The Psalms of David ‎#XVI

XVI. O GOD, preserve me; I on thee depend

1 O GOD, preserve me; I on thee depend,
Thou art my LORD, O grant me thy Protection;
My Goodness doth not unto thee extend,
Nor ever can arrive at such Perfection:
But to thy Saints, who all on Earth excelling,
Are my Delight, with whom I chuse my dwelling.

2 To wicked Men, who other Gods adore,
Severest Sorrows shall be multiplied;
Their Offerings of Blood I do abhor,
By which they have GOD's Pow'r and Wrath defied:
With Idol's Names, however highly stiled,
My Heart and Lips shall never be defiled.

3 My Lot is fallen in that blessed Land
Where GOD is known, and Virtue is prevailing;
'Tis here he fills my Cup with lib'ral Hand,
And builds my Throne with Firmness never failing:
In Nature's fairest Scene he fixt my Station.
With Honours crown'd above each neighb'ring Nation.

4 My Soul doth bless the LORD, who me sustains;
His Counsels wise, in all my steps conduct me;
In needful Knowledge also do my Reins,
In deep Affliction's darkest Night, instruct me:
I set the LORD before me; he directs me;
I'll ne'er be mov'd, a present GOD protects me.

5 'Tis thus my chearful Heart all Grief defies,
My Glory doth rejoice, for I'm assured,
My Flesh shall rest in hope again to rise,
Thy faithful word, this Hope hath well secured'
Thou wilt not leave my Soul in Hell, nor give me
To see Corruption; but wilt soon revive me.

6 The Paths of Life thou shalt to me display,
The sacred Paths to thy bless'd Presence leading,
Where endless Raptures dwell without Allay,
With heav'nly Joy and Glory never fading;
For in thy Presence is unbounded Pleasure,
At thy Right-hand are Joys that now no Measure.

Text Information

• First Line: O GOD, preserve me; I on thee depend
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 16
• Topic: Prophecies: Of Jesus Christ, concerning his Humiliation and Exultation

Tune Information

• Name: [O God, preserve, me, I on thee depend]
• Key: d minor