Classic Poem

Lift up to God the shout of joy,
Let all the earth its pow'rs employ,
To sound his glorious praise;
Say unto God,—“How great art thou!
Thy foes before thy presence bow!
How gracious are thy ways!”

“To thee all lands their homage bring,
They raise the song, they shout, they sing
The honors of thy name.”
Come! see the wondrous works of God;
How dreadful is his vengeful rod!
How wide extends his fame!

He made a highway through the sea,
His people, long-enslav'd, to free,
And give them Canaan's land:
Through endless years his reign extends,
His piercing eye to earth he bends—
Ye despots! fear his hand.

Oh! bless our God, lift up your voice;
Ye people! sing aloud—rejoice;
His mighty praise declare;
The Lord hath made our bondage cease,
Broke off our chains, brought sure release,
And turn'd to praise our pray'r.