All Creatures That on Earth Do Dwell (incl. DOXOLOGY)

Rather substantial updates are needed to the poetic language of this old hymn, which is often totally stilted to the modern ear.  Changes intended to keep the general overall sense of the original lyrics, while still maintaining a rhyme scheme are below.  Some might say changing out "fear" is doctrinal, but is suggested because the sense of the word has changed over the centuries and it now has entirely negative connotations.  "Awe" would be more accurate (within the range of one syllable words); "love" is also accurate and much more positive.  Changes to the Doxolgy were kept to a minimal, the only arguably obtuse word being "host."

Original lyrics.

All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come YE before him and rejoice.

The Lord, YE know, is God indeed:
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His flock, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He DOTH us take.

O enter then His gates with praise,
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His name always;
For it is seemly so to do.

For why? The Lord our God is good;
His mercy is forever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above YE heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Lyrics arr. by William Kethe

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Renewal lyrics.

All people that LIVE HERE ON earth,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
SERVE Him with AWE, PROCLAIM HIS WORTH;
Come NOW before him and rejoice.

The Lord, YOU know, is God indeed:
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His flock, He DOES us feed,
And for His sheep He DOES us take.

OR:

The Lord IS GOD, AND REIGNS ABOVE:
Without our aid He MADE EACH ONE;
We are His flock, He SHOWS US LOVE,
And for US ALL He SENT HIS SON.

O enter then His gates with praise,
Approach HIS COURTS WITH JOY AND SING;
Praise, GLORIFY His name always;
THIS is A RIGHT AND FITTING THING.

For why? The Lord our God is good;
His mercy is forever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above YOU heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Renewal lyric changes by RH Reinhard (c) 2014