Occasional verse, moral and sacred Published for the instruction and amusement of the Candidly Serious and Religious [by Edward Perronet] |
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THE SECOND PSALM. |
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 | Occasional verse, moral and sacred |  |
THE SECOND PSALM.
I
Why rage the heathen with their mad design?The nations why so foolishly combine?
Their work of nothing and themselves undone:
Earth's haughty monarchs have united rose,
Princes confederate their arms oppose
Against the lord (of hosts) and his anointed son!
II
“Let us,” say they, “their bands in sunder break,“Their yoke discharge from off our servile neck,
“Nor slavish wear the ever-galling chain:”
But he that sitteth far above all height
Hath seen their malice, and their fell despite,
And laughs to scorn their impotence profane.
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III
Then shall He speak in thunder's awful sound,With sore displeasure compass them around,
And with (unheard) amaze their startled conscience fill:
“Spite of their aim invidious to defeat
“My great designs—behold my hand shall set
“My fav'rite King upon my Holy Hill!”
IV
There will I preach the law, whereof the LordOf old hath spoke—there will I seal the word,
“Thou art my Son, this day will I beget
“Mine image in thee—therefore to thy hands
“I give all nations, and earths utmost lands,
“And there thy throne and thy dominion set:
V
“There shalt thou reign, and, ruling as a god,“Shall bruise in pieces with an iron rod
“Thy foes and mine—who would not own thy sway:
“Be wise, ye kings—ye monarchs, hear and learn,
“Ye partial judges—behold you I warn,
“Against the vengeance of that judgment day!
VI
“Go kiss the Son! lest by delay you grieve,“Or scorn'd provoke—and force His love to leave
“Your souls to perish in the gulph of death:
“Since, if His wrath be but a moment stirr'd,
“Blest are the men, who, trusting on His word,
“Embrace the hand whose potence gave them breath!”
| Occasional verse, moral and sacred | |