Scripture Verse

Arise, O Lord, in Thine anger, lift up Thyself because of the rage of mine enemies. Psalm 7:6

Introduction

portrait
Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

Words: Charles Wes­ley, Hymns for Times of Trou­ble and Per­se­cu­tion, se­cond edi­tion, en­larged (Lon­don: Stra­han, 1744), pag­es 25–26.

Music: First Mode Me­lo­dy Tho­mas Tal­lis (1505–1585) (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Thomas Tallis (1505–1585)

Lyrics

Jesus, our help in time of need,
Thy suffering servants see,
Who would in all Thy footsteps tread,
And bear the cross with Thee.
Stand by us in this evil hour,
Our feeble souls defend,
And in our weakness show Thy pow­er,
And keep us to the end.

The world, and their infernal god
Against Thy people rise,
Because our trust is in Thy blood
They mingle earth and skies.
Slaughter, and cruel threats they breathe,
And endless battles wage,
And gnash upon us with their teeth,
And tear the ground with rage.

Captain of our sal­va­tion, hear,
In all the heathen’s sight
Make bare Thine arm; appear, ap­pear
And for Thy people fight.
Jesus, Thy righteous cause maintain,
The sons of violence quell,
Take to Thee Thy great power, and reign
O’er Hea­ven, and earth, and hell.

As chaff before the whirlwind drive
And bruise them by Thy rod,
Who madly with their Maker strive,
And fight against their God.
Who kick against the pricks in vain
Thy foes in anger blast,
And chasten with judicial pain,
But save their souls at last.

O that at last by love compelled
The rebels might submit,
In humble hope of mercy yield,
And tremble at Thy feet!
The faith they persecute, embrace,
On Thee their Lord rely,
And live the monuments of Thy grace,
And for Thy glo­ry die!