Psalm II

Verse 1

Why do the heathen nations rise With unavailing rage? Why thus to dare th'avenging skies, In impious plots engage?

Verse 2

Proud monarchs meet, and breathing war, Raise their vain threatnings high Against the Lord, and boldly dare His chosen king defy.

Verse 3

"Shall we submit to his commands, And bend the suppliant knee? No, let us break the servile bands, We are, and will be free."

Verse 4

Heav'n's awful sov'reign, thron'd on high, Surveys their airy dreams, He smiles contempt; in ruin lie Their vainly labour'd schemes.

Verse 5

His dreadful anger now awakes; Their hearts what terrors wound! Almighty pow'r affronted speaks, And wrath attends the sound!

Verse 6

"My chosen king exalted see, On Zion's sacred hill! Attend the solemn fix'd decree, And learn Jehovah's will!"

Verse 7

"Thou art my son, thee I proclaim Earth's universal Lord; Of pow'rs and potentates supreme, Thy name shall be ador'd."

Verse 8

"Ask, and I give to thee alone, The heathens wide domain; And earth's remotest end shall own Thy uncontested reign."

Verse 9

"Who will not to thy scepter bow, Shall feel thy iron rod; And crush'd in helpless ruin, show The vengeance of a God."

Verse 10

Be wise, ye monarchs, learn to fear The pow'r, of pow'rs supreme; With awful, trembling joy revere The Lord's exalted name.

Verse 11

While mercy, with inviting rays, Shines radiant in his eyes, Approach; for should his anger blaze, Th'unpardon'd rebel dies.

Verse 12

When fury kindling in his eye, Each guilty breast alarms; Happy the souls who gladly fly For refuge to his arms.