Psalm LVI

By W. Barton.

Have mercy, Lord, on me,
Whom man would make a prey;
Behold how he oppresseth me,
Contending every day.

They that mine enemies be,
Would daily me devour;
For multitudes against me fight,
O thou of highest pow'r.

What time soever, Lord,
I am of such afraid,
Even then will I trust faithfully
On thy assured aid.

In God I'le praise his word,
In God my trust shall be;
And secure there, I will not fear
What flesh can do to me.

My words they utter wrong,
And wrest them every day;
Their thoughts are still to work me ill
In whatsoe're they say.

They altogether throng,
They hide themselves likewise;
They lie at catch, my steps they watch,
My life for to surprize.

Thall they escape so well
In this their wicked path?
Upon them frown, and, Lord cast down
This people in thy wrath.

Thou dost my wandrings tell,
Let down thy bottle, Lord,
And put in there each briny tear,
Are they not on record?

When I shall cry to thee,
It puts to sudden flight
My daunted foe; and this I know,
For God defends my right.

In God enabling me,
I will his word proclaim;
Yea, in the Lord will I record
His word's due praise and fame.

In God alone have I
Repos'd my trust for aid;
Let mortal man do what he can,
I will not be afraid.

Thy Vows upon me lye;
Lord, I must pay the same:
And I always will render praise
To thy most holy name.

For thou my soul hast freed
From death so near at had;
And wilt not thou uphold me now,
And make my feet to stand?
That I may still proceed
To walk as in thy sight;
And spend my days unto thy praise
With them that live in light.