The Psalms of David ‎#CXL

CXL. Preserve me, LORD from crafty Foes

1 Preserve me, LORD, from crafty Foes
Of base and treacherous Intent;
And from the Sons of Violence,
On Strife and open Mischief bent.

2 Their sland'ring Tongues the Serpent's Sting,
Though keen, in Sharpness does exceed:
Between their Lips the Gall of Asps
And Adder's mortal Venom breed.

3 Preserve me, LORD, from wicked Hands,
Nor leave my helpless Soul forlorn,
A Prey to Sons of Violence,
Who have my utter Ruin sworn.

4 The Proud for me have laid their Snare,
And spread abroad their wily Net;
With Traps and Gins, where e'er I move,
I find my dang'rous Steps beset.

5 But thus, environ'd with Distress,
Thou art my only GOD, I said;
LORD, hear my supplicating Voice,
That calls to thee for Aid.

6 O LORD, the GOD, whose saving Strength,
Kind Succour did to me convey;
And cover'd my advent'rous Head,
In the fierce Battle's doubtful Day.

7 Permit not their unjust Designs
To answer their base Heart's Desire;
Lest they, encourag'd by Success,
Should yet to bolder Crimes aspire.

8 Let first their Chiefs the sad Effects
Of their unjust Oppression mourn;
The Blast of their envenom'd Breath,
Do thou upon themselves return.

9 Let them, who kindled first the Flame,
The first it's Sacrifice become;
The Pit Which they design'd for me,
Be made their own untimely Tomb.

10 Though Sland'rer's Breath may raise a Storm,
That fleeting Breath will quick decay;
Their Rage does but the Torrent swell,
That bears themselves by Force away.

11 GOD will assert the poor Man's Cause,
And speedy Help and Succour give;
The Just shall celebrate his Praise,
And in his Presence ever live.

Text Information

• First Line: Preserve me, LORD from crafty Foes
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 140
• Topic: Description of: Slander and Backbiting; Prayers: When percecuted; Prophecies: Prophetical Curses against the Enemies and Persecutors of the Chruch

Tune Information

• Name: [Preserve me, Lord, from crafty Foes]
• Key: C Major