Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

Jesus Shall Reign

Isaac Watts

Recognized as the 'Father of English Hymnody' (1674–1748), Watts revolutionized congregational worship. As a young man, he complained about the dull and awkward metrical psalms sung in church, prompting his father to challenge him: 'Give us something better, then.' Watts did exactly that, writing over 750 hymns. He pioneered the practice of writing 'hymns of human composure' that expressed personal Christian experience, culminating in masterpieces like 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' and the triumphant Christmas anthem 'Joy to the World'.

Source: The Psalms of David Imitated

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head.
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns:
the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
Let every creature rise and bring
the highest honors to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen.