?

2 'Tis He that girds me with His might, Gives me His holy sword to wield: And while with sin and hell I fight, Spreads His salvation for my shield.

3 He lives, (and blessed be my Rock!) The God of my salvation lives; The dark designs of hell are broke;

Sweet is the peace my Father gives.

4 Before the scoffers of the age, I will exalt my Father's name; Nor tremble at their mighty rage, But meet reproach, and bear the shame.

5 To David and his royal seed Thy grace for ever shall extend:

Thy love to saints, in Christ their head, Knows not a limit, nor an end.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

Psalm 19

1 THE heavens declare Thy glory, Lord; In ev'ry star Thy wisdom shines; But when our eyes behold Thy word, We read Thy name in fairer lines.

2 Bun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise Round the whole earth, and never stand; So when Thy truth began its race, It touch'd and glanced on ev'ry land.

3 Nor shall Thy spreading gospel rest, Till through the world Thy truth has run;

Till Christ has all the nations blest That see the light, or feel the sun.

4 Great Sun of Righteousness, arise, Bless the dark world with heavenly light;

Thy gospel makes the simple wise;

Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.

5 Thy noblest wonders here we view, In souls renew'd, and sins forgiven:

Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew, And make Thy word my guide to heaven.

Isaac Watts, 1719.