Psalm 148

Universal praise.

Let every creature join
To praise th' eternal God;
Ye heav'nly hosts, the song begin,
And sound his name abroad.

Thou sun with golden beams,
And moon with paler rays;
Ye starry lights, ye twinkling flames,
Shine to your Maker's praise.

He built those worlds above,
And fixed their wondrous frame;
By his command they stand or move,
And ever speak his name.

Ye vapors, when ye rise,
Or fall in showers of snow;
Ye thunders, murmuring round the skies,
His power and glory show.

Wind, hail, and flashing fire,
Agree to praise the Lord,
When ye in dreadful storms conspire
To execute his word.

By all his works above
His honors be expressed;
But saints that taste his saving love
Should sing his praises best.

PAUSE I.

Let earth and ocean know
They owe their Maker praise;
Praise him, ye wat'ry worlds below,
And monsters of the seas.

From mountains near the sky
Let his high praise resound;
From humble shrubs and cedars high,
And vales and fields around.

Ye lions of the wood,
And tamer beasts that graze,
Ye live upon his daily food,
And he expects your praise.

Ye birds of lofty wing,
On high his praises bear;
Or sit on flowery boughs, and sing
Your Maker's glory there.

Ye creeping ants and worms,
His various wisdom show,
And flies, in all your shining swarms,
Praise him that dressed you so.

By all the earth-born race
His honors be expressed;
But saints, that know his heav'nly grace
Should learn to praise him best.

PAUSE II.

Monarchs of wide command,
Praise ye th' eternal King;
Judges, adore that sovereign hand
Whence all your honors spring.

Let vig'rous youth engage
To sound his praises high:
While growing babes, and with'ring age,
Their feebler voices try.

United zeal be shown
His wondrous fame to raise:
God is the Lord; his name alone
Deserves our endless praise.

Let nature join with art,
And all pronounce him blest;
But saints, that dwell so near his heart,
Should sing his praises best.