PSALM 47. (C. M.) Christ ascending and reigning.
I
O for a shout of sacred joy
To God the sovereign King!
Let every land their tongues employ,
And hymns of triumph sing.
II
Jesus our God ascends on high,
His heavenly guards around
Attend him rising thro' the sky,
With trumpet's joyful sound.
III
While angels shout and praise their King,
Let mortals learn their strains;
Let all the earth his honour sing;
O'er all the earth he reigns.
IV
Rehearse his praise with awe profound,
Let knowledge lead the song,
Nor mock him with a solemn sound
Upon a thoughtless tongue.
V
In Israel stood his ancient throne,
He lov'd that chosen race;
But now he calls the world his own,
And heathens taste his grace.
VI
The British islands are the Lord's,
There Abraham's God is known,
While powers and princes, shields and swords,
Submit before his throne.
The ascent of Christ into heaven is typified in this psalm, by the
ark brought up to Zion, 2 Sam. vi. 15. And the kingdom of Christ
among the gentiles, is here represented by David's victory over the
nations, verse 3. I have chosen to omit the type, and do honour to
my ascending and reigning Saviour in more express language.
