Help, Lord, for men of virtue fail

Verse 1

Help, LORD, for men of virtue fail, religion loses ground! The sons of violence prevail, and treacheries abound. Their oaths and promises they break, yet act the flatt'er'r’s part; with fair, deceitful lips they speak, and with a double heart.

Verse 2

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?" Scoffers appear on every side, where a vile race of men is raised to seats of pow'r and pride, and bears the sword in vain.

Verse 3

Lord, when iniquities abound, and blasphemy grows bold, when faith is rarely to be found, and love is waxen cold: is not thy chariot hast'ning on! Hast Thou not giv'n the sign? May we not trust and live upon a promise so divine?

Verse 4

"Yes, saith the LORD, "now will I rise, and make th'oppressors flee; I shall appear to their surprise, and set My servants free." Thy word, like silver sev'n times tried, thro' ages shall endure: the men that in Thy truth confide, shall find Thy promise sure.