1 Sure, wicked Fools, devoid of Shame,
Suppose that GOD is but a Name:
Corrupt and lewd their Practice grows,
No Breast with heav'nly Ardor glows;
All Thoughts of Virtue they resign,
Their Hearts to evil Ways incline.

2 The LORD, from Realms of endless Day,
Did all the Sons of Men survey;
Look'd down from his exalted Tow'r,
To see if any own'd his Pow'r;
To see if any Justice knew,
Or did the Paths of Truth pursue.

3 But all he saw were gone aside,
None took Religion for their Guide,
Not one of all the sinful Race,
But was degen'rate grown and base,
And still in ev'ry wicked Way,
With wand'ring Footsteps went astray.

4 Their Throats are open to devour
The helpless Poor, when in their Pow'r;
Their Mouths with Curses fill'd and Lies,
No Fear of GOD's before their Eyes;
Their Ways to swift Destruction tend,
And must in certain Ruin end.

5 But will these Workers of Deceit,
Like Bread, my harmless 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!
Are they so dull and senseless grown,
That they will GOD's great Pow'r disown?
Will they not his Commands obey,
And yield to his Almighty Sway?

6 How will they tremble then for Fear,
When they behold his Vengeance near!
When his just Wrath shall them o'ertake;
For GOD will ne'er the Just forsake:
For them he will his Arm extend,
And from the Foe their Lives defend.

7 Bad Men, in vain, with Scorn deride
The Just, who follow Virtue's Guide,
And strive their Methods to expose;
Since GOD a Refuge is for those:
His Eyes shall them with Favour view,
Whilst they their righteous Paths pursue.

7 Would he his saving Pow'r extend,
And now his People's Cause defend;
Oh! would he break their servile Band;
What Shouts should echo thro' the Land!
How should we then our Songs employ,
And join the universal Joy!