Psalm XVI

Preserve me, oh my God; on thee alone
With humble confidence my soul relies,
By thee encourag'd, oft with holy pleasure,
Yet mix'd with trembling, I have made my claim
To thy regard, and said, thou art my God.
But oh, to thee my best, and noblest service
Is poor and worthless! yet their good who love thee,
I would consult; where'er thy image dwells
My soul delights, and I would show thy saints
How much my heart reveres that excellence
Which bears the blest resemblance of my God.

Unnumbered woes shall be their fatal lot,
Who follow Idol Gods: their impious rites
I will not join, nor shall my faithful lips
But with abhorrence e'er pronounce their names.
The Lord is mine, the portion of my choice,
My sure support, my blest inheritance.

Thy favour, (O my God, my happy lot
Continue still,) is all my wish, my joy.
Thy gracious hand has, with indulgent care,
Mark'd out my lines; my prospects all serene;
A pleasant heritage, an ample share
Of every good! O let me bless the Lord,
Whose heavenly counsel guides my doubting soul,
While in the silent watches of the night
Instructive meditation warms my heart.

The Lord is ever near, my guard, my guide:
Blest with his presence, what can e'er remove
The lasting basis of my sacred joys?
Exulting gladness fills my grateful heart,
And bids my tongue and all my powers rejoice.
This flesh, this dying frame shall rest in hope
To rise, and join anew the parting soul;
For thou wilt never leave me in the grave,
Nor can a pure refin'd etherial spirit
E'er mingle with the dust and foul corruption.

Thy hand shall guide me in the path of life:
The path of life to thy bright presence leads,
The boundless ocean of immortal joy;
To thy right hand, where pleasures all divine
Triumphant smile in everlasting bloom.