Psalm 39
Here we have, (1.) Violent struggling in the psalmist's own breast between grace and corruption; between passion and patience, ver. 1-3, 11. (2.) Serious views of human frailty, shortness of life, and self-emptiness, ver. 4-6. (3.) Strong cries to God, for pardon of sin, preservation from reproach, and for removal of trouble; for hearing and answering of prayer, and for lengthening out of life, till further preparation for death should be attained, ver. 7-13.
While I sing, let my soul blush deep, for the untenderness and want of circumspection, in my life, and for my want of resignation to God's disposing will. Let me be suitably affected with the shortness, vanity, and uncertainty of my temporal life. Let me be always exercised in earnest prayer to, and believing dependence on God, as my companion and friend.
Read or sing this psalm in the Scottish Psalter or the Bay Psalm Book.