Classic Poem

Fools , flatt'ring their own vices, say
Within their hearts, God is a name
Devis'd to make the strong obey,
To fetter nature, quench her flame;
When all this universal frame
The hands of potent fortune sway.

Secure and prosperous in ill,
The fear and thought of God exile,
To follow their rebellious will;
Think nothing that delights them vile;
Their souls with wicked thoughts defile,
And all their foul desires fulfill.

God from the tow'r of heav'n His eyes
On men and their endeavours threw;
Not one beheld beneath the skies,
That sought Him, or His statutes knew;
All vice with winged feet pursue,
But none forsaken virtue prize.

O deaf to good, in knowledge blind,
By sin through clouds of error led,
Dull sensual forms without a mind,
Not slow, though certain, vengeance dread!
The righteous they devour like bread,
All piety at once declin'd.

These, idle terrors shall affright;
Their sleeps disturb'd by guilty fear.
God shall their bones asunder smite,
Who impious arms against Him bear;
Nor they their infamy out-wear,
Since despisable in His sight.

O that unto Thine Israel
The Day-star might from Sion spring,
And all the shades of night expell!
When Thou shalt us from bondage bring,
How would we, Lord. Thy praises sing!
No joy shall Jacob's joy excell.