Since godly men decay, O Lord

1 Since godly men decay, O Lord,
do thou my cause defend;
For scarce these wretched times afford
one just and faithful friend.
2 One neighbour now can scarce believe
what t'other does impart;
With flatt'ring lips they all deceive,
and with a double heart.

3 But lips that with deceit abound,
can never prosper long;
God's righteous vengeance will confound
the proud blaspheming tongue.
4 In vain those foolish boasters say,
"our tongues are, sure, our own;
"With doubtful Words we'll still betray,
"and be controul'd by none."

5 For God, who hears the suff'ring poor,
and their oppression knows,
Will soon arise and give them rest,
in spite of all their foes.
6 The word of God shall still abide,
and void of falshood be,
As is the silver, sev'n times try'd,
from drossy mixture free.

7 The promise of his aiding grace
shall reach its purpos'd end:
His servants from this faithless race
he ever shall defend.
8 Then shall the wicked be perplex'd,
nor know which way to fly;
When those whom they despis'd and vex'd,
shall be advanc'd on high.

Source: The Whole Book of Psalms: in metre; with hymns suited to the feasts and fasts of the church, and other occasions of public worship #XII