While sinners utter boasting words,
And glo­ry in their shame;
The Lord, well pleased, an ear affords
To those who fear His name.

They often meet to seek His face,
And what they do or say,
Is noted in His book of grace,
Against another day.

For they, by faith, a day descry,
A joyfully expect,
When He, descending from the sky,
His jewels will collect.

Unnoticed now, because unknown,
A poor and suffering few;
He comes to claim them for His own,
And bring them forth to view.

With transport then, their Sav­ior’s care
And favor they shall prove;
As tender parents guard and spare
The children of their love.

Assembled worlds will then discern
The saints alone are blest;
When wrath shall like an oven burn,
And vengeance strike the rest.