A New Version of the Psalms of David ‎#294

294. Preserve me, Lord, from crafty Foes

1 Preserve me, Lord, from crafty Foes
of treacherous Intent;
2 And from the Sons of Violence,
on open Mischief bent.
3 Their sland'ring Tongues the Serpent's Sting
in Sharpness does exceed:
Between their Lips the Gall of Asps
and Adders Venom breed.

4 Preserve me, Lord, from wicked Hands,
nor leave my Soul forlorn,
A Prey to Sons of Violence,
who have my Ruin sworn.
5 The Proud for me have laid their Snare,
and spread their wily Net;
With Traps and Gins where-e'er I move,
I find my Steps beset.

6 But thus environ'd with Distress,
thou art my God I said;
Lord, hear my supplicating Voice,
that calls to thee for Aid.
7 O Lord, the God whose saving Strength
kind Succour did convey,
And cover'd my advent'rous Head
in Battle's doubtful Day;

8 Permit not their unjust Designs
to answer their Desire;
Lest they, encourag'd by Success,
to bolder Crimes aspire.
9 Let first their Chiefs the sad Effects
of their Injustice mourn;
The Blast of their envenom'd Breath,
upon themselves return.

10 Let them who kindled first the Flame,
its Sacrifice become;
The Pit they digg'd for me, be made
their own untimely Tomb.
11 Tho' Slander's Breath may raise a Storm,
it quickly will decay;
Their Rage does but the Torrent swell,
that bears themselves away.

12 God will assert the poor Man's Cause,
and speedy Succour give;
The Just shall celebrate his Praise,
and in his Presence live.

Text Information

• First Line: Preserve me, Lord, from crafty Foes
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1754
• Scripture:
  Psalm 140

Tune Information

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