Part 40 (1/2)

2 Deep are his counsels and unknown; But grace and truth support his throne: Tho' gloomy clouds his ways surround, Justice is their eternal ground.

3 In robes of judgment, lo! he comes, Shakes the wide earth, and cleaves the tombs; Before him burns devouring fire, The mountains melt, the seas retire.

4 His enemies, with sore dismay, Fly from the sight, and shun the day; Then lift your heads, ye saints, on high, And sing, for your redemption's nigh.

Psalm 97:2. 6-9. Second Part.

Christ's incarnation.

1 The Lord is come, the heavens proclaim His birth; the nations learn his Name; An unknown star directs the road Of eastern sages to their G.o.d.

2 All ye bright armies of the skies, Go, wors.h.i.+p where the Saviour lies: Angels and kings before him bow, Those G.o.ds on high, and G.o.ds below.

3 Let idols totter to the ground, And their own wors.h.i.+ppers confound; But Judah shout, but Zion sing, And earth confess her sovereign King.

Psalm 97:3. Third Part.

Grace and glory.

1 Th' Almighty reigns exalted high O'er all the earth, o'er all the sky, Tho' clouds and darkness veil his feet, His dwelling is the mercy-seat.

2 O ye that love his holy Name, Hate every work of sin and shame; He guards the souls of all his friends, And from the snares of h.e.l.l defends.

3 Immortal light and joys unknown Are for the saints in darkness sown; Those glorious seeds shall spring and rise, And the bright harvest bless our eyes.

4 Rejoice, ye righteous, and record The sacred honours of the Lord; None but the soul that feels his grace Can triumph in his holiness.

Psalm 97:4. 1 3 5-7 11. C. M.

Christ's incarnation, and the last judgment.

1 Ye islands of the northern sea, Rejoice, the Saviour reigns; His word like fire, prepares his way, And mountains melt to plains.

2 His presence sinks the proudest hills, And makes the vallies rise The humble soul enjoys his smiles, The haughty sinner dies.

3 The heavens his rightful power proclaim The idol-G.o.ds around Fill their own wors.h.i.+ppers with shame, And totter to the ground.

4 Adoring angels at his birth Make the Redeemer known; Thus shall he come to judge the earth, And angels guard his throne.

5 His foes shall tremble at his sight, And hills and seas retire His children take their unknown flight, And leave the world in fire.

6 The seeds of joy and glory sown For saints in darkness here Shall rise and spring in worlds unknown, And a rich harvest bear.

Psalm 98:1. First Part.

Praise for the gospel.

1 To our almighty Maker, G.o.d, New honours be address'd; his great salvation s.h.i.+nes abroad, And makes the nations blest.

2 He spake the word to Abraham first, His truth fulfils the grace: The Gentiles make his Name their trust, And learn his righteousness.