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.