43 L. M.
The heavens declare the glory of God.
Psalm 19:1.
The spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
2 Th’ unwearied sun, from day to day,
Does his Creator’s power display,
And publishes to every land
The work of an almighty hand.
3 Soon as the evening shades prevail,
The moon takes up the wondrous tale,
And nightly to the listening earth
Repeats the story of her birth:
4 While all the stars that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole,
5 What though in solemn silence all
Move round this dark terrestrial ball—
What though no real voice nor sound
Amid their radiant orbs be found—
6 In reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice;
For ever singing as they shine,
The hand that made us is divine!
44 L. M.
He is clothed with majesty.
Psalm 93:1.
Jehovah reigns: he dwells in light,
Arrayed with majesty and might;
The world, created by his hands,
Still on its firm foundation stands.
2 But ere this spacious world was made,
Or had its first foundation laid,
His throne eternal ages stood,
Himself the ever-living God.
3 For ever shall his throne endure;
His promise stands for ever sure;
And everlasting holiness
Becomes the dwellings of his grace.
45 L. M.
All thy works praise thee.
Psalm 145:10.
Nature, with all her powers shall sing
God the Creator, and the King;
Nor air, nor earth, nor skies, nor seas
Deny the tribute of their praise.
2 Begin to make his glories known,
Ye seraphs, who sit near his throne;
Tune high your harps, and spread the sound
To the creation’s utmost bound.
3 Thus let our flaming zeal employ
Our loftiest thoughts, and loudest songs;
Nations, pronounce with warmest joy
Hosanna, from ten thousand tongues.
4 Yet, mighty God, our feeble frame
Attempts in vain to reach thy name;
The strongest notes that angels raise
Faint in the worship and the praise.
46 L. M.
Thy saints shall bless thee.
Psalm 145:10.
Greatest of beings, source of life;
Sovereign of air, and earth, and sea!
All nature feels thy pow’r, and all
A silent homage pay to thee.
2 Waked by thy hand, the morning sun
Pours forth to thee its earlier rays,
And spreads thy glories as it climbs;
While raptured worlds look up and praise.
3 The moon, to the deep shades of night,
Speaks the mild luster of thy name;
While all the stars, that cheer the scene,
Thee, the great Lord of light, proclaim.
4 And groves and vales, and rocks and hills,
And every flower, and every tree,
Ten thousand creatures, warm with life,
Have each a grateful song for thee.
5 But man was formed to rise to heaven;
And, blest with reason’s clearer light,
He views his Maker through his works,
And glows with rapture at the sight.
6 Nor can the thousand songs that rise,
Whether from air, or earth, or sea,
So well repeat Jehovah’s praise,
Or raise such sacred harmony.
47 L. M.
A hymn of praise.