In vain, O man of lawless might

Verse 1

In vain, O Man of lawless Might, thou boast'st thyself in Ill; Since God, the God in whom I trust, vouchsafes his Favour still.

Verse 2

Thy wicked Tongue does sland'rous Tales maliciously devise; And, sharper than a Razor set, it wounds with treach'rous Lyes.

Verse 3

Thy Thoughts are more on Ill, than Good, on Lyes, than Truth, employ'd; Thy Tongue delights in Words by which the Guiltless are destroy'd.

Verse 4

God shall for ever blast thy Hopes, and snatch thee soon away; Nor in thy Dwelling-place permit, nor in the World, to stay.

Verse 5

The Just, with pious Fear shall see the Downfal of thy Pride; And at thy sudden Ruin laugh, and thus thy Fall deride:

Verse 6

"See there the Man that haughty was, "who proudly God defy'd, "who trusted in his Wealth, and still "on wicked Arts rely'd."

Verse 7

But I am like those Olive-plants that shade God's Temple round; And hope with his indulgent Grace to be for ever crown'd.

Verse 8

So shall my Soul with Praise, O God, extol thy wond'rous Love; And on thy Name with Patience wait; for this thy Saints approve.