By Nature All Men Are Sinners

1 Fools, in their hearts believe and say,
"That all religion’s vain,
"There is no God that reigns on high,
"Or minds th’affairs of men."

2 From thoughts so dreadful and profane,
Corrupt discourse proceeds;
And in their impious hands are found
Abominable deeds.

3 The Lord, from his celestial throne
Look'd down on things below,
To find the man that sought his grace,
Or did his justice know.

4 By nature all are gone astray,
Their practice all the same;
There’s none that fears his Maker’s hand,
There’s none that loves his name.

5 Their tongues are us'd to speak deceit,
Their slanders never cease;
How swift to mischief are their feet:
Nor know the paths of peace.

6 Such seeds of sin (that bitter root)
In ev'ry heart are found;
Nor can they bear diviner fruit,
'Till grace refine the ground.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.XIV.I

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #1579