Judge me, O Lord, for I the paths

1 Judge me, O Lord; for I the Paths
of Righteousness have trod:
I cannot fail, who all my Trust
repose on Thee, my God.
2,3 Search, prove my Heart, whose Innocence
will shine, the more 'tis try'd;
For I have kept thy Grace in View,
and made thy Truth my Guide.

4 I never for Companions took
the Idle or Prophane;
No Hypocrite, with all his Arts,
could e'er my Friendship gain.
5 I hate the busy, plotting Crew,
who make distracted Times;
And shun their wicked Company,
as I avoid their Crimes.

6 I'll wash my Hands in Innocence,
and bring a Heart so pure,
That when thy Altar I approach,
my Welcome shall be sure.
7,8 My Thanks I'll publish there, and tell
how thy Renown excels:
That Seat affords me most Delight,
in which thy Honour dwells.

9 Pass not on me the Sinners Doom,
Who Murder make their Trade;
10 Who others Rights, by secret Bribes,
or open Force, invade.
11 But I will walk in Paths of Truth,
and Innocence pursue;
Protect me therefore, and to me
thy Mercies, Lord, renew.

12 In spite of all assaulting Foes,
I still maintain my Ground;
And shall survive amongst thy Saints,
thy Praises to resound.

Source: A New Version of the Psalms of David: fitted to the Tunes used in Churches #XXVI