LYRICS
| Meter: | 8 6 8 6 (C.M.)
| | Writer(s): | Nicholas Brady & Nahum Tate
| | Transl/Adapt: |
| | Dates: | 1696
| | Bible Refs: | Ps 17:1-5
| A New Version of the Psalms of David
| 1821
| 17
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| 1. To my just plea and sad complaint,
attend, O righteous Lord,
And to my pray'r, as 'tis unfeigned,
a gracious ear afford.
2. As in thy sight I am approved,
so let my sentence be;
And with impartial eyes, O Lord,
my upright dealing see.
3. For thou hast searched my heart by day,
and visited by night;
And on the strictest trial found
its secret motions right.
4. Nor shall thy justice, Lord, alone
my heart's designs acquit;
For I have purposed that my tongue
shall no offence commit.
5. I know what wicked men would do
their safety to maintain;
But me thy just and mild commands
from bloody paths restrain.
6. That I may still, in spite of wrongs,
my innocence secure;
O guide me in thy righteous ways,
and make my footsteps sure.
7. Since heretofore I ne'er in vain
to thee my pray'r addressed;
O now, my God, incline thine ear
to this my just request.
8. The wonders of thy truth and love
in my defense engage;
Thou, whose right hand preserves thy saints
from their oppressors' rage.
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