Psalm 14
Words: Brady and Tate, A New Version of the Psalms of David
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.
