055) The Third Part.

The Third Part.

18 So I, before the list’ning world, shall grateful thanks express;

And, where the great assembly meets, thy name with praises bless.

19 Lord, suffer not my causeless foes, who me unjustly hate, With open joy, or secret signs, to mock my sad estate.

20 For they, with hearts averse from peace, industriously devise Against the men of quiet minds to forge malicious lies.

21 Nor with these private arts content, aloud they vent their spite; And say, "At last we found him out, he did it in our sight,"

22 But thou, who dost both them and me with righteous eyes survey, Assert my innocence, O Lord, and keep not far away.

23 Stir up thyself in my behalf; to judgment, Lord, awake;

Thy righteous servant’s cause, O God, to thy decision take.

24 Lord, as my heart has upright been, let me thy justice find; Nor let my cruel foes obtain the triumph they designed.

25 O let them not amongst themselves in blasting language say, "At length our wishes are complete, at last he’s made our prey.

26 Let such as in my harm rejoiced for shame their faces hide; And foul dishonor wait on those that proudly me defied.

27 Whilst they with cheerful voices shout, Who my just cause befriend; And bless the Lord, who loves to make success his saints attend.

28 So shall my tongue thy judgments sing, inspired with grateful joy; And cheerful hymns in praise of thee shall all my days employ.

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