Hymns

Nature, with all her powers, shall sing

by Isaac Watts·1707·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

1

Nature, with all her powers, shall sing,
God the Creator and the King;
Nor air, nor earth, nor skies, nor seas,
Deny the tribute of their praise.

2

Begin to make his glories known,
Ye seraphs that sit near his throne;
Tune your harps high, and spread the sound
To the creation's utmost bound.

3

All mortal things of meaner frame,
Exert your force, and own his name;
Whilst with our souls and with our voice
We sing his honors and our joys.

4

To him be sacred all we have,
From the young cradle to the grave;
Our lips shall his loud wonders tell,
And every word a miracle.

5

This northern isle, our native land,
Lies safe in God th' Almighty's hand;
Our foes of victory dream in vain,
And wear the captivating chain.

6

He builds and guards the British throne,
And makes it gracious like his own;
Makes our successive princes kind,
And gives our dangers to the wind.

7

Raise monumental praises high
To him that thunders through the sky,
And with an awful nod or frown
Shakes an aspiring tyrant down.

8

Pillars of lasting brass proclaim
The triumphs of th' Eternal name;
While trembling nations read from far
The honors of the God of war.

9

Thus let our flaming zeal employ
Our loftiest thoughts and loudest songs;
Britain, pronounce with warmest joy
Hosannah from ten thousand tongues.

10

Yet, mighty God! our feeble frame
Attempts in vain to reach thy name;
The strongest notes that angels raise,
Faint in the worship and the praise.