1 Defend me, Lord, from shame,
for still I trust in thee:
As just and righteous is thy Name,
from danger set me free.
2 Bow down thy gracious ear,
and speedy succour send;
Do thou my stadfast rock appear,
to shelter and defend.
3 Since thou, when foes oppress,
my rock and fortress art,
To guide me forth from this distress,
thy wonted help impart.
4 Release me from the snare,
which they have closely laid;
Since I, O God, my strength, repair
to thee alone for aid.
5 To thee, the God of truth,
my life, and all that’s mine,
(For thou preserv’dst me from my youth,)
I willingly resign.
6 All vain designs I hate
of those that trust in lies;
And still my soul, in every state,
to God for succour flies.
Part II
7 Those mercies thou hast shown,
I’ll cheerfully express;
For thou hast seen my straits, and known
my soul in deep distress.
8 When Keilah’s treach'rous race
did all my strength inclose,
Thou gav’st my feet a larger space,
to shun my watchful foes.
9 Thy mercy, Lord, display,
and hear my just complaint;
For both my soul and flesh decay,
with grief and hunger faint.
10 Sad thoughts my life oppress;
my years are spent in groans;
My sins have made my strength decrease,
and e’en consum'd my bones.
11 My foes my suff'rings mock'd,
my neighbours did upbraid;
My friends, at sight of me, were shock'd,
and fled, as men dismay'd.
12 Forsook by all am I,
as dead, and out of mind;
And like a shatter'd vessel lie,
whose parts can ne’er be join'd.
13 Yet sland'rous words they speak,
and seem my pow'r to dread;
Whilst they together counsel take,
my guiltless blood to shed.
14 But still my stedfast trust
I on thy help repose;
That thou, my God, art good and just,
my soul with comfort knows.
Part III
15 Whate’er events betide,
thy wisdom times them all;
Then, Lord, thy servant safely hide
from those that seek his fall.
16 The brightness of thy face,
to me, O Lord, disclose;
And, as thy mercies still increase,
preserve me from my foes.
17 Me from dishonour save,
who still have call'd on thee;
Let that, and silence in the grave,
the sinner’s portion be.
18 Do thou their tongues restrain,
whose breath in lies is spent;
Who false reports, with proud disdain,
against the righteous vent.
19 How great thy mercies are
to such as fear thy Name;
Which thou for those that trust thy care,
dost to the world proclaim!
20 Thou keep’st them in thy sight,
from proud oppressors free;
From tongues that do in strife delight,
they are preserv'd by thee.
21 With glory and renown
God’s name be ever bless'd;
Whose love, in Keilah’s well-fenc'd town
was wond'rously express'd!
22 I said, in hasty flight,
I’m banished from thine eyes;"
Yet still thou keep'st me in thy sight,
and heard'st my earnest cries.
23 O! all ye saints, the Lord
with eager love pursue;
Who to the just will help afford,
and give the proud their due.
24 Ye that on God rely,
courageously proceed;
For he will still your hearts supply
with strength, in time of need.
Source: The Whole Book of Psalms: in metre; with hymns suited to the feasts and fasts of the church, and other occasions of public worship #XXXI
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