Be gracious to thy Servant, Lord

17 Be gracious to thy servant, Lord,
Do thou my life defend,
That I, according to thy word,
My future time may spend.

18 Enlighten both my eyes and mind,
That so I may discern
The wondrous works which they behold,
Who thy just precepts learn.

19 Though, like a stranger in the land,
From place to place I stray,
Thy righteous judgments from my sight
Remove not thou away.

20 My fainting soul is almost pin'd,
With earnest longing spent,
Whilst always on the eager search
Of thy just will intent.

21 Thy sharp rebuke shall crush the proud
Whom still thy curse pursues;
Since they to walk in thy right ways
Presumptuously refuse.

22 But far from me, do thou, O Lord,
Contempt and shame remove;
For I thy sacred laws affect
With undissembled love.

23 Though princes oft, in council met,
Against thy servant spake;
Yet I thy statutes to observe
My constant business make.

24 For thy commands have always been
My comfort and delight;
By them I learn, with prudent care,
To guide my steps aright.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.CXIX.Gimel