Lord, if thou dost not soon appear

Verse 1

LORD, if You dost not soon appear, virtue and faith will fly away; a faithful man amongst us here will scarce be found, if You delay.

Verse 2

But lips that with deceit abound shall not maintain their triumph long; the God of vengeance will confound the flatt'ring and blaspheming tongue.

Verse 3

The LORD, who sees the poor oppressed and hears th'oppressor's haughty strain, will rise to give His children rest, nor shall they trust His word in vain.

Verse 4

Thy Word, O LORD, though often tried, void of deceit shall still appear: nor silver, sev'n times purified from dross and mixture, shines so clear.

Verse 5

Thy grace shall, in the darkest hour, defend the holy soul from harm; though when the vilest men have pow'r, on ev'ry side will sinners swarm.