Rulers of Sodom! hear the voice

1 Rulers of Sodom! hear the voice
of heav’n’s eternal Lord;
men of Gomorrah! bend your ear
submissive to his word.
2 ’Tis thus he speaks; To what intent
are your oblations vain?
Why load my altars with your gifts,
polluted and profane?

3 Burnt-off’rings long may blaze to heav’n,
and incense cloud the skies;
the worship and the worshipper
are hateful in my eyes.
4 Your rites, your fasts, your pray’rs, I scorn,
and pomp of solemn days:
I know your hearts are full of guile,
and crooked are your ways.

5 But cleanse your hands, ye guilty race,
and cease from deeds of sin;
learn in your actions to be just,
and pure in heart within.
6 Mock not my name with honours vain,
but keep my holy laws;
do justice to the friendless poor,
and plead the widow’s cause.

7 Then though your guilty souls are stain'd
with sins of crimson dye,
yet, through my grace, with snow itself
in whiteness they shall vie.


Source: The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook #R17

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #5857