The Psalms of David Part 40

2 Deep are his counsels and unknown; But grace and truth support his throne: Tho' 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.

Psalm 97:2. 6-9. Second Part.

Christ's incarnation.

1 The Lord is come, the heavens proclaim His birth; the nations learn his Name; An unknown star directs the road Of eastern sages to their G.o.d.

2 All ye bright armies of the skies, Go, wors.h.i.+p where the Saviour lies: Angels and kings before him bow, Those G.o.ds on high, and G.o.ds below.

3 Let idols totter to the ground, And their own wors.h.i.+ppers confound; But Judah shout, but Zion sing, And earth confess her sovereign King.

Psalm 97:3. Third Part.

Grace and glory.

1 Th' Almighty reigns exalted high O'er all the earth, o'er all the sky, Tho' clouds and darkness veil his feet, His dwelling is the mercy-seat.

2 O ye that love his holy Name, Hate every work of sin and shame; He guards the souls of all his friends, And from the snares of h.e.l.l defends.

3 Immortal light and joys unknown Are for the saints in darkness sown; Those glorious seeds shall spring and rise, And the bright harvest bless our eyes.

4 Rejoice, ye righteous, and record The sacred honours of the Lord; None but the soul that feels his grace Can triumph in his holiness.

Psalm 97:4. 1 3 5-7 11. C. M.

Christ's incarnation, and the last judgment.

1 Ye islands of the northern sea, Rejoice, the Saviour reigns; His word like fire, prepares his way, And mountains melt to plains.

2 His presence sinks the proudest hills, And makes the vallies rise The humble soul enjoys his smiles, The haughty sinner dies.

3 The heavens his rightful power proclaim The idol-G.o.ds around Fill their own wors.h.i.+ppers with shame, And totter to the ground.

4 Adoring angels at his birth Make the Redeemer known; Thus shall he come to judge the earth, And angels guard his throne.

5 His foes shall tremble at his sight, And hills and seas retire His children take their unknown flight, And leave the world in fire.

6 The seeds of joy and glory sown For saints in darkness here Shall rise and spring in worlds unknown, And a rich harvest bear.

Psalm 98:1. First Part.

Praise for the gospel.

1 To our almighty Maker, G.o.d, New honours be address'd; his great salvation s.h.i.+nes abroad, And makes the nations blest.

2 He spake the word to Abraham first, His truth fulfils the grace: The Gentiles make his Name their trust, And learn his righteousness.

3 Let the whole earth his love proclaim With all her different tongues; And spread the honours of his Name In melody and songs.

Psalm 98:2. Second Part.

The Messiah's coming and kingdom.

1 Joy to the world; the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing.

2 Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy.

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found.

4 He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of his love.

Psalm 99:1. First Part.

Christ's kingdom and majesty.

1 The G.o.d Jehovah reigns, Let all the nations fear, Let sinners tremble at his throne, And saints be humble there.

2 Jesus the Saviour reigns, Let earth adore its Lord; Bright cherubs his attendants stand, Swift to fulfil his word.

3 In Zion is his throne, His honours are divine; His church shall make his wonders known, For there his glories s.h.i.+ne.

4 How holy is his Name!

How terrible his praise!

Justice, and truth, and judgment join In all his works of grace.

Psalm 99:2. Second Part.

A holy G.o.d wors.h.i.+pped with reverence.

1 Exalt the Lord our G.o.d, And wors.h.i.+p at his feet; His nature is all holiness, And mercy is his seat.

2 When Israel was his church, When Aaron was his priest, When Moses cry'd, when Samuel pray'd, He gave his people rest.

3 Oft he forgave their sins, Nor would destroy their race; And oft he made his vengeance known, When they abus'd his grace.

4 Exalt the Lord our G.o.d, Whose grace is still time same; Still he's a G.o.d of holiness, And jealous for his Name.

Psalm 100:1. 1st M. A plain translation.

Praise to our Creator.

1 Ye nations round the earth rejoice Before the Lord, your sovereign King; Serve him with cheerful heart and voice, With all your tongues his glory sing.

2 The Lord is G.o.d; 'tis he alone Doth life, and breath, and being give: We are his work, and not our own; The sheep that on his pastures live.