DEFENCE.
Reading edition
Be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.—Psalm xxxi. 2.
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.—Psalm lix. 1.
Who trust in thee, O let not shame deject! Thou ever just, my chased soule secure: Lord lend a willing eare, with speede protect; Be thou my rock; with thy strong arme immure. My rock, my fortresse, for thy honour aid, And my engaged feet from danger guide, Pull from their subtile snares in secret laid, O thou, my only strength, so often try’d. O let thy face upon thy servant shine; Save for thy mercies sake, from shame defend. Shame cover those who keepe no lawes of thine, And undeplored to the grave descend! Sandys.
How are thy servants blest O Lord! How sure is their defence! Eternal wisdom is their guide, Their help omnipotence. In midst of dangers, fears, and death, Thy goodness I’ll adore; And praise thee for thy mercies past, And humbly hope for more. My life, if thou preserv’st my life, Thy sacrifice shall be; And death, if death must be my doom, Shall join my soul to Thee. Addison.
From common accidents of life His care shall guard thee still; From the blind strokes of chance, and foes That lie in wait to kill. At home, abroad, in peace, in war, Thy God shall thee defend; Conduct thee, through life’s pilgrimage, Safe to thy journey’s end. Brady and Tate.