Our sov'reign Lord has universal sway

Verse 1

Our sov'reign Lord has universal sway; Let earth, let all her isles, their joy display;

Verse 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:

Verse 3

Consuming fire his presence goes before, Whose flames his hapless enemies devour.

Verse 4

With his red forky lightning aether glares; Stunn'd earth beholds; she trembles and she fears:

Verse 5

At his appearance, struck with dread dismay, The lofty mountains melt, like wax, away;

Verse 6

His righteous justice heav'ns above declare; The nations view his glory, and revere.

Verse 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.

Verse 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;

Verse 9

Far high above all heav'ns art thou, O Lord, Far higher than the fancied gods ador'd.

Verse 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;

Verse 11

Thou on the righteous beam'st a glorious light; Beam'st heav'nly joy on all that walk aright;

Verse 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.