Psalm 17

HEar my right cause, O Lord, attend
when I cry and complain,
And hear my pray'r which cometh forth
from lips that do not fain.
And from thy presence let a just
decree come forth for me;
With favour let thine eyes behold
the things that equal be.

Thou visitedst me in the night,
and prov'dst my heart and mind,
And thou hast me as metals tri'd,
yet shalt no falshood find.
The words which with my mouth I speak,
shall not in any wise
Exceed, or vary from the thoughts
which in mine heart do rise.

As for the works of men, the word
that from thy mouth proceeds
Hath kept me from destroyers paths,
and following their deeds.
Sustain my goings in thy paths,
and in that prosperous way
Which thou preparest, that my feet
slip not, nor state decay.

Upon thee have I call'd, O God,
for thou wilt surely hear;
My Prayer then accept, and to
my speech incline thine ear.
Thy marvellous loving kindnesse shew,
thou that by thy right hand
Sav'st those that put their trust in thee,
from those that them withstand.

The Second Part.

O keep me now as thou wouldst keep
the apple of thine eye,
Under the shadow of thy wings
hide me continually,
From all that me oppresse and waste,
and from that wicked scout,
Who are my deadly enemies,
and compasse me about.

They are inclos'd in their own far
of plenty, peace, and ease,
And with their mouth they proudly speak,
and utter what they please;
And in the way wherein we walk,
have compassed us round,
And narrowly have watched us,
to bow us to the ground.

Like to a Lion that his prey
pursueth greedily,
Like a young Lion lurking in
his places secretly.
Arise, prevent him, Lord, and cast
him down in righteousnesse,
And by thy sword from wicked men
save my soul in distresse.

By thine hand from men of this world,
who in this life obtain
Large portions, Lord, their belly thou
fillest with welcome gain
Of thy reserved treasure, they
In children multiply,
And of their substance leave the rest
to their babes when they dye.

But as for me, I will behold
thy face in righteousnesse,
I shall be satisfied, when I
awake, with thy likenesse.