Psalm 18 (Version 1, Part 1)

Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength,

My rock, my tower, my high defence,

Thy mighty arm shall be my trust,

For I have found salvation thence.

Death, and the terrors of the grave

Stood round me with their dismal shade;

While floods of high temptations rose,

And made my sinking soul afraid.

I saw the opening gates of hell,

With endless pains and sorrows there,

Which none but they that feel can tell,

While I was hurried to despair.

In my distress I call'd 'my God,'

When I could scarce believe him mine;

He bow'd his ear to my complaint,

Then did his grace appear divine.

[With speed he flew to my relief,

As on a cherub's wing he rode;

Awful and bright as lightning shone

The face of my deliverer, God.

Temptations fled at his rebuke,

The blast of his almighty breath;

He sent salvation from on high,

And drew me from the deeps of death.]

Great were my fears, my foes were great,

Much was their strength, and more their rage;

But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still,

In all the wars that devils wage.

My song for ever shall record

That terrible, that joyful hour;

And give the glory to the Lord

Due to his mercy and his power.