PSALM 14 PART 1
23 C. M.
By Nature all men are sinners.
Fools in their heart believe and say "That all religion's vain; There is no God that reigns on high, Or minds th' affairs of men." | From thoughts so dreadful and profane, Corrupt discourse proceeds; And in their impious hands are found Abominable deeds. | The Lord from his celestial throne Looked down on things below, To find the man that sought his grace, Or did his justice know. | 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. | Their tongues are used to speak deceit, Their slanders never cease; How swift to mischief are their feet, Nor know the paths of peace! | Such seeds of sin (that bitter root) In every heart are found; Nor can they bear diviner fruit, Till grace refine the ground. | |