A New Version of the Psalms of David ‎#LI

LI. Have mercy, Lord, on me

1 Have Mercy, Lord, on me,
as Thou wert ever kind;
Let me, oppress'd with Loads of Guilt,
thy wonted Mercy find.
2,3 Wash off my foul Offence,
and cleanse me from my Sin;
For I confess my Crime, and see
how great my Guilt has been.

4 Against Thee, Lord, alone,
and only in thy Sight,
Have I transgress'd; and tho' condemn'd
must own thy Judgments right.
5 In Guilt each Part was form'd
of all this sinful Frame;
In Guilt I was conceiv'd, and born
the Heir of Sin and Shame.

6 Yet Thou, whose searching Eye
does inward Truth require,
In secret didst with Wisdom's Laws
my tender Soul inspire.
7 With Hyssop purge me Lord;
and so I clean shall be:
I shall with Snow in whiteness vie,
when purify'd by Thee.

8 Make me to hear with Joy
thy kind forgiving Voice;
That so the Bones which Thou hast broke,
may with fresh Strength rejoice.
9,10 Blot our my crying Sins,
nor me in Anger view;
Create in me a Heart that's clean,
an upright Mind renew.

Part II

11 Withdraw not Thou thy Help,
nor cast me from thy Sight;
Nor let thy Holy Spirit take
its everlasting Flight.
12 The Joy thy Favour gives,
let me again obtain;
And thy free Spirit's firm Support
My fainting Soul sustain.

13 So I thy righteous Ways
to Sinners will impart;
Whilst my Advice shall wicked Men
to thy just Laws convert.
14 My Guilt of Blood remove,
my Saviour and my God;
And my glad Tongue shall loudly tell
thy righteous Acts abroad.

15 Do Thou unlock my Lips,
with Sorrow clos'd, and Shame:
So shall my Mouth thy wond'rous Praise
to all the World proclaim.
16 Could Sacrifice atone,
whole Flocks and Herds should die;
But on such Off'rings Thou disdain'st
to cast a gracious eye.

17 A broken Spirit is
by God most highly priz'd;
By Him a broken contrite Heart
shall never be despis'd.
18 Let Sion, Favour find,
of thy Good-will assur'd;
And thy own city flourish long,
by lofty Walls secur'd.

19 The Just shall then attend,
and pleasing Tribute pay;
And Sacrifice of choicest Kind,
upon thy Altar lay.

Text Information

• First Line: Have mercy, Lord, on me
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1760
• Scripture:
  Psalm 51

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