Dr. Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#26

26. Help, Lord, for men of virtue fail

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

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

3 If we reprove some hateful lie,
How is their fury stirr'd!
'Are not our lips our own,' they cry,
'And who shall be our Lord?'

4 Scoffers appear on ev'ry side,
Where a vile race of men
Is rais'd to seats of pow'r 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 hast'ning on?
Hast thou not giv'n this sign?
May we not trust and live upon
A promise so divine?

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

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

Text Information

• First Line: Help, Lord, for men of virtue fail
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 12

Tune Information

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