Our sov'reign Lord has universal sway

1 Our sov'reign Lord has universal sway;
Let earth, let all her isles, their joy display;
2 All, all their great almighty ruler own,
On truth, on justice, who has fix'd his throne:
His face a thick tremendous darkness shrouds,
His throne supported by impervious clouds:
3 Consuming fire his presence goes before,
Whose flames his hapless enemies devour.
4 With his red forky lightning aether glares;
Stunn'd earth beholds; she trembles and she fears:
5 At his appearance, struck with dread dismay,
The lofty mountains melt, like wax, away;
6 His righteous justice heav'ns above declare;
The nations view his glory, and revere.
7 All they, who, lost in dull stupidity,
To senfeless gods of brass have bow'd the knee,
Shall meet confusion; nay; the gods ador'd
Shall own almighty pow'r, and bless the Lord.
8 And when dark errors clouds disperse away,
Shall Sion at the blest event be gay;
When thou the sons of wickedness destroy,
Shall Judab's faithful daughters sing for joy;
9 Far high above all heav'ns art thou, O Lord,
Far higher than the fancied gods ador'd.
10 Therefore who truly love, who rev'rence thee,
Shall keep their hearts from impious folly free;
For to the good thou art a constant friend,
And wilt their lives from ev'ry snare defend;
11 Thou on the righteous beam'st a glorious light;
Beam'st heav'nly joy on all that walk aright;
12 Ye happy souls, that tread the perfect way,
In your good God your confidence display;
Grateful, in loud harmonious anthems, sing
The mighty God, the universal king.


Source: New Version of the Psalms of David #XCVII