You help make Hymnary.org possible. More than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources and encouragement on Hymnary.org in 2025, including you. Every visit affirms the global impact of this ministry.

If Hymnary has been meaningful to you this year, would you take a moment today to help sustain it? A gift of any size—paired with a note of encouragement if you wish—directly supports the server costs, research work and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org
Calvin University
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for your partnership, and may the hope of Advent fill your heart.

52. Why should the haughty hero boast

1 Why should the haughty hero boast,
His vengeful arm, his warlike host?
While blood defiles his cruel hand,
And desolation wastes the land.

2 He joys to hear the captive's cry,
The widow's groan, the orphan's sigh;
And when the wearied sword would spare,
His falshood spreads the fatal snare.

3 He triumphs in the deeds of wrong,
And arms with rage his impious tongue;
With pride proclaims his dreadful pow'r,
And b ids the trembling world adore.

4 But God beholds, and with a frown,
Casts to the dust his honours down;
The righteous freed, their hopes recal,
And hail the proud oppressors fall.

5 How low th' insulting tyrant lies,
Who dar'd th' eternal pow'r despise;
And vainly deem'd with envious joy,
His arm almighty to destroy.

6 We praise the Lord, who heard our cries,
And sent salvation from the skies;
The saints, who saw our mournful days,
Shall join our grateful songs of praise.

Part II.

7 While unbelievers make their boast,
And heav'nly grace despise;
In their own arm they put their trust,
And fill their mouths with lies;

8 But like a cultur'd olive grow,
Dress' in immortal green,
Thy children blooming in thy love,
Amid thy courts are seen.

9 On thine eternal grace, O Lord,
Our souls shall rest secure;
And all who trust thy holy word,
Shall find salvation sure.

Text Information
First Line: Why should the haughty hero boast
Language: English
Publication Date: 1789
Scripture:
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
(No tune information)



Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.