Part 5 (2/2)

2 The whole discourse, when neighbours meet, Is fill'd with trifles loose and vain; Their lips are flattery and deceit, And their proud language is profane.

3 But lips, that with deceit abound, Shall not maintain their triumph long; The G.o.d of vengeance will confound The flattering and blaspheming tongue.

4 ”Yet shall our words be free,” they cry, ”Our tongue shall be controll'd 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 opprest, And hears th' oppressor's haughty strain, Will rise to give his children rest, Nor shall they trust his word in vain.

6 Thy word, O Lord, tho' often try'd, Void of deceit shall still appear Not silver, seven times purify'd From dross and mixture, s.h.i.+nes so clear.

7 Thy grace shall in the darkest hour Defend the holy soul from harm; Tho' when the vilest men have power On every side will sinners swarm.

Psalm 12:2. C. M.

Complaint of a general corruption of manners; or, The promise and signs of Christ's coming to judgment.

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, Yet act the flatterer's part; With fair deceitful lips they speak, And with a double heart.

3 If we reprove some hateful lie, How is their fury stirr'd!

”Are not our lips our own” they cry, ”And who shall be our lord?”

4 Scoffers appear on every side, Where a vile race of men Is rais'd to seats of power and pride, And bears the sword in vain.

PAUSE.

5 Lord, when iniquities abound, And blasphemy grows bold, When faith is hardly to be found, And love is waxing cold,

6 Is not thy chariot hastening on?

Hast thou not given this sign?

May we not trust and live upon A promise so divine?

7 ”Yes,” saith the Lord, ”now will I rise, ”And make oppressors flee; ”I shall appear to their surprise, ”And set my servants free.”

8 Thy word, like silver seven times try'd, Thro' ages shall endure; The men that in thy truth confide, Shall find thy promise sure.

Psalm 13:1. L. M.

Pleading with G.o.d under desertion; or, Hope, in darkness.

1 How long, 0 Lord, shall I complain Like one that seeks his G.o.d in vain?

Canst thou thy face for ever hide?

And I still pray and be deny'd?

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