1 Eternal, sov'reign Lord on high,
And Lord of all below!
We mortals to thy Majesty
Our first obedience owe.
2 Our souls adore thy pow'r supreme,
And bless thy providence,
For magistrates of meaner name,
Our glory and defence.
3 Kingdoms on firm foundations stand,
While virtue finds reward;
And sinners perish from the land,
By justice and the sword.
4 Where laws and liberties combine
To make a people blest,
There crowns with brightest lustre shine,
And kings are honour'd best.
5 Let Caesar's due be ever paid
To Caesar and his throne;
But consciences and souls were made
For thee, O God! alone.
| Text Information | |
|---|---|
| First Line: | Eternal, sov'reign Lord on high |
| Language: | English |
| Publication Date: | 1789 |
| Topic: | Public Thanksgiving for national Blessings: The Blessing of Civil Government |
| Notes: | Public Domain. |