1 Jehovah reigns, let all the earth
in his just government rejoice;
O Let all the isles, with sacred mirth,
in his applause unite their Voice.
2 Darkness and clouds of awful shade
his dazzling glory shroud in state,
Justice and truth his guards are made,
and, fixed by his pavilion, wait.
3 Devouring fire before his face
his foes around with vengeance struck;
4 His lightnings set the world on blaze;
earth saw it, and with terror shook,
5 The proudest hills his presence felt,
their height nor strength could help afford;
The proudest hills like wax did melt
in presence of th' Almighty Lord.
6 The heav'ns, his righteousness to show,
with storms of fire our foes pursued;
And all the trembling world below
have his descending glory viewed.
7 Confounded be their impious hosts,
who make the gods to whom they pray;
All who of pageant idols boast,
to him, ye gods, your worship pay.
8 Glad Zion of thy triumph heard,
and Judah's daughters were o'erjoyed
Because thy righteous judgments, Lord,
Have Pagan pride and pow'r destroyed.
9 For thou, O God, art seated high,
above earth's potentates enthroned;
Thou, Lord, unrivalled in the sky,
supreme by all the gods art owned.
10 You, who to serve this Lord aspire,
abhor what's ill, and truth esteem;
He'll keep his servants' souls entire,
and them from wicked hands redeem,
11 For seeds are sown of glorious light,
a future harvest for the just;
And gladness for the heart that's right,
to recompense its pious trust,
12 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord:
memorials of his holiness
Deep in your faithful breasts record,
and with your thankful tongues confess,