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Hymnal: The Psalms of David #CXL (1767) Lyrics: 1 Preserve me, LORD, from crafty Foes
Of base and treacherous Intent;
And from the Sons of Violence,
On Strife and open Mischief bent.
2 Their sland'ring Tongues the Serpent's Sting,
Though keen, in Sharpness does exceed:
Between their Lips the Gall of Asps
And Adder's mortal Venom breed.
3 Preserve me, LORD, from wicked Hands,
Nor leave my helpless Soul forlorn,
A Prey to Sons of Violence,
Who have my utter Ruin sworn.
4 The Proud for me have laid their Snare,
And spread abroad their wily Net;
With Traps and Gins, where e'er I move,
I find my dang'rous Steps beset.
5 But thus, environ'd with Distress,
Thou art my only GOD, I said;
LORD, hear my supplicating Voice,
That calls to thee for Aid.
6 O LORD, the GOD, whose saving Strength,
Kind Succour did to me convey;
And cover'd my advent'rous Head,
In the fierce Battle's doubtful Day.
7 Permit not their unjust Designs
To answer their base Heart's Desire;
Lest they, encourag'd by Success,
Should yet to bolder Crimes aspire.
8 Let first their Chiefs the sad Effects
Of their unjust Oppression mourn;
The Blast of their envenom'd Breath,
Do thou upon themselves return.
9 Let them, who kindled first the Flame,
The first it's Sacrifice become;
The Pit Which they design'd for me,
Be made their own untimely Tomb.
10 Though Sland'rer's Breath may raise a Storm,
That fleeting Breath will quick decay;
Their Rage does but the Torrent swell,
That bears themselves by Force away.
11 GOD will assert the poor Man's Cause,
And speedy Help and Succour give;
The Just shall celebrate his Praise,
And in his Presence ever live. Topics: Description of Slander and Backbiting; Prayers When percecuted; Prophecies Prophetical Curses against the Enemies and Persecutors of the Chruch Scripture: Psalm 140 Languages: English Tune Title: [Preserve me, Lord, from crafty Foes]
Preserve me, LORD from crafty Foes