Great is the Lord; most worthy he of praise

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 3

There Israel's race have oft beheld the Lord Maintain their cause, and pow'rful help afford.

Verse 4

With mad'ning rage the furious monarchs came, With fierce intent t' enwrap our walls in flame;

Verse 5

They view'd with wonder, trembled with dismay, And, struck with terror, hast'ned quick away;

Verse 6

Not greater terror strikes the matron's heart, When of approaching throes she dreads the smart;

Verse 7

Not greater fears the heartless crew assail, When o'er the stout-ribb'd ship the waves prevail.

Verse 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.

Verse 9

Thy gracious mercies, Lord, we'll ne'er forget, But 'fore thy altar gratefully repeat;

Verse 10

Thy praise, thy justice, glorious as thy name, To earth's extremest bounds will we proclaim;

Verse 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.

Verse 12

Walk round, ye faithful tribes; her walls explore; Her strong, her lofty turrets, number o'er;

Verse 13

Observe her forts, her palaces, with care, And to your sons her wond'rous strength declare;

Verse 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.