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Psalms 15

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The proper character of a citizen of Zion.

A Psalm of David.

1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

2. He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

5. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Metrical version

Psalm 15

C.M. Bristol

Within thy tabernacle, LORD,
who shall abide with thee?
And in thy high and holy hill
who shall a dweller be?

The man that walketh uprightly,
and worketh righteousness,
And as he thinketh in his heart,
so doth he truth express.

Who doth not slander with his tongue,
nor to his friend doth hurt;
Nor yet against his neighbour doth
take up an ill report.

In whose eyes vile men are despised;
but those that GOD do fear
He honoureth; and changeth not,
though to his hurt he swear.

His coin puts not to usury,
nor take reward will he
Against the guiltless. Who doth thus
shall never moved be.
Here let me, (1.) With wonder, observe the happy state of present fellowship with God in his church on earth, and of everlasting fellowship with him in the temple above; and how fixed the saints are in this their new-covenant state, ver. 1, 5. (2.) Let me with self- examination, remark the discriminating characters of such as are admitted to that happy state: They are sincere, upright and honest in all their ways; they are kind to neighbours; they esteem others in proportion to the appearance of Christ's image on them; and they prefer a good conscience to every earthly advantage, ver. 2-5.


While I sing, let me think of my perfect and all- sufficient Saviour, who is passed into the heavens; is entered there for me, as the forerunner. And, having received him into my heart, as my sanctifying furniture, let me walk in him as my way, and follow him as my pattern, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and living soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. Thus shall the Father and the Son come unto me on earth, and take up their abode with me; and so shall I in heaven be for ever with the Lord.