The Psalms of David ‎#LI

LI. Thy mercy, Lord, extend to me

1 Thy Mercy, Lord, extend to me,
As thou wert ever kind;
Let me, oppress'd with Loads of guilt,
Thy wonted Mercy find:
Wash off my foul Offence,
And cleanse me from my Sin;
For I confess my Crime, and see
How very great my Guilt hath been.

2 Against thee, O my GOD, alone,
And only in thy Sight,
Have I transgress'd, and tho' condemn'd,
Must own thy Judgment right:
In Guilt each Part was form'd,
Of all this sinful Frame;
In Sin I was conceiv'd and born,
The hapless Heir of Guilt and Shame.

3 Yet thou, whose ever searching Eye,
Does inward Truth require,
In secret did'st with Wisdom's Laws
My tender Soul inspire.
With Hyssop purge me, LORD,
And so I clean shall be;
I shall with Snow in Whiteness vie,
When wahs'd and purify'd by thee.

4 Make me, O LORD, to hear with Joy,
Thy kind forgiving Voice;
That so the Bones which thou hast broke,
May with fresh Strength rejoice.
Blot out my crying Sins,
Nor me in Anger view;
Create in me a Heart that's clean,
A just and upright Mind renew.

Part II

5 Withdraw not thou thy Help, O LORD!
Nor cast me from thy Sight;
Nor let thy Holy Spirit take
Its everlasting Flight.
The Joy thy Favour gives,
Let me again obtain;
And thy free Spirit's firm Support,
My feeble fainting Soul sustain.

6 So I thy just and righteous Ways
To Sinners will impart;
Whilst my Advice shall wicked Men,
To thy just Laws convert.
My Guilt of Blood remove,
My Saviour and my GOD;
And my glad Tongue shall loudly tell,
Thy Truth and righteous Acts abroad.

7 Do thou, O LORD, unlock my Lips,
With Sorrow clos'd, and Shame;
So shall my Mouth thy wond'rous Praise,
To all the World proclaim.
Could Sacrifice atone,
Whole Flocks and Herds should die;
But on such Off'rings, LORD, thou do'st
Disdain to cast a gracious Eye.

8 A humble Spirit is alone,
By GOD most highly priz'd;
By him a contrite broken Heart,
Shall never be despis'd.
Let Sion ever be
Of thy good Will assur'd;
Let thy own City flourish long,
By strong and lofty Walls secur'd.

9 'Tis there the Righteous shall attend,
And pleasing Tribute pay;
And Sacrifice of choicest Kind,
Upon thy Altar lay.

Text Information

• First Line: Thy mercy, Lord, extend to me
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 51
• Topic: Description of: Repentance; Prayers: Of a Sinner to obtain Forgiveness of Sins; Prayers: When zealous for the Knowledge and Fear of God

Tune Information

• Name: [Thy mercy, Lord, extend to me]
• Key: C Major