Psalm 16 (Tate & Brady)

1 Protect me from my cruel foes,

and shield me, Lord, from harm,

Because my trust I still repose

on thy Almighty arm.

2 My soul all help but thine does slight,

all gods but thee disown;

Yet can no deeds of mine requite

the goodness thou has shown.

3 But those that strictly virtuous are,

and love the thing that's right,

To favor always and prefer

shall be my chief delight.

4 How shall their sorrows be increased,

who other gods adore?

Their bloody off'rings I detest,

their very names abhor.

5 My lot is fall'n in that blest land

where God is truly known;

He fills my cup with lib'ral hand;

'tis he supports my throne.

6 In nature's most delightful scene

my happy portion lies;

The place of my appointed reign

all other lands out-vies.

7 Therefore my soul shall bless the Lord,

whose precepts give me light,

And private counsel still afford

In sorrow's dismal night.

8 I strive each action to approve

to his all-seeing eye;

No dangers shall my hopes remove,

because he still is nigh.

9 Therefore my heart all grief defies,

my glory does rejoice;

My flesh shall rest in hope to rise,

waked by his pow'rful voice.

10 Thou, Lord, when I resign my breath,

my soul from hell shall free;

Nor let thy Holy One in death

the least corruption see.

11 Thou shall the paths of life display,

that to thy presence lead;

Where pleasures dwell without allay,

and joys that never fade.