New Version of the Psalms of David ‎#LIII

LIII. The impious atheist, in his folly proud

1 The impious atheist, in his folly proud,
At one almighty being laughs aloud:
Corrupt they're all; from virtue's path they turn,
And in the quenchless fires of lust they burn;
Their shocking crimes, their curst impieties,
Demand tremendous vengeance from the skies.
2 Th' all-high looks down from his etherial throne,
To see, if man his sov'reign pow'r will own;
If yet the sons of earth accept his sway,
His name revere, and his dread will obey;
3 Ah no! not one; they 'gainst their God conspire,
Pursue the dictates of each wild desire,
In filthy scenes of vice their hours employ,
And make their shocking crimes their horrid joy.
4 Does then rank frenzy o'er the wicked reign,
That they such hideous blasphemy maintain;
That they my people, as their prey, devour,
And, obstinate, reject almighty pow'r?
5 Yet sure distracting fears their hearts shall wound,
And dread alarms their dastard souls confound;
For God shall strike them with a sore dismay,
Shall break their bones, and scatter them away,
With shame his vengeance has their steps beset,
And death and ruin all around them wait.
6 From Sion's hill, O that the Lord wou'd send
His speedy aid, and Jacob's sons defend;
Wou'd his own people from their bondage free,
And give them back their native liberty!
Then shou'd the race of Israel shout for joy,
And their glad tongues in grateful hymns employ.

Text Information

• First Line: The impious atheist, in his folly proud
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1756
• Scripture:
  Psalm 53

Tune Information

(No tune information)