Psalm 97Words: Isaac Watts
v. 1--5. PART 1. Christ reigning in heaven, and coming to judgment. 1 He reigns! the Lord, the Savior reigns; Praise him in evangelic strains; Let the whole earth in songs rejoice, And distant islands join their voice. 2 Deep are his counsels, and unknown, But grace and truth support his throne; Though gloomy clouds his ways surround, Justice is their eternal ground. 3 In robes of judgment, lo! he comes, Shakes the wide earth and cleaves the tombs; Before him burns devouring fire; The mountains melt, the seas retire. 4 His enemies, with sore dismay, Fly from the sight, and shun the day; Then lift your heads, ye saints, on high, And sing, for your redemption's nigh. v6-9, Part 2 Christ' s incarnation. 1 The Lord is come; the heav'ns proclaim His birth; the nations learn his name; An unknown star directs the road Of eastern sages to their God. 2 All ye bright armies of the skies, Go, worship where the Savior lies; Angels and kings before him bow, Those gods on high and gods below. 3 Let idols totter to the ground, And their own worshippers confound; But Judah shout, but Zion sing, And earth confess her sov'reign King. PART 3. (L, M.) Grace and glory. 1 Th' Almighty reigns exalted high O'er all the earth, o'er all the sky; Though clouds and darkness veil his feet, His dwelling is the mercy-seat. 2 O ye that love his holy name, Hate ev'ry work of sin and shame; He guards the souls of all his friends, And from the snares of hell defends. 3 Immortal light and joys unknown Are for the saints m darkness sown; Those glorious seeds shall spring and rise, And the bright harvest bless our eyes. 4 Rejoice, ye righteous, and record The sacred honors of the Lord: None but the soul that feels his grace Can triumph in his holiness. |
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