1 Since godly Men decay, O Lord,
do thou my Cause defend;
For scarce these wretched Times afford
one just and faithful Friend.
2 One Neighbour now can scarce believe,
what t'other does impart;
With flatt'ring Lips they all deceive,
and with a double Heart.

3 But Lips that with Deciet abound,
can never prosper long;
God's righteous Vengeance will confound
the proud blaspheming tongue.
4 In vain those foolish Boasters say,
"Our Tongues are, sure, our own;
"With doubtful Words we'll still betray,
"and be controul'd by none

5 For God, who hears the suff'ring Poor,
and their Oppression knows,
Will soon arise, and give them Rest,
in spite of all their Foes.
6 The Word of God shall still abide,
and void of Falshood be,
As is the Silver, sev'n times try'd,
from drossy Mixture free.

7 The Promise of his aiding Grace
shall reach its purpos'd End;
His Servants from this faithless Race
he ever shall defend.
8 Then shall the Wicked be perplex'd,
nor know which Way to fly;
When those whom they despis'd and vex'd,
shall be advanc'd on high.