The Psalms of David ‎#16

16. Preserve me, Lord, in time of need

1 Preserve me, Lord, in time of need,
For succour to thy throne I flee,
But have no merits there to plead:
My goodness cannot reach to thee.

2 Oft have my heart and tongue confest
How empty and how poor I am;
My praise can never make thee blest,
Nor add new glories to thy name.

3 Yet, Lord, thy saints on earth may reap
Some profit by the good we do;
These are the company I keep,
These are the choicest friends I know.

4 Let others choose the songs of mirth
To give a relish to their wine;
I love the men of heav’nly birth,
Whose thoughts and language are divine.

Part II.

5 How fast their guilt and sorrows rise,
Who haste to seek some idol-god!
I will not taste their sacrifice,
Their off'rings of forbidden blood.

6 My God provides a richer cup,
And nobler food to live upon:
He for my life has offer'd up
Jesus, his best beloved son.

7 His love is my perpetual feast;
By day his counsels guide me right;
And be his name for ever blest,
Who gives me sweet advice by night.

8 I set him still before mine eyes;
At my right hand he stands prepar'd
To keep my soul from all surprise,
And be my everlasting guard.

Part III.

9 When God is nigh, my faith is strong,
His arm is my almighty prop:
Be glad my heart, rejoice my tongue,
My dying flesh shall rest in hope.

10 Though in the dust I lay my head,
Yet, gracious God, thou wilt not leave
My soul for ever with the dead,
Nor lose thy children in the grave.

11 My flesh shall thy first call obey,
Shake off the dust, and rise on high;
Then shalt thou lead the wond'rous way
Up to the throne above the sky.

12 There streams of endless pleasure flow;
And full discoveries of thy grace
(Which we but tasted here below)
Spread heavenly joys through all the place.

Text Information

• First Line: Preserve me, Lord, in time of need
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1789
• Scripture:
  Psalm 16

Tune Information

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