Psalm CXLVIII. Particular Metre

Begin, my soul, th' exalted lay Let each enraptur'd thought obey; And praise th' almighty name; Lo! heav'n, and earth, and seas and skies, In one melodious concert rise To swell th' inspiring theme.

Ye angels spread the joyful sound, While all th' adoring throngs around His wond'rous mercy sing; Let every list'ning saint above, Wake all the tuneful soul of love, And touch the loudest strain.

Thou, heaven of heavens, his vast abode, Ye clouds, proclaim your maker God, Ye thunders, speak his power; Lo! on the lightning's rapid wings In triumph rides the king of kings Th' astonish'd worlds adore.

Ye deeps, with roaring billows rise, To join the thunder of the skies, Praise him who bids you roll; His praise in softer notes declare Each whispering breeze of yielding air And breathe it to the soul.

Wake, all ye soaring throng, and sing. Ye cheerful warblers of the spring. Harmonious anthems raise; To him who shap'd your finer mould, Who tip'd your glittering wings with gold, And tun'd your voice to praise.

Let man, by nobler passions sway'd The feeling heart, the reas'ning head, In heavenly praise employ; Spread the Creator's name around, Till heav'ns wide arch repeat the sound, The general burst of joy.