Psalm 36
Words: Brady and Tate, A New Version of the Psalms of David
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.
