Scripture Verse

To the wicked, God says, What right have you to recite My laws or take My covenant on your lips? You hate My instruction and cast My words behind you. Psalm 50:16–17

Introduction

portrait
Maurice Greene
1696–1755

Words: Is­aac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid 1719. The judg­ment of hy­po­crites.

Music: Crowle Mau­rice Greene, in James Green’s Book of Psal­mo­dy, 1724 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Lyrics

When Christ to judg­ment shall descend,
And saints surround their Lord,
He calls the nations to attend,
And hear His awful word.

“Not for the want of bullocks slain
Will I the world reprove;
Altars, and rites, and forms are vain,
Without the fire of love.

“And what have hypocrites to do
To bring their sacrifice?
They call My statutes just and true,
But deal in theft and lies.

Could you expect to ’scape My sight,
And sin without control?
But I shall bring your crimes to light,
With anguish in your soul.

Consider, ye that slight the Lord,
Before His wrath appear;
If once you fall beneath His sword,
There’s no deliverer there.