Psalm 34 (Tate & Brady)

1 Through all the changing scenes of life,

in trouble and in joy,

The praises of my God stall still

my heart and tongue employ.

2 Of his deliv'rance I will boast

till all that are distressed,

From my example comfort take,

and charm their griefs to rest.

3 O magnify the Lord with me,

with me exalt his Name;

4 When in distress to him I called,

he to my rescue came.

5 Their drooping hearts were soon refreshed,

who looked to him for aid;

Desired success in ev'ry face

a cheerful air displayed.

6 "Behold," say they, "behold the man

whom Providence relieved;

"So dang'rously with foes beset,

so wondrously retrieved."

7 The hosts of God encamp around

the dwellings of the just;

Deliv'rance he affords to all

who on his succor trust.

8 O make but trial of his love,

experience will decide,

How blessed they are, and only they,

who in his truth confide.

9 Fear him, ye saints, and you will then

have nothing else to fear;

Make you his service your delight,

your wants shall be his care.

10 While hungry lions lack their prey,

the Lord will food provide

For such as put their trust in him,

and see their wants supplied.

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.