University of Virginia Library

Psalme X.

[VVithdraw not, O my God, my guid]

[Part 1.]

VVithdraw not, O my God, my guid:
In time of trouble dost thou hide
Thy cheerfull face?
Who want thy Grace,
The poore pursue with cruell pride:
O be they by their owne
Inventions overthrowne.

The wicked boast of their successe;
The covetous profanely blesse,
By thee, O Lord,
So much abhorr'd.

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12

Their pride will not thy power confesse;
Nor have thy favour sought,
Or had of thee a thought.

They in oppression take delight;
Thy Judgements farre above their sight:
Their enemies
Scoffe and despise:
Who say in heart, No opposite
Can us remove, nor shall
Our greatnesse ever fall.

Their mouths detested curses fill;
Fraud, mischiefe; ever prone to ill:
In secret they
Lurke to betray;
The Innocent in corners kill:
His eyes with fierce intent
Upon the poore are bent.

Part. 2.

He like a Lion in his den,
Awaits to catch oppressed men,
Who unaware
Light in his snare.
His couched limbs contracts, that then
with all his strength he may
Rush on his wretched prey.

His heart hath said, God hath forgot;
He hides his face, he mindes it not.
Arise, O Lord,
Draw thy just sword;
Nor out of thy remembrance blot
The poore and desolate:
O shield them from his hate!

Why should the wicked God despise,
And say he lookes with carelesse eyes?
Their well seene spight
Thou shalt requite.
The poore, O Lord, on Thee relies;
Thou help'st the fatherlesse,
Whom cruell men oppresse.

Asunder breake the armes of those,
VVho ill affect, and good oppose:

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13

Their crimes explore,
Untill no more
Lurke in their bosomes to disclose:
Eternall King, thy Hand
Hath chac'd them from thy Land.

Lord, thou hast heard thy Servants prayer;
Thou wilt their humble hearts prepare:
Thy gracious Eare
Inclin'd to heare.
The Fatherlesse, and worne with care
Judge thou; that Mortalls may
No more with outrage sway.