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 God under desertion; or, Hope, in darkness. 1 How long, 0 Lord, shall I complain Like one that seeks his God in vain? Canst thou thy face for ever hide? And I still pray and be deny'd? 2 Shall I for ever be forgot As one whom thou regardest not? Still shall my soul thine absence mourn? And still despair of thy return? 3 How long shall my poor troubled breast Be with these anxious thoughts opprest? And Satan, my malicious foe, Rejoice to see me sunk so low. 4 Hear, Lord, and grant me quick relief, Before my death conclude my grief; If thou withhold thy heavenly light, I sleep in everlasting night. 5 How will the powers of darkness boast, If but one praying soul be lost! But I have trusted in thy grace, And shall again behold thy face. 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. Psalm 13:2. C. M. Complaint under temptations of the devil. 1 How long wilt thou conceal thy face? My God, how long delay? When shall I feel those heavenly rays That chase my fears away? 2 How long shall my poor labouring soul Wrestle and toil in vain? Thy word can all my foes control, And ease my raging pain. 3 See how the prince of darkness tries All his malicious arts, He spreads a mist around my eyes, And throws his fiery darts. 4 Be thou my sun and thou my shield, My soul in safety keep; Make haste before mine eyes are seal'd In death's eternal sleep. 5 How would the tempter boast aloud If I become his prey! Behold the sons of hell grow proud At thy so long delay.