Psalm 36 (Tate & Brady)

1 My crafty foe, with flattr'ing art,

his wicked purpose would disguise

But reason whispers to my heart,

he ne'er sets God before his eyes.

2 He soothes himself, retired from sight,

secure he thinks his treach'rous game

Till his dark plots, exposed to light,

their false contriver brand with shame.

3 In deeds he is my foe confessed,

Whilst with his tongue he speaks me fair;

True wisdom's banished from his breast,

and vice has sole dominion there.

4 His wakeful malice spends the night

in forging his accursed designs;

His obstinate ungen'rous spite

no execrable means declines.

5 But, Lord, thy mercy, my sure hope,

above the heav'nly orb ascends;

Thy sacred truth's unmeasured scope

beyond the spreading sky extends.

6 Thy justice, like the hills, remains;

unfathomed depths thy judgments are;

Thy providence the world sustains;

the whole creation is thy care.

7 Since of thy goodness all partake,

with what assurance should the just

Thy shelt'ring wings their refuge make,

and saints to thy protection trust.

8 Such guests shall to thy courts be led

to banquet on thy love's repast;

And drink, as from a fountain's head,

of joys that shall for ever last.

9 With thee the springs of life remain;

thy presence is eternal day:

10 O! let thy saints thy favor gain;

to upright hearts thy truth display.

11 Whilst pride's insulting foot would spurn,

and wicked hands my life surprise;

12 Their mischiefs on themselves return;

down, down they're fall'n, no more to rise.