Psalm 71

Abraham Coles

Since Thou my rescue hast decreed —
My Cliff, My Fort, in time of need —
4 Now my deliverance command
Out of the wicked's cruel hand!
5 Thou art my Hope, my Trust — Thy truth,
Have I relied on from my youth.

6 Yea, from the womb have leaned on Thee;
Thou art my praise continually;
Many me as a wonder rate,
7 But Thou'rt my Refuge, strong and great;
8 I, all the day, will sing Thy praise.
And to the stars Thy glory raise.

9 Cast me not off in my old age:
When failing powers my end presage,
10 Do not forsake me: but disclose
How false is the pretence of foes,
11 Who say — their malice peeping through —
"There's none to rescue, take! pursue!"

12 Haste to my help! O be not far!
13 Confound, consume all those who are
Foes of my life. Lay in the dirt
The evil men that seek my hurt.
14 But I'll still hope, and thanks will pour,
And love and praise Thee more and more.

15 My mouth shall tell Thy righteous acts;
And all the day rehearse the facts
16 Of Thy salvation — mighty deeds
Which all arithmetic exceeds —
I will Thy righteousness make known
And speak of it, and it alone.

17 Lord! from my youth Thou hast me taught
To sing the wonders Thou hast wrought.
18 Forsake me not, now I am old —
I would Thy saving power unfold
To every one that is to come,
Ere yet my mouth and lips are dumb.

19 Who is like Thee, so great, so high.
Whose righteousness surmounts the sky?
20 Thou, who hast showed me troubles sore,
Shalt quicken and again restore;
21 My greatness shalt make greater still,
And me with every comfort fill.

22 With psaltery and harp and voice
23 I'll sing Thy praises and rejoice!
24 Thy truth and faithfulness will tell,
O Holy One of Israel!
Thy righteousness shall all day long
Be the sweet subject of my song.