Firstpublished:1801 in Swan's New England Harmony, pp. 93-101 Description: A long anthem, with key signature four sharps throughout, but actually modal, in several different keys. Words based on various Bible passages.
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Original text and translations
English text
Swan 1801
The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice,
Let the multitude of the nations be glad.
Honor and majesty are before him,
strength and beauty are in his countenance.
Sing praises unto God;
make a joyful noise to the God of our salvation.
Who hath inclined our hearts
to praise him in the house of prayer.
But will God indeed dwell on earth,
Will he affix his name unto the temple which men have builded?
Behold, the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee,
How much less then this house?
And now, Lord, our eyes are unto thee for thy blessing.
Have thou respect to the prayer of thy servants,
Hear thou our supplication.
May thine eyes be ever open to this temple,
May thine honor at all times dwell here.
May this house, which is called by thy name,
And which has been devoted to the God of peace,
Ever be the seat of peace, of harmony and joy.
Let all pray for the peace of Zion.
They shall prosper who seek its welfare.
May they on sight of this house forget their hatred,
And be united in the bonds of peace.
Peace be within these sacred walls.
Love and friendship be the constant guests.
Who shall enter into the congregation of the Lord?
Who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.
Who hath not lift up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Lift up your heads, ye gates, And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors,
That the King of glory may come in.
Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty,
The Lord, mighty in battle.
Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.
Hallelujah, Amen.
King James Version
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice:
and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. (1 Chronicles 16:31)
Honor and majesty are before him:
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. (Psalm 96:6)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD:
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (Psalm 95:1)
(uncertain)
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? (1 Kings 8:27a)
Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee;
how much less this house that I have builded? (1 Kings 8:27b)
English text