Defend me, Lord, from shame, For still I trust in thee (Tate and Brady)

Verse 1

Defend me, Lord, from Shame, for still I trust in Thee: As Just and Righteous is thy Name, from Danger set me free.

Verse 2

Bow down thy gracious Ear, and speedy Succour send: Do Thou my stedfast Rock appear, to shelter and defend.

Verse 3

Since Thou, when Foes oppress, my Rock and Fortress art, To guide me forth from this Distress, thy wonted Help impart.

Verse 4

Release me from the Snare which they have closely laid; Since I, O God my Strength repair to Thee alone for Aid.

Verse 5

To Thee, the God of Truth, my Life, and all that's mine, (For Thou preserv'st me from my Youth,) I willingly resign.

Verse 6

All vain Designs I hate, of those that trust in Lies: And still my Soul, in ev'ry State, to God for Succour flies.

Verse 7

Those Mercies Thou hast shown, I'll chearfully express; For Thou hast seen my Streights, and known my Soul in deep Distress.

Verse 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.

Verse 9

Thy Mercy, Lord, display, and hear my just Complaint; For both my Soul and flesh decay, with Grief and Hunger faint.

Verse 10

Sad Thoughts my Life oppress; my Years are spent in Groans; My Sins have made my Strength decrease, and ev'n consum'd my Bones.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 13

Yet sland'rous Words they speak, and seem my Pow'r to dread; Whilst they together Counsel take, my guiltless Blood to shed.

Verse 14

But still my stedfast Trust, I on thy Help repose: That Thou, my God, art good and just, my Soul with Comfort knows.

Verse 15

Whate'er Events betide, thy Wisdom times them all: Then, Lord, thy Servant safely hide from those that seek his Fall.

Verse 16

The Brightness of thy Face, to me, O Lord, disclose; And, as thy Mercies still increase, preserve me from my Foes.

Verse 17

Me from Dishonour save, who still have call'd on Thee; Let That, and Silence in the Grave, the Sinner's Portion be.

Verse 18

Do Thou their Tongues restrain; whose Breath in Lies is spent; Who false Reports, with proud Disdain, against the Righteous vent.

Verse 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!

Verse 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.

Verse 21

With Glory and Renown God's Name be ever bless'd; Whose Love is Keilab's well-fenc'd Town was wond'rously express'd!

Verse 22

I said, in hasty Flight, "I'm banish'd from thine Eyes:" Yet still Thou keptst me in thy Sight, and heardst my earnest Cries.

Verse 23

O! all ye Saints, the Lord with eager Love pursue; Who to the Just will Help afford, and give the Proud their Due.

Verse 24

Ye that on God rely, couragiously proceed; For He will yet your Hearts supply with Strength, in Time of Need.