Psalm 56 (Tate & Brady)

1 Do thou, O God, in mercy help,

for man my life pursues;

To crush me with repeated wrongs

he daily strife renews.

2 Continually my spiteful foes

to ruin me combine;

Thou seest, who sitt'st enthroned on high,

what mighty numbers join.

3 But though sometimes surprised by fear,

(on danger's first alarm,)

Yet still for succor I depend

on thy Almighty arm.

4 God's faithful promise I shall praise:

on which I now rely:

In God I trust, and, trusting him,

the arm of flesh defy.

5 They wrest my words, and make them speak

a sense they never meant:

Their thoughts are all, with restless spite,

on my destruction bent.

6 In close assemblies they combine,

and wicked projects lay;

They watch my steps, and lie in wait

to make my soul their prey.

7 Shall such injustice still escape?

O righteous God, arise;

Let thy just wrath, (too long provoked,)

this impious race chastise.

8 Thou number'st all my steps, since first

I was compelled to flee;

My very tears are treasured up,

and registered by thee.

9 When therefore I invoke thy aid,

my foes shall be o'erthrown;

For I am well assured that God

my righteous cause will own.

10,11 I'll trust God's word, and so despise

the force that man can raise;

12 To thee, O God, my vows are due;

to thee I'll render praise.

13 Thou hast retrieved my soul from death,

and thou wilt still secure

The life thou hast so oft preserved,

and make my footsteps sure;

That thus protected by thy pow'r

I may this light enjoy,

And in the service of my God

my lengthened days employ.