PSALM CXXXIII. THE Hebrews have nothing that corresponds with those fables, to which the Greek and Roman poets have recourse, when amplification is required: nor can we be surprized that imagery so consecrated, so dignified by religion and antiquity, and yet of so obvious and established acceptation as to be intelligible to the meanest understanding, should supply abundant and suitable materials for this purpose. The sacred poets, therefore, resort in this case chiefly to the imagery of nature; and this they make use of, indeed, with so much elegance and freedom, that we have no cause to re gret the want of those fictions, to which other nations have recourse. To express or delineate prosperity and opulence, a comparison is assumed from the cedar, or the palm;* if the form of ma The frequent recurrence for metaphorical expressions to natural objects, and particularly to plants and to trees, is so characteristic of the Hebrew poetry, that it might be almost called the botanical poetry. This circumstance, however, is not at all extraordinary, if we consider that the greater part of that people were occupied with tilling the earth, and keeping their flocks; and further that the culti jesty, or external beauty is to be depicted, Leba non, or Carmel is presented to our view. Sometimes they are furnished with imagery from their religious rites, at once beautiful, dignified, and sa cred. In both these modes, the Psalmist most elegantly extols the pleasures and advantages of fraternal concord in this psalm.-Lowтн, Lect. 12. These few select examples of the elegant and beautiful in lyric composition, I have pointed out for your more attentive consideration; (see Psalm xxiii.) and I am of opinion, that in all the treasures of the Muses you will seek in vain for models more perfect. I will add one other specimen, which, if I am not mistaken, is expressive of the true lyric form and character; and compresses in a small compass all the merits and elegance incidental to that species of composition. It is, if I may be vation of poetry, instead of being confined to the learned, was so generally diffused, that every valley re-echoed the #ongs of the shepherds. Hence in the very few remains of the Hebrew writings which are come down to us, I mean the Scriptures, there are upwards of 250 botanical terms, which none use so frequently as the poets: and this circumstance gives, I think, an air of pastoral elegance to their poetry, which any modern writer will emulate in vain. MICHAELIS, allowed to use the expression of a very polite writer, A drop from Helicon, a flower Cull'd from the Muses' fav'rite bower.* The Psalmist contemplating the harmony which pervaded the solemn assembly of the people, at the celebration of one of their festivals, expresses himself nearly as follows:-LowтH, Lect. 26. PSALM CXXXIII. How blest the sight, the joy how sweet, Less sweet the liquid fragrance, shed Ran trickling from above; And reach'd his beard, and reach'd his vest: Or Sion's hill descend: That hill has God with blessings crown'd, There promis'd grace that knows no bound, DR. GREGORY. * Callimach. Hymn. in Apo.l. v. 112. PSALM CXXXIII. Brethren's love and amity: It is like that balmy ointment, Consecrate by God's appointment, Upon Aaron's sacred head; Which, unto his beard distilling, And along his vesture trilling, real wo Did embalm the very hem, And the nether skirts of them. As the dew so fat, so pearly affe Waters Hermon late, and early, A Clothing Sion's sacred hill Like to Ver, and Flora still: So where this kind band is holden Firmly, still the age is golden, 1012 10 BRYAN, MS. PSALM CXXXIII. O BLEST estate! blest from above! Which trickled from his beard and breast, 'Tis like the pearls of dew that drop Or which the smiling heav'ns distill For God hath there his favour plac'd, And joy, which shall for ever last. SANDY'S. PSALM CXXXIV. You, who the Lord adore, And at his altar wait, Who keep your watch before The threshold of his gate; His praises sing By silent night, |