Psalm 17

Abraham Coles

2 I make petition, let
My sentence come from Thee:
And let Thine eyes behold what things
Belong to equity.

3 Thou hast my heart oft proved;
Hast come to me at night,
Hast tried me, and hast nothing found
At variance with right.

4 As for the works of men,
I, governed by Thy word,
Have kept myself aloof, and been
From violence deterred:

5 Have held fast to Thy paths;
My feet have firmly stood:
6 Incline, O God, Thine ear to me,
And hear, for Thou art good.

7 Thy wondrous kindness show,
O Thou who savest those
That put their trust in Thee from all
Who rise up and oppose!

8 O guard me, keep me as
The apple of the eye;
Under the shadow of Thy wings,
Let me for shelter fly,

9 From deadly foes that spoil
And compass me around —
10 They proudly speak, they watch each step
11 To hurl me to the ground.

12 He like a lion is,
That's greedy for his prey —
Like a young lion that lies hid
Along the public way.

13 Arise, O Lord, confront.
Cast down and overthrow!
Deliver by Thy sword and hand
From the ungodly foe, —

14 From men whose portion's here,
Whose cravings Thou dost fill,
Who live, enjoy, and what is left
They to their children will.

15 As for myself, Thy face,
In righteousness I'll see;
And when I with Thy likeness wake
I satisfied shall be.