Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#XIIb

XIIb. Complaint of a general Corruption of Manners; Or, The Promise and Signs of Christ's coming in Judgement

1 Help, Lord, for men of virtue fail,
Religion loses ground;
The sons of violence prevail,
And treacheries abound.

2 Their oaths and promises they break,
Yet act the flatter'r’s part;
With fair deceitful lips they speak,
And with a double heart.

3 If we reprove some hateful lie,
They scorn our faithful word:
"Are not our lips our own," they cry,
"And who shall be our Lord?"

4 Scoffers appear on every side,
Where a vile race of men
Is rais'd to seats of power and pride,
And bears the sword in vain.

Pause.

5 Lord, when iniquities abound,
And blasphemy grows bold,
When faith is rarely to be found,
And love is waxing cold;

6 Is not thy chariot hastening on?
Hast thou not given this sign?
May we not trust and live upon
A promise so divine?

7 "Yes, saith the Lord, now will I rise,
"And make th' oppressors flee;
"I shall appear to their surprise,
"And set my servants free."

8 Thy word, like silver seven times try'd,
Thro' ages shall endure;
The men that in thy truth confide
Shall find thy promise sure.

Text Information

• First Line: Help, Lord, for men of virutue fail
• Title: Complaint of a general Corruption of Manners; Or, The Promise and Signs of Christ's coming in Judgement
• Meter: Common Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1785
• Scripture:
  Psalm 12

Tune Information

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