1 My trust is in my heav'nly friend,
My hope in thee my God;
Rise and my helpless life defend,
From those that seek my blood.
2 With insolence and fury they,
My soul to pieces tear,
As hungry lions rend the prey
When no deliverer’s near.
3 If I my pride provok'd them first,
Or once abus'd my foe,
Then let them tread my life to dust,
And lay mine honour low.
4 If there be malice found in me,
I know thy piercing eyes;
I should not dare appeal to thee,
Nor ask my God to rise.
5 Arise, my God, lift up thy hand,
Their pride and pow'r control;
Awake to judgment, and command
Deliv'rance for my soul.
6 Let sinners and their wicked rage
Be humbled to the dust;
Shall not the God of truth engage
To vindicate the just?
7 He knows the heart, he tries the reins,
He will defend th’upright:
His sharpest arrows he ordains
Against the sons of spite.
8 Tho' leagu'd in guile their malice spread,
A snare before my way:
Their mischiefs on their impious head,
His vengeance shall repay.
9 That cruel persecuting race
Must feel his dreadful sword;
Awake my soul, and praise the grace
And justice of the Lord.
Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.VII