Sure, wicked fools must needs suppose

Verse 1

Sure wicked fools must needs suppose, that God is nothing but a name: Corrupt and lewd their practice grows, no breast is warm'd with holy flame.

Verse 2

The Lord look'd down from Heav'n's high tow'r, and all the sons of men did view, To see if any own'd his pow'r'; if any truth or justice knew.

Verse 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.

Verse 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?

Verse 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.

Verse 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 favour view.

Verse 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.