6 But thou for ever art our Lord; As when the heathen felt thy sword, 7 Thou wilt prepare our hearts to pray, 8 Proud tyrants shall no more oppress, 11 Confidence in the Justice of God. Why do my foes insult and cry,"Fly, like a timorous trembling dove, To distant woods or mountains fly ?" 2 If government be all destroyed, That firm foundation of our peace,) And violence make justice void, Where shall the righteous seek redress? 3 The Lord in heaven has fixed his throne; His eye surveys the world below: To him all mortal things are known, His eyelids search our spirits through. 4 If he afflicts his saints so far, To prove their love and try their grace, What may the bold transgressors fear? His very soul abhors their ways. 5 On impious wretches he will rain Tempests of brimstone, fire, and death, Such as he kindled on the plain Of Sodom, with his angry breath. 6 The righteous Lord loves righteous souls, Whose thoughts and actions are sincere; And with a gracious eye beholds 12 The men who his own image bear. The Saint's Safety in evil Times. 1 LORD, if thou dost not soon appear, Virtue and truth will fly away; L.M. L. M. A faithful man among us here Will scarce be found, if thou delay. And their proud language is profane. 3 But lips that with deceit abound Shall not maintain their triumph long; The God of vengeance will confound The flattering and blaspheming tongue. 4 "Yet shall our words be free," they cry; "Our tongues shall be controlled by none; Where is the Lord will ask us why, Or say our lips are not our own? 5 The Lord, who sees the poor oppressed, And hears the oppressor's haughty strain, Will rise to give his children rest, Nor shall they trust his word in vain. From dross and mixture, shines so clear. 12 Prevailing Wickedness. 1 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, 3 If we reprove some hateful lie, 66 4 Scoffers appear on every side, Where a vile race of men C. M. Is raised to seats of power and pride, PAUSE. 5 Lord, when iniquities abound, "Yes," saith the Lord, "now will I rise, I will appear to their surprise, 8 Thy word, like silver seven times tried, The men that in thy truth confide, 13 1 Pleading with God under Desertion. HOW Canst thou thy face for ever hide, And I still pray, and be denied? 2 Shall I for ever be forgot, As one whom thou regardest not? 3 How long shall my poor troubled breast Rejoice to see me sunk so low? 4 Hear, Lord, and grant me quick relief, 5 How will the powers of darkness boast, L. M. 6 Whate'er my fears or foes suggest, Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest; My heart shall feel thy love, and raise My cheerful voice to songs of praise. 13 Complaint under Temptations. 1 HOW long wilt thou conceal thy face, When shall I feel those heavenly rays, 2 How long shall my poor laboring soul Thy word can all my foes control 3 See how the prince of darkness tries He spreads a mist around my eyes, 4 Be thou my sun, and thou my shield; Make haste, before mine eyes are sealed 5 How would the tempter boast aloud, Behold, the sons of hell grow proud 6 But they shall fly at thy rebuke, He knows the terrors of thy look, 1 I shall employ my lips in praise, 14 FIRST PART. By Nature all Men are Sinners. FOOLS in their hearts believe and say That all religion's vain; There is no God that reigns on high, 2 From thoughts so dreadful and profane, C. M. C. M. And in their impious hands are found 3 The Lord, from his celestial throne, There's none that fears his Maker's hand, 5 Their tongues are used to speak deceit, How swift to mischief are their feet, 6 Such seeds of sin, that bitter root, Nor can they bear diviner fruit, 14 1 A SECOND PART. The Folly of Persecutors. RE sinners now so senseless grown, And never worship at thy throne, 2 Great God, appear to their surprise; Let them no more thy wrath despise, 3 Dost thou not dwell among the just? That we should make thy name our trust; 4 Oh that the joyful day were come To finish our distress: When God shall bring his children home, 15 The Citizen of Zion. 1 WHO shall inhabit in thy hill, God of holiness? Whom will the Lord admit to dwell C. M. C. M. |