Wesley Corpus

16. The conclusion of this divine prayer, commonly called the Doxology, is a solemn thanksgiving, a compendious acknowledgement of the attributes and works of God. "For thine is the kingdom" -- the sovereign right of all things that are or ever were created; yea, thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages. "The power" -- the executive power whereby thou governest all things in thy everlasting kingdom, whereby thou dost whatsoever pleaseth thee, in all places of thy dominion. "And the glory" -- the praise due from every creature, for thy power, and the mightiness of thy kingdom, and for all thy wondrous works which thou workest from everlasting, and shalt do, world without end, "for ever and ever! Amen!" So be it! I believe it will not be unacceptable to the serious reader, to subjoin A PARAPHRASE ON THE LORD'S PRAYER 1. Father of all, whose powerful voice Call'd forth this universal frame; Whose mervies over all rejoice, Through endless ages still the same Thou, by thy word, upholdest all; Thy bounteous love to all is show'd, Thou hear'st thy every creature's call. And fillest every mouth with good 2. In heaven thou reign'st, enthroned in light, Nature's expanse beneath thee spread; Earth, ari, and sea before thy sight, And hell's deep gloom are open laid. Wisdom, and might, and love are thine: Prostrate before thy face we fall, Confess thine attributes divine, And hail the Soverign Lord of All. 3. Thee, sovereign Lord, let all confess That moves in earth, or air, or sky Revere thy power, they goodness bless, Tremble before thy piercing eye. All ye who owe to Him your birth, In praise your every hour employ: Jehovah reigns! Be glad, O earth! And shout, ye morning stars, for joy! 4. Son of thy Sire's eternal love, Take to thyself thy mighty power; Let all earth's sons thy mercy prove, Let all thy bleeding grace adore. The triumphs of thy love display; In every heart reign thou alone; Till all thy foes confess thy sway, And glory ends what grace begun.