Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust.
Psalm 16:1
Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David 1719. Confession of our poverty, and saints the best company; or, good works profit men, not God.
Music: Antwerp William Smallwood, 1876 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Smallwood (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Preserve me, Lord, in time of need;
For succor to Thy throne I flee,
But have no merits there to plead;
My goodness cannot reach to Thee.
Oft have my heart and tongue confessed
How empty and how poor I am;
My praise can never make Thee blest,
Nor add new glories to Thy name.
Yet, Lord, Thy saints on earth may reap
Some profit by the good we do;
These are the company I keep,
These are the choicest friends I know.
Let others choose the songs of mirth
To give a relish to their wine;
I love the men of heav’nly birth,
Whose thoughts and language are divine.