I firmly on the Lord rely

Verse 1

I firmly on the Lord rely; How can you thus my soul advise? To some safe place for refuge fly, As timorous bird to mountain flies.

Verse 2

For lo; the wicked bend their bow, And fix their arrows on the string, To shoot, and with a secret blow, The innocent to ruin bring;

Verse 3

If the foundations of the state, Justice, and truth, are overthrown, The just can find no safe retreat, What shall by righteous men be done?

Verse 4

The Lord is in his holy place, The Lord in heaven has fixed his throne; From thence with piercing eyes surveys Men's sons, and tries them every one.

Verse 5

The Lord the righteous man does prove, Afflict, and try his gracious state; But those who vice, and rapine, love. He from his very soul does hate.

Verse 6

Snares, fire, and brimstone, (dreadful rain!) On guilty heads he'll swiftly shower And burning tempest's raging pain, Into their cup of vengeance pour,

Verse 7

The righteous Lord to righteous souls, His tender love will free impart; With beams of favor he beholds The man, who is upright in heart.