James Merrick Psalm 2

James Merrick Psalm 2

Why thus enraged, ye tribes profane? Why strive the Gentiles thus in vain? Why, rous'd by discord's fierce alarms, Do headlong nations rush to arms?

Earth's scepter'd lords rebellious rise Against the ruler of the skies, And him, on whose distinguish'd head His hand the sacred oil has shed.

In factious counsels thus they join And vaunting brave the pow'r divine: 'Quick let us each renounce their sway, And cast their hated bands away.'

God from on high their threats shall hear, Laugh as the tumult meets his ear, And, arm'd with vengeance, thus aloud Superior quell the frantic crowd:

'Yet, mortals, yet your monarch see And bow to him the humble knee; His throne on Sion's hill my hand Has built, and what I build shall stand.'

Thy will, great Father, I obey; Pleas'd I accept the offer'd sway, And through the Earth's extended frame The counsels of thy love proclaim.

'Thou art my Son, on this blest day Begotten; (thus I hear thee say;) Prefer thy wish, and to thy hand Lo! I consign each heathen land.

I bid thee rule the nations round, Far as to Earth's remotest bound. Though join'd in firmest league, thy foes With vain attempt thy pow'r oppose:

Thy arm the iron rod extends; Behold them, as the stroke descends, Crush'd like the potter's brittle store, And scatter'd, to unite no more.'

Ye kings, from error's sleep arise, Ye judges of the earth, be wise. While ye in duteous zeal conspire, To serve with joy th'eternal Sire.

O, lest ye perish from the way That leads to realms of endless day, With awful love, with holy fear, His Son, the world's great hope, revere.

If yet but kindling in his hand The vengeful bolt uplifted stand, Thrice happy, who on him depend, And thankful own th'almighty friend.