The spacious earth, and what the earth contains

Verse 1

The spacious earth, and what the earth contains, Are heav'n's high Lord's--o'er the wide world he reigns O'er the wide world extends his boundless sway; The wild, the wise, the wretched and the gay, The poor, the rich, howe'er dispers'd they are, Are his, and feel his providential care.

Verse 2

He on the seas this solid earth hath plac'd; He on the raging floods has fix'd her fast; In vain the waters rise, the billows roar, He braves their fury, and defies their pow'r.

Verse 3

All then is God's--but one empyreal throne, Sublime above all heights, has made his own. Thither can man ascend? is man so blest, As near his maker on his hill to rest?

Verse 4

Yes; he whose honest heart from guilt is clear, Whose hands are spotless, and his tongue sincere; Who shuns of vanity the baneful road, Nor to deceitful oaths attests his God;

Verse 5

He with his gracious presence shall be blest; He on his holy hill shall ever rest;

Verse 6

This, this is truth, the way to heav'n is this,-— The certain road to everlasting bliss.

Verse 7

Ye doors, that on eternal hinges turn, Ye shining gates, which sparkling gems adorn; The king of glory comes, by all ador'd, Ope wide your portals and receive your Lord.

Verse 8

This king of glory who? what royal guest In these our sacred mansions deigns to rest? E'en he, the mighty God, whole strong right-hand Has o'er th' extended universe command; Whose force in vain embattl'd ranks oppose, Who comes triumphant o'er his vanqusih'd foes.

Verse 9

Ye doors that on eternal hinges turn, Ye mining gates, which sparkling gems adorn; The king of glory comes, by all ador'd; Ope wide your portals, and receive your Lord.

Verse 10

This king of glory who?--enquire no more-- That sov'reign being of unbounded pow'r; That God encircled round with majesty-- The Lord of hosts--the king of glory, he.