The Psalms of David in meter fitted to the tunes used in parish-churches / by John Patrick ...

PSALM XVII.

[As the 100 Psalm.]

[ 1] FAlsely accus'd, to thee I fly, Hear, O thou righteous Judge, my cry; And let my Pray'r thy Audience gain, That goes not out of Lips that feign. [ 2] In Favour of me Sentence pass, Who know'st the right of every case. [ 3] Thou searchest every thought of mine, And, when retir'd, what I design. Like Gold, when in the furnace try'd, In me thou'st no base Mixture spy'd; And my firm purpose still shall be, To make my words and thoughts agree.

[ 4] I've not, when tempted, steer'd my course By common practice or the worse; Thy word restrains me from defence Procur'd by Acts of Violence. [ 5] Let nothing make me to decline Those safe and blessed paths of thine. [ 6] Trusting my God will not deny To right my cause, to him I cry. [ 7] Thy kindness will the more appear, Preserving me when danger's near: Whose pow'r is wont to interpose, To save the Righteous from their foes.

Part II.

[ 8] Preserve me with that tender care To th' apple of our Eye we bear: Afford such safety to the good, As the Hen's wings do to her brood. [ 9] Now, Lord, secure me in distress, From wicked men who me oppress: From foes for cruelty renown'd, Who to destroy beset me round. [ 10] Full stufft with Wealth, and swoln with pride, Their Mouths in boasting open wide: [ 11] And now we're brought into a Streight, With poring Looks our ruine wait. [ 12] No Lion's greedier for his prey, Nor young ones closer lurk than they. [ 13] Arise, O Lord, defeat and cast Them down, who to my ruine haste.

The wicked's sword may wound me sore, But save me from its killing pow'r. [ 14] From men prepar'd with strength and skill If God give leave, to do all ill. Whose minds the World do's so bewitch, Their onely care is to be rich, And leave to their Posterity Th' unspent remainder, when they die. [ 15] To me tho' poor, but innocent, Thy present favour gives content; Who shall all Satisfaction gain, When I awake with thee to reign.