Great is the Lord; most worthy he of praise

1 Great is the Lord; most worthy he of praise;
Sing, sing his glory in melodious lays,
Ye sons of Sion, where's the blest abode,
The radiant habitation of our God.
2 Of Sion's hill most beauteous is the site,
Sion, the nation's joy, the earth's delight:
Full to the north the king's bright mansions lie,
And with resplendent beauty strike the eye.
3 There Israel's race have oft beheld the Lord
Maintain their cause, and pow'rful help afford.
4 With mad'ning rage the furious monarchs came,
With fierce intent t' enwrap our walls in flame;
5 They view'd with wonder, trembled with dismay,
And, struck with terror, hast'ned quick away;
6 Not greater terror strikes the matron's heart,
When of approaching throes she dreads the smart;
7 Not greater fears the heartless crew assail,
When o'er the stout-ribb'd ship the waves prevail.
8 As to their sons our fathers oft have told
Thy glorious deeds, thy miracles of old;
So in the city of our God we've view'd,
The same bright scheme of wonders still pursued;
Still shall our progeny on thee rely,
Thou'lt still relieve, when in distress they cry.
9 Thy gracious mercies, Lord, we'll ne'er forget,
But 'fore thy altar gratefully repeat;
10 Thy praise, thy justice, glorious as thy name,
To earth's extremest bounds will we proclaim;
11 Yes; Sion's hill to all the realms around,
Thy great, thy righteous judgments, shall resound;
The sons of Salem, and her virgin train,
To endless time renew the grateful strain.
12 Walk round, ye faithful tribes; her walls explore;
Her strong, her lofty turrets, number o'er;
13 Observe her forts, her palaces, with care,
And to your sons her wond'rous strength declare;
14 That they may know, how mighty is the Lord,
What aids he'll to his chosen race afford;
How he'll support them ever with his pow'r:
And, knowing, praise his name, till time's no more.

Source: New Version of the Psalms of David #XLVIII