019) Psalm 17
8.6.8.6.
1 To just plea and sad complaint, attend, O righteous Lord, And to my pray’r, as ’tis unfeigned, a gracious ear afford.
2 As in thy sight I am approved, so let my sentence be; And with impartial eyes, O Lord, my upright dealing see.
3 For thou hast searched my heart by day, and visited by night; And on the strictest trial found its secret motions right. Nor shall thy justice, Lord, alone my heart’s designs acquit; For I have purposed that my tongue shall no offence commit.
4 I know what wicked men would do their safety to maintain; But me thy just and mild commands from bloody paths restrain.
5 That I may still, in spite of wrongs, my innocence secure;
O guide me in thy righteous ways, and make my footsteps sure.
6 Since heretofore I ne’er in vain to thee my pray’r addressed;
O now, my God, incline thine ear to this my just request.
7 The wonders of thy truth and love in my defense engage;
Thou, whose right hand preserves thy saints from their oppressors’ rage.