"When wickedness abounds and goes barefaced under the protection and approval of those in authority, then the times are very bad! When the vilest men are exalted to places of trust and power (who, instead of putting the laws in execution against vice and injustice and punishing the wicked according to their merits, patronize and protect them, give them approval, and support their reputation by their own example), then the wicked walk on every side. They swarm in all places, and go up and down seeking to deceive, debauch, and destroy others. They are neither afraid nor ashamed to discover themselves; they declare their sin as Sodom and there is none to check or control them.

"When times are thus bad, it is comfortable to think that we have a God to petition, from Whom we may ask and expect the redress of all our grievances.

"When godly faithful people cease and fail, it is time to cry, 'Help, Lord!' The abounding of iniquity threatens a deluge. 'Help, Lord, help the virtuous! Few seek to hold fast their integrity, and to stand in the gap; help to save thy own interest in the world from sinking. It is time for Thee, Lord, to work.'

"The righteous God will cut off all the flattering lips that give the traitor's kiss and speak words softer than oil when war is in the heart. He will pluck out the tongue that speaks proud things against God and religion.

"In times of general apostasy the Lord knows those who are His. They shall be enabled to keep their integrity. The church is built upon a rock. It is so well fortified that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. In the worst of times God has His remnant, and in every age He will reserve to Himself a holy seed and preserve that to His heavenly kingdom."
Matthew Henry*

"Our Heavenly Father, we praise You that You alone are Holy in all things. You, O Lord, are eternal, a God who changes not, who is the same today as You were in ages past.

"Lord, we are a rebellious people, and yet You have extended your mercy and revealed Your longsuffering. We cry out to you to protect Your elect from the righteous judgment we deserve.

"Lord, our nation and its leaders have set their minds against You. They promote wickedness and everything You call 'vile'. Please, O God, bring low the wicked and raise up the remnant and call them to do battle on behalf of truth, righteousness and justice.

"So, Lord, we cry, 'Help!' We are surrounded by ungodliness and we desperately need You to remember mercy and come to our defense.

"We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen."

* Matthew Henry was a renowned Puritan preacher and biblical commentor from Chester, England, during the early 1700's.

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