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 flatterer's part;
With fair, deceitful lips they speak,
And with a double heart.
3. If we reprove some hateful lie,
How is their fury stirred
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 raised to seats of power and pride,
And bears the sword in vain.
5. Lord, when iniquities abound,
And blasphemy grows bold;
When faith is hardly 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 tried,
Through ages shall endure;
The men that in thy truth confide
Shall find the promise sure.