Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. He is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Romans 13:3–4
Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns of Intercession for All Mankind (Bristol, England: E. Farley, 1758), number 16, alt.
Music: Erlesdene J. H. Martin, in The Primitive Methodist Hymnal with Accompanying Tunes, edited by George Booth (London: Primitive Methodist Publishing House, 1912), number 334 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Martin’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Fountain of power and dignity,
Thy magistrates preserve and bless,
Ordained, not by the crowd, but Thee,
To curb the floods of wickedness,
Commissioned ministers of Thine,
Clothed with authority divine.
Strengthen them in the gap to stand,
To bear the sword, and not in vain,
To spread Thy terror thro’ the land,
And truth and righteousness maintain,
And ancient piety restore
In all its purity and power.
The guardians of religion true,
Its witnesses vouchsafe to make:
And when Thee in the clouds we view,
And when Thou dost the kingdom take,
The good they did Thy Church reward
As done unto her heav’nly Lord.