Thy Reign

‘Righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.’-ROM. xiv. 17.

I.
THY reign is righteousness,
Not mine, but Thine !—
A covering no less
Than the broad, bright waves of Thy great sea,
That roll triumphantly
From line to pole, and pole to line;
A reign where every rebel thought
In sweet captivity
To Thine obedience is brought.

II.
Thy reign is perfect peace;
Not mine, but Thine !—
A stream that cannot cease,
For its fountain is Thy heart.
O depth unknown! Thou givest of Thine own,
from Thine and filling mine.
The ‘noise of war’ hath passed away;
God’s peace is on the throne,
Ruling with undisputed sway.

III.
Thy reign is joy divine;
Not mine, but Thine;
Or else not any joy to me !
For a joy that flowed not from Thine own.
Since Thou hast reigned alone.
Were vacancy or misery.
O sunshine of Thy realm, how bright
This radiance from Thy throne,
Unspeakable in calmest light!

IV.
Thy reign shall still increase!
I claim Thy word,—
Let righteousness and peace
And joy in the Holy Ghost be found.
And more and more abound
In me, through Thee, O Christ my Lord ;
Take unto Thee Thy power, who art
My Sovereign, many-crowned !
Stablish Thy kingdom in my heart.