Psalm XCVII

The Lord, the mighty God exalted reigns;
Rejoice, O earth, ye numerous isles adore!
Around his seat are clouds and darkness spread,
Too strong its splendors for created eyes.
His throne, on holiness and justice fix'd,
Eternal stands! before his awful face
Bright, yet devouring flames, tremendous blaze,
And with resistless fury blast his foes;
His lightenings flash'd bright horrors o'er the world;
Earth saw and trembled to her inmost center!

While conscious of their Maker's awful presence,
The solid hills like wax dissolv'd away,
And all creation own'd the present God!
The heavens in shining characters display
The wonders of his power, and bid the world
Behold them and adore their mighty former,
Confusion waits on those who blindly serve
The gods their hands have made; deluded mortals!

How weak their idols, and how vain their boast!
Let all the highest names, in earth and heaven,
With reverence bow before the Lord alone.
Sion with rapture all his wonders heard,
And Judah's daughters triumph'd in his name;
His righteous judgments are his people's joy.

Thou, Lord, art high exalted o'er the earth,
Far above all the shining thrones of heaven.
Ye favorites of the Lord, who love his name,
O fly, abhorrent fly, from every sin:
So shall your souls by his almighty care
Be still preserv'd, and sav'd from all your foes.

Bright scenes of happiness await the righteous;
And springing joys in future prospect rise,
To crown the upright soul with endless bliss.
Rejoice in God, ye saints, and grateful raise
Your hearts, your tongues, in praises to his name,
His holy name, your everlasting joy.