A New Version of the Psalms of David :: :: University of Virginia Library

Soon as the Night forsakes the Air,
To Thee I'll make my morning Pray'r;
Ev'n at the early Dawn of Day
My Supplication I'll direct
To Thee with pure devout Respect,
Look out and for an Answer stay.

God do's in Ill no Pleasure take,
Nor with the Wicked Friendship make,
Nor in their Evil Ways delight;

But hates them, who in Sin rejoyce,
And make Iniquity their Choice,
And will not bear them in his Sight.

God to destroy such Men is bent,
Who Slanders spread, and Lyes invent,
To blast their blameless Neighbour's Name;
Nor do's he less abhor their Ways,
Who seek by Blood or Fraud to raise
Their Profit, or increase their Fame.

But I, by Goodness often prov'd,
And Thy abundant Mercy mov'd,
Will to Thy Sacred House repair;
And in thy Fear and Righteousness
I'll to thy Holy Place address
Low Adoration, Praise and Pray'r.

Since o'er my Steps my Foes are Spies,
Lord, guide my Heart and make me wise,
That I may always walk upright,
That Innocence I may maintain,
Nor err from Truth, make smooth and plain
Thy Righteous Ways before my Sight.

In specious Words they Hate conceal,
And feed within an eager Zeal,
By guileful Words my Name to wrong;
Their rav'ning Throat with Slaughter fed
Swallows, like open Tombs, the Dead,
And false and flattering is their Tongue.

Condemn them, Lord, as guilty all,
And let them by the Counsels fall
Fram'd in their own deceitful Mind;
Since they against Thee have rebell'd,
Let the Transgressors be expell'd,
Nor here a peaceful Dwelling find.

But you may Triumph, who confide
In God your safe Defence and Guide;
You, who his holy Name respect,
By your loud Shouts your Joys express,

For God will sure the Righteous bless,
And as a Buckler, them protect.