Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#24

24. 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 every heart are found;
Nor can they bear diviner fruit,
'Till grace refine the ground.

Text Information

• First Line: Fools in their hearts believe and say
• Title: By Nature all Men are Sinners
• Meter: Com. Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 14
• Topic: Atheism: practical; Children: instructed; Falsehood, Blasphemy etc.; God: his care of saints; Persecutors: their folly; Practical atheism; Saints: dwell in heaven; Sin: of nature; Sin: universal; Wickedness of Man
• Notes: First Part

Tune Information

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