University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D.

Containing, besides his Sermons, and Essays on miscellaneous subjects, several additional pieces, Selected from his Manuscripts by the Rev. Dr. Jennings, and the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, in 1753: to which are prefixed, memoirs of the life of the author, compiled by the Rev. George Burder. In six volumes

expand sectionIV. 
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  
expand sectionI. 
expand sectionII. 
expand sectionIII. 
expand section 
expand section 

PSALM 82. (L. M.) God the Supreme Governor; or, Magistrates warned.

I

Among th'assemblies of the great,
A greater Ruler takes his seat;
The God of heaven, as Judge, surveys
Those gods on earth, and all their ways.

II

Why will ye then frame wicked laws?
Or why support th'unrighteous cause?
When will ye once defend the poor,
That sinners vex the saints no more?

III

They know not, Lord, nor will they know,
Dark are the ways in which they go;
Their name of earthly gods is vain,
For they shall fall and die like men.

IV

Arise, O Lord, and let thy Son
Possess his universal throne,
And rule the nations with his rod;
He is our Judge, and he our God.

The last verse of this psalm may not improperly be applied to Christ; for he is that God who must judge the earth, Psalm xcvi. and xcviii. and have the nations for his inheritance, Psalm ii. 8.