PRESERVE me, Lord, in time of need;

PRESERVE me, Lord, in time of need; For succour to Thy throne I flee, But have no merits there to plead; My goodness cannot reach to Thee.

Oft have my heart and tongue confess'd How empty and how poor I am; My praise can never make Thee bless'd, Nor add new glories to Thy name.

Yet, Lord, Thy saints on earth may reap Some profit by the good we do; These are the company I keep, These are the choicest friends I know.

Let others choose the sons of mirth To give a relish to their wine; I love the men of heav'nly birth, Whose thoughts and language are divine.