LYRICS
| Meter: | 8 8 8 8 (L.M.)
| | Writer(s): | Nicholas Brady & Nahum Tate
| | Transl/Adapt: |
| | Dates: | 1821
| | Bible Refs: | Ps 14
| A New Version of the Psalms of David
| 1821
| 14
|
| 1. Sure wicked fools must needs suppose
that God is nothing but a name;
Corrupt and lewd their practice grows,
no breast is warmed with holy flame.
2. The Lord looked down from heav'n's high tow'r,
and all the sons of men did view,
To see if any owned his pow'r,
if any truth or justice knew.
3. But all he saw were gone aside,
all were degen'rate grown and base,
None took religion for their guide,
not one of all the sinful race.
4. But can these workers of deceit
be all so dull and senseless grown:
That they like bread my people eat,
and God's almighty pow'r disown?
5. How will they tremble then for fear,
when his just wrath shall them o'ertake;
For to the righteous God is near,
and never will their cause forsake.
6. Ill men in vain with scorn expose
those methods which the good pursue;
Since God a refuge is for those
whom his just eyes with favor view.
7. Would he his saving pow'r employ
to break his people's servile band;
Then shouts of universal joy
should loudly echo through the land.
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